Author: Charlie Garrett

Cashmere…

Saturday, 30 September 2023

“For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Acts 20:29

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 had just admonished the elders of Ephesus to take heed to themselves and to the flock. He stated that they were overseers of the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Now, he explains why he so admonished them, saying, “For I know this.”

The Greek is in the perfect tense. The literal meaning of what he says is, “For I have seen,” but in the sense of his sight becoming knowledge. It is seeing in a metaphorical sense. We continue to use the same type of wording today when we say, “I see just what you mean.” We don’t physically see it, but our minds can see just as clearly as if our eyes had actually seen. Paul is fully convinced of what he is about to say, which begins with, “that after my departure.”

As he is on his way to Jerusalem and only meeting these men for a short time now, it means that this could happen at any moment. They, therefore, must pay careful heed to his words because he has already known what would happen. It is not an “if” but a “when.” Of what he warns about, it is that “savage wolves will come in among you.”

These words, along with what is coming in the next verse, comprise one of the saddest sets of prophetic verses in the New Testament. Paul, knowing the wickedness of the human heart, as well as the cunningness of the devil, was aware of what would happen to the churches.

His words will be confirmed as true within just a few short years when Jesus speaks to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:1. Paul indicates that, with his departure, there will be the immediate temptation for false teachers to step in and take his place. He describes them as lukoi bareis, or burdensome wolves.

The word lukos is where lycan, or werewolf, comes from. It is derived from leukos, or white. That reflects the whitish hair of the wolf. The word barus signifies weighty or oppressive. Jesus uses it when referring to the Pharisees in Matthew 23:4, saying, “For they bind heavy [barus] burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.”

These people would be heavy, oppressive wolves, savages “not sparing the flock.” They would be ravenous against the flocks and are thus set in contrast to the shepherds of the previous verse. The elders Paul is speaking to would have to be on a constant guard because those coming would certainly come in with subtlety and cunning, creeping around looking for a chance to assume leadership and then start to throw in their own perverse ideas and doctrines.

Life application: It would be unheard of for a church to open its doors and say, “We are proclaiming a false Jesus! Come in and join our damning doctrines. We have a sure path to hell.” Rather, churches begin with the intent of teaching the path to salvation, even if their doctrine is incorrect to begin with. Their intent is to do as they believe is proper.

For those churches with incorrect ideas and doctrine, they will face the Lord for judgment just as would any incorrect religion. However, there are churches that start out properly. They hold to what is right and in line with the word of God. However, it is not uncommon for such churches to quickly begin to divert after the retirement or death of a sound pastor.

It may be a matter of expediency, such as, “We really need a pastor, and although this guy isn’t the best, he will do until we find someone better.” In such a case, the chances are, the new pastor will come in and never leave. The congregation will get used to him and accept his watered-down teachings because it is the easiest path.

It may be a matter of someone being in the church who has always wanted to run things. And so, he secretly waits, agreeing with everything the pastor says. When the pastor retires or dies, he seems to be the right person to take over. However, he actually disagreed with the pastor on many points of doctrine, and he slowly begins to introduce them to the ears of the church. The wise leave. However, some stay, sure they made the right choice. Eventually, they are lulled into a state of total apostasy by this cunning wolf.

There are countless permutations of this to consider. The main thing is that the guard of the church was let down. It failed to adhere to the sound principles laid out in Scripture, and the congregation eventually accepts doctrines that are completely at odds with what is taught in the word of God. It is as common as nails in the frame of a house for this to happen.

Churches must be fixed and firm on proper doctrine. Without that, they will eventually be led astray, just as Paul noted to the elders of Ephesus.

O God, things that should never come about in a church arise. Quite often, it is simply because we are in a rush to have things continue without interruption or difficulty. But it often happens because people simply do not know the word well enough to know when they are being duped. Help us to overcome our desire for expediency at the expense of soundness. Help us to learn and adhere to Your precious and sacred word. Keep us on the proper path as we live out our days in Your presence. Amen.

Columbia River, Washington.

Friday, 29 September 2023

“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28

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).

In the previous verse, Paul noted that he had not shunned to declare to them the whole counsel of God. Now, and using that as an example for them to follow, he says, “Therefore take heed to yourselves.”

Paul is speaking to those in charge and reminding them that they first need to oversee themselves or everything which follows will be wrong. As the Pulpit Commentary says –

“He that is careless about his own salvation will never lie careful about the souls of others.”

The Pulpit Commentary is correct, if it is referring to one’s state in salvation, not in the state of salvation itself. In other words, if a person is saved, the state of his salvation is no longer in question, but his condition as a saved believer can and does change. Paul’s words are that these already saved believers must take heed concerning their actions as believers. 1 Timothy 4:16 is a great comparable verse to consider –

“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”

At first, the words of 1 Timothy 4:16 appear to be pointing to works-based salvation, but that is not the case. In teaching right doctrine, those who are taught will be saved (if they choose to accept God’s gracious offer in Christ). In caring for the salvation of others, a minister is demonstrating that he cares for his own salvation. It is the gospel that brings salvation to men. As for the verse in Acts, Paul continues with, “and to all the flock.”

Drawing on the symbolism found throughout Scripture, the shepherd tends to his flock. The word translated as “flock” is the neuter noun poimnion. It is a flock of herding animals, especially sheep. In emulation of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Paul asks them to continue in this same care for those entrusted to them. This endowment is, according to his words, “among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.”

The Holy Spirit is the One who consecrated these men to be overseers of their flock in Ephesus. The idea here is first a desire to serve in this capacity and then with the approval of those who would be shepherded by them. As those in the church are believers sealed with the Holy Spirit, then these men have, by implication, been made overseers by the Holy Spirit.

As for the term “overseers,” Paul now uses this term – episkopos. It is derived from epi, upon, and skopos, a watcher, or a mark on which to fix the eye as if using a scope. Hence, it is an overseer. He is one who views intently. It is to be remembered that in verse 20:17, the term presbuteros, or elder, was used. Thus, the words are being used synonymously for the individual, even if the substance of the word is different. They are elders, and their job is to oversee.

This word, episkopos, is used five times, four by Paul and once by Peter in 1 Peter 2:25 when speaking of Jesus. Hence, the church overseer is to be like the ultimate Overseer, Jesus. He carefully watches over the souls of His people, as noted in 1 Peter, and these men are to do likewise and “shepherd the church of God.”

Here, Paul uses the verb form of the word translated as “flock” that he just used, poimainó. It signifies caring for the flock, inclusive of feeding them, protecting them, directing them, etc. The KJV says, “feed.” That is only a part of what a shepherd does, and thus it is an inadequate translation.

As for the words “the church of God,” although seemingly straightforward, this is one of the most debated verses in the New Testament. Along with 1 Timothy 3:16 and 1 John 5:7, this verse has several marked textual variations. One is the “church of the Lord,” and one is the “church of the Lord and God.”

Paul uses the term “church of God” around ten times (with variations on that theme making even more), but never “church of the Lord.” However, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t his intent here. The difference is important, particularly because of the next words he will say.

As for the church itself, it is a called-out assembly of believers. It is at the direction of those who lead it, just as Israel was at the direction of the king appointed over them. When the king strayed, the people inevitably did so as well. Likewise, when an unsuitable leader is found within the church, those he leads will likewise go astray. But this should never be the case because, as Paul next says of Jesus in relation to the church, “which He purchased with His own blood.”

The word “purchased” signifies to fully acquire. The payment for the souls of those in the church was complete when Christ shed His blood. Concerning the words “His own blood,” they are in the emphatic position, literally “which He purchased through the blood the own.” The meaning of the word “blood” is “death.” The life is in the blood.

It isn’t as if Jesus could have drawn out a pint of His blood and said, “Here, use this to buy the church,” as implied in the words “with” or “which.” Rather, when the blood is shed, death is the result. The payment for the souls of God’s people is the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. It is through His death that man has life. Paul’s words are carefully selected and spoken out to these men as a point of theology.

These words are why the textual variations are so contested. If “God” is intended, then it is absolute evidence of the deity of Christ. If God in Christ has His own blood, then it must be Jesus who is being referred to.

If this is the correct rendering, it brings in a point of theology concerning the deity of Christ. He is the God/Man. He can be referred to as God even though it is His humanity, not His deity, that possessed the blood. God cannot die, He does not possess blood, etc. To say He does is to introduce heresy into the nature of God. Jesus Christ is God united with humanity. For example, God did not die on the cross, Jesus’ humanity died on the cross.

Either way, those who wish to intentionally diminish the deity of Christ would naturally prefer “Lord” and vice versa with those who desire to prove His deity. However, Christ’s deity is so obvious from other portions of Scripture that only a person who intentionally denies the premise could miss it anyway.

Life application: In the words of this verse, Paul notes that these elders are to lead the flock “among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” As noted, this was – and continues to be – based on a selection and appointment process. The pastoral epistles give the necessary qualifications for such leaders. Therefore, the idea of the Holy Spirit making people overseers is inclusive of what is recorded there.

As such, if a person does not meet those minimum qualifications, the Holy Spirit does not at all make that person an overseer. The church departed from the word that is given by the Holy Spirit, and it failed to uphold its sacred duty.

The obvious point of this is that a church that failed to do as instructed is not an acceptable body of believers. This does not mean that those in the church are not saved. They may or may not be, but they have placed themselves in a state of apostasy because of their selection and appointment.

Just as the nation of Israel devolved into inappropriate conduct during the rule of a bad king, any particular church body that deviates from Scripture will devolve as well. This is the inevitable path for such things. If you are in a church that has appointed leaders whose qualifications are not in accord with the pastoral epistles, you should work to get that corrected or leave that church. Otherwise, your own walk will suffer.

O God, You have given us Your word to lead us and direct us. Within that word are directions for men to be selected and designated as leaders within our local church. Help us to use wisdom in selecting men who meet the qualifications laid out by You. We wish to remain a body that is living in accord with Your will. So, help us to act accordingly in our leadership choices. Amen.

Winding down the Colombia River.

Thursday, 28 September 2023

“For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Acts 20:27

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 just said that he was innocent of the blood of all. He now explains exactly what that means, beginning with, “For I have not shunned.”

It is the same word just introduced in verse 20:20, hupostelló. It signifies to withhold, draw back, keep back, etc. There, he said that he “kept back nothing that was helpful.” To get a fuller flavor of its meaning, the word is also found in Galatians 2:12 when speaking of Peter withdrawing from the Gentiles because he feared those who were of the circumcision. It is used again in Hebrews 10:38 along with the noun form in Hebrews 10:39 –

“For yet a little while,
And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
³⁸ Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.
³⁹ But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:38, 39

Paul continues the thought, saying, “to declare to you.” HELPS Word Studies says the word signifies “to tell all the way up, i.e. clearly – declaring a thought (communication) that shows it has cleared (gone through) its necessary stages.” Paul is therefore saying that he has not withheld anything but instead fully expressed everything included in “the whole counsel of God.”

The whole counsel of God specifically meant Scripture for Paul, but it also included his revelation of Jesus. For example, in Ephesians 3, Paul says –

“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— ² if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, ³ how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, ⁴ by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), ⁵ which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: ⁶ that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, ⁷ of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.” Ephesians 3:1-7

Such insights and revelations are a part of the whole counsel of God that had been revealed to Paul. He had held nothing back and had given every detail necessary for those who heard to both be saved and to walk properly in Christ.

Life application: Consider Paul’s words carefully. The words of Paul and the other apostles are now a part of “the whole counsel of God.” These men were commissioned to express what they knew about Jesus Christ. Their writings are now complete and sealed.

We are to not abuse them, misuse them, add to them, or subtract from them. In 2 Timothy 3, it says –

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17

As these things are true, we can know – without any doubt or ambiguity – that any supposed revelation beyond Scripture is false. For example, Paul has said that he has withheld nothing. He revealed to us the doctrine of the rapture. He has given the sequence of events exactly as they will occur. However, he has not given us any word that will allow us to know when the rapture will occur.

Therefore, any rapture prediction or prophecy is false. We don’t need to guess if this is true. We are to take it as an axiom. Think about what Paul has said and be sure to consider claims made by people in light of his words. In the end, the whole counsel of God is about Jesus Christ. From beginning to end, it is all about Him. And it is sufficient.

Lord God, thank You for this precious word that tells us just what we need to know. We don’t need to worry that maybe there are details that were mistakenly left out. Nor should we think there is anything unnecessary or superfluous recorded there. Rather, it is a sure and pure word we have received. Thank You that we can have this confidence. Amen.

Super fun bridge in Washington state.

Wednesday, 27 September 2023

“Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. Acts 20:26

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 had just noted that he knew that those he was talking to would see his face no more. Now, and because of this, he next says, “Therefore.”

He is basing his words on what he will say next. It is a way of calling attention to the main point: this, this, therefore, this. With that stated to alert them to the importance of his coming words, he next adds in a note of solemn assurance, saying, “I testify to you this day.”

In other words, “What I am about to say is the truth. It is fully supportable by what I have already laid out before you. So, please take my words to heart.” With that in mind, he next says, “that I am innocent of the blood of all men.”

The Greek word katharos, or pure, is used. Paul is saying that he remains undefiled before God concerning the blood of those he encountered. However, this is not speaking of literal blood. Rather, the blood is the life of a man. For example, when it says that Jesus shed His blood, it means that He died. Understanding this terminology, Paul’s words form an expression similar in thought to what he said in Acts 18 –

“When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. ⁶ But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, ‘Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.’” Acts 18:5, 6

Paul had shared the message of God in Christ. He had explained to the Jews that this is God’s means of salvation, and they had rejected it. He was not guilty of withholding the message, and therefore, he was pure from the defilement of their blood. This is an expression that goes back to the book of Ezekiel –

Now it came to pass at the end of seven days that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ¹⁷ “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: ¹⁸ When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. ¹⁹ Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.
²⁰ Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. ²¹ Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul.” Ezekiel 3:16-21

Ezekiel was to warn the people about their spiritual state. If they failed to turn from the words of the Lord through Ezekiel, their blood would be on their own heads. However, if Ezekiel failed to warn the people as the Lord required, the blame for their condition would be laid upon Ezekiel. Paul was using this example before those of Ephesus to let them know he had faithfully discharged his duties in regard to the spiritual condition of those he encountered.

Again, this is also not unlike what Samuel said to the people of Israel. He set before them a challenge to accuse him of wrongdoing. In doing this, he was demonstrating that no person had a valid case against him later, blaming him for what would come about when a king was appointed over the people –

“Now Samuel said to all Israel: ‘Indeed I have heeded your voice in all that you said to me, and have made a king over you. ² And now here is the king, walking before you; and I am old and grayheaded, and look, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my childhood to this day. ³ Here I am. Witness against me before the Lord and before His anointed: Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I received any bribe with which to blind my eyes? I will restore it to you.’” 1 Samuel 12:1-3

Again, understanding that this is not referring to literal blood, Paul’s conduct in Acts 7 has nothing to do with what is stated here. He was present at the death of Stephen. But Stephen was a saved believer in Christ. Therefore, the death of Stephen cannot be equated to what Paul is now speaking about.

Albert Barnes adds a note of eloquence to this verse: “…Greek: I call you to witness. If any of you are lost; if you prove unfaithful to God, I appeal to yourselves that the fault is not mine. It is well when a minister can make this appeal, and call his hearers to bear testimony to his own faithfulness. Ministers who preach the gospel with fidelity may thus appeal to their hearers; and in the day of judgment may call on themselves to witness that the fault of the ruin of the soul is not to be charged to them.”

The sentiment of this verse is seen in James 3:1 and in Hebrews 13:17. Take time to look up those verses and think about what is said there.

Life application: It is a very common thing to hear people today claim they are “watchmen” or “watchmen on the wall,” as if they have a special commission from the Lord or that they have personally taken on a burden that others don’t carry. Inevitably, they equate their words to being specialists in Bible prophecy and that they are watching as prophetic events unfold, carefully monitoring the world so they can alert God’s people to be aware of what is happening or soon to happen.

This is nonsense. There is no office of prophetic watchman detailed in Scripture. The idea of the watchman, as clearly indicated in Ezekiel, was that Ezekiel was designated to warn the people about their spiritual conduct before God. Paul, using this same type of argument but avoiding the “watchmen” terminology, notes that he had carefully told all he encountered about the way to be saved, meaning through Jesus Christ.

People who claim to be watchmen today need to drop the fancy titles and get about the business of sharing the gospel, warning those they encounter that they cannot be reconciled to God without Jesus. This would at least be in line with what the title “watchman” terminology in Ezekiel was given for. But, again, there is no need for the title. It is not something assigned to a class of people in the New Testament. Therefore, it is a title without merit in the church today.

Lord God, may we not get caught up in things that do not edify, and may we stay away from the sensational in our walk with You. Rather, may we quietly, obediently, and effectively share the gospel with others so that their eyes will be opened, and their hearts will be receptive to the words of life and restoration that You have given to us. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Zipping by some type of farm. Washington state.

Tuesday, 26 September 2023

“And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.  Acts 20:25

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 word should be more precisely translated, “And now, behold, I have known that no more you will see my face – you all – among whom I passed through proclaiming the kingdom of God” (CG).

In the previous verse, Paul noted that he was doing his utmost to finish the race set before him. Therefore, he was unmoved by the thought of chains and tribulations. With that remembered, he next says, “And now, behold, I have known that no more you will see my face.”

The words “have known” are in the perfect tense. He came to realize this at some point in the past, and the feeling remained true at this point. Paul felt his work was done in this area. This is seen in Romans 15:23, 24 –

“But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, ²⁴ whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.”

Despite this, his words also seem to indicate a feeling that he would never be able to come to them again, maybe because of the prophecies mentioned in verse 20:23. The Lord used him in the area before allowing the trials that he was destined for.

However, he didn’t know God’s plans, and if the accepted dating of the pastoral epistles is correct, he did go to Asia again. This is noted in 2 Timothy 1:15 and 2 Timothy 4:13 & 20. This probably included time in Ephesus as well, but that is not positive.

That reference is seen in 1 Timothy 1:3, where he told Timothy to remain in Ephesus while he went into Macedonia. The meaning seems to be that he was in Ephesus and had Timothy stay behind when he left.

Further, he doesn’t say that he won’t see them but that they won’t see him. This may be alluded to in 2 Timothy 1:15 –

“This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.”

Therefore, Paul and Timothy may have gone to Ephesus and the people refused to greet Paul, so Paul said, “Ok, I’m out of here. See what you can do.”

And more, it could be that those he knew in the church had died or dispersed by the time of his return. Therefore, his next words cannot be considered a false prophecy when he says, “you all – among whom I passed through proclaiming the kingdom of God.”

Paul is speaking to a certain group of people, and we have no idea if he actually met up with this group again or not. Something similar may have happened in Ephesus as happened to a church John wrote to in his 3^rd epistle –

“I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. ¹⁰ Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.” 3 John 1:9, 10

There may have been such drastic changes in the church structure that the people Paul is now speaking to may have been put out, or they may have allied with the doctrine of someone like Diotrephes. Despite the difficulty that is present on a cursory reading of his words, there is no reason to question the reliability of the Bible from this verse.

Life application: It is important to remember that not every statement recorded in the Bible is true, but that everything the Bible records is the truth concerning what occurred. In other words, there are people who lie in Scripture, such as Rahab when she lied to the king’s men who came looking for the spies. That is recorded in the Bible, but it is not true what she said. However, what the Bible records is the truth of what occurred.

Paul really spoke to these men in Miletus. However, what he said may or may not have come about. This does not call into question the integrity of the Bible at all. He is not necessarily prophesying. The only claim made concerning the Holy Spirit’s testifying is that chains and tribulations awaited him. That happened. The rest is Paul’s passionate words about what he feels will transpire. And, as noted above, what he says here may actually have occurred. There is enough in Scripture to at least hint that it is so.

Therefore, if someone comes challenging your faith in the reliability of the word of God over a verse like this, don’t despair. The Bible fully confirms what it says, and what it proclaims is accurate and reliable. Have faith in that. We have a sure word.

Lord God, help us in our times of doubt and weakness. Provide us with the assurances we need concerning Your word and how it affects our lives. We come to You in faith, so be with us and direct us all of our days. Amen.