Author: Charlie Garrett

Vermontanese Moose.

Saturday, 5 November 2022

Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. Acts 11:19

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).

With the matter of Gentile inclusion clearly established and settled based on Peter’s words to those in Jerusalem, the narrative now takes on a new and significant direction. The direction and focus of Acts will now begin to head out into the world beyond the borders of Israel and, eventually, the gospel will predominantly be seen to go forth to the Gentiles. In order to reveal this, the account will also go back to events that occurred in previous chapters so that the narrative catches up with events that occurred there, such as in Acts 7, 8, and 9.

With that understood, the words begin with, “Now those who were scattered.” This takes the reader back to Acts 8:1 –

“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.”

This was referring to the events that took place among the Jews and it occurred “after the persecution that arose over Stephen.”

This goes back even further, to Acts 7 and the account of Stephen’s stoning. The persecution that is recorded in Acts 8:1 is based upon that. Also, rather than “persecution,” the Greek word here signifies “tribulation.” It is a wholly different word than that used in Acts 8:1. The persecution led to tribulation. Because of this, these Jews were not only scattered within the borders of Israel, but they continued on and “traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch.”

The first location, Phoenicia, is introduced here. The name is believed to come from the Greek word phoinix, meaning a palm tree, most especially the date palm. Albert Barnes describes the location, saying, “Phoenice, or Phoenicia, was a province of Syria, which in its largest sense comprehended a narrow strip of country lying on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, and extending from Antioch to the borders of Egypt. But Phenice Proper extended only from the cities of Laodicea to Tyre, and included only the territories of Tyre and Sidon. This country was called sometimes simply ‘Canaan.’”

The next location, Cyprus, is also introduced here, although the name of the inhabitants was mentioned in Acts 4:36. The origin of the name is uncertain. Again, Barnes describes it, saying, “An island off the coast of Asia Minor, in the Mediterranean Sea.”

Finally, this is also the introduction of Antioch. Albert Barnes again describes the place, saying, “There were two cities of this name, one situated in Pisidia in Asia Minor (see Acts 13:14); the other, referred to here, was situated on the Orontes River, and was long, the capital of Syria. It was built by Seleucus Nicanor, and was called Antioch in honor of his father Antiochus. It was founded in 301 b.c. It is not mentioned in the Old Testament, but is several times mentioned in the Apocrypha and in the New Testament. It was long the most powerful city of the East, and was inferior only to Seleucia and Alexandria. It was famous for the fact that the right of citizenship was conferred by Seleucus on the Jews as well as the Greeks and Macedonians, so that here they had the privilege of worship in their own way without molestation. It is probable that the Christians would be regarded merely as a sect of Jews, and would be here suffered to celebrate their worship without interruption.”

With these locations noted, the verse finishes with the thought that those scattered were “preaching the word to no one but the Jews only.” Although true to some extent, this is not so much because they “had the common prejudices of the Jews, that the offers of salvation were made only to the Jews” (Barnes), but that they probably had no idea that Gentiles would even be included in God’s offer of Christ Jesus.

In other words, it is true that the Jews had these prejudices, but without even knowing something is available to others, those prejudices would not even arise. Peter found out that Gentiles could be included, and he set aside any such prejudices. These Jews were as of yet uninformed as to what God was going to do for the Gentiles. Therefore, they simply went about telling their own fellow Jews that the Messiah had come.

Life application: The narrative in Acts is marvelously structured to show how events unfolded, but the events are placed in a manner that allows us to go forward with certain events and then go back to older events to see how other things occurred while those first set of recorded events were happening.

In this, we can get a marvelous sense of how the narrative is simultaneously unfolding in several directions. As you read Acts, consider such things and think about why each section is placed where it is. Like all of Scripture, God is slowly and methodically revealing to us what His plans are for the people of the world. At the same time, He is showing us why trouble has come upon Israel during this dispensation and where He would lead things during their time of exile.

Everything is carefully and meticulously placed to help us see how the great story of man’s redemption through the Person and work of Jesus Christ has come about, is coming about, and will continue to come about. Luke’s record of Acts is a wonderful part of this. If we pay heed to how he has laid things out, we can get a marvelous sense of the structure of this beautiful plan.

Lord God, thank You for the careful detail You have placed in Your word to help us know and understand why things are the way they are. You have set a plan for man’s redemption, and it is so beautifully and methodically detailed for us to see. Give us insight into Your word so that we can more fully grasp every nuance that You have placed there for us to understand what is going on. Thank You, O God. Amen.

Friday, 4 November 2022

When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” Acts 11:18

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).

Peter just noted that the Gentiles had been given the same gift as the Jews by simple belief. Because of this, he asked how he could withstand God by not accepting them. The obvious but unstated answer was that he could not. As such, it now says, “When they heard these things, they became silent.”

The clause in the Greek begins with an aorist participle and a conjunction, “And they, having heard these things, became silent.” In other words, they held their tongues in accusation against Peter. They had accused him of wrongdoing in verse 11:3, saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” That is what they now are silent over. Because of how Peter described the events, and especially with the note concerning the coming of the Spirit upon the Gentiles, there could no longer be any accusation against Peter. He stood innocent of any transgression. As such, and in this state of understanding, it next says, “and they glorified God.”

The verb is now aorist. Once they ceased their accusation, they next broke forth in acknowledgment of the works of God. What else could they do? The Gentiles had received the Spirit in the middle of Peter’s words, cutting off the need for anything else to be said. The simplicity of the gospel had been conveyed, the Gentiles believed what they heard, and the Spirit came upon them. The work of Jesus Christ was proven to be all-sufficient for the conversion of a person who had never spent a moment of his existence living out the Law of Moses. The fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah had come to pass –

“Indeed He says,
‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant
To raise up the tribes of Jacob,
And to restore the preserved ones of Israel;
I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles,
That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Isaiah 49:6

This is openly noted by them in their next words, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” It must be remembered what transpired at the house of Cornelius. Peter spoke, the Gentiles heard, the Gentiles believed (with no record of them saying a single word), and the Holy Spirit came down upon them. That is all that Luke recorded, and that is all that God, therefore, wants us to know.

It also needs to be remembered what the word “repentance” means. It signifies “to change the mind.” As such, the words “repentance to life” mean a changing of the mind leading to salvation (eternal life as noted in John 3:16). The speaking forth of the gospel, when accepted, leads to a changing of the mind about God. If these believers thought that they needed to do good stuff in order to be saved, they no longer needed to believe that. If they believed that praying to Artemis was what was needed, they changed their mind about that. And so on.

The word “repentance” here does not mean “stopping sinning and making oneself right.” It means “to change the mind” and nothing more. Until these now-saved people are instructed on what it means to be pleasing to God, they cannot change in the right direction. One must first come to believe in the finished work of Jesus and be saved. He is what we change our minds to accept. He is God’s provision for restoration. This is what Peter conveyed to the house of Cornelius in Acts 10:43, saying, “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

These Gentiles changed their mind about God and what He expects, they believed in Jesus as the One to provide restoration, and they were saved. Deal done.

Life application: The gospel is an amazingly simple thing that God has laid out for us. And yet, it is one of the most mis-explained or totally ignored things imaginable. Paul details in 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4 –

“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ⁴ and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”

How can we add to that and not cause damage to the message? We cannot. Let us present this life-changing news in the simple form in which it is presented in Scripture. We can talk around it as Peter did in Acts 10 by providing other truths about Jesus, but we must clearly provide the substance of the gospel without addition or deletion. It is by faith in this provision of God that man is saved. Let us thank God for the simplicity of this glorious message!

Yes, Lord God, how thankful we are to You for what You have done for us. You have saved us through the giving of Your Son. He died to pay our sin debt, He was buried, and He rose again. All glory to You for this wonderful word of restoration. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Historical sign in Vermont.

Thursday, 3 November 2022

“If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” Acts 11:17

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).

Peter had just recalled the words of Jesus concerning the giving of the Spirit. As those at the house of Cornelius have been given the Spirit, Peter asks a logical rhetorical question concerning that fact, beginning with, “If therefore God gave them the same gift.”

In other words, Peter acknowledges that the Spirit is a gift given by God. It is not something earned, nor is it something bestowed by the apostles. Those gathered in Acts 2 had received the gift apart from any merit. Those in the house of Cornelius had likewise only heard the gospel and they had obviously believed what was said. In their belief, the gift was given to them as well. Peter confirms this to those with him, saying, “as He gave us when we believed.”

Belief is the only condition set forth for the reception of the Spirit. It was true for the disciples, and it was true for the Gentiles in the house of Cornelius. As God is the Source, and as the requirement for bestowal of the Spirit had been met, then what the apostles may have thought about Gentiles in the past is now wholly irrelevant. God had accepted them and therefore the matter was settled. Peter then continues with a specific note about where the belief was directed, saying, “on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Anyone can believe anything. Nothing stops a person from believing that Buddha is the path to enlightenment. But this does not make it true. Someone may believe the world is flat, but if it is not true, then it is wasted faith. Incorrect belief is not always a major issue, but sometimes it is. A person may wake up believing it is Thursday when it is actually Wednesday. If his routine doesn’t change between those days, it doesn’t really matter. But a person may believe a bottle of water is safe, drink it, and get a serious intestinal infection.

In the case of restoration with God, one’s belief must be properly directed. If it is, then apart from any merit of words, societal class, wealth, or any other distinction restoration is made. All other aspects of the person’s life are irrelevant. Cornelius and those with him met God’s standard for reception of the Spirit and God gave them the Spirit. The matter was settled. Because of this, Peter finishes with, “who was I that I could withstand God?”

This is the point of the discourse. In verses 11:2 and 11:3, it said –

“And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, ³ saying, ‘You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!’”

Peter carefully explained what happened, finishing his words with a logical rhetorical question about the matter. In essence, he is saying to them, “What on earth could it matter if I stayed with these Gentiles and ate with them? God has accepted them. Am I going to fight against that? Not a chance.”

Life application: So, who is it that baptized the believers with the Spirit? In Matthew 3, John the Baptist said –

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11

Now in Acts 11, Peter said it was God who did this. But Jesus gives more explicit meaning to that saying –

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26

And yet, Jesus then says –

“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.” John 15:26

What is obvious from these and other verses is that the giving of the Spirit is a result of the work of the Father and the Son and that they are distinct despite being one. But more, reviewing statements about the Spirit elsewhere in Scripture tells us the same thing about Him. There is a distinction clearly made between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And yet, they are each fully God.

This is the doctrine of the Trinity. It is not something to be taken lightly. If this doctrine is taught in Scripture, and if it defines the very nature and workings of God, then it is to be heeded carefully. And more, as this is the presentation of God as it is revealed in Scripture, and as He is the One who accepts people by restoring them to Himself, then we should consider this carefully as well.

First, John tells us that if we do not accept the Son, we also do not have the Father (see 1 John 2:23). This is not merely speaking about the humanity of Jesus. It is speaking of Him as the God/Man. Logically, if we deny this, then we also do not have the Spirit because the Spirit comes from the Father and/or the Son (as evidenced above). And if one does not have the Spirit, then he is not restored to God.

Secondly, though we may not like someone very much, we need to remember that if he does have the Son, he also has the Father. And if this is so, then God has accepted him by sealing him with the Spirit. As such, we should not attempt to fight against God by rejecting that person. If God has accepted him, we need to consider that and accept him as well.

But a note of warning from John is also given –

“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. ¹⁰ If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; ¹¹ for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” 2 John 1:9-11

The doctrine of Christ is that God has united with human flesh in order to redeem man. The Father is God, and the Son is God. They are distinct and yet they are One. This also extends to the Spirit even though it is not specifically stated by John in these verses. One who does not accept the doctrine of Christ does not have God. As such by greeting him, we are validating his incorrect belief. In doing so, you are sharing in that person’s evil deeds. There should be no fellowship with such a person.

Be attentive to these things. God has set forth who He is and what His nature is like so that we can avoid error. Let us hold fast to the truth of God in Christ and not be swayed by those who have a perverse agenda through distorting God’s stated revelation of Himself.

Lord God, You have made the gospel so very simple, and yet it is hardly proclaimed correctly in the world today. How much more is this the case with the weightier doctrines laid out in Scripture? May we be carefully attentive to Your word and how it reveals You to us. Help us in our understanding and give us hearts that are directed to a fuller and more complete understanding of who You are. Amen.

Vermont mountains.

Wednesday, 2 November 2022

“Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ Acts 11:16

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).

Peter just noted that, even as he began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon the believers at Cornelius’ house. He then said, “as upon us at the beginning.” With that, he next says, “Then I remembered the word of the Lord.”

Peter had seen the salvation of these uncircumcised Gentiles. They heard the word, they obviously believed, and then the Holy Spirit fell upon them. This was the same as when the Jews had received the Spirit. As such, it is a confirmation that the fulfillment of the Feast of Pentecost is not merely a particular day in the calendar year, but a particular event that occurs in a believer’s life.

The fact that it first occurred on a particular day was to show the believers at that time that the feast had found its fulfillment in the giving of the Spirit. But this was not a one-time thing. It was the beginning of an ongoing event. Peter suddenly realized this, and so he continues with, “how He said.”

Peter is now remembering something that Jesus said, and he then processed the Lord’s words in a fuller and more complete way, which is, “John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

This comes from Jesus’ words just prior to the ascension –

“And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me; ⁵ for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” Acts 1:4, 5

Jesus was speaking to those gathered with Him at the Mount of Olives. This was to Jews who had followed Him and believed. They had seen His crucifixion and His resurrection. It was they who had received the Holy Spirit. Now, a group of people who were not Jews had likewise heard, believed, and been given the Holy Spirit in an outward display. Pentecost did not just apply to Jews then. Rather, its significance continued on with the acceptance of Gentiles as well.

But more, this was even without the baptism of repentance that came to Israel at the call of John. These Gentiles had not repented because there was nothing to repent of. They were never under the law, and they had never needed to turn back to Moses or turn back to the Messiah they had rejected. They simply heard the word concerning Jesus and they believed unto salvation. Peter will next explain the logical conclusion of this to those gathered before him.

Life application: The feasts detailed in Leviticus 23 are not “Jewish” feasts. They are also not “the feasts of Israel.” They are “the feasts of the Lord.” They are then laid out in order by the Lord –

The Sabbath.
The Passover.
*Unleavened Bread.
Firstfruits.
*Weeks (beginning with Pentecost).
Acclamation.
Atonement.
*Tabernacles.

(* indicates a pilgrim feast)

These deal with the work of the Lord and/or the state of the believer in Christ. The Sabbath is the rest offered to God’s people upon belief in Christ’s work (Hebrews 4:3). The Passover deals with the believer’s redemption from sin by the work of Jesus (1 Corinthians 5:7). Unleavened Bread anticipates the state of the believer in Christ because of Christ’s redemptive work (1 Corinthians 5:8). Firstfruits deals with the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20). Weeks anticipates the acceptance of believers despite their sinful nature (Acts 2:1, Romans 16:5, and 1 Corinthians 16:15). Acclamation anticipates the incarnation of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:48, 49). Atonement is fulfilled in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24, 25). And Tabernacles anticipates Christ dwelling in a “tent” of flesh and the believers’ walk in this life “tenting” with Him (2 Corinthians 5:7).

The only thing these feasts had to do with Israel were anticipatory annual celebrations of the Lord’s coming. Like all things under the law, they were shadows given so that when He came, the world could see Him and His work as the fulfillment of them (see Colossians 2:15, 16). In Christ is the substance, and in Christ is found the realization and fulfillment of what these annual celebrations only anticipated.

In other words, Peter is just now more fully realizing what people all over the world still fail to realize today. The work of Jesus Christ is a unified work that extends to all – Jews and Gentiles. There is one salvation and one gospel –

“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, ¹⁵ having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶ and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. ¹⁷ And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. ¹⁸ For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” Ephesians 2:14-18

If someone comes to you with any other doctrine, tell him, “Beat it heretic, I’m following Jesus, not the law and not just ‘one’ of His gospels, but His one and only gospel.”

Lord God, it is so wonderful that all are saved in the same manner – by simple faith in the full, final, and forever work of Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank You that we do not have to observe the law, be circumcised, or do any other such thing. All we have to do is to believe in what Jesus has done. From there, help us to demonstrate our gratitude by being observant of His will. May it be so for all our days. Amen.

Not sure why this is in the Vermont folder, but it is.

Tuesday, 1 November 2022

And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. Acts 11:15

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).

Peter has explained how he wound up at Cornelius’ house in Caesarea. Once there, he now tells what transpired, saying, “And as I began to speak.”

Though it is a very short explanation of the events in the house, it is not incorrect. The use of the word “begin” as recorded by Luke does not necessarily mean the starting of the action, but the action itself. In Luke 4:21, Jesus said, “And He began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’” Peter’s discourse began immediately after Cornelius had finished explaining why he had summoned Peter. After Cornelius’ words, it then said –

“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. ³⁵ But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. ³⁶ The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— ³⁷ that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. ³⁹ And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. ⁴⁰ Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, ⁴¹ not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. ⁴² And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. ⁴³ To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.’” Acts 10:34-43

Peter had no idea that the Spirit would come upon the believers while he was speaking. He was probably prepared to continue speaking for a lengthy span, but his words were cut short once the substance of the gospel had been presented and the hearts of those attending had accepted what was presented. Thus, to say, “And as I began to speak” is an all-inclusive statement of his short discourse. With that, he next says that “the Holy Spirit fell upon them.”

This is exactly what is recorded in Acts 10. There it said, “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.” In the middle of his discourse, and certainly before he had finished his thoughts – and yet at the time when the substance of the gospel was given – the Holy Spirit fell upon those who were listening.

Peter’s words noted the death, burial (implicitly stated because Jesus rose on the third day), and resurrection of Christ. This is the exact same gospel referred to by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 and which Paul testifies is the same gospel preached by Peter and the other apostles (1 Corinthians 15:11). And the same effect occurred as that which came upon those in Jerusalem, just as Peter says, “as upon us at the beginning.”

The reference is to the event of Acts 2:3. The believers were gathered together, and the Spirit sat upon each of them. With that, it then said, “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” In Acts 10:46, it said, “For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.”

The same gift came upon the Gentiles as had come upon the Jews at Pentecost. The event occurred apart from any law observance or rite of the Jews such as circumcision, and apart from the act of baptism. It simply happened when they heard the gospel and believed. God had shown no favoritism of Jews over Gentiles. He graciously accepted these people apart from any work of any kind.

Life application: If one reads the substance of what occurred as is recorded in this short commentary on Acts 11:15 and then takes to heart what it means, several truly insidious heresies could be done away with in that person’s thinking.

One is that of the need for law observance in order to be saved. Another is the notion that Jesus is not God. Another is that Jesus was not actually a human who could suffer. Another is that there are two gospels, one for Jews and one for Gentiles.

These false teachings have as their main goal to distract from the truth of who Jesus Christ is or to tear apart the scope and importance of what He has done. Each of them will lead people astray to a false Jesus and thus a false gospel. Be attentive to what people are saying, check their words against what is presented in Scripture, and be sure to make a right analysis of what is recorded there. And the only way you can do that is to continue to read and contemplate what Scripture says. Be sure to read your Bible!

Heavenly Father, we are accepted because of the giving of Your Son for us. We stand in awe of the marvel of Your goodness toward us, and we thank You for the coming of Jesus. May Your glorious name be praised forever and ever! Hallelujah to You for Your goodness toward us and Your kind care of us. Amen.