Author: Charlie Garrett

$250 back then was a heap o’ cash. Don’t deface…

Friday, 8 December 2023

“And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.” Acts 22:20

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

Paul has been defending his conversion and adherence to the Way based on his life prior to his conversion. He continues that thought now, saying, “And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed.”

Paul uses the word martus to describe Stephen. Some translations say “martyr,” while others “witness.” Either is correct, depending on the context. It is generally believed that the use of “martyr” came later. Therefore, “witness” is probably a better rendering for this account.

Also, as he is speaking to a congregation about the events that occurred and of which they would have been familiar, the idea of Stephen having been a witness seems more appropriate. However, by the time Revelation was written, “martyr” was probably more in use and is probably a correct translation for Revelation 2:13, although even there, “witness” is possible. Of Paul’s conduct at the time of Stephen, he next says, “I also was standing by consenting to his death.”

Paul ensures that the account of Stephen is conveyed to them with exacting detail in order to show them the extent of his zeal before his conversion. He was willing to consent to the murderous act of a person because of his belief that it was the right thing to do. He was part of a crowd, not unlike those now standing before him, looking for the blood of the accused.

Paul’s words are an attempt to show them that just what they were engaged in is what he previously engaged in and for essentially the same reasons. Therefore, there must have been a change in him that converted him to the stand he now took. As for his actions at Stephen’s death, he next says, “and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.”

These were the outer garments of the people who stoned him. Today, we might take off our jackets if we are going to engage in an activity that needs labor or precision of movement. This is true with the outer garments of the Jews. They were flowing and cumbersome for such activities.

Therefore, the people would have removed them and placed them near someone trustworthy to watch them. The meaning is that even if Paul did not pick up stones and cast them at Stephen, he was complicit in Stephen’s death through his actions, approving of what was occurring and giving the death a better opportunity to come about.

Life application: Paul was a part of the execution of Stephen, even if he never cast a stone. There are ways that groups of people can execute someone where no one person is directly responsible for the person’s death.

For example, if a hundred people lined up and each punched someone, none of them might land a death blow, but the person would die from the many blows he received. The same is true with death by a thousand cuts. One little cut on the skin may not kill someone, but when a person is cut many times, he will not survive.

Such actions reveal to us that we may know something is wrong, but we will take various legal or quasi-legal avenues to make it happen, thus trying to find a way of exonerating our consciences from the guilt of what we are doing. This may occur in divorce situations, business dealings, and so forth.

These types of things show us that there is a problem in man that already exists. It is the infection of sin. It is in our lives, and it permeates ourselves and our societies. We all bear guilt for many things that occur. An example of this is found in the law –

“So you shall not pollute the land where you are; for blood defiles the land, and no atonement can be made for the land, for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of him who shed it.” Numbers 35:33

This is a statement that is found in the law, but it follows from a general principle about the nature of God. That can be deduced from other verses that speak of such things in relation to the inhabitants of the land prior to Israel’s entry.

As this is so, we collectively bear guilt when we allow murderers to walk free. Abortion is something that cannot be excused, and yet we pass laws allowing it to happen, as if a human law can override a God-centered principle. When we vote for those who will pass such laws, we bear direct responsibility for such deaths.

The only way to be free of such sin debt is to come to Jesus and be cleansed. Only through the atonement of His precious shed blood can we ever find restoration with God because of the sin debt that we bear. And when that restoration is made, it is an eternal restoration. Therefore, let us not disgrace what God in Christ has done for us by continuing in sin.

Rather, let us be grateful for His gracious atonement and live for Him according to holiness. May we have this attitude, to the glory of God who saved us.

We praise You for Your goodness to us Lord God Almighty! Thank You for the forgiveness we have been granted because of the work of Jesus. May we live out our lives in gratitude and holiness all our days. Praises to You for JESUS! Amen.

It’s got to start somewhere.

Thursday, 7 December 2023

“So I said, ‘Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe on You. Acts 22:19

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The verbs are all present participles – “And I said, ‘Lord they know that I was imprisoning and scourging in those synagogues those believing on You’” (CG).

In the previous verse, the Lord instructed Paul to get out of Jerusalem because those in the city would not receive his testimony. Of course, like Ananias in Acts 9, Paul’s human nature decided to argue against the Lord’s word instead of simply complying with it. Therefore, he tells the crowd before him, “And I said, ‘Lord they know.’”

Despite the divine warning, Paul felt compelled to defend his presence in Jerusalem, as if his words would sway the Lord to change His mind or something. And so, he continues, saying, “that I was imprisoning and scourging in those synagogues.”

The word translated as imprisoning is found only here in Scripture, phulakizó. It is derived from phulax, a guard, or a sentinel. Thus, it signifies the act of incarcerating. The word translated as scourging means to flay. By implication, then, it means to scourge, which can flay the skin. However, it can also mean to simply thrash or beat another person. In this case, he continues speaking to the Lord saying, “those believing on You.”

Paul was a persecutor of the very faith he was now being persecuted over. He had converted, but his change would not positively affect those he later encountered in Jerusalem. He was given authority to do these things, the people of Jerusalem knew this, and yet Jesus knew that his conversion would be upsetting to them. None of this was unknown to the Lord, and Paul’s appeal would not change the matter.

Life application: Despite the divine warning, Paul felt compelled to defend his presence in Jerusalem to the Lord. Sharing that now with the crowd who was accusing him actually serves a two-fold purpose in the ears of his hearers.

First, he had been opposed to the faith that he now professed. Thus, they would know that his actions were sincere for the tenets of being an observant Jew, but that he realized that these tenets did not extend to persecuting Christ’s followers. Instead, those actions were opposed to the true faith of an observant Jew.

Secondly, it showed the audience that it was they, not him, who stood opposed to what was correct and proper. Though he had imprisoned and beaten these followers of Jesus in defiant opposition to Him, his zeal was misdirected. Thus, their zeal at his arrest is similarly misdirected.

Therefore, Paul could use his own failing (meaning arguing against the Lord’s word) to reinforce his present position before the people. However, this doesn’t change the fact that he originally argued instead of simply obeying. As noted, this is what Ananias did in Acts 9. It is also what Moses did in Exodus 4 and Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1.

Despite this obviously being a human trait that is hard to overcome, as evinced by these and other examples in Scripture, we can learn from them. The word of the Lord is now complete. It is written, and it is authoritative. And yet, people who have believed on the Lord and been saved will still argue against the word of the Lord.

We rebelliously buck against the instructions laid out there, acting as if we know better than He does. Until we are willing to accept His word as written and in proper context, we are no different than those who stood right in front of the Lord and argued why He must be wrong.

Let us not rebel against His word. Instead, we should be willing to comply with its directives. The Lord is infinitely more intelligent than we are. When He directs, it is for a good purpose. Therefore, let us obediently submit to His will.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for those times when we question Your word, either openly or through our general conduct as we walk before You. Give us knowledge to understand the things that are often difficult to grasp and the wisdom to apply that knowledge to our lives. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Historical info. Test at 10am.

Wednesday, 6 December 2023

“and saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’ Acts 22:18

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

A literal rendering would be, “and saw Him saying to me, ‘Hasten, and in speed depart from Jerusalem: because they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’”

Paul just noted that after his conversion, when he had returned to Jerusalem, he was praying in the temple and a trance came upon him. That continues now, saying, “and saw Him saying to me.”

Without going any further, who “Him” is can be discerned by referring to the nearest antecedent. In verse 16, it said, “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Thus, Paul is referring to the Lord. He is continuing his thoughts about his relationship with the Lord as His chosen instrument. Next, he details what the Lord said with the words, “Hasten, and in speed depart from Jerusalem.”

At various times in Scripture, the Lord either directly or indirectly tells people to move from one place to another. For example, after serving Laban for many years, the Lord directed the steps of Jacob –

“Then the Lord said to Jacob, ‘Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.’” Genesis 31:3

The Lord also directed the steps of His prophets from time to time, and that continued with His apostles during the establishment of the church –

“As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ ³ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:2, 3

In this case, it is early in Paul’s ministry, he has been selected as the apostle who would most thoroughly explain salvation by grace through faith apart from deeds of the law, and he was in the location from which the law issued forth. His message would not be well received at this time by any Jew, but especially not in Jerusalem. Hence, the Lord continues, saying, “because they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.”

Paul was direct in his approach, he did not hold back what he had learned, and he meticulously detailed what it meant to enter into the New Covenant by faith in Christ. This is clearly laid out in Romans where he, time and again, addresses matters directed at particular categories of people.

When addressing an issue concerning Jews, he explicitly uses them as his example, such as, “Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God…” (Romans 2:17). From there, Paul explains the problems with resting on the law as one’s boast. This type of abrupt and direct discourse concerning Jesus and the effects of His work would not be well-received by the Jews. Indeed, two thousand years later, it still is not.

As for Paul’s words in this verse, the account in Acts 9 doesn’t mention any of this. However, it does mention his disputing with the Hellenists. It may be that at this time, the warning in the trance came. He may have thought to stay and debate with these people, hoping to convert them, but if he had, they would have sought to kill him. Instead, and because of the vision, he took the direction to depart as he was instructed.

Life application: When speaking to others about spiritual matters, a lot of enmity can arise. People are often sensitive about even discussing matters of salvation, condemnation, etc. Therefore, tact in one’s approach is necessary.

And yet, being tactful should not include waffling on proper doctrine. For example, the Bible teaches that all people are born in sin and are at enmity with God. This is something that we cannot avoid sharing when asked. However, how we present this truth can make a great difference in the anticipated response.

If a person stands on a street corner and yells at everyone who passes him, “You are a sinner. You are going to hell!” He probably won’t make any converts. Someone might give him a good pounding, though.

On the other hand, if the same person quietly approaches someone and says, “May I share the good news of what Jesus did with you?” He might get a favorable response. From there, he might say, “Because of the sin in our lives, God cannot accept us, but He loves us enough to have sent Jesus to restore us to Himself.”

Such an approach conveys the same truth as the first approach, but it does it in a spirit of caring, not high-handed superiority. Paul’s approach was always direct but not necessarily confrontational. However, when dealing with matters of the law, even something nonconfrontational can still be very upsetting to those whose boast is in the law.

Therefore, he had been directed by the Lord to depart from Jerusalem. His message needed ears that would be receptive to it at the right time. That time is yet ahead for this troubled city, but it will come someday. Until then, Jerusalem continues as a city without a proper relationship with the Lord. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem by praying for its collective heart to be turned to Jesus.

Glorious Lord God, today we lift up Your wayward nation, the people of Israel. We also pray for Your holy city, Jerusalem. There is not yet peace in the people’s hearts, nor is there peace in the city. But we pray for hearts to be changed before the days of tribulation come upon them. May the word about Jesus continue to expand and convert hearts and minds before that time comes. Amen.

West Virginia Capitol.

Tuesday, 5 December 2023

“Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance Acts 22:17

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The Greek is more literally translated, “And it happened to me, having returned to Jerusalem and my praying in the temple, I came into a trance” (CG).

Paul had just been instructed by Ananias to arise, be baptized, and wash away his sins, calling on the name of the Lord. That was while he was in Damascus. Next, he tells the crowd, “And it happened to me, having returned to Jerusalem.”

His words now occurred upon his return, which is recorded in these few verses of Acts 9 –

“And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. ²⁸ So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. ²⁹ And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. ³⁰ When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.” Acts 9:26-30

Though these words in Acts 9 are recorded directly after his departure from Damascus, as if he immediately traveled there, it is probable that he first went to Arabia, returned to Damascus, and then went to Jerusalem –

“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, ¹⁶ to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, ¹⁷ nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
¹⁸ Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days.” Galatians 1:15-18

It is then during this fifteen-day stay in Jerusalem that his next words probably took place. He says, “and my praying in the temple, I came into a trance.”

The fact that he went to the temple to pray forms a part of his defense against being a blasphemer. His words to them indicate that he has remained an observant Jew all along.

Versions such as the KJV and NKJV don’t give the correct sense here. Instead of “he was in a trance,” it says he “came” or “fell” into a trance. Like both Cornelius and Peter in Acts 10, the state came about during a time of prayer.

Life application: By the time of these events, Paul had personally received revelation from the Lord in Arabia. He had believed in the Lord for a full three years. And yet, he took time to pray while in the temple.

In other words, his attitude was not, “I personally know the Lord and don’t need to pray anymore.” Rather, prayer was a part of his continued life in Christ. In his epistles, he holds prayer as a key and integral part of his walk with the Lord.

If this is so with someone who was personally called by the Lord and who had then personally received revelation from the Lord, it shows the high value of prayer. It should be something we likewise place a high value on. Let us remember this and take time to stop and pray. Moving mountains in one’s life begins while stationary on one’s knees.

Lord God, help us to remember to connect with You as we conduct our affairs each day. May prayer be considered an important part of our walk as we draw near to You with our souls open before You. Help us to solidify this as a priority in our lives. Amen.

West Virginia Flag.

Monday, 4 December 2023

“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ Acts 22:16

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The Greek reads, “And now, why delay? Having arisen, be baptized and wash away your sins, having called on the name of the Lord” (CG).

In the previous verse, Ananias said to Paul, “For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.” Now, with his calling set forth, Ananias continues with, “And now, why delay?”

There is a sense of urgency in his words, as if the clock of people’s lives is winding down. Paul has a charge to carry forth the word of the Lord, and without that message, people will die apart from Jesus. He needs to begin his ministry immediately. But before he does, Ananias next says, “Having arisen, be baptized.”

Baptism is the normative thing seen after any conversion. It is based on the word of the Lord to those who were with Jesus at the beginning –

“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.” Matthew 28:19-20

However, unlike the instructions given to many who heard the word, received the Spirit, and were then baptized (for example, Acts 10:46-48), Ananias continues, saying, “and wash away your sins.”

Baptism for repentance is what John the Baptist told Israel to do and which all of Israel would have been aware of. However, in Luke 7 it says –

“And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. ³⁰ But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.” Luke 7:29, 30

Paul was in this group. The people of Israel were then admonished to be baptized into Jesus in Acts 2. There is no record of the other apostles having been baptized. However, Paul was told to be baptized “and wash away your sins.” In Acts 2, Peter instructed the people, saying –

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38, 39

This implies that their sin (as with Paul) was not connected with the law, which could have been forgiven on the Day of Atonement. Instead, they were connected with “the Just” mentioned in verse 14, meaning the Messiah. Paul, like Israel, had rejected the Messiah. Israel had to repent (change their minds) concerning this. Their minds needed to be converted from rejection to acceptance.

At this point, however, Paul does not need to repent. He has already changed his mind about who Jesus is. And yet, he was still told to be baptized to wash away his sins. Those in Acts 10 did not need to do this. They were baptized as an outward demonstration of the faith they possessed, and which had saved them. In both instances, baptism is required, but the underlying reason is different.

As for the word translated as “wash away,” it is apolouó. It is a compound word, coming from words meaning “away” and “wash.” It is only used here and in 1 Corinthians 6:11. However, the verb louo is used in an important passage during Jesus’ ministry, John 13:10. In that verse, a picture of both justification and sanctification are given by using two different words for “wash,” louo and nipto. Paul needs to be “washed,” meaning sanctification and justification, in order to be cleansed from his sins.

Those in Acts 10 received this immediately. Paul, having previously rejected Jesus, needed to go through the process of baptism for this purpose, just as those in Acts 2 did. In his baptism, he was to enter into a new life in Messiah while “having called on the name of the Lord.”

The Greek word translated as “Lord” is used, kurios. Some manuscripts simply say, calling on His name. Either way, it is implying that the Just is the Lord because only God can forgive sins. Once again, the text clearly indicates that Jesus the Man is the embodiment of Yehovah of the Old Testament. Thus, He is the God/Man.

As for the giving of the Spirit to Paul, nothing is said of when he received it. However, it can be inferred that the Spirit only came upon him after the act of Baptism. Notice the necessary conditions for those Jews who had first rejected Jesus –

For Israel on Pentecost: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38, 39

For Paul as noted in Acts 9: “And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ ¹⁸ Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.” Acts 9:17, 18

For Paul while speaking to Israel in Acts 22: “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16

Without telling us when Paul received the Spirit, it can be inferred that it occurred only after he was baptized. The sin of rejection by these early Jews was to be overcome through water baptism. The reason for this is because it is a sign to national Israel of their need to be identified with the Messiah in order to be saved as a nation. That is actually prefigured in typology in Joshua 3 and 4. Take time to watch the Superior Word sermons on those chapters to more fully understand this.

Life application: Today, a person who accepts Jesus is saved by faith and he is immediately sealed with the Spirit. At that moment, he is sanctified and justified before the Lord. Water baptism follows this as an outward sign of the inner change that has taken place.

It is a command of the Lord that baptism takes place, just as taking the Lord’s Supper is a command. Such rites are obviously important to the Lord and He expects us to follow through with them. Salvation is not tied up in either, but it is sure that rewards are. Be sure to receive baptism if you have never done so, and then be sure to take the Lord’s Supper when you meet.

Also, take time to read the Bible each day. Consider it in its intended context and think about why things occur as they do in Scripture. There is always a logical reason for why things are detailed as they are. So, contemplate the word as you go about your day.

Heavenly Father, thank You for salvation by grace through faith. Thank You that, when we believe, we are saved and sealed for the day of redemption. We no longer have to fear death or condemnation. Rather, we can look to the future with hope and joy because of the work of Jesus our Lord! Thank You for Jesus. Amen.