Author: Charlie Garrett

Memorial to the battle that led to the Medal of Honor.

Saturday, 29 January 2022

“For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together Acts 4:27

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).

The disciples have raised their collective voice and praised God while citing the psalms. With that complete, they now confirm that the 2^nd Psalm was, in fact, fulfilled in the coming of Jesus. As they say, “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus.”

The translation is correct – “Your holy Servant.” The word translated as “Servant” can be rendered “Son,” or “Child,” but it is referring to Jesus in His ministry as the Christ, God’s suffering Servant. It is the same word translated as “servant” when speaking of David in verse 4:25. It is against the designated Servant of God that the people next say, “whom You anointed.”

The anointing is referring to the specific act of establishing Christ for His ministry. The word used is chrió, signifying to consecrate by anointing. It has so far only been seen in Luke 4–

“So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. ¹⁷ And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
¹⁸ ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
¹⁹ To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.’” Luke 4:16-19

Though the word literally means consecration by anointing, meaning rubbing the head with olive oil in order to signify divine authorization to perform a function, that only symbolically represents the empowering of the Holy Spirit. This word, chrió, is used five times, and all but one are directly tied to the anointing of Christ Jesus. With this understood, it next says, “both Herod and Pontius Pilate.”

The account of Herod’s involvement in the act of coming against Jesus is only found in Luke’s gospel, in Luke 23:6-12. He would be the connection to “kings” cited in verse 4:26. Pilate’s involvement in the crucifixion of Christ is noted in all four gospels, and he would be the connection to the “rulers” of that same verse, but more, Luke continues with the disciple’s words, saying, “with the Gentiles and the people of Israel.”

There are no articles in the Greek, and the word “people” is actually plural –

“with Gentiles and peoples of Israel.”

As such, it is a general statement that includes all who were participants in the torturous events of Christ’s passion and crucifixion. There were Roman and Jewish soldiers along with many peoples of Israel. People shouted for His death, people rose against Him, people mocked Him, and there were those who physically came against Him. It was a din of humanity, Jew and Gentile, that rose against Him and led to His cross and all that was associated with that event. All of these, as they note, “were gathered together.”

As just noted, it is a din of humanity, all with a united purpose that led to Christ’s cross. The words are most significant for several reasons. Such a mixing of the intent of both Jew and Gentile would normally be at odds with the state of things. But there was a sense of all conspiring together. Also, it shows that none can say, “We are guiltless in what occurred.”

Such a thought reigns true for all. It extends to every nation, culture, society, and person because it is an indictment on the hearts of all. A nation may not have even existed at the time of the event, just as countless people have been born since the event. However, all people issue from the same original father, and the collective heart of man is clearly what is on trial with these words. And so, ironically, the joy for humanity that comes from the resurrection is one that first had to be initiated by the healing which came from the shed blood at the cross.

Life application: Above, it was noted that the word chrió, is seen five times in the New Testament and that four of them are directed to the anointing of Christ. Did you curiously ask yourself, “What was the fifth use of the word?” If so, you receive ten merit points. The fifth use is found in Paul’s words of 2 Corinthians 1 –

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. ²¹ Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, ²² who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” 2 Corinthians 1:20-22

In Christ is the Yes, and in Him is the Amen. It is Christ who is the fulfillment of the promises. When we call on Him, those promises, which were fulfilled in Him, now belong to us. Further, they are emphatically fulfilled in Him.

Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of Scripture and therefore the promises of God which were made to the people of God (to Abraham for example, explaining that in his seed all nations of the earth would be blessed) are realized in Him. Paul gives this thought in Romans 15 –

“Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, ⁹ and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy…” Romans 15:8, 9

And in the book of Hebrews, this is seen –

“And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.” Hebrews 9:15

Every Messianic promise is realized in Him, and in Him is the Amen. In Him is the confirmation and establishment of those promises.

Understanding this, when a person calls on Christ, he is anointed in Christ. From that moment, he is established and continues to be established. God will no more reject Christ’s anointing of us than He would reject His anointing of Christ. And to assure us that this is so, and that it is an eternal decree of God (ETERNAL SALVATION), Paul’s words state that we are sealed with the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

The word translated as “guarantee” is arrabón. It signifies a pledge. It is given as an advance, as a security, that the final and full payment will be paid afterward. In other words, the onus and the payment are not on us. They are on God. It is the believer whose right it is to collect the final, full, and forever payment. The doctrine of eternal salvation stands, or our God is not God.

Lord God, You have given us the sealing of Your Spirit as a guarantee. We eagerly await collecting on that pledge. May that day of final payment come soon. We wish to be forever in Your glorious presence. Amen and amen.

Just a teeny walk down from the York residence. Nice General store.

Friday, 28 January 2022

The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’ Acts 4:26

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).

The words of the group, which are citing the 2^nd Psalm, continue now with verse 2 of the psalm. This is a direct citing of the Greek translation of the psalm as well. As such, the words begin with, “The kings of the earth took their stand.”

At times, the word “kings” is used somewhat more freely than our modern sense of the word. Today we think of the sovereign over a nation, but the intent here can signify people in positions of power, especially when they represent another who is sovereign. Therefore, the thought of Pilate representing Caesar could fit into this thought. Further, there is Herod Antipas who was known as the “tetrarch of Galilee” in Luke 3:1, who is also known as a king in Mark 6:14.

As such, there is every reason to assume that this is considered fulfilled by past events in the eyes of the disciples, even if it continues to be true even to modern times. Kings of the earth continue to fight against the name of Jesus, but the disciples are looking at what occurred during Christ’s ministry and are noting that it is an absolute fulfillment of David’s words. What is also true is that the same ruling authorities would continue to do so, even as is recorded in Acts, such as in Acts 12 –

“Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. ² Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. ³ And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. ⁴ So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.” Acts 12:1-4

Next, the words of the psalm read, “And the rulers were gathered together.” This is recorded again and again in the gospels, even right up until the time of Christ’s crucifixion. But more, and what probably brought the citing of the psalm to mind in the first place, is that they had continued to do so even after the resurrection.

The power of God in Christ is evident and on full display among the apostles, clearly demonstrating that He is both alive and in possession of the power of God, and yet the council had continued to stand against Him. That is seen in the third clause of the verse, saying, “Against the Lord and against His Christ.”

The original Hebrew reads, “Against Yehovah and against His Anointed.” The word “Anointed” is a translation from the Hebrew “Messiah,” and that is a direct equivalent to the Greek “Christ.” The meaning of this word does not necessarily have to refer to “THE MESSIAH,” but can refer to anyone who is anointed for a position.

Leviticus 4:3 speaks of the “anointed priest” with this word. David refers to the office of king, such as King Saul or himself, because they had been anointed to that position, for example –

“Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him and said: ‘Is it not because the Lord has anointed you commander over His inheritance?’” 1 Samuel 10:1

The title is given to Cyrus, King of Persia, in Isaiah 45:1. However, in the case of the psalm, it is speaking of a particular person who would come to fulfill a prophesied role. The Lord God anointed Jesus with His Spirit, and thus to come against Jesus, God’s Anointed, is to come against the Lord Himself. The people mentioned in this verse had directly butted heads with the God of the universe.

Life application: As noted, the rulers of the world (obviously!) continue to set themselves against the Lord Jesus. The rulers of Israel do as well. They reject Christ as Lord, and many in the rabbinic and religious circles go further, actively pursuing and attacking believers. There is an underlying enmity towards Jesus that permeates Jewish society.

But that is not unlike much of the world, even the once Christian world. To mention Jesus in public can cause major division in Germany, the UK, the US, and so on. And yet, these nations once openly allowed the open exercise of faith in Him to one degree or another. This will certainly only get worse until the coming of the Lord for His church.

Until that happens, however, the Great Commission remains in effect. We have a job to do, and we have good news to share. But the Lord has not left us without His presence. He is here with us, and He will not leave us nor forsake us. If we get attacked, or even killed, for talking about Jesus, such is life. We have a job to do, and we should be willing to expend ourselves in doing it.

Be ready and willing to speak out this great and exalted Name. It is what we have been called to do.

Lord God, thank You for allowing us to be Your messengers of the wonderful news of salvation, reconciliation, and peace that is found in the gospel of Jesus. May we be responsible to uphold our part of this process by being willing to speak. To Your glory. Amen.

An important message kept at Sgt. York’s home.

Thursday, 27 January 2022

who by the mouth of Your servant David have said:
‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things? Acts 4:25

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 began quoting the words of the group of disciples after having received Peter and John’s report about the events that occurred at the council. The quoting of their words continues now by saying, “who by the mouth.”

Rather than “by,” the Greek reads “who through the mouth.” It is an absolute confirmation of the doctrine of divine inspiration. God spoke through the mouth of another to convey His words, breathing out the very thoughts He chose to set forth. This goes along with Peter’s words from his second epistle where he said, “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

In the case of the words to be quoted, they were through the mouth “of Your servant David.” David’s words fill the psalms. They are also found in the books of Samuel. The content David set forth in these songs and psalms is literally filled with anticipations of the coming Messiah.

God saw the life and actions of David and knew that how he conducted his affairs, how he expressed himself, and how the world around him responded to his actions would mirror how Christ Jesus would live and be treated. As such, God spoke through David to provide the world a snapshot of what was coming. This is why it is noted that David was a man after God’s own heart. That is seen in the psalm now to be quoted. Of them, those words of God “have said.”

The verb is singular. The Lord alone is noted as having said the following words, even though it is said to be through the mouth of David. With this note, the words of the psalm to be cited in this verse comprise Psalm 2:1. They begin with –

“Why did the nations rage.” An aorist verb is used. In the Hebrew, which is often deficient in tenses, it simply says something like, “Why rage nations?” However, the words are quoted from the Greek translation of the Old Testament, and the assumption is that the action has happened. Thus, the disciples are identifying the event with what occurred in Christ’s coming. He was raged against by the nations.

The word they use is an interesting one, found only here in the New Testament, phruassó. It signifies “to snort” or to neigh in a vehement manner as a horse would. Thus, the nations acted in a manner not unlike an uncontrolled, snorting horse.

As the council’s decision hasn’t changed anything, it can be lumped in with all that has previously happened. From there, the second clause of the verse is cited, saying, “And the people plot vain things?”

The word “people” is plural. Hence, it should say, “And the peoples plot vain things.” The idea is parallel to the previous clause placing the “nations” along with “peoples.” This is without regard to Jews and Gentiles. It is a way of expressing that there was a united effort by all to rage and to plot. One can see the actions of both Israel and Rome being united as a stand against the Person of Christ.

The “vain things” referred to are things that are foolish. Both in the Hebrew and in the Greek, the word signifies “empty.” Thus, in a moral way, it is ineffective, foolish, and so on. Despite raging and plotting, their actions fail. It is as if a wind is blowing against a stone wall. The wall remains unaffected by it. The question shows the futility of the actions of those who came against Christ. God’s purposes in Him were realized because nothing could thwart them.

Life application: When you read the Bible, how do you consider what you are reading? Is it a book that simply conveys morals from a Mideastern perspective? It is a book that simply contains the word of God as if His thoughts are satisfactorily expressed in it? Is it book about the things of God with ideas that are conveyed to detail what man thinks is expected of Him from God’s perspective? Do you view it in some other way that hints at such a notion? Or when you read the Bible, do you say to yourself, “This is the word of God”?

How you consider this book, and how you approach its contents, has all of the importance in the world as to how you will then respond to what it says. The Bible, right in its own words, claims to be uttered out by God, even if it is through men. As this is so, should we not consider it as sacred, holy, and even terrifying?

The Lord, through Isaiah, tells us who is pleasing to God in regard to His word –

“Thus says the Lord:
‘“Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
Where is the house that you will build Me?
And where is the place of My rest?
² For all those things My hand has made,
And all those things exist,”
Says the Lord.
“But on this one will I look:
On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,
And who trembles at My word.’” Isaiah 66:1, 2

The whole creation belongs to the Lord. Everything came from His hand, but the Lord favors the part of His creation that respects, honors, and exalts His word. The one who trembles while reading it is more pleasing to Him than any of the magnificent things that He has placed in the heavens and upon the earth. Be sure to consider this as you read and contemplate this sacred word that we have been given to illuminate the path upon which we tread.

Thank You, Lord God Almighty, for the precious and exalted word that You have allowed us to read and to enlighten our lives by if we choose to do so. You have allowed us to accept it or reject it without forcing it upon us. What will we do with it during this short life we live? Help us to consider it rightly and to cherish its every word. In it, we will find life, because in it we will find Jesus. Praise God for this wonderful word. Amen.

At York residence, Pall Mall, TN

Wednesday, 26 January 2022

So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, Acts 4:24

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).

Peter and John returned to their own group and reported to them everything that the council had said to them. With this noted, Luke now records the actions of the group, beginning with, “So when they heard that.”

This refers to the news concerning the words of the council. The reaction that happens next is based on hearing the report of the council’s rejection of Peter’s words concerning Jesus. This includes the explanation for how the sign that had been performed in the healing of the man had come about. Everything about the occasion called out that Jesus is alive, and He is Lord. And yet, their words had been rejected. With this understood, it next says, “they raised their voice to God.”

The idea here is that of an outwardly expressive voice. It is a Hebraism, corresponding to the word nasa (to lift, carry, or take) found throughout the Old Testament. One could lift his voice in mourning (Genesis 21:16) or in tears of joy (Genesis 29:11). One could lift his voice in distress (Genesis 27:38) or in terror (Isaiah 10:3). Entire groups could lift up a united voice for any such reason as well (2 Chronicles 5:13). In this case now in Acts, it says that this was done by the people “with one accord.”

It is a united lifting of the voice by the people. Thus, it is to be considered in the same light as the last example cited above from 2 Chronicles 5:13 –

indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying:
“For He is good,
For His mercy endures forever,”
that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud,

As the words of the next verse in Acts will be the citing of a portion of Psalm 2, it appears that the words of this verse now are actually sung out, just as the words of a psalm were lifted up in 2 Chronicles 5. If so, it would be done either in harmony or antiphonally. Further, if this is the case, it is the earliest singing of a hymn to the Lord in the church age that is recorded in Scripture. This appears to be likely, and it is a beautiful expression of the state of the people’s minds as they united their voices together “and said: ‘Lord, You are God.’”

Here, a particular word for “Lord,” despotés, signifying the Sovereign Lord, is used. It signifies an authority figure, like a master or even a husband who has complete authority and jurisdiction, and who wields total and unrestricted power in his realm. Being a reference to God, it signifies the Sovereign Lord who has complete and total authority over the universe, meaning temporally, spiritually, chronologically, and so on. Everything is within His power and ultimately under His rule.

The word was first used in Luke 2:29 when Simeon beheld God’s Messiah and uttered out a song of joy. This is its second of ten uses in Scripture. Both Peter and Jude will use the term and apply it to Jesus. In the Old Testament, it is used to refer to the Angel of the Lord and to the Lord directly as well. With this address stated, it next says, “who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them.”

It is a citation from Psalm 146 –

“Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
Whose hope is in the Lord his God,
⁶ Who made heaven and earth,
The sea, and all that is in them;
Who keeps truth forever,” Psalm 146:5, 6

This psalm goes on to speak of “those who are bowed down” in verse 8. As such, it is an appropriate psalm to recite, even if only in part. The beggar who was raised up was the act that began the entire process, and he may very well have been there among the disciples at this time. Either way, the point of citing this psalm is to acknowledge the absolute sovereignty of the Lord.

The general thought expressed in the words is found again in Revelation 14 –

“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— ⁷ saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.’” Revelation 14:6, 7

Life application: Paul says elsewhere –

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ¹⁷ And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:16, 17

He says this same general thought in Ephesians 5:19 as well. This is something that will turn our minds to higher things and away from the world around us. In having songs that exalt God nearby, we will be less likely to think on the immoral or perverse. It is a good way to stay in tune with God and His word.

Having said that, this can become a source of legalism with some. Anything can be taken to an unintended extreme. What starts out with good intent suddenly becomes a source of pride or personal exaltation. “How could you listen to that radio station? I only listen to Christian songs on my radio!” Suddenly what is a personal choice to stay in tune with the Lord becomes a way of accusing others of being “less spiritual.”

This can occur with types of dress, personal choices concerning things such as drinking alcohol, and so on. Anything can become a personal idol or a means of exalting oneself in the presence of others. So, let us live our lives to God, be examples to others of what we value in our relationship with Him, but not act as if our personal choices are the only way to express ourselves properly before the Lord.

Paul gave his exhortation, and it should be followed. But we also have freedom to do things not explicitly forbidden in Scripture. Let us be wise, circumspect, and gracious in our conduct around and toward others.

Gracious heavenly Father, how wonderful it is to praise You, to sing praises to You, and to hear others do so as well. You are God! You have created all things, and by Your hand all things exist and have their being. Be exalted in Your creation, O God. And hear the praises of Your people as we lift our voices to You. Amen.

Barn on York property.

Tuesday, 25 January 2022

And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. Acts 4:23

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).

With Peter and John officially released from the custody of the council, Luke records what immediately follows, saying, “And being let go, they went to their own companions.” The word “companions” is inserted. The Greek word, translated as “own,” can be a district, people, family, home, etc. It is a word designating something uniquely one’s own possession.

As such, a word like people, group, family, companion, or so on is appropriate. They were with an unfamiliar group, and they immediately returned to their own group. The lines are clearly drawn, and they show that even if all are of Israel, there is an unmistakable separation between the two. Once there, they “reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.”

In these words, there is a designation, chief priests, not noted in the earlier account. Instead, there it mentioned the rulers, elders, and scribes, as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander. The word has been used throughout the gospels, and it may be a way of referring to the priests who were serving or who had served as the high priest. The selection of high priests was as much of a political one as anything else. Rather than there being one high priest until his death, they were appointed by their rulers at this time.

Another possibility is that these were the leaders of the twenty-four courses of priests that were originally set up at the time of David to minister throughout the year in the temple complex. That division is found in 1 Chronicles 24.

Life application: The apostles have been commanded to not speak nor teach anymore in the name of Jesus. That is a part of what will be conveyed to the group that Peter and John have returned to. This is a time that probably caused them some consternation, and so the very first thing they have done is to gather with other believers and discuss what occurred.

There is a lesson for us in this, which is to seek the counsel of other believers when we are facing matters of great importance. In doing this, we can get a better sense of what to do because our own thoughts might be clouded by the events hemming us in. Others, however, can add in thoughts that have been unaffected by our own circumstances. This is stated early on in the book of Proverbs –

“A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” Proverbs 1:5

And again –

“Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14

Let us take advantage of the wise counsel of others in order to make right decisions concerning the large and important matters we face. In doing so, we will surely avoid many pitfalls as we wind our way through life.

Lord God, may we be wise in how we conduct our affairs before You. When we face really important matters that can affect the direction of our lives, help us to use wisdom and seek out good advice when it is necessary. Lead us to do this. Your word shows that this is a good and proper path, and so may we take it and be spared the ills of going it alone! Amen.