BIBLE IN TEN

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.

Acts 23:27

Sunday, 14 January 2024
 
This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. Acts 23:27
 
The words are filled with participles, excitedly filling the statement with action. It more literally reads, “This man, having been seized by the Jews, and being about to be killed by them, having come with the detachment, I rescued him, having learned that he is Roman” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Claudius Lysias, the Roman commander, opened his letter to Felix the governor. He now enters into the main details of the reason for that letter, beginning with, “This man.”
 
In the Greek, Paul is identified as ton andra touton, “the man, this.” Bengel sees this as a way of granting a title of honor. It is again used as the letter closes out in verse 30. The reason for this particular expression is explained by the end of the verse when he is identified further as being Roman. Of him, the letter continues, “having been seized by the Jews.”
 
It was the Jews who seized Paul and started hurling accusations at him. They got into such a lather that he was “about to be killed by them.” The situation practically turned into a riot as the temple doors were shut.
 
Once it was seen that they were about to kill Paul, the Roman garrison was notified, and the soldiers acted, “having come with the detachment.” Were they not to have come immediately, Paul surely would not have survived. However, the commander briefly states, “I rescued him.”
 
Of this word, while citing Bengel, Vincent’s Word Studies says –
 
“Bengel says, ‘a lie.’ Lysias wishes to make the impression that Paul's citizenship was the cause of his rescuing him; whereas he did not know of this until afterward. He says nothing about the proposed scourging.”
 
That untruth is seen in the final words of the verse, “having learned that he is Roman.”
 
It is not a noun, “a Roman.” Rather, it is an adjective, “Roman.” He is highlighting the honor of the state of citizenship and how he carefully defended that aspect of the culture, regardless of any other traits. It would be like saying, “I was willing to defend the citizenship itself, whether he was my best friend or a personal enemy.”
 
Although this isn’t at all what happened with respect to Paul’s Roman citizenship, it is intended to show the commander’s passion for protecting Romans and to preempt any negative comments by Paul concerning his treatment. In essence, he has completely buried his illegal actions towards Paul and is hoping that his wording in this letter will keep them forever buried. Unfortunately, he didn’t know that Luke was such a minute chronicler of the events of life.
 
Life application: Claudius Lysias has presented his actions in the most favorable light, even if they were not completely true. This will continue to be seen in his brief letter. His words are recorded and placed in Scripture for every person who has ever read the Bible to see.
 
How would we act if we knew that every word we spoke and deed we did were being recorded for others to see? Would we say things a little bit differently? Would we refrain from doing certain things and be sure to do other things that we would otherwise leave undone?
 
If we really believe that God is the judge of all men and is omniscient, then our words and deeds are, in fact, being recorded. If we can capture millions of live stream cameras 24 hours a day and keep those recordings in storage for future playback, how much more can we know that God is able to replay every moment of our existence before us!
 
This thought should not scare us, but it should alert us to the fact that God is there and everything we think, say, and do is known to Him. From that knowledge, we should endeavor to live our lives appropriately before Him. Everything we do will be brought to light when we stand before Him –
 
“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
 
“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-11
 
We believed the gospel. The same God that we believe read our hearts at that time is the God who is now monitoring our lives in Christ for eternal rewards. Let our hearts be faithful, and may our actions be in accord with His will, as is set forth for us in Scripture. On the day when we are presented before the Judge, may rewards abound because of it.
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for having heard us on the day we believed the gospel. At that time, You sealed us with Your Spirit and granted us eternal life. Help us to remember that You are still listening and hearing. May our lives now be filled with the same faith that we professed on that day. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.
 

Acts 23:26

Saturday, 13 January 2024
 
Claudius Lysias,To the most excellent governor Felix:Greetings.
 Acts 23:26
 
The narrative previously noted that the commander wrote a letter to Felix, the governor. The introductory salutation of that letter now begins, saying, “Claudius Lysias.”
 
By giving his name here, we finally learn the commander’s identity. Until this point, he has been referred to many times as the chiliarchos, a commander over a thousand men, and simply translated as “the commander.”
 
His first name, Claudius, is Roman. It was probably a name he assumed from Emperor Claudius, maybe when he received his citizenship. The second name appears to be Greek and was probably his name before becoming a citizen. Thus, he was probably originally a Greek or from the various Greek-speaking peoples within the empire. He next writes, “To the most excellent governor Felix.”
 
The title “most excellent,” kratistos, is the same title that Luke gave to Theophilus at the beginning of the book of Luke. It will be used two more times, both in Acts and both spoken during formal discourse with the appointed governor. The word is an adjective coming from kratos, a word signifying might, strength, dominion, power, etc. Thus, it literally means “strongest.”
 
As for the word translated as governor, it is hégemón. It is the source of our word hegemony. In classical Greek, it is used to refer to various leadership positions. The verse ends with “Greetings.”
 
The word used, chairó, is the same as was used in Acts 15:23 and in James 1:1 in the introduction of those letters. This letter may have been sent unsealed. Thus, it might have been read by Paul. It may have even been that he read it as the commander wrote it out. Or it may be that Paul or Luke was provided a copy of it in Caesarea. Thus, the substance of the letter has been recorded in Scripture.
 
Life application: This is a very short and simple verse, and yet it has details that give us a fuller understanding of how things were at the time of the apostles. Knowing the meaning of the words used can help us to piece together how people interacted, what words were commonly used in various settings (such as the introductory greeting to letters), what type of lines of authority existed, and so forth.
 
When you come to short, seemingly insignificant verses like this, don’t just quickly brush past it. Instead, take time to consider how such interactions are similar or different to how our modern world is structured. Quite often, we can see that things were not all that different in the past.
 
Though time is marching on, the human race remains in pretty much the same state that it has always been in. Until the return of Jesus, it will be so. Societies will evolve and devolve in a manner not unlike those recorded in the Bible. The main thing that directs them is their relation to laws intended to govern the sinful traits of man.
 
When societies punish wrongdoing in a just and fair manner, they will tend to prosper. When they treat their citizens in a respectful way, there will be harmony. Etc. However, when society moves away from such things, chaos begins to enter, and societal breakdown occurs. These things can be seen in Scripture, in the writings of societies, and in the way societies are moving before our eyes.
 
When Jesus comes for His people, a new order of things will come about. Someday, a perfect government without any sin will be realized. It will have perfect harmony, and there will be eternal communion and fellowship with our Creator. This is what God has done for us. It is now offered to us through the giving of Jesus. Hallelujah!
 
Thank You, O God, for the precious hope we possess. Someday, we will no longer have to deal with our fallen nature. We will be granted a new direction and an eternal state of joy and fellowship in Your presence. How we long for that day. We possess this hope and are highly anticipating its coming about. Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen.

Acts 23:25

Friday, 12 January 2024
 
He wrote a letter in the following manner: Acts 23:25
 
A literal translation says, “Having written a letter, having this form:” (CG).
 
In the last verse, the commander ordered that beasts were to be provided to set Paul on in order to safely conduct him to Felix the governor. Now, it says, “Having written a letter, having this form:”
 
It seems like a curious few words to make into a single verse, but it is not without importance. First, Luke uses the word tupos which indicates a representation of something else. In other words, this letter is in the same form as the original, but it was not an exact copy.
 
Tupos is “originally: the mark of a blow, then a stamp struck by a die, (a) a figure; a copy, image, (b) a pattern, model, (c) a type, prefiguring something or somebody” (Strong’s).
 
Hebrews 8:5 and 1 Peter 5:3 show good uses of this word for us to understand –
 
“For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; 5 who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, ‘See that you make all things according to the pattern [tupos] shown you on the mountain.’” Hebrews 8:4, 5
 
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples [tupos] to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” 1 Peter 5:2-4
 
As for the letter Luke now refers to, both the author of the letter and its recipient were Roman citizens. Because of this, the letter was probably written not in Greek, but in Latin. Therefore, the letter, as written by Luke, would be a translation of what was said, not a direct copy of it. Hence, it is a type or form of the original.
 
Life application: The Bible was written in several different languages. There is only one way to exactly convey the original language, which is to read and understand it in that language. But that would mean everyone would need to be proficient in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, something totally unnecessary.
 
Rather, through competent translation, the sense of the original is sufficiently conveyed. However, there are various ways of translating so that the original makes sense in a particular manner. If there are alliterations in the original language, they are there to excite the mind in a particular way.
 
However, a literal translation may not produce an alliteration. So, should it be more freely translated and include an alliteration to match, or should it be a literal translation that has no alliteration? Actually, either is sufficient as long as the original meaning is still understood. As some translations will follow one method and others will follow another, it is good to read many different translations and styles of translations.
 
In this, you can get a fuller appreciation of the content that was originally presented when it was first written. Never stop reading the word, and don’t get bogged down and captivated by a single translation. You will miss out on so very much if you do!
 
Glorious God, we are grateful to You for the wonderful word You have given to us. Thank You for the competent translators and expositors who convey to us what the original writings mean in our own languages. Your word is a treasure and exploring it is a joy. Please provide a special blessing today upon those who so faithfully and tenderly convey Your word to us. Amen.

Acts 23:24

Thursday, 11 January 2024
 
“and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” Acts 23:24
 
A more literal translation would be, “And provide beasts, that, having set Paul upon, they might bring safely unto Felix the governor” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the commander directed that soldiers, horsemen, and spearmen be readied to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night. Now, his words continue, saying, “And provide beasts.”
 
The word kténos is used. It simply means a beast, as in a beast of burden. It could be a horse, a donkey, or a camel. Being with the Romans, it was probably either a horse or a donkey. Paul would not have to walk the long trek to Caesarea because it next says, “that, having set Paul upon, they might bring safely unto Felix the governor.”
 
Being on an animal and surrounded by almost five hundred soldiers, there would be very little chance any harm would come to him. Once safely out of the local area, many of the soldiers would return to Jerusalem, but those continuing on would guarantee his safe passage and delivery to Felix. As for this governor named Felix, a short description from Adam Clarke will suffice –
 
“This Felix was a freed man of the Emperor Claudius, and brother of Pallas, chief favourite of the emperor. Tacitus calls him Antonius Felix; and gives us to understand that he governed with all the authority of a king, and the baseness and insolence of a quondam slave. ... He had, according to Suetonius, in his life of Claudius, chap. 28, three queens to his wives; that is, he was married thrice, and each time to the daughter or niece of a king. Drusilla, the sister of Agrippa, was his wife at this time; see Acts 24:24. He was an unrighteous governor; a base, mercenary, and bad man: see Acts 24:2.”
 
Life application: Imagine how safe Paul was as he was carried out of Jerusalem on his way to Caesarea. It is certain that no harm would come to him. And more, he had the assurance of the Lord Himself that he would be taken to Rome to testify concerning the risen Christ.
 
With such security, and with such a guarantee from the mouth of the Lord, he would have had no concerns at all as he traveled along the road out of Jerusalem. We all have trials and troubles in this life, some of them are greater than we might be able to bear at the moment. And some of them will lead to our death or the death of those we love.
 
But this is not the end of the story for those who know Jesus. We may have uncertainty about the immediate prospects in our lives but let us be as certain as Paul was that we will make it to our final destination. The Lord has spoken, and the promise is sure –
 
“‘Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.’
5 Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’
6 Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:1-6
 
This is a promise from Jesus Christ, the risen Lord and the eternal God. Yes, trials and troubles are the hallmark of our walk in this fallen world, but safe passage to the New Jerusalem is guaranteed. Even if the ride getting there is a bit bumpy, we shall arrive safely and be granted an eternal inheritance that will outshine any temporary darkness and difficulty we now face. Be confident in this.
 
O God, we are grateful to You for the assurance we possess because of the wonderful and exalted work of Jesus Christ our Lord. Though our trials are many and this earthly life is often difficult, we are confident that what has been promised shall be delivered. Thank You, O God, for this wonderful surety we can hold onto. Amen.
 

Acts 23:23

Wednesday, 10 January 2024
 
And he called for two centurions, saying, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night; Acts 23:23
 
A literal translation would be, “And having called a certain two of the centurions, he said, ‘Prepare two hundred soldiers that they might go unto Caesarea, and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen; from the third hour of the night’” (CG).
 
The commander, having received word about the plot against Paul, just dismissed Paul’s nephew. Now, it says, “And having called a certain two of the centurions.”
 
Luke notes that the commander called “a certain” two of the centurions. Although this could simply be two on duty at the time, the wording seems purposeful. The commander is calling forth two trusted centurions that he knows he can rely on. These certain two are called to make the preparations.
 
With these two noted, he then said to them, “Prepare two hundred soldiers.” This would seem in line with their title, “centurion.” They are designated over a hundred men each. Therefore, calling two hundred men would be expected. This was so “that they might go unto Caesarea.”
 
They were to prepare for a lengthy march. The distance from Jerusalem to Caesarea on the modern highway is about 75 miles. So, this is at least a two-day march. Along with these men, the commander next says, “and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen.”
 
Within a short time, they would have gathered a contingent of almost five hundred soldiers just to safely conduct Paul out of the city and to the city of Caesarea. It will be seen that the soldiers will accompany Paul as far as Antipatris (as will be noted in verse 32) and then return to the city. From there, only the horsemen would be needed to conduct him the rest of the way. The commander then notes that this contingent was to be needed “from the third hour of the night.”
 
What the third hour of the night means depends on what clock Luke is using for the account. If he was using Jewish reckoning, it would be around 9 to 10 pm. Either way, without anyone knowing of the plan, they would be safely out of the city before daybreak, and the plotting of the Jews would be a complete failure.
 
Of interest is the word translated as “spearmen,” dexiolabos. It is a word found only here in Scripture. It literally means “right-hand grabbers,” coming from dexios (the right hand, or on the right side) and lambanó (to take hold of). Not only is it not found anywhere else in the Bible, but it is not seen anywhere in classical Greek. The next time it will be seen will be in the 7th century.
 
Vincent’s Word Studies says, “The exact meaning is uncertain. Some explain it as those who take the right side of the prisoners whom they have in charge; others, those who grasp (their weapon) with the right hand; others, again, those who hold (a second horse) by the right hand. They are here distinguished from the heavy-armed legionaries and the cavalry. They were probably light-armed troops, javelin-throwers or slingers.”
 
Life application: The Lord obviously knew that almost five hundred men would be used to conduct Paul as he was taken to Caesarea. In Acts 8, Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch, and then it says –
 
“Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.” Acts 8: 39, 40
 
The word used to describe Philip’s removal from the eunuch is harpazó, to seize or snatch by force. We are left with the sense that Philip was there, and then he was gone. From there, he was “found” at Azotus. The wording is telling us that something unique took place, and Philip was there, and then he wasn’t.
 
Why didn’t the Lord just do this with Paul instead of having almost five hundred men’s lives upheaved for an emergency trip to Caesarea? It’s the same place Philip was eventually led to. We can speculate all day long about the workings of God, but when something unusual happens in Scripture, we should take it as a reliable account of what occurred and not try to diminish what we are being told.
At the same time, we should not rely on sensationalism to spiff up the narrative either. There is a sense of great importance assigned to Paul because his message was one of the greatest importance. This is seen with all clarity in Acts 23:11, where the Lord stood by him to encourage him with the words “as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”
 
The same is no less true today. If you are sharing the gospel, the Lord will be with you through the process. As long as you are needed to fulfill that purpose, He will see you through whatever trial is happening. At some point, your time will be over. These things are determined by God. Therefore, don’t be frustrated at the Lord over seemingly negative things that transpire.
 
If your church has a missionary who was killed while in the field, if your pastor gets cancer and dies, if your church is destroyed in a flood or a fire, the Lord knew these things. Look for His hand in what occurs and be willing to acknowledge that what He has decided is what is right. In the end, the words, “The Lord’s will be done,” are always true.
Whether you are taken in the rapture or die in your bed, the Lord is with you. Be of good cheer. If you are in Christ, the Lord is certainly with you.
 
Glorious Lord God, may we hold fast to the truth that You are with us and are aware of everything that transpires around us. Give us the wisdom to conduct our lives with this knowledge and display an attitude to those around us that we accept it is so. Help us to always be people of faith who live out our lives faithfully. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Acts 23:22

Tuesday, 9 January 2024
 
So the commander let the young man depart, and commanded him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.” Acts 23:22
 
More literally, the Greek reads, “Therefore, indeed, the commander excused the young man, having instructed, ‘Tell no one that you reported these to me’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul’s nephew completed his explanation to the commander concerning the plot against Paul. With that, it now says, “Therefore, indeed, the commander excused the young man.”
 
The word apoluó is used. Translations vary – let go, dismissed, discharged, sent away, etc. It signifies to release or let go. Sometimes it even speaks of sending away a wife, meaning “divorce.” In this case, the boy was under no obligation to stay, so saying discharged or dismissed seems too restrictive, as if the boy was under some type of compulsion. For a single word to get the point across, “excused” fits.
 
Paul’s nephew completed his words, the commander had all the information he needed, and so he excused the young man, “having instructed, ‘Tell no one that you reported these to me.’”
 
In telling the boy not to say anything further, he is ensuring that no change in the original plans will be made. If the council learned that the commander knew of the plot, the Jews would simply amend what they intended and get Paul another way.
 
Instead, they will be unaware of the coming events until after the commander’s new plans have transpired. His concern is far greater for the security of a citizen of Rome than it is for taking Paul to another trial when there were no formal charges made against him.
 
It is interesting that this event will completely smooth over any hint of his own wrongdoing when he had Paul bound in order to flog him. The coming events will make it possible for him to look like a great commander to his superiors, one who is concerned about the citizens, and it will allow for what did happen to be brushed under the table.
 
All in all, it is a sweet deal for this person who held such a prominent place in this particular passage of Scripture.
 
Life application: Sometimes, we can wear ourselves out by attending to every matter that comes across our desks as soon as it occurs. At times, if there is nothing lost in putting a matter on hold, just setting it aside for a day or two will resolve things. Quite often, what seemed like a matter needing careful attention is overcome by other events.
 
And more, by jumping directly into an attempted resolution, one might not only waste time, but he may make things more complicated or more stressful for others. Patience and discernment are often the key to knowing the right time to act.
 
If you are the impulsive sort, take it to the Lord. Ask Him for His wisdom in how He would handle the events that are unfolding. Live in tune with Him and seek Him through His word. In the end, commit your ways to Him, and He will direct your steps.
 
Lord God, please give us wise and discerning hearts concerning matters that arise in our lives that may seem complicated or difficult to engage. By relying on Your wisdom, we will more rightly be able to discern when to act, how to respond, and what the outcome of our actions may be. Guide us in these things, O God. Amen.

Acts 23:21

Monday, 8 January 2024
 
“But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.” Acts 23:21
 
More literally, the Greek reads, “Therefore, you should not be persuaded by them. For more than forty men of them are lurking, who anathematized themselves, neither to eat nor to drink until that they have killed him. And now, they are ready, awaiting the promise from you” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul’s nephew told the Roman commander that the Jews agreed to ask him to bring Paul down to the council on the following day. His words now continue, beginning with, “Therefore, you should not be persuaded by them.”
 
Without having yet said it, the meaning is clear. Something is amiss that sets the council against Paul. He has heard of it and has come into the Roman barracks to reveal it to the commander. His words continue with the actual details of the preplanned plot, saying, “For more than forty men of them are lurking.”
 
The word is enedreuó. This is its second and final use in Scripture. The first was seen in Luke 11–
 
“And as He said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to assail Him vehemently, and to cross-examine Him about many things, 54 lying in wait [enedreuó] for Him, and seeking to catch Him in something He might say, that they might accuse Him.” Luke 11:53, 54
 
It is derived from enedra, an ambush, plot, treachery, etc. Thus, it signifies to lurk. Figuratively, then, it means to plot Paul’s assassination. Of these lurking men, Paul’s nephew continues to describe them, saying, “who anathematized themselves.”
 
It is the same word the men used in Acts 23:14 when speaking to the chief priests and elders, “Anathema, anathematized ourselves – tasting nothing until that we should kill Paul.” 
 
They had irretrievably bound themselves to the killing of Paul until the matter was seen through. They were firm and fixed in their determination to “neither to eat nor to drink until that they have killed him.” This is, again, the same thought expressed in Acts 23:14 where it said that they would taste nothing until they had completed their task.
 
The words show the reliability of Luke’s account. In verse 14, the overall word geuomai, or taste, was used. That is now explained by Paul’s nephew as either eating or drinking. Nothing was to pass their lips until the matter was completed. With that stated, he next tells the commander, “And now, they are ready, awaiting the promise from you.”
 
Once the request by the Jews is approved by the commander, the plot will be put into action. In the case of this event, the charcoal is in the pit, the lighter fluid is absorbed into the coals, and the match has been lit. The only thing to start the fire is for the commander to approve the request.
 
If he takes the boy’s recommendation and is not persuaded by them, the events will take a different turn. This is what the boy was sent to convince him of.
 
Life application: The use of the words “eat nor drink” instead of “taste” provides a nice touch as to the authenticity of the narrative. Unfortunately, many versions translate the word that should be rendered as “taste” in verse 14 as “eat.” In this, the true sense of the words is lost.
 
The words used in Scripture are purposeful and carefully selected by God to reveal the unfolding of a process that we can learn from. When those words are mistranslated, we will get a faulty sense of what is being conveyed. Unfortunately, pretty much every translation will have such errors because they were translated by men.
 
Men get distracted, they get tired, they get mentally overloaded, etc. Such things are inevitable. Therefore, it is profitable to read more than one translation if you want to get a fuller and probably more suitable sense of what is being conveyed. The next time you go through the Bible, maybe consider a parallel Bible. You can get them with two, three, or even four translations on a single page. It is a great way to compare what is translated and then to consider why there are differences.
 
Above all, keep reading the word! It is a treasure of delight as it details the unfolding of God’s wonderful plan of redemption for the people of the world.
 
Lord God, how thankful we are that there is a written record of what You are doing in the history of redemption. We don’t need to trust anyone who makes a claim about Your intentions if what they say doesn’t align with Your word. How grateful we are that we have the anchor to keep us from being tossed about on the seas of theological confusion. Thank You, O God, for Your precious and superior word. Amen.

Acts 23:20

Sunday, 7 January 2024
 
And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask that you bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more fully about him. Acts 23:20
 
A literal translation is, “And he said, ‘That the Jews agreed to ask you that to-morrow you might bring down Paul to the council, as intending to more precisely inquire something about him’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the commander had taken Paul’s nephew by the hand and went aside with him to privately ask about why he had come. Now, the narrative continues with, “And he said, ‘That the Jews agreed to ask you.’”
 
The term “the Jews” is certainly speaking of the body of religious leaders within the nation, this would be specifically inclusive of the Sanhedrin. It is a term used of them several other times in the New Testament, especially in John. They are the leaders of the people. Therefore, they are called “the Jews” to represent the collective whole.
 
Saying they agreed to ask indicates that they are in full agreement with the plot against Paul. This would obviously be in violation of Roman law, but it would also be a violation of their own requirement to serve Rome. That is not contradictory at all. Jesus told them this when He was among them –
 
“And He said to them, ‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’” Matthew 22:21
 
But this wasn’t just something Jesus pulled out of the wind. At the time of the Babylonian exile, the Lord told them this through Jeremiah –
 
“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon:5 ‘Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. 6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.’” Jeremiah 29:4-7
 
Israel served other nations because they failed to serve the Lord. This could be no less true under Rome than it was under Babylon. The guilt of “the Jews” was a guilt that transferred to the entire nation because they represented the nation. For now, the words of Paul’s nephew continue with, “that to-morrow you might bring down Paul to the council, as intending to more precisely inquire something about him.”
 
The term “the Jews” is further explained by the words “the council.” As leaders in the council, they are the leaders of the people. It is this council who is using the pretext that they have more to ask of Paul in order to have him killed on the way there.
 
Life application: Today, Israel is a nation under its own authority. This is the first time that this has been the case for thousands of years. This is not by random chance but by the providential hand of the Lord. The agreement they made at Sinai is still binding upon them. They will either serve the Lord, or they will receive the punishments of the law that they agreed to.
 
In serving the Lord properly, they must come to Christ Jesus. This is because law and the prophets testify to the coming of their Messiah, Jesus. It is their rejection of Him that brought them the catastrophes they have suffered. Jesus is the fulfillment of the law. Thus, He is the One who has brought it to its end.
 
The point of Jesus’ coming was to bring restoration and life to Israel that the law could never bring. Israel has a choice to make in order to receive life. However, the New Covenant was not limited to Israel. Gentiles, who were never under the law, are graciously grafted into it as well.
 
And so, why would anyone want to place the yoke of the law upon himself? Apart from Jesus, the law can only bring condemnation. Please remember this. Don’t fall into the trap of law observance. Instead, trust in the goodness of God through the giving of His Son to remove condemnation from all men. Come to the grace of God in Christ and be saved!
 
Lord God, may we be wise and discerning in our understanding of Your word. Keep us from those who would impose false teachings upon us and bring us under the bondage of the law. Instead, may we rest confidently in the work of Jesus, knowing He has done all things to secure our salvation and restore us to You. Amen.
 

Acts 23:19

Saturday, 6 January 2024
 
Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside, and asked privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” Acts 23:19
 
A literal translation is, “And the commander, having taken his hand, and having withdrawn in private, inquired, ‘What is it that you have to tell me?’”
 
In the previous verse, the centurion had taken Paul’s nephew to the commander so that he could convey a message to him. Next, it says, “And the commander, having taken his hand.”
 
These words certainly imply that Paul’s nephew was very young. It can almost be felt in the words that he feared even being in the presence of the military, and so to calm him and assure him that all was well, the commander literally took him by the hand. The gesture would not go beyond a child in his early teens. Understanding this, it next says, “and having withdrawn in private.”
 
This tells us that the commander was wary of anyone, even his own men. If they were spendthrifts, as soldiers often are, they would be hard up for money. Someone in authority among the Jews could take advantage of this and bribe them for information.
 
If the matter was important enough for Paul to send the boy to him directly, it meant that it was something that could affect his life. Attempts to kill him had already taken place on several occasions. To succeed in an assignation while Paul was in Roman custody would be a giant success for their cause. Therefore, the commander took him aside and “inquired, ‘What is it that you have to tell me?’”
 
It appears that the commander was favorable toward receiving the message before it was even spoken. In other words, he had seen what transpired between Paul and his accusers. He also knew that Paul was a citizen who had almost been beaten illegally by his own men.
 
In reassuring the boy, he does everything possible to guarantee that whatever was important enough to be brought to his personal attention by Paul was important enough to be done with tenderness and in a private setting. The commander had made a grievous mistake in having Paul bound and prepared for scourging. He did not want any such thing that could bring personal harm to Paul to happen again.
 
Life application: The words of this verse appear to reveal that Luke personally interviewed the commander. He could not otherwise know such minute detail, such as his taking the boy by his hand unless he either witnessed it or was told it from the commander or one of the centurions. But what was said in private would only have been known by the commander.
 
Think about such things as you read Acts. It is a carefully detailed record of things that actually transpired. It was then judiciously checked out by Luke, ensuring that we have the most accurate details possible. This is just what Luke claims at the beginning of his gospel account –
 
“Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.” Luke 1:1-4
 
As many details that we may have expected to be included are left out, and as many seemingly insignificant details are included, we can be assured that the Spirit was directing Luke each step of the way to come to an account that is exactly what God intended for us to receive.
 
Therefore, be assured that the word we are reading is truly the word of God. It is there for us to know and defend the faith we profess. Use it as such, to the glory of God.
 
Lord God, may we be aware of the contents of Your precious word and then be willing to defend our faith before others, using this word as the source of our understanding of what You have done, are doing, and will continue to do for the redemption of man. Thank You, O God, for this precious word. Amen.

Acts 23:18

Friday, 5 January 2024
 
So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.” Acts 23:18
 
A literal translation would be, “He, therefore, indeed, having taken him, brought to the commander. And says, ‘The prisoner Paul, having summoned me, asked to lead this young man to you, having something to say to you’” (CG).
 
Paul had just asked one of the centurions to take his nephew to the commander to relay some important information. Next, Luke says, “He, therefore, indeed, having taken him, brought to the commander.”
 
There is a note of military obedience here. There was no questioning of Paul by the centurion, just the obedience of such a life under authority. This may be mingled with respect for Paul because he didn’t say, “I’ll let the commander know and will be right back.”
 
In other words, he may have trusted Paul’s interactions with the commander and the other centurions enough to comply without first receiving verification that Paul’s request was acceptable. Rather, it was understood to be so. And so, he conducts the boy to the commander and advises him of the situation. Luke uses a present tense verb to convey the beginning of the exchange, saying, “And says, ‘The prisoner Paul, having summoned me.’”
 
Luke brings his audience directly into the narrative with the present tense “says.” It is as if we are watching the event as it unfolds. Also, rather than “called,” the word signifies to call near. Thus, “summoned” conveys the sense. It wasn’t something Paul shouted out from a distance. Rather, it is something that he wanted to keep closely guarded. 
 
The sense may be that Paul was afraid that some of the guards might secretly be on the payroll of the Jewish officials. This would be less likely with a centurion. Also, Paul is called “the prisoner Paul.” It is a name which he will afterward call himself in both Ephesians 3:1 and Philemon 1:1. He will also allude to his status as a prisoner several times elsewhere. The walls of prison became a common sight in his life as an apostle. Vincent's Word Studies explains Roman imprisonment –
 
“The prisoner (ὁ δέσμιος) From δέω, to bind. Paul, as a Roman citizen, was held in custodia militaris, ‘military custody.’ Three kinds of custody were recognized by the Roman law: 1. Custodia publica (public custody); confinement in the public jail. This was the worst kind, the common jails being wretched dungeons. Such was the confinement of Paul and Silas at Philippi. 2. Custodia libera (free custody), confined to men of high rank. The accused was committed to the charge of a magistrate or senator, who became responsible for his appearance on the day of trial. 3. Custodia militaris (military custody). The accused was placed in charge of a soldier, who was responsible with his life for the prisoner’s safe-keeping, and whose left hand was secured by a chain to the prisoner’s right. The prisoner was usually kept in the barracks, but was sometimes allowed to reside in a private house under charge of his guard.”
 
As Paul was guarded in prison, and for whatever reason, he specifically summoned the centurion to personally convey his request to the commander. With that noted, Paul’s request is repeated by the centurion, saying that Paul “asked to lead this young man to you, having something to say to you.”
 
The matter was important enough for the young man to be taken to the commander personally, not to be transmitted indirectly.
 
Life application: In both testaments of Scripture, the necessity to not share things that are private is highlighted. For example, in Proverbs 16:28, it says –
 
“A perverse man sows strife,And a whisperer separates the best of friends.”
 
Paul was careful to keep his nephew’s information carefully guarded. If a whisperer can ruin friendships, how much more can he do in a place where there may be spies? The best thing to do is to keep private matters private. No matter how much someone seems trustworthy, the temptation to further pass on personal information or secrets is great.
 
Eventually, there will be a breakdown in the chain of people sharing with “just one person” who shouldn’t be trusted with even the day’s headline news. To avoid many troubles and grief, remember that if you are told something in private, it should not be repeated to anyone without permission to do so.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to be trustworthy in our speech and conduct before You. Help us not to be tempted to disclose private matters, even if it seems like it is safe to do so. Rather, let us share those things that need to be shared openly, such as the gospel. Yes, Lord, give us wisdom to keep private things private and to call out the Good News at all times. Amen.