BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 11:10

Thursday, 27 October 2022
 
Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. Acts 11:10
 
Peter had just noted that for a second time the voice had said “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” Having said that, he continues by saying, “Now this was done three times.”
 
It may or may not be a coincidence that the next verse will specifically note that three men from Cornelius will arrive at the door. Not only was the event seen three times, confirming that it was a purposeful and determined incident, but having three Gentiles arrive just then may confirm to Peter that he should pay heed to the vision. As for the great object filled with the animals of the earth, Peter next says, “and all were drawn up again into heaven.”
 
In Acts 10:16, the word analambanó was used. It means “to take up,” such as when Christ was taken up into heaven in Acts 1:2. Luke now uses the word anaspaó. That signifies “to pull up,” or “to draw up.” It is used only one other time, also by Luke –
 
“Then He answered them, saying, ‘Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?’” Luke 14:5
 
One might challenge the reliability of the text because of this, claiming that the use of two words shows an inconsistency. But there is no reason for this. Luke was the one to describe the events of Acts 10 as they were conveyed to him. Peter is now the one to describe what he saw in Acts 11. Rather than demonstrating an inconsistency, it shows that the use of the words is a recounting that is being described as anyone would do it, using words familiar to the mind at the time.
 
Of the words of Jesus just cited from Luke 14, the same thought is found in Matthew 12 using a completely different set of words to describe what he said –
 
“Then He said to them, ‘What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out?’” Matthew 12:11
 
Rather than an inconsistency, we have a personal eyewitness being relayed by two different sources using words that are appropriate to their mental state at the time. Any person might at one time say, “I saw the object pulled up to heaven.” The next time he describes the event, he might say, “I saw the object drawn up to heaven.” What is seen here is the recording of a natural discourse as it would normally occur.
 
Life application: Someone trying to tear apart the Bible would naturally claim that the use of various words when describing a single account shows an inconsistency. And yet, that same person would say, “Those two accounts are just copied, one from the other,” when they were identical. There is no winning with someone like that.
 
God has allowed man’s moods, predispositions, and current state of mind to enter into His word as it was conveyed by those who wrote it out. It is thus a living and active word that reflects more than just a set and rigid state of mind. Rather, it demonstrates to us a beauty all its own.
 
When a person plays a song on a guitar, it would become stagnant and boring to play the exact same notes every single time. Rather, a great player will take the original song and follow it while also adding in various personal notes. As such, it will be uniquely played even while it is the same song that has been played all along.
 
The Bible allows for something comparable when similar accounts are relayed to us. And yet, despite this, the exact intent of God is conveyed through His inspiration. We have the very words of God that reflect the very heart of His chosen instruments for conveying that word. Rejoice in the beauty of this word all your days. When you read the psalms of David, you can know that David is the author, even though you can also know that God is the ultimate inspiration and Author behind what is written. Think about this and revel in this precious and sacred word.
 
Heavenly Father, our hearts rejoice at the beauty of Your word. It is a treasure to come to and to consider from day to day. We are filled with hope, inspiration, joy, and more as we move from page to page. We can be angry at that which angers You. We can be molded into godly people through it. There is so much life and beauty in Your word. Thank You for this precious word. Amen.
 

Acts 11:9

Wednesday, 26 October 2022
 
But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common. Acts 11:9
 
In the previous verse, Peter explained his response to the voice from heaven, saying, “Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.” Now, Peter continues with, “But the voice answered me again from heaven.”
 
The Greek is more precise, saying, “But the voice answered a second time out of the heaven.” Peter is giving an exacting sequence of what occurred so that his hearers will mentally participate in what he has already personally experienced. With this noted, Peter next quotes the voice from heaven, saying, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”
 
The wording in the Greek is just the same as Acts 10:15. This is exactly what was said, and Peter repeats it without any changes at all.
 
Life application: The voice from heaven has specifically said that God has cleansed these animals. The uncleanness of the animals, however, caused the perception of uncleanness in the Gentiles among the Jews. However, if God had cleansed the animals, the Jews could not use this precept as a point of considering the Gentiles unclean, even if other things could still cause that perception.
 
With this understood, how did God cleanse the animals? Were they not considered clean for Noah? The answer is, “Yes, they were.” Genesis 9:3 explicitly says, “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you.” So, what is it that made the animals unclean? It was the prohibition for Israel to eat them as contained within the law.
 
If God has cleansed them (meaning for the Jews), it means that the law is no longer in effect. The prohibition came from the law, causing uncleanness before the law when the prohibition is violated. The cleansing came from the fulfillment and ending of the law through Christ’s work, including His sacrificial death.
 
Paul says, “for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). There can be no knowledge of sin if the law does not exist. As this is so, and as the animals are now deemed as cleansed because of the fulfillment of the law, then the Jews could no longer consider the Gentiles as “unclean” because of their diet.
 
But this then brings in a new kind of declaration of uncleanness. If the Gentiles are not unclean because of a precept of the law which is now ended in Christ, and if these same Gentiles come to Christ through the gospel, then they are wholly sanctified to the Lord because of that fact. And so, if a Gentile is wholly cleansed before the Lord because of Christ, what is the state of a Jew who has not come to Christ? He is wholly unclean before the Lord.
 
Such a person is still bound to the law because of his rejection of Christ. As such, he stands guilty before the law – in every precept. But more, he still bears the stain of Adam’s sin. In God’s eyes, he is wholly defiled. Paul explains this in Romans 2:25-29. The law was given by God to highlight sin in man, not to remove it from man. Jesus’ fulfillment of the law, because of His perfection before the law, is what purifies man. This is what the law was intended to reveal –
 
“Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” Galatians 3:24, 25
 
Thank God for Jesus who has done it! In coming to Him, we find a new freedom. Sin no longer has mastery over us. Yes, thank God for Jesus!
 
Lord God, it is beyond our ability to fully grasp the magnitude of what has been done in the coming of Jesus. We can think about it and understand one point after another about what He did, but with every new thought, there is more to consider beyond what we have learned. Everything is so perfectly complete in Him. Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen. 
 

Acts 11:8

Tuesday, 25 October 2022
 
But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ Acts 11:8
 
The previous verse referred to the voice saying to Peter, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” In response to that, Peter now says, “But I said, ‘Not so, Lord!’” These are just the words Peter spoke. He recognized the authority in the voice and responded with the word “Lord,” thus confirming that authority. And yet, he appealed for it not to be.
 
He was a Jew and was observant to their laws as set forth by Moses. To confirm this, he continues with, “For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.”
 
Here Peter makes a few small changes to what he said, but the substance is the same:
 
“For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” Acts 10:14
“For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.” Acts 11:8
 
He acknowledges to those he is speaking to that he clearly presented himself as a law-observant Jew to the voice from heaven. If this was a test of his faithfulness to Moses, he would have passed with flying colors. Hence, they had no reason to question his careful attention to that particular matter. He will continue to explain what occurred in the verses ahead, defending his actions based on the circumstances that surrounded them.
 
Life application: At this point, the people who understood how the law worked must have been wondering what was going on. James, an observant Jew at the time of Christ, did understand the ramifications of sinning under the law –
 
“For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10
 
The voice from heaven had directed something that would be considered a point of stumbling under the law. How could it be that the voice could direct an observant Jew to do something like this unless it was just a test of his faithfulness to the law? They must have rationalized in their minds that this was surely the case.
 
But as the narrative progresses, it will become evident that what was directed was an object lesson concerning Gentile inclusion in the New Covenant. As Gentiles were never under the law, and as they are included in the New Covenant apart from the law, then it must be that the New Covenant is not based upon law observance.
 
For them, this would be a difficult thing to even imagine. But it is they who must adapt to what is being conveyed. When the author of Hebrews writes about the state of the law after the introduction of the New Covenant, he is clear and precise in what that means. And yet, to this day, both Judaizers and others who supposedly claim to be Christians adamantly reintroduce law observance into their flawed theology. But Hebrews says otherwise –
 
“For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” Hebrews 7:18, 19
 
“In that He says, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:13
 
“Previously saying, ‘Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them’ (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He said, ‘Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.’ He takes away the first that He may establish the second.” Hebrews 10:8, 9
 
The words are written, and they do not reflect well on those who have rejected the grace of God in Christ. His lifeless body on the cross of Calvary is a testament to the law’s fulfillment and ending. His resurrection is a confirmation that it is so. A New Covenant now exists. Trusting in personal righteousness before God based on law observance disgraces the Lord’s cross and it rejects the significance of His resurrection. Be wise, give up on your self-righteousness and come to God through Jesus.
 
Lord God, Thank You for the burden that has been lifted from us because of Jesus. We were without hope, stuck in a state of constant fear of death. But now, we have the victory in Him! Thank You for allowing us to return to You covered by His precious blood. Praises to You forever and ever! Amen. 

Acts 11:7

Monday, 24 October 2022
 
And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ Acts 11:7
 
Peter saw the object from heaven descend. In the previous verse, it described the many animals and birds seen in it. In fact, it was a world full of all animals. With that, it now says, “And I heard a voice saying to me.”
 
This is just what is recorded in Acts 10:13. A voice came to him, and he heard it. The message from that voice is next stated, saying, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”
 
More correctly, the verb is an aorist participle, “Having risen, Peter, kill and eat.” In other words, “Once you have gotten up, then you are directed to kill and eat.” The words are also in accord with verse 10:13, being cited word for word exactly as they were recorded there. Peter is being meticulously careful to relay exactly what he saw and heard to those who were there before him.
 
Life application: We are being provided a careful look into what occurred as if we are the audience there before Peter. Luke could have just said, “Peter carefully explained everything that happened while he was in Caesarea.” Instead, he attentively details for a second time all that occurred.
 
Because of this, we need to be sure to understand the message that is being conveyed. It is a message concerning the law and grace. How anyone can go through all of this detail twice, and still think it is appropriate to put himself back under the constraints of the Law of Moses is simply unimaginable. We are provided the same freedoms granted to Noah and all who followed him, even until the time of the law when only Israel was placed under the law. All other people continued to have the freedom to eat anything set before them.
 
Israel was given the law. Israel could not meet the demands of the law. Not even a single person of Israel could meet the law’s demands. And so, God Himself entered into the stream of time and human existence in order to fulfill the law. Why would anyone set that aside and claim that he was going to do what Jesus had done, improving upon His completed work? It is a slap in God’s face! Rest in Christ, trust in Christ, and be freed from the yoke of the law through the finished work of Jesus Christ.
 
Lord God, thank you for Jesus who has opened the way for restoration with You. Yes, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acts 11:6

Sunday, 23 October 2022
 
When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. Acts 11:6
 
Peter just described the object descending like a great sheet [sail] that came down from heaven. He now explains what was in it. The translation of the NKJV does not get the verbs right, and each category is preceded by an article. A more proper rendering is, “at which having looked steadfastly, I was considering, and I saw the quadrupeds of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the creeping things, and the birds of the heaven” (CG).
 
Peter’s words, “at which having looked steadfastly,” are not found in Acts 10. He is describing his own personal mental state at the curious sight that had been presented to him. He obviously was quite curious about what he was seeing. With that state of mind, he continues with, “I was considering.”
 
The verb is imperfect. He didn’t just consider and then move on. Rather, he was engaged in an ongoing thought process. During his considerations, he then notes what was presented to him, saying, “and I saw the quadrupeds of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the creeping things, and the birds of the heaven.”
 
This is a close repeat of the words of verse 10:12. He is carefully recounting what was first presented to his sight at that time. Each category is stated with an article to show that these were not a couple of animals of each category, but rather an innumerable – even all-inclusive – number of them. Peter is seeing a world full of otherwise unclean animals interspersed with whatever few clean animals there are in relation to the whole.
 
Life application: We tend to place a high value on animals we are favorable towards. In the US, people love their dogs. When a photo of a Chinese meat market is seen that includes caged dogs waiting to be sold for food, activists get out and protest at the horror of such a thing.
 
And yet, those same people will go to the local steakhouse for dinner and have a big meaty steak. Are dogs more important than cows? In the end, Peter is being asked to consider things from God’s perspective. This is His world, and He has ordained all things to be eaten by man.
 
During the time of the law, this was changed for one group of people to teach the world a lesson about the coming Messiah. Outside of that, the people of the world are all in need of a Savior. Are we going to pick and choose which are acceptable for evangelism and which are not? Or are we going to direct our attention toward how God sees things?
 
Let us not get caught up in personal or cultural biases and condemn others because of what they eat. Let us also not decide that some people or some people groups are not to be included in our evangelistic efforts. God sent Jesus into the world for all people. Let us have that attitude as we conduct our affairs.
 
Lord God, the only difference between those who have been saved and those who have not yet been saved is the act of acceptance of the gospel message. Other than that, we are all sinners in need of a Savior. Help us to remember this and not get smug in our state of salvation. Someone took the time to tell us about Jesus. Now, help us to do the same. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Acts 11:5

Saturday, 22 October 2022
 
“I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. Acts 11:5
 
In the previous verse, it noted that Peter began his response to the circumcision, putting everything in order as it occurred. That order now starts with, “I was in the city of Joppa praying.”
 
Peter begins with his location. As it was in a different city than where Cornelius was, it is important that he conveyed this to his audience. In this, they would be able to see that what occurred was based on events that actually took place more than a day apart in order for the immediate events surrounding Peter to occur simultaneously. While in Joppa, he next notes his state, saying, “and in a trance I saw a vision.”
 
The words are explanatory. Luke recorded what Peter saw as a trance without using the term “vision.” That is seen in Acts 10 –
 
The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”
14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”
15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. Acts 10: 9-16
 
It is while in a trance and seeing the vision that Peter next explains the contents of the vision, saying, “an object descending like a great sheet.”
 
One can refer to the comments on Acts 10:11 to understand the meaning of this and to see that what Peter saw was probably a “great sail.” Translating the Greek word as “sail” is acceptable, and it is the most likely meaning of Peter’s words. Next, Peter says this great object was “let down from heaven by four corners.”
 
The Greek has two slight differences. First, the verb is a present participle, “being let down.” Secondly, it says, “from the heaven.” With that noted, the words of this clause are again explained in the Acts 10:11 commentary. There is rich symbolism and Peter would have grasped its intent after pondering what he saw. The verse next ends with, “and it came to me.”
 
It does not specifically say this in Acts 10, but it is implied. Peter is on the earth, the great object descended from the heaven, it was intended for him to see, and the voice that spoke was directed to him. Hence to say “and it came to me” is correct from his perspective.
 
Life application: The personal witness of an individual to the changing power of events in one’s life can lead others to follow the same path as well. In the case of accepting Jesus because of the gospel, there is no need to embellish the events that took place at all.
 
The focus is to be on the power of God, not on the individual. Unfortunately, humans find it satisfying to make events about us. This is not a healthy way of presenting why we have received Jesus. First, it is not the point of salvation. The ultimate point of salvation is for God to receive the glory.
 
Secondly, we are fallen beings and we are bound to fail. When we do, those who were impressed with the change in us might become disheartened in their seeking out the reason for our conversion. But if we keep the focus of our conversion on Jesus at all times, then our failings will not diminish the power of God in our lives, they will actually highlight it.
 
If we needed a Savior, and if we continue to need a Savior, it means that we are dependent on the Lord at all times. If we act as if our salvation has brought us to a state where we are no longer in need of Jesus’ guiding hand in our lives, we will not be bringing the glory to Him as we should.
 
Let us keep our personal testimony about Jesus focusing on Him at all times. As Paul says, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” 1 Corinthians 10:12. We are always dependent on Jesus. Let our speech and attitude reflect this.
 
Lord God, how good You are to us. You saved us and You keep on saving us. When we fail You, there is always the assurance that we are Yours and that You are there to forgive us and lead us back to Yourself. And so, Lord, help us to consider this and draw near to You at all times. Thank You for Your tender care of us. Amen.
 

Acts 11:4

Friday, 21 October 2022
 
But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: Acts 11:4
 
Those of the circumcision were in a snit towards Peter about what had occurred in Caesarea. They said to him, “You went into uncircumcised men and ate with them.” With that, it now says, “But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying.”
 
This translation by the NKJV is hardly reflective of the Greek. Rather, it reads, “Now Peter having begun, set forth to them in order, saying” (BLB). Peter opened his mouth and began his response to them. Once he did, he set forth the events as they occurred. The verb is imperfect, reflecting the ongoing nature of his speaking out the chronology of events. He started explaining and he continued by sequentially relaying how things happened.
 
By doing this, he would be able to convince them of the appropriateness of his actions more precisely. This is because they will be able to see it in the same manner as God ordered the things to occur. Peter had his own doubts, but they were dispelled by how things transpired. By the time he arrived at Cornelius’ house, he felt reassured that his entry into it was exactly the right thing to do.
 
By speaking out the matter just as it had been presented to him, they could logically follow along as if they were there, right next to him, watching how God orchestrated everything. As such, even a hardened Jew, if he accepted Peter’s story as true, would be fully convinced that Peter’s actions were wholly acceptable.
 
Life application: By looking at this verse in parallel with other translations, one can see how carefully some translations follow the original Greek, some paraphrase it, and some practically plagiarize what others have already put forth without ever checking with the original.
 
For this commentary, forty-six versions were looked at. Of them, thirty-one follow the Greek order exactly or pretty closely. Eleven follow the same pattern as the NKJV (noted above), and the rest are essentially paraphrases that do not reflect the Greek very well at all. One can almost see where the original error in thought came in and who went with it. In this case, the oldest Bible referred to that started the divergence in translation was the Bishop’s Bible of 1568.
 
First, remember the correct sequence of the Greek from the BLB –
 
 “Now Peter having begun, set forth to them in order, saying”
 
The translation that less properly follows the Greek (the Bishop’s Bible of 1568) reads –
 
“But Peter rehearsed the matter from the begynnyng, and expounded it by order vnto them, saying:”
 
From there, whoever was assigned this portion of Acts on the KJV translation team simply copied that and updated it to more modern English –
 
“But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,”
 
From there, the NKJV did this again –
 
“But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying:”
 
This is just a simple exercise in finding out why translations are the way they are, and it can be extremely helpful in better learning the original intent, if desired. Seeing error in something can help in directing the mind to what is correct. If such things don’t matter to you, then enjoy whatever translation you are reading, but be sure to not assume it is the only correct version. Just because you enjoy the style of the translation you are reading, it doesn’t make it right.
 
Consider this carefully because even though Acts 11:4 doesn’t carry any heavy theological weight, other verses do. A single mistranslated verse, or a single verse taken out of its proper context, can lead people down entirely incorrect paths of doctrine. Never stop studying this precious word. It is a lifetime of joy for those who seek out what God has set forth for us!
 
Lord God, what a delight it is to read Your word and to contemplate it. Thank You for those who have diligently and faithfully translated it for us over the millennia. We are the recipients of their efforts, and for that, we are grateful. How wonderful it is to have modern, reliable versions to help us understand what You have set for us. Amen.

Acts 11:3

Thursday, 20 October 2022
 
saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!” Acts 11:3
 
In the previous verse, it noted that when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him. It now explains that with the words, “You went in to uncircumcised men.” Rather, the Greek reads, “men having foreskin.” Vincent’s Word Studies says of this, “An indignant expression.”
 
The word, akrobustia, is first seen here. It signifies the foreskin. It is used at times by Jews when referring to Gentiles. Figuratively, it signifies a person being outside of God’s covenant. This is because of the mandates given to Abraham all the way back in Genesis 17. This was later brought into the Mosaic law as well as is seen in Leviticus 12:3, saying, “And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.”
 
After this, the word will be used nineteen more times, all by Paul in his epistles. His uses of it will mostly contrast those who are circumcised and those who are not. One of the most poignant times is when he uses the word six times in Romans 4:9-12 –
 
“Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.”
 
What happened with Cornelius and those with him is just what Paul is referring to in Romans 4. The blessing of God in Christ came upon the uncircumcised just as the declaration of righteousness bestowed upon Abraham came upon him while he was still uncircumcised. Not considering this, those of the circumcision were highly upset at Peter, noting that he had gone in to be with these men “and ate with them!”
 
They knew that uncircumcised men would also be eating food that was not considered clean according to the laws and customs of the Jews. He might as well have brought a pound of bacon home with him and started eating it right in front of them. They were aghast at his complete shunning of what it meant to be a Jew.
 
Life application: Those who promote the Hebrew Roots movement, along with other cults and sects of supposed Christians, will deny the obvious meaning of what occurred when Peter stayed with these Gentiles and ate with them. If asked about such verses, long explanations of how Peter would have brought his own food, or that he would have had special food prepared for him, or some other ridiculous notion that is clearly not indicated by Luke’s words will be proposed.
 
But the text and its meaning are clear. Peter did not adhere to the customs or dietary restrictions of the Jews. He had been in the trance, he had heard the voice from heaven, it had been presented three times, and then he had seen the Holy Spirit come down upon the Gentiles. He realized what Jesus meant concerning the words He spoke when He walked among them –
 
“Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, 19 because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?” Mark 7:18, 19
 
Rather than an elaborate explanation of how Peter remained undefiled in his diet, which is obviously not the case, it is more probable that he sat down, had a meal, and while eating asked, “Wow, this is really good! What is it?” The answer may have come back, “Pork chops, do you want more?”
 
Think about the entire context of what happened from Acts 10:1 until this point. We are free from the constraints that were levied upon the Jews. Why on earth would anyone want to be put back under that yoke, except to prove how holy he was? What an affront to the finished work of Jesus Christ! We find our true righteousness, sanctification, and holiness in Him alone.
 
Lord God, thank You for what Jesus has done. In Him, there is full and forever purification that could never come through the Law of Moses or from any other supposed demonstration of piety. Religion cannot bring us closer to You. Only Jesus can do that. Thank You for Jesus who has made us acceptable before Your glorious throne. Amen. 

Acts 11:2

Wednesday, 19 October 2022
 
And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, Acts 11:2
 
Previously, it was noted that the apostles and brethren in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. Exciting news indeed. With that noted, it now says, “And when Peter came up to Jerusalem.” It had previously said that Cornelius had asked Peter to stay a few days (Acts 10:48). It is after this unstated amount of time that Peter now went up to Jerusalem. This is where the apostles stayed and tended to the affairs of the believers.
 
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, it next says “those of the circumcision contended with him.” The words seem out of place. As the only non-circumcised believers so far mentioned were either in Ethiopia or Caesarea, every other believer is, by default, a circumcised Jew. Therefore, there must be a reason why they are singled out as “the circumcision.”
 
The reason for the contention is not stated until the next verse, and so it is getting ahead in the analysis to debate exactly what that means, but it is necessary now. There are several possibilities for Luke recording it this way:
 
They are those mentioned in Acts 10:45 who went with Peter and saw the conversion of the Gentiles. There, they are called “those of the circumcision.” Peter stayed while they left, returning with the news throughout Judea even to Jerusalem.
It is referring to any Jew (born as a Jew or converted to Judaism) who had converted to faith in Jesus as the Messiah, and they are simply being noted in a different category than the other Jews.
They are those Jews who had converted to faith in Jesus but who were adamant about the necessity for continued observance of the law and of the rites of conversion, such as circumcision.
Luke is now using the term in a new manner, setting a distinction between any circumcised person and any non-circumcised person. This distinction is set to define who is a Jew and who is a Gentile, regardless of how they conduct their life, even if the matter of circumcision in a non-believing Jew needs to be more fully explained later.
 
In short, and which will be evaluated again in the next verse, they believe Peter defiled himself by going in with those who were uncircumcised. Understanding this, the first option is wrong. Those who went with Peter were privy to the details of his trance and they were certainly aware of what had transpired afterward. It is not sound to think they would argue against Peter concerning a matter they were also intimately involved in.
 
The second option is incorrect because it would make an improper distinction between those Jews who believed and those who did not. The issue is physical circumcision, not the spiritual circumcision of the heart referred to elsewhere in Scripture.
 
The third option is a distinction that seems to be referred to elsewhere, such as in Galatians 2 –
 
“Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.” Galatians 2:11-13
 
This is seen in Acts 11:2 as well. Thus, it appears that a distinction is being made by separating Peter and those with him from a group that is adamant about adherence to the law by calling them “the circumcision.” But that is a point of theology based on their status as circumcised Jews, not a separate category altogether. This is certain because Peter is specifically noted as an apostle to those who are circumcised in Galatians 2 –
 
“But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.” Galatians 2:6-10
 
Understanding this, and also understanding that the term can later be applied to the third category, but at this early date before the matter is settled, the answer to who “the circumcision” is that Luke is referring to in Acts 11:2, the fourth option is correct. It is a term that is now being used in order to distinguish between any person who is circumcised according to the cultural standards of Israel, expressly setting them apart from the Gentile world. This is certain because Paul says this in Colossian 4 –
 
“Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.” Colossians 4:10, 11
 
Paul makes a distinction between who is circumcised as a Jew and who is not, meaning they are Gentiles, in his epistle. A separate category of who is a “true Jew” is defined by Paul in the book of Romans, but that is a theological argument which is still based on the physical mark of circumcision in relation to the spiritual “circumcision of the heart” that is also required to be in a right standing with God.
 
Life application: The physical circumcision of the Jewish people sets them apart from the Gentile world. Just because most Jews do not believe in Messiah, and thus they are not currently in a right standing with God, it does not mean that they are not Jews. They are just not completed Jews. They remain separate from God in one manner (failure to enter into the New Covenant), but they remain united to God in another (bound to Him through the Mosaic Covenant).
 
The lack of faithfulness of the Jewish nation (meaning Israel) to come to Jesus Christ does not negate God’s having covenanted with them through Moses. His words to them will be performed. They will be brought into the New Covenant.
 
However, until they do come to Him through Jesus, they will continue to suffer the consequences of their agreement to the Mosaic Code. They are bound to it, even if they do not adhere to it. God bound Himself to it as well. Israel’s unfaithfulness in no way negates God’s faithfulness. This is the main error in thinking for most of the church. Both Israel and the church will eventually learn that God’s promises and His election will stand.
 
Heavenly Father, how faithful You are. When we fail You, it is a mark against us. But You will never fail us. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies and Your love and tender mercies to the objects of Your affection are never-ending. Thank You for Your tender care of Your unfaithful creatures. Amen.
 

Acts 11:1

Tuesday, 18 October 2022
 
Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. Acts 11:1
 
The last verse of chapter 10 ended with the baptism of the new believers and then a note saying, “Then they asked him to stay a few days.” This was referring to Peter. With that, chapter 11 starts with, “Now the apostles and brethren.”
 
More appropriately, it reads, “Now the apostles and the brethren.” They are two distinct categories. Of these two groups, it next reads, “who were in Judea.”
 
The sense of the Greek is “throughout Judea.” Also, the verb is a present participle. Thus, it reads, “Now the apostles and the brothers being in Judea.” In other words, the word spread throughout all of the believers and Luke is writing it as if it is happening. What must be the case is that the Jews who were with Peter left immediately to tell of what had occurred. As they traveled from Caesarea, they stopped at the houses of believers and shared with them news of what happened. As it next says, they “heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.”
 
The clear and obvious meaning is that these were uncircumcised, non-proselyte Gentiles. They had never observed a day of the Mosaic Law in their lives, their stomachs were filled with the morning’s bacon, they had not received any ceremonial purifications, and so on. They were, to the Jews, essentially unclean dogs. The thought of what occurred may have been repugnant to them and yet it occurred. Therefore, it was not – nor could it be considered – repugnant to God. While this message is being conveyed, it is to be remembered that Peter remained in Caesarea, living for a span among these Gentiles.
 
Also, note how Luke phrased his words. These Gentiles “had also received the word of God.” What does this mean? The books of Moses? No, of course not. Does it mean that they were instructed in the law, the history of Israel, and the prophets? Nothing specific is said of that in Luke’s analysis of what Peter said.
 
Go back and read Acts 10:34-43. Other than the last sentence which merely confirms that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophets, the words are about Jesus and His ministry. The implication of the vision given to Cornelius as well as the trance in which Peter was in is that Jesus’ ministry is the fulfillment of those prophets and what He has done is now also offered to the Gentiles. It is a new direction, a New Covenant, and it is based on the word of God which is the testimony of Jesus. As Paul says in Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
 
Life application: What is it that you find out of place in your church? Do you get queasy when someone comes to church after having worked all night at a dirty job and is still wearing his dirty uniform? What about someone who is from a different culture and whose mannerisms are different than everyone else? Maybe someone shows up at church with biker’s clothes on. Maybe he doesn’t (perish the thought!) wear shoes. Maybe he wears sandals and kicks them off while in church. Well, maybe he grew up on the beach and never really left it.
 
The point is that people are different. As long as the people that come into a church building are respectful of the way the church is normally run, why should you worry about appearances? If someone comes in and is noisy or belligerent in his behavior, that is a different issue. However, if he is a believer, he is in the same state as the Jews before Cornelius’ conversion and the same as Cornelius and those with him after their conversion. In other words, God has accepted him. As this is so, how can you not do so as well?
 
Once unbiblical legalism creeps into a church, the church will become arrogant and self-serving. As stated in an earlier commentary, this is not necessarily the same as a cultural standard. If you go to a church filled with people from the Philippines, they will have a way of worshiping that may be different. There is nothing wrong with that. As long as you respect their cultural distinctions and enjoy their fellowship, stick it out and enjoy the Baluts. If not, then go find another church. They have a right to worship the Lord in a manner that satisfies their cultural standards.
 
Be accepting of those who are different when they come into your midst. At the same time, be respectful of the ways of others when you go into their midst. Seek harmony, not division, within the body of believers.
 
Lord God, how wonderful it is! The grace You have bestowed on us means that we can rest in what You have done. Works for salvation are excluded. We have the door to heaven opened to us by a simple act of faith. Thank You, O God, for the wonderful thing You have done. Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acts 10:48

Monday, 17 October 2022
 
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. Acts 10:48
 
Peter had just asked those with him (obviously meaning the Jews who came with him), if any could forbid the water, meaning baptism. This was because they had received the Holy Spirit just as they had. With that noted, it next says, “And he commanded them to be baptized.”
 
This is parallel to Paul’s words of 1 Corinthians 1:17 –
 
“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.”
 
Peter’s main mission was to preach the gospel. He did this, and he now instructs those with him to perform baptism upon the new Gentile believers. Paul, likewise, had a main mission of preaching the gospel. This does not mean that neither Paul nor Peter baptized others. It means that this was not their main focus. As in Acts 6, there is an area of focus for the apostles and there are responsibilities that devolve to others –
 
“Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, ‘It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’” Acts 6:1-4
 
With this obvious truth understood, Peter continues with, “in the name of the Lord.” Some texts say, “in the name of Jesus Christ.” The latter would be nearly in accord with Acts 2:38. The difference is the preposition. In Acts 2:38, it is epi (upon) the name of Jesus Christ. Here, it is en (in).
 
As for this verse in Acts 10, regardless of which is the correct rendering, it does not contradict Jesus’ words of Matthew 28:19. The actual baptism, when performed, is “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The meaning here in Acts 10 of “in the name of the Lord,” or “in the name of Jesus Christ,” is not so much for the actual rite of baptism but for the designation of the baptism.
 
In other words, there was the “baptism of John” found in Acts 1:22. That wasn’t a baptism into the name of John. Rather it was a baptism designated by the ministry of John. It was a baptism of preparation for the coming Messiah. The baptism now mentioned by Peter is en (in) the name of the Lord (or of Jesus Christ). And yet, when performed, if done properly and in obedience to the words of Jesus, it is done eis (into) the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
 
As such, there is no contradiction. When one is baptized in the name of the Lord (or in the name of Jesus Christ), it is a designation of the type of baptism. When that type of baptism is performed, it is to be into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Peter did the commanding, the Jews with him performed the rite, and the Gentiles would have been obedient to the command. With that complete, the verse and the chapter end with, “Then they asked him to stay a few days.”
 
This obviously occurred as will be seen in the opening of chapter 11. Peter was not to call common what God had cleansed. He had seen the realization of his trance in the conversion of the Gentiles to the faith of Jesus Christ.
 
Life application: A lot of heresies or really bad doctrine can be cleared up with a careful, thorough reading through the book of Acts. Mostly, understanding the nature of the writing is of paramount importance. Acts is a descriptive account of what occurred. It prescribes almost nothing, but it does provide a clear look into what establishes sound doctrine because of what is considered normative and what is not. Determining the difference takes careful study, but the result is a student of the Bible that is properly trained in what is right for his life and practice within the faith.
 
Be sure to not jump on a particular bandwagon because it sounds convincing. And this is especially so with people who use one particular, faulty, translation to come to unfounded conclusions. A careful study of where error in translation occurs will help clear up a lot of the muddy waters of unsound theology.
 
Most glorious and gracious heavenly Father, how we thank You for what You have done for us. We are undeserving of the least of Your favor, and yet You lavish goodness upon us daily. And even when we were Your enemies, You sent Christ Jesus to reconcile us to You. Thank You for what You have done, and may Your glorious name ever be praised as we walk in Your presence. Amen.
 

Acts 10:47

Sunday, 16 October 2022
 
“Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” Acts 10:47
 
The previous verse told of the Gentiles who listened to Peter give the gospel having spoken with tongues and magnified God after having received the Holy Spirit. With this stunning event witnessed by Peter and the Jews, Peter then answered, “Can anyone forbid water.”
 
The Greek reads “the water.” Of this, Vincent’s Word Studies says, “Note the article: the water; co-ordinating the water with the Spirit (see 1 John 5:8), and designating water as the recognized and customary element of baptism.” This is in accord with Jesus’ words as are explicitly stated in Matthew 28:19, 20 –
 
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
 
Jesus spoke these words after the completion of His work in fulfillment of the law. He spoke to them in relation to the New Covenant in His blood, a covenant that clearly and explicitly includes Gentiles (see 1 Corinthians 11:25 and 2 Corinthians 3:6). The command by Jesus to “baptize” is not referring to the coming of the Holy Spirit, but to water baptism. This is obvious because “making disciples” and “teaching them to observe” are instructions for those who are to also perform the water baptism.
 
Of this, Bengel states the obvious, something which people to this day ignorantly overlook, saying, “He does not say, ‘They now already have the Spirit; therefore they can do without the water.’”
 
Rather, the water is given because of having received the Spirit, and the Spirit is received by faith. Hence, this is not a work in order to be saved, but it is a command for those who have been saved. To not receive water baptism is to remain in a state of disobedience to the Lord Jesus, even after salvation has been realized. Peter continues to confirm this, saying, “that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”
 
It is as if Peter had forgotten the words of Jesus cited above noting that this was for “all the nations.” Jesus had distinctly stated that His salvation now was to go forward to all people, not just Israel. He repeated this in Acts 1:7, 8
 
The ministry of Jesus during His first coming was to Israel. The reason for this is that Israel alone was given the Law of Moses. It would make no sense for Jesus to preach to the people in Thailand. They had not been given the law. However, the effect of His work, once completed, spread out to all men on earth because His work had negated the power of law that brought about sin in Adam. His ministry to Israel was a necessary and logical step that had to be accomplished before salvation could go forth to the Gentiles –
 
“I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles,That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6
 
The Gentiles, as witnessed by Peter, had seen the light of Christ and they had accepted His completed work by faith. In their faith, they had received the Holy Spirit. As a testament to that fact, and in obedience to the Lord who saved them, they are now given the opportunity to receive the water as a sign of the New Covenant into which they had entered.
 
Life application: Peter, the apostle to the Jews, gave the same gospel to those gathered with Cornelius that Paul will later give to the Gentiles. Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, would enter the synagogues first in each town he visited, and he gave the same gospel to the Jews that he presented to the Gentiles. This is because there is one gospel, just one.
 
Peter acknowledged that the Gentiles should receive the water as a sign of their salvation and entering into the New Covenant. Paul will do the same with each person he brings to Christ as well. But Paul also said words that are torn out of their proper context by those who deny the usefulness of water baptism. His words are –
 
“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.” 1 Corinthians 1:17
 
In this, there are those that claim Paul is denying the need for water baptism. This is false. Read the next verse of Acts and see what occurs there. Then consider if they align with Paul’s words of 1 Corinthians 1:17.
 
The Bible is reduced to a few scraps of unintelligible paper when it is improperly handled by hyperdispensationalists. Stay away from such heretics who diminish and refuse to properly teach the will of the Lord who laid His commands before us.
 
Lord God, thank You for the salvation we have received in Jesus Christ our Lord. May we be as willing to be obedient to Him in our state of salvation as He was to You in order to obtain our salvation. Amen.