BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 17:19

Friday, 9 June 2023
 
And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? Acts 17:19
 
The previous verse noted the questioning of the Epicureans and Stoics concerning Paul. Along with them, others perceived that Paul was proclaiming foreign gods. That now continues, saying, “And they took him.”
 
More literally, “And they took hold of him.” The sense is that of personal initiative in the act of seizing someone or something. At times, it can be a forceful seizing of someone. At others, it is a purposeful act of helping someone along. This is another indication that Paul was dependent on others for assistance. In this case, it was especially so because it involves ascending a hill. As it next says, “and brought him to the Areopagus.”
 
The location in Greek is the Areios Pagos and is directly translated as the Hill of Ares. Ares is the Greek God of war also called Mars. The word pagos means a rocky hill. Of this location, Vincent’s Word Studies, also citing another source, says –
 
“The Hill of Mars: the seat of the ancient and venerable Athenian court which decided the most solemn questions connected with religion. Socrates was arraigned and condemned here on the charge of innovating on the state religion. It received its name from the legend of the trial of Mars for the murder of the son of Neptune. The judges sat in the open air upon seats hewn out in the rock, on a platform ascended by a flight of stone steps immediately from the market-place. A temple of Mars was on the brow of the edifice, and the sanctuary of the Furies was in a broken cleft of the rock immediately below the judges' seats. The Acropolis rose above it, with the Parthenon and the colossal statue of Athene. ‘It was a scene with which the dread recollections of centuries were associated. Those who withdrew to the Areopagus from the Agora, came, as it were, into the presence of a higher power. No place in Athens was so suitable for a discourse upon the mysteries of religion’(Conybeare and Hewson).”
 
At times, the name Areopagus may be used to indicate the hill itself or as name for the court that met there. This is like Hollywood indicating both a location as well as the industry that has formed at the location. The reason for taking him there is next explained. Those who conducted him were “saying, ‘May we know.’”
 
The word used is dunamai. It signifies ability or power. Thus, there is a polite but seemingly almost sarcastic tone in their words, “Are we able to know?” Paul was in the agora teaching. These people heard him and were perplexed by what he was saying because their form of life and conduct, as well as their personal beliefs, were contrary to the idea of sin and atonement as well as death and resurrection. This can be seen by what has already been presented –
 
Because:
“What does this seed-picker want to say?”
“He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods.”
 
Therefore:
“Are we able to know what this new doctrine?”
 
Because of this state of curiosity, they continue with “what this new doctrine is of which you speak?”
 
There is no hint of them having brought Paul there for a trial or to make an accusation against him. Rather, verse 21 will indicate that those who brought him, along with those who were already at the Areopagus, had a different intent altogether. Paul is being asked to more fully explain what he had been talking about while in the agora.
 
Life application: If you were asked to explain your faith in Jesus at Princeton University, would you be able to do it? If so, you would surely be challenged by some, belittled by others, and entirely dismissed by many. How would you handle such a crowd?
 
Like Paul, you may be asked to defend your faith at some point, explaining the hope that you possess. As you are speaking, you may hear, “I have been told the Bible is unreliable.” Would you have an answer to that? While you are talking about Jesus and the resurrection, someone else may be asking about the flood of Noah. “How can you believe such a ridiculous story?”
 
You should expect this because it is the standard thinking of people in the world today. In some cases, you can turn the question into another question. “Did you know that the theories of creation and evolution are ‘theories’ because they have not been proven? Is it more reasonable to believe that God created the universe or to believe that the universe created itself?”
 
At other times, you may want to make firm proclamations about your faith. “I believe in Jesus Christ because He is the Subject of the Bible. What is presented in its pages concerning the nature of man, the problem with humanity, and the resolution of that problem is exactingly detailed there. And more, Jesus is the only acceptable explanation for the resolution to it.”
 
Think about such things. Practice them in your head. Watch videos or read books concerning creation. Consider how Jesus is anticipated or explained in your reading of the Bible each day. Prepare your mind for the times when you are questioned about these things. No time spent learning about them will be wasted time. Life is short. Spend yours getting to know this wonderful Creator and Redeemer and then be prepared to tell others about Him!
 
O God, it is a world filled with unclear thinking about who You are and our standing in relation to You. But these things are revealed in Scripture. So, Lord, help us to be prepared to give a defense for the hope that we possess. May we not stand unprepared when we are asked or challenged concerning our faith. Amen.

Acts 17:18

Thursday, 8 June 2023
 
Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?”
Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. Acts 17:18
 
In the previous verse, it noted that Paul met in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. That would surely be those he met with in the synagogue. But while meeting them, others became curious about what he was saying. That is seen beginning with the words, “Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers.”
 
Athens was the place where the great philosophers gathered to contemplate the various issues that affected man such as God or gods, nature, the state of man, reason, etc. They thought that the search for wisdom was the highest form of existence. This is what Paul alludes to in 1 Corinthians 1 –
 
“For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1 Corinthians 1:22-25
 
Albert Barnes gives a detailed description of the Epicureans and Stoics –
 
Of the Epicureans - This sect of philosophers was so named from Epicurus, who lived about 300 years before the Christian era. They denied that the world was created by God, and that the gods exercised any care or providence over human affairs, and also the immortality of the soul. Against these positions of the sect Paul directed his main argument in proving that the world was created and governed by God. One of the distinguishing doctrines of Epicurus was that pleasure was the summum bonum, or chief good, and that virtue was to be practiced only as it contributed to pleasure. By pleasure, however, Epicurus did not mean sensual and groveling appetites and degraded vices, but rational pleasure, properly regulated and governed. See Good's "Book of Nature." But whatever his views were, it is certain that his followers had embraced the doctrine that the pleasures of sense were to be practiced without restraint. Both in principle and practice, therefore, they devoted themselves to a life of gaiety and sensuality, and sought happiness only in indolence, effeminacy, and voluptuousness. Confident in the belief that the world was not under the administration of a God of justice, they gave themselves up to the indulgence of every passion the infidels of their time, and the exact example of the frivolous and fashionable multitudes of all times, that live without God, and that seek pleasure as their chief good.
 
And of the Stoics - This was a sect of philosophers, so named from the Greek στοά stoa, a porch or portico, because Zeno, the founder of the sect, held his school and taught in a porch, in the city of Athens. Zeno was born in the island of Cyprus, but the greater part of his life was spent at Athens in teaching philosophy. After having taught publicly 48 years, he died at the age of 96, that is, 264 years before Christ. The doctrines of the sect were, that the universe was created by God; that all things were fixed by Fate; that even God was under the dominion of fatal necessity; that the Fates were to be submitted to; that the passions and affections were to be suppressed and restrained; that happiness consisted in the insensibility of the soul to pain; and that a man should gain an absolute mastery over all the passions and affections of his nature. They were stern in their views of virtue, and, like the Pharisees, prided themselves on their own righteousness. They supposed that matter was eternal, and that God was either the animating principle or soul of the world, or that all things were a part of God. They fluctuated much in their views of a future state; some of them holding that the soul would exist only until the destruction of the universe, and others that it would finally be absorbed into the divine essence and become a part of God. It will be readily seen, therefore, with what pertinency Paul discoursed to them. The leading doctrines of both sects were met by him.
 
The incorrect doctrines of both sects are addressed by Paul in his writings. As for them, it next says that they “encountered him.”
 
The word is sumballó. It signifies “to throw together.” Hence, the meaning is to be derived from the surrounding context and can signify encounter, discuss, engage, ponder, etc.
 
In this case, Paul is in the agora talking about faith in Christ, certainly highlighting His suffering and resurrection. While talking with those he met, the Epicureans and Stoics, who were probably there doing their own debating, would have heard Paul and wanted to know what he was discussing. As such, the word “engaged” is probably the intent, but the verb being imperfect gives the sense of “were engaging him.” In the process of engaging with him, it next says, “And some said.”
 
Again, the verb is imperfect, “And some were saying.” It is obvious that in hearing Paul’s words and comparing them to their own ideas about life, death, suffering, and so forth, they were both curious and yet somewhat contemptuous. Therefore, they questioned, “What does this babbler want to say?”
 
The word translated as “babbler,” spermologos, is found only here. It literally translates as “seed-picker.” One can think of a crow picking up seeds, flitting about, and squawking without any sense of rhyme or reason. Figuratively, it would be a person who is talkative and opinionated and who picks up scraps of knowledge and sets them forth in a willy-nilly fashion. As for the verb, the mood is optative and so the thought is something like, “What is this seed-picker desiring to say.”
 
In other words, what Paul is saying isn’t making sense to them. To them, he was putting out irrational ideas. Suffering? Resurrection? What he was saying wasn’t forming any cohesive thoughts in their minds.
Because of this, others who heard and had an incorrect idea of his discourse spoke up. It literally reads, “and others.” This means “other than the Epicureans and Stoics.” They were saying, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods.”
 
Here is another word found only here in Scripture, kataggeleus. It signifies a herald. To them, Paul was seemingly speaking about two things. Therefore, they used the plural word, daimonion, or gods. These two things are explained by Luke’s next words, “because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.”
 
What this probably meant to them is that Paul was preaching Jesus as a “god” as well as “the Anastasis,” as a god. The word anastasis signifies “a standing up,” thus “the raising” or “the resurrection.” Hence, they think that Paul’s proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection not as an action but as a second god. In other words, “He is preaching the Jesus and the Anastasis,” rather than “Jesus who was resurrected.” Hence, the word daimonion, the plural term for heathen gods or demons is used.
 
Life application: In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul spends a great deal of time explaining the resurrection. This is based on the words of verse 12, “...how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead.”
 
This would have probably been introduced by some who followed the Greek philosophers or who were later influenced by them after first believing.  For example, The Epicureans didn’t believe the gods exercised any care or providence over human affairs and they denied the immortality of the soul. As such, they believed that the soul and body died together.
 
Likewise, some of the Greek philosophers believed in Pantheism, the universe is a manifestation of God. Others believed in Panentheism; God is in all of creation. The Bible, in both testaments, refutes of these. Paul spends considerable time explaining the nature of God, speaking against such notions.
God is before all things, He is the Creator of all things, but He is not “all things” nor is He “in” all things in the sense that would allow the creation to be worshiped or to assume that the divine is in us. Rather, we can think of a painter making a painting. His hand is in the painting, but the painting is not the painter, nor is the painter in the painting, except as an expression of Himself.
To understand the intricacies of what God is like, we must first grasp what Scripture says, contemplating it carefully. From there, we can make logical deductions about Him. But we must also be careful to not incorrectly assume that metaphors, anthropomorphisms, etc., about God that are given in Scripture are to be taken literally.
 
For example, because of how metaphor is used, some people demand that the earth must be flat. They have incorrectly assigned metaphors found in Scripture to their idea of the world. That can occur in our ideas about God as well. Understanding Scripture from a proper context and contemplating philosophy, science, and other disciplines can help us logically think about what God is like. Spend your time wisely and contemplate God carefully. You will be better off when you do.
 
Lord God, may our ideas about You come first and foremost from Scripture. With an understanding of it, our minds will then be properly directed to consider the various disciplines of study that we come across in our lives. Instead of fitting You into science, we can understand science in relation to You. Help us to put You and Your word first and all else will find its proper place. Amen.

Acts 17:17

Wednesday, 7 June 2023
 
Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. Acts 17:17
 
The NKJV, though cleaning up the KJV in some areas, is still not salvageable. For this commentary, the following will be used: “Therefore, indeed, he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and those worshiping, and in the marketplace on each day with those meeting him” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul’s spirit was provoked within him because the city of Athens was given over to idols. Because of this, it next says, “Therefore, indeed.”
 
The intensity of the matter is seen in this. Luke takes Paul’s situation and highlights it. He will then explain what Paul’s response to the idol-filled city was, beginning with, “he was reasoning in the synagogue.”
 
This is the same thought as that of verse 17:2, which said, “Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures.” The imperfect verb shows a continuing effort. He didn’t just go in, give his thoughts, and sit down. Rather, he continued to reason with those in the synagogue. In this, his reasoning was “with the Jews and those worshiping.”
 
This was his usual habit. He would reason with those who already knew Scripture about their need for Jesus. His reasoning there would be just as with those in Thessalonica and Berea. He would be “explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ’” (Acts 17:3).
 
However, this was not his only time of discourse. The intensity of wording at the beginning of the verse is more fully realized in his efforts that went beyond the synagogue. That is seen in the next words, “and in the marketplace on each day.”
 
Paul took no time off but went into the agora and spoke out against the idolatry that filled the city. His spirit was so moved within him, that he could not constrain himself to simply talk to those in the synagogue, waiting for them to be moved by (or rejecting of) his words. This speaking in the marketplace wasn’t just to Jews and proselytes, but “with those meeting him.”
 
Being the public meeting place, even if he was originally only speaking to those who came from the synagogue, others could hear. In hearing, if they were interested in listening, they could then engage in the conversation as well. This will be seen in the next verse.
 
Life application: It isn’t known who Paul initially spoke to in the marketplace, but it may have just been people he reasoned with on the Sabbath at first. In other words, “Meet me at the agora and we can have some tea and talk more about what you heard today.” By speaking to them in public, it would provide a chance for anyone to hear his words.
 
This is a good way of getting new people to listen to what you have to say. If it is a nice day and you have the opportunity to have a Bible study in a park, on the beach, or in some other public place, people will naturally slow down and listen as the teacher speaks. That may spark curiosity and a desire to know more.
 
Consider this avenue. It is non-confrontational like street preaching because anyone listening is leaning into a group meeting, and so the event is passive. Street preaching, on the other hand, is actively targeting people.
 
Despite the non-confrontational nature of such a meeting, there are some who will be offended by you exercising your rights in public. They may be the ones who get confrontational, so be prepared for that as well. Paul faced this, and you might, but it is still a great way of passively getting people interested in the Bible.
 
Lord God, the church isn’t just a building and a set time to meet. The church is comprised of people wherever they are and whenever they meet. Help us to be willing to teach, instruct, and lead others to You at any time and in any location. May the church grow because we are willing to put forth effort among those we encounter. Amen.
 

Acts 17:16

Tuesday, 6 June 2023
 
Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. Acts 17:16
 
In the last verse, Paul was brought to Athens and then he had asked for Silas and Timothy to be sent to him. With that remembered, it now says, “Now while Paul waited for them at Athens.”
 
The verb is a present participle, “And Paul, waiting for them in Athens.” As for this time of waiting, nothing is said about how long he waited for Silas and Timothy. But nothing is said of them meeting him in Athens either. In Chapter 18, it will note Paul leaving from or Athens and going to Corinth. Only while in Corinth does it then say that Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia. As for his time alone in Athens, it next says “his spirit was provoked within him.”
 
It is a new word in Scripture, paroxunó. It will only be seen again in 1 Corinthians 13:5. It comes from two words signifying “alongside” and “a sharp edge.” Hence, literally “to cut alongside. Figuratively, it signifies to become emotionally provoked. As He was checking out the city, he was stirred up inside “when he saw that the city was given over to idols.”
 
Here is another new word, found only this once in Scripture, kateidólos. It gives the sense of “full of idols.” The word applies to the city itself, not the inhabitants. Of this state, G.S. Davies records the following –
 
“We learn from Pliny that at the time of Nero, Athens contained over three thousand public statues, besides a countless number of lesser images within the walls of private houses. Of this number the great majority were statues of gods, demi-gods, or heroes. In one street there stood before every house a square pillar carrying upon it a bust of the god Hermes. Another street, named the Street of the Tripods, was lined with tripods, dedicated by winners in the Greek national games, and carrying each one an inscription to a deity. Every gateway and porch carried its protecting god. Every street, every square, nay, every purlieu, had its sanctuaries, and a Roman poet bitterly remarked that it was easier in Athens to find gods than men” (G. S. Davies, St. Paul in Greece).
 
Life application: Paul was provoked in his very being by the idolatry he saw around him. As noted by G.S. Davies, these weren’t just idols of Greek gods, but there were idols of winners in the Greek games which were then marked with inscriptions to deity. Is it any different in our world today?
 
We have idols of sports figures, Hollywood movie stars, famous people like astronauts, politicians, etc. Anytime we allow our attention to be taken off of the Lord and affixed somewhere else, we are caught up in idolatry. This includes those in churches when they bow to statues of Mary and the saints. We can even make an idol out of the Bible, placing a version of it above our love for the Lord.
 
We need to be careful to never allow anything to take away our heartfelt allegiance to the Lord. If something is consuming too much of your time, distracting you from thinking about the Lord, step away from it and refocus your mind on Him. Talk to Him as you go out and as you come in. Think about Him as you look at the beauty of what He has created. Thank Him for the beautiful flowers and the favorable weather. Praise Him in the storms of life. Let your mind be always filled with the Lord.
 
Lord God, help us to remember to fix our eyes on Jesus. May our hearts be directed to You and may we be appreciative of the lives You have given us by speaking to You in our walk each day. Help us not to get distracted by the idols of this world, but to be always attentive to You and Your goodness. Amen.
 

Acts 17:15

Monday, 5 June 2023
 
So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed. Acts 17:15
 
Paul was just conducted out of Berea either to the sea and then to Athens or pretending to go to the sea and then to Athens by land. Either way, it now says, “So those who conducted Paul.”
 
Rather, the verb is a present participle, “So those conducting Paul.” Luke writes as if they are in the process of traveling to the next city. As for the word translated as “conducting,” it signifies to set in order or to appoint. It is as if they were given charge over Paul, seeing to his every need, including what it next says. They “brought him to Athens.”
 
Athens is considered the intellectual capital of Greece. The word is the plural of Athéné, or Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and who was reputed to have founded the city. Once Paul and those with him had arrived in Athens, it next says, “and receiving a command.”
 
Rather, it reads, “and having received a command.” Once they had arrived in Athens, they were then given new instructions which were “for Silas and Timothy to come to him.” With Paul safely in Athens, he wanted to set about evangelizing the city. At the same time, he probably wanted these two out of Berea for the time being as well.
 
This would allow things to settle down. Therefore, he sent back word with those who had conducted him for Silas and Timothy to now come to Athens as well. And more, he asked that it be done “with all speed.”
 
One can see the eagerness of Paul in these words. If he truly was in need of care, this would be one reason for their coming quickly to him. But even if it was merely his desire to have a team to evangelize, it is evident that he wanted it to come about quickly. With this note from him, his conductors who are now his messengers “departed.”
 
Life application: Who these men were who conducted Paul is left unstated in the narrative. However, we will have eternity to get to know them. All the redeemed of the Lord throughout all the ages will be joined together in the presence of God. We will know them in a way that we cannot even imagine now.
 
There will be time to learn about them and their lives and to share in the details of the things we did as well. When we are asked about our own lives by such people, will we be able to say, “I also helped conduct the message of the Bible along to others”?
 
We have this one life to live before we come before the Lord. May we not come before Him with empty hands. Instead, may our lives be presented to Him as faithful offerings of having told others about Jesus, having helped with missionary causes, having praised him with our lips and our actions, etc.
 
The Lord set us here for a reason, let us become useful vessels for His use while we remain.
 
Lord God, help us to use our time wisely. May our lives be spent in worthy pursuits, and may our actions be glorifying of You at all times. We shall stand before You someday. And so, may it not be with regret. Prompt us in our hearts and in our souls to be faithful servants while we have the time to do so. Amen.
 

Acts 17:14

Sunday, 4 June 2023
 
Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. Acts 17:14
 
In the previous verse, the Jews from Thessalonica came to Berea and stirred up the crowds there. With that remembered, it next says, “Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away.”
 
It is obviously Paul that the Jews had the problem with. Thus, in order to calm things down, the believers there knew it would be expedient to remove him from the area. His life, or at least his freedom, would be in jeopardy if he remained. And so, sending him out of the area was the proper avenue to take. This they did without any delay. However, they didn’t just walk him out of the city on a trek down the best Roman road. Rather, in conducting him, it was “to go to the sea.”
 
There is a slight variation in the reading of texts here. Some read heós (ἕως) while others read hós (ὡς). With this variation, the text will either read “as it were to the sea” or “as far as the sea.” In the first, it would be a feinting maneuver where they pretended to go to the sea but then conducted him on the road to Athens. If the latter, it would mean they took him all the way to the sea where they would sail to Athens.
 
However, even the first could read, “even to the sea.” This appears more likely as there is nothing said of any stops between Berea and Athens. But the distance between the two is so great that not mentioning such stops seems unlikely. Either way, however, these men conducted Paul either from Berea to the sea and then to Athens by ship, or they pretended to go to Athens by ship and then accompanied him all the way to Athens.
The important point of this is that they would be far enough away from the miscreant Jews to not have them hounding him from town to town. The distance between the two is somewhere around four hundred miles. With this having taken place, it next says, “but both Silas and Timothy remained there.”
 
This makes it obvious that Paul was the object of the Jews’ disfavor. These two men could stay and continue to teach those in Berea without the trouble that Paul brought. They would also be close to Thessalonica and could quickly travel there to check on the church.
 
As for Timothy, he has not been mentioned since Acts 16:1. However, it is obvious that he came with Paul as he traveled. This is certain at least as far as Philippi. However, it is likely that he went with Paul and Silas all the way, but he was not mentioned because Paul and Silas were the main focus of the narrative until this point. With Paul gone to Athens, Timothy is now mentioned in a prominent role along with Silas.
 
Life application: Although it is speculation, the words of this verse give us an indication that Paul required others to be with him. He speaks of an affliction that he had in 2 Corinthians 12. One speculation is that his eyes were poor. Whether this or something else, it is seen throughout Acts and even in his epistles that he is normally accompanied by others. In this verse, he is conducted by others out of the city and even to Athens.
 
Supposing it is true that he had an affliction that necessitated others to tend to him. Is that a cause of shame? To Paul, it obviously was not. His reliance on others allowed them to tend to him. Thus, both benefitted through the interactions that these people willingly participated in.
 
Quite often, we want to carry the heavy loads of life all by ourselves, but the Bible would teach us otherwise. Solomon speaks of this –
 
“Two are better than one,Because they have a good reward for their labor.10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.But woe to him who is alone when he falls,For he has no one to help him up.11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;But how can one be warm alone?12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
 
Let us be willing to allow others the honor and privilege of helping us out when the need arises. At the same time, let us not be a burden on others by having them carry our loads unnecessarily. Taking advantage of others is never a good thing. So, let us have balance in our lives as we interact with others, blessing them according to our abilities and our limitations.
 
Lord God, thank You for those people who come into our lives and bless us with their presence, help, and encouragement. May we be prompted to reach out today and give them a word of thanks and blessing for their kindness toward us. Amen.

Acts 17:13

Saturday, 3 June 2023
 
But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds. Acts 17:13
 
In the previous verse, it said that many in Berea believed. Now the narrative continues, starting with, “But when the Jews from Thessalonica.” Berea is said to be 45 miles southwest of Thessalonica. Today, that would be a quick drive, but at the time of Acts, it would take a couple of days to travel the distance.
We are not told how the word got back to those at Thessalonica, but it is probable Paul and Silas stayed at Berea for some time once converts had been made. The word about the conversion of people would naturally be passed along and nothing sinister should be inferred. However, for the most part, the Jews in Thessalonica had rejected the gospel and caused the city to get stirred up. With this remembered, it next says they “learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea.”
 
The NKJV skips over a necessary conjunction. It more rightly says, “learned that the word of God was preached by Paul also in Berea.” This would have gotten their dander up. They probably thought that with Paul and Silas having been run out of town, that would be the end of their preaching. However, not only were there believers in Thessalonica because of them, but they were also now making converts in Berea.
 
The Jews’ sphere of influence was dwindling because of the evangelism of these men. And so, with apparently nothing better to do than to cause trouble elsewhere, it next says that “they came there also and stirred up the crowds.” Rather, the verb is a present participle. The clause reads, “they came there also, stirring up the crowds.”
 
The word translated as stirring up, saleuó, is found in the Greek translation of the Old Testament where it refers to the stirring up of the oceans. This is what these people were like. They went among the multitudes and were stirring them up and causing trouble because of their jealousy concerning the success of the gospel.
 
The irony of the matter is that they were working against the Messiah whom they said they were waiting for. But a Messiah who came to die for the sins of the people meant that they were sinful people. In their arrogance, they rejected this premise. Their idea of a Messiah is one that would welcome them in their state of supposed superiority and elevate them above the world of Gentiles among whom they dwelt.
 
Life application: Today, it is easier to cause trouble for others than ever before. If someone proclaims a message that offends others, he can be hounded by those who don’t like what they hear.
 
For example, if you are a preacher in a church who has made such enemies, they can hack your church website and fill it with vile material. They can give poor ratings or reviews on various sites that provide evaluations of companies, products, churches, restaurants, etc. They can say harmful things on YouTube videos. The inventiveness of people to harm others is almost limitless. One must be prepared to take such things in stride and continue to proclaim the truth of the gospel with proper theology and sound doctrine.
 
There is often little you can do about such people, so you must be consistent and demonstrate that they are the miscreants by your continued proper proclamation of the word of God. It was not easy for Paul and Silas, it was not easy for those who spoke against the abuses of the church throughout the past millennia, and it is not easy today. These things must be expected. But press on as best you can. The Lord is building his church despite such agitators.
 
Lord God, be with Your people through the many trials that arise. When sound pastors and preachers are attacked because of their proclamation of the gospel, reassure them in their hearts and lives. Bless the work of their hands because it is the work You have set forth for them to do. Be glorified in Your people, O God. Amen.
 

Acts 17:12

Friday, 2 June 2023
 
Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. Acts 17:12
 
The NKJV changes the structure of the second clause so that it does not reflect the Greek. The verse more precisely reads, “Many, indeed, therefore, of them believed, and of the prominent Greek women, and men, not a few” (CG). This will be used in the evaluation.
 
The previous verse noted the eagerness of the Bereans to examine the Scriptures daily to find out whether the words of Paul and Silas were true or not. As a result, it now says, “Many, indeed, therefore, of them believed.”
 
Though a little clunky in the English translation, the words carefully provide the result of what was just stated –
 
They “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”
“Many, indeed, therefore, of them believed.”
 
Instead of just hearing Paul on the Sabbath and then going home like the Thessalonian synagogue, these people went each day to search out what they had heard. Because of their diligent effort, the result was exactly what one would expect. The Scriptures pointed to Jesus. Jesus had come. In comparing what Scripture prophesied with what Paul proclaimed, they came to the obvious conclusion that the words of Paul were correct and that the gospel was true. From there, it next says, “and of the prominent Greek women.”
 
The word translated as prominent is the same as that used in Acts 13:50. It is affixed to the women, not to the men next to be mentioned, just as it was in Acts 13 –
 
“But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.”
 
The word itself is derived from two words signifying “well” and “form.” Thus, it means well-fashioned or well-formed. HELPS Word Studies notes that it “is used in Koine Greek of a person who properly uses influence, especially by serving in a high (respected) position.”
 
Many translations incorrectly affix the word to both the women and the men. But the intent is that these women were influential, perhaps connected with ranking families in the society. Along with them, it only next says, “and men, not a few.”
 
These were probably mostly proselytes, but there could be some that were talked to by Paul and Silas during the week and who then came to the synagogue to continue to hear what they had to say. Whoever they were, it says that they believed.
 
The main point of the words is that there was a large number of both Jews and Greeks who believed, including influential women among them. This can all be attributed to the leadership of the synagogue. Unlike Thessalonica, there was a true desire to search out Scripture that had to have come from one man or a few men who truly desired to know the truth concerning the words of Scripture. Without being named, it is a testimony to the integrity of the person or people who led the synagogue.
 
Life application: The leadership in a church will direct its heart for the word. If a pastor is passionate about the Bible, those who attend will be as well. Those who are not passionate about it will simply not attend. Instead, they will go looking for a church that suits their preferences. However, those who stay and continue will do so because they appreciate his zeal for Scripture. Thus, they will naturally be geared toward doing their own daily studies, talking about the word, sharing the word, etc.
 
If you love the Bible and are looking around for a church to attend in your area, you should not be satisfied until you find one that will fill your desire. If you start attending a church that is weak in this area, you may eventually find your zeal for the word waning. Don’t let this happen to you. Keep close to the word, attend where it is properly taught, and keep the fire alive by doing your own reading each and every day. It is your roadmap along life’s highway, so use it to keep you going in the right direction!
 
What a wonderful and precious word You have given to us, O God. Thank You for it. Help us to always stick close to it and to grow in our knowledge of its contents as each new day arrives. Yes, Lord God, thank You for Your magnificent and superior word. Amen.
 

Acts 17:11

Thursday, 1 June 2023
 
These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Acts 17:11
 
The previous verse detailed Paul and Silas having traveled to Berea and their going into the synagogue of the Jews upon their arrival. With that remembered, it next says, “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica.”
 
The NKJV, following after the KJV, omits a necessary conjunction. It should read, “And these,” “Now these,” or something similar. “And these were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica.” As for the word “fair-minded,” it is eugenes, translated as nobel, but signifying “well born.” Using “fair-minded” is more of a paraphrase than a translation, even if the thought is properly conveyed.
 
These people were brought up properly and told not to just trust what they first heard but were to instead check for themselves. In other words, they were not gullible, but they were also not dismissive. In Thessalonica, some of the Jews were persuaded but there were a great many Greeks who came to believe.
 
As Paul had clearly reasoned from the Scriptures, and as the majority of the Jews there did not believe, it indicates their dismissive attitude toward what was clearly presented in their writings. On the contrary, concerning those in Berea, it next says, “in that they received the word with all readiness.”
 
The words “in that” are not in the original and should be italicized. It simply says, “they received the word with all readiness.” They obviously listened to Paul and absorbed what he said, not being dismissive of what he presented. That is the first part of the necessary equation for being noble. The second part is that after hearing, they then “searched the Scriptures.”
 
The word searched should read examined. It is the Greek word anakrinó. It signifies to examine, investigate, or question. This is unlike Jesus’ words of John 5:39 –
 
“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”
 
There, the word is ereunaó. It signifies to search or seek. In Berea, Paul told them what the Scriptures said. There was no need to search. Rather, if Paul said, “The prophet Isaiah said xxx,” they would go to Isaiah and examine if Paul was correct or not.
 
They were not dismissive of hearing, but they were also not gullible in accepting. After hearing, they went to the source of their faith and they checked out if what Paul had said matched what God had told them in the law, prophets, and writings. This shows care about getting to the truth of the matter. It also demonstrates a willingness to not be haughty or arrogant in matters they had not previously considered, dismissing things as if they already knew it all. And more, they did it “daily.”
 
After hearing Paul’s words on the Sabbath, they didn’t just say, “We’ll hear more next Sabbath,” which is exactly what is implied concerning those at Thessalonica –
 
“Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures.” Acts 17:2
 
Rather, those in Berea decided to come back each day, probably either before or after a long day of work, and continue to search and contemplate what Paul had said. This shows a caliber of person who truly wants to know the truth of the word. They did this “to find out whether these things were so.” Of this, Albert Barnes gives four sound reasons for their actions –
 
(1) That it is proof of true nobleness and liberality of mind to be willing to examine the proofs of the truth of religion. What the friends of Christianity have had most cause to lament and regret is, that so many are unwilling to examine its claims; that they spurn it as unworthy of serious thought, and condemn it without hearing.
 
(2) the Scriptures should be examined daily. If we wish to arrive at the truth, they should be the object of constant study. That man has very little reason to expect that he will grow in knowledge and grace who does not peruse, with candor and with prayer, a portion of the Bible every day.
 
(3) the constant searching of the Scriptures is the best way to keep the mind from error. He who does not do it daily may expect to ‘be carried about with every wind of doctrine,’ and to have no settled opinions.
 
(4) the preaching of ministers should be examined by the Scriptures. Their doctrines are of no value unless they accord with the Bible. Every preacher should expect his doctrines to be examined in this way, and to be rejected if they are not in accordance with the Word of God.
 
Albert Barnes is correct in his analyses and each of us would do well to pay heed to the lesson of those in Berea.
 
Life application: If there is a God, and there is every logical reason to believe there is, then the most important thing a man can ever do is learn about Him. If God has revealed Himself through some sort of communication, then it is man’s responsibility to consider what He is saying.
 
God has revealed Himself through creation, communicating things about Himself through a process we call general revelation. God has generally revealed Himself to us so that we can consider Him and His nature. David touches on this in the 19th Psalm. Paul writes about it in Romans. The book of Job and elsewhere convey this to us as well.
 
The wise person will consider what God has done and be grateful to Him for the provision He provides, the beauty He offers, the order and harmony of things that allow us to use the creation for our benefit, etc.
 
But God has done more than offer a general way for us to consider Him. He has also specifically revealed Himself to us through His word. We call this special revelation. God has purposefully and specifically revealed Himself through speaking to and through prophets, communicating to us what we need to know to have a close and personal relationship with Him.
 
The wise person will go beyond simply acknowledging this and will determine to read this word, study it, defend it, proclaim it, and so on. The wise person will make this word the central focus of his life because Jesus is the central focus of this word. Jesus is God’s special revelation par excellence. He is the point, purpose, and meaning of all other aspects of God’s word. Therefore, to properly know God, one must know Jesus Christ. And to know Jesus Christ, one must know the words of the Bible that tell us of Jesus Christ. Read your Bible. Know your Bible. Find Jesus in God’s precious and sacred word!
 
Glorious Lord God, help us to use our time wisely, searching out who You are and what You are like through the ways You have revealed Yourself to us. May we not squander our time in futility, but consider You at all times, especially when we intimately fellowship with You through Your word. Yes, may it be so, to Your glory. Amen.

Acts 17:10

Wednesday, 31 May 2023
 
Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Acts 17:10
 
In the previous verse, security was taken from Jason and those with him and they were released. Now, it continues, saying, “Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away.”
 
This may have been something mentioned by those who held their bail. Part of the conditions may have been to get Paul and Silas out of Jason’s house, or it could be that they were to hand them over to the city leaders and to avoid that, they sent them away. It could also just be that they knew Paul and Silas were targets of the Jews and wanted to keep them from being harmed.
 
The latter reason, because it is so similar to Paul’s other interactions with disbelieving Jews, seems most likely. However, regardless of the reason, Paul and Silas were immediately sent away, “by night.”
 
The Greek reads, dia nyktos, through night. Under the cover of night, they were sent out of the area. This is not unlike what occurred in Acts 9 –
 
“Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.” Acts 9:23-25
 
In sending Paul and Silas away, it next says that it was “to Berea.” The name Berea comes from the word peran, meaning “over,” “on the other side,” or “beyond.” Thus, it is the region beyond the coastline. Of this location, Wikipedia says –
 
“Berea was in southwestern Macedonia. The city's foundation stood where Veria, or Kar-Verria, in Greece is today. It is a unique position [and] has had a variety of terrain surrounding the city since then.
 
Berea sat at the base of Mount Bermius, which is part of the Vermio Mountains and provides an ample supply of water for the city and the region. The main sources of water were the Haliacmon and Axios Rivers, which supported apple, peach and pear orchards. The area is prosperous with a hydroelectric dam on the Haliacmon powering the area's industrial sector.”
 
With that noted, it next says, “When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.” 
 
This is Paul’s standard way of entering into a new city, at least as far as Luke’s focus is concerned. Nothing else is recorded concerning their arrival and time in Berea until he goes to the synagogue. It shows that Paul’s main focus was to first bring the word to his own people and any proselytes who were there. From that point, he could then continue to branch out in his evangelistic efforts.
 
It also shows that, despite repeated attacks from his own people, he was willing to continue to evangelize them. It reflects the attitude of his words to those in Rome. Paul desperately wanted his own countrymen to come to a saving knowledge of Christ. He was willing to expend himself and even place his life in danger to do so.
 
Life application: It would be an argument from silence to say that Paul did not speak to any Gentiles while before going into the synagogue in Berea. Luke’s focus for the narrative is to show that Paul was always willing to go into the synagogue and share his faith with them as his top priority.
 
However, if Paul and Silas arrived in Berea on a Tuesday, they would have several days until the Sabbath to talk to others. It is unlikely they would have said, “No, we have to wait to give the good news to the synagogue first.” Rather, they would have spoken to whoever as the occasion arose. The focus of the narrative is to highlight Paul’s modus operandi, not to give a complete record of everything he and Silas did.
 
As you read the Bible, be sure to contemplate why things are recorded as they are. A single turn of the page can be a jump ahead in time of weeks, months, or even years. Innumerable things are skipped over because they are not relevant to the narrative. Consider the main focus of what God is conveying to you and think about His reasons for doing so. This is a great help in understanding why things are laid out as they are.
 
Heavenly Father, may our time in Scripture be a time of fellowshipping with You, understanding Your mind as it is revealed to us, and as a light and guide for our own lives as we draw nearer and nearer to You. Help us to consider Your word as being a guide for humanity to understand You and our relationship with You. Thank You for the coming of Jesus, O God, who then makes all this clear and understandable. Amen.

Acts 17:9

Tuesday, 30 May 2023
 
So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. Acts 17:9
 
In the last verse, the evil men who had gathered a mob were said to have troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city by their sayings. With that, it next says, “So when they had taken security.”
 
The Greek word is hikanos. It is a noun meaning “sufficiency.” Like bail today, they took a sufficient sum to ensure proper conduct on the account of a person and his guests, and to sufficiently meet any charges that may be brought against the individual. In this case, it was “from Jason.”
 
As he was the owner of the house where those who were the brunt of the accusations, meaning Paul and Silas, were staying, he was held accountable for a certain sum. Along with him, it next says, “and the rest.”
 
This would be the “some brethren” mentioned along with Jason in verse 17:6. Because they were all in the same quarters with Paul and Silas, it could be that they were complicit in any wrongdoings. Until the matter was investigated and sorted out, there would be a particular sum held to protect the interests of the city. With that complete, it says, “they let them go.”
 
Like bail today, once the deposit was made, it was considered sufficient to ensure compliance for any future matters.
 
Life application: There are those who fall under the umbrella of Christianity but who refuse to participate in society in any meaningful way. Some refuse to participate in the military. If the reason is as a conscientious objector, that is one thing. But if it is only because of not participating in affairs of government, that is another. Some will not vote. Some will refuse any public office.
 
However, if one of these people is arrested, you can bet your bottom dollar they will pay the necessary bail to be released. They will also pay taxes, toll fees, entrance fees at national monuments, etc. The incorrect nature of such thinking is totally contradictory. Be sure to consider the lessons found right in Scripture.
 
If you are a member of a particular society, there is nothing at all wrong with participating in that society, including military service, government service, and exercising civic responsibilities such as voting. Think clearly. Be a responsible, active participant in those things that daily affect your life. If you don’t, when things go bad for you, you will only have yourself to blame.
 
Lord God, may we be shining examples of faithfulness to You all our days. If that can be done while in service to the nations in which we live, may it be so. May we not isolate ourselves from our surroundings in this world where You have placed us. What a difference we can make if called to do so! And so, may we do so to Your glory. Amen.
 

Acts 17:8

Monday, 29 May 2023
 
And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. Acts 17:8
 
In the previous verse, those who came against the believers charged them with “acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there was another king – Jesus.” With that, it now continues, saying, “And they troubled the crowd.”
 
In stirring up those standing there, they would have more effect in their hopes of bringing harm to the believers. The word “crowd” is singular, giving the sense of a hive mind where everyone will act as a unified whole. In other words, verse 17:5 noted that a mob was gathered. This then “set all the city in an uproar.”
 
With this expanding frenzy, the whole multitude has become alarmed. It is the common tactic of incitement that builds from something small to something ubiquitous. Along with the multitude it next says, “and the rulers of the city.”
 
The city rulers see the excitement of the crowd and, being rulers, they knew they could easily become the object of the crowd’s displeasure. Were that to take place, they would be subject to harm or even death. This is what occurred “when they heard these things.”
 
The Jews of the synagogue started the trouble because of their envy. Enlisting miscreants to join them and stir up the masses, a general frenzy broke out. From there, the multitude began to fear the commotion. That led to fear by the rulers. From a little plan, a large turmoil has developed.
 
Life application: If the words of this account in Acts seem difficult to believe, just remember the events of January 6, 2020. The US government placed operatives in the midst of a peaceful group of protestors. They incited the people to act against the government. From there, the leaders in the capitol complex became exceedingly fearful and were quickly ushered out of the capitol building.
 
Just what the Jews instigated in Thessalonica is what the US government instigated against an entire party of people in the nation. This is a very simple way of gaining control over others. It has been used in communist rebellions many times in the past century.
 
All people should be extremely careful about joining large crowds that are being whipped into a frenzy. If you are a part of those who are to be targeted, your mere presence at the event may wind up with you being charged with sedition and rebellion. Be obedient to the rules of your land, but do not trust your government to do what is right. 
 
Lord God, it is so good that we have a hope that transcends this world. There is nothing here for us of any true value. We long for the day when we live for eternity solely under the loving care of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May that Day be soon. Amen.