BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 12:16

Friday, 2 December 2022
 
Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. Acts 12:16
 
The previous verse noted the insistence by Rhoda that Peter was at the door. With that remembered, it next says, “Now Peter continued knocking.”
 
It is almost a comedy at this point. Peter has knocked. Rhoda came to the door and probably asked, “Who is it?” Peter responded. Rhoda freaked out with joy and instead of opening the door, she ran inside to tell everyone. Nobody believed Rhoda (poor Rhoda!). Finally, Peter must keep knocking while the people are inside debating if Rhoda is crazy, if it is Peter’s angel, or who knows what else. The danger to Peter is unknown, but he was still within the city, and he was supposed to stand trial shortly. With that, relief finally comes, saying, “and when they opened the door and saw him.”
 
We can imagine those inside thronging to the door and fighting to be the one to grab the handle and unlock it, wondering what to make of Rhoda’s words. With the door open and Peter obviously standing there, it says “they were astonished.”
 
The word used has been seen seven times already in Acts. This is its eighth and last time. It will be seen one more time in 2 Corinthians 5:3 where Paul states, “For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you.” It literally means, “to stand aside.”  Hence, one can think of being beside oneself in amazement, and thus astonished. Rhoda wasn’t crazy, after all.
 
Life application: Unlike this event concerning Peter, when Jesus comes knocking, be sure to let Him in.
 
Lord God, how blessed was the day when You came into our lives. Now, help us to be prepared to share the good news with those we meet on the path of life. You will knock and anticipate them opening the door, but that will only happen if they first hear the word about You. May we do our part to help fill the halls of heaven with those who have heard and opened the door. Amen.

Acts 12:15

Thursday, 1 December 2022
 
But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.” Acts 12:15
 
Rhoda ran into the house and announced that Peter was outside. Now, Luke records the surprised gathering’s response, saying, “But they said to her, ‘You are beside yourself!’” The Greek implies someone who is crazy, which is exactly how we would state this today, “You’re crazy.”
 
The word is a verb, mainomai. One can see the root of the word maniac and mania. To get the sense of its meaning, it is also used twice in Acts 26 along with its cognate noun mania, signifying insanity –
 
“Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, ‘Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad [insanity]!’25 But he said, ‘I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason.’”
 
Hearing Rhoda’s words, this is the only thing they could conclude. Otherwise, why didn’t she just let him in when she went to the door? Despite their dismissal of her claim, Luke next records, “Yet she kept insisting that it was so.”
 
Rather than “kept insisting,” the word signifies confidence and more appropriately reads, “Yet she confidently affirmed.” She was adamant that the person’s voice was surely that of Peter. In response to this, and probably to rib her a little, we read, “So they said, ‘It is his angel.’”
 
This may be a claim based on what is said in Hebrews 1:14 when referring to angels –
 
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?”
 
However, there is no reason to assume that those speaking to Rhoda actually believed that Peter’s angel would come knocking at the door. It seems that they are poking fun at her because of her adamant affirmation that it was really Peter at the door.
 
Life application: While the debate as to whether Peter was standing at the door and knocking to come in was going on, Peter was... well, he was standing at the door. The simplest method of determining what the truth of the matter was would be to go to the door and open it.
 
Likewise, Jesus told the church of Laodicea that He stood at the door and was knocking –
 
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20
 
What is He talking about? He is noting that the person on the inside is not only given a rap to alert them that someone is outside, but He has also been explicitly told who is outside. And more, Jesus is speaking about an individual as opposed to the entire church. While the church may be lost, the person can still be saved. In other words, the Lord is using these metaphors to relay a truth.
 
God wants fellowship with someone who has failed to come to Him. He initiates the action, alerting him that He is there, and He then identifies Himself so that there can be no doubt about who He is. When the heart of the person is willing, he opens the door – meaning he allows the Lord in. The terminology is simple and explicit.
 
Further, it shows the simplicity of the process. Opening a door takes little effort. The action occurs and the fellowship is realized. Faith is the key. When a favorable response is made, and the door is opened, the Lord then says that He will come in to him and dine with him. The words clearly demonstrate that the Calvinistic doctrine of “irresistible grace” is false. God does not regenerate people in order to believe, causing them to believe, which then saves them. That is not only an illogical doctrine, but also unbiblical.
 
Instead, when the response is favorable and the door is opened, the Lord promises that He will dine with that person. The imagery here is that of close fellowship and intimacy. To dine with someone brings a state of closeness that is almost unmatched in human experience. To further bolster this, Jesus notes that the person will also dine with Him.
 
In this, there is the idea of intimacy and fellowship that the Lord is conveying. It is something only possible with the Lord through receiving Christ, allowing Him into one’s heart. The words in Revelation speak beautifully of the transmission of the gospel to a dead church. Who will respond?
 
Although it is fashionable to belittle those who say, “Christ is knocking on the door of your heart,” this is the exact symbolism that is being conveyed. Christ initiated the process, He identifies Himself through the message, and if a response is made, salvation is realized.
 
But the point is that someone must convey this message to the person. Rhoda is trying to tell those inside that Peter is at the door. We need to tell others that Jesus is awaiting our response. Be sure to tell people that He is there, right there at the door. It will be up to them after that, but your job is to ensure they at least know this wonderful news.
 
Lord God, give us the strong desire to tell the good news about Jesus. Time is passing quickly, and our days are short. So, Lord, may we be willing to tell of this wonderful news of salvation while there is time. Yes, may it be so. Amen.
 

Acts 12:14

Wednesday, 30 November 2022
 
When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. Acts 12:14
 
In the previous verse, the girl named Rhoda came to the door of the gate to answer when Peter knocked. Now, it says, “When she recognized Peter’s voice.”
 
It is obvious from these words that Peter was well-known within the house. Even without seeing his face, she knew it was him. This is in accord with Peter’s words of 1 Peter 5 where Peter calls Mark “my son.” There was a longstanding intimacy between Peter and Mark that extended to the whole family and the church that met in their home. This also included Rhoda. When she heard his voice, it next says that “because of her gladness she did not open the gate.”
 
Some commentaries attempt to work in an additional explanation as to why she didn’t open the gate. Specifically, they say that she didn’t because of the persecution that they had previously experienced at the time when Saul was arresting those of the church and then the newer persecution of the killing of James and the arresting of Peter.
 
Although these things certainly occurred and probably made the believers wary, Luke explicitly tells us that Rhoda was overjoyed at the voice of Peter and simply neglected to open the gate, wanting to share the news with everyone. As it says, she “ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate.”
 
Rhoda simply got caught up in the moment and rushed inside without attending to the door. The simplicity, excitement, and innocence of the event demonstrate the true love that Rhoda felt for Peter. It is not unlike the reaction of Rebekah in Genesis 24:28 and even the reaction of Rachel when she met Jacob in Genesis 29. The emotions simply overwhelmed those involved and off ran the young ladies to share the good news.
 
Life application: What is the best news of all? Are you willing to share it with those you know and even with those you don’t know? And just how willing are you? Do you grudgingly plod along the path of life and remember it only after being reminded that it is your duty to share it? Or do you skip along the road, joyfully anticipating the next person you can talk to about the goodness of God in sending His Son to bring us life?
 
Paul admonishes us to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. That means we should always be ready to share this good news. And so, let us comply with this simple and necessary part of our responsibilities. The young maidens Rebekah, Rachel, and Rhoda all ran to share the good news they knew about. Let us be young in heart like them and do likewise!
 
Lord God, time is short. Help us to be about Your business while there is still a chance to let people know about our hope. That may end through death, disaster, or rapture at any moment, so convict us now about what we need to do. To Your glory. Amen.
 

Acts 12:13

Tuesday, 29 November 2022
 
And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. Acts 12:13
 
In the previous verse, Peter arrived at the house of Mary, the mother of John who is also called Mark. The account said many were gathered together and were praying. With that, it now says, “And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate.”
 
Note: Some manuscripts do not include Peter’s name here, simply saying, “he.”
 
Once arriving at the house of Mary, it notes that Peter knocked on the door of the gate. The word translated as door is the common word that signifies a portal or entrance, such as a door or gate. The word translated as “gate” is pulón. HELPS Word Studies defines it as “the passage which led from the street through the front part of the house to the inner court.” As such, Vincent’s Word Studies explains the use of both words together –
 
“The small outside door, forming the entrance from the street, and opening into the πυλών [pulón], or doorway, the passage from the street into the court. Others explain it as the wicket, a small door in the larger one, which is less probable.”
 
With Peter’s knocking, it next says, “a girl named Rhoda came to answer.” The word translated as “girl” often signifies a slave. For example, Paul uses it five times in Galatians 4 to describe a bondwoman. However, Vincent’s argues against this meaning here, noting that her prompt recognition of Peter’s voice and her joyful haste makes this unlikely. He continues by arguing that she was probably a disciple gathered for prayer.
 
But that is an argument that does not hold up well. Slaves are fixed parts of a home and have an intimate knowledge of the comings and goings of all guests. This is evident from Mark 14 –
 
“Now as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came. 67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, ’You also were with Jesus of Nazareth.’” Mark 14:66, 67
 
Further, as the Bible shows several times in the New Testament, slaves are noted as believers. Their status doesn’t change simply because they come to the faith. Vincent’s also notes that “the record of her name” is another reason to believe she was not a slave. That also is not a good argument. Onesimus is mentioned by name throughout the epistle of Philemon. Further, the name of the servant in John 18:10 is explicitly stated as Malchus. Such a note shows careful attention to detail by the one writing out the events.
 
As for her name, Rhoda means “Rose.” As today, naming someone after a plant, flower, animal, and so on was not uncommon in the past. In Scripture there are several such names like Tamar (Palm Tree), Hadassah (Myrtle), Deborah (Bee), Tabitha/Dorcas (Gazelle), and so on.
 
Life application: The historical writings of the Bible detail events that really happened. Luke took the time to note a slave girl by name, and to this day she is having an impact on those who read the account and think about who she was.
 
Another slave girl is noted in 2 Kings 5:2-4. No record of her name is given, and yet she had such a profound impact on the biblical narrative that the events she initiated were even mentioned by Jesus in Luke 4:27. At the same time, there are kings who are mentioned in the Bible whose names and deeds are lost to history, other than the fact that they were defeated in battles, such as the king of Jericho (Joshua 6) and the king of Makkedah (Joshua 10).
 
In the end, what really matters isn’t how much money we have, how great a position we have, or even if our name is remembered by others after we are gone. What matters is how we conduct our lives before the Lord God. He remembers the name of Naaman’s slave girl even if it was never recorded in Scripture.
 
As we are remembered by Him, we should endeavor to be remembered by Him as people of faith and of faithful deeds. We shall rise to receive our just due for the lives we have lived. Remember this and walk humbly and in a circumspect manner before the Lord all your days.
 
“O Lord, You have searched me and known me.2 You know my sitting down and my rising up;You understand my thought afar off.3 You comprehend my path and my lying down,And are acquainted with all my ways.4 For there is not a word on my tongue,But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.5 You have hedged me behind and before,And laid Your hand upon me.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;It is high, I cannot attain it.” Psalm 139:1-6
 
Lord God, help us to remember that You are aware of our every deed. We easily forget this and go about doing things we shouldn’t. Or we may fail to do those things we should. But with our minds remembering that You are there, we can then remember to always act responsibly. Help us in this, Lord. May we live our lives rightly all our days. Amen.

Acts 12:12

Monday, 28 November 2022
 
So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. Acts 12:12
 
Peter had just collected himself enough to know that what had taken place was real, not a vision. With that, it now says, “So, when he had considered this.”
 
In realizing he was really free and that the things he would do going forward were not just a part of an ongoing dream, he had to consider what steps he should take. As such, he determined to first let the other believers know he was ok. As such, “he came to the house of Mary.”
 
This may have been the house closest to where the angel departed from him and where trusted believers resided. He would have known his coming there would not jeopardize his freedom. Of this particular Mary, she is noted as “the mother of John whose surname was Mark.” Concerning this name, Charles Ellicott provides the following details –
 
“Here we may note (1) that as being mentioned by St. Peter as his “son” (1 Peter 5:13) he was probably converted by him; (2) that he was cousin to Barnabas, probably through his mother, and was therefore at least connected with the tribe of Levi (Acts 4:36), and possibly belonging to it; (3) that the fact that Mary’s house was the meeting-place of the Church indicates comparative wealth, as did Barnabas’s sale of his estate; (4) that the absence of any mention of Mark’s father makes it probable that she was a widow; (5) that the Latin name of Marcus indicates some point of contact with Romans or Roman Jews.”
 
Although Ellicott’s first point may be pressing the term “son,” the other details seem likely. Paul calls Timothy a true son in the faith (1 Timothy 1:2) and then says of Titus that he is “a true son in our common faith.” Despite that, Ellicott’s other details seem probable. As for the names John and Mark, this doesn’t mean that both names were conferred as legal names, but they were both used when referring to him. Most likely the Jews would have used John while the Greeks would call him Mark. This is common with many in the New Testament.
 
Of the house of Mary, it next says, “where many were gathered together praying.” This follows logically after the words of verse 12:5 where it noted “constant prayer was offered to God for” Peter. It could be that some were awake and praying at any given time of the day or night. As those gathered got tired, they’d go lie down. When they got up, they would get back to prayers.
 
Life application: Peter could have just headed out of Jerusalem right away and had a letter sent back to the believers that he was ok. Instead, he weighed out the options and decided to let those who were certainly distressed over his situation know that he was fine.
 
Today, we have telephones and internet connectivity. Therefore, we can convey such things more readily. But when the power is out or a phone isn’t handy, we should try to find some way of letting people know we are ok when they are concerned about us. Peter was careful to do this, knowing it would be a great relief to all. And more, they could change their prayers of petition to prayers of thanks and praise.
 
Let us walk through this world attempting to always be level-headed. When we keep our wits about us, we will have less stress and anxiety, and we will also be able to help those around us who may need the same calm assurances we have. By fixing our eyes on Jesus, this is possible. In Him, we can have the confident assurance that all is well.
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for the peace of life that comes from knowing Jesus. In Him, we can let all our other cares pass by without them negatively affecting us. And so, help us to keep our wits about us. In this, we can be a testimony to others of the peace we possess in our souls. Amen.
 

Acts 12:11

Sunday, 27 November 2022
 
And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.” Acts 12:11
 
Peter was just led out of the prison, through the iron gate, and down one street. At that time, the angel departed from him. It now says, “And when Peter had come to himself.”
 
The meaning is clear. Peter was overcome by the events that occurred. From being roused from sleep to being delivered all the way out of the prison was probably a matter of mere minutes. During the whole process, he did not have time to consider what was happening, but just rushed on through one stage of the process after another, obediently following the directives of the angel.
 
Now, with the angel gone, he will have to think for himself. That has caused his mind to stop racing and he can finally think about each step that has occurred and what he is to do next. With that state of mind now attained, “he said, ‘Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel.’”
 
As if in a dream, he participated in the events from the time of his waking until now, but – at least mentally – he really wasn’t an active participant. Rather, he was being led while in the groggy state of having just arisen. As this was so, the idea of an angel leading him was more like the reflection of a person while dreaming. He now realizes, though, that this was a real angel and the events he participated in really came about. That is seen in his next words, saying “and has delivered me from the hand of Herod.”
 
This is what was preeminent on his mind even while sleeping. The thought of waking and facing the trial was what he fell asleep to, and it is what his mind probably tried to process, even during his slumber. Even if he felt he would be freed from actual execution because of the promise of Jesus from John 21 that he would die as an old man, he would still have to go through the events of the trial for that to happen.
 
But no trial would take place now. He was delivered from the hands of Herod, “and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”
 
The meaning of this is certainly not “all the Jewish people.” Rather, it refers to those who were opposed to the work of the apostles, especially the leadership who had rejected the message of Christ from the beginning. That is seen in the opening words of chapter 12 –
 
“Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. 2 Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread.” Acts 12:1-3
 
They hated the message of the apostles, they were pleased to see it start coming to an end through the death of James, and they were looking forward to more blood for the message to finally be ended. To them, the death of Peter would be a great step in this process.
 
Life application: One can see in the words of this verse the personal nature of things that could only have been relayed to Luke by Peter himself. The knowledge of how he felt as the events unfolded was known to him alone. Thus, what is recorded here can be taken as personal eyewitness. As far as Peter could be considered reliable, the narrative here must be considered equally so.
 
And yet, Paul says that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God. This is a remarkable aspect of Scripture. Luke investigated and interviewed. He checked and he verified. He noted and he composed. And yet, through all of that, we have a word that was divinely inspired by God. Everything that Luke did to compose the book of Acts was a part of the process of bringing us this word.
And this is true with all Scripture. The things that occurred and the process of compiling each book was all considered by God to bring about this wonderful treasure that we now hold in our hands. Let us consider this as we contemplate the marvel of God’s written revelation to us.
 
May we carefully consider this word. May we never be flippant or dismissive of what it conveys to us. Rather, let us treasure it in our hearts, contemplate its pages, and be willing to share its message with all who come to learn of its sacred contents.
 
Glorious God, thank You for Your precious and sacred word. What an honor and a joy it is to consider it and to treasure it in our lives. It is the word that tells us of Jesus. Thank You that we possess the very words of life in the pages of Your holy Bible. Amen.
 

Acts 12:10

Saturday, 26 November 2022
 
When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. Acts 12:10
 
Peter was led by the angel but thought what was happening was simply a vision. With that, the event continues with the words, “When they were past the first and the second guard posts.”
 
More rightly, the Greek reads, “And having passed through a first guard and a second.” It is debated what is being expressed here. Vincent’s Word Studies gives two possibilities, saying, “...some assuming that the first was the single soldier on guard at the door of Peter’s cell, and the second, another soldier at the gate leading into the street. Others, that two soldiers were at each of these posts, the two in Peter's cell not being included in the four who made up the watch.”
 
No matter what, Peter was led out from being chained between two soldiers and then two guards after that. Despite this, he went out wholly undetected. After passing the guards, it next says “they came to the iron gate that leads to the city.”
 
It is probable that the sense here is not that the prison was outside of the city, but that the iron gate was the outer gate of the prison itself. In departing this gate, one would then enter the city.
 
What is certain is that Luke’s description of this gate would have been something anyone of the day could go look at and verify if his words matched the actual state of things. His minute care to include such details is a common aspect of his writings, and it was something that provided sure validation that what he wrote was reliable. Next, referring to the gate, it says, “which opened to them of its own accord.”
 
Of all translations, the KJV uniquely and incorrectly says, “which opened to them of his own accord.” One could say this is a poetic way of speaking of the gate, but because the word gate and its accompanying adjective are both feminine, the translation is decidedly incorrect. It should read “opened to them of its own accord.”
 
As this gate would be locked and bolted, being the final obstacle intended to keep prisoners from escaping, this is nothing other than a divinely orchestrated miracle. However, it opened, it was something that could not be attributed to mere chance. Not only would it have required the proper keys to open, but the timing of its opening by itself also is a validation of the miraculous nature of the event. Next, Luke records, “and they went out and went down one street.”
 
The word translated as “street” signifies a narrow alley or lane found in a city. The root of the word gives the sense of flowing motion. Hence, it would be a lane that was usually filled with the rush of people as if a moving body. Peter’s deliverance is complete at this point. He was delivered from the guards, from the prison itself, and he was at a distance safe enough to be left to himself. With that accomplished, the verse finishes with, “and immediately the angel departed from him.”
 
As there was no continued need for supernatural assistance, the angel’s task was complete, and he departed without any further ado. Peter was rescued to serve the Lord another day.
 
Life application: We may know of someone who was in a car crash or some other disaster who alone survives out of those involved. In such an event, we may say, “We are so blessed he was saved.” However, the families of the others who died might say in their minds, “So we weren’t blessed? What kind of blessing from God is this?”
 
Another example may be the coming of a tornado that destroys a line of houses but completely skips over one house, leaving it totally unharmed. We might say, “They were so blessed.” Again, the other owners may feel offended and say, “Why weren’t we given God’s blessing?”
 
This is looking at the issue in the wrong way. Just because someone has deliverance, such as Peter, it doesn’t mean that he is more favored of God than those who were executed the next day. It is just that there was a purpose for Peter’s continued existence that necessitated his being spared.
 
For those who suffer in a catastrophe, we should ask, “Do you thank God for each meal, taking it as a blessing?” Or “Do you thank God for each promotion, taking that as a blessing?” If not, then you are failing to acknowledge God’s hand in your life. If so, then you are doing what is right and good. But what if we miss a meal? Do we curse God and blame Him for that? If we are not promoted, do we revile Him?
 
The same logic applies to greater-sized blessings or losses, such as losing a home or having only one person out of seven saved from a car accident. It is right in all circumstances to acknowledge the Lord’s blessing while also not imputing wrong to Him for the things that we don’t like.
 
One’s personal blessing does not necessarily equate to a particular favor that is above those who did not receive it. Therefore, let us simply be grateful for every good blessing that comes our way, no matter how small or how great it is. We cannot know the works of God from beginning to end. Therefore, we should acknowledge what we do know and not attempt to find a design that matches our presuppositions concerning those things we cannot know.
 
Glorious God, we are grateful to You for each and every blessing that comes our way. Help us to properly express that, especially so others can see our gratitude and know that we have given the credit where it belongs. And, Lord, when trials come, help us to remain grateful even through such times as well. Amen.
 

Acts 12:9

Friday, 25 November 2022
 
So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. Acts 12:9
 
In the previous verse, the angel that had come to Peter instructed him to gird himself, put on his sandals and his outer coat, and follow him. With that, it now says, “So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.”
 
The NKJV does not give the proper sense of the verbs. What is much closer is a bit more cumbersome, but it more accurately portrays the nuances of the account penned by Luke. It says, “And having gone forth, he follows, and he did not know that what is happening through the angel is real, but he thinks he sees a vision” (CG). This will be the translation used for the commentary.
 
After being instructed to follow the angel, it next says, “And having gone forth.”
 
Nothing is said about how they went forth. If the angel materialized inside the prison and then freed Peter, did he just start walking out between the soldiers guarding the inside and outside of the cell? Luke simply says he (the verb is singular) went forth. Obviously, the angel was leading because it next says of Peter that “he follows.”
 
The account is fantastic because there are guards right there, and yet they do not perceive what is happening. As noted in the previous verse, they must have been given some type of spiritual blindness so that they could not even perceive what was going on around them. So profound is this type of blindness that it affected an entire army, as is recorded in 2 Kings 6:8-23.
 
In this account in Acts, the supposed spiritual blindness imposed upon the soldiers has allowed Peter to escape from the prison, even while heavily guarded. But so incredible is the event that, speaking of Peter, it next says, “and he did not know that what is happening through the angel is real.”
 
Peter was certainly groggy from his sleep. He was suddenly brought out of his sleep, given hurried instructions, and then led out of a seemingly impossible situation without any harm coming to him. Obviously, it would be hard for the mind to grasp such a thing. And yet, he perceives that it is happening. Trying to reconcile the two in his mind, it next says, “but he thinks he sees a vision.”
 
Luke’s use of imperfect and present tense verbs is marvelous, bringing the reader directly into what is happening in Peter’s mind as he walks right through the once hopeless situation without any hindrance at all. He is being freed with each step he is taking, and nothing is there to restrain him from taking another step and then another. The Lord has a purpose for him yet. It appears his execution is not going to take place after all.
 
Life application: It is the Lord who has total control over everything that occurs. If He does not want someone to die, that person will not die. He has His own purposes for keeping people around or for allowing them to perish. As such, we cannot blame Him when someone does die. That person’s life was lived, the Lord gave him life, and the Lord determined the ending of his life was acceptable.
 
Likewise, if a person is set to die (such as Peter) and does not, there must be some purpose that still exists for his continuance. Using the example of a jammed gun or an explosive that fails to detonate will get the point across. The highly unlikely event takes place, and the person lives. Was it just random chance? Was it divine intervention? We cannot know with certainty, but the Lord does.
 
As time unfolds, we might see the person who should have died to go on to become a great evangelist and say, “The Lord spared him for this purpose.” Or we might see that same person working in the local supermarket and think, “Boy was he lucky. He sure didn’t use his chance very well.” But are we the ones to decide that? Maybe the person in the store told someone about Jesus and that person went on to be a famous preacher.
 
We cannot know the stream of events that go off into the future in a million divergent paths. And so, we must simply trust that each event that happens does so to meet the Lord’s plans. And this is not meant to be a fatalistic “What does it matter then?” thing. Rather, we should look at the world with a sense of true awe and wonder and ask the Lord that we too may be included in what He is doing in a beautiful and unique way.
 
Our immediate circumstances may seem minimal and unimportant, but we should never think this is so. If we are saved because of Jesus, we are having an impact that will be seen for what it truly is someday. We will stand back and see the wonder of what God has done, and we will be both awed and satisfied with what we see. Who you are and what you are doing is important. Trust this because it is so.
 
Wonderfully glorious heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus who gives us true purpose and meaning. Without Him, our lives are temporary and futile. But because of Him, we are a part of a marvelous plan that has true and eternal significance. Help us to realize this and to rejoice that we are an important part of what You are doing. Thank You for Jesus who has made this possible. Amen.
 

Acts 12:8

Thursday, 24 November 2022
 
Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” Acts 12:8
 
An angel of the Lord had just come to Peter, woke him up, and told him to arise. With that, the chains fell off his hands. Next, it says, “Then the angel said to him, ‘Gird yourself.’”
 
The clothes worn at that time consisted of an outer garment and an inner garment. When relaxing or sleeping, the outer garment would be taken off and the inner garment (the xitōn, or tunic) would be loosened by undoing the girdle that bound it. Hence, to “gird” oneself meant to tighten up this inner garment.
 
By doing this, it would make it possible to travel much more easily. To not be girded would mean the tunic could trip a person up when walking quickly or running. This is seen, for example, in these words from 1 Kings 18 –
 
“Then the hand of the Lord came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.” 1 Kings 18: 46
 
Hence, the angel’s admonition to gird himself up implies that they would be leaving and heading out. He also said, “and tie on your sandals.”
 
The Greek word is sandalion. It was, like today, a shoe that protected the sole but with an open top. The sole could be made of wood or leather. Generally, it would be bound around the ankle and leg with string or straps to keep it secure. In compliance with the angel’s words, Luke notes, “and so he did.”
 
Remembering that Peter was just asleep, he would have been groggy. And so, noting the act of compliance tells us that nothing in the process was missed. Remembering also that Peter is between two guards, it can be assumed that the angel’s words were only heard by Peter or that the guards had been put into some sort of trance. In the Old Testament, such a state was noted a couple of times.
 
For example, in the account of Lot in Genesis 19, the people outside of his house were right there by the door, and yet they could not find it –
 
“But the men reached out their hands and pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. 11 And they struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they became weary trying to find the door.” Genesis 19: 10, 11
 
The mental state of the people of Sodom was confused and their senses were blinded to keep them from properly perceiving what was happening and what they were seeing. With something like this quite possibly occurring with the guards, Luke next says, “And he said to him, ‘Put on your garment and follow me.’”
 
This is now what is called a himation. It is a cloak or robe that was often fabricated from wool. It had openings for the head and arms and fit loosely over the xitōn. In telling Peter to put this on, it could only mean they were leaving. He would be prepared to be outdoors when dressed in this manner.
 
Life application: There are times when we need to relax or sleep. But even at those times, we should be prepared to act. Peter was set to go even though he was in prison. His girdle was ready, his sandals were handy, and his outer garment was also nearby.
 
If we replace those things with the idea of the gospel, we can then equate our remembering it and having it handy for any situation that arises. The word should never be far from our lips, just in case there is a sudden need to share it. We should have it ready at the store, in class, while at work, or when on a picnic.
 
We never know when someone will suddenly enter into our life who needs to hear about Jesus. So always be ready. As Paul says –
 
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” Ephesians 6:14-18
 
Be ready! People need Jesus and you just may be the person to share Him with someone today.
 
Lord God, help us to always carry with us the sense of urgency that comes with knowing all people are one heartbeat away from eternity. With this thought in mind, we will always be ready to share the good news about Jesus. Keep us focused on this most important news, the good news of the gospel. Yes, help us with this. Amen.
 

Acts 12:7

Wednesday, 23 November 2022
 
Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. Acts 12:7
 
The previous verse noted the condition of Peter’s incarceration, having been bound with two chains between two soldiers and with guards before the door who were keeping the prison. Next, it says, “Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him.”
 
The KJV and several other versions incorrectly say, “the angel of the Lord.” However, as in Acts 5:19, there is no article before “angel.” Hence, this is not a particular angel, nor is it the Lord. Rather, it is an unspecified angel sent by the Lord to accomplish a mission.
 
This angel came into Peter’s cell in a miraculous manner where he stood by Peter. It next says, “and a light shone in the prison.”
 
The word translated as “prison” is not the same as previously. Rather, it is a word found nowhere else in Scripture. However, according to Greek scholars, it was a common word in classical Greek, oikéma. It literally signifies a tenement, but it was used by those of Athens in a euphemistic manner for being in prison. Today, we say “pokey,” “stir,” “hoosegow,” “jail,” “clink,” “cooler,” “jug,” “lockup,” “pound,” “glasshouse,” “caboose,” “slammer,” “big house,” “cell,” and so on, in this manner. Choose your favorite!
 
When the angel appeared, the area lit up. Whether it was an external light or simply light radiating from the angel is not stated. All it says is “and light shone in the pokey.” However, the accompaniment of light with the appearance of angels is found elsewhere and signifies the divine presence regardless of how it is transmitted. With that, it next says, “and he struck Peter on the side.”
 
The word translated as struck can be anything from a gentle knock to a lethal blow. In this case, one can see him, like a friend, using the palm or the back of the hand and gently but firmly tapping on him to bring him from his obviously deep state of sleep. From there, it says, “and raised him up.”
 
This word can mean to rise or to awaken. Certainly, this means he woke him up because of the next words of Luke, “saying, ‘Arise quickly!’”
 
Once awake, the angel then asked Peter to get up in a hurry. There could be no delays in his actions due to the current situation. With that, it next says, “And his chains fell off his hands.”
 
This was obviously miraculous in at least a couple of ways. First, they came off at the very moment the angel instructed him to arise. Also, the sound and motion of the chains went undetected by the guards, as did the shining of the light and the stirring of Peter. With Peter free from the chains, the narrative will continue with miraculous events in the coming verses.
 
Life application: A natural explanation for the events that are occurring will only go so far. The guards fell asleep. That would be all four of them. If so, we would have to assume the angel must have used a type of gas to put them to sleep. The angel got the keys and went in and got Peter up. The gas was strong enough to make everyone sleep but not strong enough to keep Peter asleep. The angel took the keys from the jailors to get in and used them on the chains. Etc.
 
These are all possible explanations, but then it means that the actual words of the account were falsified. If so, the account is essentially true, but the details were not as it is written. Or is it a total fabrication? In other words, there is only so much of what is said that can be considered believable without accepting miraculous and divine intervention.
 
But this has already been the case in Scripture many times. God intervenes at various times and in various ways to bring about the outcome of things. Angels appear and disappear. The Lord appears and disappears as well. Such accounts require faith.
 
Quite often, naturalistic explanations for things are made, but in seeking such an explanation, it argues that at least the substance of the account is true. Otherwise, there would be no point in trying to explain it.
 
If the account is true, and if we have a reliable record of how it occurred (such as this account told by Peter and recorded by Luke), then we must either believe the words as they are written, or we need to suppose that Peter was either lying or not remembering correctly. But such an event would hardly be remembered incorrectly.
 
Let us consider these things and accept that what is written is true and accurate. Think about the arguments of naysayers. In the end, their position will always be untenable. Either the Bible is true, or it is not. If not, then why would we bother with it? But if it is, let us accept what it says and have faith that it is accurately portraying the events it describes.
 
O God, we are so thankful for Your word. There are things in it that are often hard to understand, but we can accept them by faith because we know that You can do all things. Help us in our doubts and give us a depth of faith that will withstand the many accusations that come against Your word. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Acts 12:6

Tuesday, 22 November 2022
 
And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Acts 12:6
 
The previous words noted Peter having been kept in prison while those of the church prayed constantly for him. With that, it now says, “And when Herod was about to bring him out.”
 
However long he was in prison, be it a day or more than a week, the time had arrived when the next day would see Peter’s trial, surely resulting in his execution at the hands of Herod. Despite this, it next says, “that night Peter.”
 
The Greek is more specific, “the night, that.” In other words, not only was Herod about to bring Peter forth, but this was on no other night than the one before the day he was to be brought forth. This highlights the importance of the events. Nobody had come to Peter’s rescue during his incarceration, and he had a few hours left before his time was set to expire. And yet, it says, he “was sleeping.”
 
One would think sleep would not come easily at such a time, but Peter was fast asleep. This can be deduced from the words of verse 12:11. The events that are set to come about are so incomprehensible that Peter thought he was still in a deep sleep. For now, Luke’s minutely detailed account notes that while he was sleeping, he was “bound with two chains.”
 
Rather, the Greek is a perfect participle, saying, “having been bound with two chains.” This is the state he was in all along and it continued right up to the present moment. The impossibility of his situation is highlighted by this. If Peter were able to free himself from one chain, there would still be a second to deal with. And more, though it does not say how he was bound to the chains, it does note that it was “between two soldiers.”
 
The Greek reads, “between to guards.” It is true that they are identified as soldiers elsewhere, but the soldiers are acting as guards at this time. Of this, Albert Barnes says, “Peter was bound to the two. His left hand was chained to the right hand of one of the soldiers, and his right hand to the left hand of the other. This was a common mode of securing prisoners among the Romans. See abundant authorities for this quoted in Lardner's Credibility, part 1, chapter 10: section 9, London edition, 1829, vol. i. p. 242, 243, etc.”
 
Whether bound to the guards as noted by Barnes or bound to chains attached to the walls or floor, the situation is beyond any reasonable hope. If Peter were to free himself from the chains, the clinking sounds would be unmistakable as the guards were right there with him. But more, Luke continues, saying, “and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.”
 
Even if Peter were to free himself from his chains and then overcome two guards who were bound by their lives to not allow him to escape, there were still two more guards who would hear everything and be ready to overcome him in a moment. The utter impossibility of Peter gaining his freedom through natural means is perfectly evident by noting the description of his situation that has been so carefully detailed by Luke.
 
Life application: How could Peter be in a deep sleep while the prospect of his execution was only moments away? Many scholars look to the psalms as proof that Peter was satisfied with his position in the Lord and with his coming fate. Some cite the psalms, such as –
 
“I lay down and slept;I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.” Psalm 3:5
 
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
 
“Remember His marvelous works which He has done,His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,” Psalm 105:5
 
“It is vain for you to rise up early,To sit up late,To eat the bread of sorrows;For so He gives His beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2
 
It is true that we can derive comfort from the psalms in our times of distress, sadness, woe, anxiety, and so forth, but those words do not change the situation in which we find ourselves. They only give us comfort in and through them. However, Peter had something more, didn’t he? He states in his 2nd epistle –
 
“And we have more firm the prophetic word, to which we do well giving heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, till day may dawn, and a morning star may arise -- in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19 (YLT)
 
Peter had a prophetic word from the Lord Himself that was an absolute guarantee that his day had not yet come –
 
“‘Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.’ 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’” John 21:18, 19
 
Though it is not known how old Peter was at this time, he was probably not yet an old man. Only about ten years had passed since Jesus’ ascension. But more, based on how James was executed, it can be inferred that Herod’s means of execution for Peter was not what he was set to receive. The stretching out of his hands implied that he would follow Christ in crucifixion. As such, he would have accepted Jesus’ words and realized that he had nothing to worry about, at least on this evening.
 
Whether this is a stretch of the situation or not, and it is probably not, it is a lesson for us to consider. The Bible has given us future prophecies that are fixed in their meaning. We may not have all the details concerning them, such as exact timing, and so on, but they are events that the Lord has promised through His word that they will come about. As they tell us of the surety of glorification and eternity in His presence, what do we really have to worry about?
 
The prophecies are promises from God, who cannot lie. They are fixed and they are set. In due time, they will be realized. So be of good cheer and hold fast to what the word says.
 
Glorious Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us a sure and reliable word that tells us what lies ahead. Because of this, everything that happens in this world, no matter how distressing or evil, will come to an end. We shall be brought into Your presence, and we shall see Jesus, the Hope of our hearts and the Savior of our souls. What more could we ever hope for! Thank You for our sure hope, O God. Amen.
 

Acts 12:5

Monday, 21 November 2022
 
Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. Acts 12:5
 
The previous verse referred to the arrest and incarceration of Peter, noting that it was intended that he should be brought forth before the people after the Passover. With that noted, it now says, “Peter was therefore kept in prison.”
 
An important conjunction is missing from the translation. Also, there is a necessary article before prison. It more appropriately reads, “Peter, therefore, indeed, was kept in the prison” (YLT). 
 
As this was noted to be “during the Days of Unleavened Bread” (Acts 12:3), it could be that he was actually seized before the Passover, and the inserted word “during” would mean that it is that general timeframe, or it could be that it was on some day during the feast. As such, it could be from a couple of days to more than a week that Peter was held. Luke does not provide the specifics on this. Regardless of the duration, Luke next notes the attention of those in the church concerning his situation, saying, “but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.”
 
The words are very poorly translated. The word translated as “constant prayer” is an adverb that means “fervently.” The idea of continuance comes from an imperfect verb and a present participle. Thus, the entire thought should read, “and fervent prayer was being made by the assembly unto God for him” (YLT).
 
The sense is that the church was literally pouring out its heart in a continuous fashion for Peter. There were probably shifts of people that came together and wholeheartedly sought the face of the Lord for his deliverance. It is a beautiful note of the unity of the assembly and of the love they possessed for Peter. It also reveals that the church had no design to go in and bust Peter out of the pokey.
 
Rather, they prayed for the Lord’s hand to intercede in whatever fashion He determined, be it a miraculous release as had occurred in the past or to soften the heart of Herod and bring about a change in his designs. This fits well with Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 1:9-11 –
 
“Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, 11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.”
 
Life application: The Bible always exalts the power of prayer, even if not all prayers are answered in the manner of the one who is praying. It is certain that God already knows exactly what is going to happen regarding whatever matter is lifted up to Him, but it still asks us to pray. Further, Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 1 (above) clearly indicate that he believed that prayers change the outcome of events.
 
How can this be if God already knows the outcome? The answer is that He factors in the prayers of His people. Even if He already knows who will pray and who will not. This is not contradictory at all. He knows, we do not. An unspoken prayer is a prayer that will not be responded to. A spoken prayer will be responded to according to His will. And the outcome will be as God designed by taking the entire process according to His eternal counsel.
 
And this is the same thing as the salvation of an individual. Despite the Calvinist doctrine that God must regenerate a person in order to believe (which is nonsense) a person who does not have faith in God’s provision will not be saved. A person who does will be. Just as there is nothing contradictory in praying in order to affect God’s will, there is nothing contradictory in believing and being saved.
 
And yet, the same people who deny free will in salvation will pray for the lost, they will pray for healing, they will pray for blessing and favor, and they will pray for the other desires of their hearts. That... that is contradictory thinking.
 
We must act, both in believing God unto salvation and in praying to God for what we desire. And so, act!
 
O God, we are grateful to You for hearing our prayers and for responding according to Your infinite wisdom. How unimaginable it is that You would hear our prayers and respond to the faith we possess! You have all power and all knowledge. You are infinitely glorious. And yet You would look upon us and care for what we desire and attend to our faith. How truly great You are, O God. Amen.