BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 16:27

Monday, 8 May 2023
 
And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. Acts 16:27
 
Note: The NKJV botches many of the verbs in this verse. The BLB translation will be used to evaluate it. It reads, “And the jailer having been awoken and having seen the doors of the prison open, having drawn his sword was about to kill himself, supposing the prisoners to have escaped.”
 
In the previous verse, there was an earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison, opening the doors and loosing the chains. With that, it now says, “And the jailer.”
 
This individual will be a key figure for the next few verses. He is the one who was given charge over Paul and Silas as well as the other prisoners who were incarcerated. With the coming of the earthquake, it next says, “having been awoken and having seen the doors of the prison open.”
 
Luke’s use of participles leads the reader quickly from one event to the next, each dependent on the preceding event. He was awoken and he then saw the doors of the prison open. The adjective translated as awoken, exupnos, is found only here in the Bible. It is literally translated “out of sleep.” 
 
He was roused out of sleep and saw that the prison was no longer secure. With this, his heart surely sank. Being responsible for those under his charge, he would be held accountable for their escape, even if an earthquake was involved. Rather than face such disgrace, it next says, “having drawn his sword.”
 
Luke, still using participles, leads the reader from thought to thought. He is prepared to take action after having drawn his sword. Luke says that he “was about to kill himself.” The verb is imperfect. He has drawn his sword and is probably thinking of his life, his wife, his children, or whatever memories he wanted to consider one last time. Standing there holding the sword and maybe pondering what purpose his life held if it had all come to this. He was given charge over prisoners, and he stood there “supposing the prisoners to have escaped.”
 
The verb translated as “to have escaped” is in the perfect tense. He supposes they are long gone, and he was not quick enough to have gotten up and stopped them. How could things have gone south so quickly?
 
Life application: Luke masterfully carries the reader from one point to another and then leaves the mind hanging for a moment before bringing us, along with the jailor, to the sudden realization that life has come to its end. He is writing this way for a reason. He wants whoever reads his narrative to think through what value life really holds.
 
If we simply evolved from the slime and are going back to dust, then life really has no meaning. The jailor may not have believed in evolution, but he had no knowledge of the true God. Whatever god or gods he believed in gave him no hope. Now that fate had turned against him, his life would end without any true purpose.
 
This is the state that the verse leaves us to consider. But in the desperate shadows of life, there is a beacon of light for those who will receive it. That light is about to shine on the heart of this supposedly doomed jailor.
 
Are you ready to tell someone about Jesus today? Without Him, the person you pass by on the street will have as much hope in his last moment as this jailor possesses as he stands at the jail door with a sword pointed at his stomach.
 
Open your mouth and speak. People need Jesus.
 
Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord who gives us hope in this dark, fallen world. Amen.
 

Acts 16:26

Sunday, 7 May 2023
 
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. Acts 16:26
 
It was about midnight in the prison while Paul and Silas were praying, singing hymns of praise to God and the other prisoners were listening to them. With that, it next says, “Suddenly there was a great earthquake.”
 
Comments from scholars are divided on whether the earthquake was a divine occurrence or not. For example, the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary says of this event, “in answer, doubtless, to the prayers and expectations of the sufferers that, for the truth's sake and the honor of their Lord, some interposition would take place.”
 
That actually makes no sense at all. Nothing was said of expectations from prayer. They were sitting in prison and singing to God. There isn’t even a hint of anything like, “O God, get us out of here,” or “Vindicate your servants, O God.”
 
Earthquakes happen. They are a part of the natural cycle of things, and one simply occurred at a time when the Lord knew Paul and Silas would be in prison. Further, if release from prison is what they were praying for, then the events of the coming verses would not have taken place.
 
As for the coming of the earthquake, Luke continues with, “so that the foundations of the prison were shaken.”
 
The point of these words is to show that this was not like the event that occurred in Acts 4:31 –
 
“And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”
 
The event in Acts 4 was a localized occurrence and a sign to those in the house that God had heard and responded. The event in Acts 16 is a major earthquake that affected everything in the area. It shook up the very foundations of the prison. To assume that God had decided to send a cataclysmic earthquake to simply respond to the prayers of Paul and Silas would be no different than someone making the same claim today.
 
In other words, if an earthquake or other natural disaster affects an entire city, there will naturally be some seemingly miraculous events that take place. Within the past few months before typing this commentary, there was a massive earthquake in Turkey and the news was filled with such reports. As for the shaking of the prison, that leads to Luke’s next words, “and immediately all the doors were opened.”
 
In such a large quake, this would not be unheard of. As the foundations of the earth are moved, those things dependent on the foundations, such as doors, walls, etc., will be affected as well. Things became unhinged, loosened, and shaken free. This is what happened with the prison where Paul and Silas were held. Along with that, Luke next says, “and everyone’s chains were loosed.”
 
Depending on how the prison was set up, this is also not at all improbable. When one thing got out of place, anything connected to it may have also been affected. If the chains were attached to bolts set into the floor in a row, the floor would be weakened in a line where they were set. This is how stones are often cut into slabs. By drilling holes in a straight line and then exerting pressure in those holes, slabs are broken off. Likewise, in an earthquake, such a straight line of bolts could easily cause the floor to crack, releasing the bolts and thus the chains.
 
This is all speculation, but it is given to show that what occurred is not at all impossible. Of these events, Albert Barnes says, “The design of this was, doubtless, to furnish them proof of the presence and protection of God, and to provide a way for them to escape.”
 
Again, this is really a stretch, especially considering what transpires in the coming verses. The miracle was not that there was an earthquake. However, it was certainly propitious and known to God that Paul and Silas would be in this prison when there was an earthquake. By using the two events that have aligned in this manner, God will be glorified through what transpires.
 
Life application: Natural disasters happen all the time. They come in the form of tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes, plagues, and more. In the recent earthquake in Turkey, dozens of seemingly miraculous events took place. People were saved under falling buildings, having just enough room to survive until rescuers could come. One guy, Hakan Yasinoglu, survived 278 hours before being rescued. Many such reports came out in the news.
 
This is true with natural disasters in countries all over the world. People are spared, and the reasons may be as simple as time and chance (Ecclesiastes 9:11). What we as Christians do with what happens is what is important. Paul and Silas will be faced with choices in their sudden release, and they will respond in the manner that is most appropriate to the situation.
 
Will we glorify God for our being spared? Like all events that happen in our lives, we are asked to be people of faith. When propitious events take place, we should glorify God for them. When disaster occurs, we should glorify God through it. We have lives to live. Let us live them in the constant awareness that we belong to the Lord and that whether through life or death, He is directing our steps.
 
Lord God, we cannot know why things happen as they do, but we can be faithful through whatever occurs, thanking You, praising You, or calling out in our mourning to You. Help us to always remember You as the events of our lives unfold. May it be so. Amen.

Acts 16:25

Saturday, 6 May 2023
 
But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25
 
Note: The NKJV clears up the major errors in the translation of the KJV, but it still lacks the precision of the Greek. The BLB gives a clearer sense of the Greek – “Now toward midnight, Paul and Silas praying, were singing praises to God. And the prisoners were listening to them.” This will be used for the analysis.
 
In the previous verse, Paul and Silas were taken to the inner prison and had their feet fastened in the stocks. Despite this, it now says, “Now toward midnight.”
 
It is unknown what time Paul and Silas were arrested, but it was most likely during the day. The magistrates were available and there was a sizeable crowd around at the time. Whenever Paul and Silas were taken to the prison, it is now surely several to many hours later. Luke’s noting that it is closing in on midnight suggests this. And yet, instead of sleeping, it next says, “Paul and Silas praying, were singing praises to God.”
 
The verbs detail the situation. The word “praying” is from a present participle while “were singing” is from an imperfect verb. In other words, the singing of praises to God is part of what is considered praying. One act, not two, is described here. Also, the word translated as “singing praises” is humneó. It signifies a hymn. Thus, some translations further expand on the thought saying, “singing hymns of praise” to God, or something similar to that.
 
Nothing is said about what they were singing, but being Jews, it may be something from the Psalms. Or it may also have been songs that were composed in the early church. What seems likely is that they were singing in Greek because the next words say, “And the prisoners were listening to them.”
 
If they were singing in a foreign language, these words would be unnecessary. Luke’s specific recording of this seems to indicate that not only did they hear their singing, but the words were understandable. The word Luke uses is found only here in Scripture, epakroaomai. It gives the sense of attentive listening.
 
If the men were singing in Hebrew, they would hear, but they wouldn’t be listening attentively. But a message to God in the form of a hymn of praise which is also an act of prayer would be something the others would listen to and assimilate if it was in Greek or even Latin (as this was a Roman colony).
 
The inclusion of this note by Luke seems to explain what will be said in verse 28. When there was a chance to escape, not only did Paul and Silas remain, but apparently all of the prisoners did so as well. The personal conviction of the prisoners based on the conduct of Paul and Silas seems to be what Luke is hinting at with his words in this verse.
 
Life application: Though nothing is said of any conversions in the prison, there seems little doubt that Paul and Silas spoke to the others who were incarcerated. As the evening moved along, the words of evangelism turned into a prayer that was accomplished through hymns of praise to God.
 
Someday, when the saints are gathered together, it seems likely that among them will be various unnamed people who sat together with Paul and Silas in a filthy Roman prison in Philippi. For all we know, Paul and Silas could have been singing the words of Psalm 146 to them –
 
“Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,Whose hope is in the Lord his God,6 Who made heaven and earth,The sea, and all that is in them;Who keeps truth forever,7 Who executes justice for the oppressed,Who gives food to the hungry.The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.” Psalm 146:5-7
 
He who is freed in Christ is the freest man of all regardless of whatever physical restraints lay upon him. Be sure to tell those around you about the magnificent workings of God in Christ. No person is too lowly or too lost to hear this good news.
 
Lord God, turn our hearts, softening them to the plight of those in this world. People are bound in chains of addiction, greed, lust, hatred, and perversion. People are also bound in chains and prisons. All of them need the freedom that only Jesus can provide. Help us to be bold and speak out the words of release and freedom. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Acts 16:24

Friday, 5 May 2023
 
Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. Acts 16:24
 
In the previous verse, after Paul and Timothy were beaten with many stripes they were thrown into prison and the jailor was told to keep them secure. Now, Luke says, “Having received such a charge.”
 
It is referring to the jailor. His job was to obey the magistrates without questioning the propriety or impropriety of the situation. If he was told to keep them securely, this is what he was to do. Therefore, “he put them into the inner prison.”
 
Luke’s noting of this is to highlight the degradation suffered by Paul and Silas at the hands of the people of Philippi. To understand this, one needs to understand the layout of the Roman prison. Of the arrangement of the prisons in the Roman empire, Vincent’s Word Studies quotes Rev. John Henry Newman’s “Callista,” saying: “The state prison was arranged on pretty much one and the same plan through the Roman empire, nay, we may say throughout the ancient world. It was commonly attached to the government buildings, and consisted of two parts. The first was the vestibule, or outward prison, approached from the praetorium, and surrounded by cells opening into it. The prisoners who were confined in these cells had the benefit of the air and light which the hall admitted. From the vestibule there was a passage into the interior prison, called Robur or Lignum, from the beams of wood which were the instruments of confinement, or from the character of its floor. It had no window or outlet except this door, which, when closed, absolutely shut out light and air. This apartment was the place into which Paul and Silas were cast at Philippi. The utter darkness, the heat, and the stench of this miserable place, in which the inmates were confined day and night, is often dwelt upon by the martyrs and their biographers.”
 
Remembering that Paul and Silas were uncondemned Romans, the treatment would be absolutely insufferable. However, after the terrible beating they received, they were probably in no shape to even talk, much less argue over their treatment. Only after a period of sitting and resting could they muster the strength to hold a conversation. In this tragic state and place, it next records, “and fastened their feet in the stocks.”
 
The Greek literally reads “upon the wood.” Vincent’s Word Studies notes that it was an instrument of torture having five holes, four for the wrists and ankles and one for the neck. In this case, only the feet are noted as being fastened.
 
Life application: To get an understanding of what Christians around the world endure regarding punishment and even martyrdom, take time to read the testimonies in the Voice of the Martyrs. They can be read online, and their magazine can be ordered for those in the church to read. The amount of agony and humiliation suffered by believers in the world today is beyond the comprehension of most of those in the church.
 
And yet, these people are willing to suffer in these ways rather than deny their affiliation with the exalted name of Jesus. Unlike them, churches and denominations in the Western world are filled with people who presume to openly and flippantly violate Scripture. They ignore the doctrines and teachings set forth in the word of God, they claim prosperity and ease, they welcome perversion of every sort, and they gladly follow society as it morally spirals out of control.
 
Should bearing the title of “Christian” start to cost those who attend such churches, it is unlikely that even a small percent of them would continue to do so. Are you ready to lose everything to be faithful to the title that you claim, that of being a Christian?  Western society is heading in that direction. You should be prepared now to take your stand and hold fast to your faith. It may be that you will have to decide where your allegiances truly reside.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to stand strong and remain faithful to Jesus through whatever trial or test that may arise. This life is really not that important when we have eternity ahead of us because of what He has done. So, Lord, strengthen us when it is needed. May our lives be faithfully lived out, regardless of the cost we must bear. Amen.

Acts 16:23

Thursday, 4 May 2023
 
And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Acts 16:23
 
In the previous verse, Paul and Silas had their clothes torn off them and they were beaten with rods. With that, it next says, “And when they had laid many stripes on them.”
 
The fact that they were Romans was not yet known. It is probable that even if they called out that they were, they had no chance to be heard. The onrush was too sudden and the turmoil because of the rushing crowd was too great. They were manhandled, stripped, and then the lictors came and immediately started beating them with the rods. The description “many stripes” means that there was an enormous number of them.
 
This can be determined by Paul’s Jewish heritage in relation to what he says in his epistles. First, Paul acknowledges that he was beaten by the Jews with rods in 2 Corinthians 11:41, saying, “From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one.”
 
This was the standard punishment under the law where it says –
 
“If there is a dispute between men, and they come to [a]court, that the judges may judge them, and they justify the righteous and condemn the wicked, 2 then it shall be, if the wicked man deserves to be beaten, that the judge will cause him to lie down and be beaten in his presence, according to his guilt, with a certain number of blows. 3 Forty blows he may give him and no more, lest he should exceed this and beat him with many blows above these, and your brother be humiliated in your sight.” Deuteronomy 25:1-3
 
Normally, to ensure the law was not violated, one less than forty was given. This is why Paul says, “forty stripes minus one.” Though not a part of the law, it was a safeguard to ensure the law was not inadvertently desecrated. In 2 Corinthians 11:23, he noted that he was “in stripes above measure.” His words may be referring to this beating at Philippi which would then mean “above the measure of the law.” That is only an inference, and he may be talking about a cumulative measure over his lifetime. However, he does note this in 1 Thessalonians –
 
“For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.” 1 Thessalonians 2:1, 2
 
In his words to those in Thessalonica, he is referring to this account in Acts 16. Saying that they “were spitefully treated” is probably his way of conveying two thoughts. The first is that they were Romans and yet were subject to punishments that were not allowed without being first condemned. The second thought is that of what the Law of Moses says concerning being beaten with rods, “lest he should exceed this and beat him with many blows above these, and your brother be humiliated in your sight.”
 
The Jewish law concerning rods had a reason behind it which was to avoid shame and humiliation. The Romans had no such law. Therefore, there was no regard to humiliating a fellow human in this manner. Paul’s words to the Thessalonians seem to convey that what Moses forbade, the Romans meted out to him and Silas with glee but also illegally.
 
With that, Luke next records that “they threw them into prison.” It will be noted in verse 16:33 that the jailer will wash their stripes. This means that not only were they beaten relentlessly, but their wounds were not treated in any manner before being cast into prison.
 
Though it is unstated, it is unlikely that they received their clothes, meaning their outer garments, back. Such a mob would probably have taken them and torn them to pieces or ran off with them. Hence, the need to wash their stripes would have been even more necessary. Though speculation, it is quite possible. With that, Luke continues, saying, “commanding the jailer to keep them securely.”
 
The idea here seems twofold. First, though punished, it would ensure that they would not continue to teach their customs any further. Second, it is likely that they were looking for a reason to have an actual trial where they could be subject further Roman punishment under the law. The jailer was given full charge over them, he was liable to Rome for the security of those under him, and there would be little hope for Paul and Silas to escape either the prison or future punishment.
 
Life application: What happened to Paul and Silas was unfair according to the laws of Rome. And yet, the Lord allowed it to happen. It is not uncommon for bad things to happen to believers, just as they would happen to anyone in the world. Quite often, this is the case even when they have done nothing wrong.
 
One of the first things to come out of their mouths at such times is, “Why did God allow this to happen to me?” This assumes that believers should somehow be immune from the evils of the world. But the Bible never speaks in this manner. As long as we are in this world, we are subject to the same evil events that happen to anyone. We may get in an accident, get robbed, lose a child, fall on an escalator and break our back, or one of an infinite number of other tragedies that befall people around the world.
 
We cannot blame God for such things. It is a fallen world. Our interactions in this world mean that we are subject to the same troubles as anyone else in the world. Our response to such things should be to get closer to the Lord, not distance ourselves from Him. We should long for the home He has promised to us, not dwell in our misery in this place that is not truly our home.
 
Keep this in mind. Whenever trouble comes, as is sure to occur, we should lean on the Lord even more. Hold fast to the promises that are yet ahead and don’t hold fast to that which is fleeting, fallen, and fading away.
 
Lord God, please be with us as we walk in this darkened world. Though troubles are sure to come, guide us and remind us of Your presence with us. In this, we will be comforted in our afflictions and able to bear them as we look forward to our true home. Amen.
 

Acts 16:22

Wednesday, 3 May 2023
 
Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. Acts 16:22
 
In the previous verse, the claim against Paul and Silas was that they taught customs that were not lawful for Romans to receive or observe. Now, Luke continues, saying, “Then the multitude rose up together.”
 
These words set the tone for what is about to happen. Luke uses a word found only here in the Bible, sunephistémi. It comes from two words signifying “together” and “to set upon.” Hence, we are being told that all who were there listening to the charges against them rose up as one.
 
Remembering that this is a Roman colony, the people would be zealous to uphold the law that had been broken by rushing to punish the offenders. That is seen in the next words, “against them.”
 
The entire crowd of Roman citizens came against these “Jews” who had come to bring their illegal influences upon their supposedly superior society. However, in the irony of the day, and much like mob thinking throughout history, they were proceeding to violate the law in their zeal to protect their law. This wasn’t just the common citizens, however. Instead, it next says, “and the magistrates.”
 
It is those mentioned in verse 16:20 to whom Paul and Silas were first brought to. It is these men who were bound by the law to protect those within their jurisdiction until a proper trial had been held who also joined in the moblike attack against Paul and Silas. Of these men, it says they “tore off their clothes.”
 
Rather, the use of a participle translates as “having torn off their clothes.” The action is taken and awaits the next action in the narrative which is “and commanded them to be beaten with rods.” Here, the verb is imperfect, “and were commanding to beat them with rods.” It wasn’t just one magistrate that called out for it, nor was it a single call.
 
Instead, the use of the plural verbs indicates that all the magistrates were complicit in the act of tearing off their garments and of calling repeatedly for the lictors to come and beat them. The word rhabdizó is introduced here. It signifies to beat with rods. It will only be seen again in 2 Corinthians 11:25. There, Paul is probably partially referring to this event here in Acts 16 –
 
“From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods [rhabdizó]; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?” 2 Corinthians 11:24-29
 
Life application: It is often questioned why Paul did not appeal to his Roman citizenship to avoid being punished in this illegal manner. The words of the verse seem to explain the matter. They were brought before the magistrates and were accused as “Jews” (verse 19:20). Luke records the words of accusation and then he notes the onrush of the multitude against Paul and Silas.
 
The indication is that there was not even time to appeal to the magistrates before the subsequent events took place. They were attacked, had their clothes torn off them, and were beaten. In such an instance, there is little chance of any appeals of Paul and Silas either being heard or listened to. This is especially so with the illegal involvement of the magistrates.
 
This same type of thing will occur later in Acts while Paul is in Jerusalem. The difference will be that two groups of people will be present, the Jews who would not see reason (like the Romans now in Philippi), and the impartial Romans who were charged with controlling the crowds. As there is only one type of crowd without any impartial restraining force, Paul and Silas fell to the unjust actions of the crowd.
 
This is a problem with having law. Unless there is an impartial and reasonable system to regulate it, things will inevitably get out of hand. If those who are charged with upholding the law fail to do so, mob rule will result. If those who are charged with upholding the law participate in violating the law, the rights of those under the law will be ignored.
 
Both have occurred in the recent past. In 2020, riots throughout the United States were allowed to continue without restraint, bringing destruction, loss, and death to its citizens. In early 2021, the government planted instigators within rallying citizens to foment an uprising. Those citizens, since then, have had no reasonable say in the events that have subsequently transpired.
 
The point of these examples is that when something curious occurs like when Paul and Silas are illegally beaten, look to the surrounding text to get a sense of why this is so. Paul and Silas were identified within a Roman colony as “Jews.” In Acts 18:2, it will be noted that all the Jews were commanded to depart from Rome. As a colony, the same prevailing disdain for Jews would arise.
 
In this case, an entire multitude has arisen as one, the magistrates were there inciting the crowd by tearing off their clothes, and the lictors are being ordered to beat these men by those magistrates. If you wonder why Paul and Silas were beaten, or if you wonder how hundreds of US citizens who did nothing wrong are still sitting in government prisons awaiting trials on charges that came about by events instigated by the government, you will see that nothing changes in the human heart when law is involved.
 
Man is being taught a lesson in the pages of Scripture. The law, because it is administered by fallible humans, and because it is set forth to regulate fallible humans, is like an enemy to man. What humanity needs is the grace of God in Jesus Christ. Human systems, no matter how well-intentioned, will never produce a perfect society. Thus, we as Christians await our eternal home where righteousness will rule forever and ever. May that day be soon.
 
Lord God, the world is fallen and broken. Without Your intervention in our affairs, only chaos and death will be the eventual result. This is proven again and again in both Scripture and history. May the day be soon when Your glorious kingdom will rule forever and ever. Yes, may that day be soon. Amen.
 

Acts 16:21

Tuesday, 2 May 2023
 
“and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.” Acts 16:21
 
In the previous verse, Paul and Silas were taken to the magistrates and were accused of exceedingly troubling the city. Now, that continues, saying, “and they teach customs.” Rather, the word is kataggelló. It signifies to openly declare or proclaim.
 
The missionaries weren’t teaching yet but were proclaiming Christ in anticipation of converts. Hence, they were being charged with open incitement of the people. As for the word “customs,” it is ethos and signifies “an unwritten custom; behavior based on tradition (a habit) fixed by the religious social life of a nation” (Helps Word Studies).
 
The accusation is shrewdly made. Those who brought Paul and Silas forth did so because they had lost their source of revenue. They didn’t care diddly about what was being proclaimed. Rather, they were vindictively seeking to have the source of their loss punished. By making this accusation, they were making a claim that could be legally applied. With that, their words continue, saying, “which are not lawful for us.”
 
Again, the thought is mistranslated. The verb is singular. Rather than “are,” it reads, “which it is not lawful for us.” The thought, being presented in the singular, is tied to the next words, “being Romans.”
 
Being a Roman colony, the worship of the citizens was restricted. Rome normally did not interfere in the private religious practices of the people they subjugated, but they did regulate what Roman citizens could apply to their religious life. Albert Barnes, citing Cicero, says, “No person shall have any separate gods, or new ones; nor shall he privately worship any strange gods, unless they be publicly allowed.”
 
It is this charge, therefore, that is being levied against Paul and Silas. They were supposedly infecting citizens of Rome by proclaiming something unlawful for Romans “to receive or observe.”
 
The word “receive” gives the sense of welcoming with personal interest. The word “observe” signifies “to do.” The claim is that those things which could not be entertained by Roman citizens were being proclaimed to have them invited into their regular lives, making them a part of their religious practices.
 
Life application: The excuse used in this verse is still used constantly by those who reject the gospel. When evangelizing someone, you might be told, “My family would never accept this,” or “My culture is set, and we cannot accept such a teaching.” Such statements are as common as mangos in Malaysia. But they are normally just excuses intended to divert attention away from the main issue.
 
If the gospel is properly preached, it includes the idea that sin is the problem. When someone hears that Christ died for his sins, it 1) means that he is a sinner, and 2) that Jesus has solved the problem for him.
 
The first idea is often repugnant to some. “I’m not a sinner.” Some people simply don’t want to admit their state of imperfection. The second idea is often repugnant to others. “I can take care of my own issues so that God will like me.” They may admit having sin, but they also want to be their own savior. To yield oneself to another is to admit that the problem is bigger than the individual can handle.
 
Either way, the fallback is to ignore or misdirect from the main issue. To do this the matter is obfuscated by introducing family, social, cultural, or national customs as a reason that they don’t want to continue the conversation. One must be ready to directly address this type of issue if a successful gospel presentation is to come about.
 
Keep bringing the matter back to the main issue. Until someone realizes that sin is the problem and that he cannot fix it on his own, the matter cannot be resolved. Jesus is the answer. Keep proclaiming Jesus.
 
Lord God, there is a need in all people for the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood. Without His death, our sin remains unatoned for. There is nothing we can do to make up for our state. When we try, we place ourselves as our own redeemers. That is a sad place to be. Help us to properly explain to people that without Jesus, there is no hope. But with Him, eternal peace in Your presence is to be found. Amen.
 

Acts 16:20

Monday, 1 May 2023
 
And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; Acts 16:20
 
In the previous verse, Paul and Silas were dragged into the Agora where the authorities sat. With that, Luke next records, “And they brought them to the magistrates.”
 
Of the word translated as “magistrates,” Vincent’s Word Studies says –
 
“Their usual name was duumviri, answering to the consuls of Rome; but they took pride in calling themselves στρατηγοί [strategoi], or praetors, as being a more honorable title. This is the only place in the Acts where Luke applies the term to the rulers of a city.”
 
Luke’s careful recording of this shows his minute attention to detail. Philippi was a Roman colony. Therefore, it is likely that these were army officers who exercised both military and civil authority. Once brought before these men, they then stated their case, saying, “These men, being Jews.”
 
This was probably a special poke at them, and it may explain why Luke and Timothy were not nabbed. Though Timothy was circumcised by Paul because his mother was a Jew, he probably looked like any other Gentile in his conduct, dress, and demeanor. Luke was a Gentile. Hence, they would have been overlooked concerning what occurred. But Paul and Silas were Jews.
 
Around this time, the Jews had been banished from Rome by Emperor Claudius. No distinction between sects of Jews was made. Thus, even though they were followers of Christ, they fell under the greater umbrella of being Jews, as it is even today. As such, a more reliable case could be made against them than if Luke and Timothy were included in the matter. As for the accusation against Paul and Silas, the claim by their accuser is that they “exceedingly trouble our city.”
 
It is a word found only here in Scripture, ektarassó, coming from ek (out of) and tarassó (to agitate or stir up). Thus, it signifies to exceedingly trouble or agitate. The men are being accused of something leaning towards insurrection as if they wanted everyone agitated to the point where rioting or chaos would ensue. Although that is hardly the case according to the words of Luke, it would be a charge sufficient to get these men tossed into prison.
 
If Claudius found it acceptable to expel the Jews from Rome, and because this was a Roman colony, it would be simple and expedient to label these Jews as public agitators and have them punished for their perceived wrongdoing.
 
Life application: The believing Jews at this time were given grief in two directions at once. They received grief from their own countrymen in abundance. But they also received grief from those who found the Jewish people offensive for whatever reason.
 
Now, two thousand years later, this trend continues. Those Jews who have come to Jesus tend to get grief from their own countrymen at times. But there are many “Christians” who ridiculously reject their conversion as if God has abandoned Israel to the point where Jews are completely cast off from God’s grace.
 
Obviously, some Jewish converts have taken advantage of the situation by using their Jewishness to heavily profit from the broader Christian faith, claiming they are somehow specialists in Scripture simply because of their Jewish heritage. This becomes problematic for those who point out their faulty doctrine. Suddenly, it is they who are then attacked as if they are antisemites for daring to point out where these Jewish people are wrong.
 
To avoid such errors in thought, we all need to have at least a basic understanding of critical thinking. But mostly, we should be well-versed in Scripture. If so, we will not be duped by people who claim special insight into Scripture, but who are just opportunists trying to profit off the lack of biblical knowledge of others. At the same time, we can identify those teachers who are sound and stand behind them when they are erroneously accused of something simply because of their culture or heritage.
 
Lord God, please keep us from making incorrect judgments about people simply because of a particular trait they possess. Help us to evaluate all people based on how they present themselves in whatever subject they are being evaluated on, be it knowledge of Scripture or how they perform their jobs as a plumber or professor. Help us to always consider people fairly. Amen.

Acts 16:19

Sunday, 30 April 2023
 
But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. Acts 16:19
 
The previous verse told of Paul commanding in the name of the Lord for the spirit of Python to come out of the girl. That came about as commanded. Now, Luke next records, “But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone.”
 
The word translated as “profit” is ergasia. It is a singular noun meaning work, trade, craft, business, etc. As such, the word as used by Luke indicates the result of the work, thus the profit. This is another sure indication that the spirit really had hold of the girl. If she was just faking her words, she could continue to do that without any change having taken place in her. But she is now unable to do what she had previously done. Being a slave girl, her profit belonged to her owners. They were now deprived of that.
 
They looked at her ability as a source of employment, just as they would a plumber or a chairmaker. She was no longer able to conduct her affairs as she previously had, and this meant they would have to look elsewhere to replace whatever money she brought in. As this was so, it became a legal issue for them. Therefore, “they seized Paul and Silas.”
 
These were obviously the two main perpetrators in their eyes. The others who accompanied them, such as Luke and Timothy, were not deemed responsible for what had occurred. Having laid their hands on these two, it next says, “and dragged them into the marketplace.”
 
The marketplace is called the Agora. It was not just a marketplace, but the center of social life as found in all Greek cities. Charles Ellicott notes –
 
“In Philippi, as a colonia, reproducing the arrangements of Rome, it would answer to the Forum, where the magistrates habitually sat. What had taken place would naturally cause excitement and attract a crowd.” It is to this location that they were dragged “to the authorities.”
 
Of this, the Pulpit Commentary next states –
 
“Philippi, being a colony, was governed by Roman magistrates called duumviri, corresponding to the two consuls at Rome. But we learn from Cicero that in his time the duuraviri in the colonies were beginning to be called praetors, a title little previously used only at Rome ('De Leg. Agrar.,' 34), and to be preceded by lictors... Two inscriptions have been found in which the duumviri of Philippi are mentioned.”
 
Life application: Today in various countries, pastors and preachers are being arrested for disturbances as they go about spreading the gospel. Some of them are deserved. Other than bringing attention to self, there are those who stand in marketplaces and other areas and yell at people while telling them they are going to hell. Nothing of value is brought about by such actions. They set about to incite people and the conflicts that arise are sometimes of their own making.
 
Some go into areas that are privately owned and expect that they will be free from arrest when they pass out tracts. But privately owned malls and businesses are allowed to set policies for the conduct of those who come into their establishments.
 
However, there are those who go into the public square where freedom of speech has fewer restrictions, and they are not in violation of any codes or ordinances. And yet, they are treated as offenders and arrested. If the same treatment is not given to all others who are doing the same thing, then they have a legitimate case for redress against the authorities.
 
If you are planning on evangelizing in various areas, be sure to know what the laws of the area you are going to are. If you are arrested, it very well may be your own fault. If so, you should not be held as a martyr for the faith. Rather, you are just like any other miscreant who needs to be penalized for your actions. Be sure that what you do is not going to bring discredit upon the name of the Lord who you are supposedly trying to exalt.
 
Lord God, give us the wisdom to know when and where it is appropriate to share our faith in You. Help us not to work in a manner contrary to bringing You glory through the preaching of the gospel. Rather, may our actions be seen as faithful people who are willing to expend themselves to bring the good news to those who truly need it. Amen.
 

Acts 16:18

Saturday, 29 April 2023
 
And this she did for many days.
But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. Acts 16:18
 
Note: The verbs are completely off in the translation by the NKJV. They follow four of the five translational errors of the KJV. For this study, the BLB will be used: “And she continued this for many days. And Paul having been distressed and having turned, said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out from her.’ And it came out that hour.”
 
In the last verse, the slave girl with the spirit of Python had been following Paul and those with him, crying out that they were servants of the Most High God who were proclaiming the way of salvation. With that noted, Luke next records, “And she continued this for many days.”
 
The verb, being imperfect, is rightly translated as “continued.” She just followed along and annoyingly kept calling out the same thing. As noted in the previous verse, the emphasis in her voice may have been mocking, provoking, dismissive, or in some other manner that finally took its toll on the men. It seems to have really been bothersome to Paul though because Luke next records, “And Paul having been distressed and having turned, said to the spirit.”
 
The use of participles brings life and motion to the event. Luke brings us into the event as it has started, preparing our minds for what next is to transpire.
 
As for the words “having been distressed,” they come from the Greek word diaponeomai. This is its second and last use in the Bible. The first was found in Acts 4:2 where the priests, captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon Peter and John as they preached in the temple.
 
The word gives the sense of being thoroughly worn out, as if a piercing fatigue. Paul was just done with it, and so he decided it was high time to end her annoying proclamations. Therefore, he called out, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out from her.”
 
The words leave no other option than that the girl was, in fact, possessed. Paul could not have commanded a spirit to come out of her that did not exist. As an apostle, he was given this authority and he obviously knew that the power had been endowed upon him at this time to exercise it. And so, proclaiming that his authority was endowed by Jesus Christ, he commanded the spirit to come out from her. With that, Luke next records, “And it came out that hour.”
 
It is a way of saying, “right away.” There was no need to conduct a ceremony, wait till the next day to do a checkup and then certify compliance, or any such thing. At the spoken word of Paul, the spirit departed from the slave girl and the annoying proclamations ended.
 
Life application: Acts is a descriptive account of events that occurred as the church was being established. Nothing is prescribed in this account, and no precedent for future exorcisms has been established through Luke’s recording of the events. Paul was given apostolic authority to do certain things at certain times. However, the ability to do these things was not unlimited.
 
Paul could heal at times. At other times, he could not do so. Paul was able to restore a dead person at one point, but it does not mean he could do so at any point. Likewise, he was given the power to drive out this spirit of Python, but this does not mean he always had this power. And more, these abilities were apostolic in nature. Nothing is said that these powers were to continue after the apostles were dead.
 
With the word of God compiled, we have the written record of what occurred at the church’s establishment. We can either accept that the events recorded are true or we can dismiss them as fairy tales. But we should not expect that they can be repeated by us. There is no need for them. The witness of the word is sufficient to establish the power and authority of Jesus Christ. Let us accept it and know that even when we have trials and troubles, sicknesses and sadnesses, we can know that they are temporary and will someday be behind us.
 
Lord God, we have confidence in our walk before You because we have the written record of who You are, of what You are capable of, and what You have done to establish the church which has continued for two thousand years. These things give us the full assurance that the promises recorded in it will come to pass. We are secure in You. Thank You for this wonderful reassurance! Amen.

Acts 16:17

Friday, 28 April 2023
 
This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” Acts 16:17
 
In the previous verse, the girl with the spirit of Python was introduced. Of her, Luke now continues with, “This girl followed Paul and us.”
 
Depending on the Greek text, the verb is either an aorist or a present participle – “having followed” or “following.” The narrative is being carefully described by Luke to show the action as if it is occurring while being read.
 
In his words, Luke continues with the first person, including himself with the others. It is apparent that he wasn’t just with the group, but that they were often together as they headed out for prayer and evangelism. As they went, the girl had followed them, “and cried out, saying.”
 
Now, the verb is imperfect. She cried out and kept crying out. One can imagine how annoying it would be to have someone constantly following behind and yelling out the same thing as they continued along. In this case, Luke says that she was crying out, “These men are the servants of the Most High God.”
 
Luke doesn’t give the reason for her constant crying out. Nor can we infer from the words where the emphasis of them was. Placing the stress on various words within the statement changes the meaning and intent of what was being said –
 
* THESE men are the servants of the Most High God. This might be the girl’s way of ridiculing the men.
 
* These MEN are the servants of the Most High God. As everyone around was probably aware of her spirit of Python, she may be comparing her known abilities to the unproven abilities of the men, as if the feminine had proven itself whereas they had not.
 
* These men are the SERVANTS of the Most High God. In this, she could contrast the authority she supposedly possessed in herself with the lowly nature of being a servant to someone else, even if it is the Most High God.
 
* These men are the servants of the MOST HIGH God. Such a statement would contrast her proven abilities to a supposed God above all gods, challenging Him to prove himself.
 
One of these, or any other of such stresses can change our perception of the intent of what is being conveyed. Without hearing the words or having a suitable description it is hard to be dogmatic. Likewise, the overall purpose for her calling these things out cannot be known for sure. Albert Barnes gives several possible reasons –
 
(1) That as she prophesied for gain, she supposed that Paul and Silas would reward her if she publicly proclaimed that they were the servants of God. Or,
 
(2) Because she was conscious that an evil spirit possessed her, and she feared that Paul and Silas would expel that spirit, and by proclaiming them to be the servants of God she hoped to conciliate their favor. Or,
 
(3) More probably it was because she saw evident tokens of their being sent from God, and that their doctrine would prevail; and by proclaiming this she hoped to acquire more authority, and a higher reputation for being herself inspired. Compare Mark 5:7.
 
A fourth reason could be that a war waged within her and, unlike Barnes’ second reason, she may actually have been hoping that Paul and Silas would expel it from her. No matter what, she annoyingly followed after them repeatedly crying out her message.
 
As for the message itself, she was calling out that they were servants of the Most High God “who proclaim to us the way of salvation.”
 
Again, this could be mocking, provoking, being dismissive, etc. Without knowing the emphasis in the words and in her voice, it is very hard to know exactly what her intent was. No matter what, the message she proclaimed was the truth regardless of how she presented it in her crying out.
 
Life application: It is often asked if a believer can be possessed by a demon. Although the Bible does not directly answer the question, the answer still seems obvious. If a person is in Christ, that person cannot be possessed by a demon. The thoughts are incompatible. Having said that, believers can certainly be afflicted by the devil and his demons. That is made clear in many verses, two are –
 
“...give no place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:27
 
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the whiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11
 
Such verses would be pointless if we could not be afflicted by the devil. In order to keep from being so afflicted, it is our responsibility to apply the word of God to our lives. In doing this, we will be prepared and protected against him and his demons. But we cannot do this without knowing the Bible.
 
KNOW YOUR BIBLE.
 
Glorious God Almighty, thank You for the surety of our salvation in Christ. And thank You that we are secure from being possessed by the enemy because of that. And thank You for Your word that can keep us from even being afflicted by him when we apply its precepts to our lives. How grateful we are to You. Amen.
 

Acts 16:16

Thursday, 27 April 2023
 
Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. Acts 16:16
 
Note: The verbs in the NKJV don’t give the sense of the Greek. A closer rendering would be, “Now it happened of us going to the prayer, a certain girl, having a spirit of Python, met us, who was bringing her masters much gain by fortune-telling” (CG). This will be used for the analysis.
 
In the previous verse, Lydia asked Paul and those with him to stay at her house. The events that now take place occur during that time. Luke’s words say, “Now it happened of us going to the prayer.”
 
The meaning of “the prayer” is argued whether it means a specific place of prayer, such as “to the place of prayer,” or if it is simply a way of saying they were going out to pray as we might say, “we are going to the church” or simply, “we are going to church.” Either way, the point is that they were heading out and were going for the purpose of prayer. On their way, it next says, “a certain girl, having a spirit of Python, met us.”
 
The Greek word puthón is seen only here. It comes from Putho, the region where the famous oracle of Delphi was located. Thus, it is a spirit of Python. Of this spirit, Vincent’s Word Studies gives a detailed explanation –
 
“Python, in the Greek mythology, was the serpent which guarded Delphi. According to the legend, as related in the Homeric hymn, Apollo descended from Olympus in order to select a site for his shrine and oracle. Having fixed upon a spot on the southern side of Mount Parnassus, he found it guarded by a vast and terrific serpent, which he slew with an arrow, and suffered its body to rot (πυθεῖν) in the sun. Hence the name of the serpent Python (rotting); Pytho, the name of the place, and the epithet Pythian, applied to Apollo. The name Python was subsequently used to denote a prophetic demon, and was also used of soothsayers who practised ventriloquism, or speaking from the belly. The word ἐγγαστρίμυθος, ventriloquist, occurs in the Septuagint, and is rendered having a familiar spirit (see Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 20:6, 27; 1 Samuel 28:7, 8). The heathen inhabitants of Philippi regarded the woman as inspired by Apollo; and Luke, in recording this ease, which came under his own observation, uses the term which would naturally suggest itself to a Greek physician, a Python-spirit, presenting phenomena identical with the convulsive movements and wild cries of the Pythian priestess at Delphi.”
 
Of this girl, it next says, “who was bringing her masters much gain.” As such, this made her a valuable asset to them. The source of the ability to make a profit from her was less important to them than the profit they made. How that source was able to make this profit through her was “by fortune-telling.”
 
The Greek verb is only found here, manteuomai. The word is derived from the word mainomai, raving mad, or to speak as a madman. One can see the root of the modern word mania or maniac. Of this word, Cambridge states –
 
“The word is only found here in the N. T., and wherever it occurs in the LXX. it is always used of the words of lying prophets (Deuteronomy 18:10; 1 Samuel 28:8; Ezekiel 13:6; Ezekiel 13:23; Micah 3:11); so that here we are constrained to take it in the same sense ‘by pretending to foretell the future.’”
 
This is an incorrect analysis. The account in 1 Samuel 28 is that of the witch of En Dor. There, the text is clear that the prophet Samuel was raised. Whether the witch raised him or whether the Lord allowed it to happen can be debated. She certainly seemed surprised when it occurred. Also, when the practice is forbidden in Deuteronomy 18, it makes no distinction between a lying prophet or one who truly taps into the supernatural realm –
 
“There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.” Deuteronomy 18:10, 11
 
These words of Deuteronomy simply forbid the practice, but they do not speak as to whether these things are false or not. In this case here in Acts, the words of the girl will be true. How she determined it can be debated, but what happens as a result of her continued words demonstrates that the spirit she possessed, had possession of her.
 
Life application: Whether such a spirit is real or not is less important than the fact that the matter is not of God. If it is the act of a charlatan, it is not of God. If it is a true evil spirit, it is not of God. Debating which spirit is real and which is false is pointless. What matters is that we are not to seek out such things. Their purpose is to direct people’s attention away from what is good. This is why the law of Moses forbids them. Likewise, Paul warns against associations with such things as well. For example, he says –
 
“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-16
 
Our allegiances are to be directed to Jesus Christ. Our thoughts are to be centered on Him and His word. To mix our lives with any other supposed spiritual realm, whether true or false, can only lead us away from a sound walk with Him. The Lord, through Isaiah, says it beautifully –
 
“And when they say to you, ‘Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,’ should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:19, 20
 
Let us pay heed! Let us focus on God’s word. In this, we will do well.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to keep our focus on that which is right and proper. May we not get distracted by those things which can never profit our walk with You. In all things, may our lives be filled with You and Your goodness. Amen.