BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 20:38

Monday, 9 October 2023
 
sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship. Acts 20:38
 
The translation needs several tweaks to align with the Greek, “agonizing especially over the word that he had spoken, that they are about to see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul knelt and prayed, all of those with him wept freely, and they fell on his neck and kissed him. With that, it now continues with the word “agonizing.”
 
Most translations simply say, “sorrowing.” However, there are other words that can be translated as merely being sorrowful. This one, odunaó, goes beyond that. It is used here for the last of four times. It signifies torment, acute pain, etc. This can be either physical or mental. HELPS Word Studies says it “literally means ‘go down’ (as the sun in a sunset) and refers to consuming sorrow.” They were agonizing of the moment, “especially over the word that he had spoken.”
 
Here, the NKJV follows the KJV and incorrectly says, “over the words which he spoke.” Rather, the noun is singular, and the verb is pluperfect. Paul has been speaking words. One particular thing he said is what they are truly agonizing over, and it was a word he had spoken back in verse 25, which is “that they are about to see his face no more.”
 
They were sure they were in the final moments of their earthly time together with the man who had brought to them the heavenly promise of life in Christ. The weight of the parting was so heavy upon them that they agonized over what it meant. He had always made himself available to them. If they had a question, he was there (or returning there sometime) to answer.
 
They could tap his mind, they could share in his presence, and they could rejoice with him in the Lord Jesus. This was about to end, and their pain was being magnified with each moment that passed. Therefore, instead of turning and parting from their meeting location, they held on to a few more moments with him. As it says, “And they accompanied him to the ship.”
 
They would see him off rather than him seeing them off. Their journey back to Ephesus could wait a few more moments because they were the last moments they would ever share together. Of this account, the Pulpit Commentary says –
 
“It is impossible to part with this most touching narrative, of such exquisite simplicity and beauty, without a parting word of admiration and thankfulness to God for having preserved to his Church this record of apostolic wisdom and faithfulness on the one hand, and of loving devotion of the clergy to their great chief on the other. As long as the stones of the Church are bound together by such strong mortar, it can defy the attacks of its enemies from without.”
 
Life application: If you knew this was the last moment you would share with someone you love, would you take an extra moment to hug, say words of care, letting him or her know how you feel about their presence? The fact is that you never truly know when it will be the last time you will see that person.
 
Therefore, it is right to consider each person you care about and be tender and gentle to them at all times. Life is short, and each person we meet will perish in time. Or we may be the one who goes first. Hold fast to this thought and let it guide your steps, knowing that the time of departure is at hand.
 
And how much more should we consider this with those who have not called on Jesus. Be sure to tell them about the hope you possess and pray for them as well. It’s important. Eternity is forever, but this life is a passing vapor.
 
O God, give us wisdom to live our days rightly, redeeming the time and understanding the brevity of our walk before You. Help us to consider this and to conduct our affairs properly before You all our days. May our end not be one of regret, but of satisfied happiness that we have lived our lives well before You. Amen. 

Acts 20:37

Sunday, 8 October 2023
 
Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, Acts 20:37
 
The words are more literally rendered, “And there was much weeping of all, and having fallen upon the neck of Paul, they were kissing him” (CG).
 
Paul had just knelt and prayed with those he was with. Now, as their time together is quickly coming to a close, it says, “And there was much weeping of all.”
 
The true depth of their friendship is readily apparent from the words. Rather than a humorous salutation and hearty laughter, they were emotionally distraught at the coming separation. This mourning next brought them to physical embracing, as it says, “and having fallen upon the neck of Paul.”
 
Instead of happy, non-serious noogies, they embraced Paul as if they didn’t want him to leave, holding onto his neck. And more, “they were kissing him.”
 
The Greek word is a compound verb kataphileo. It thus made a grandiose salutation, reflecting great sorrow. Helps word study defines the verb as to “kiss passionately and fervently.” This was the moment that would separate them and they wanted the affection they bore for him to be remembered forever. The same verb is used in Luke 7 when the sinful woman went to Jesus and repeatedly kissed His feet and washed them with her tears.
 
Life application: It is still quite common for people to attempt to stoically face emotional situations. This is not the usual way things occurred in Scripture. Time and again, people are presented as conveying great levels of emotion.
 
Although false, ostentatious displays of emotion are a bit nauseating to deal with, there is nothing wrong with people openly showing the feelings they possess. It is a good release for the things that are often bottled up within us. Above all, God is the One who created us, so if you need to let out your emotions, He will understand. If they are positive emotions of joy, love, and awe, He will certainly appreciate them as well.
 
Lord God, You are worthy of all of our joy, praise, love, and devotion. Today, we praise You for who You are and for the magnificence of Your splendid glory. Dwell in our praises, O God. Amen.

Acts 20:36

Saturday, 7 October 2023
 
And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Acts 20:36
 
The words are more literally rendered, “And having said these things, having bowed his knees, he prayed with them all” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul reminded those with him as to why he worked providing for himself and others, quoting the Lord about it being more blessed to give than receive. With that, his words of encouragement and admonishment are done. Therefore, it next says, “And having said these things.”
 
It is Luke’s way of noting that the words of Paul are complete and that a new action or direction is forthcoming. For Paul, the next logical thing to do is to commit those he loved to the Lord. And so, it next says, “having bowed his knees.”
 
A bowed or even prostrate position indicates humility, be it before God or man. Once bowed, and it is assumed that the others bowed with him, it next says, “he prayed with them all.” The words of the prayer are left out of the narrative. They were spoken for the moment, were private, and were obviously not intended as a prayer to be used repetitively in the future.
 
Paul felt it was right to close in prayer. Likewise, when our heart is full, we should simply let our prayers come out in a manner appropriate to the situation.
 
Life application: Prayer is mentioned throughout the Bible. There are many types of prayer as well, such as supplication, praise, petition, vindication, triumph, imprecation, etc. Each has its own place. One of the things about prayer is that there is no set manner in which it is to be accomplished, but they are to be made.
 
It is not uncommon for people to pray for extended periods of time and to begin to question whether their prayers are even heard. Someone may say, “I prayed for my neighbor’s cancer for three years, and he died anyway. What is the point if the prayer isn’t heard.”
 
If the person who is praying is a believer, the prayers are heard. Jesus is our Mediator to bring them before God. It is God’s right to respond according to His wisdom. If He answered every prayer brought before Him in the way we wanted, there would be chaos. We are to have faith that God has received our prayers and that He will bring about the best end for all things presented before him.
 
Paul says to pray without ceasing. Lift up your burdens, joys, cares, etc., to the throne of God. Have faith that He is working according to a plan we cannot even imagine, and it will come to the best end for His people. Pray!
 
Heavenly Father, we know that because of Jesus, we have a right to come before You in prayer, boldly asking for those things that are upon our hearts. But we also know that what we want may not be the best avenue or result in the best outcome. So, Lord God, we commit our prayers to You and thank You that You are handling each with a wisdom that we cannot even comprehend. How great You are, O God. Amen.

Acts 20:35

Friday, 6 October 2023
 
“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35
 
Paul just noted that his hands had provided for his necessities as well as for those with him. He now explains why he has done this, saying, “I have shown you in every way.”
 
The verb Paul uses is seen for the last of six times, hupodeiknumi. It signifies showing by tracing out, or by example. Luke, citing Jesus, uses it in Luke 6:47 –
 
“Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:47-49
 
Jesus made the statement and then followed up with an example of what He meant. This is the sense of Paul’s words. He demonstrated by the example of his own actions, having endeavored by his conduct – and not only his spoken or written words – to set forth an example for others. With that, he continues, saying, “by laboring like this, that you must support the weak.”
 
Rather than an adjective, weak, he uses a present participle, “support those being weak [or ailing].” The word signifies diseased, sick, impotent, etc. Paul also uses both its adjective and verb form in the sense of moral weakness as well –
 
“However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak [adj.], is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak [adj.]. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak [adj.] be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak [vb.] brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak [vb.] conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” 1 Corinthians 8:7-13
 
Those Paul refers to are ailing in their consciences. This is ultimately derived from a lack of knowledge, but it is the state of weakness that is being focused on. Therefore, like one who is physically weak, a person who is struggling with his conscience is to be assisted.
 
The cause of the weakness, how to cure it, is up to the one who is weak to seek a cure. A person with the flu should go to the doctor and then get rest. A person with poor doctrine should get to Bible class and then apply it to his walk. 
 
Paul has endeavored by his conduct, and not only his spoken or written words, to set forth an example for others. The purpose of his actions was for the support of the weak, meaning those who were incapable of taking care of themselves – most especially through bodily infirmity, which is how the word is generally used. Next, Paul introduces the basis for such conduct, beginning with, “And remember the words of the Lord Jesus.”
 
He will cite the words of the Lord to justify both his conduct and how his example should then be followed by those who have seen him. Jesus made a statement that was obviously well-known, maybe having been occasionally repeated by Paul. This can be inferred because he is asking these men to recall them now. Thus, Paul continues, “that He said.”
 
Rather, the words are emphatic, “that He Himself said.” Paul is directly attributing the thought he will speak to the Lord Jesus, which is, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
 
The thought forms the only recorded saying of the Lord of this kind. Other words attributed to the Lord are those he quoted or that were repeated, but these words are not recorded elsewhere. Thus, they are known as an agraphon (not written). It refers to a saying attributed to Jesus, but which is not recorded in the gospels.
 
There is a blessing in giving that cannot be experienced or attained otherwise. Jesus set the example for us to consider. He possessed all things and yet He took on human flesh and dwelt among us. He gave of Himself to those who were ailing, both physically and spiritually. He did this, even to the point of death, so that our healing could be permanent before God. Paul cites the words of the Lord because they carry the substance of what Christ did for him and indeed for all.
 
Life application: The words of this verse cannot be used to justify wealth redistribution to those who sit around on their otherwise fully capable hands. They are not even implied in what is said. The ailing refers to those who are incapable of tending to their own needs at a particular time.
 
If one is lying in bed with a fever, he needs to be tended to until he is better. When one has a weak conscience, he needs to be accommodated until his conscience is firmed up. However, when the fever is gone, it is time to get out of bed and get back into the game. When one has been shown what is proper concerning sound doctrine, it is time he applies it to his life, no longer burdening those who have instructed him.
 
This can be applied to salvation as well. Jesus came to heal the ailing. He accomplished His work, and that healing is available. Now, we are expected to accept His cure and be healed. For those who are simply slackers, Paul’s words of 2 Thessalonians 3:10 apply –
 
“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”
 
It is inexcusable to pander to those who are unwilling to apply proper doctrine to their lives. It is also inexcusable to fund those who are unwilling to get up and work with the abilities granted to them by God.
 
For those who refuse to come to Jesus, for those who fail to progress in their walk, or for those who refuse to feed themselves, Paul continues his thoughts to those in Thessalonica. They are words being spoken to believers about their walk, but they are words that carry the same truth in any such situation –
 
“And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15
 
Pandering to those who are able solves nothing. It merely enables them to continue in their unhealthy state. Refuse this attitude to shame them. This is not a cold and uncaring approach. Rather, it is exactly the opposite. Harm to people’s basic humanness is the inevitable result of such indulging.
 
Lord God, help us to be helpers! May we be willing to assist those who are unable to tend to themselves. But give us discernment to know when we are merely accommodating others who do not need such attention. Give us wisdom in this so that we will properly handle our relationships with those truly in need. Amen.
 

Acts 20:34

Thursday, 5 October 2023
 
“Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. Acts 20:34
 
The words are out of their original order and should read, “And you yourselves know that to my needs, and to those being with me, these hands ministered” (CG).
 
Paul just noted that he had coveted no one’s silver, gold, or apparel. He now goes further, beginning with, “And you yourselves know that to my needs.”
 
He is stating, right in front of those that he lived and served with, that his own needs were met in a particular way that will be noted in a minute. In starting with a statement about his own needs, he is ensuring that what will follow did not interfere with his needs, nor were his needs met in some other way than how he will indicate. Next, he says, “and to those being with me.”
 
Paul uses a present participle to indicate the ongoing nature of what he is referring to. Thus, it would be inclusive of even the present time while speaking to these men. He is, in fact, doing for them what he will next state, even at the present time. It is these words concerning the needs of those with him that explain why he started with his own needs. Both to his needs and to those who were there with him, he says, “these hands ministered.”
 
It could have been that Paul came to Ephesus and ministered to others but let others tend to his needs. This is how most churches are set up today. The pastor does his thing while the church tends to the pastor. Paul excluded himself from such a notion, noting first and foremost that he had tended to his own needs, but he had not done so at the expense of others.
 
Anytime that someone was in need, as evidenced by the present tense, he was there ministering to that person. If his words weren't true, Paul could neither have said it to the Ephesians nor could Luke have recorded it for them to read. It would have been shown false as soon as it was published.
 
And the fact that Paul was counseling them and encouraging them at this time meant that he was still ministering to them. He could have just sent a letter from Jerusalem, but he purposely stopped at Miletus to minister one last time to his beloved disciples.
 
Life application: Paul's words concerning his work show the truth of his faith in the gospel he preached. Nobody in their right mind would conduct themselves in this way unless he was convinced that the message he was relaying was the truth.
 
Instead, he would have accepted the gold, silver, and clothes offered to him and lived like Creflo Dollar. For a comparable passage of one man's labors. The words of Paul show special devotion to the labors set before him. This is not unlike Jacob –
 
“Then Jacob was angry and rebuked Laban, and Jacob answered and said to Laban: ‘What is my trespass? What is my sin, that you have so hotly pursued me? 37 Although you have searched all my things, what part of your household things have you found? Set it here before my brethren and your brethren, that they may judge between us both! 38 These twenty years I have been with you; your ewes and y our female goats have not miscarried their young, and I have not eaten the rams of your flock. 39 That which was torn by beasts I did not bring to you; I bore the loss of it. You required it from my hand, whether stolen by day or stolen by night. 40 There I was! In the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night, and my sleep departed from my eyes. 41 Thus I have been in your house twenty years; I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times. 42 Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.’” Genesis 31:36-42
 
Jacob served for his wives and his flocks. Paul served for the bride of Christ and the flock of His church. Both of them did so tirelessly. Labor, when rightly placed in the hours of one’s life, is a blessing. Solomon reflected on that and wrote these words to consider –
 
“What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? 10 I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, 13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:9-13
 
Be sure to conduct your labors honorably and with a sense of enjoyment. They take up the majority of the time of your existence, so find satisfaction in them because they are the gift of God to you.
 
Lord God, we all have chores and responsibilities. Help us to do them to Your glory. May our attitudes toward our work and those we work for be positive and pleasing in Your site. Thank You for the labor of our hands, O God. Amen.
 

Acts 20:33

Wednesday, 4 October 2023
 
“I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Acts 20:33
 
The order of the words is reversed in the translation – “Silver or gold or clothing of none I coveted” (CG).
 
Paul just commended those with him to God and the word of His grace. He also spoke of the inheritance among those who have been sanctified. The words he now will speak seem somewhat disconnected from that, but they are not. Rather, he is going to use his state among them to confirm the truth that what he just said is living in him. Rather than focusing on the things of this world, he was doing exactly what he just commended to them. Taken together, this can be seen –
 
“And now, brethren, I commend you to God and the word of His grace, being able to build and to give the inheritance among all those having been sanctified. Silver or gold or clothing of none I coveted.”
 
He will continue this thought in the verses to come. But the point is that it would be outrageous to commend someone to God and the word of His grace if he wasn’t living in exactly that manner. Understanding this, the verse itself appeals to three particular items, “Silver or gold or clothing.”
 
Smith’s translation seems right by placing a comma after gold – “Silver or gold, or clothing.” In other words, Paul begins with the metals that are commonly used for wealth accumulation, starting with the lesser and going to the more desired. He then mentions one of the highly desired commodities that can be bought with silver or gold. Thus, the idea would be, “Silver or gold, or even clothing.” As such, clothing reflects the wealth status of a person.
 
The words demonstrate the cultural value of garments at that time, something that has not changed in the past two millennia. The outward adornment of clothing is still something that reflects the status and wealth of a person. Of these things, Paul next says, “of none I coveted.”
 
He was unconcerned with getting rich, nor did he envy those who were rich. His focus was on God and the word of His grace. Those things, and not silver or gold or even clothing, were able “to build and to give the inheritance.”
 
Therefore, his words of the previous verse are being validated by his own personal conduct before them. The same general intent of Paul’s words is reflected later in his first letter to Timothy –
 
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10
 
Life application: Although the reason for Samuel’s words is a bit different, his words to Israel in 1 Samuel are similar to those of Paul in Acts –
 
“Now Samuel said to all Israel: ‘Indeed I have heeded your voice in all that you said to me, and have made a king over you. 2 And now here is the king, walking before you; and I am old and grayheaded, and look, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my childhood to this day. 3 Here I am. Witness against me before the Lord and before His anointed: Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed, or from  whose hand have I received any bribe with which to blind my eyes? I will restore it to you.’” 1 Samuel 12:1-3
 
Samuel was confirming his integrity before Israel to demonstrate that it was not his actions that led to the people’s call for a king. Rather, the Lord had supplied them with a faithful judge, but the people wanted a king to rule them instead of the Lord. In Paul’s case, he is commending the people to live a God-focused life, trusting in His word rather than looking for security or status in earthly things.
 
Both Samuel and Paul were using their lives as examples of how people should conduct themselves and in whom they should place their trust. And their words were not just, “Do as I say but not as I do.” Rather, they were, “Trust in God as you see I have been doing.” This is what we should look for in our leaders, both political and spiritual.
 
Don’t get caught up in fancy people who merely impress with externals. Rather focus on what the true intent of those you encounter is. When those you surround yourself with are honest, sincere people, you will find yourself blessed for it.
 
Heavenly Father, it is very easy for us to get distracted by the things of this world. We are earthly beings that have needs and desires that must be met. But help us to, first and foremost, keep our eyes and hearts focused on You. In this, we will then be able to rightly fulfill our needs and desires. May our lives always be committed to You. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Acts 20:32

Tuesday, 3 October 2023
 
“So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32
 
A few small adjustments will bring the words closer to the Greek text, “And now, brethren, I commend you to God and the word of His grace, being able to build and to give the inheritance among all those having been sanctified” (CG).
 
Paul just reminded the elders of Ephesus that he did not cease to constantly warn everyone for three years, even with tears. Now, to bolster them in how to stay on the right path, he begins his next words with, “And now, brethren, I commend you to God.”
 
Paul, calling these men “brethren” for emphasis and a sense of true fraternity, begins his summary thoughts to their ears. He has spoken frankly about the hazards that lay ahead of them in hopes that they would pay heed. He does this by commending them to God. It is something he says about himself in his second letter to Timothy –
 
“For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” 2 Timothy 1:12
 
As for these men of Ephesus, Paul would no longer be their instructor or counselor in the things of God and so they would have to rely on the same Source he relied on continuously, meaning God. And further, he continues by saying, “and the word of His grace.”
 
It is doubtful that he is thinking of Christ in the way John later writes, meaning the Word of God. Rather, he is rather speaking in the sense of what James 1 says, where James repeatedly brings up the word, meaning Scripture –
 
“Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.19So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
 
James is essentially committing his reader to the word of God’s grace. Likewise, this is what Paul is telling the elders of Ephesus, imploring them to cling to the word. It is the word that, according to Hebrews 4:12, is “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
 
This word was, at this time, limited to the Old Testament and any verbal or written communications that existed concerning the Lord as the fulfillment of them. Together, they were sufficient to meet the specifics of the second half of Paul’s words in this verse which begin with, “being able to build and to give the inheritance.” 
 
The idea of building is used by Paul several times, mostly in his first letter to the Corinthians. The word “edify” carries the same connotation and once meant exactly that: to build. Of this word, Albert Barnes says –
 
“The word used here is properly applied to a house which is raised and completed by slow degrees, and by toil. It here means to establish, make firm, or permanent, and hence, to instruct, to establish in doctrine and in hope. The idea is, that the Word of God was able to confirm and establish them, amidst the dangers to which they would be exposed.”
 
This process of building is specifically said by Paul to be for the inheritance. That is another thought carefully described by Paul in his epistles, especially his letter to the Ephesians, the very group who is represented before him now. He refers to the “guarantee of our inheritance” in Ephesians 1:14, the “riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” in Ephesians 1:18, and the “inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” in Ephesians 5:5.
 
Understanding this, Paul’s words finish with this thought concerning the inheritance. It is “among all those having been sanctified.” The verb is a participle in the perfect tense. Through faith in Christ Jesus, the sanctification of the believer is immediate, and it is complete.
 
This doesn’t mean that the believer is now perfected. Rather, it means that in God’s view, what Christ did to sanctify us is complete and perfect. Nothing is lacking. Jesus’ perfect life and atoning death have allowed us to be fully consecrated to God, once and for all time. Nothing further needs to be accomplished for us to be allowed into the presence of the infinitely holy and pure Creator.
 
Sanctification is also implied in his words, but not the ongoing sanctification of our Christian walk. Rather, he is speaking of the position we are in because of the work of Christ - sanctified by Him as holy and acceptable to God.
 
Life application: Paul’s words to those of Ephesus are a descriptive account of what he conveyed to them. However, what he said is to be taken as a truthful and accurate state of how things are. It is as if his words are an epistle spoken forth to them. When he commits them to God and the word of His grace, he intends for them to trust God wholeheartedly and not waffle in their convictions concerning their state before Him.
 
It means that the word of God is sufficient for believers to trust in regard to their walk before God. It is where our knowledge of Him and what He has done for humanity is recorded. There is nothing lacking for those who are considering a relationship with Him, and like those already counted as believers, their hope will not be futile. Rather, they will also be sanctified and set for eternal glory by trusting in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
 
How sad it is that people fail to accept that God’s provided sanctification is complete and now belongs to them forever! There is no hint in Scripture of the false doctrine of “loss of salvation.” What God has done in Christ is fully sufficient to sanctify His people once and for all time.
 
We are to accept this and hold fast to it. Otherwise, we will be like so many whose hope is marred by their personal failures, as if their failings can somehow override the full, final, finished, and forever work of God in Christ. Don’t be like that. Instead, be confident that His grace is sufficient to cover all our sins and failings.
 
Heavenly Father, Your word says that the work of Jesus Christ is sufficient to carry us through this life and into Your presence. We will fail You, but in Christ, we will never be separated from You again. We accept this and give our eternal thanks to You. Hallelujah to Jesus Christ, who has made this possible! Amen.

Acts 20:31

Monday, 2 October 2023
 
“Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. Acts 20:31
 
A little more literally, the words read, “Therefore, be awake, remembering that three years – night and day – I ceased not with tears, admonishing each one” (CG).
 
Paul warned the elders standing before him about savage wolves coming in among them, not sparing the flock. He also warned them that even among them men would rise up, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after themselves. Based on this, he next says, “Therefore, be awake.”
 
It is a single word in the Greek, grégoreó. It is used in the synoptic gospels where Jesus admonished the disciples to stay alert. It literally means to stay awake, but it figuratively means to be alert or to watch. It is usually translated in the figurative sense: watch. With that, he next says, “remembering that three years – night and day – I ceased not with tears.”
 
The words “three years” come from the Greek noun trietia. It is a term only used here in the New Testament. It comes from treis (three) and etos (year). There is no suitable single word in English to translate it.
 
Paul’s use of the words “with tears” shows his immense passion for the Person of Christ, the truth of the gospel, and his love for the converts he discipled. He knew what would come about after he was gone, and he constantly warned what was coming, even to the point of tears. They were to constantly watch and be continuously remembering his admonitions. Further, the term “night and day” means that it was something that he never stopped telling them.
 
It cannot go unstated that Paul could not have said these words unless they were true. The people he is talking to are the same people that he had given the admonitions to in the past. He was literally brought to tears over the thought of his precious churches falling away from sound doctrine. Therefore, he was “admonishing each one.” 
 
Those in Ephesus could not say they weren’t fully warned of what was coming. They had been implored to hold fast to the truth, watching out for those who would do their best to misdirect them.
 
Life application: Jesus’ words to those in Ephesus in Revelation 2 show that they had paid heed to Paul’s warnings to some extent, but in so doing, they had actually lost their first love. Unfortunately, the importance of doctrine had become elevated to such a degree that Jesus had become a side issue in many ways. Doctrine is important, but only if it continuously points us to the reason for the doctrine, Jesus.
 
Jesus warned the disciples to watch on several occasions. Paul continued with this admonition to the churches he planted. Without watching, we are also going to fall. This is the case without any doubt.
 
No church is immune from temptation, division, or apostasy and, eventually, it seems that any and all follow this path. If you have a pastor who constantly tells you to read your Bible, do you pay heed? If your pastor tells you to pay heed to your doctrine, do you listen and stay focused on what is right?
 
These are right and proper to do, but while reading your Bible, don’t let it take the place of your love for the Lord. And while pursuing right doctrine, don’t let that head knowledge replace total love and devotion for Jesus. These things should complement each other so that we come to love Jesus more and more as the days go by.
 
Heavenly Father, learning doctrine can bring us a lot of joy as we grow in our knowledge of what is right and wrong concerning who You are and what it means to follow You. It is also great to debate doctrine with others to hone our own thoughts about these things. But, Lord God, may our doctrine be sound because of our love for You. May it never replace You in our hearts and minds. Amen.
 

Test Recording: September Swoosh!

September Swooshed By!

Acts 20:30

Sunday, 1 October 2023
 
“Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Acts 20:30
 
Paul just noted to the elders at Ephesus who are gathered with him in Miletus that after his departure savage wolves will come in among them, and they will not spare the flock. With that, he continues, saying, “Also from among yourselves.”
 
As a point concerning how the church is structured, Paul’s words show the ingenious nature of the New Testament church. There is no individual “church,” such as the Roman Catholics claim. Rather, there are believers who unite together who are the church.
 
Therefore, if a church departs from the faith, another can spring up that can go back to the foundation and hold fast to the integrity of Scripture. This is why instead of there being one letter to the churches in Revelation 2 & 3 there are 7.
 
Any church that claims to be the “true” church, which is as common as peanuts in peanut butter, is already either departing from or has departed from the model. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd. There are overseers below Him who are expected to be faithful to the word He has given and to the flock entrusted to them.
 
However, as Paul notes, not only would wolves come from without, but even from among the ranks of a faithful church. Again, the words “from among yourselves” reveal this. Paul was standing there telling the church leaders this will be the case because he knew the inclinations of the human heart. There is the desire to control others always brewing within it. And so, he says, “men will rise up.”
 
Right out of a perfectly functioning flock, there are people who will sow discord. They will try to usurp authority, and they will try to remove surety of salvation from the hearts and minds of those they sit with each week. In doing so, they will then introduce various aberrant ideas about what God is like, what He expects of His people, and how He can be appeased.
 
Grace is not a consideration in their theology because grace removes all hope of their power and influence being wielded over others. Think of the Roman Catholic Church! They have innumerable doctrines that divert eyes and hearts away from Jesus, the very pinnacle of God’s grace to the people of the world.
 
Why do they do this? It is because, in so doing, they become the arbiters of what is and is not acceptable. If they are, the people are in bondage to them and will do anything in their means to secure salvation through them. It is a trap that innumerable souls are stuck in.
 
Grace cannot be earned. But expecting allegiance and money to be given to a church means that those individuals in the congregation are attempting to earn favor. Such evil overseers know this, and they have profited for millennia because of it.
 
And yet, Paul stood there with these men from Ephesus and warned them of exactly what is happening in churches all over the world to this day. And the way that it comes about is by such men rising up and “speaking perverse things.”
 
The word translated as perverse is diastrephó. It signifies through (dia) and to convert or change (strephó). The word then means distorting, perverting, and making something different or even the opposite of what it was.
 
These people will give perverse ideas about the nature of God. They will twist Scripture away from grace to works. They will deny the fully sufficient work of Christ. They will claim that grace means license, such as “I have been given grace, and so I can do whatever I want.” On and on, the things they come up with are perverse and corrupt. And the reason is for self-gain. As Paul says, they do it “to draw away the disciples after themselves.”
 
This is the crux of the matter. They will be able to wield power over those they control. They will have fame, ease, sexual gratification, or whatever other perverted thing that motivates them. And this is not limited to local churches. By establishing denominations, the level of power only increases, just as in government entities. Those at the top wield unbiblical authority over those they have never even met.
 
In and of itself, there is nothing wrong with denominations, but they eventually become self-feeding bodies that do not have the interests of the local churches in mind. It is an inevitable outcome of such structures.
 
Life application: How sad it is to look at once faithful churches and denominations where Paul’s words have been proven true. But the Bible warned of it. Therefore, the blame rests upon those who are unwilling to take to heart the words of Scripture and carefully follow what is provided there.
 
Is it possible that Hymenaeus and Philetus noted in 2 Timothy 2:17 were standing there with Paul as he spoke? Were they back in Ephesus waiting till he left for good so that they could work their evil?
 
Heretics promote self and they divide in order to conquer. John Lange notes exactly this when he says, “The note of heresy was that it was essentially self-asserting and schismatical.”
 
It is not only good, but proper to teach sound doctrine. If a church divides over such a thing, so be it. But it is not good when someone divides to promote self in the process. Watch out for such people and be on guard against those who would attempt to mar grace.
 
Lord God, our hearts are wicked, and our thoughts are corrupt. This is the natural state of humanity. Please help us to grow in the knowledge of Your word so that we can change this and become people with pure hearts and intentions. May we learn to place others ahead of ourselves and acknowledge our faults and failures as a part of who we are. You alone are to be exalted for the grace You have given us in the giving of Your Son. Amen.
 

Acts 20:29

Saturday, 30 September 2023
 
“For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Acts 20:29
 
Paul had just admonished the elders of Ephesus to take heed to themselves and to the flock. He stated that they were overseers of the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Now, he explains why he so admonished them, saying, “For I know this.”
 
The Greek is in the perfect tense. The literal meaning of what he says is, “For I have seen,” but in the sense of his sight becoming knowledge. It is seeing in a metaphorical sense. We continue to use the same type of wording today when we say, “I see just what you mean.” We don’t physically see it, but our minds can see just as clearly as if our eyes had actually seen. Paul is fully convinced of what he is about to say, which begins with, “that after my departure.”
 
As he is on his way to Jerusalem and only meeting these men for a short time now, it means that this could happen at any moment. They, therefore, must pay careful heed to his words because he has already known what would happen. It is not an “if” but a “when.” Of what he warns about, it is that “savage wolves will come in among you.”
 
These words, along with what is coming in the next verse, comprise one of the saddest sets of prophetic verses in the New Testament. Paul, knowing the wickedness of the human heart, as well as the cunningness of the devil, was aware of what would happen to the churches.
 
His words will be confirmed as true within just a few short years when Jesus speaks to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:1. Paul indicates that with his departure, there will be the immediate temptation for false teachers to step in and take his place. He describes them as lukoi bareis, or burdensome wolves.
 
The word lukos is where lycan, or werewolf, comes from. It is derived from leukos, or white. That reflects the whitish hair of the wolf. The word barus signifies weighty or oppressive. Jesus uses it when referring to the Pharisees in Matthew 23:4, saying, “For they bind heavy [barus] burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.”
 
These people would be heavy, oppressive wolves, savages “not sparing the flock.” They would be ravenous against the flocks and are thus set in contrast to the shepherds of the previous verse. The elders Paul is speaking to would have to be on a constant guard because those coming would certainly come in with subtlety and cunning, creeping around looking for a chance to assume leadership and then start to throw in their own perverse ideas and doctrines.
 
Life application: It would be unheard of for a church to open its doors and say, “We are proclaiming a false Jesus! Come in and join our damning doctrines. We have a sure path to hell.” Rather, churches begin with the intent of teaching the path to salvation, even if their doctrine is incorrect to begin with. Their intent is to do as they believe is proper.
 
For those churches with incorrect ideas and doctrine, they will face the Lord for judgment just as would any incorrect religion. However, there are churches that start out properly. They hold to what is right and in line with the word of God. However, it is not uncommon for such churches to quickly begin to divert after the retirement or death of a sound pastor.
 
It may be a matter of expediency, such as, “We really need a pastor, and although this guy isn’t the best, he will do until we find someone better.” In such a case, the chances are, the new pastor will come in and never leave. The congregation will get used to him and accept his watered-down teachings because it is the easiest path.
 
It may be a matter of someone being in the church who has always wanted to run things. And so, he secretly waits, agreeing with everything the pastor says. When the pastor retires or dies, he seems to be the right person to take over. However, he actually disagreed with the pastor on many points of doctrine, and he slowly begins to introduce them to the ears of the church. The wise leave. However, some stay, sure they made the right choice. Eventually, they are lulled into a state of total apostasy by this cunning wolf.
 
There are countless permutations of this to consider. The main thing is that the guard of the church was let down. It failed to adhere to the sound principles laid out in Scripture, and the congregation eventually accepts doctrines that are completely at odds with what is taught in the word of God. It is as common as nails in the frame of a house for this to happen.
 
Churches must be fixed and firm on proper doctrine. Without that, they will eventually be led astray, just as Paul noted to the elders of Ephesus.
 
O God, things that should never come about in a church arise. Quite often, it is simply because we are in a rush to have things continue without interruption or difficulty. But it often happens because people simply do not know the word well enough to know when they are being duped. Help us to overcome our desire for expediency at the expense of soundness. Help us to learn and adhere to Your precious and sacred word. Keep us on the proper path as we live out our days in Your presence. Amen.

Acts 20:28

Friday, 29 September 2023
 
“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28
 
In the previous verse, Paul noted that he had not shunned to declare to them the whole counsel of God. Now, and using that as an example for them to follow, he says, “Therefore take heed to yourselves.”
 
Paul is speaking to those in charge and reminding them that they first need to oversee themselves or everything which follows will be wrong. As the Pulpit Commentary says –
 
“He that is careless about his own salvation will never lie careful about the souls of others.”
 
The Pulpit Commentary is correct, if it is referring to one’s state in salvation, not in the state of salvation itself. In other words, if a person is saved, the state of his salvation is no longer in question, but his condition as a saved believer can and does change. Paul’s words are that these already saved believers must take heed concerning their actions as believers. 1 Timothy 4:16 is a great comparable verse to consider –
 
“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
 
At first, the words of 1 Timothy 4:16 appear to be pointing to works-based salvation, but that is not the case. In teaching right doctrine, those who are taught will be saved (if they choose to accept God’s gracious offer in Christ). In caring for the salvation of others, a minister is demonstrating that he cares for his own salvation. It is the gospel that brings salvation to men. As for the verse in Acts, Paul continues with, “and to all the flock.”
 
Drawing on the symbolism found throughout Scripture, the shepherd tends to his flock. The word translated as “flock” is the neuter noun poimnion. It is a flock of herding animals, especially sheep. In emulation of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Paul asks them to continue in this same care for those entrusted to them. This endowment is, according to his words, “among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.”
 
The Holy Spirit is the one who consecrated these men to be overseers of their flock in Ephesus. The idea here is first a desire to serve in this capacity and then with the approval of those who would be shepherded by them. As those in the church are believers sealed with the Holy Spirit, then these men have, by implication, been made overseers by the Holy Spirit.
 
As for the term “overseers,” Paul now uses this term - episkopos. It is derived from epi, upon, and skopos, a watcher, or a mark on which to fix the eye as if using a scope. Hence, it is an overseer. He is one who views intently. It is to be remembered that in verse 20:17, the term presbuteros, or elder, was used. Thus, the words are being used synonymously for the individual, even if the substance of the word is different. They are elders, and their job is to oversee.
 
This word, episkopos, is used five times, four by Paul and once by Peter in 1 Peter 2:25 when speaking of Jesus. Hence, the church overseer is to be like the ultimate Overseer, Jesus. He carefully watches over the souls of His people, as noted in 1 Peter, and these men are to do likewise and “shepherd the church of God.”
 
Here, Paul uses the verb form of the word translated as “flock” he just used, poimainó. It signifies caring for the flock, inclusive of feeding them, protecting them, directing them, etc. The KJV says, “feed.” That is only a part of what a shepherd does, and thus it is an inadequate translation.
 
As for the words “the church of God,” although seemingly straightforward, this is one of the most debated verses in the New Testament. Along with 1 Timothy 3:16 and 1 John 5:7, this verse has several marked textual variations. One is the “church of the Lord,” and one is the “church of the Lord and God.”
 
Paul uses the term “church of God” around ten times (with variations on that theme making even more), but never “church of the Lord.” However, that doesn't mean it wasn't his intent here. The difference is important, particularly because of the next words he will say.
 
As for the church itself, it is a called-out assembly of believers. It is at the direction of those who lead it, just as Israel was at the direction of the king appointed over them. When the king strayed, the people inevitably did so as well. Likewise, when an unsuitable leader is found within the church, those he leads will likewise go astray. But this should never be the case because, as Paul next says of Jesus in relation to the church, “which He purchased with His own blood.”
 
The word “purchased” signifies to fully acquire. The payment for the souls of those in the church was complete when Christ shed His blood. Concerning the words “His own blood,” they are in the emphatic position, literally “which He purchased through the blood the own.” The meaning of the word “blood” is “death.” The life is in the blood.
 
It isn’t as if Jesus could have drawn out a pint of His blood and said, “Here, use this to buy the church,” as implied in the words “with” or “which.” Rather, when the blood is shed, death is the result. The payment for the souls of God’s people is the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. It is through His death that man has life. Paul’s words are carefully selected and spoken out to these men as a point of theology.
 
These words are why the textual variations are so contested. If “God” is intended, then it is absolute evidence of the deity of Christ. If God has His own blood, then it must be Jesus who is being referred to. Those who wish to intentionally diminish the deity of Christ would naturally prefer “Lord” and vice versa with those who desire to prove His deity. However, Christ’s deity is so obvious from other portions of Scripture, that only a person who intentionally denies the premise could miss it anyway.
 
Life application: In the words of this verse, Paul notes that these elders are to lead the flock “among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” As noted, this was – and continues to be – based on a selection and appointment process. The pastoral epistles give the necessary qualifications for such leaders. Therefore, the idea of the Holy Spirit making people overseers is inclusive of what is recorded there.
 
As such, if a person does not meet those minimum qualifications, the Holy Spirit does not at all make that person an overseer. The church departed from the word which is given by the Holy Spirit, and it failed to uphold its sacred duty.
 
The obvious point of this is that a church that failed to do as instructed is not an acceptable body of believers. This does not mean that those in the church are not saved. They may or may not be, but they have placed themselves in a state of apostasy because of their selection and appointment.
 
Just as the nation of Israel devolved into inappropriate conduct during the rule of a bad king, so that particular church body will devolve as well. This is the inevitable path for such things. If you are in a church that has appointed leaders whose qualifications are not in accord with the pastoral epistles, you should work to get that corrected or leave that church. Otherwise, your own walk will suffer.
 
O God, You have given us Your word to lead us and direct us. Within that word are directions for men to be selected and designated as leaders within our local church. Help us to use wisdom in selecting men who meet the qualifications laid out by You. We wish to remain a body that is living in accord with Your will. So, help us to act accordingly in our leadership choices. Amen.