Acts (Written)

Tuesday, 1 March 2022

And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. Acts 5:21

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 angel who had set the apostles free from the prison instructed them to go and stand in the temple in order to speak to the people “all the words of this life.” With that instruction, the apostles complied as is evidenced in this verse, beginning with, “And when they heard that.”

It is referring to the apostles. They heard the instruction they were given and having understood, they next immediately complied, as Luke next records that “they entered the temple.”

In this, there isn’t just compliance, but immediate compliance. One might think that they would tell the disciples how they were, what had happened, or where they were going. Or, maybe, after a long night of being in the prison, they might decide to get two hours of sleep or at least stop along the way for a bit of falafel. However, the record indicates that they immediately headed to the temple. Luke notes it was “early in the morning.”

The Greek reads, “at the daybreak.” It is a word used for the third and last time, othros. That comes from oros, meaning a mountain or hill. As such, one gets the sense of the rising of the light and thus the breaking of the day. It is literally as the sun is starting to shoot forth that they entered the temple “and taught.” The verb in Greek is imperfect. Literally, they “were teaching.”

Luke’s words give us the sense of immediate compliance and continued action. This then sets up the words to come. While everyone else was having a nice night of sleep, the apostles were in custody. By the time others were getting up, they were already at the temple teaching. And as the coming events are recorded, they were still in the temple teaching. The narrative continues to unfold with the words, “But the high priest and those with him came.”

This may be the same group noted in Acts 4:6, or it is some other group that happened to be with the high priest at the time. Luke didn’t feel it necessary to name them as he had in verse 4:6, and so it may be that either the eyewitness he interviewed was unsure, or the same people are again together. Having noted this, it says that they “called the council together.”

This would be the entire Sanhedrin. Along with them, Luke next notes, “with all the elders of the children of Israel.” This is a word found only this once in Scripture, gerousia. That is derived from the word gerón, an old man. Thus, it is the body of elders. Vincent’s Word Studies gives a detailed description of who these would be –

“From γέρων, an old man, like the Latin senatus, from senex, old. Taking on very early an official sense, the notion of age being merged in that of dignity. … The word in this passage is the name of the Spartan assembly, Gerousia, the assembly of elders, consisting of thirty members, with the two kings. ‘The well-known term,’ as Meyer remarks, ‘is fittingly transferred from the college of the Greek gerontes to that of the Jewish presbyters.’ They summoned, not only those elders of the people who were likewise members of the Sanhedrim, but the whole council (all the senate) of the representatives of the people.”

The obvious meaning is that the high priest and his associates wanted a full debate over what to do, and they certainly were hoping for a complete crushing of this sect that had arisen. With the elders of the land involved, every city would be apprised of the council’s decision, and they would then work to implement whatever was decided in each city they came from. Once this large body of men was gathered, Luke next notes that they “sent to the prison.”

This is the third description of the place of their incarceration. The first was verse 5:18 and it signified public custody. The next was in verse 5:19, and it was described as a prison. Now, the word desmótérion is used. It is a dungeon, a place of bondage. Hence, the different aspects of their confinement are carefully noted by Luke. First, there is the public custody, then being placed under guard, and finally their being put into bonds.

Noting this, then, adds weight to the miraculous delivery from incarceration. The angel didn’t just walk into a public custody and usher them out, but he loosed them from their bonds, delivered them from the guards, and didn’t stop to sign them out at the register. With them out of the prison, but without the knowledge of this, the great assembled council has sent “to have them brought.”

There will certainly be a surprise and curiosity ahead for all involved in this.

Life application: As has been often noted, Acts is describing the events that occurred. And they really happened. The apostles were safely brought out of a guarded dungeon and then they immediately went out to tell others about the good news of Jesus.

People claim all kinds of fancy things from Acts and apply them to their own doctrine or life situation, but it is not likely that they will ever claim that they fully expect to be delivered miraculously from prison. They may be brought out through the legal system, through an inventive escape plan, or delivered from execution, but it is doubtful people held in prison today go in expecting that an angel will transport them out of the cell and to safety.

In considering this, we see the folly of attempting to turn Acts into prescriptions over things we want to apply to our religious experience, like a visible manifestation of the coming of the Spirit. That is no more prescriptive than is the account now being evaluated. Both merely describe what occurred, they prescribe nothing, and neither is to be considered normative for the church today.

Let us carefully evaluate Acts because it gives us marvelous insights into how the church developed but let us never attempt to co-opt parts of stories for our own experiences when they are simply not going to happen.

It is so very wonderful to know that You have the power to deliver us from all trials and troubles, Lord. But we also know that we have been placed here to experience exactly such things in our walk before You. We are molded, shaped, and formed into more perfect followers of You through such times. And so, Lord, help us to accept such things as precious tools of instruction. Thank You for all such things as this that mold us for Your purposes! Amen.

Monday, 28 February 2022

“Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” Acts 5:20

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, having been brought out of their place of custody by an angel, are now instructed by him, saying, “Go, stand in the temple.”

This is the public place where the people would hear their message. It is also the place where things would be most carefully monitored by those on duty at any given time. This then speaks of both a public charge and one that is to be without fear of reprisal. They are to go back out and get about the business set before them by the Lord, which is to “speak to the people.”

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The apostles are to speak forth this word that they had heard. They are to speak forth about the One they had seen. And they are to convey the message that He has commissioned them with. If the Lord can send an angel to deliver them all from the prison, then He will not abandon them as they stand in the temple that bears His name as they proclaim the word He has put into their mouths! There is to be no fear, but rather boldness on their part as they speak “all the words of this life.”

The words, “this life,” refer to the coming of the Messiah and of those who receive Him as being positionally “in Him,” saved from this fallen world and granted the guarantee of eternal life. Jesus spoke about the contrasting lives in John 6 –

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. ⁶⁴ But there are some of you who do not believe.” John 6:63, 64

Peter then followed up with his understanding of the matter –

“But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’” John 6:68

The words “this life” then do not refer to a new philosophy about how to live out our lives as better people. They do not refer to how we can obtain status, wealth, power, or any other such thing. They do not refer to how to be free from sickness or troubles, nor do they speak about how to be content and satisfied in all situations. These are earthly approaches to an earthly existence. Although any of these things may come upon a follower of Christ, none of them may come as well. And yet, the life that is now lived is one that has a hope that extends beyond what we now experience.

What “this life” means is atonement of sin, freedom from condemnation (resulting from sin), eternal life in a new and incorruptible body, and the hope of an existence that has been prepared by God for those upon whom His favor shall eternally rest. It is an existence that comes solely by faith in the completed work of Jesus Christ. And it is also a life that comes with a guarantee that it is so, the sealing of the Holy Spirit.

What the apostles are being charged to proclaim at the temple is the same as what has now been carefully recorded in the epistles for us to read and understand with perfect clarity. It is the hope of God in Christ.

Life application: Proclaiming the message of the gospel is the duty and responsibility of those who know it. We are not just to get saved and then spend the rest of our lives keeping it secret. It is a message that must be shared in order for others to receive what we have received.

And it is a message we are not to be fearful in speaking out. This is because “this life” is now an eternal one. If you believe that, then the persecutions we face are simply a step on the path to what lies ahead. What is there to fear? If we are guaranteed what God has granted, then to die is gain, not loss. Paul gives us words to consider in this matter –

“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written:
‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’
⁵⁵ ‘O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?’
⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:54-58

God has our future taken care of. Let’s consider this as we live out our lives right now.

Heavenly Father, help us to look at the world as a temporary step on the way to a glorious new life. Christ has done the work, we have been granted reconciliation, and what happens now is only a temporary and transitory moment on the way to eternal glory. Help us to remember this always. We are Yours. Use us for Your glory and according to Your wisdom. Amen.

Sunday, 27 February 2022

But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, Acts 5:19

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

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

The events to this point are that the high priest and those with him have risen up against the apostles, laid their hands on them, and have put them in public custody. With that context stated, it next says, “But at night.”

The Greek word dia is used, signifying “through.” As such it is at some point during the course of the night that came “an angel of the Lord.”

The lack of any article means that this is simply an angel, or messenger, of the Lord and not a manifestation of the Lord Himself. This messenger has been sent as is later stated in Hebrews as a “ministering spirit” who is directed to help those saved by the Lord. With him now sent, it says that he “opened the prison doors.”

Here, Luke now uses the word phulaké, a prison. The public custody they were taken to in the previous verse is noted as a prison. Hence, it is a locked and guarded chamber of some sort. However, Luke leaves out any particular details. He doesn’t say if the messenger came to the apostles in the place where they were incarcerated or if he came from outside, opening the door for them to exit. It doesn’t say anything about any guards standing by as well. We are given only the most relevant information. They were incarcerated, a messenger of the Lord has come, and he has opened the doors for them. With this noted, it says, “and brought them out, and said…”

Again, minimal information is provided. Where they were brought out to, the time of the night, and other such details are not given by Luke. At other times, Luke will be more specific, but for this account, he is only telling in broad brushstrokes what occurred. Now that they have been brought out, however, he has words for them which will come in the next verse.

Life application: It is not uncommon for people to claim angelic visitations. Just search the internet and there is an almost unlimited supply of such accounts in blogs, on YouTube videos, and so on. However, you probably won’t find any people claiming they were miraculously released from a locked prison in the middle of the night. Something verifiable like that can easily be disproven.

Rather, claims of angelic visitations are general in nature and they make wild and fantastic claims about things that have been seen, special words from God that have been given, and so on. And more, those who make these claims aren’t just made by “Christians.” They are found among people of almost any religion you can think of.

Is it reasonable to think that God would give a vision to a non-Christian? Of course not. Why would He validate the thinking of a non-believer concerning his false religion? Is it reasonable to assume that God would tell a non-believer that he needs Jesus? No. If He did, it would then contradict His own word, given by inspiration of the Spirit, that we are to be the ones to spread this message, and that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

And if there are innumerable claims of such things from non-believers concerning their angelic visitations, then why should we believe anyone, even those who claim to be Christians, concerning such things? That is what got millions of people going down the wrong path when Joseph Smith claimed he was visited by the angel Moroni. It is what got countless souls misdirected by Ellen G. White, the leader of the Seventh Day Adventists. And so forth.

If God truly intended for us to accept the testimony of such lunatics as those false prophets, He would have given us more credible proofs of their claims to look for in His word. But He has not. Rather, He has given us His word that has been completed. It is now the place where we are to turn in order to hear the voice of the Lord.

What is recorded in Acts describes what occurred as the church was being established. These things happened, they were sufficiently witnessed to and recorded, and they prescribe nothing. Nor are they considered normative for the church age. Normative for us means, “Pick up your Bible and read it. There you will find your instruction.” Who will you trust? God has spoken. Trust Him!

Thank You for the surety of Your word, O God. In it is all we need for our life, our doctrine, and for the practice of our faith. We have the story of Jesus, we have the promises of His coming for us. We have hope of eternity in Your presence because of what He has done. What more could we ask for! It is sufficient and we are grateful for what You have told us there. Thank You for Your word. Amen.

Saturday, 26 February 2022

and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. Acts 5:18

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

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

The previous verse noted the rising up of the high priest and those with him from the sect of the Sadducees, being filled with indignation. From there it now says, “and laid their hands.” It is essentially the same words found in Acts 4:3, an account that occurred in the same general manner as is happening now –

“Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, ² being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. ³ And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.” Acts 4:1-3

There is an active arrest going on. This time it isn’t just Peter and John, but it more generally says, “on the apostles.” No indication is given if it is all the apostles, or just some of them, but those that had been meeting together at the time are certainly who are being referred to, be it five, eight, or all twelve. From there, it next notes the actions of those arresting them, saying, “and put them in the common prison.”

The translation is not correct. There is no definite article, and the word translated as “prison” signifies “custody” as in Acts 4:3. A literal rendering would be “and put them in public custody.” Once again, trouble from the leading authorities of Israel has come upon those who are proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Life application: There are pastors, evangelists, teachers, etc., who spend their entire lives without ever being confronted with arrest for their teaching. And then, there are some who seem to be hounded by the authorities at every turn. The reason can be as simple as the person is a miscreant who is looking for attention and willingly goes outside of the bounds of propriety in a culture, or even beyond the legally set laws of the land.

There is nothing heroic in this, but such people are often heralded as champions of freedom or lights for the oppressed. But then, there are those men who are simply upholding the values of Scripture and teaching what is distasteful to those in leadership positions, even if they are not doing anything wrong. In this, the leaders are the ones who go beyond the legally set laws of the land, imposing their corrupt power upon the people, attempting to silence anyone who they disagree with.

There are many varied other levels of such things as well. Scripture gives us general guidelines concerning obedience to the governing authorities, but it also teaches that God’s word must come first in all matters. If the word of God is silenced by a nation, then that must be disobeyed.

As far as moral, cultural, or governmental issues not directly addressed by the Bible, each person must evaluate his position within the society and decide if what he intends to do is right or wrong. For example, the constitution of the US grants certain freedoms. At times, the government, usually the lefties, will attempt to override those freedoms. And yet, the issue really has nothing to do with Scripture. In such instances, it is up to the citizens to decide how to respond to such matters.

The Bible should not be used to make cases against government tyranny when the issue has nothing to do with the Bible. But the Bible is to be the ultimate standard for the conduct of believers in Jesus Christ. When a government attempts to silence Christians concerning matters directly related to their faith, or when a government mandates disobedience to the precepts of Scripture, it is incumbent upon men of God to stand against those unlawful edicts.

Let us pray for wisdom in such matters, and may we be firm that the Bible is the ultimate standard by which we will conduct our lives before God.

Most gracious and kind God, please grant us the wisdom to know when to act in matters concerning our faith when it is necessary to do so. But may we refrain from acting improperly concerning such matters when the Bible is silent on them. We need a proper balance in our thinking. And so, Lord, grant us wisdom in these things. To Your glory we pray. Amen.

Friday, 25 February 2022

Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, Acts 5:17

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

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

The previous verses spoke of the multitudes who were bringing the sick out into the streets and others coming from surrounding cities, all to be healed. In this, healings were taking place, and it signifies that people were believing that healing was possible. When it came about, the message of the good news would be more readily accepted as well. As such, it would obviously cause consternation to the leaders. This verse now shows that is exactly what occurred, beginning with, “Then the high priest rose up.”

The word “Then” is probably better rendered as “But.” This is given in contrast to the healings. Many people came for healing, but that led to a negative effect on the high priest and other authorities. It seems as if Luke is purposefully stating this directly after the healings which would have caused the people to “rise up” from their beds (for example, see Mark 9:27 where the same word is used) upon being healed. And so, a sort of negative pun is being given. In their healing, the people were “rising up,” but this caused a rising up in anger by the jealous leaders of the people.

But more, the same word is also used of rebels in Acts 5:36, 37. And so another contrast is probably being inferred between the true leadership of the Lord and the rebellious leadership of the high priest against the Lord. Depending on when this occurred, this high priest could be Caiaphas, noted in John 11:49. He was already opposed to Christ and His message. If he is still the high priest, his rebelliousness against the Lord continues on now. Further, Luke next says, “and all those who were with him.”

When one understands that this is a rising up against the purposes of the Lord, which is exactly what is being described, the expression unites these people with the high priest as if they are a bunch of thugs thronging together in order to work their mischief. Of this group, Luke specifically notes it “is the sect of the Sadducees.”

Here is a new word in Scripture, hairesis, translated as “sect.” It is where our modern word “heresy” is derived from. It signifies a philosophical division of adherents. The word especially stresses the personal choice of those who adhere to the particular belief.

Today, the word heresy is used in a manner that is not seen in the New Testament. Rather, because the truth of Jesus Christ is fully expressed in the New Testament, a more definite meaning has arisen. There is the truth of God in Christ, and there are all other incorrect religious philosophies, defined as “heresies,” because they are opposed to God’s truth.

As far as the sect itself, it is those of the Sadducees. This was a group whose philosophies included a belief that there is no resurrection and that there are no angels or spirits (Acts 23:8). This group would find the work of the apostles especially troublesome because of this. The apostles’ main message was that they were sent on behalf of Jesus, who had risen from the dead. Further, they were specifically said to be healing people who had unclean spirits in verse 5:16. These Sadducees will be even more upset when an angel clearly works on behalf of the apostles in verse 5:19.

For now, it states that the high priest, along with these obviously frustrated Sadducees, “were filled with indignation.” The word is zelos. It signifies zeal, eagerness, enthusiasm, and also jealousy. It is this last word, jealousy, that drives them to be zealous against the message of the apostles.

They see the expansion of the church. They see the multitudes surely praising God for the healings they have personally experienced or witnessed, and so on. In this, their jealousy at their own inability to have the same effect on the people would lead to them enthusiastically wanting to end what they perceived as a great threat to their authority, and also to their obviously faulty doctrine.

Life application: Today, heresies need to be identified, and aberrant cults and unsound doctrines need to be highlighted. We are shown this by example (for example, see Galatians 2:11-21), and we are told this explicitly as well (such as in Ephesians 4:14 and elsewhere).

Therefore, it is not wrong – and indeed it is exactly correct – to call out those who are teaching unsound doctrines. But it is also true that when this occurs, those who are teaching these lies and distortions will not sit idly by and take it. They will be just like the high priest and the Sadducees, and they will rise in jealousy against those who speak the truth.

As this is so, those who see this occurring must decide who has the valid argument and the proper doctrine. How are they going to do this? Will it be by casting lots? Should they do it by deciding who is wearing the best clothes? Does a title (such as Dr., Rev., Apostle, and so on) indicate right doctrine? Is a person’s culture (such as being Jewish) an identifier that he knows more than someone of another culture?

What is it that will allow the one being presented with varying doctrines to decide which is wrong and which is right, or if both are wrong? The answer is, “Unless you already know the Bible and what it says on that particular issue, you cannot properly evaluate what is presented.”

Hence, you are directed to read this word, meditate on it, contemplate it, and then defend it. This is what God, in his word, asks you to do. He wants you to be prepared because Satan already is. And Satan has many followers who would gladly steal you away from what is proper. Be in the word! The Sadducees arose against the Lord’s designated apostles. Today, there are innumerable sects that are there to do the same against the truth of the word. Be prepared!

Lord God Almighty, please be with us as we face the many troubling characters who come stealthily into the church and present that which is false so that they can direct attention to themselves. Help us to be responsible and to know Your word, reading it and meditating on it constantly. Give us wisdom in this, O God. May it be so. Amen.