Author: Charlie Garrett

Sunday, 11 December 2022

And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark. Acts 12:25

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 previous verse noted the growth and multiplication of the word of God. Now we come to the final verse of Chapter 12, beginning with, “And Barnabas and Saul.”

Despite Barnabas being mentioned first, the focus of the book of Acts, from this verse forward, will be the ministry of Saul (Paul). Obviously, the content is given to reveal the workings of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in the further growth and multiplication of the church, but Paul will be the main instrument of focus till the end of the book. Noting him now is a way of reminding our thoughts of his inclusion in the narrative and preparing our minds for the details that lie ahead concerning his ministry.

The last mention of Barnabas and Saul was in verse 11:21 (also the last verse of that chapter) –

“Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. ³⁰ This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” Acts 11:29, 30

Of these two, it now says they “returned from Jerusalem.” With these words, one can see that the contents of verses 12:1-24 were an insert into the narrative that is not necessarily chronological but rather categorical. It was given to show various aspects of what occurred, especially related to Peter. With that now complete, the narrative returns to its mainstream of thought where Saul (Paul) will become the main focus (as noted above) and Peter will no longer be the focus. He will appear for a few words in Acts 15, but that is it.

This is clearly showing that the move is away from focusing on Israel and the Jewish people and is going to be more and more towards the nations and among the Gentiles. A careful noting of all that Paul does during these chapters will show that almost everything said and done by Peter will be repeated by Paul. This was highlighted in the introduction to Acts and it will now become more and more evident as the narrative continues.

As for Barnabas and Saul, it next notes, “when they had fulfilled their ministry.” This is referring to the citation from Acts 11 above. They were chosen to deliver relief to those in Judea. That task is now complete and so they are returning from Judea to Antioch, as can be deduced from the first verses of the next chapter. Of them, it says, “and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.”

Rather, the verb is an aorist participle. It rightly reads, “having taken with them John whose surname was Mark.” This is the same person mentioned in Acts 12:12 who was a cousin to Barnabas. See the notes on that verse to get a fuller picture of him. Of this note concerning Mark, Charles Ellicott says –

“The choice is, of course, partly explained by his relationship to Barnabas, but it shows also that he entered heartily into the work of the conversion of the Gentiles; and owing, as he did, his own conversion to Peter, it would naturally be regarded as a proof of that Apostle’s interest in it.”

Ellicot’s thoughts are, quite possibly, the opposite of the truth. As was noted in an earlier commentary, there is not substantial proof that the Gentiles at Antioch had been evangelized. Various source texts disagree on whether it was Greek-speaking Jews or Gentiles. In the Acts narrative, Peter has seen the conversion of the house of Cornelius. Other than that, and the noting of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, the focus has been almost solely on the conversion of the Jews.

However, once the missionary trip of Barnabas and Saul gets started, a few key verses must be considered –

“So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. ⁵ And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.” Acts 13:4, 5

“Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.” Acts 13:13

“Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, ‘It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.’” Acts 13:46

“Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. ³⁸ But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.” Acts 15:37, 38

John Mark will be taken on the mission trip that Barnabas and Saul went on. It will first note that this team “preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews.” Immediately after that, it will detail the conversion of a Gentile man named Sergius Paulus.

It is unknown why John Mark departed. It simply says that he “had not gone with them to the work.” It can be speculated on all day why this was so, but the noting of his departure came directly after the conversion of the Gentile Sergius Paulus. As such, it may be that John Mark found this inappropriate and rebelled against any further evangelism. For now, the main thought is that the narrative has finally turned more specifically to the coming ministry of Saul who is Paul.

Life application: As you read the Bible, it is often the case that an introduction or a seeming side note in the narrative will be made that seems out of place. But shortly that detail becomes the main focus of the narrative. A good example of this is found at the very end of Genesis 22 in verses 22:20-24.

Something that seems completely irrelevant to the narrative that precedes it is introduced. From there, the main narrative continues in Genesis 23. But then in Genesis 24, one name of the listing at the end of Genesis 22 suddenly comes into focus – Rebekah. The narrative of her then fills Genesis 24.

As you read the Bible, make mental notes of these seemingly unrelated verses. In considering them, you will often be given great treasure to consider later in the narrative. There could even be information early in the Old Testament that waits until the New Testament to be revealed, but when it is seen, it gives us the sure understanding that the Bible has a single overall Author, even if it has come through many men of God.

Pay heed and rejoice in the wonderful words that are given. It all serves a great purpose for us to consider.

Heavenly Father, thank You for this marvelous word You have given us. It is so precise and detailed, and it fills us with excitement with each turn of the page. There are mysteries to be uncovered and details to be revealed if we just think about them as we continue through the narrative. Yes, Lord, thank You for this precious word. Amen.

Guess who? Hint, famous in Vermont.

Saturday, 10 December 2022

But the word of God grew and multiplied. Acts 12:24

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 words of this verse are set in total contrast to the events of the previous verses –

• Herod the king looked flashy and spoke to the people from an elevated seat. When he did, the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” With that, he was struck by an angel of the Lord because he didn’t give glory to God and he died, having been eaten by worms.
• While the word of God may not seem flashy to the masses, it speaks to us from the highest heaven. It is the voice of God in written form. When we cherish it and apply it to our lives through the reception of the gospel, we ascribe glory to God. We affirm its sacred contents. In this, we find life. We go from being corruptible to incorruptible.

With that noted, the words now begin with, “But the word of God grew.” The verb is imperfect. It grew and continued to grow. The sense of the word is that of growing like a plant or a child. Essentially, it conveys the idea of becoming greater in size. While Herod’s “voice of a god and not a man” ceased forever, the word of the true God increased in its reach. Further, Luke says it also “multiplied.”

The verb is also imperfect, it multiplied and continued to multiply. The word signifies growth in number. Not only did the word continue to grow up, but it grew out. While Herod lay in the ground, turning back to the dust from which he came, the word of the true God expanded to soul after soul, bringing them to spiritual life and vigor.

It should be remembered that Herod was the one who put James to death. He was also set to put Peter to death. Instead, God made James and Peter alive in Christ. James’ physical death is a temporary impediment to his walk with the Lord. Herod’s physical death is a permanent one. And while the blood of James helped expand the growth and multiplication of the word of God to others, the death of Herod brought a swift and decisive end to the cult of the word of Herod.

Life application: On several occasions, Paul writes about the insignificant state of man. We tend to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. Heeding Paul’s words will help us realign this incorrect thinking –

“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” Romans 12:3

“And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.” 1 Corinthians 8:2

“For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Galatians 6:3

Obviously, these and other such verses have a context that must be maintained, but the main intent of each is that of considering ourselves in the proper light. God is God. We are created. Whatever we are, whatever capabilities we have, whatever traits we possess, and so on, all these things came from God. As this is so, we should glorify God with who we are and not allow our minds to become puffed up like Herod. With such an attitude, catastrophe is the certain result.

Glorious God, thank You for who we are. You have created each of us to be unique and precious. And yet, what we possess is only because You have allowed it to be so. And so, as we are grateful for the lives we live, may we use them to bring glory to You. Help us to never be tempted with self-exaltation, but to walk humbly before You all our days. Amen.

Panorama from Vermont State Capitol Steps

Friday, 9 December 2022

Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. Acts 12:23

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 previous verse had those in the audience of Herod call out, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” With that, we now read, “Then immediately.”

These words do not mean “instantaneously” as in it happening right before the eyes of the people, but what occurred came about without delay. For example, Matthew 21:19 uses the same word, saying –

“And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, ‘Let no fruit grow on you ever again.’ Immediately the fig tree withered away.”

However, that is explained in Mark, saying –

“Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. ¹³ And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. ¹⁴ In response Jesus said to it, ‘Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.’” Mark 11:12-14

…

“Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. ²¹ And Peter, remembering, said to Him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.’” Mark 11:20-21

The same is true here, as will be seen. For now, what happened was that “an angel of the Lord struck him.” The rendering is correct. The KJV says, “the angel of the Lord,” but there is no article before “angel” in the Greek. Hence, it is a messenger of death sent to dispatch Herod off to the pit “because he did not give glory to God.”

This is also attested to by Josephus, and he also explains the word “immediately” used in the previous clause, saying of Herod, “he did neither rebuke them the people nor reject their impious flattery. A severe pain arose in his belly and began in a most violent manner. And when he was quite worn out by the pain in his belly for five days, he departed this life, in the 54th year of his age, and the 7th year of his reign.”

This is not an uncommon occurrence in Scripture, meaning where death or disease is ascribed to the hand of the Lord or is directed (or allowed) by the Lord, either by His messenger or even by the hand of Satan, as was the case with Job. In this case, and because of his failure to give God the glory He alone is due, Herod was struck in a most terrible manner. As it says, “And he was eaten by worms and died.”

Again, the word “immediately” is seen to mean “right away” but not necessarily “instantly.” It was not a scene like a gory horror movie where he was consumed by worms in front of the people praising him. Rather, he was struck with pains in his belly caused by worms and his death came about according to Josephus five days later. The account is not unlike that of the wicked king Jehoram in 2 Chronicles 21 –

“And a letter came to him from Elijah the prophet, saying,
‘Thus says the Lord God of your father David:
Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father, or in the ways of Asa king of Judah, ¹³ but have walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and have made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to play the harlot like the harlotry of the house of Ahab, and also have killed your brothers, those of your father’s household, who were better than yourself, ¹⁴ behold, the Lord will strike your people with a serious affliction—your children, your wives, and all your possessions; ¹⁵ and you will become very sick with a disease of your intestines, until your intestines come out by reason of the sickness, day by day.’
¹⁶ Moreover the Lord stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines and the Arabians who were near the Ethiopians. ¹⁷ And they came up into Judah and invaded it, and carried away all the possessions that were found in the king’s house, and also his sons and his wives, so that there was not a son left to him except Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons.
¹⁸ After all this the Lord struck him in his intestines with an incurable disease. ¹⁹ Then it happened in the course of time, after the end of two years, that his intestines came out because of his sickness; so he died in severe pain. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning for his fathers.” 2 Chronicles 21:12-19

Herod’s grisly death may have been speedier than that of Jehoram, but both men died in severe pain. In this, one can see that the Lord was demonstrating to His people, Israel, that their leaders were accountable for their conduct before Him. Thus, all of the people were likewise accountable to Him.

Life application: At times, the Lord allowed wicked kings to reign seemingly without any repercussions at all. At times, He removed them speedily and violently for their conduct. What may appear as random and without consistency was to teach the people lessons about their need for something better than a temporary, earthly rule.

Some good kings reigned for long periods, while others died more quickly. Likewise, some bad kings reigned for long periods and died in peace, while others like Herod died in great pain. The many different circumstances each taught Israel a lesson if they would just pay heed. Whether good or bad, whether a short rule or long, all the kings eventually died, demonstrating that they bore sin because death is the consequence of sin.

And more, the conduct of the kings during their times of rule led to the conduct of the people. When good kings reigned, the people would generally turn to the Lord, but as soon as a crummy king came in, the people would fall away from the Lord. This was to teach Israel that they were like sheep following their leader either to fair pastures or to a place of destruction.

In both lessons, and so many more, the history of the kings of Israel was recorded to teach them (and thus us) that we need a perfect king – one without sin and one who judges in perfect righteousness. Nothing else will do. And more, we need a Savior who can both forgive our sins and keep us from transgressing God’s commands. On our own, this is impossible. But because of the work of Jesus, it is not only possible, but it will also come to pass for those who are His.

Let us consider these lessons and look to Jesus for our hope, our direction, and for our conduct before God.

Glorious God, thank You for the lessons found in Your word. If we just apply them to our lives, we will live properly in Your presence because we will have Jesus in our lives to direct us. Thank You for Jesus Christ who alone will lead us in the manner that You require. Yes, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Cameron on Vermont state capitol steps.

Thursday, 8 December 2022

And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” Acts 12:22

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 previous verse noted that Herod sat on his throne and gave an oration to the people. Now, in response to his words, it says, “And the people kept shouting.”

It is correct. The verb is imperfect, indicating that they shouted and continued to shout. And what they cried out was, “The voice of a god and not of a man!”

Various ideas on who shouted this can be considered. As this was a particular set day, it may be assumed that not only those of Tyre and Sidon were there but also people of Israel as well. Or it could be that only those of Tyre and Sidon were in attendance. Either way, the reaction to his speech was that he was more than just a mere mortal but was rather a god.

This is confirmed by the words of Josephus as well –

“And presently his flatterers cried out, one from one place, and another from another (though not for his good), that he was a god; and they added, ‘Be thou merciful unto us; for although we have hitherto reverenced thee only as a king, yet shall we henceforth own thee as a superior to mortal nature.’”

In the account of Josephus, it is implied that there were people of Israel in attendance, meaning they called out that his was the voice of a god as well. This is more likely the case based on the coming words of verse 12:24. The words of that verse provide a stark contrast between the words of verses 12:22 & 23. They also continue to explain the rejection of the words of the true God and their subsequent destruction and dispersal from the land.

As there is no article before “God” in the Greek, it signifies that this is probably speaking in the general sense of a divine being and not necessarily the Creator God. Regardless of that, the people before Herod are giving glory to that which is not God.

Life application: As humans, we have it in our nature to exalt others in an unhealthy manner. It has always been this way, but in modern times it has grown into various obsessions for many. Movie and TV personalities are just people. They have the ability to act well. But because we allow them into our homes each day, we begin to think of them as being greater than others. And yet, if acting is their only real ability, that is a rather pathetic person to idolize. It means that they aren’t really who they present themselves as.

Likewise, we may see a person who is very wealthy and equate that with high intelligence or outstanding effort. Hence, we seek after their words as if they are specialists in all areas. A notable example of this is Bill Gates. He got rich off computer technology. And yet, because of his wealth, he is sought out for advice in matters of health, climate, and other areas of which he has absolutely no expertise at all. In fact, he is a harmful person with a perverse agenda in many ways.

Physical strength or beauty leads to an immense amount of idolatry in our society. And yet, these are the most fleeting of all commodities. One car accident can destroy the body or mar the face of someone we idolized.

All such things are temporary, they are futile, and focusing on them is harmful. Let us think about Jesus, contemplate Him at all times, and worship God alone through Him. He is our Mediator. He is our Savior. He alone is the God/Man. He is Jesus.

O, Glorious God, forgive us for having idols set up in our hearts and in our minds. May we turn our eyes away from such things and focus on You. Nothing here can satisfy for more than a moment, and then it is gone. But in You is satisfaction forever and ever. May we look to You alone with eyes of love, thanks, and praise. Great are You, O God. Amen.

Dome lady. Vermont state capitol, Montpelier.

Wednesday, 7 December 2022

So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. Acts 12:21

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 tenses of the verbs as given by the NKJV are lacking. It should read: “And on a set day, Herod having arrayed himself in royal apparel, and having sat upon the throne, was making an oration unto them” (CG). This will be used to analyze the verse.

The previous verse referred to the conflict between King Herod and the people of Tyre and Sidon, and how those cities were attempting to reconcile their differences. Having noted that, this verse begins with, “And on a set day.”

Here, the word taktos is used. It is found only here in the New Testament. It is a day that is arranged or appointed. It is apparently not speaking of a day appointed between the two parties, but a day appointed as a festival. Vincent’s Word Studies says –

“According to some, it was in honor of the emperor’s safe return from Britain. Others think it was to celebrate the birthday of Claudius; others that it was the festival of the Quinquennalia, observed in honor of Augustus, and dating from the taking of Alexandria, when the month Sextilis received the name of the Emperor – August.”

Albert Barnes is one to believe it was the birthday of Claudius, stating –

“This was the second day of the sports and games which Herod celebrated in Caesarea in honor of Claudius Caesar. Josephus has given an account of this occurrence, which coincides remarkably with the narrative here. The account is contained in his ‘Antiquities of the Jews,’ book 19, chapter 8, section 2, and is as follows: ‘Now when Agrippa had reigned three years over all Judea, he came to the city Caesarea, which was formerly called Strato’s Tower; and there he exhibited shows in honor of Caesar, upon his being informed that there was a certain festival celebrated to make vows for his safety. At which festival a great multitude was gotten together of the principal persons, and such as were of dignity throughout his province.’”

With that noted, the words continue with, “Herod having arrayed himself in royal apparel.” Turning again to Josephus, he writes the following:

“He put on a garment made wholly of silver, and of wonderful contexture, and early in the morning came into the theater place of the shows and games, at which time the silver of his garment, being illuminated by the first reflection of the sun’s rays upon it, shone after a surprising manner, and was so resplendent as to spread a horror over those that looked intently on him.”

Of this surprising account, Luke next records, “and having sat upon the throne.” The word translated as throne is béma. Rather than a royal throne, this is an elevated throne where judgments are made. One might more literally translate it as a tribunal chair where justice is administered from. And this is essentially what they had sought from Blastus in the previous verse. The account is methodically taking the reader through each step of what took place. While on this elevated throne it next says he “was making an oration unto them.”

Here is another word unique in the New Testament, démégoreó, or “oration.” Elsewhere in classical Greek, it is a word used to denote popular harangue. Thus, he spoke to the people in their common language and with the intent of impressing his words upon them in a manner they would readily accept.

Life application: The citing of Josephus here is intended to fill in information that is not found in the Bible, but it is not intended to be considered inspired. As it agrees with Scripture in the overall picture being presented, it can be considered an acceptable reference.

However, there are times when what Josephus says does not align with the Bible. Therefore, one should not assume that what he says is to be taken at face value at all times. When the Bible and Josephus conflict, it is common for scholars to side with Josephus. That shows a bias against the Bible. But the same could be said of someone who dismisses the account of Josephus.

But if two accounts are given and they don’t align, either one is right or the other is, or both are wrong. It cannot be that both are true. And so, at times, we must decide where we will hang our hats. As the Bible has proven itself fully reliable in other areas, the wise choice would be to go with Scripture.

Keep this in mind as you read extra-biblical sources. Don’t be led off onto strange paths. If the Bible is the word of God, then it is fully trustworthy. Study to show yourself approved and think on the word at all times. Let it fill your mind with its wonderful goodness.

Lord God, help us in our pursuit of understanding Your precious word. Give us insights into the difficult portions of it so that we will be grounded in our faith. And, Lord, help us to live our lives in faith as we consider Your word in relation to our lives and to the world around us. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.