BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 24:4

Friday, 26 January 2024
 
Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. Acts 24:4
 
The words more literally read, “And so not upon you further I should hinder, I implore you to hear us briefly, in your indulgence” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the orator Tertullus completed his opening platitudes to Felix. He now transitions towards the main argument against Paul. His words are suited to an orator, some being rare or uncommon. He begins with, “And so not upon you further I should hinder.”
 
The words imply that he could go on and on about Felix and how great he is. However, he doesn’t want to be a continued hindrance to his obviously busy schedule as governor. As Felix was such a busy and important man, Tertullus didn't want his continued accolades to keep him from his job of governing.
 
His statement introduces a new word to Scripture, egkoptó. It is a verb signifying to hinder or interrupt. As the mood of the verb is subjunctive, it gives the sense of “should hinder.” With that said, he continues with, “I implore you to hear us briefly.”
 
This is the second and last use of suntomós in the New Testament. It is an adverb giving the sense of cutting something short through conciseness or promptness. However, the first use of the word (Mark 16:20) is only found in some manuscripts.
 
In this case, Tertullus intensifies the previous clause – “So I don’t hinder you, please hear us briefly.” He then further intensifies the thought by finishing with, “in your indulgence.”
 
Again, another new word is introduced, epieikeia. It is an intensification of what is fair or equitable. Thus, it is a petition for going beyond what would be expected. It is defined by HELPS Word Studies as “(‘true equity’) is a ‘sweet reasonableness’ that knows when to ‘relax the strict legal requirements concerning others . . . to carry out the real spirit of the law.’”
 
In essence, the sense of Tertullus’ words is, “O great governor, we know how precious your time is, so we are cutting short our praises, we are asking just a short petition of our grievances, and we know that even in that – which is our rightful due – we must petition for your indulgence in the matter.”
 
Tertullus is really slathering on the butter in his words to the governor. His obvious talent as an orator is evident in the choice of words he uses.
 
Life application: The sweet-tongued words of Tertullus have taken up three verses. It may be that Felix accepted them as deserving of his supposedly great position, or it may be that Felix was chuckling inside at the verbal groveling he was hearing.
 
Either way, the words are unnecessarily verbose and are of no real value in the case to be presented against Paul. This is often the situation with people who have an invalid or weak argument concerning their stand on a position concerning some particular matter.
 
Be attentive to how things are presented, and you can often get a feeling for the soundness of an argument even before you have gotten to the substance of what is being said. If someone uses technical or complicated words, it is often intended to make him appear smarter on a given subject than others.
 
If a person states his qualifications, it is often an attempt to promote himself, even if his argument is weak. By saying, “As a doctor of theology, my position on this matter is...” the person is trying to get the upper hand even before presenting his position.
 
These types of approaches are known as fallacies. Anything that obscures an argument diminishes another’s view even before it is heard, sideswipes the main argument, etc., is a fallacy. From time to time, read up on the various fallacies that exist. This will help keep your mind attuned to illogical or underhanded presentations that arise in general discourse.
 
Lord God, Your word says that You desire truth in the inward parts of man. Help us to be truthful inwardly so that what we say outwardly will be a true reflection of who we are and what we believe. Keep us from silly arguments and presentations that do not convey the truth. May our inner convictions be revealed in honesty and faithfulness. Amen.

Acts 24:3

Thursday, 25 January 2024
 
“we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Acts 24:3
 
The Greek more literally reads, “Both entirely and everywhere we welcome, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Tertullus began his accusation against Paul. It was a butter-up job to hide the fact that they really have no case against him in any matter that Rome would be interested in. The spreading of the butter now continues with “Both entirely and everywhere.”
 
He uses a word found only here in Scripture, panté. Some translations say “always.” However, it is generally accepted that it doesn't mean “always” as in time, but rather “all ways” as in scope. Therefore, the single word “entirely” is more definitive.
 
As such, the “entirely and everywhere” of this verse are tied to the “great peace” and the “reformations” of the previous verse. Understanding that, the words of Tertullus continue with “we welcome.”
 
Considering that the Jews’ hatred of the Roman rule over them permeated the entire society, the words must have been a bitter pill to even utter. For Felix, it was probably a point of great happiness to see the leaders of Israel, along with their authorized representative, groveling before him with such platitudes. Next, Tertullus says, “most excellent Felix.”
 
The word translated as “most excellent” is the same as that found in Acts 23:26 in the introduction of the letter from Claudius Lysias to Felix. It will be used one more time in Acts when spoken during formal discourse with the appointed governor. It is an adjective coming from kratos, a word signifying might, strength, dominion, power, etc. Thus, it literally means “strongest.” With that stated, Tertullus ends this introduction, saying, “with all thankfulness.”
 
A satire could not put forth words more painfully expressed. Of them, John Gill says, “this was all a farce, mere artifice, and wretched flattery.” Tertullus and the entire body of elders who were there before Felix were probably clenching their teeth in disgust, while Felix was probably smiling and on the verge of bursting out in condescending laughter.
 
Life application: In reading and considering the words of Tertullus, and while thinking about the unnecessary kowtowing that he did before the Roman authorities, you can then consider your own choice of words should such a circumstance ever arise in your life.
 
The words of Solomon, when speaking of our own choice of words before God, give direction that is suitable to any such circumstance –
 
“Do not be rash with your mouth,And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God.For God is in heaven, and you on earth;Therefore let your words be few.3 For a dream comes through much activity,And a fool’s voice is known by his many words.” Ecclesiastes 5:2, 3
 
The only things Tertullus has accomplished with his opening statement are to waste time and look foolish. He has brought embarrassment to himself. What is more, it is recorded for all to see and learn from. When addressing others in such a forum, keep your words to the minimum and be open and direct about the matter at hand. In this, your wisdom will be seen and appreciated by the wise.
 
Lord God Almighty, help us to not be babblers or smooth talkers. May our words be precise and effective, especially when dealing with others. May our conversations about You, such as when we share the good news, be carefully constructed to convey the proper meaning intended by You for the conversion of the soul. Help us in such things, O God. Amen.

Acts 24:2

Wednesday, 24 January 2024
 
And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, Acts 24:2
 
A literal translation is, “And he, having been called, Tertullus began accusing, saying, ‘Great peace we are attaining through you. And reformations are being done to this nation through your foresight’” (CG).
 
The previous verse opened the chapter noting that Ananias, the high priest, came down to Caesarea with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus to give evidence to the governor against Paul. It now says, “And he, having been called, Tertullus began accusing.”
 
Tertullus, the orator, will speak on behalf of the entire delegation. This is what is customary in such proceedings. Anything else would naturally lead to a chaotic session where everyone was interjecting. Therefore, Tertullus alone began the discourse, “saying, ‘Great peace we are attaining through you.’”
 
Verses 2-4 are given as an introduction to the charges as a way of gaining favor with Felix. This is in hopes of winning him to their side before the actual charges are even given.
 
Scholars agree that the things Tertullus focuses on are pretty much the only things worth focusing on. Other than this, there was truly nothing to compliment about the governor. His first item of presentation is that of the people having obtained great peace.
 
This is obviously not the type of peace that the Jews would have asked for. It was a forced peace through the strength of the Roman Empire. However, it would have been a true statement, nonetheless. The Jews were subjugated to Roman authority, and the Pax Romana was forced upon them, as it was throughout the empire. Next, Tertullus notes, “And reformations are being done to this nation.”
 
Here is found a new word in Scripture, translated as “reformations,” diorthosis. It is found only here and in Hebrews 9:10. It comes from dia and orthos (through and upright). Some translations say, “worthy deeds,” “excellent measures,” or something similar. It is a noun signifying improvements, reformations, etc. Being plural, “reformations” provides the proper sense.
 
Next, Tertullus says to the governor that these were done “through your foresight.” It is another new word in Scripture, pronoia. It is a noun derived from the verb pronoeó, to foresee. The word is described by Ellicott –
 
“The Greek word had at this time, like the English, a somewhat higher sense than ‘prudence’ or ‘forethought.’ Men spoke then, as now, of the ‘providence’ of God, and the tendency to clothe the emperors with quasi-divine attributes led to the appearance of this word—'the providence of Cæsar’—on their coins and on medals struck in their honour. Tertullus, after his manner, goes one step further, and extends the term to the procurator of Judæa.”
 
The Geneva Bible notes that “Felix ruled that province with great cruelty and covetousness, and yet Josephus records that he did many worthy things, such as taking Eleazar the captain of certain cutthroats, and put that deceiving wretch the Egyptian to flight, who caused great troubles in Judea.”
 
In other words, Tertullus is using carefully selected words to butter up the governor in hopes of obtaining a favorable verdict for his side. Through his efforts, there was at least peace, which led to prosperity, even if it was under the oppressive hand of Roman rule.
 
Life application: So far, everything Tertullus said has been irrelevant to the case against Paul. His approach, then, is already one that demonstrates their main argument will lack substance, at least from the perspective of Roman authority.
 
This type of presentation is not at all uncommon, and it should be watched for in any forum. People who come in and begin with comments irrelevant to the main subject of attention are often doing so to distract the mind from that main subject. Perceiving this type of approach, and mentally standing against it until the main arguments are presented, will keep you in a stronger position to cut out the superfluous fat in order to challenge whatever main point is then introduced.
 
Be aware of such things. They may seem innocuous, but they usually come when a logical argument is lacking, or someone who is involved in what is being said is a target for misdirection and deception.
 
Lord God Almighty, when we are presented with challenges to Your word or to who You are as the Creator and Sovereign over our lives, help us to identify fallacious thinking or invalid points of argumentation and to focus on the main substance of what is being addressed. Sometimes, it is hard to see where people are going until it is too late. So, help us to have wisdom as we defend our faith in You. Amen.

Acts 24:1

Tuesday, 23 January 2024
 
Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul. Acts 24:1
 
Chapter 24 enters into the hearing that Felix promised Paul in the preceding verse. That begins with, “Now after five days.”
 
This five-day period is probably from the time of Paul’s departure from Jerusalem. At that same time, the council would have been informed, and they would have begun preparations for a case against him.
 
This is the likely scenario because it was twelve days since Paul's arrival in Jerusalem, as will be seen in verse 24:11. Therefore, the timeline is better reckoned from the departure from Jerusalem and not from the last events of chapter 23.
 
Regardless of this, the five-day period sees the coming of a delegation to testify against Paul. Of them, Luke records that “Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus.”
 
As always, when a trip is made from Jerusalem, the term “came down” or “descended” is used. Because the Lord’s temple is in Jerusalem, it is considered as the highest place on earth from a legal and royal perspective. He being the King of kings and Lord of lords.
 
Likewise, when going to Jerusalem from anywhere else, it is an ascent regardless of direction or elevation. The word used to describe Tertullus is rhétór. This is its only use in Scripture. It signifies an orator, public speaker, or an advocate. Today, we use the words rhetoric, rhetorically, etc. These are etymologically derived from this ancient Greek word.
 
As for Tertullus, he would have the eloquence of a toastmaster. Ellicott describes the rhétór –
 
“Men of this class were to be found in most of the provincial towns of the Roman empire, ready to hold a brief for plaintiff or defendant, and bringing to bear the power of their glib eloquence, as well as their knowledge of Roman laws, on the mind of the judge.”
 
Of this delegation that has arrived, it next says, “These gave evidence to the governor against Paul.”
 
The word translated as “gave evidence” is emphanizó. It signifies to appear, declare, make visible, etc. In this case, it is being used in a technical sense. In essence, it is a formal indictment being made against Paul. One might more accurately say that they litigated against Paul. They are set to disclose the charges against him that have been decided upon.
 
Of this verse, the Geneva Bible says, “Hypocrites, when they can not do what they want to do by force and deceit, at length they go about to accomplish it by a show of law.”
 
Life application: Think of what has happened to Paul. These miscreants had initiated a sort of coup against him in the temple, stirring up the masses against him and stealing away his rights in the process. The only thing that saved him from disaster was that he was found to be Roman by the barracks commander.
 
From there, they plotted against him to kill him. That plot was discovered, and Paul was safely conducted out of Jerusalem. Now, because they have been ineffective in laying hands on him any other way, they are set to bring false charges against him to keep him from spreading his message of freedom in Christ any further.
 
The parallel between what has happened thus far and what has happened to President Donald Trump is quite similar. There are certain ways that people will react when they cannot get their way. They will follow the same patterns again and again in history to meet whatever the present circumstances are that they find displeasing.
 
But this isn’t just with leaders. Eventually, the persecution continues even to those who are inspired by the leader. In the case of Paul, it started with Jesus. It continued to His apostles. From there, it continued to the people who accepted the apostles’ message. Paul was supernaturally pulled from that by a personal appearance of Jesus. But then the persecution against him began.
 
In our world today, the communists on the left have fought against conservative ideology. They have then targeted the leader of the conservative movement that was most likely to harm their globalist agenda. With that goal seemingly realized, they began targeting his supporters.
 
Only with a massive amount of public support has this wave of communism been fought against. Will it be turned around? Only time will tell. If not, the political persecution will very quickly become a persecution of the religious lives of the people they are targeting. This is because faith in God is diametrically opposed to communist ideology. It must be terminated for the communists to prevail.
 
Be ready to stand on your priorities, whatever they are. If they include Jesus, be ready to face what so many have faced before you. Faith in Christ will eventually be something considered intolerable and worthy of death. Even now, that is on the minds of these miscreants.
 
Lord God, we know that the end times will be difficult for those who hold fast to faith in You. We don’t know the timing of the rapture, and so we don’t know at what point we may have to face persecution because of what we believe. Should it come to pass, may we be faithful to stand and proclaim the Name of Jesus as our ultimate hope and passion. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.
 

Acts 23:35

Monday, 22 January 2024
 
he said, “I will hear you when your accusers also have come.” And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium. Acts 23:35
 
The Greek more literally reads, “‘I will thoroughly hear you, he said, when your accusers also may have arrived,’ having commanded him to be guarded in the Praetorium of Herod” (CG).
 
The previous verse flows into this one, having ended with the words, “and having learned that from Cilicia.” That thought now continues with, “I will thoroughly hear you.”
 
Whatever the correct interpretation of Paul’s standing was concerning his being from Cilicia, as discussed in the previous verse, it was sufficient for Felix to accept responsibility for the investigation.
 
Apparently, there would be no conflict in his doing so. The word translated as “I will thoroughly hear you” is diakouó. It comes from dia, “through,” and akouo, “a hearing.” This is its only use in the Bible. It is obvious when connecting the two words that a “thorough hearing” in a judicial sense is what is intended.
 
The questions from Felix thus far were only preparatory, and Paul would be given an entire and thorough chance to speak when those who accused him might come before him. That is seen in what Luke next records, “he said, ‘when your accusers also may have arrived.’”
 
Felix continues his thoughts using an aorist subjunctive verb. In other words, “when this, then this.” The anticipated trial is wholly dependent on the coming of his accusers. If none come, then there will be no trial. Every protection for Paul’s status as a Roman citizen is being afforded to him. Therefore, it next says, “having commanded him to be guarded in the Praetorium of Herod.”
 
Herod’s Praetorium was built by Herod the Great. A great deal of this building is still standing today. The praetorium itself was a judgment hall. Paul was to be kept in that area, but in this case the word translated as “guarded” apparently does not imply being held as a prisoner.
 
He would have been granted the respect of his citizenship while he awaited the trial to come. Thus, the act of guarding was less for the sake of keeping him bound as a prisoner than it was to keep him safe and secure as a citizen.
 
Life application: It has become evident in the UK and the US that being a citizen does not carry the same protections that it once did. Being a Christian who accepts the Bible as authoritative places a person at odds with the ruling authorities who reject the notion of the God who judges in righteousness.
 
Therefore, arresting citizens and holding them without due process under trumped up charges is becoming more common. The legal system does fight back against this, but all it will take is minor tweaks in the structure of these governments for even that to change.
 
From here on out, Christians must be willing to accept the fact that the faith they possess will be challenged by wholly corrupted leaders who are willing to test the true metal of those who profess their faith. Many will yield and deny what they have claimed all along. Others will be willing to hold fast to Jesus with all their hearts and souls.
 
The difference will be found in how they have been instructed on the salvation they have received and what that means for their future in Christ’s presence. Those who hold the absolute assurance that their faith is grounded on reality will be much more likely to put their lives aside now for the greater and eternal glory that lies ahead.
 
Be ready! The time may not be far off. When it comes, decisions will have to be made. Where do you intend to stand should the Lord tarry in His coming?
 
We praise You, Lord God! Nothing in this life compares to what You have promised Your people in the life to come, which is true life in Christ. In that day, give us the strength and fortitude to stand on the truth of Your word, never compromising with those who hate You and the doctrines You have conveyed to us in Your word. Yes, Lord, be with us. And we know You will be. Hallelujah and amen.

Acts 23:34

Sunday, 21 January 2024
 
And when the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia, Acts 23:34
 
In the Greek, the words are full of participles, and the sentence remains incomplete until the next verse. More literally, it reads, “And the governor having read, and having asked from what province he is, and having learned that from Cilicia” (CG).
 
The previous verse told of the arrival of the Roman horsemen in Caesarea, where they delivered the letter to the governor and presented Paul to him. That next continues with, “And the governor having read.”
 
One can imagine the situation. The soldiers, along with Paul, were conducted into the main area where the governor sat. The letter bearer would have come forward, probably not saying a word but simply presenting the letter. Then, he would have stood at attention while the letter was read. Once the governor read it, it next says, “and having asked from what province he is.”
 
Luke begins the clause with an aorist participle and then uses a present tense verb, thus bringing the reader right into the proceedings – “What is his status?”
 
The question as to where Paul was from would have been the normal way of validating jurisdiction and being able to ascertain more information about the person at hand. This is the same thing that occurs in Luke 23:6. In the US, it is common for a similar question to be asked, such as, “What state are you from?”
 
We are not told who gave the response. It only says, “and having learned that from Cilicia.” There are a couple of possibilities concerning his question. Cambridge says –
 
“Cilicia had been at one time, and perhaps still was, attached to the province of Syria. It was so in the time of Quirinus. This will explain why at once Felix without question decided that, at the proper time, he would hear the cause.”
 
If Cilicia was not attached to Syria, then a formal note would probably have been sent out for either permission to try the case or to determine what they wanted to do with the matter. On the other hand, Vincent's Word Studies says that rather than asking what province Paul was from, his words ek poias eparchias signify “from what kind of a province?” 
 
In other words, Vincent’s Word Studies is stating that in this situation, the word poios is intended to mean “of what sort,” not merely “which.” As such, he is trying to determine if the province is senatorial or imperial. Cilicia was an imperial province.
 
Life application: The question concerning Paul’s province may seem irrelevant to us until we consider that the same type of question is asked of accused criminals thousands of times a day. What was the crime? Where was it perpetrated? What is the citizenship of the person who committed it? What is the legal status of the person who committed it?
 
All of these things must be determined before someone can be properly processed and tried. If a person is from Japan, something is learned about him. If he is in the US on a student visa, something more is now known. If he came here illegally, on a green card, or with diplomatic privileges, it makes a difference in whether he can even be charged at all.
 
Luke is carefully recording what happened so that the status of Paul in the coming verses will be more properly understood. Seemingly unimportant details may be extremely important if someone wants to question the Bible’s authenticity. A person who is well-informed about how legal matters were conducted in the Roman empire at Paul’s time may say, “This isn’t at all how things worked. The Bible is wrong.”
 
But with Luke carefully presenting what occurred, such arguments can be laid to rest. Therefore, should you come across such accusations, be sure to not just accept them at face value. Rather, because commentaries have been faithfully composed covering every verse in Scripture, there is a good chance that you will find one that covers exactly what you are looking for.
 
So carefully has the Bible been studied that even the nuances of single words – their tense, gender, etc., are carefully considered and commented on. Be sure that this word has been meticulously looked over and challenged. And yet, the brightest minds in history have concluded that this is, in fact, the sure word of God.
 
Heavenly Father, Your word is a gloriously constructed marvel of wisdom. It is presented to the world as a testament that You are truly working within the stream of time and human existence to reconcile man back to Yourself. Thank You for the elaborate and intricate detail of Your wonderful, superior word. Amen.

Acts 23:33

Saturday, 20 January 2024
 
When they came to Caesarea and had delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him.  Acts 23:33
 
More literally, the words read, “Who, having entered into Caesarea, and having delivered the letter to the governor, also presented Paul to him” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it noted that the soldiers returned to Jerusalem, but the horsemen stayed with Paul in order to conduct him the rest of the way to Caesarea. Now, referring to these horsemen, it says, “Who, having entered into Caesarea.”
 
It would have been an impressive sight for the people of the city to see seventy horsemen arrayed in Roman colors marching a single man into the city, carefully guarding him as they went. Like the procession of a presidential limousine today, the people would have stopped to gawk. Upon arriving at their destination, it next says, “and having delivered the letter to the governor.”
 
Interestingly, Paul’s name is mentioned a total of sixteen times in this chapter, but in the letter from Claudius Lysias, it is never declared. As such, it was up to the testimony of those who conducted him to say, “This is the man.” Therefore, it next says that they “also presented Paul to him.”
 
As there was a whole contingent of horsemen, they could testify that the right man had been safely delivered into the care of the authorities.
 
Life application: The word is a wonderful gift to us from the mind of God. As you read it, be sure to think about why things are included in it. Stopping to do short word studies, counting the number of times things are mentioned, or doing short topical studies will open up new avenues of thought that may never have been contemplated before.
 
Also, let your mind wander into what things might have been like. Considering such things as the majestic, stately, or terrifying march of horses into a city, a battle, or across a desert area will make the word come alive in your mind. Let the word come alive to you in wonderful ways.
 
Your time in the word will only be as interesting as you make it. So be sure to make it interesting!
 
Lord God, thank You for Your wonderful word. And, above all, thank You for Jesus, who is revealed to us in this precious word! Amen.

Acts 23:32

Friday, 19 January 2024
 
The next day they left the horsemen to go on with him, and returned to the barracks. Acts 23:32
 
More literally, the words read, “And the morrow, having allowed the horsemen to go with him, they returned to the barracks” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the detachment of soldiers took Paul out of Jerusalem to Antipatris. Now, the narrative continues, saying, “And the morrow.”
 
Scholars debate whether this means it is the next day from Jerusalem or from Antipatris. Being a forced march, it is most probably from Jerusalem. Thus, the entire trip was done in a single day. Further, Cambridge notes that “The original has a conjunction which the Rev. Ver. represents by ‘But.’ These men would return to Jerusalem again on the day of the intended plot.”
 
Because of the use of the conjunction, which can be translated as and, but, now, etc., it is more probable that this is referring to the next day from Jerusalem. Further, some translations add in the word “on” before “morrow” or “next day.” That will also cause confusion. It is most likely the first day after leaving Jerusalem that it next says, “having allowed the horsemen to go with him, they returned to the barracks.”
 
The four hundred soldiers and spearmen went directly back to Jerusalem. Thus, they would be in Jerusalem when the original plot against Paul was supposed to occur. These soldiers would have had a very long time without sleep before all went back to normal. The seventy horsemen would be more than sufficient to conduct Paul the rest of the way swiftly and safely.
 
This account shows us the immense size of the force that must have been kept in Jerusalem. If almost 500 were dispatched for this one incident, there were many more who remained to keep the peace and to perform the normal functions Rome required.
 
Life application: For such a short and simple verse, one would think the translators would be willing to carefully look at the Greek, notice there was an opening conjunction, and say, “This is a necessary part of God’s word,” and include it in the translation.
 
But translations as far back as Tyndale (1526), the Bishop’s Bible (1568), and the King James (1611) arbitrarily omit it. By doing so, an ambiguity in the wording arises, and debates arise concerning which day Paul was escorted. It’s not an issue that someone should lose sleep over, but because of the poor translation, varying thoughts are unnecessarily bandied about concerning what is being said.
 
So why would this conjunction have been left off? It may have been to make the verse flow better in English. Reading a literal translation can be awkward because the words fit together in a clunky fashion. But this is not an excuse to arbitrarily skip necessary words.
 
When you come to a conflict in translations, before deciding on a final analysis that may be wrong because of one translation or another, try checking the original manuscript. Carefully consider what is being conveyed. Unlike Acts 23:32, faulty translations of some verses can lead to very poor theological positions being held. Study! Stand approved in what you accept.
 
Glorious Lord God, the more we study Your word, the more delightful it is to our minds. It is like a well of deep waters that are sweet and refreshing. Help us to read it, cherish it, and carefully study its contents all the days of our lives. To Your glory! Amen.

Acts 23:31

Thursday, 18 January 2024
 
Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. Acts 23:31
 
A more literal rendering is, “Then, indeed, the soldiers according to that having been appointed them, having taken up Paul, brought through night to Antipatris” (CG).
 
With the letter from the commander fully detailed by Luke, it next says, “Then, indeed, the soldiers according to that having been appointed them.”
 
The plan was previously detailed. When the commander completed his letter, the soldiers were assembled according to their previously arranged assignment, and Paul was brought out of the barracks to where the soldiers awaited him. At that point, it next says, “having taken up Paul.”
 
In verse 24, the centurions were instructed to provide mounts to set Paul on. This is what is now taking place. He is taken up onto his mount for the journey and “brought through night to Antipatris.”
 
Antipatris was previously called Cafar-Saba. It is mentioned by Flavius Josephus in his writings. Herod the Great had its name changed to Antipatris to honor his father Antipater. It is about thirty-five miles north and west of Jerusalem and still another twenty-six miles south and east of Caesarea.
 
Today it is known as Kefr-Saba, having reverted back to its original name. The majority of the trip from Jerusalem would be somewhat downhill from the hill country of Ephraim and into the plain of Sharon.
 
If they went all night, which seems likely, they could have reached this by 6 or 7 the next morning. The rest of the trip would take about six hours until they reached Caesarea. If they stopped for an extended break, they could have been there by sometime in the afternoon.
 
Life application: The Bible isn’t just a book that tells of arbitrary events that may or may not be true. It details events that can be verified, including locations, names of those locations, structures that existed in those locations, events that are recorded to have happened in those same locations (like certain details of battles where evidence is readily available), and so forth.
 
There is no reason to assume that the events of a battle that are recorded in the Bible are true but that the details of the lives of those people – as recorded at the time of those battles – are merely myths. Rather, when it says that a city is besieged by the Assyrians, something that can be verified as true, and that the king said and did certain things at that time, we should assume that those things are also true.
 
This is true with events like Paul’s situation that is now being detailed in Acts. If Luke correctly recorded all of the verifiable information, like names of cities, names of certain officials, distances between locations, etc., then what he says about Paul’s personal matters would have been equally well-researched.
 
Have confidence that what you are reading is accurate and reliable. This is especially so because it is recorded in God’s word. Why would God allow something false or misleading to be included there? He wouldn’t! Trust the word because God is trustworthy.
 
Heavenly Father, may we be confident in Your word, knowing that it has been checked, rechecked, and then checked again throughout the time since it was received. Even today, new evidence of its reliability is being discovered. Thank You for the surety we can possess concerning Your word. And, thus, thank You for the surety we can possess concerning what it says about Jesus! Hallelujah for the story of the coming of our Lord. Amen.

Acts 23:30

Wednesday, 17 January 2024
 
And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against him. Farewell. Acts 23:30
 
The Greek, though a bit clunky, more literally reads, “And, having been revealed to me a plot, about to be by the Jews, against the man, I sent immediately unto you, having also instructed the accusers to say these against him before you. Be strong” (CG).
 
In his letter to Felix, the commander just noted that he found that there was nothing charged against Paul deserving of death or chains. Because of this, he next writes, “And, having been revealed to me a plot, about to be by the Jews, against the man.”
 
The commander, Claudius Lysias, appears to be the epitome of rational thinking. He perceived trouble at the beginning and saved Paul. As the trouble hadn’t ceased, he again saves him by directing the things he now is writing to Felix.
 
This second half of the account is at least truthful. It also sets Paul as an honorable person being troubled by the seditious Jews who would even dare to harm a Roman citizen and thus make an implicit attack on the government. Thus, as a Roman military officer, he places the Roman priorities above any favor he had curried with the Jews since being assigned in Jerusalem.
 
This is certainly the intent of his words. He is looking for Felix’s favor by showing his allegiance to Rome above all else. As Paul is also Roman, and to demonstrate his care for his fellow citizens, he next writes, “I sent immediately unto you.”
 
Paul will be safely conducted with a large force of soldiers. Even after getting safely out of the local area, a sizeable portion of them will continue the trek to Caesarea. When Paul arrives safely, this show of force would be considered a notable aspect of the commander’s care for his charge. Along with that, he tells Felix, “having also instructed the accusers to say these against him before you.”
 
It is apparent that by his letter, he wants Paul looked at in a favorable light so that Paul’s original mistreatment will never come to light. The note of him commanding the accusers to state the charges before Felix probably means that he composed two letters at the same time. The first was this letter to Felix, and the second would have been dispatched to the Jewish council once Paul was safely out of the area.
 
Thus, this letter explains why Paul was sent to Caesarea and why his journey included such a large contingent of soldiers. With that, he closes out the letter with a word not found in all manuscripts, saying, “Be strong.”
 
In many manuscripts, it is the second and last use of the word rhónnumi. It was first used to close out the letter from the council in Jerusalem to the Gentile church in Acts 15:29. It is a verb that literally signifies to strengthen or be strong. Being a perfect imperative, it literally gives the sense of “you have been strengthened and so remain strengthened.”
 
Life application: There is no note of the commander having ever come to Christ. Therefore, it is likely that if he did, it would have been after Paul’s time with him. During his time interacting with Paul, he placed his highest priority on discharging his duties as a Roman officer.
 
He was careful to ensure his account that the things that would make him favorable in the eyes of those above him, hoping they would notice his deeds and look favorably upon him. For those in Christ, our highest priority should be doing those things that exalt the Lord above all else.
 
However, in doing this, we will actually be doing our very best to perform our duties in all other areas to the very best of our abilities. This is because in wanting to honor the Lord, we will conduct all other aspects of our lives in the most noble way possible. Only when there is a conflict between our allegiance to the Lord and conducting our duties should this not be the case.
 
Today, we may be asked to compromise our faith to meet a liberal, woke agenda. We should never cave to this sort of perversion. Instead, we should use our rights as Christians to work against such things. We should even do it to the full extent of our ability. This will be what is most honoring to the name of the Lord. In all things, let us consider the Lord being glorified through our actions as our highest priority.
 
O God, we may have challenges set before us that ask us to compromise our position as Christians. Help us never to cave to such things. Rather, give us wisdom and strength to stand against anything that may hinder our relationship with You. In the end, we must give an account for our actions when we come before You. May what we do be right and pleasing so that we are prepared to do so. Amen.
 

Acts 23:29

Tuesday, 16 January 2024
 
I found out that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but had nothing charged against him deserving of death or chains. Acts 23:29
 
The tense of the verbs needs tweaking. The Greek reads, “Whom I found being accused about questions of their law and having no accusation worthy of death or chains” (CG).
 
The commander’s letter to Felix, the governor, about Paul continues, saying, “Whom I found being accused about questions of their law.”
 
The words, “questions of their law,” mean that there was nothing involved that Rome would care about. Instead, it was a matter of the interpretation of Jewish law and not something that was defined by the courts of Rome.
 
The Jewish people had been given authority to worship their God as they chose. Any internal strife concerning rites, interpretations, authorized teachers, etc. in relation to the law was left solely up to those in charge of such religious matters to decide. Because of this, the commander was certain that they were of no concern to Rome. They are what was detailed earlier in this chapter where it said –
 
“But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, ‘Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!’
7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. 8 For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. 9 Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees’ party arose and protested, saying, ‘We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.’” Acts 23:6-9
 
As this was a matter not within the jurisdiction of Roman decision, the commander concluded that Paul was “having no accusation worthy of death or chains.”
 
None of the things he heard were sufficient to bind him, imprison him, or have him executed. And yet, ironically, the things that they discussed are the most important issues that will ever affect the people of the world.
 
Because of the Roman system that was in place at the time, the worldly matters seemed to overshadow the more important spiritual ones, at least in order for Paul to be able to continue his ministry. Here and in all other cases in Acts, no magistrate found any wrongdoing in Paul.
 
Life application: The same situation exists today that existed at the time of Paul’s life under Roman rule. There are those who share the gospel in order to free people from the bonds of sin and the power of the devil. They do this within nations that supposedly have the right to rule over such matters or who are indifferent to such things.
 
And yet, the problem of sin infects every single person on the earth. At the time of the writing of this commentary, there is a major corruption scandal concerning fundraising in Japan. In Germany, there is a corruption scandal concerning gas supplies from Qatar. In the United States, the person in the White House is being investigated for corruption that literally permeates his political life and his family.
 
The same type of sinful behavior is found in one nation after another and in religious institutions around the world, including Christian churches and especially the Vatican, from the pope down to all levels. Some of these entities proclaim that they have authority over what believing Christians can say or how they can say it.
 
This, then, supposedly puts them over God who has given His word and has then instructed believers to share it and teach it. Imagine that! God has allowed humanity to run its own affairs, even if what they decide is set in contrast to His word. This includes churches that are supposed to rightly teach it.
 
And yet, people call God an ogre for telling them that the problem rests within their hearts and that He has done everything necessary to fix it and bring restoration between them and Him. No wonder the world is devolving into total chaos.
 
When the people turn from Him and how He has revealed Himself, it means that only sin is left to rule in their lives. Even the very best governments will fail unless the truth of God in Christ is accepted and allowed to flourish within the society.
 
What a mess the world is in, Lord God. Nations have cast off any sense of Christian morality, and we have turned away from the magnificent message of the gospel. Even churches and denominations are following the path of perversion, accepting profane doctrines to be taught as acceptable. Lord, we know that the coming of Jesus for His people is getting closer each day as we see these things unfold. Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen.

Acts 23:28

Monday, 15 January 2024
 
And when I wanted to know the reason they accused him, I brought him before their council. Acts 23:28
 
The words more literally say, “And desiring to know the charge through which they accused him, I brought him down to their council” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the commander referred to his actions in rescuing Paul, noting that he rescued him, having learned he was a Roman. In his words, he certainly fudged the truth, hiding his inappropriate actions, and changing the facts to highlight his alertness in defense of a fellow Roman. He continues this approach now, saying, “And desiring to know the charge through which they accused him.”
 
Again, the commander will completely omit his first choice of determining the accusations against Paul, which was to tie him up and torture him into a confession. Being such a minor detail, he must have felt sure that no governor could possibly want to know about it ☺.
 
However, the governor would surely want to know about his adeptness at getting to the heart of what was going on. Therefore, he next says, “I brought him down to their council.”
 
The commander’s letter shows a decisive person who takes the necessary action to get to the bottom of a matter with alacrity and alertness, even if that wasn’t exactly how things transpired. What appears to be the case is that he is looking for a year-end bonus or maybe a promotion for his attentiveness and military competence.
 
Life application: Doing what is right and telling the truth concerning a situation is always the best option, even if it may temporarily stain one’s image in the eyes of another. People will generally remember that a person was willing to admit his faults and acknowledge his shortcomings.
 
It’s hard to do, but it also frees up the mind from the lurking possibility that the actual circumstances of what occurred may someday be discovered. But even if they aren’t, and the event is completely forgotten, getting away with an untruth may sear the conscience to tell more lies. This is not a good way to conduct one’s life.
 
In the end, it is best to speak truthfully and be open and honest in one’s life. Above all, the Lord is aware of such things and so we should strive to live honorably and properly in His presence at all times.
 
Lord God, it can be difficult to face our own shortcomings. It can be more difficult to admit them to others. But it is right that we should be open and honest in our dealings with those around us. Help us to consider this and honor You through our words, deeds, and interactions with others. Amen.