Acts (Written)

Texas sunset.

Saturday, 26 March 2022

but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:4

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 decision of the apostles was given in the previous verse concerning the daily distribution. Seven men, of good reputation and full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, were to be appointed over that business. The apostles now continue, saying, “but we will give ourselves continually.”

The word translated as “continually” is one that signifies not only continuance, but steadfast continuance. It is defined as “consistently showing strength which prevails (in spite of difficulties)” (HELPS Word Studies). One can think of a ship heading in a fixed direction and remaining on course, even when the winds attempt to redirect the chosen course.

The apostles had been compelled to “leave the word of God and serve tables,” as noted in verse 6:2. This could not be. Their calling was to minister in the word, and it must continue without such interference, as they next note, saying, “to prayer.”

Along with the word, the apostles reveal that active participation in prayer was to be a part of what their duties entailed. Nothing is said concerning the type of prayer, but it is probably multileveled. First, it would include their private prayers – whether alone or with the other apostles. Secondly, it might include public prayers, including any who were at whatever gathering they were presiding over. And third, it would probably include prayer for the occasions where healings were beyond what was normally encountered by these men.

This was noted by Jesus in Mark 9. When the apostles were awaiting the return of Jesus, Peter, and John, they could not heal a boy of his affliction. When the three had returned, Jesus healed the boy. When asked about the matter, Jesus’ response was, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29). Along with prayer, the apostles also note, “and to the ministry of the word.”

Here, the Greek word translated as “ministry” is the same word used in verse 6:1when referring to the “daily distribution.” It is a word that signifies “waiting at a table.” The apostles have not placed themselves apart or above the others. Rather, they are simply performing their particular service at the table of the Lord as the church goes forward in accomplishing its mission.

Life application: Two key points are to be seen in this short verse, prayer and service. First, it is a common question to ask, “If God already knows the outcome of what is going to happen, then why should we pray?” The answer is that God already knows whether you will pray or not. He has factored in His response to our prayers. A prayer that is not made has not been factored into His response.

A simple example may be mom making cookies. She has a son who she knows will ask for a cookie when he comes home from school, and so she sets one aside for him. After he asks, he gets his tasty treat. But if the same mom and the same boy had an argument in the morning, and she knows his attitude in advance – that he will sulk for at least five days, not saying a word to her – she won’t bother setting aside a cookie.

Obviously, mom doesn’t know everything as God does, but the example is clear enough to understand that Angry Andy gets no cookie, and it is because of his refusal to simply ask. A prayer not spoken to God will receive no attention because it was never uttered. Having said that, we may pray and pray and never get what we want. This is because what is prayed for is not within the will of God. Or it may be that God wants to mold us by allowing us to continue praying for a long time before responding. We cannot know, and so the Bible admonishes us to pray.

The second point, that of service, is one that – unfortunately – gets twisted out of its original intent by some in the church. It is true that Paul gives directions for the appointment of elders and deacons. They are held to a high standard, both in what is expected of them and in the honor that is to be given to them. And yet, Paul set forth his example of ministry by working with his own hands to meet his needs. And more, Christ gave us the premier example of servanthood in leadership.

Today, many pastors are so out of touch with their congregations, in the sense of Christlike servanthood, that there is almost no connection to the people at all. Obviously, when a pastor leads a church of thousands or tens of thousands of people, it is impossible to minister to all of them. But there is often an unhealthy adoration of these men. And more, there is an almost cult-like status granted to them. Congregations don’t seem to mind that they have houses bigger than Hollywood movie stars, private jet planes, and so on.

There needs to be a walk in the lives of those who lead their churches that brings them into a close and uniting relationship with their congregations, at least in how they live their lives. Prayer and service. Let us remember the lessons we can glean from this short verse in the book of Acts.

Glorious Heavenly Father, help us to be people of prayer, knowing that You do hear, You do act in accord with Your will, and You will respond when the prayer aligns with Your will. May we see Your glorious hand at work as we present our prayers to You as they come from hearts that truly care about the words we speak. Amen.

Evening on Texas highway.

Friday, 25 March 2022

Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; Acts 6:3

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 apostles just noted that it was not good that they had left the word of God in order to serve tables. To avoid this in the future, their decision is given, beginning with, “Therefore, brethren.” Despite having a different calling, it is a calling among the others. All are brethren, and all have duties to be performed. The high calling of attending to the word necessitated that the apostles should not get overburdened with these other things, but they still acknowledge that they are all brethren in the same common cause. With this thought conveyed, they next say, “seek out from among you.”

This is a wise course of action to take. First, it allows the decision to be rendered by those who were in the middle of the problem. Deciding among themselves who was to be selected would ensure it would be men competent to do what will be necessary as there is a vested interest in the matter at hand.

Secondly, as this matter dealt with the daily distribution, certainly meaning money or that which was purchased with the money entrusted by others, it would take any hint of suspicion off the apostles that they were purposefully selecting those of whom they could profit off through kickbacks or the like. It is an arrangement that will allow a close and fair level of control over that which is entrusted to them. Those selected are to be “seven men of good reputation.”

Rather than this translation, the Greek is a present participle. It more precisely reads, “seven men who are well attested.” The meaning is basically the same, but rather than a description of the men, it is a favorable view by others that is being conveyed. The approval of others being necessary to ensure that both sides of this division will be satisfied with the choice. Otherwise, one side may say, “they have a good reputation,” while the other side may not even know who the men are. Next, they are to be “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.”

It is of note that various texts do not include the word “Holy.” If it belongs, the meaning is obvious. If it does not, then it could simply be referring to having an energetic spirit within the individual, such as, “filled with spirit and wisdom.” The former is probable, but as one is filled passively by the Spirit after salvation, it would indicate those who were living in accord with proper values and in a way suitable for their filling. This, in turn, would demonstrate its own form of wisdom that made them sound and reliable choices for the positions they were selected to. It is such as these, “whom we may appoint over this business.”

As noted, it was the duty of the apostles to attend to the word of God. It is the duty of these men to oversee the daily distribution. Each category within the early church was being defined based on the qualifications of the individual and it was to those duties that they were to be attentive. If a change in the person’s assignment was forthcoming, it would need to be accompanied by a confirmation of that change by the approval of those above the person. This is a logical and orderly way of ensuring people stay in the proper lanes.

Likewise, the pastoral epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus) further define the responsibilities and the safeguards for such men who are accepted into the various leadership positions within the church. To stray from these guidelines is a sure path to problems within the church.

Life application: The structure of the church, who may be given various responsibilities, and what to do about problems that may arise concerning those men are carefully detailed in Scripture, especially in the pastoral epistles. This account in Acts tells how the early church was set up, and it provides a historical record of what was done at times, but there is really nothing prescriptive in what is said.

In other words, there is a wise way of selecting the men who were chosen, and a church would be foolish to not select men who were well attested to, full of the Holy Spirit, and filled with wisdom. And yet, nothing is said elsewhere that there would have to be seven men chosen for every such incident in church history. As such, the verse here has to be evaluated as a historical record that is not prescriptive in nature, even though it carries with it wisdom in the selection process.

For the exact parameters concerning the selection of elders and deacons, the pastoral epistles are to be evaluated and strictly adhered to. If this is not done, people who are unqualified to hold positions within the church will eventually be brought in, the church will suffer, and eventually, the church will lose its way, apostatizing from sound doctrine. It is the inevitable outcome of straying from the parameters defined in Scripture. As Paul says elsewhere, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9).

Heavenly Father, give us wise and discerning minds concerning the churches we attend or think about attending. Is it structured in accord with Your word? Do the leaders of the church meet the limited, but unchanging guidelines set forth there? If the church can’t get the simple basics of what You have laid down in Your word right, will they truly teach proper doctrine elsewhere? Help us to not enter into a church that is not aligned with Your will as is detailed in Your word. Amen.

Nice and clean. Ready for more Texas road.

Thursday, 24 March 2022

Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Acts 6:2

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).

Chapter 6 opened with a problem concerning a complaint by the Hellenists against the Hebrews. Their widows were being neglected during the daily distribution. With that set forth, it now says, “Then the twelve.”

It is a reference to the twelve apostles. Judas had gone off the list when he hung himself and Matthias had been added to it by the drawing of lots. It is these twelve that have now “summoned the multitude of the disciples.”

This is probably not a reference to all of the disciples. By Acts 4:4, there were about five thousand believers, with many more being added since then (Acts 5:14). Rather, this may be those who were there and referenced in verse 1, meaning those who had brought the complaint forward and those against whom the complaint had been made.

Or it may simply be referring to a large number that was regularly in the area. Either way, it is a multitude large enough to be addressed concerning the matter and to take part in its resolution. It is to this group that the apostles gathered together “and said, ‘It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God.’”

The translation is incorrect, it is an aorist participle. It has happened and should be rendered “having left,” or even better, “having forsaken,” or “having abandoned.” They were obviously called to attend to the matter, thus having abandoned their primary responsibility which was to attend to the word of God. Instead of that, they were facing a matter of quibbling that should have been resolvable by others in order to “serve tables.”

The Greek word, translated as “serve,” signifies “to wait at a table on guests.” The literal meaning is “to kick up the dust” because the one attending to the table scurries about. The idea of a table in this context is that which is used to serve at. It can be food or it can be money – such as in Matthew 21:12. Either way, the idea is that of a distribution of something that is meant to sustain the needs of those coming forward to it.

As this is a common job, anyone responsible enough could do it. To interfere with the apostles’ study and teaching of the word in order to serve tables would be counterproductive to the intent of their commission.

Life application: As surprising as this may be, the number of pastors that write their own sermons, in part or in whole, is actually rather small. The number of them that do so in larger churches is even smaller. Outlines of sermons, or entire sermons, are available in books. They are prewritten and cover almost every topic one can think of. They can be obtained from online resources. Completely unique sermons can be bought for one-time use by a single person. Others are available to anyone who is willing to pay whatever fee is charged.

For larger churches, there is often a designated sermon writer or even a team that comes together to write the pastor’s sermon for Sunday morning. As cheesy as this sounds, it is as common as eggs in a henhouse. If a pastor isn’t writing his own sermons, what does that say about his care of, and for, the word of God? What does it say about his devotion to the congregation? What does it tell you about his priorities? Do you care that the person in the pulpit at your church may not even know whether the theology he is presenting to you is actually correct or not?

At some point, see if you can find out how the pastor or preacher you listen to develops his sermons. Does he write them himself, or use outlines already laid out by others and then fill in the blanks? Does he just copy sermons from denomination resources or elsewhere? Having a knowledge of where he gets his sermon material from will tell you much about his priorities concerning the word and concerning the faith.

And the same is true with “Bible studies.” Quite often, the Bible is never used. Instead, a book by a pastor or scholar may be the subject material. Outlines by other preachers or teachers may be the content of the study. Isn’t the person supposed to be opening and teaching from the Bible at a Bible study? If the Bible is used, are the notes for the study his, or just items printed off from some book or online resource?

These things should actually be at the forefront of the minds of those who are being instructed. If the pastor, preacher, or teacher isn’t using his own materials, how do you know if he even intimately understands what he is presenting? Maybe he is actually more suited to serving tables than serving the word of God to you. A fancy speaker does not equate to proper theology. Be aware of what you are absorbing as you spend your time seeking out the truth of God from the word.

Gracious and glorious God, Your word is a precious treasure. Please direct us to those who carefully consider Your word, who diligently study Your word, and who competently teach Your word. It is too precious for us to be led astray by those who are not properly versed in it. Thank You for Your glorious and superior word. Amen.

Final rinsing…

Wednesday, 23 March 2022

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Acts 6:1

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).

Chapter 6 begins with a thought that is most probably tied in with what is said earlier in the previous chapter. It opens by saying, “Now in those days.” This could be speaking of the previously cited arrest of the apostles as a continuing narrative, or it could be referring to what was said before that short account. This is because the next words say, “when the number of the disciples was multiplying.”

That seems to more logically be connected to Acts 5:14 –

“And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women…”

The account of the arrest of the apostles is occurring at this same time. This is important because what is said in this chapter begins with continued problems for the apostles that need to be rectified, as well as continued persecution for the believers by the council. In this latter event, the enmity between the truth of God in Christ and the active fighting against it by the leaders of Israel continues to be highlighted.

This is logically necessary to show why Israel’s destruction and exile came about. Hence, these undertones that are provided are not unlike the book of Jeremiah which carefully details the reasons why the Lord destroyed the nation and exiled them to Babylon.

God did not just arbitrarily punish Israel in the Roman exile, but rather, the book of Acts stands as a witness against them for having failed to accept the One sent by God to fulfill the law and reconcile the people to Himself. As such, He turned to the Gentiles –

“They have provoked Me to jealousy by what is not God;
They have moved Me to anger by their foolish idols.
But I will provoke them to jealousy by those who are not a nation;
I will move them to anger by a foolish nation.” Deuteronomy 32:21

For now, it is during the time of the multiplying of the disciples that “there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists.” The word translated as “complaint” is goggusmos. It is an onomatopoeia. The sound of the word matches the sound of the grumbling. The word “Hellenists” refers to Grecian Jews. They are Jews who only speak Greek and not the language of those in Judea (Hebrew or Aramaic).

The meaning of the words is that a division had arisen between the Hebrew (or Aramaic) speaking Jews and the Greek-speaking Jews. One can imagine the Greek-speaking Jews muttering under their breath at what is taking place. Because they were of the Diaspora and returned to the land not speaking the native language, they were considered as second-class citizens.

To understand the situation and the reference to other key points that will be seen in Acts, Vincent’s Word Studies provides background information into the matter –

“The word Hellenists denotes Jews, not Greeks, but Jews who spoke Greek. The contact of Jews with Greeks was first effected by the conquests of Alexander. He settled eight thousand Jews in the Thebais, and the Jews formed a third of the population of his new city of Alexandria. From Egypt they gradually spread along the whole Mediterranean coast of Africa. They were removed by Seleucus Nicator from Babylonia, by thousands, to Antioch and Seleucia, and under the persecutions of Antiochus Epiphanes scattered themselves through Asia Minor, Greece, Macedonia, and the Aegean islands. The vast majority of them adopted the Greek language, and forgot the Aramaic dialect which had been their language since the Captivity. The word is used but twice in the New Testament – here and Acts 9:29 – and, in both cases, of Jews who had embraced Christianity, but who spoke Greek and used the Septuagint version of the Bible instead of the original Hebrew or the Chaldaic targum or paraphrase. The word Ἕλλην [Hellén], Greek, which is very common in the New Testament, is used in antithesis, either to ‘Barbarians’ or to ‘Jews.’ In the former case it means all nations which spoke the Greek language (see Acts 18:17; Romans 1:14; 1 Corinthians 1:22, 1 Corinthians 1:23). In the latter it is equivalent to Gentiles (see Romans 1:16; Romans 2:9; 1 Corinthians 10:32; Galatians 2:3). Hence, in either case, it is wholly different from Hellenist.”

With this understood, the actual reason for the division is next explained, saying, “because their widows were neglected.”

The word translated as “neglected” is in the imperfect tense. It means that this was something ongoing. Being overlooked would not be unexpected in such a situation. A person who didn’t speak the language and who was alone and without anyone to speak for her, would have a difficult time going forward and being listened to. Those with an understandable voice would naturally receive attention without any difficulty and the others would be overlooked.

However, the problem wasn’t that they were overlooked in getting their hair cut at the local salon. It was a much more pressing need. They were missing out “in the daily distribution.”

In other words, the money that was raised was to be distributed as needs arose. The Hebrew widows were coming forward and were receiving what they needed, but the Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked, and that habitually. As such, they were truly alone, with no support, and even the distribution by the church – which they depended on to simply survive – was not being fair towards them.

Life application: It is always easy to take the path of least resistance. When someone speaks another language or has a different way of doing things than we do, it is easier to overlook them and sidle up to those we are more comfortable with. In and of itself, there is nothing wrong with this, but when it causes a division in the church, it needs to be addressed.

People come into a local church to be a part of it. If they don’t receive any care or attention, it will be perceived as if their needs are less important than the others.  But needs are needs, not wants. It is important to identify what true needs are and then address them in all of those we fellowship with.

It is right to be attentive to all, even those we may not want to be especially close to. Endeavor to look around you and see who is being left out of close and personal contact, and be sure to make an extra effort to be attentive to them as well.

Heavenly Father, give us the wisdom to identify needs in others and to respond to them, even when they may have a different culture, color, or way of doing things. Help us to give of ourselves to everyone and not just isolate ourselves with those we feel most comfortable with. Help us in this, O Lord. Amen.

Time for soap (Texas sure is dusty).

Tuesday, 22 March 2022

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. Acts 5:42

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 apostles had just “departed from the council.” As they departed, they rejoiced because “they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” With that, we come to the last verse of Chapter 5 which is an important verse to consider carefully.

There are pastors, preachers, teachers, and denominations that adamantly state Christians are bound to some, or all of the precepts of the Law of Moses. In order to justify this, they will tear verses out of their context in order to make their case. For example, this is an often-cited set of verses –

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. ¹⁸ For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. ¹⁹ Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ²⁰ For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:17-20

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15

“But Jesus also said, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. ³ Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.’” Matthew 23:2, 3

Jesus directly told those with Him that they were to observe (be obedient to) those who sit in Moses’ seat. They were the authority in the land, and they were thus to be obeyed. With that in mind, Luke begins this final verse of the chapter with, “And daily in the temple.”

The temple is the central point of Jerusalem, the place where the law of Moses was administered. Paul explains the significance of it, in relation to the law, in Galatians 4 –

“Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? ²² For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. ²³ But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, ²⁴ which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar— ²⁵ for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children— ²⁶ but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.” Galatians 4:21-26

The temple in Jerusalem represents the Law of Moses. It is a law of bondage. Luke continues with, “and in every house.”

The houses in Jerusalem are filled with the inhabitants of Jerusalem, meaning the people of Israel. It is the very people that Jesus had spoken to saying that they must observe whatever the leaders of Israel who sit in Moses’ seat direct. At both the temple and in the private homes of the people, it next says that “they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”

Acts 5:40, just two verses ago, said concerning those who sit in Moses’ seat, “when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.”

As this council is the very body referred to by Jesus, then either the apostles are directly disobeying Jesus’ words of Matthew 5 and John 14 (noted above), or something else is going on that is completely ignored by the heretics in these denominations, teaching that we must observe the Law of Moses.

Life application: There are five principal rules that should be considered at all times when evaluating Bible passages. There are many others, but these five must be considered –

Is the passage prescriptive? (Does it prescribe anything?)
Is the passage descriptive? (Is this merely describing something?)
Context. (What is the context?)
Context. (What is the context?)
Context. (What is the context?)

As you can see, the final three rules are so important that they are one thought that needs to be drummed into our heads at least three times to make sure error does not creep into our consideration of a passage.

Considering Matthew 5:17-20 (above), are those verses prescriptive or descriptive? They are both. They prescribe something for the intended audience, and yet they only describe what occurred for anyone who is not the intended audience; they tell what was said by Jesus to the people gathered before Him.

Context: Who was Jesus speaking to? Israel. Under what authority was Israel living? The Law of Moses. Who was the Law of Moses given to? Israel? Was the Law of Moses given to any other group of people? No. What did Jesus say? He did not come to destroy the Law or the prophets. Rather, He came to fulfill them.

After that, He said that the Law is a binding code. He then went on to speak of the leaders of Israel, living under the law and doing more than any other people in the land in their attempt to meet the requirements of the law, saying that their attempts were insufficient to enter the kingdom of heaven and that every person there needed to do more than they (the scribes and Pharisees) needed to do in order to enter that kingdom. That would include being obedient to those leaders because they sat in Moses’ seat (Matthew 23:2, 3).

As this was impossible, then they need to again consider Jesus’ words. He did not come to destroy the Law or the prophets… but to fulfill them. As the highest authorities of Israel fell short of meeting the requirements to enter the kingdom of heaven, then NO PERSON of Israel could meet those same requirements. Hence, Jesus came to fulfill them on our behalf. In His fulfilling of them, the law is:

Annulled (Hebrews 7:18).
Obsolete (Hebrews 8:13).
Taken away (Hebrews 10:9).
Wiped out (erased) and nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14).

One must choose where he will hang his hat. If one desires to be under the law, he must meet every single precept of the law perfectly, not letting even one fall short. He must also obey those who sit in Moses’ seat, something the apostles of Acts 5:45 refused to do – thus, ostensibly, violating Jesus’ words under the law. As they did this, it means that either they have not met the requirements of the law, or they are not… under the law. The latter is correct. They had entered into the New Covenant and for them, the Old was annulled, obsolete, and taken away.

To obey Jesus’ commandments (John 14:15 cited above) means to be obedient to Jesus’ words under the New Covenant, not the Old. Moses gave the Old, not Jesus. Either the words Jesus spoke under the Old were flagrantly disregarded by the apostles, or they were no longer the context of the lives of those apostles. The latter is true. Jesus’ commandments center on Jesus, not on Moses.

Summary: Doctrine matters.

Lord God, after we have come to Christ, please lead us to teachers with sound doctrine. And then give us the wisdom to learn it and apply it to our lives. Amen.