BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 15:39

Sunday, 9 April 2023
 
Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; Acts 15:39
 
The previous verse revealed Paul’s insistence that John Mark should not be taken along with him and Barnabas on the next missionary journey. With that, it now notes, “Then the contention became so sharp.”
 
The word translated as contention is paroxusmos. This is the first of two times it will be seen in Scripture. It signifies a paroxysm; a provocation that literally jabs someone to the point where he is forced to respond. Words such as provoke, incite, and so on will give the active sense of the matter. The other use of the word is in Hebrews 10:24 where it is used in a positive sense where believers are implored to motivate one another toward love and good works.
 
As for Paul and Barnabas, one would say something that cut so deeply the other couldn’t let it go and responded with his own cutting words. It is the type of argument that leads to words that may never be forgiven and wounds that may never heal. Because of this, it says “that they parted from one another.”
 
Of this, Matthew Poole dubiously equates this to the parting of Abraham and Lot as is recorded in Genesis 13, claiming they kept the unity of the Spirit. The words now do not bear this out. Their fellowship was torn apart, and the Spirit would have to deal with them individually as they proceeded in their own directions. Because of this, it next says, “And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus.”
 
Barnabas was from Cyprus (Acts 4:36) and it is where he and Paul set forth on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:4). Thus, it is the natural direction that he should go to have the most impact on his next missionary travels. Taking along John Mark shows Barnabas’ ability to overlook whatever Paul perceived as a permanent factor of disqualification.
This is the last time that Barnabas is mentioned in Acts. The record Luke lays down from this point on, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, is directed to the ministry of Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. Any further record of future impact that Barnabas may have had on the church is left to secular history. In Scripture, he will be directly mentioned two more times. The first is in 1 Corinthians 9 –
 
“My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we have no right to eat and drink? 5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? 7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?” 1 Corinthians 9:3-7
 
He will also be mentioned again in Galatians where Paul notes that he was led astray, just as Peter was, by the Judaizer who came to Antioch. That is an event that probably occurred during the events of Acts 15, although some see it as having occurred during Acts 18, something less likely. Of the events now taking place, John Gill says –
 
“...thus as soon almost as peace was made in the church, a difference arises among the ministers of the word, who are men of like passions with others; and though it is not easy to say which was to blame most in this contention; perhaps there were faults on both sides, for the best men are not without their failings; yet this affair was overruled by the providence of God, for the spread of his Gospel, and the enlargement of his interest; for when these two great and good men parted from one another, they went to different places, preaching the word of God.”
 
Life application: Regardless as to whether Paul and Barnabas ever reconciled again or not, the Spirit inspired Luke to record the events in Acts for us to consider what occurred. There was a sharp dispute between two men who had expended themselves for the gospel and who would continue to do so.
 
This is a fallen world. We all have limitations and buttons are bound to get pushed. When they are, our response may set us at odds with one another, even to the point of never fellowshipping together again. And yet, Paul does not later hint at the events that occurred or claim that Barnabas is not to be trusted. Rather, his comments in 1 Corinthians 9 (noted above) indicate that Barnabas was a trustworthy, selfless worker for the Lord.
 
Somehow, those in Corinth will hear about Barnabas even if there is no record of him traveling there in Acts. This means that Paul probably spoke well of him to the Corinthians, describing the person he had traveled with on his first missionary journey. In other words, just because they could not agree on working together any longer, Paul continued to speak highly about Barnabas. Let us consider doing this as well should we divide from another over some difference in opinion.
 
Heavenly Father, we are limited beings. We don’t have all the information, we only have so much power and stamina, we may get riled up or offended by events that occur, etc. Because of this, differences are bound to arise between us. When such times come, give us wisdom and discernment in how to handle such things. May we not spitefully hurt others simply because we can. Help us in this, O God. Amen.
 

Acts 15:38

Saturday, 8 April 2023
 
But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. Acts 15:38
 
The previous verse noted that Barnabas had determined to take John Mark along on the missionary journey that Paul and he were planning. With that, it now says, “But Paul.”
 
An immediate contrast has arisen in the direction they should take concerning the matter. At this point, anything is solvable, but beginning with this note of dissension a red flag is thrown up concerning what will come of the matter. As for Paul he “insisted” concerning his point of view.
 
The Greek is an imperfect verb signifying “to account as worthy.” In other words, it might be said, “Paul found it worthy to make his case.” The verb, being imperfect, means that he didn’t just speak up, but that he continued to speak. Barnabas would give his thoughts and Paul would counter with his. It is like two grindstones spinning against one another, rubbing each other down.
 
Paul’s argument was “that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia.” The wording is important. First, the word translated as “had departed” is aphistémi. It signifies to depart, but it is connected to the word we translate as apostatize. That is probably how Paul took it based on the rest of what is said.
 
Second, the word translated as “the one” actually ends the verse in the Greek text, thus placing it in the emphatic position. It strongly marks out John as an irresponsible partner. One can see Luke interviewing Paul and saying, “So, tell me what happened between you and Barnabas?” In response, Paul would have said something like, “I saw it worthy to tell him that he who withdrew from us in Pamphylia and who didn’t go with us to the work... we shouldn’t take THAT ONE!”
 
When this was recorded in Acts 13:13, no note of why John had departed was given and Luke provided nothing negative in his recording of the event.
 
However, it can now be determined that John’s departure was something that Paul had considered unacceptable. He had carried the thought of it with him ever since. It can only be speculated upon, but because John was Barnabas’ cousin, Paul may have not said a word about the matter to Barnabas. But now that they were faced with the prospect of another journey where the same thing could happen again, it was intolerable to Paul that John should be included in the plans. This is because he “had not gone with them to the work.”
 
Paul saw the missionary trip as work, not an adventure. He saw it as something that was necessary for the saving of souls, and he was willing to expend himself in the process. John Mark, for whatever reason, did not share this same drive. The event came shortly after the conversion of the Gentile Sergius Paulus and Paul’s acceptance of the name Paul, which is used from that time on.
 
Mark may have taken offense at the thought of evangelizing Gentiles, a task that Paul seemed wholly devoted to undertaking. It is speculation, but it fits with the chronology of what occurred as well as the decision rendered by the council concerning Gentiles. Whether this or something else, whatever motivated him, John was not grounded enough to remain in the mission field. Paul found that unacceptable.
 
Life application: What appears to be the case is that Paul has kept a matter that truly upset him pent up within himself. There are times that this is necessary, such as information that is considered personal and confidential between clergy and those they tend to. However, if there is a matter that is festering between friends or those who are closely connected within the church, keeping something like this pent up may turn into a disaster as it continues to seethe below the surface.
 
Paul has allowed a matter to continue in this fashion for an extended period of time. Only now that the issue of John joining the trip has come into focus has Paul been faced with it becoming an issue. If he had talked with Barnabas about it over the many months of their travels, things would have been handled differently now.
 
When you have something that is bothering you that could later erupt, it is best to not hold it in. Barnabas probably had no idea that Paul was so offended by the matter. That seems apparent from his suggestion of bringing John along again. He was probably caught totally off guard by Paul’s words. This could have been avoided, and it will lead to a real eruption between the two of them.
 
Prayer and conversation are key points that have been lacking over this matter. Don’t allow the same to happen to you if it is within your ability to correct perceived offenses early on.
 
Lord God, there are really annoying people out there who go out of their way to upset others. But, for the most part, offense comes about unwittingly and unintentionally. When an offense has taken place, help us to attempt to work it out with Your wisdom, through adherence to the word and with prayer. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Acts 15:37

Friday, 7 April 2023
 
Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. Acts 15:37
 
In the previous verse, Paul suggested to Barnabas that they go back and visit the brethren in all the places they had previously preached to them, desiring to see how they were doing. With that, it now says, “Now Barnabas was determined.”
 
Using the word “determined” is agreed by many scholars to be too strong for the statement. The Greek word focuses on the planning of an action rather than the desire behind it. Thus, something like, “Now Barnabas was minded to,” gives the sense.
 
It was his intention to take Mark. Based on what will be said in the next verse, this intention will turn into determination. But the initial act is what is being referred to here, and that intention was “to take with them John called Mark.”
 
This is Barnabas’ cousin who went with them on the first missionary journey but who then departed from the trip upon arriving at Perga in Pamphylia –
 
“So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.” Acts 13:4, 5
 
“Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.” Acts 13:13
 
This is all that was stated about John at the time. No reason was given for his departure, but the fact that he left the missionary work early will now become a source of contention between Paul and Barnabas.
 
Life application: Each person will find offense in different areas of life. What one might find trivial, another may find the same matter inexcusable. Some of this may be cultural, at times it may be how one is personally geared towards stress, forgiveness, honor (of self or for another), etc.
 
As an example of a cultural offense, one could make dinner plans with a family in Malaysia. If a time is set for 5 pm, an American will normally be ready at the scheduled time, awaiting his guests. When 5 pm comes around, and the guests don’t arrive, he may be perplexed. By 6 pm, he may be worried. By 8 pm, he will consider that any chance for the dinner to come about will be gone. The food will be put away and the night will be over.
 
And yet, the family arrives at 9:30 pm with big smiles on their faces, ready for dinner while Andy American stands there in his night clothes wondering what has just taken place. No explanation is given by the family as to the delay. And they are as surprised at there being no food for them as the American is that they even showed up at such a late hour.
 
Who is in the wrong? It depends on the perspective of the one standing on either side of the door. The culturally accepted norm for an American is that when dinner is set for 5 pm, anyone showing up more than 10 minutes late and without an excuse and an apology is the offender. For a Malay, 5 pm really means 9, or 10, or even 11 pm. No excuse is needed, and no apology should ever be expected.
 
Paul and Barnabas will have an issue arise based on the events taking place in the verses now being analyzed. Who is right and who is wrong? What good or harm will come from what occurs? Take a broad view of what transpires and consider the matter from both sides as the words are evaluated.
 
Then take time to consider a similar event that may have occurred in your own life. Is there something that could have been done to avoid the outcome? Or did the outcome eventually lead to something good even though it was not a happy thing at the time?
 
Life is filled with events that we often cannot resolve, and which may turn out negatively. And yet, God can use them to bring about something good in another area. Think about such things and consider them. You may be surprised at what you eventually see has arisen.
 
Lord God, help us to consider things that occur in our lives that were either beyond our control or that we were unwilling to resolve. May we evaluate what eventually took place and try to see how You have brought something good out of what took place. When we do, we will surely find that Your guiding hand has brought about something far better than what first occurred. We know that You have a great plan that even includes our temporary failings. Thank You for Your guiding hand in all things. Amen.

Acts 15:36

 Thursday, 6 April 2023
 
Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” Acts 15:36
 
The previous verse noted that Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word. With them there, it next says, “Then after some days.”
 
There is no indication of how long this is. Charles Ellicott notes, “The commonly received chronology of the Acts makes the interval between the Council of Jerusalem and St. Paul’s second missionary journey somewhat more than a year.” How this was determined is unknown, but it seems likely that the time is certainly more than a few months based on the word “remained” in the previous verse and “some days” in this one.
 
After this extended but indeterminate time, “Paul said to Barnabas.” Paul is the one to initiate the idea and it is reflective of the type of man he was because he next says, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city.”
 
The Greek word is an aorist participle. Literally, “Having turned back, indeed, let us look upon our brethren in every city.” Paul is concerned about those he previously evangelized wondering about their state and desiring to meet up with them again. This is all inclusive of the cities where the two of them had gone. Paul truly cared about these people and the churches that had been established among them because they were “where we have preached the word of the Lord.”
 
Everything came back to the knowledge of Christ with Paul. It certainly burned within him that not only were converts made, but that they were living in accord with the word they had heard. To him, if their ministry were to be considered effective, it would mean that it continued to make new converts whose faith was based on the truth of the word. The Judaizers had followed along after them as they went to new locations. How much more could they infect the churches when there was a long interval without any teaching support! As such, he adds a final note, saying, “and see how they are doing.”
 
The Greek is more succinct, “how they are.” Taking the first clause and the last, the main focus of Paul is more clearly seen – “Having turned back, indeed, let us look upon our brethren in every city – how they are.” He cared about the brethren who had received the word of God, and he cared about them in every city they had been to. His heart and desire were geared toward the converted lives in Christ to be established and flourishing. The thought is expressed throughout his epistles, a few examples of which are –
 
“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” Romans 1:9-12
 
“...besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11:28
 
“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” Ephesians 1:15-18
 
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:3-6
 
These, and other such verses, reveal the caring nature of Paul. He was not just an evangelist who passed through with the gospel. Rather, for those who heard and accepted it, he became a father to his children, a teacher, and a mentor. The connection to those he preached to remained, even after he had physically departed from them.
 
Life application: It is the job of an evangelist to evangelize. There is nothing wrong with a person sharing the gospel and moving on. Likewise, there are those who are geared toward remaining in the same place and who preach and teach, even if they have never gone out to evangelize the community in which they live.
 
There are those who establish a church, pass the reins on to another, and move on to establish another new church. There is nothing wrong with any of these approaches. We have all been given certain abilities that can be used to glorify God. Paul did all three of these examples just mentioned and so much more. Even if we don’t do all of the things Paul did, we can still do our part and learn from his example. Above all else, the things he did were intended to glorify God through Jesus Christ.
 
If we can make that the main focus of what we do, our time will be well spent, even if it is simply checking people out at the grocery counter, fixing someone’s plumbing, or writing out insurance policies. Whatever we do, it should become evident to those we encounter that we are people of integrity and caring because we are people in Christ. Let us have this attitude in all we do.
 
Lord God, may our lives be used as instruments of honor to the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Help us to be willing to live in a manner that others can see the difference in us and want to know why we possess the joy that is in us. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.
 

Acts 15:35

Wednesday, 5 April 2023
 
Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. Acts 15:35
 
The previous verse contained the disputed words, “However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.” Whether that verse is original or not, the words now are without dispute, but the translation of the conjunction will depend on how one views the matter. If those words are accepted as original, the words of this verse will say something like, “Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch.” If they are not accepted, then translators will say something like, “Paul and Barnabas, however, remained in Antioch.”
 
The conjunction can be rendered either way depending on the context. Whichever is correct, Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch after the matter of the Judaizers was settled. However, with it settled, Luke now returns to placing Paul’s name first – Paul and Barnabas. Together, they remained in Antioch “teaching and preaching the word of the Lord.”
 
As elsewhere, the word translated as “preaching,” euaggelizó, signifies to proclaim the good news. It is less a formal sermon and focuses more on evangelizing. They continued sharing the gospel which is the word of the Lord for salvation. Along with them, it also says, “with many others also.”
 
The meaning is that the church was filled with people who were willing to go out and tell others the good news about Jesus. With the approval by the council that Gentiles did not need to adhere to the Law of Moses after coming to Christ, the church was able to go forth and evangelize the gospel in the purity with which it was originally intended, meaning salvation by grace through faith in the full, finished, final, and forever work of Christ Jesus.
 
The idea comes through a bit more clearly when it is translated in the same order as the Greek –
 
“And Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming good news -- with many others also -- the word of the Lord.” (YLT).
 
In this translation by Young’s, one can see that he punted on the conjunction, translating it as “and.” In doing this, it allows for either option concerning the previous verse being genuine or not. He also, rightly, offsets the words “with many others also” giving a greater force to them. The church was highly evangelistic.
 
The reason for this being so important to highlight is because this may have been the time when the sad events of Galatians 2 took place –
 
“Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, ‘If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?’” Galatians 2:11-14
 
Others disagree and say this cannot be the time when these events took place, instead placing them in Acts 18:22. This is less likely because Paul says that Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. However, Paul and Barnabas are never mentioned as being together again after Acts 15. Further, this probably did not occur as is supposed by the Pulpit Commentary, which says –
 
“But it is quite inconceivable that Peter, with all the influence of the Jerusalem Cornell fresh upon him, and after the part he himself took in it, and when his own emissaries, Silas and Judas, had just left Antioch, should act the part there ascribed to him. Nor is it within the region of probability that, so soon after the council, any should have come ‘from James’ to unsay what James had said and written at the council. We may with much confidence place Peter's visit to Antioch before the council.” Pulpit Commentary
 
The reason this view is unlikely is that Paul says in Galatians 2:9 –
 
“...and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.”
 
The only record of Paul and Barnabas being together in Jerusalem before the council in Acts 15 is in Acts 11 & 12 at a time when this issue had not yet come to light. The point of the council was to determine the acceptability of the message that Paul and Barnabas had proclaimed to the Gentiles. That was decided, as indicated in Galatians 2:9, at the council.
 
And more, the conversion of the Gentiles only began to occur after Paul and Barnabas were called by the Holy Spirit to their first missionary journey in Acts 13:2. Therefore, it is most probable that Peter’s great failings, along with those of Barnabas, occurred at this point in Acts 15, shortly after the council had taken place.
 
Peter came to Antioch, realized the freedom that came from faith in Christ, ate with Gentiles, probably enjoying pork chops, bacon, and ham for the first time in his life, and then withdrew from this fellowship because he was unsure if the Jews who came from James would accept his move so far away from the restrictions of the Law of Moses.
 
Life application: If the timeline suggested here is correct, and the words of Galatians 2 fully support that it is, it shows how quickly we can backpedal from the truth and soundness of proper doctrine when faced with a little bit of external pressure.
 
Peter had spoken boldly in the council of Acts 15 concerning Gentile conversion and their not needing to adhere to the Law of Moses. This, by default, meant that the law was set aside in Christ. And yet, he peevishly backtracked from this fundamental truth when it personally affected his appearance before those who may condemn his departure from the customs of the Jewish people.
 
If this can happen to Peter so quickly, it can happen to any of us if we allow our guard to come down. Stand firm on the freedom of the gospel, do not allow anyone to bring you under the yoke of the law or of legalism. There is freedom in Christ and we must proclaim it as such.
 
Thank You, O God, for the freedom we possess in Christ. May we never fail to speak out just what Your word proclaims. Help us in this because it is so easy for us to get distracted or to not want to deal with conflict that may arise over one issue or another. Help us to stay on the right and sound path at all times. We pray this so that You will be glorified through our conduct. Amen.
 

Acts 15:34

Tuesday, 4 April 2023
 
However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.  Acts 15:34
 
The previous verse said, while speaking of the emissaries from Jerusalem, “And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles.” Now, a verse that is not found in many manuscripts says, “However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.”
 
The context of the previous verse was based on verse 15:32 which spoke of Judas and Silas. As it said in verse 15:33 that “they were sent back,” it would be assumed that it spoke of Judas and Silas as well. However, in verse 15:40, it will say that Paul chose Silas to join him on a second missionary journey.
 
Because of this, it is believed by many that the words of this verse now were a later insertion to explain why Silas was available to join Paul. Some believe it to be a margin note that crept into the text. It is not found in the Syriac, Arabic, and Coptic versions. On the other hand, the Latin Vulgate says, “It seemed good to Silas to remain, but Judas went alone to Jerusalem.”
 
Supposing it belongs there, the plural of the previous verse could indicate that others came from Jerusalem with Judas and Silas and together they left while Silas remained behind. However, that would seem to fly in the face of verse 15:27 where the council only mentions Judas and Silas.
 
Supposing it doesn’t belong, no contradiction between verses 15:34 and 15:40 should be assumed. Verse 15:36 will say, “Then after some days.” There is nothing to suggest the timeframe. It could be a few weeks or a year. It is a statement that could mean almost any amount of time. Therefore, Silas could have returned to Jerusalem and decided to go back to Antioch during those days, weeks, or months.
 
No matter what, either one text added a thought which is spurious, or a part of the true text was dropped out that does not affect any point upon which the overall narrative or any set doctrine hinges. If it is included in a version, it should be footnoted with a comment concerning why it is not in other versions. If it is not included in a version, it should be footnoted why it is not.
 
Life application: God has allowed man to copy and pass on His original word. God is not fallible and the word He originally breathed out is perfect because it comes from Him. However, man is fallible. Anytime man is involved in something such as this, a process of corruption will result because of man’s inability to maintain the perfection of the original.
 
We cannot reasonably look at such differences in texts and say, “This cannot be the word of God.” Rather, we can look at the whole and feel confident that it is the word of God, but that man has been graciously allowed to transmit it, causing contamination of it. And yet, God has preserved His word in a sure enough form that it still can be rightly considered His word.
 
It is certain that if a copy of a manuscript of Shakespeare’s work was found and it had spelling errors, transpositions, margin notes, missing words or sentences, etc., anyone who evaluated it would say, “This is a copy of Shakespeare’s work.” In fact, it would be ridiculous to say otherwise. And yet, naysayers of the Bible demand perfection of transmission to be a part of the process of conveying His word. If it does not exist (which it could not because of the nature of man), then to them it somehow cannot be God’s word. The thinking is biased and flawed.
 
This is the trap that too many Christians have fallen into, thus believing that God has somehow preserved His word in an exacting manner that is 100% infallible in one particular version or another. They then choose a version, claim that the version they have chosen is God’s only infallible word, and condemn all others as being of the devil. This leads to a cult-like mentality and very poor theology.
 
But this claim has been made time and again over various versions in various languages. Rather than look at the matter from this viewpoint, we should look at the massive number of texts available as a blessing by which comparisons can be made to weed out obvious errors that have entered the various texts. This is responsible and it is certainly what God intended so that His word would be safely transmitted in a form that carries with it the essential information we need to share with others.
 
Lord God, do we have a sure word? We sure do. Thank You for Your precious word, O God. Amen.

Acts 15:33

Monday, 3 April 2023
 
And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles. Acts 15:33
 
The previous verse said that Judas and Silas encouraged and strengthened the brethren at Antioch. With that, it now says of them, “And after they had stayed there for a time.”
 
No specific time is stated, but it was long enough to accomplish whatever goals were intended to be met but not recorded in Luke’s narrative. The main goal, that of encouraging and strengthening was certainly fully met. Confidence in the teachings of Barnabas and Paul would have been realized and even bolstered, and anyone who was found to be harming the congregation would have been weeded out and expelled.
 
With the time for their return having arrived, it next says that “they were sent back with greetings.” Rather, the Greek reads, “they were sent away with peace.”
 
It is a Hebraism signifying a blessing for peace to be upon them. The traditional words in Hebrew are normally shalom aleichem, peace unto you. Some form of blessing such as this would have been pronounced over them as they were sent “from the brethren to the apostles.”
 
Here, some manuscripts state, “to those who had sent them.” The meaning is basically unchanged. Either way, these two men had fulfilled their task, they had confirmed the gospel Barnabas and Paul had proclaimed, it being the same gospel as that of those in Jerusalem, they had refuted the falsities of the Judaizers, and they had encouraged and strengthened the church at Antioch.
 
Life application: It is hard to imagine how people can continue to teach such heretical ideas as that of the Judaizers, meaning adherence to the Law of Moses, or those of hyperdispensationalists, meaning the teaching that there are two gospels – one for the Jews and one for the Gentiles – after going through this account in Acts. But they are out there, ready to destroy the faith of congregations and bring them into the bondage of heresy.
 
Variations of these heresies abound as well. So be sure to read your Bible, study proper theology, and apply right doctrine to your walk before the Lord. Don’t be duped by those with pious-sounding arguments about how holy they are because of what they do. Rather, remember that you are made holy because of what Jesus has done.
And that holiness is bestowed upon all in the same way. It is through faith in the finished, final, and forever work of Jesus Christ. Any who come to Him, Jew or Gentile, is saved by simple faith in what He has done. Hold fast to this precious message of salvation.
 
Lord God, thank You for the simple gospel that saves. Thank You that Jesus has done it all. Now, all we need to do is believe. Yes, thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acts15:32

Sunday, 2 April 2023
 
Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. Acts 15:32
 
The letter from the council has been read to the congregation at Antioch. Having heard it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. With that, it next says, “Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also.”
 
These are the two men who had been sent from the council to confirm the words of the letter, having accompanied Barnabas and Paul to Antioch. The term “prophets” in this verse is obviously not given in the sense of the Old Testament prophets that foretold the future or spoke forth a new word of the Lord. That may or may not be something they did at other times, but in this context, calling them prophets is tied to what is stated in the next words. It says they “exhorted and strengthened the brethren.”
The verb form of the word used in the previous verse, paraklésis, which was translated as “encouragement,” is used here, parakaleó. Thus, it is more appropriately rendered “encouraged.” The other word, translated as “strengthened,” was introduced in Acts 14:22. It signifies to support, confirm, make stronger, etc.
 
In other words, there had been confusion thrown into the congregation by the events that took place. Trust in the words of Barnabas and Paul may have been diminished because of the Judaizers, something that definitely happened to the church in Galatia as Paul records in his epistle to them. These two prophets, rather than foretelling the word of the Lord, forth-told it.
 
They gave them encouragement that the message of salvation by grace alone through faith alone, apart from any works of the law, was correct. They encouraged the church to stand fast in their faith and even built them up with additional words, strengthening them, as it next says, “with many words.”
 
Rather, the words in the Greek are singular and should read “with much discourse.” They added either instructional lessons as may be seen today in a Bible study, or they may have spoken forth in the form of a sermon or homily, building the believers up in the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
 
Life application: Because the council has wisely sent along Judas and Silas, the decision rendered by it would certainly have gone unchallenged by any Judaizer still lurking around the believers in Antioch. Today, we do not have the apostles around any longer to render such a letter and then send along people to confirm what was said.
However, we do have the full, final, and sure word of the apostles and other men who wrote out the word of God for our instruction. There is no need to have Judaizers throw a congregation into upheaval if the congregants are properly instructed in the word of God. Thus, it is imperative to not just give life application sermons and Bible studies that are not based on the Bible.
Rather, the word of God is to be opened, analyzed, and explained in detail. If this is not done, the same confusion in the congregation that arose in Antioch, Galatia, and elsewhere is sure to arise in whatever congregation these false teachers come to. Be firm on what the gospel says. Do not give an inch to such cretinous fellows. Instead, proclaim the freedom and liberty that is found in Jesus Christ, not works of law or man that can never profit. Yes, hold fast to the true and only gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
Glorious God Almighty, how thankful we are for the surety of the word. If we simply read it and properly apply it to our lives, we will not be misdirected by false teachers. You have breathed it out to us, and You want it to be known by us. So, Lord, help us as we open it and study it all our days. Thank You for the surety of the word that You have given to us. Amen.
 

Acts 15:31

Saturday, 1 April 2023
 
When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. Acts 15:31
 
In the previous verse, it noted that the letter from the council at Jerusalem was delivered to the multitude who had gathered from the church at Antioch. With that, it next says, “When they had read it.”
 
Those of the church were certainly excited about what decision had been made and their ears would have been open and alert as each word was read off the scroll. Upon its completion, they certainly would have been quite relieved for several reasons. First, and simply from a human perspective, the prospect of going through the pain of circumcision was now removed.
 
But more, it meant that as Gentiles, the circumcision they had received, meaning that of the heart, put them on the exact same level as the Jews without ever having to join the Jewish nation, giving up their own unique culture and identity in the process.
 
It also meant that they had a freedom that Israel under the law had never previously possessed by not being brought under the yoke of the law. By this time, Paul would have instructed the Gentiles that the entire period of the law was simply a tutor to lead people to Christ. Instead of law, they needed something better, they needed Christ. But they already had Christ. How could it be that they should need to go back to that which never truly profited Israel?
 
This is the lesson that Paul had to explain in detail to those at Galatia in his epistle to them. But those at Antioch had certainly been with Barnabas and Paul long enough to already know this fundamental truth.
 
Because of these reasons, and certainly many others, it says that “they rejoiced over its encouragement.”
 
Here, a pun is most likely being conveyed by Luke. In Acts 15:22, it said, “Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.”
 
With these words, Barnabas is placed before Paul and the chosen men who were sent with Barnabas and Paul. Therefore, it is likely (though still supposition) that Barnabas was the one who stood reading the letter from the council. The pun is in his name and in the word translated as “encouragement.” Both are from the Greek word paraklésis. As such, the Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36) is living out his name toward those at Antioch as their hearts were encouraged by the contents of the letter he bore and read to them.
 
Life application: Of the meeting of the council in Jerusalem, Albert Barnes says, “This council has been usually appealed to as the authority for councils in the church as a permanent arrangement, and especially as an authority for courts of appeal and control. But it establishes neither, and should be brought as authority for neither.”
 
After coming to this conclusion, he gives four long and well-thought-out reasons for this. What he says can be read in his commentary, but the overall thought of his words can be summed up with the single thought that what is recorded here in Acts is not a prescriptive account. It prescribes nothing for future councils.
 
Rather, it is a descriptive account of what occurred. The form, structure, type of authority, and makeup of the council cannot properly apply to later councils. The apostolic age has ended. What occurs now in councils around the world is not in the least bit comparable to what occurred in Acts 15.
 
Now, instead of being handled as occurred in Acts, a total reliance on the contents of Sacred Scripture, meaning the Holy Bible, is to be considered. The presence of the Holy Spirit is in the pages of the Bible because it is the Holy Spirit who breathed out its words through those who wrote it (see 2 Timothy 3:16 & 2 Peter 1:19-21).
 
Therefore, if the considerations of and decisions rendered by a council are not in accord with the words of Scripture, they are by default, not guided by the Holy Spirit; they are not of God. If they are not of God, they are, by default, of the devil. This is a lesson that must be considered as councils, conferences, and the like are held by churches and denominations. What is happening in the world today, such as in the ordination of women, homosexuals, etc. is not of God. The Holy Spirit is not among these gatherings, and only unholiness and apostasy will be the result.
 
Hold fast to this sacred and precious word for the guidance of matters of the church and the Holy Spirit will guide that church through its times of difficulty. And the same is true with your personal life as well.
 
Heavenly Father, how could we expect You to bless our actions in our personal lives or in the churches we attend if we are not acting in accord with Your word? Help us to think this through clearly and never deviate from its precepts. In them, there is life and the straight path. Apart from them is unhappiness and loss. May we do all that we do to Your glory alone. Amen.
 

Acts 15:30

Friday, 31 March 2023
 
So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. Acts 15:30
 
With the contents of the letter from the council having been recorded by Luke, the narrative continues, saying, “So when they were sent off.”
 
In the selection of those to go with Barnabas and Paul, preparations had to be made for their journey. With those taken care of, it can be assumed that some of the council saw them part of the way out of the city, or even out of the gates and for a short distance. It is a common gesture and would not have been missed on such an important journey.
 
Eventually, those remaining in Jerusalem would give their final goodbyes and turn back while the company making the journey would continue. Having been sent off in this manner, Luke next says, “they came to Antioch.”
 
The narrative brings them right back to where all the trouble began as was recorded in Acts 15:1. However, instead of leaving with a dilemma to be resolved, they are returning with an answer from the council concerning the matter.
 
It is certain that those of the church were anxiously waiting to hear how things went and were probably asking about the council’s decision. Instead of answering one person at a time though, it next says, “and when they had gathered the multitude together.
 
The Greek is more succinct, “and having gathered the multitude.” Everyone was brought together for the word to be spoken forth at one time. By doing it this way, there would be vindication for Barnabas and Paul because the letter and the witnesses were there to validate the matter. That is seen in the final words of the verse, saying, “they delivered the letter.”
 
One can imagine anyone who sided with the Judaizers looking aghast at the hearing of the decision. And yet, if saved, they were saved by the blood of Christ, not adherence to the law. Their legalistic demands would now be exposed for what they were.
 
Life application: To this day, when someone challenges the legalism of the Hebrew Roots Movement adherents or that of fundamentalists in churches that heap up rule upon rule not found in Scripture, there are arrogant and even angry faces and accusations hurled out against them.
 
Sides are drawn up and churches are divided over such things. But there is a standard by which these matters can be determined, the Bible. One good way of exposing legalism is to simply ask, “Where does it say that in Scripture?”
 
For example, some churches impose petty little laws on the congregation. Your hair is too long, you should not be dancing, we do not approve of musical instruments in this church, etc. In such cases, ask them where Scripture imposes such a rule. The only one of the three mentioned that is even partially addressed is the length of a person’s hair, but even that is subjective. Paul, when addressing the issue, never gives a length. If the matter is not defined, then there is a reason for it.
 
The point is that we need to be prepared to challenge such nonsense. The way that is done is to know what the word says. There is freedom in Christ. He did not come to bind His people with a laundry list of pet peeves, nor did He come to provide His people with eternal insecurity.
 
Rather, those things that are not defined in Scripture are simply not important to our walk before the Lord. Don’t allow yourself to get bogged down in legalism. Stand firm on the freedom we are granted in Christ. Remember that such people abounded even during the time of the law. Jesus strongly rebuked such arrogance. How much more offensive is such an attitude when the grace of God has been poured out on His people through the giving of Jesus!
 
Lord God, thank You for the freedom we possess in Christ. Help us not to get caught up in legalism and strange teachings that do not profit our walk before You. Rather, may we live holy lives, guided by the words of Scripture without adding to them. Where there is freedom, may we live it out accordingly. Amen.
 

Acts 15:29

Thursday, 30 March 2023
 
that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.Farewell. Acts 15:29
 
The letter from the council just noted that there were “necessary things” that should be laid upon the Gentiles. Those necessary things are now listed, starting with, “that you abstain from things offered to idols.”
 
This thought responds to the “things polluted by idols” found in verse 15:20. It is a new word in Scripture, eidólothutos. It is a compound word coming from words signifying “idol” and “to sacrifice.” The idea is the slaying of animals to idols. In eating the meat from such an idol, it is as if one is participating in fellowship with the idol. As such, it is essentially what the fellowship (peace) offerings designated under the Law of Moses were for. Instead of to the Lord, however, it is to an idol.
 
This precept is explained and amended by Paul later in 1 Corinthians 8 and 2 Corinthians 10 where he uses this same word six times. Paul explains there that idols are nothing and so if someone eats meat sacrificed to an idol, understanding that the idol had no effect on the meat and it is just being consumed as regular food, he has not done wrong.
 
In his instruction, he brings this matter back to the thought of conscience. If one’s conscience is defiled because of the idol, he should not eat the meat. Likewise, if it would defile another’s conscience, he should not eat the meat. However, if it is understood that the idol is nothing and the meat is just meat, there is no defiling of the conscience. Thus, the meat is perfectly acceptable to eat. Understanding that, it next says, “from blood.”
 
The Greek simply says, “blood.” The word “from” is implied for the first clause. As for the word blood, this was the last item listed in verse 15:20. As explained there, the main intent of this was to have the people consider why they were drinking blood.
 
As the life is in the blood, such a practice is usually intended to assimilate the power of the one whose blood was being drunk into the person drinking. Another reason is idolatry where the blood of an animal that was sacrificed was consumed by the offeror as a way of fellowshipping with their god or gods. Hence, it was a part of the ritual of “things offered to idols” just mentioned.
 
Also, the shedding of blood has almost universally been considered a means of atoning for sin. This is seen in cultures around the world. But Christ’s blood is the only effectual sacrifice for the atonement of sin. This then is an object lesson concerning the nature of Christ’s sacrifice as much as anything else. After this, it next says, “from things strangled.”
 
Rather, it simply says, “strangled things.” This was stated in verse 15:20 and was a measure so as to not give offense to the Jews who would bleed out any meat that was to be consumed. To not do so would cause offense to them. Hence, it was given as a way of alleviating that. The list ends with “and from sexual immorality.”
 
Rather, it says, “and sexual immorality.” This word began the list in verse 15:20. It is a subject Paul refers to and explains in detail, explaining it in six of his epistles. Of these things, the letter says, “If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.”
 
Note that the council does not command these things, as if they were a matter of law. It also does not say, “You cannot be saved if you don’t do these things” as was stated by the Judaizers in Acts 15:2. There, they had said, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
 
The council clearly understood the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. The word “repent” is not used by them, as if they had to “repent in order to be saved” as is falsely claimed throughout the world today. It is necessary to know what one is doing wrong before he can change his mind about what he is doing wrong. The council takes it as an axiom that they are writing to saved believers. Only now are they telling them what is good for sound living in Christ.
 
With these prescriptions laid out for the Gentiles, the letter ends with, “Farewell.” It is a word found only here in Scripture, rhónnumi. It is a perfect imperative literally meaning “Be strong.” As it is a perfect imperative, it gives the sense of “you have been strengthened and so remain strengthened.”
 
Life application: The council has written to believers who may or may not have previously received any of this instruction. Paul and Barnabas likely told them not to be sexually immoral. If they did, it is still unknown which of the other prohibitions they had previously conveyed to those they had talked to. And yet, these Gentiles were saved.
 
Suddenly, they are now told things that they may have not been previously told. Does that mean they were not “really saved” until they started obeying the precepts laid down by the council? Of course not! And more, if they decide to obey only three of the four, does that mean they will lose their salvation? Of course not. The council never even hints at such a notion.
 
The issue of salvation is not the same as that of learning what one is to do after he is saved. And yet, the categorical boxes are constantly overlapped by people during their evangelistic efforts. It is as common as shells in the ocean for people to tell about Jesus, explain that He died for our sins and that all we need to do is to believe that message to be saved, citing Ephesians 2:8, 9, and then to say, “And so you need to repent of your sins and He will save you.”
 
This is a huge problem because the person, at this point, may not even know what sins he is committing. In fact, unless he is discipled, he may never know what things he is doing to offend God. And yet, the person evangelizing him has just added turning from every sin in the person’s life as a condition for salvation. It is totally unscriptural, and it is not the gospel.
 
A person is saved by believing that Christ died for His sins, was buried, and rose again. That is what saves. The sin in the person’s life is forgiven upon belief. Now, after that has occurred, the person can start to learn what he has done wrong or what he needs to keep from doing.
 
For example, that saved person may have never had sex in his life. So, he doesn’t need to “repent” of that, meaning change his mind about fornication. But more, the person who led him to Christ never gave him a copy of the Bible and never told him that having sex outside of marriage is wrong. And so three weeks later, he has his first encounter with a woman. Is he saved? Did he lose his salvation?
 
Think this through. In such matters, one can only do what he is instructed to do. Keep the categorical boxes separate so that confusion in thinking does not arise.
 
Lord God, help us to never taint the pure gospel by adding to it. Rather, help us to tell people what it takes to be saved. And then, Lord, help us to instruct the saved about what it means to live a holy life in Your presence. May we do these things so that the people of the church are built up soundly in You. To Your glory, we pray! Amen.

Acts 15:28

Wednesday, 29 March 2023
 
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: Acts 15:28
 
The previous verses contained the contents of the letter sent from Jerusalem to the churches in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. They have explained the overall reason for sending the letter and who was bringing the approved decision of the council in support of the position of Barnabas and Paul. Now, the specific directives that will be levied upon the church are to be noted in the next two verses. That begins with the words, “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit.”
 
For the third time since verse 15:22, the word dokeó is used. It signifies “what seems to be.” In verse 15:22, it seemed good to the apostles, elders, and the whole church in Jerusalem to send word to the churches concerning the council’s decision. In verse 15:25, it seemed good to send chosen men along with Barnabas and Paul. Now, it says it seemed good to the Holy Spirit what will be presented as guidelines for the Gentiles.
 
This word, dokeó, is where the modern term dogma is derived from. The decision of the council, the words of this letter, are what seemed good to the Holy Spirit. This is based on the promise that the Spirit would guide the decisions of the apostles as indicated by Jesus in John –
 
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.” John 16:12-15
 
It is obvious to the council that the Holy Spirit had accepted the Gentiles. That was evidenced as far back as Acts 8, confirmed in Acts 10, and had been reaffirmed repeatedly as reported by Barnabas and Paul. That is not what is being conveyed here. Rather, the words are based on what will be said. With this understood, the letter continues, saying, “and to us.”
 
This reflects what was referred to in verse 15:22 above. The decision of the council was agreed upon and that decision was to be conveyed to the Gentiles. Said plainly, they were being obedient to what the Holy Spirit had set forth through the inspiration process. Understanding this, the words continue with, “to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.”
 
In other words, there are things now to be set forth that the Gentiles were to follow through with. As noted in a previous commentary, these are written now, but there is nothing to suggest that they could not later be modified with proper instruction. Such modification will be seen in the epistles when Paul gives an explanation concerning foods sacrificed to idols, what to do with sexually immoral members of the church, etc.
 
For the time being, these few judgments are given to avoid any conflict that might arise between Jewish and Gentile believers. As Cambridge says, “They put forward therefore this unerring guide as the warrant for their decree. And as they at the suggestion of the Spirit were laying aside their longstanding prejudices against intercourse with Gentiles, they claim that the Gentiles in their turn should deal tenderly with the scruples of Jews.”
 
The council’s words call the judgments necessary. Albert Barnes gives three logical reasons for this –
 
(1) In order to preserve the peace of the church.(2) to conciliate the minds of the Jewish converts, Acts 15:21.(3) in their circumstances particularly, because the crime which is specified - licentiousness was one to which all early converts were especially exposed.
 
As the things to be mandated now seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and yet Paul further clarifies them as he is led by the Spirit, it means that they are temporary measures awaiting further, more precise, attention. As Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles, it is fitting that those clarifications should come through him.
 
Life application: Of the words of this verse that say, “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us,” Charles Ellicott states, “The words have since become almost a formula for the decrees of councils and synods, often used most recklessly when those decrees bore most clearly the marks of human policy and passion.”
 
Because of this, Bishop Wordsworth says, “It cannot be held that councils of the Church now are entitled to adopt the words of the text in the framing of canons.”
 
This is true to an extent. But what is that extent? There must be some measure by which an individual, a church, or a denomination can claim that something seems good to the Holy Spirit. There is, and that measure is the completed word of God. It is as common as bees in a hive for denominations today to claim that they are being led by the Holy Spirit at their annual conferences. The pope, likewise, will often toss in the supposed presence of the Holy Spirit when referring to his decisions or those of the gathering of the church.
 
But such decisions cannot “seem good to the Holy Spirit” if they are in conflict with the completed word breathed out by the Holy Spirit. Thus, the measure and the standard by which any decision concerning man’s spiritual conduct before God must be the Bible.
 
This is another of the many reasons why it is untrue that people are receiving revelation from God today. People constantly claim that they are being given prophetic utterances, directions from God directly into their heads, inspiration concerning calculations about the timing of the rapture and other end-time events, and so forth. These cannot be true. The only time such words concerning God are true is if they can be validated by going to Scripture.
 
Be immovable in your thinking about these things. If God has said in His word that “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority,” then no calculation concerning the timing of the rapture will ever be of God. He has said we won’t know. Therefore, such information cannot be derived even from the Bible itself. As God has forbidden homosexuality in the word, then it cannot be that God will condone it in the church today.
 
The Bible is the standard. It is the breathed-out word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit. And it is sufficient for the conduct of our lives as we live them out in the presence of God.
 
O God, help us to think clearly and rationally concerning Your word. Help us not to fall into the error of thinking anything which is contrary to what is recorded there. It is not for us to claim what Your word has not allowed. And so, Lord, may we hold fast to Your word alone for our conduct, doctrine, and walk before you. Amen.