Acts (Written)

Start of a new day in Vermont.

Monday, 14 November 2022

Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Acts 11:28

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The previous verse noted the prophets who had come down from Jerusalem to Antioch. Luke continues that thought now, saying, “Then one of them, named Agabus.” This person, Agabus, is said to be one of the prophets. His name may come from the Hebrew agav, or love. But it seems more likely it comes from the Hebrew word khagav, meaning a grasshopper or locust. This was considered a clean insect that could be eaten by the Jews according to Leviticus 11:22. The word is used four more times in the Old Testament to indicate a comparison in size (Numbers 13:33 & Isaiah 40:22), a heavy burden (Ecclesiastes 12:5), and a devourer of the land that has been sent by the Lord (2 Chronicles 7:13).

As for Agabus, Luke next says that he “stood up.” Rather, it is an aorist participle. It more appropriately reads, “having stood up.” In other words, Luke sets him apart from the other prophets in order for him to make a prophecy. Agabus, having stood up, then “showed by the Spirit.”

The word translated as “showed” is a verb that speaks of a sign, sémainó. In other words, he “signified” by the Spirit. He gave a word that was to be taken as a sign that something would come to pass. This coming event was “that there was going to be a great famine.”

The reason for reporting this now will be seen in the coming verses, but other reasons which go unstated are that the New Covenant church, not Israel under the law, is given the word by the Spirit. It also shows that the famine which is coming could be prepared for by the church, both spiritually and physically, so that it would be able to continue and flourish. As for the famine itself, it is next said to be coming “throughout all the world.”

The Greek word epi, or upon, is used. The famine will come “upon all the world.” In saying “world,” it is to be understood that this is referring to the known world, meaning the Roman Empire at this time. As Souter states, it is “the land that is being inhabited, the land in a state of habitation, the inhabited world, that is, the Roman world (orbis terrarum), for all outside it was regarded as of no account.” Souter’s evaluation of this is further confirmed by the next words, which say, “which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.”

Claudius Caesar ruled over the Roman Empire. Hence, the focus is on that part of the world at large. The prophesied famine could be an isolated one and yet still be a fulfillment of this prophecy because a lack in one area of the empire would cause a disruption over the entire empire. This is something that occurs throughout the world today.

One nation may have a time of famine which then extends out even to countries that are not facing a famine because the supply lines of other things become disrupted. Despite this, Albert Barnes gives a highly detailed explanation of four famines that came upon the Roman Empire during the reign of Claudius –

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In the days of Claudius Caesar – The Roman emperor. He began his reign in 41 a.d., and he reigned for 13 years. He was at last poisoned by one of his wives, Agrippina, who wished to raise her son Nero to the throne. During his reign no less than four different famines are mentioned by ancient writers, one of which was particularly severe in Judea, and was the one, doubtless, to which the sacred writer here refers:

(1) The first happened at Rome, and occurred in the first or second year of the reign of Claudius. It arose from the difficulties of importing provisions from abroad. It is mentioned by Dio, whose words are these: “There being a great famine, he (Claudius) not only took care for a present supply, but provided also for the time to come.” He then proceeds to state the great expense which Claudius was at in making a good port at the mouth of the Tiber, and a convenient passage from thence up to the city (did, lib. Ix. p. 671, 672; see also Suetonius, Claudius, cap. 20).

(2) a second famine is mentioned as having been particularly severe in Greece. Of this famine Eusebius speaks in his Chronicon, p. 204: “There was a great famine in Greece, in which a modius of wheat (about half a bushel) was sold for six drachmas.” This famine is said by Eusebius to have occurred in the ninth year of the reign of Claudius.

(3) in the latter part of his reign, 51 a.d., there was another famine at Rome, mentioned by Suetonius (Claudius, cap. 18), and by Tacitus (Ann., John 12:43). Of this, Tacitus says that it was so severe that it was deemed to be a divine judgment.

(4) a fourth famine is mentioned as having occurred particularly in Judea. This is described by Josephus (Antiq., book 20, chapter 2, section 5). “A famine,” says he, “did oppress them at the time (in the time of Claudius); and many people died for the lack of what was necessary to procure food withal. Queen Helena sent some of her servants to Alexandria with money to buy a great quantity of grain, and others of them to Cyprus to bring a cargo of dried figs.” This famine is described as having continued under the two procurators of Judea, Tiberius Alexander and Cassius Fadus. Fadus was sent into Judea, on the death of Agrippa, about the fourth year of the reign of Claudius, and the famine, therefore, continued probably during the fifth, sixth, and seventh years of the reign of Claudius. See the note in Whiston’s Josephus, Antiq., book 20, chapter 2, section 5; also Lardner as quoted above. Of this famine, or of the want consequent on the famine, repeated mention is made in the New Testament.

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Life application: Context is the main thing to consider when evaluating a passage. To take an idea out of its intended context will lead to a false understanding (a pretext) of what is actually being said. Because of the use of the Greek word translated as “world” in this verse, one could then say that “the Bible is only speaking of the Roman Empire” at other times as well.

In such an evaluation, all kinds of false ideas about who is to be evangelized, the duration of the evangelization of the gospel, and so on, will arise. Paul uses the same term translated as world in Romans 10:18 saying that the gospel has gone out to “the ends of the world.” Therefore, the logic might be that the words of Jesus about preaching to all nations have been fulfilled. But Paul’s point concerns the Jews having heard the word concerning Jesus and why the message would go out to the rest of the world after their national rejection of Him.

By taking thoughts like this out of their proper context, incredibly bad theology has arisen concerning the sharing of the gospel (or even if there is only one gospel), end times events, and so on. There is a job to do, it is to be done over the face of the entire planet and to all people groups and all nations, and it is inexcusable that people sit on their hands and avoid their responsibilities simply because of such poor interpretation of Scripture.

Context is king, so keep things in their intended context. Be sure to stay away from any teaching that puts the burden on someone else or some other timeframe for the gospel to be shared. It is our responsibility to share the gospel, the one and only gospel, with all people at all times. As for national Israel, they will eventually accept it as well. The book is written, and it will come to pass. As for individuals, speak! They need Jesus.

Gracious and merciful God, thank You for Your wonderfully good news, the gospel, that comes through faith in the full, final, and forever work of Jesus Christ our Lord. Praise to You forever and ever for what You have done. We are reconciled to You through Him! Hallelujah and amen.

Beautiful wildflowers in Vermont.

Sunday, 13 November 2022

And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Acts 11:27

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 previous verse noted Paul’s coming to and staying at Antioch, the location where disciples were first called Christians. With that noted, it next says, “And in these days prophets came.”

The Greek reads “came down.” It is considered a descent from the particular place these prophets have left. As for being “prophets,” the word used indicates one who speaks by the inspiration of God. Their utterance can be to either foretell events or to forthtell, such as in explaining the word of God. It is the same word used by Paul in Romans 12:6 and elsewhere as an office of the church. Paul places them next to the apostles in 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 4:11.

The foretelling of events is used to confirm the word of God at times. It will also confirm the prophet as a true prophet. Jeremiah, for example, made specific prophecies that came about. Thus, this validated him as a true prophet, and it also validated the word he spoke forth. But more, it continues to validate his word even now. If there is a future prophecy still awaiting its fulfillment in the book of Jeremiah, we can have every reasonable expectation that it will come to pass.

As for these prophets, nothing is said about what the extent of their prophesying was. One of them will give a specific future prophecy in the verses to come, but the rest may simply be men who spoke forth the word, much as a preacher does today. We can only speculate due to the brief description given by Luke.

As for their “coming down,” it was “from Jerusalem to Antioch.” Antioch is north of Jerusalem, so modern thinking is that they would have gone up to Antioch. Likewise, there are times when someone will leave Jerusalem and actually go to a higher elevation. Our thinking would be that such a person was “going up.” However, in Scripture, a trip from Jerusalem is always down. A trip to Jerusalem is always up. This is because it is the city of God. Hence to go from Jerusalem is to go down from the presence of God.

Life application: There are an innumerable number of people today who claim prophetic visions, utterances, and revelations. They speak out things over people, claiming that God is speaking through them. This has been going on all along in the church and it has caused irreparable harm to countless millions.

So the question is, are there prophets and prophecies today? The answer is both Yes and No. There are prophets who forthtell the word of God. These men evaluate the word and speak it forth in a manner that explains it to others. However, there is no need to call such a person a prophet. That only muddies the waters for no good purpose.

As for prophecies, there are still many, many prophecies in the Bible that are yet to be fulfilled. They have been recorded, they are from prophets whose words have been validated, and they will certainly come to pass. However, there is no reason at all to assume that people are receiving divine revelation today. The word is written. It includes everything we need for right doctrine and proper living in the presence of God. To add to that would be to detract from the word itself.

Those who have claimed divine revelation have only confused the church and set it on bad paths. Joseph Smith (Mormonism) was not a prophet. He was a false prophet, as were all of the supposed Mormon prophets. Ellen G. White (Seventh Day Adventists) was not a prophetess, she was a false prophetess. Juanita Bynum (still active and getting rich off the uninformed) is not a true prophetess. And so on.

Such people give out false prophecies for various reasons that are always harmful to others, and they detract from the soundness of the word of God. We have God’s word, it gives us all we need to live out our lives in a proper manner, and it tells us of what is coming – even through the end of the ages. And so, what more do we need? Learn the word! Don’t trust in that which is false. Set your eyes on the truth found in Scripture.

Glorious God almighty, thank You that we have a sure word. It has confirmed itself innumerable times throughout history, and it continues to do so even to this day. We don’t need anything sensational from the lips of false teachers to excite us. Rather, we have the most exciting word of all in the pages of Scripture. Thank You, O God, for Your wonderful word! Amen.

Mountains, clouds, trees, and fields at sunset in Vermont.

Saturday, 12 November 2022

And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Acts 11:26

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 previous verse showed that Barnabas had departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. Now, the narrative continues with, “And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch.”

Remembering that Saul (Paul) was sent out of Jerusalem by the apostles, Tarsus was not the place where he otherwise would have been. They may have said something like, “When things have quieted down, we will send for you.” As such, he remained in Tarsus. Being a tent maker, he could pull up stakes without any trouble and move on in a moment.

Therefore, once Barnabas had come and told him of the work being done in Antioch, Saul would have been in full agreement to join him and return with him. It might seem odd that Paul would just drop everything and head off to Antioch, but the matter makes complete sense when it is looked at from this perspective. With that understood, it next says, “So it was that for a whole year.”

Again, being a tent maker meant that Saul could work anywhere. Being a Roman, he could travel with complete freedom, and he had nothing restraining him. And so, to leave Tarsus and move for an entire year to Antioch would be as simple as going on a five-day vacation. With the size of the city and the large number of people there, it would be a great place to continue with both evangelism and discipleship.

And more, at some point during that year, it is likely that the events of Acts 10 and 11 took place, and so even if it was only Greek-speaking Jews that were told about Jesus to start with, eventually it would become known that the Gentiles had also been converted, receiving the Holy Spirit. As such, it next says that during this year “they assembled with the church.”

Rather than “with,” the preposition is “in.” However, this does not mean a particular building. That is not the sense or meaning of the word “church.” The word simply means “an assembly.” It refers to the people, not an edifice. Translating the word as “assembly” gives a more literal sense. As such, it would read, “they gathered together in the assembly.” In this gathering, they “taught a great many people.”

One can see that Saul immediately became a leader in the instruction of the people. His background as a Pharisee would have made him unusually suited to such a position. He had all of the theology of the Scriptures carefully sorted out in his mind so that when Christ came, and when he had put his biases against Christ away, he could clearly see how Jesus was the fulfillment of everything that had been spoken of.

His instruction would have been an invaluable part of the growth and maturity of the assembly at Antioch. His depth of understanding may have been the exact reason Barnabas specifically traveled to find him. Barnabas may have had questions arise that he wasn’t suited to answer. When such an occasion came about, he may have said, “I know just the guy to answer this.” It is all speculation, but it fits with the narrative. With this noted, it next says, “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”

The word translated as “called,” chrématizó, is not a usual word for naming someone. It gives the sense of transacting business or making an answer. HELPS Word Studies defines it as “‘a legal agreement for transacting business’ – properly, to admonish on the basis of a valid standard (what has true worth).” To get the sense of its meaning, Paul uses it in Romans 7 when referring to an adulterous wife –

“So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man.” Romans 7:3

As such, the word “designated” gives the appropriate sense. Hence, “And the disciples were first designated as Christians in Antioch.” The word “Christian” simply means a follower of Christ. With this understanding, it is often held that Luke means that the term was used as a sort of pejorative, such as, “Look at those stupid ‘Christians.’”

Hence, the idea is that the term is one which was only considered lowly and derogatory, even disgracefully when used by others. This is an unfounded claim. Seeing the three uses of the word will clarify what the intent is –

“And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Acts 11:26
“Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You almost persuade me to become a Christian.’” Acts 26:28
“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” 1 Peter 4:16

There is nothing to suggest that the term here is used exclusively by those outside of the body of believers. It is simply a statement of fact. Just as today a Presbyterian is identified as such, and just as a Baptist is identified as such. It is true that those outside may have used the term in a negative way – “Look at those holy-roller ‘Christians’ over there.” However, to a believer in the Greek-speaking world, the name is the only logical and proper title.

The word Christos is transliterated into “Christ,” and it has the same meaning as Messiah. Both mean “Anointed One.” As the majority of believers moved from Hebrew-speaking to Greek-speaking Jews, and even Gentiles, such as would be the case in Antioch, the title “Christian,” or “Christ-follower,” would naturally and gladly be used. There would be no hint of derision, but only a welcome bearing of the word.

For those on the outside who were not at enmity with the believers, it would be a name to be used without either derision or exaltation. And for those who disliked believers, it would probably have been a title of derision. This is how any name is given. For a family – “Those ‘Garretts’ are a bunch of yahoos.” For a nationality, “I really respect those ‘Americans.’” For a type of car – “A ‘Ford?’ No way Jose! That means ‘Found On Road, Dead.’ I would never own a ‘Ford!’”

The use of the word would bear either a positive or negative stress based on who was using it. To understand this even more clearly, one can think of the word used today that has the Hebrew equivalent, Messianic. With the increase in Jewish believers since the 1960s, the term “Christian,” which has been used as a pejorative by the Jewish people for the past two millennia, is no longer a suitable word to identify oneself with among the Jews. Therefore, to remove any negative connotations, the term “Messianic” has been adopted.

This word bears the same meaning as “Christian,” but being in the Hebrew language, it does not carry with it the same negative connotation by most. And yet, there are times when it is used negatively, such as, “Those ‘Messianics’ are nothing but trouble.” Despite this, it is a term used by believing Jews as a badge of honor.

Life application: The word “church” in Scripture does not mean a building. Far too often, however, that is exactly what comes up in our modern thinking – both within the body and by those outside of it. But the church is a body of believers that meets together, not a building. Hence, one can be in a church while on the beach, while in a gymnasium, or even attending online with others. The church is comprised of those who are gathering.

Remembering this will help us to have our focus on the One who has brought about the gathering in the first place. We are not going to a building to hear certain music, to see a fancy light show, or to have “the best latte” in town. We attend a church gathering to hear the word explained, to find comfort in fellowship, and – above all – to honor the Lord Jesus who has brought us together unto Himself. As such, we are Christians, followers of Christ, who are gathered to worship the crucified and resurrected Lord of all.

Most glorious and gracious heavenly Father, thank You that we can bear the title of Christian because we are followers of Christ Jesus. There is no greater honor than this. Help us to never be ashamed of this title and to never be afraid to avow that it applies to us. Even in this world where it is becoming a title to be rallied against, may we gladly bear the reproach of the world for the sake of our Lord. Help us to stand firm in this. Amen.

Sunset in Vermont.

Friday, 11 November 2022

Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. Acts 11:25

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 description of Barnabas as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, has been made. It then noted that a great multitude had been added to the Lord. With that stated, it next says, “Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul.”

With the work at Antioch showing such great success, Barnabas’ attention is next directed to Saul. Ellicott notes that it “indicates the assurance that Saul would approve of the work which had been going on at Antioch, and the confident belief that he [Barnabas] was the right person to direct and organise it.”

The idea of Saul (Paul) needing to approve of the work at Antioch makes no sense. Telling people about Jesus is what the disciples were instructed to do. Whether Saul approved of that or not is irrelevant. Further, and has already been noted, it cannot be satisfactorily determined if the Gentiles had even been evangelized in Antioch at this point. That is wholly dependent on the change of one word in various manuscripts.

What seems likely is that Barnabas simply extended his efforts to where Paul was located. He was sent out to encourage and strengthen those who had been scattered after the stoning of Stephen. Saul had been sent away by the apostles because of his own persecution by the Jews (Acts 9:30). Therefore, it should be expected that he would search for Paul, just as he sought out the others who had been sharing the message of Jesus.

This seems more likely based on the word Luke uses and which is translated as “search.” It is a word only found elsewhere in the account in Luke 2 where Jesus was temporarily lost to Joseph and Mary –

“When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; ⁴⁴ but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. ⁴⁵ So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.” Luke 2:43-45

The word signifies “to search up and down.” It is a word, anazéteó, that carries with it the idea of difficulty in the task. Barnabas’ mission was to seek out these people of the scattering and to encourage them in their sharing of the news about Jesus. Having no idea about Saul’s status or condition, he set out to find him and see how he was faring. Rather than seeking Saul’s approval, he is seeking Saul’s effectiveness in evangelism in the area he had gone to.

The Pulpit Commentary notes that this occurred ten years after the crucifixion. It is uncertain how that date was determined, but they continue with a note that “From Seleucia to the port of Tarsus would be about a twelve hours’ sail; or, by land, a journey of about eighty miles would bring him to Tarsus from Antioch.” Barnabas was on a mission to find Saul and so he either traveled by ship or by land to find him.

Life application: Barnabas was sent forth to encourage others in their efforts. The narrative shows that he not only did so but that he was quite effective in the job set before him. Being a good encourager is a noble trait, but there is a truth that lies behind it as well. Solomon says –

“As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17

Regardless as to Barnabas’ ability to encourage, there needs to be someone to encourage as well. Only when the two meet up can the strengthening take place. And so, as you go out today, think of someone you haven’t talked to in a while and give him a call or an email (or even stop by for a visit) and provide a bit of encouragement. It may be just what this person needs. If so, it isn’t going to happen unless the two of you come together.

And the benefit of this is that just as you will sharpen that particular person, you will be sharpened in turn. Such things will naturally go in two directions at the same time. Give it a try and you will find that you are also a recipient of the very encouragement you intended to pass on to another.

Lord God, time is short, and days are often filled with busy work. But there are things we can do that will bless and benefit others if we just take the time to reach out. And so, Lord, help us to extend ourselves out to people who come to mind, letting them know that they are appreciated and also encouraging them in their lives. Help us in this so that we will be people of encouragement to those who may need it. Amen.

Evening sky in Vermont.

Thursday, 10 November 2022

For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. Acts 11:24

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 previous verses referred to Barnabas’ travels to go as far as Antioch and build up those who had made a commitment to Jesus. It noted that he encouraged them all “that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.” Now, it continues with, “For he was a good man.”

The word used to describe him is agathos. It signifies a general goodness in something or someone, such as in a good tree, a good gift, or a good person. It is that which is intrinsically good. In Matthew 19:17, Jesus used this word to argue against it in comparison to God –

“Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

Jesus said this in response to a question regarding eternal life. If someone merits eternal life, then he must be intrinsically good in comparison to the standard which grants eternal life. In other places, such as in Luke 23:50, the same word is used concerning a person to indicate a goodness in him that is in accord with a particular standard. Hence, it is no contradiction to say that there is “none good” in comparison to meriting eternal life while saying there is a person who is good and righteous because he acts in some particular manner.

In the case of Barnabas, he is noted as a good man “full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.” He is an encourager, a good thing. He is filled with the Holy Spirit, a good thing. He is filled with faith, a good thing.  Having been saved by Jesus, he is also deemed as good in comparison to the standard of eternal life. This is not because he has merited it, but because Christ has merited it for him. The standard of eternal life, Christ, is imputed to him.

The reason for this high compliment, something not especially common in Acts, is probably to show that the argument between Barnabas and Paul that will be recorded in Acts 15 is not because of a flaw in Barnabas’ character, but it was simply a negative part of human interaction that is unavoidable at times.

In compiling the book of Acts, Luke is writing out a history of what has already taken place. Hence, his note concerning Barnabas now was certainly written even after the events of Acts 15 occurred. He is being careful to ensure that the character of Barnabas is fully established as that of a good man even before he introduces the negative events that have already happened between him and Paul. This is especially needed because Paul is the main focus of the narrative after that.

Establishing Barnabas’ character in a good light early on is important because of this. As a final note of the success of the ongoing ministry, it next says, “And a great many people were added to the Lord.”

The words are in the singular – “And a large multitude was added to the Lord.” This would be in addition to those mentioned in verse 11:21, which said, “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” With those who traveled spreading the good news, and with Barnabas following up and encouraging those who were saved, the numbers continued to increase so that there was a sizeable multitude who had come to know about God’s salvation in Jesus Christ.

Life application: It is common for people to piously repeat Jesus’ words concerning being “good” from Matthew 19:17 and deny that what has been said about someone being a “good person” is true. But as noted above, goodness is a comparative thing. Therefore, the question should be, “What is the word ‘good’ being used for?”

If it is to compare a person to God, then the obvious answer is, “There is none who is good.” Paul says in Romans 3:12 –

“They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”

What is the context of Paul’s words? He is making a comparison to God, such as in Romans 3:5, where he says, “But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say?” All have sinned, so in comparison to God, we are not “good.” But more, Paul is citing the Psalms which say –

“The fool has said in his heart,
‘There is no God.’
They are corrupt,
They have done abominable works,
There is none who does good.” Psalm 14:1

David was writing about the atheist (the fool has said… there is no God). Paul cites this verse, along with other verses, to make a point about the law versus grace (as in Romans 3:19, 20). Further, the word Paul uses in Romans 3:12, chréstotés [good], is completely different than that found in Acts when describing Stephen. It gives the sense of “meeting real needs in God’s way.”

Unfortunately, Calvinists take Paul’s continued words of Romans 3 and apply them across the board to all people in all situations and come to the illogical conclusion that man does not have free will to choose Christ, something completely contradictory to what the Bible says elsewhere.

What is good? It is a comparative word that needs to be taken in its proper context. Be sure to think about what is being conveyed when someone speaks about goodness. If someone is being likened to God or absolute moral perfection, then be sure to correct their thinking. However, if they are making a point about someone being good in relation to a certain task, a set standard of measure, or something similar, then the words are wholly acceptable and shouldn’t be dismissed based on a verse that has been taken out of its intended context.

Glorious Heavenly Father, thank You for the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. Without that, we could never come into Your presence. But because He has accomplished all things according to Your standard, we can come before You. In Christ, our righteousness is from You, and from You alone. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.