BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 9:12

Wednesday, 27 July 2022
 
“And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” Acts 9:12
 
Ananias was told by the Lord to go to Straight Street, inquiring at the house of Judas for a Saul of Tarsus, noting that he would be praying. The Lord continues with His words now, saying, “And in a vision.”
 
The word translated as “vision” is the same word just used in verse 9:10 to describe the vision that Ananias is currently having. It is an interesting thought then that Ananias is having a vision explaining to him that another person has had a vision. If Ananias trusts his own senses, then he must trust what is conveyed in his vision, and therefore he must trust that the vision seen by Saul (Paul) was real as well. But Ananias has not yet laid his hands on him, despite the fact that Jesus says, “he has seen.”
 
It is an aorist verb. As such, it is an event that has occurred at a particular moment without regard to time, but Jesus is speaking of it as if it has occurred in a vision, meaning before the event actually takes place.
 
The vision which Saul had is now complete in Saul’s mind as stated by Jesus, and yet it has not yet actually occurred in the stream of time. That is evident from the continued words of the verse. It shows that Christ is transcendent over time, and He has the ability to call it back from the past or to project it from the future.
 
As this is the case now, it really doesn’t matter if the time is short, such as in a few hours, or if it spans millennia. It demonstrates that Christ is “above” time and thus can operate “outside of” time. As such, His appearance in Genesis 18 or Judges 13 is just as possible as it is within a short time between His appearance to Saul and then Ananias. And more, His knowledge of the future events referred to in Revelation are equally possible. Understanding this, His words continue, saying, “a man named Ananias.”
 
Jesus tells Ananias that Saul’s vision includes him and that by the time he arrives at Saul’s location, it will have been a past event. In this vision, it will be of Ananias “coming in and putting his hand on him.”
 
The verbs are aorist participles. It rightly says, “having come and having put his hand on him.” It is not known when Saul received the vision. For all we know, it could have happened at the same moment that Ananias had his. Or it could have been before it or as Ananias is on the way to the house. But by the time he arrives, Saul will have seen the event occur.
 
Because of this, it would then allow him to know with absolute certainty that what transpired was of the Lord and not of human effort. The Lord will be the Source and Power behind what happens, whereas Ananias will simply be the means by which it is carried out. The laying on of his hands will be the mode by which it occurs. Ananias is to do this to Paul “so that he might receive his sight.”
 
The translation is correct. The verb is subjunctive. It is a hypothetical event. The laying on of the hands is what will bring about the reality of what is, at this time, merely a possibility. Ananias is being informed that he is the one to carry out what is needed for Saul to have his vision restored.
 
One can assume that if Ananias didn’t do this, the vision Saul had would be proven false. In other words, if someone named Harry showed up and laid his hands on him and his sight was restored, it would not be a miracle of the Lord, but a healing by Harry because the Lord’s vision for Saul was that Ananias would do it. Everything about the miraculous would suddenly be called into question.
 
If Harry knew Saul’s medical condition, he could come in and show himself to be a great healer and that a naturalistic explanation is sufficient. Or he could claim to be a man of God by healing Saul and profit off of the situation personally. Everything must occur as is seen in the vision. As it will, then it demonstrates the Lord’s absolute knowledge of the matter and His sovereignty over time and the events that take place.
 
Life application: In Amos 9, it says when speaking of the people of Israel –
 
“’I will bring back the captives of My people Israel;They shall build the waste cities and inhabit them;They shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them;They shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them.15 I will plant them in their land,And no longer shall they be pulled upFrom the land I have given them,’Says the Lord your God.” Amos 9:14,15
 
Either this is true, or it is not. As this has never taken place, because Israel has been uprooted in the past and is only now back in the land of Israel, then either it must continue to take place into the future, or the Bible is not the word of God.
 
Prophecy is a part of Scripture that either proves or disproves its veracity. If the prophecies of the Bible are not true, then the Bible is conveying a false message. As this is so, then we can look to the prophecies of the Bible that have been fulfilled, and we can then be confident that what is promised into the future will also be fulfilled. Essentially, God has placed His integrity on the line for us to check and see if what He says is true.
 
He has done this so that we can know. He has done this so that we should know. He has done this so that we are without excuse for not knowing.
 
Let us be confident in the word as it continues to unfold as prophesied within the stream of time. It has validated itself and it continues to do so to this day.
 
Lord God, thank You for the surety we possess because of the reliability of Your word. It proclaims the future, and then the events come to pass as You have spoken. As this is so, we can confidently continue to hold fast to the promises that lie yet ahead, knowing that they will occur. And those promises, because of Jesus our Lord, are great indeed! Hallelujah and Amen!
 

Acts 9:11

Wednesday, 27 July 2022
 
“And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” Acts 9:12
 
Ananias was told by the Lord to go to Straight Street, inquiring at the house of Judas for a Saul of Tarsus, noting that he would be praying. The Lord continues with His words now, saying, “And in a vision.”
 
The word translated as “vision” is the same word just used in verse 9:10 to describe the vision that Ananias is currently having. It is an interesting thought then that Ananias is having a vision explaining to him that another person has had a vision. If Ananias trusts his own senses, then he must trust what is conveyed in his vision, and therefore he must trust that the vision seen by Saul (Paul) was real as well. But Ananias has not yet laid his hands on him, despite the fact that Jesus says, “he has seen.”
 
It is an aorist verb. As such, it is an event that has occurred at a particular moment without regard to time, but Jesus is speaking of it as if it has occurred in a vision, meaning before the event actually takes place.
 
The vision which Saul had is now complete in Saul’s mind as stated by Jesus, and yet it has not yet actually occurred in the stream of time. That is evident from the continued words of the verse. It shows that Christ is transcendent over time, and He has the ability to call it back from the past or to project it from the future.
 
As this is the case now, it really doesn’t matter if the time is short, such as in a few hours, or if it spans millennia. It demonstrates that Christ is “above” time and thus can operate “outside of” time. As such, His appearance in Genesis 18 or Judges 13 is just as possible as it is within a short time between His appearance to Saul and then Ananias. And more, His knowledge of the future events referred to in Revelation are equally possible. Understanding this, His words continue, saying, “a man named Ananias.”
 
Jesus tells Ananias that Saul’s vision includes him and that by the time he arrives at Saul’s location, it will have been a past event. In this vision, it will be of Ananias “coming in and putting his hand on him.”
 
The verbs are aorist participles. It rightly says, “having come and having put his hand on him.” It is not known when Saul received the vision. For all we know, it could have happened at the same moment that Ananias had his. Or it could have been before it or as Ananias is on the way to the house. But by the time he arrives, Saul will have seen the event occur.
 
Because of this, it would then allow him to know with absolute certainty that what transpired was of the Lord and not of human effort. The Lord will be the Source and Power behind what happens, whereas Ananias will simply be the means by which it is carried out. The laying on of his hands will be the mode by which it occurs. Ananias is to do this to Paul “so that he might receive his sight.”
 
The translation is correct. The verb is subjunctive. It is a hypothetical event. The laying on of the hands is what will bring about the reality of what is, at this time, merely a possibility. Ananias is being informed that he is the one to carry out what is needed for Saul to have his vision restored.
 
One can assume that if Ananias didn’t do this, the vision Saul had would be proven false. In other words, if someone named Harry showed up and laid his hands on him and his sight was restored, it would not be a miracle of the Lord, but a healing by Harry because the Lord’s vision for Saul was that Ananias would do it. Everything about the miraculous would suddenly be called into question.
 
If Harry knew Saul’s medical condition, he could come in and show himself to be a great healer and that a naturalistic explanation is sufficient. Or he could claim to be a man of God by healing Saul and profit off of the situation personally. Everything must occur as is seen in the vision. As it will, then it demonstrates the Lord’s absolute knowledge of the matter and His sovereignty over time and the events that take place.
 
Life application: In Amos 9, it says when speaking of the people of Israel –
 
“’I will bring back the captives of My people Israel;They shall build the waste cities and inhabit them;They shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them;They shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them.15 I will plant them in their land,And no longer shall they be pulled upFrom the land I have given them,’Says the Lord your God.” Amos 9:14,15
 
Either this is true, or it is not. As this has never taken place, because Israel has been uprooted in the past and is only now back in the land of Israel, then either it must continue to take place into the future, or the Bible is not the word of God.
 
Prophecy is a part of Scripture that either proves or disproves its veracity. If the prophecies of the Bible are not true, then the Bible is conveying a false message. As this is so, then we can look to the prophecies of the Bible that have been fulfilled, and we can then be confident that what is promised into the future will also be fulfilled. Essentially, God has placed His integrity on the line for us to check and see if what He says is true.
 
He has done this so that we can know. He has done this so that we should know. He has done this so that we are without excuse for not knowing.
 
Let us be confident in the word as it continues to unfold as prophesied within the stream of time. It has validated itself and it continues to do so to this day.
 
Lord God, thank You for the surety we possess because of the reliability of Your word. It proclaims the future, and then the events come to pass as You have spoken. As this is so, we can confidently continue to hold fast to the promises that lie yet ahead, knowing that they will occur. And those promises, because of Jesus our Lord, are great indeed! Hallelujah and Amen!
 

Acts 9:10

Monday, 25 July 2022
 
Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” Acts 9:10
 
The previous verse noted that Paul was without sight for three days and that he neither ate nor drank. It is during this time that the next words occur, saying, “Now there was a certain disciple.”
 
It is the same word, mathétés, used three times in Acts 6 (verses 1, 2, and 7), and then again in Acts 9:1 when referring to the disciples of Jesus. It signifies a learner. In this case, it is a follower of Christ who learns the doctrines laid out in Scripture and what is required to conduct oneself rightly. He is said to be “at Damascus.”
 
Rather, it says “in Damascus.” It is where he is located, and he was one of the people who would have been targeted by Paul once he arrived and started rounding up the believers. Of him, it says he is “named Ananias.”
 
It is the Greek transliteration from Khananyah (Hananyah), or “Yah is Gracious.” It is not an uncommon name, and it is seen about 30 times in the Old Testament. In the New Testament is the name of the husband of Sapphira in Acts 5 and also one of the high priests seen in Acts 23:2 and 24:1. In Acts 22, this man is called a “devout man” using a term that signifies God-fearing or, literally, “taking hold of what is good.” Of him, it next says, “and to him the Lord said in a vision, ‘Ananias.’”
 
In the coming verses, it is fully apparent that this is the Lord Jesus who is addressing him. He is called personally in order to direct him. This is certainly intended to be used as a validation of the one who the Lord will commission. In other words, Ananias has been selected for the specific purpose of being a reliable testimony to the Lord’s having chosen Saul (Paul) for his apostolic ministry.
 
Ananias is a resident of Damascus, the city targeted by Paul.
Ananias is a disciple of Jesus, the specific group targeted by Paul. 
Ananias is a devout man, meaning his testimony is known to be reliable.
Ananias is not an apostle. As such, this fact will add unique credence to Paul’s ministry. Paul’s apostolic doctrine came not from one of the apostles (Galatians 1:17), but directly from the Lord. Further, his calling is from the Lord, but the message is transmitted by a regular disciple.
 
Because of these things, Ananias’ testimony will be all the more credible and readily accepted by those who hear from him of what will now transpire. In response to the Lord’s call, it next says, “And he said, ‘Here I am, Lord.’”
 
This is the standard answer of many people called by the Lord in the Old Testament. It is a way of saying, “I am present and at your disposal.” With that noted, the Lord’s directions to him will be forthcoming.
 
Life application: Everything about Paul’s selection and conversion is marked off as a unique occurrence. In this, he is a part of, but separated from, the other apostles. As such, his commission is a unique one that will carry the already established church through the next two millennia (so far) as the Gentiles take the lead role in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Because of this, a few points should be considered.
 
The church is already established based on the introduction of the New Covenant in Christ’s blood.
Gentile inclusion has already been established prior to Saul’s (Paul’s) recorded conversion (Acts 8).
Gentile inclusion will continue to occur prior to the focus of Acts being on Paul (Acts 10).
The gospel that Paul proclaims is the same gospel as the other apostles proclaim (1 Corinthians 15:11).
Paul’s ministry was not only to the Gentiles, but always to the Jew first (Acts 9:20, 13:14, 14:1, 17:1, 17:10, 18:4, 18:19, 19:8, 28:17, etc.). Therefore,
Paul’s ministry is not a new ministry to establish the church. Rather, it is a ministry established to continue the expansion of the church in sharing the gospel, after the (known to the Lord) rejection of it by Israel, with the Gentiles.
 
These points are especially highlighted by the fact that Gentiles are included in the chapter prior to and directly after Paul’s conversion in Acts 9. They are brought into the church by Jews at the direction of Jesus personally.
 
As this is so, it demonstrates that those who proclaim the doctrine of hyperdispensationalism are teaching a false and heretical doctrine that destroys the purpose and intent of the Lord’s personal workings in Acts to establish and continue His church, and it teaches a false gospel by proclaiming two separate gospels, one for the Jew and one for the Gentile. This is, according to Paul in Galatians 1, anathema.
 
Heavenly Father, may we carefully consider what Acts is telling us and properly evaluate what is going on there. Help us to consider it thoughtfully because many false teachers have come to proclaim heretical teachings based on a misapplication of what is taught out of the book. So, Lord, guide us carefully through this foundational part of Your precious word. Amen.

Acts 9:9

Sunday, 24 July 2022
 
And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Acts 9:9
 
The previous verse saw Saul being led by the hand into the city of Damascus. Now, while there, it says, “And he was three days without sight.”
 
The Greek is a present participle verb, not a noun. It says, “And he was three days without seeing.” Rather than saying he was blind, as if it was a form of punishment, it says he was without seeing. The meaning is the same, but the choice of words seems purposeful. Paul was given a period of darkness to help him consider his state before God. It is not unlike what occurred in Egypt –
 
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness which may even be felt.’ 22 So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. 23 They did not see one another; nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.” Exodus 10:21-23
 
The people of Egypt were not blind, but rather they simply could not see. It is probably during this time that many Egyptians decided they had enough and would join with Israel. The probable timing of the events was the selection of the Passover Lambs followed by the three days of darkness. Once the darkness was over, the mixed multitude that went out of Egypt was probably more than ready to go with them. The darkness was a time to consider what had happened and to choose to follow the right path.
 
Likewise, Paul was not able to see for three days after having seen Christ. He could consider his life up to this point, meaning his actions that had brought him to where he was now, and then redirect everything he was made of for a new path.
 
It is not uncommon for scholars to attempt to tie this period in with Paul’s vision of 2 Corinthians 12:1-4. But there is nothing to suggest this and everything to argue against it. Paul says there that he did not know if the vision he had was in the body or out. While in Damascus, he would have known perfectly well that he was in the body. His inability to see would remind him of this. Further, the events in Damascus occurred at a point prior to his conversion and baptism. It is not likely that God would transport him to the “third heaven” prior to his becoming an apostle.
 
Paul had to first contemplate his state before God and have his mind and heart directed to Him. This was surely the purpose of the state of not being able to see. And more, it next says of him, “and neither ate nor drank.”
 
Both of these speak of intake. Combined with the inability to intake new information through his eyes, he was left with the basic senses of hearing and feeling. Thus, his mind would be far more attuned to what was important without the distractions of sight and food. This was a time of reflection and he used it as such by not filling himself with physical food, but with the spiritual food of thought and contemplation.
 
Life application: There are times in our lives when great decisions need to be made. At such times, redirecting our senses to the Lord in a greater way than we normally would is to be considered. When we are bombarded with a constant stream of information coming in, these things can only confuse the mind and distract it from what is most important.
 
If you have important decisions to make, a time of quiet, prayer, and even fasting may be called for. Cutting out the externals that can draw our attention away from proper focus should always be considered and acted upon based on the surrounding circumstances.
 
Lord God, there is a lot to distract us in our daily lives. And there are times when we need to not be distracted. Give us wisdom when such times arise to put away the things that fill our normal daily life and to focus on seeking You more fully. In this, we will be prepared to more rightly decide what we should do. Give us wisdom in this, O God. Amen.

Acts 9:8

Saturday, 23 July 2022
 
Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. Acts 9:8
 
Previously, it was seen that the men who were with Paul heard a voice, but they saw no one. The narrative continues with, “Then Saul arose from the ground.” As noted in verses 9:3 & 4, he had fallen to the ground after the bright light shone around him. In the intervening verses where he conversed with the Lord, Paul would have been on the ground before Him and with his eyes closed. That is seen in the next words, saying, “and when his eyes were opened he saw no one.”
 
The word is different than the previous verse where those with Paul saw no one. Here, it is a neuter adjective and it rightly says he saw nothing –
 
And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.
Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw nothing.
 
Unlike the men who were miraculously prevented from seeing the brilliancy surrounding the Lord, Paul was completely blinded. In this state, it next says, “But they led him by the hand.” The leader of those who were prepared to arrest the Lord’s people had to be led by those who previously followed him. In this state of helpless blindness, it says they “brought him into Damascus.”
 
Paul did make it to Damascus, but not in the way he expected. In Acts 22, he will attribute his blindness directly to the brilliancy of the light he encountered –
 
“And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.” Acts 22:11
 
There are several natural explanations for Paul’s blindness, one is known as conversion disorder or hysterical blindness. This is an affliction where an event that causes severe emotional distress, a psychological factor, and something that certainly was the case with Paul, transferred into a physical form. In this case, the physical ailment would be blindness.
 
Such an explanation cannot be fully dismissed, but it also cannot completely explain what occurred with Paul. First, he clearly attributes his blindness to the glory of the light. Secondly, the effects that occur later in this chapter when he regains his sight are not something that can be explained by conversion disorder. Thirdly, such naturalistic explanations don’t answer why Paul saw the brilliant light while those with him did not.
 
Therefore, there is possibly a naturalistic explanation for parts of what occurred, something seen with many miracles in the Bible, but there is that which goes beyond the naturalistic as well.
 
Life application: When we read the Bible, there is nothing wrong with trying to figure out how God performs a miracle. At times, the explanation is given right in the text. For example, in the parting of the Red Sea, the answer as to how it occurred is right in the passage –
 
“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided.” Exodus 14:21
 
The Lord provided an east wind to part the waters just as he provided an east wind to bring in the locusts (Exodus 10:13). Such explanations show us that God is in control of the elements, and He can and will use them to effect His purposes. However, that is not the only part of the miracles.
 
When the locusts came upon the land, it was told in advance to Pharaoh that it would occur. When the Red Sea was parted, it was at the exact spot where such a wind could cause the waters to divide, it was at the exact time that it needed to occur for Israel to be saved. And more, the surrounding events – such as the destruction of the Egyptian army – occurred during the same event that brought Israel to safety.
 
Often, naysayers of the Bible will look so intently at the naturalistic explanations surrounding a miracle that they will overlook the truly miraculous parts of them. Be attentive to the surrounding events concerning such things. It is in these details that an argument for the miraculous is actually available.
 
But one of the key points of such a defense is that someone took the time to argue for a naturalistic explanation. That means that he has now set the account as both factual and acceptable as recorded history. Otherwise, there would be no reason to try to explain it away as naturalistic. Once a person has taken this position, providing the surrounding points that are truly miraculous will set their arguments off as illogical and without merit.
 
Lord God, while people try to diminish the truth or accuracy of Your word, we can watch their attempts fail time and time again. But we can only do this if we know it well enough to dismiss their arguments as unacceptable. Otherwise, we have no footing to do so. Please help us to be prepared for the attacks that are made. Help us to be ready to defend what Your word says while having faith that what it conveys is true. Amen. 

Acts 9:7

Friday, 22 July 2022
 
And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Acts 9:7
 
The Lord Jesus just said to Paul, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Luke continues the narrative now with the words, “And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless.”
 
The word translated as “speechless,” enneos, is found only here in the Bible. It comes from another unique word, enneuó, which means to nod at or make a sign by nodding. As such this word signifies mute, as in a person making signs. In this case, the men are silent from a state of complete astonishment. As this is the case, it tells us that they have been captured by the vision as well as Paul has. However, there is a difference. Here, Luke records that they were “hearing a voice but seeing no one.”
 
A literal rendering of the Greek is, “hearing indeed the voice but seeing no one.” This is a verse that naysayers and those who attack the Bible will point to when claiming there are contradictions in Scripture. The reason for this is that it says later in Acts –
 
“And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me.” Acts 22:9
 
The supposed contradiction is eliminated through understanding the intent of what has been said. The same word, akouó, is used in both passages. It means physically hearing, but it also means to understand. In the case of Acts 9, the men indeed heard the voice. However, in Acts 22, Paul notes to those he is speaking to in Jerusalem (to those who speak the same language as he did) that the men with him did not understand what was being said.
 
Again, the same word carries both connotations. We might say, “You aren't hearing me” to someone who hears but does not understand or pay heed. We may knock on someone’s head and say, “Hellloooo, did you hear me?” when we know perfectly well that he did, even though he may not have grasped or paid attention to what was said.
 
The reason for the specificity is because Paul, in his defense before King Agrippa in Acts 26, says –
 
“And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’” Acts 26:14
 
There Paul identifies the language as Hebrew (the word also covers Aramaic). But those he spoke to in Jerusalem in Acts 22 would have understood Hebrew. As this is so, it is telling us that either those with Paul in Acts 9 did not speak Hebrew, or they were purposefully withheld from understanding what Paul could readily understand. This would be a miracle like in Acts 2 then. It is comparable to the fact that Paul saw the Lord while these men did not. Their hearing/understanding and vision were hindered from what Paul clearly heard, understood, and saw.
 
Two (of the many) examples of hearing physically while not understanding are –
 
“And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it [akouó].” Mark 4:33
 
“For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands [akouó] him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.” 1 Corinthians 14:2
 
One more example shows the intent of what is now said in Acts quite clearly –
 
“Therefore the people who stood by and heard [akouó] it said that it had thundered. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to Him.’” John 12:29
 
In the example from John, some “heard” what they thought was thunder. Others clearly heard words because they refer to it as having been spoken. Thus, we can see that those in Acts 9 heard but they did not hear. There is no contradiction.
 
The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 22:9 correctly notes, “To see and hear the risen Christ was a privilege given to St. Paul alone.” This is the intent and point of what is seen here. The Lord purposefully revealed Himself only to Paul. The others were given enough information to know that something took place, but not enough to allow them to be converted apart from faith in what they were then told by Paul.
 
Life application: Jesus withheld understanding His voice and seeing His form from those with Paul for His own reasons. He appeared to Israel at a particular point in time for His own reasons. If you are saved, it happened at a point in your life that was marked out according to God’s plans. Nothing occurs apart from the knowledge of God, and when He wants something to occur at a specific time, it is going to come about.
 
Trust in this and know that He is in complete control over what is happening. And yet, He does it while factoring in free will. He knows those who will believe or not believe. But more, He knows when those who may not believe at one time will believe at another. He is working out things so that the most glory will come to Him – either in salvation or in judgment. He is God. He is sovereign. His purposes will come to pass.
 
At the same time, He is using us to effect those purposes at times. So be ready to act. Hand out those tracts, open your mouth and speak, and be sure to talk about your hope in the Lord Jesus often. He already knows if you will or not, and that has been factored in too. So be on the rewards side of the equation and do what you can while you can.
 
Glorious God Almighty, help us to be active participants in the unfolding plan of redemption that You have going on in the world. May we be responsible with our time and may we be willing to put our best foot forward and act. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Acts 9:6

Thursday, 21 July 2022
 
So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9:6
 
Note: The text of verses 9:5 and 9:6 is different based on original manuscripts, and so your Bible may not match what is presented here:
 
*And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” (ESV)
 
* And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (NKJV)
 
--------------------------------------
 
Jesus just explained to Saul (Paul) who He is and informed Saul that it is “hard to kick against the goads.” With that noted, it now says of Saul, “So he, trembling and astonished.” The word translated as trembling, tremó, signifies to dread or to terrify, hence trembling is the result of the mental condition. One can see the obvious root of several modern English words, such as tremor, tremble, and so on.
 
The next word, thambeó, translated as astonished, gives the idea of being perplexed or amazed. In this state one, mentally shuts down, even to the point of terror depending on the situation. In other words, Saul was both terrified and he was unable to mentally grasp the enormity of the matter. The One he had been pursuing and persecuting is the Lord God. His cognitive abilities were overwrought with the magnitude of what he now perceived. In this state, He said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
 
The fact that he was still alive meant there must be a purpose for him. Otherwise, the Lord could have simply revealed Himself and consumed him in a moment. But Saul realized that would not be the case, especially when presented with the words concerning kicking against the goads. It was not a statement of threat, but of warning and instruction. Saul’s immediate reaction beyond the trembling and astonishment was a submissive spirit, asking for direction.
 
With this now realized in him, he is no longer kicking against the goads. Instead, his compliance is anticipated. As such, Luke records, “Then the Lord said to him.”
 
This is the beginning of the relationship that will carry Saul throughout his life. He will work harder, suffer more frequently, and more fully express what has happened in the coming of Christ than any of the others whom Jesus called His apostles. But above all, it has begun with a mark of grace. Saul did not deserve the favor bestowed upon him. He realizes it now and he will continue to realize it throughout his life.
 
The man of the law has become a man of God’s grace. This experience will shape and define his writings to all people because all people must come to the Lord in the same manner. None can come on personal merit, but only through the grace that comes through the reception of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is with this in mind that Jesus gives him instruction to prepare him for this new life, saying, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
 
The city is Damascus. The details will come to Saul while there, but it is true that the Lord could have simply told him right there on the way to the city what He wanted. As such, there is more than mere verbal instruction for Saul. There is a process he must go through, there is instruction for others that hardly seem involved at all, and there will be the ongoing explanation of this event for others to share that would have been lacking if Saul was simply commissioned on the spot.
 
Though Saul is the key figure in the process of his conversion, that conversion in Damascus will touch others as well. Each will have his life changed by the events that will take place.
 
Life application: At times in our lives, we all face what is known as Cognitive Dissonance. It is the state of discomfort of the mind that results when two conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or values arise. When we are presented with something that challenges our belief systems, we will immediately try to avoid accepting it, we may explain it away, and we may simply outright reject it.
 
For example, if we are taught that there will be no rapture, when presented with an analysis of the rapture that is directly from the Bible, in context, and evidently true, we will still work to dismiss it. The same is true with someone who believes the rapture will be mid-trib, but then is given clear evidence that it is pre-trib. Such things cause mental anxiety as we look to affirm our current belief and ignore or explain away the obviously correct explanation.
 
In Paul’s case, he believed one thing, and yet he was faced with the overwhelming truth that what he had believed was one hundred percent wrong. Instead of trying to argue away what had now become wholly and perfectly evident, he simply shut down. His mind was overwhelmed (see above: thambeó, being perplexed or amazed) and he could no longer function. It would take time for his mind to heal and redirect to the proper path.
 
We will normally not get such a sudden and absolute confirmation of what is correct. Rather, we will be presented with the truth of what is found in Scripture, but because of our limited knowledge of the word, we will search for ways to explain away what we have been presented. This is not wise because we may be dismissing the truth when we do.
 
The surest way to avoid this is to know what Scripture says, intimately. The more well-versed we are in the word, the less likely we will follow a wrong teaching. Otherwise, the next person to come along will present a case that sounds right to our ears. When he does, it may satisfy our own presuppositions about a matter (whether they are right or not), or that is simply convenient and involves less hard work on our part (think of King James Onlyism), and so we go with it.
 
This is a big problem that can be avoided if we read the word, use logic in approaching the things the Bible presents, and – above all – pray for discernment and proper direction from the Lord. Paul could not argue against the appearance of the Lord and so he submitted himself to what he now knew to be true. If we intimately know the Bible, including the words of Paul, the same should be the case. The same Lord is presenting Himself to us there. Please! Know your Bible!
 
Lord God, we come before You sincerely asking for You to lead us in Your word, to keep us from incorrect teachings, and to give us the great and strong desire to want to know Your word more fully all the days of our lives. Amen.

Acts 9:5

Wednesday, 20 July 2022
 
And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” Acts 9:5
 
Note: The text of verses 9:5 and 9:6 is different based on original manuscripts, and so your Bible may not match what is presented here:
 
*And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” (ESV)
 
* And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (NKJV)
 
--------------------------------------
 
Paul was just shown to have fallen to the ground, and he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul why are you persecuting Me?” With that, Luke now records Paul’s response, “And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’”
 
In the use of “Lord” (Greek: kurios), it is probably not yet to be understood as referring to the Lord, Yehovah, the God of Israel, although by now that may not be out of the question. The same word can be translated in various ways based on the context. For example, in John 4:19, it says, “The woman said to Him, ‘Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet.’” There, the word “Sir” is the same as what Paul now uses.
 
Paul may, at this time, be thinking it is an angel. Whatever was on his mind, he uses this title to indicate someone in a highly respectful position. With the question asked, the narrative continues, saying, “Then the Lord said.”
 
The same word, kurios, is used again. This time, it is from Luke’s understanding of who it actually is, and thus it should mentally be considered as “Lord God,” meaning the Lord Jesus. This is seen in the divine response, “I am Jesus.”
 
The words would have pierced right into Saul’s soul. Here he is, trying to eradicate this very name. He had surely believed the lie of the council that Jesus’ body was stolen –
 
“Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 saying, ‘Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.’ 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.” Matthew 28:11-15
 
Suddenly, this voice accompanied by the brilliant light has called out that He is alive. The enormity of the moment would never have left Paul’s mind. This was the great transformative event that would change him forever. With this stated, Jesus continues, saying, “whom you are persecuting.”
 
As with the previous verse, Jesus relays the thought that an attack against His people is an attack against Him. It is personal and it will be reckoned as such on the day of judgment. But Paul is given a mark of grace that will lead to mercy upon him and his previous actions (1 Timothy 1:13). With this stated, Jesus continues, saying, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
 
Here, the word translated as “goads,” kentron, is introduced. It is from kenteo (to prick) and thus it signifies “center,” as in the sharp part of a sting, a thorn, a sharp weapon, and so on. It is used in reference to the sting of bees, scorpions, and so on (see Revelation 9:10). It is also used figuratively as something that stings in the emotions, as in “the sting of death” referred to by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:55.
 
Jesus’ words certainly came from a proverbial expression of the time. It is seen in various ancient Greek writings. The meaning for Paul is that he is acting like a dumb ox that kicks against the goads that are intended to prod him along. Instead of responding positively, he kicks back into the goad itself. A common saying that gives a similar sense is, “You’re only hurting yourself.”
 
Life application: The Bible has been given as a guide for our lives if we will simply utilize it as such. There are many who simply reject it, and they reject the One who is proclaimed in it. They have no understanding, and they will die apart from God. Others hear the gospel and they come to a saving knowledge of the Lord. But then, they never apply the precepts of the Bible to their lives.
 
Imagine the state! These people are immature, and they are unwilling to grow in the knowledge of the Lord. Their lives are unproductive, unhappy, and without a sense of direction or purpose. In essence, they spend their lives kicking against the goads. God is prodding them to grow up and become responsible members of His church. But they just keep plodding along without faithfully doing as they should. Every time someone says to them, “You really should attend church and start reading your Bible,” they kick against the advice, and their week is miserable.
 
Or maybe they attend a church that doesn’t properly feed them with the word of God. Instead of being grounded in the hope of Christ, they are told that God wants them to prosper materially. And yet, only the pastor seems to be getting rich. The money that is supposed to be a “seed offering” that will magically multiply in their pockets never does because it has multiplied in the pockets of these false teachers.
 
What kind of a follower of Christ will you be? Don’t kick against the goads. God is prodding you to follow Him, to get to know Him, and to act in accord with His expectations for you. These things cannot occur unless you are willing to put Him and His word first in your life. Be wise and study this precious word. Avoid the pains of kicking against His divine will for you!
 
Lord God, surely things will be a lot better off for us if we will simply apply Your will to our lives. Help us to do so by learning what that will is through a careful study of Your word. May we seek it out all the days of our lives. To Your glory, we pray! Amen.

Acts 9:4

Tuesday, 19 July 2022
 
Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Acts 9:4
 
The previous verse told of the light from heaven that shone around Paul as he was nearing Damascus. Now, a voice accompanies that brilliant light. The NKJV is not very precise in its translation. Comparing a more literal translation will show its weakness –
 
Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (NKJV)
 
“And having fallen upon the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’” (CG)
 
With that noted, the verse can be looked over, beginning with, “And having fallen upon the ground.”
 
Some suppose that this means Paul was on a horse, mule, donkey, or camel. But there is nothing to suggest this. Jesus is said to have fallen upon the ground in Mark 14:35 while in the Garden of Gethsemane. The same words are used in that account as now in Acts, and it is clear that he was walking with the disciples at the time.
 
And so, whether on horse or simply walking by foot, Paul was overwhelmed with the brightness of the glory that shone around him and he fell to the ground. The sentiment is not at all uncommon in either testament. In the Old Testament, for example, when Daniel was confronted with the glory of the Lord, it says –
 
“And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8 Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. 9 Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.” Daniel 10:7-9
 
In the New Testament, Peter saw a miracle of the Lord and it overwhelmed him –
 
“But Simon answered and said to Him, ‘Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.’ 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!’” Luke 5:5-8
 
Peter’s encounter was one of seeing the effects of the Lord’s power, and yet in comprehending the scope of the miracle, he fell down before the Lord who had performed it. Other such encounters are noted in Scripture. In Paul’s case, as he lay on the ground, it says “he heard a voice.”
 
In Paul’s personal recounting of the event, he says, “I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language.” As a side note, the word used to describe the language can mean Hebrew or Aramaic. It would have been the common language of the land at the time which was quite different than the Hebrew found in the Old Testament. This is evident from various other passages in the gospels and elsewhere in Acts. Regardless of that, Jesus spoke to Paul in his native tongue “saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’”
 
The repetition of the name is a way of showing emphasis and also, at times, personal affinity. Such repetitions are found throughout Scripture in both Testaments. An example from each –
 
“Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
11 But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’
So he said, ‘Here I am.’” Genesis 22:9-11
 
“And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.’” Luke 22:31, 32
 
The Lord is making a personal, emphatic, and targeted call to Saul. It is personal by calling him by name. It is emphatic because he calls it twice. And it is targeted because of the accusation leveled at him, “Why do you persecute Me?”
 
The One, as yet unknown to Saul, directly accuses him of persecution, and He indicates that it is a persecution against His own being. He does not say, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting My people?” Rather, he says, “Me.” If thought through, it is another clear indication of eternal salvation. The people of the Lord are “in” the Lord. An attack against them is an attack against Him. And alignment with Him brings the believer into union with Him in a permanent covenantal relationship.
 
Life application: It is important to understand the relationship that existed between Saul (Paul) and Jesus until this point. He was a law-observant Pharisee. Not only that, he was one while the temple still stood and the rites and sacrifices for purification from sin were still being practiced. And yet, Paul was an enemy of Jesus because he had not come to participate in the New Covenant established in Jesus’ blood.
 
Hebrews 7:18, 8:13, and 10:9 indicate that the law is set aside, obsolete, and annulled in Christ. Colossians 2:14 tells us that the law is nailed to the cross. Obviously, nobody walked up to Jesus’ cross and nailed a copy of the law to it. Rather, the words of Paul are given in metaphor. Christ is the embodiment and fulfillment of the law. Jesus was crucified on the cross. The law (Jesus’ fulfillment of it) was crucified on the cross. Jesus died on the cross. The law was made obsolete (abolished – Ephesians 2:15) in His death.
 
If Paul was an enemy of Jesus Christ (the only way to salvation – John 14:6), and yet he was a law-observant Jew living within the framework of the rites of the law, then it tells us – clearly and unambiguously – that no person can be saved by adherence to the law of Moses. But this is what the doctrine of dual covenantalism teaches.
 
It is a doctrine held by the Roman Catholic Church and various figures within Christianity today. Roman Catholicism’s statement on this says, “From the Christian confession that there can be only one path to salvation, however, it does not in any way follow that the Jews are excluded from God’s salvation because they do not believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah of Israel and the Son of God” (Source: The Gifts and the Calling of God Are Irrevocable (Rom 11:29) by Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews).
 
Likewise, there are innumerable sects and cults within Christianity that espouse partial or total adherence to the Law of Moses as the means of salvation, ignoring the finished work of Jesus. Be sure to think about what is presented in the church you attend and consider the words of the pastor or leadership. This includes attending through videos or livestream. Such teachings are not a part of the gospel, and they must be identified so that they can be rejected.
 
Hold fast to the truth that God has sent His Son into the world, that He has established a New Covenant in His blood, and the only way to be saved is through belief in what He has done. Be ready to both teach this and defend this truth.
 
Lord God, it should not be surprising to us that there is only one way to be reconciled to You. It should be overwhelming to our minds that there is even one way. We are fallen, we have disobeyed, and we are the sinners. And yet, while we were enemies, You sent Christ into the world to save us. Thank You that there is a path to reconciliation with You. Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Acts 9:3

Monday, 18 July 2022
 
As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Acts 9:3
 
The previous verse had Paul preparing for a journey to Damascus in order to bring back believers of the Way for trial in Jerusalem. Now that thought continues, saying, “As he journeyed.”
 
Concerning the route he would have taken, Charles Ellicott says –
 
“The route by which the persecutor and his companions travelled was probably that taken by the Roman road, which extended from Jerusalem to Neapolis (Sychar, or Shechem), thence to Scythopolis, and so by the shores of the Sea of Galilee and Cæsarea Philippi, and thence under the slopes of Hermon, to D mascus. ... It is, however, possible that he may have taken the road by the Jordan valley by which Galilean pilgrims sometimes travelled in order to avoid Samaria; but the former was beyond all question the most direct and best frequented road.”
 
With that, the Greek next says “it came to pass.” This is omitted by the translators, but it can be seen in the BLB translation –
 
“Now in proceeding, it came to pass as he draws near to Damascus, suddenly also a light from heaven flashed around him.”
 
Somewhere along the journey, it came to pass as “he came near Damascus.” The meaning of the name of the city depends on several things. Abarim defines it –
 
“The Hebrew term for Damascus, namely דמשק (dammasq), means something like The Beginning Of Salvation. The Chronicler's slightly adapted term for Damascus, namely דרמשק (darammasq) means Period Of Salvation or perhaps more precise Full Turn In The Pattern Of Salvation. The Greek name Damascus means Tameness or somewhat more positive Synchronicity.”
 
Damascus is outside of Israel’s borders which is appropriate for the calling that will occur. The apostle to the Gentiles will receive his calling outside of the set borders of Canaan, but still within the area of land originally promised to Abraham in Genesis 15:18. That promise extends the land as far as the River Euphrates. It was there, in the Gentile land close to Damascus that Paul was traveling, “and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.”
 
The word translated as “shone” is found only here and in Acts 22:6. It signifies to flash around like lightning. Acts 26 will further explain the intensity of this light –
 
“While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me.” Acts 26:12, 13
 
The magnificence of the light outshined the radiance of the sun. With this ultra-intense display of the glory of the Lord now stated, the narrative will continue in the verses ahead.
 
Life application: There are commentaries that will attempt to diminish the magnitude of what occurred with Saul (Paul), saying things like he was driven mad while considering his acts of persecution and this is what produced the vision that happened in his mind. Nothing of the sort is even hinted at. And more, the effects of the light upon his eyes will demonstrate that this was not just an internalized event. Rather, it is an actual appearance of the glory of the Lord as He revealed Himself to Saul.
 
We need to always consider the words of Scripture in the context in which they are given. In the case of this theophany, there is no doubt about how it occurred. At the same time, we need to not be duped by people that claim they have their own visions of God. There is no need for such visions today, and it would be contrary to the word itself that they should occur.
 
Paul was chosen to be an apostle of Jesus, and the events that surround his conversion were necessary for the validation of his ministry, both for himself and for those who would interact with him, such as the other apostles. People’s conversions now occur in accord with what is written in Scripture, and those who are placed in the ministry have the words of Scripture to explain their requirements. There is no need for any extra validations of such things, and none should be expected.
 
Logically, if God is going around giving visions of Himself to people today, there is no need for the word of God in their lives. And yet, it is the word of God that reveals to us what we need to do in order to be saved, to live out our lives in accord with His will, and to appoint to the ministry those we deem to have satisfactorily met its requirements.
 
Don’t look to the sensational when the Bible itself is sufficient for our lives, doctrine, and conduct. Let us be content with this wonderful treasure God has given us.
 
Yes, Lord God! What a treasure Your word is! May we hold fast to it as the rule and guide of our lives as we live them out before You. Help us to apply its precepts to our lives and to seek out the mysteries in it all our days. Amen.

Acts 9:2

Sunday, 17 July 2022
 
and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Acts 9:2
 
This verse should be taken together with the previous verse. Together, they say, “Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” With that noted, verse 2 now begins with, “and asked letters from him.”
 
It is from the high priest that the letters are being requested, demonstrating both the authority granted to Paul as well as the great zeal he had in identifying and bringing an end to any who were practicing their faith in the Lord Jesus.
 
As such, these letters would give him authority in any religious matters of the Jewish people. It is the religion under the Law of Moses that established them as a nation. As the worship and religious rites of Israel to serve Yehovah their God were considered religio licita (permitted religion) by the Romans, the high priest would have authority over the Jewish people in such matters as fell within his religious jurisdiction. With that understood Luke continues noting that the letters were, “to the synagogues of Damascus.”
 
Damascus is considered the most ancient city in the world. At the time of Paul, many Jews lived there, and Josephus notes that at the time of Emperor Nero, a full ten thousand Jews were slaughtered there, showing how great the number was.
 
As noted, the Jewish nation was established under the principles of the Law of Moses. As such, the people of that nation were accountable as Jews to the authority of the high priest in this regard. Therefore, letters to the synagogues would bear the high priest’s authority over any who attended those synagogues, or who were simply affiliated with them. Paul notes in 2 Corinthians 11:32 that Aretas was the king at the time. As for the letters, they were to give Paul authority, “so that if he found any who were of the Way.”
 
The Greek reads tēs Hodou – “the Way.” Some translations incorrectly say, “this way,” as if it is referring to one of many ways, but this is not correct. It is a designation concerning the early faith, prior to the introduction of the now more commonly used term “Christian.” It is the same word, hodos, or way, that is found in John 14:4-6 –
 
“’And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.’
5 Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’
6 Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
 
Thus, “the Way,” is an expression of faith that Jesus is the One way to be reconciled to God the Father. It is applicable to all people, Jews and Gentiles (see Acts 19, e.g.). As for Paul’s plans for those in Damascus, it was all-inclusive, “whether men or women.”
 
Paul was uninterested in what reason a person followed the Lord. He was also uninterested in their gender, as if a woman’s faith was less important than a man’s. His attitude was set on eradication of the faith without regard to any lesser divisions that may have been seen among believers. As such, it was his set determination to find them and arrest them so that “he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.”
 
Once in Jerusalem, there would be a trial to determine guilt and punishment. This is seen in Paul’s words of Acts 26 –
 
“This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.” Acts 26:10, 11
 
Life application: How do you personally feel about faith in Jesus Christ? Do you believe that He is one of many ways to approach God? Are there people in your circle of life that believe this? If so, when you talk to them, do you let them know that the Bible says otherwise? Are you willing to stand on Jesus’ words that He is the way to restoration with God and that none can be restored apart from Him?
 
If you are willing to equivocate on this fundamental truth, what else will you waffle on? If you say you are a follower of Jesus (a Christian, a born-again Christian, a follower of the Way, or whatever) and yet you will not defend the most basic premise of the faith, then what Jesus are you following? His words cannot be picked at random. The Bible is the only source for our faith in Him. As such, we must either accept it (in the proper context) or we have rejected it. If we reject the Bible, then we have no basis for our faith at all.
 
Think reasonably about your faith, and then determine that if you truly believe the message of Jesus, you will put every effort into coming to know Him from His word. It will be well worth it when you stand before the Lord on the day when you are called before Him to give an account of your life.
 
Lord God, help us to think clearly about who You are, about what You have done, and how Jesus is the way in which You have done so. And more, help us to consider that it is the Bible that tells us about Jesus. And so, Lord, help us to take the time each day to study this precious word, and then to also apply it to our walk before You. Amen.
 

Acts 9:1

Saturday, 16 July 2022
 
Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest Acts 9:1
 
The previous verse closed out Chapter 8, explaining how Philip was found at Azotus, and how he preached in all the cities until he came to Caesarea. With that noted, the narrative now returns to its focus that also began in Chapter 8. And so, with the intervening verses about the work of the apostles complete, Luke begins Chapter 9 with, “Then Saul.” He was last mentioned at the beginning of Chapter 8, saying –
 
“Now Saul was consenting to his death.
At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.” Acts 8:1-3
 
Saul was bloodthirsty as Chapter 8 began, and nothing has changed in his demeanor with this new chapter, as Luke notes that he was “still breathing threats and murder.”
 
The Greek word translated as “breathing” is found only here, empneó. It signifies “to inhale.” Ironically, the KJV translated it just the opposite and incorrectly says, “breathing out.” It is the “element from which he drew his breath” (Thayer’s). Also, the Greek word translated as “threats” is singular, not plural. As such, the words should read that he was “still breathing in threat and murder.” The very breath that he inhaled animated him into a ravaging animal “against the disciples of the Lord.”
 
Paul later acknowledges this conduct during his trial before King Agrippa in Acts 26 –
 
“Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.” Acts 26:9-11
 
As for his statement that he “received authority from the chief priests,” that is next recorded by Luke, saying he “went to the high priest.” The verb is an aorist participle and should read, “having gone to the high priest.” That sets up the continued words of the coming verse. For now, Paul has gone to the high priest with a purpose and intent. All of this is leading to the greatest moment of his life, and one that will affect the lives of billions of people in the millennia to come.
 
Life application: Understanding the meaning behind the words used in the biblical narrative can really give you a sense of what is actually going on in the mind of the person being described. For example, the word above, empneó, is from en (in) and pneó (to breathe). Think about how different translations change your mind about what is being said –
 
Breathing out murderous threats (NIV).
Breathing out threats and murder (BLB).
Uttering threats with every breath (NLT).
Breathing threats and murder (BSB).
Breathing threatening and slaughter (ASV).
Full of menace and the fury of murder (Aramaic).
Spewing death threats (ISV).
Whose every breath was a threat of destruction (Weymouth).
Breathing in threat and murder (CG).
 
Most of these are outwardly directed. You would think that Paul is coming against the people and yelling out to them how he was going to destroy them. Many of them have “threats” in the plural. That gives the sense of repeated threats as if it is going on and on. The NIV (and others) combine the two separate words (threat and murder) into one that describes the other. Each of these will change your perception of what is going on.
 
However, in understanding the meaning of the base words that form the new word, it being from en (in) and pneó (to breathe), you can then see that even if Paul’s actions are directed toward others, the impulse behind them is something that is first animating him to be that way. This is the root of Paul’s problem. Until that is cured, there can be no change in him. The very breath that animates him is angry and hostile. As this is so, it will then be that way when he breathes out as well.
 
Don’t be afraid to do word studies. In fact, take time to do so. The richness of the source of words can completely change your perception of what is actually being conveyed. Translators do their best to convey intent, but unless they are willing to do such word studies (a somewhat time-consuming and laborious task), they may not convey to you what is actually going on. And so, take time to do your own studies if a particular passage especially appeals to you. It is well worth the time you put into it.
 
Lord God, what a wonderful treasure Your word is. It is rich and alive and filled with magnificent insights about the nature of man, the corrective measures for his defects, and how You apply those measures to mold us into Your image. Help us to seek out the riches of Your word all the days of our lives. Amen.