Acts (Written)

Rhoda at the door. But who is on the other side? Could it be Peter?

Tuesday, 29 November 2022

And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. Acts 12:13

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, Peter arrived at the house of Mary, the mother of John and who is also called Mark. The account said many were gathered together and were praying. With that, it now says, “And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate.”

Note: Some manuscripts do not include Peter’s name here, simply saying, “he.”

Once arriving at the house of Mary, it notes that Peter knocked on the door of the gate. The word translated as door is the common word that signifies a portal or entrance, such as a door or gate. The word translated as “gate” is pulón. HELPS Word Studies defines it as “the passage which led from the street through the front part of the house to the inner court.” As such, Vincent’s Word Studies explains the use of both words together –

“The small outside door, forming the entrance from the street, and opening into the πυλών [pulón], or doorway, the passage from the street into the court. Others explain it as the wicket, a small door in the larger one, which is less probable.”

With Peter’s knocking, it next says, “a girl named Rhoda came to answer.” The word translated as “girl” often signifies a slave. For example, Paul uses it five times in Galatians 4 to describe a bondwoman. However, Vincent’s argues against this meaning here, noting that her prompt recognition of Peter’s voice and her joyful haste makes this unlikely. He continues by arguing that she was probably a disciple gathered for prayer.

But that is an argument that does not hold up well. Slaves are fixed parts of a home and have an intimate knowledge of the comings and goings of all guests. This is evident from Mark 14 –

“Now as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came. ⁶⁷ And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, ’You also were with Jesus of Nazareth.’” Mark 14:66, 67

Further, as the Bible shows several times in the New Testament, slaves are noted as believers. Their status doesn’t change simply because they come to the faith. Vincent’s also notes that “the record of her name” is another reason to believe she was not a slave. That also is not a good argument. Onesimus is mentioned by name throughout the epistle of Philemon. Further, the name of the servant in John 18:10 is explicitly stated as Malchus. Such a note shows careful attention to detail by the one writing out the events.

As for her name, Rhoda means “Rose.” As today, naming someone after a plant, flower, animal, and so on was not uncommon in the past. In Scripture there are several such names like Tamar (Palm Tree), Hadassah (Myrtle), Deborah (Bee), Tabitha/Dorcas (Gazelle), and so on.

Life application: The historical writings of the Bible detail events that really happened. Luke took the time to note a slave girl by name, and to this day she is having an impact on those who read the account and think about who she was.

Another slave girl is noted in 2 Kings 5:2-4. No record of her name is given, and yet this slave had such a profound impact on the biblical narrative that the events she initiated were even mentioned by Jesus in Luke 4:27 – Naaman came at the suggestion of a slave girl. At the same time, there are kings who are mentioned in the Bible whose names and deeds are lost to history, other than the fact that they were defeated in battles, such as the king of Jericho (Joshua 6) and the king of Makkedah (Joshua 10).

In the end, what really matters isn’t how much money we have, how great a position we have, or even if our name is remembered by others after we are gone. What matters is how we conduct our lives before the Lord God. He remembers the name of Naaman’s slave girl even if it was never recorded in Scripture.

As we are remembered by Him, we should endeavor to be remembered by Him as people of faith and of faithful deeds. We shall rise to receive our just due for the lives we have lived. Remember this and walk humbly and in a circumspect manner before the Lord all your days.

“O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
² You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
³ You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
⁴ For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.
⁵ You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.” Psalm 139:1-6

Lord God, help us to remember that You are aware of our every deed. We easily forget this and go about doing things we shouldn’t. Or we may fail to do those things we should. But with our minds remembering that You are there, we can then remember to always act responsibly. Help us in this, Lord. May we live our lives rightly all our days. Amen.

Cam came with me to a few states. Nice young man.

Monday, 28 November 2022

So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. Acts 12:12

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 collected himself enough to know that what had taken place was real, not a vision. With that, it now says, “So, when he had considered this.”

In realizing he was really free and that the things he would do going forward were not just a part of an ongoing dream, he had to consider what steps he should take. As such, he determined to first let the other believers know he was ok. As such, “he came to the house of Mary.”

This may have been the house closest to where the angel departed from him and where trusted believers resided. He would have known his coming there would not jeopardize his freedom. Of this particular Mary, she is noted as “the mother of John whose surname was Mark.” Concerning this name, Charles Ellicott provides the following details –

“Here we may note (1) that as being mentioned by St. Peter as his “son” (1 Peter 5:13) he was probably converted by him; (2) that he was cousin to Barnabas, probably through his mother, and was therefore at least connected with the tribe of Levi (Acts 4:36), and possibly belonging to it; (3) that the fact that Mary’s house was the meeting-place of the Church indicates comparative wealth, as did Barnabas’s sale of his estate; (4) that the absence of any mention of Mark’s father makes it probable that she was a widow; (5) that the Latin name of Marcus indicates some point of contact with Romans or Roman Jews.”

Although Ellicott’s first point may be pressing the term “son,” the other details seem likely. Paul calls Timothy a true son in the faith (1 Timothy 1:2) and then says of Titus that he is “a true son in our common faith.” Despite that, Ellicott’s other details seem probable. As for the names John and Mark, this doesn’t mean that both names were conferred as legal names, but they were both used when referring to him. Most likely the Jews would have used John while the Greeks would call him Mark. This is common with many in the New Testament.

Of the house of Mary, it next says, “where many were gathered together praying.” This follows logically after the words of verse 12:5 where it noted “constant prayer was offered to God for” Peter. It could be that some were awake and praying at any given time of the day or night. As those gathered got tired, they’d go lie down. When they got up, they would get back to prayers.

Life application: Peter could have just headed out of Jerusalem right away and had a letter sent back to the believers that he was ok. Instead, he weighed out the options and decided to let those who were certainly distressed over his situation know that he was fine.

Today, we have telephones and internet connectivity. Therefore, we can convey such things more readily. But when the power is out or a phone isn’t handy, we should try to find some way of letting people know we are ok when they are concerned about us. Peter was careful to do this, knowing it would be a great relief to all. And more, they could change their prayers of petition to prayers of thanks and praise.

Let us walk through this world attempting to always be level-headed. When we keep our wits about us, we will have less stress and anxiety, and we will also be able to help those around us who may need the same calm assurances we have. By fixing our eyes on Jesus, this is possible. In Him, we can have the confident assurance that all is well.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the peace of life that comes from knowing Jesus. In Him, we can let all our other cares pass by without them negatively affecting us. And so, help us to keep our wits about us. In this, we can be a testimony to others of the peace we possess in our souls. Amen.

Pretty flowers leading to Vermon State Capitol.

Sunday, 27 November 2022

And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.” Acts 12:11

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 was just led out of the prison, through the iron gate, and down one street. At that time, the angel departed from him. It now says, “And when Peter had come to himself.”

The meaning is clear. Peter was overcome by the events that occurred. From being roused from sleep to being delivered all the way out of the prison was probably a matter of mere minutes. During the whole process, he did not have time to consider what was happening, but just rushed on through one stage of the process after another, obediently following the directives of the angel.

Now, with the angel gone, he will have to think for himself. That has caused his mind to stop racing and he can finally think about each step that has occurred and what he is to do next. With that state of mind now attained, “he said, ‘Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel.’”

As if in a dream, he participated in the events from the time of his waking until now, but – at least mentally – he really wasn’t an active participant. Rather, he was being led while in the groggy state of having just arisen. As this was so, the idea of an angel leading him was more like the reflection of a person while dreaming. He now realizes, though, that this wa s a real angel and the events he participated in really came about. That is seen in his next words, saying, “and has delivered me from the hand of Herod.”

This is what was preeminent on his mind even while sleeping. The thought of waking and facing the trial was what he fell asleep to, and it is what his mind probably tried to process, even during his slumber. Even if he felt he would be freed from actual execution because of the promise of Jesus from John 21 that he would die as an old man, he would still have to go through the events of the trial for that to happen.

But no trial would take place now. He was delivered from the hands of Herod, “and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”

The meaning of this is certainly not “all the Jewish people.” Rather, it refers to those who were opposed to the work of the apostles, especially the leadership who had rejected the message of Christ from the beginning. That is seen in the opening words of chapter 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.” Acts 12:1-3

They hated the message of the apostles, they were pleased to see it start coming to an end through the death of James, and they were looking forward to more blood for the message to finally be ended. To them, the death of Peter would be a great step in this process.

Life application: One can see in the words of this verse the personal nature of things that could only have been relayed to Luke by Peter himself. The knowledge of how he felt as the events unfolded was known to him alone. Thus, what is recorded here can be taken as personal eyewitness. As far as Peter could be considered reliable, the narrative here must be considered equally so.

And yet, Paul says that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God. This is a remarkable aspect of Scripture. Luke investigated and interviewed. He checked and he verified. He noted and he composed. And yet, through all of that, we have a word that was divinely inspired by God. Everything that Luke did to compose the book of Acts was a part of the process of bringing us this word.

And this is true with all Scripture. The things that occurred and the process of compiling each book was all considered by God to bring about this wonderful treasure that we now hold in our hands. Let us consider this as we contemplate the marvel of God’s written revelation to us.

May we carefully consider this word. May we never be flippant or dismissive of what it conveys to us. Rather, let us treasure it in our hearts, contemplate its pages, and be willing to share its message with all who come to learn of its sacred contents.

Glorious God, thank You for Your precious and sacred word. What an honor and a joy it is to consider it and to treasure it in our lives. It is the word that tells us of Jesus. Thank You that we possess the very words of life in the pages of Your holy Bible. Amen.

Vermont Capitol.

Saturday, 26 November 2022

When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. Acts 12:10

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 was led by the angel but thought what was happening was simply a vision. With that, the event continues with the words, “When they were past the first and the second guard posts.”

More rightly, the Greek reads, “And having passed through a first guard and a second.” It is debated what is being expressed here. Vincent’s Word Studies gives two possibilities, saying, “…some assuming that the first was the single soldier on guard at the door of Peter’s cell, and the second, another soldier at the gate leading into the street. Others, that two soldiers were at each of these posts, the two in Peter’s cell not being included in the four who made up the watch.”

No matter what, Peter was led out from being chained between two soldiers and then two guards after that. Despite this, he went out wholly undetected. After passing the guards, it next says “they came to the iron gate that leads to the city.”

It is probable that the sense here is not that the prison was outside of the city, but that the iron gate was the outer gate of the prison itself. In departing this gate, one would then enter the city.

What is certain is that Luke’s description of this gate would have been something anyone of the day could go look at and verify if his words matched the actual state of things. His minute care to include such details is a common aspect of his writings, and it was something that provided sure validation that what he wrote was reliable. Next, referring to the gate, it says, “which opened to them of its own accord.”

Of all translations, the KJV uniquely and incorrectly says, “which opened to them of his own accord.” One could say this is a poetic way of speaking of the gate, but because the word gate and its accompanying adjective are both feminine, the translation is decidedly incorrect. It should read “opened to them of its own accord.”

As this gate would be locked and bolted, being the final obstacle intended to keep prisoners from escaping, this is nothing other than a divinely orchestrated miracle. However, it opened, it was something that could not be attributed to mere chance. Not only would it have required the proper keys to open, but the timing of its opening by itself also is a validation of the miraculous nature of the event. Next, Luke records, “and they went out and went down one street.”

The word translated as “street” signifies a narrow alley or lane found in a city. The root of the word gives the sense of flowing motion. Hence, it would be a lane that was usually filled with the rush of people as if a moving body. Peter’s deliverance is complete at this point. He was delivered from the guards, from the prison itself, and he was at a distance safe enough to be left to himself. With that accomplished, the verse finishes with, “and immediately the angel departed from him.”

As there was no continued need for supernatural assistance, the angel’s task was complete, and he departed without any further ado. Peter was rescued to serve the Lord another day.

Life application: We may know of someone who was in a car crash or some other disaster who alone survives out of those involved. In such an event, we may say, “We are so blessed he was saved.” However, the families of the others who died might say in their minds, “So we weren’t blessed? What kind of blessing from God is this?”

Another example may be the coming of a tornado that destroys a line of houses but completely skips over one house, leaving it totally unharmed. We might say, “They were so blessed.” Again, the other owners may feel offended and say, “Why weren’t we given God’s blessing?”

This is looking at the issue in the wrong way. Just because someone has deliverance, such as Peter, it doesn’t mean that he is more favored of God than those who were executed the next day. It is just that there was a purpose for Peter’s continued existence that necessitated his being spared.

For those who suffer in a catastrophe, we should ask, “Do you thank God for each meal, taking it as a blessing?” Or “Do you thank God for each promotion, taking that as a blessing?” If not, then you are failing to acknowledge God’s hand in your life. If so, then you are doing what is right and good. But what if we miss a meal? Do we curse God and blame Him for that? If we are not promoted, do we revile Him?

The same logic applies to greater-sized blessings or losses, such as losing a home or having only one person out of seven saved from a car accident. It is right in all circumstances to acknowledge the Lord’s blessing while also not imputing wrong to Him for the things that we don’t like.

One’s personal blessing does not necessarily equate to a particular favor that is above those who did not receive it. Therefore, let us simply be grateful for every good blessing that comes our way, no matter how small or how great it is. We cannot know the works of God from beginning to end. Therefore, we should acknowledge what we do know and not attempt to find a design that matches our presuppositions concerning those things we cannot know.

Glorious God, we are grateful to You for each and every blessing that comes our way. Help us to properly express that, especially so others can see our gratitude and know that we have given the credit where it belongs. And, Lord, when trials come, help us to remain grateful even through such times as well. Amen.

Nifty looking building in Montpelier, Vermont.

Friday, 25 November 2022

So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. Acts 12:9

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, the angel that had come to Peter instructed him to gird himself, put on his sandals and his outer coat, and follow him. With that, it now says, “So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.”

The NKJV does not give the proper sense of the verbs. What is much closer is a bit more cumbersome, but it more accurately portrays the nuances of the account penned by Luke. It says, “And having gone forth, he follows, and he did not know that what is happening through the angel is real, but he thinks he sees a vision” (CG). This will be the translation used for the commentary.

After being instructed to follow the angel, it next says, “And having gone forth.”

Nothing is said about how they went forth. If the angel materialized inside the prison and then freed Peter, did he just start walking out between the soldiers guarding the inside and outside of the cell? Luke simply says he (the verb is singular) went forth. Obviously, the angel was leading because it next says of Peter that “he follows.”

The account is fantastic because there are guards right there, and yet they do not perceive what is happening. As noted in the previous verse, they must have been given some type of spiritual blindness so that they could not even perceive what was going on around them. So profound is this type of blindness that it affected an entire army, as is recorded in 2 Kings 6:8-23.

In this account in Acts, the supposed spiritual blindness imposed upon the soldiers has allowed Peter to escape from the prison, even while heavily guarded. But so incredible is the event that, speaking of Peter, it next says, “and he did not know that what is happening through the angel is real.”

Peter was certainly groggy from his sleep. He was suddenly brought out of his sleep, given hurried instructions, and then led out of a seemingly impossible situation without any harm coming to him. Obviously, it would be hard for the mind to grasp such a thing. And yet, he perceives that it is happening. Trying to reconcile the two in his mind, it next says, “but he thinks he sees a vision.”

Luke’s use of imperfect and present tense verbs is marvelous, bringing the reader directly into what is happening in Peter’s mind as he walks right through the once hopeless situation without any hindrance at all. He is being freed with each step he is taking, and nothing is there to restrain him from taking another step and then another. The Lord has a purpose for him yet. It appears his execution is not going to take place after all.

Life application: It is the Lord who has total control over everything that occurs. If He does not want someone to die, that person will not die. He has His own purposes for keeping people around or for allowing them to perish. As such, we cannot blame Him when someone does die. That person’s life was lived, the Lord gave him life, and the Lord determined the ending of his life was acceptable.

Likewise, if a person is set to die (such as Peter) and does not, there must be some purpose that still exists for his continuance. Using the example of a jammed gun or an explosive that fails to detonate will get the point across. The highly unlikely event takes place, and the person lives. Was it just random chance? Was it divine intervention? We cannot know with certainty, but the Lord does.

As time unfolds, we might see the person who should have died to go on to become a great evangelist and say, “The Lord spared him for this purpose.” Or we might see that same person working in the local supermarket and think, “Boy was he lucky. He sure didn’t use his chance very well.” But are we the ones to decide that? Maybe the person in the store told someone about Jesus and that person went on to be a famous preacher.

We cannot know the stream of events that go off into the future in a million divergent paths. And so, we must simply trust that each event that happens does so to meet the Lord’s plans. And this is not meant to be a fatalistic “What does it matter then?” thing. Rather, we should look at the world with a sense of true awe and wonder, and ask the Lord that we too may be included in what He is doing in a beautiful and unique way.

Our immediate circumstances may seem minimal and unimportant, but we should never think this is so. If we are saved because of Jesus, we are having an impact that will be seen for what it truly is someday. We will stand back and see the wonder of what God has done, and we will be both awed and satisfied with what we see. Who you are and what you are doing is important. Trust this because it is so.

Wonderfully glorious heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus who gives us true purpose and meaning. Without Him, our lives are temporary and futile. But because of Him, we are a part of a marvelous plan that has true and eternal significance. Help us to realize this and to rejoice that we are an important part of what You are doing. Thank You for Jesus who has made this possible. Amen.