Acts (Written)

York Residence, Pall Mall

Thursday, 20 January 2022

So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. Acts 4:18

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 said, “But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” The intent of those words is now conveyed in the council’s injunction as explained by Luke, beginning with, “So they called them.”

In verse 19, only Peter and John will be noted. However, it is likely that these words were conveyed to the beggar as well. It is hard to imagine it would be otherwise, but the focus is on the apostles. The only thing that will be expressed about the beggar is found in verse 4:22. That will be a reference to his age, but the location of where the man himself is has been dropped from the narrative. As far as the words of the council, it simply says they called the apostles “and commanded them.”

The word translated as “commanded” is used by Luke several times when he refers to Jesus’ commanding those who were healed, or who saw His healing, not to tell anyone about the matter. It was also seen in Acts 1:4 when He commanded those assembled with Him to not depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father. As such, one gets the sense of an order that is to be maintained without exception. As far as the command from the council, it is “not to speak at all nor teach.”

The structure of the Greek words bears a strong emphasis. It is a strict prohibition as if saying, “You are absolutely never to speak or teach – at all – concerning this matter.” Further, Luke introduces a word into Scripture here that will only be seen again in 2 Peter 2:16 and 2 Peter 2:18. In 2 Peter 2:16, it is a reference to the donkey speaking to Balaam that is found in the book of Numbers. HELPS Word Studies gives a definition of the word that is exactly the opposite of what it means. They say –

“…to make a generic or unintelligible sound (resembling the whinny of a horse, LS); (figuratively) to speak in a way that is not understandable to the listener (‘unintelligible’).”

Rather, it means “to utter a clear sound” (Strong’s). It comes from the word pheggos, meaning brightness or light, and phémi, to declare. As such, Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines it, saying, “to give out a sound, noise, or cry; used by the Greeks of any sort of sound or voice, whether of man or animal or inanimate object — as of thunder, musical instruments, etc.; (φθέγγεσθαι [phtheggesthai]) denotes sound in its relation to the hearer rather than to its cause.”

When the donkey spoke to Balaam, it was a clearly understood proclamation. Likewise, the council was also clear. There was to be no proclamation made, nor teaching conducted “in the name of Jesus.”

As in the previous verse, the preposition in the Greek is epi, upon. They were not to speak or teach “upon” the name of Jesus. The name is the foundation of their proclamation, and the command is that they were not to make such an utterance again. The reason this is important is because the same preposition is used in Matthew 23:2 –

“saying, ‘Upon the seat of Moses the Pharisees and scribes sit.’”

Moses’ seat means his place of position and authority. It is the foundation of the law, and the Pharisees and scribes sat upon it. They are clearly calling the apostles to not speak upon the name of Jesus because it would clearly usurp their position upon the seat of Moses. But this is exactly what has happened. This is explained meticulously in Hebrews –

“Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), ⁹ then He said, ‘Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.’ He takes away the first that He may establish the second. ¹⁰ By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:8-10

The words “the first” and “the second” are referring to the Old and the New Covenants. Jesus’ work takes away the Old Covenant. The authority of Moses’ seat rests in Him, the embodiment of the law. As such, he is the Foundation of the New Covenant, and through His work a new and better hope is realized. The slight correction of the preposition makes a huge difference in being able to properly evaluate and understand what is being conveyed.

The council knows full well what the healing of the beggar means, but they have rejected that meaning and have fallen back on Moses. Their hope is a futile one, indeed. Because of their choice, their condemnation remains.

Life application: A couple important lessons are to be realized from studying this verse. The first is to think on the explanation of Greek words rather than to assume a commentary’s evaluation is necessarily correct. The meaning of the word translated as “speak” is exactly the opposite of what HELPS Word Studies gave (as noted above). Rather than to make an unintelligible sound, it is to speak out so that what is said is clearly understood by the hearer.

The second lesson is that just because a translation, or many translations, all say the same thing, it does not mean that they are correct. After analyzing this verse for commentary, forty-six versions of this verse were compared. Only one rendered the preposition as given in the Greek, the Literal Emphasis Translation, which says, “And having called them, they commanded them to not speak at all nor to teach upon the name of Jesus.”

And yet, the meaning of “upon” has a set and definite purpose that more clearly and perfectly explains the intent of what is being said. The contrast concerning the seat of Moses (upon which the council sat) to the position of Christ who now is at the right hand of God (Act 2:33) is absolute.

Because of these things, be sure to spend as much time and thought as necessary to consider the Scripture that you are studying. Think on what is presented, meditate on what you have read, and ask the Lord to lead you as you consider this magnificent treasure we call “the Holy Bible.”

Lord God, Your word is a treasure. It is a light to our feet as we walk along the path of life. It is a lamp that illuminates the world around us so that we can avoid evil and pursue what is good and right. Help us, O God, to carefully and conscientiously consider Your word each and every day of our lives. Amen.

Home of Sgt York

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” Acts 4:17

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 council has deliberated concerning the matter of the healing and the apostle’s proclamation. They have even acknowledged that they cannot deny the authenticity of what occurred in the healing of the man. But they feel they must respond to what has occurred nonetheless, and so they render their decision, saying, “But so that it spreads no further.”

It has already been noted that what occurred has become “evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem,” as noted in the previous verse. However, being Galileans, it is certain that they would pass the words on to others visiting from Galilee, and they would probably continue to proclaim Christ to others visiting Jerusalem as well. If they were to go back to Galilee, there would even be their firsthand witness to share with the people. With just a few men, the entire nation could be apprised of the event rather quickly “among the people.”

This is the threat. If the message of Jesus is conveyed, saying that He has risen and it has been validated by a sign, it would mean that the leaders were complicit in the crucifixion of the Messiah. What would at first be news of a great miracle and the coming of the Messiah, would quickly turn into a backlash against the authorities who failed to recognize that He was, in fact, the Messiah. The people would no longer be compliant to their failed leadership. As such, the decision is to “let us severely threaten them.”

Manuscripts vary here. Some simply say, “threaten them.” Others say, “threaten them with a threat.” The latter seems more natural from the Hebrew perspective. Repeating a word in this manner is a common form of literary device that magnifies the intent of a matter. One might say, “With blessing I will bless you,” or “With killing you shall kill him.” In this, the matter is intensified. If this is what they said, it is likely Luke would have carefully recorded the intent of their words into the Greek.

Either way, their words will have no effect on the men. They will immediately refuse to comply and Acts 5 will have them once again arrested and taken before the council resulting in an even stricter penalty levied upon them. For now, however, the words of the council continue with, “that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”

The Greek preposition is epi, “upon.” It is the same one that was used in Acts 3:16. At that time, it was noted that Peter had healed the man based upon the faith found in (based upon) the name of Jesus. The same is being conveyed here. The council does not want the apostles to speak upon the name of Jesus, meaning as a foundational subject of their faith.

This is what defines the words “that it spreads no further.” The miracle was simply a proof of the authority of the name. It is the name that both convicts and offends, and it is proclaiming the foundation of that name that the council demands should come to an end.

Life application: Philippians 2 refers to the name of Jesus in the most exalted way that it could be proclaimed –

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, ¹¹ and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2: 9-11

This is a citation based upon Isaiah 45:23 –

“I have sworn by Myself;
The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness,
And shall not return,
That to Me every knee shall bow,
Every tongue shall take an oath.”

Paul directly equates the name and authority of the Lord (Yehovah) of the Old Testament to Jesus in the new, clearly identifying the two as the same Being. As such, the name of Jesus is an affront and an offence to both Jew and to Gentile. The Jew (meaning the nation of Israel) has rejected the name. The Gentile world, for the most part, also rejects it. There are innumerable religions and false gods associated with them. To be told that someday all will bow the knee to Jesus is an obvious affront to those people.

And more, many within supposed “Christian” denominations also find the name an affront because they proclaim “another Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:4). Thus, it is intolerable even to them that they have gotten things wrong.

With advancements in internet technology, the true Jesus can easily be contrasted to the false. No wonder the whole world will someday be opposed to the true gospel! The timing of the rapture, despite false predictions that arise almost daily, is (and will remain) completely unknown to us until it happens. There is no guarantee that believers will be free from intense persecution before that day. Indeed, in much of the world, this is as common as sand is in the desert.

If we truly believe the message of Christ, we must be willing to stand for it – even through any adversity that must come. This is not an issue of losing one’s salvation, but it is an issue of demonstrating faith to a world that increasingly needs such a witness. If not you, then who? Be sure to hold fast the name which is above every name. Hold fast to JESUS.

Gracious and merciful heavenly Father, You have done all that we need in order to be reconciled to You. As such, is it too difficult a thing for us to do all that we can to share this message of hope and reconciliation? Give us the fortitude to stand fast in the exalted name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

House of Sgt. Alvin C. York

Tuesday, 18 January 2022

saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. Acts 4:16

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 verse now begins in the middle of a thought that started with the previous verse. Taken together, they read –

“But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, ¹⁶ saying, ‘What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.’”

As can be seen, it is the council that has gathered together that has sent Peter and John outside while they confer. With them excused, they begin by “saying, ‘What shall we do to these men?’”

For such a council, the question is wholly inappropriate. They were called together to hear a matter, judge as to its legality in accord with the law, and to then determine the verdict on that matter alone. The verdict was to be “Guilty before the law” or “Not guilty of violating the law.” Only if a finding of guilt was determined would a punishment then be decided upon. And that too was to be according to whatever the law set forth.

Nothing like this is now taking place. To ask, “What shall we do to these men?”, is to decide a punishment without a verdict of guilt. It is obvious that what they wanted was to quiet them concerning the message they proclaimed. But it is a message that was validated as to its truth, as they themselves note, saying, “For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done.”

Rather than “miracle,” the word sémeion, or “sign,” is used. It should be translated as such. It is true that this was a miracle, but miracles are often signs. However, miracles don’t necessarily point to something else. They are often simply a demonstration of power which results in an effect. A sign goes further and points to something else.

In this case, it is a sign because it points directly to the fact that Jesus is the Messiah. It is a confirmation of this to the house of Israel. This is evident from what occurred in the healing of the beggar. He did not have faith to be healed. In fact, he did nothing. The record shows that Peter simply saw him and healed him. A miracle? Yes. But it is a miracle that is a sign –

“And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, ‘Look at us.’ ⁵ So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. ⁶ Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’ ⁷ And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” Acts 3:4-7

After this, Peter spoke to the people clearly stating that it was not they who healed the man, but rather the faith which is found in Jesus (not the man’s faith) that made it possible. This was carefully detailed during the analysis of Acts 3. It is this sign that was given, and the council even acknowledges that it is so. They go further, though, saying that the sign has been done “through them.”

It is an absolute confirmation that the sign points to something else. The sign was done dia, through, them. They were simply the means, not the Source, by which it came about. This is the same thing that is revealed in the confirmation that the Lord was with Moses. He was given three signs while on Mount Sinai. They were given to him to validate that his authority came from the Lord. When Moses presented them to the people, the signs confirmed the messengers –

“So Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord who had sent him, and all the signs which He had commanded him. ²⁹ Then Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel. ³⁰ And Aaron spoke all the words which the Lord had spoken to Moses. Then he did the signs in the sight of the people. ³¹ So the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel and that He had looked on their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.” Exodus 4:28-31

The people believed that the Lord was with Moses and Aaron. What they ultimately failed to do was to believe the Lord who sent them. The same is true here. That begins to be seen with the next words where they acknowledge that the sign done through them “is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem.”

Everyone who saw the healing of the beggar had to face the stark truth that it was a miracle. But more, they had to acknowledge that it was a confirmation of the power of Jesus, a sign. The apostles denied that they had been the source of the healing. Instead, they openly stated Who the Source was.

The sign pointed to the truth that Jesus is, in fact, alive. As such, it means He resurrected. And because of this, it proves that He is the Messiah. Even the council knew it was a sign. Not only was it evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, but they finish the thought with, “and we cannot deny it.”

Astonishingly, their own words testify to the truth of the matter, and their own words testify against them. They believed the words of the apostles that Jesus worked through them, but just like Israel at Moses’ time, they have failed to believe in the Lord who sent them.

Life application: Head knowledge does not always equate to acceptance of the heart. There are people in churches, denominations, and seminaries all over the world that know what the Bible says about Jesus being resurrected. They know what the doctrine of the Trinity states. They know Jesus is said to be God incarnate. These things are understood by them. And yet, they don’t believe the God who has revealed these things.

Their religion is dead because they have never appropriated the grace of God by simply believing the gospel. Unless the head knowledge becomes belief in the heart, they are as far from God as any pagan. God is not a point of academics. And the things He has done are not simply acts without meaning. The very creation calls out who God is and what He is like –

“The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
² Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
³ There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
⁴ Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.” Psalm 19:1-4

When we pursue knowledge, such as the knowledge of creation, we err if we do not include God in the pursuit. Our contemplation of all things should include God’s handiwork in what we are considering. With that in mind, we will become more and more in tune with a knowledge that goes beyond the mere mechanics of a thing. We will have an appreciation of why God has arranged things as He has.

May we let our every thought and study be guided by the desire to know more about our God who has so carefully arranged the world for man, and who has so consciously worked to return man to Himself through the giving of His Son.

Lord God, help us to see You as we seek out the wonders of life. Help us to appreciate You and all You have created and designed. You are worthy of our contemplations in such things. And so, may we never fail to add You into our evaluation of the things that we encounter from day to day. Amen.

M

Charlie’s truck parked at York Residence, Pall Mall, Tennessee

Monday, 17 January 2022

But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Acts 4:15

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).

Luke just noted that the council had no way of speaking against the healing of the beggar because he was there, standing with them. However, this doesn’t mean that a decision by the council could not be made. As such, Luke continues with, “But when they had commanded them.”

They are Israel’s leaders, and as such, they had the right to direct the men within the parameters of the law. Further, they had the right to deliberate matters that came before them. In order to do this, they determined it would be better to confer without the continued presence of the apostles and the healed man. Therefore, they were directed “to go aside out of the council.”

This is still a common practice in courts. Private discussions and reviews occur, such as when the jurists are directed to go into a private setting to decide a matter or when the judge and the lawyers confer alone. In this, the objective is obviously not to speak against the healing of the man, but to stop the apostles from speaking about Jesus. That is evident from earlier in this same chapter –

“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.” Acts 4:1, 2

The apostles were proclaiming Jesus was alive when those of the council had seen Him crucified and dead. They were proclaiming He was the Messiah when the leaders of the nation had rejected Him. They were proclaiming healing in His name while these same leaders had ambled past the man day after day without ever entertaining such a thought.

What was happening was like a stain upon them in many ways and they wanted it washed away. As such, they looked for an answer to the matter and “they conferred among themselves.”

The main reason for this private deliberation was to come to an agreed resolution on the matter. Each division of these men had something to gain from stopping the speech of the apostles, and each of them surely had something to lose if the matter was not handled properly. Certain aspects of their previous involvement in the crucifixion of Christ could come to light.

But more, and this surely had to be on their minds, is the continued nagging thought that what these men had been preaching might be true. The evidence of the healing was undeniable. The conversion of many thousands had already taken place. These things were not hidden in a corner. What was decided by this council wasn’t just a matter of imprisoning a couple of hicks from Galilee. Rather, it was something that appeared to be substantial, and it was growing more so with each day that passed.

Life application: Up to this point, the apostles have been obedient to the rulers of Israel. They allowed themselves to be taken into custody. They spent the night in the jail. They have stood before the council of leaders and stated their case. Now, they have complied with being removed from the council as it deliberates.

Likewise, Paul writes in Romans something that corresponds to Jesus’ words of rendering unto Caesar what is due to Caesar –

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. ² Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. ⁴ For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. ⁵ Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. ⁶ For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. ⁷ Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” Romans 13:1-7

At what point does allegiance to the governing authorities no longer apply? It is a question each person must be prepared to consider. Is it ever right to be disobedient to such authorities?

The Bible is often used as a tool to meet set agendas by one side or another. One common method is for those who couldn’t care one iota about God or what the Bible says to cite verses from Scripture in order to shame Christians into silence. This is consistently done by taking verses completely out of their intended context. But unless those Christians know what the context is, they may actually be having their rights stripped from them by the very source which gives them their rights within the faith in the first place.

Christians must know the Bible well enough to know when it is being cited properly or not. They must engage in critical thinking, and they must be grounded in what is morally right. Without these things, the Christian is set to be misused by those who may have evil intent for them. Please read and know your Bible.

Lord God, we thank You for Your wonderful word. May we be wise and diligently study it daily. Give us wisdom in its contents, the ability to discern its truths, and the smarts to know when it is being miscited by those who have perverse agendas. Yes, Lord. Help us to be well-informed concerning this precious word. Amen.

ThThe home of WWII Medal of Honor Recipient Alvin C. York.
Given to him by the people of Tennessee.

Sunday, 16 January 2022

And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. Acts 4:14

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 boldness of Peter and John despite being uneducated and untrained. It also noted that these two had been with Jesus. With that thought in mind, a thought that brought them into union with the One the council had supposedly done away with, the thought is surely that they must be punished for speaking about Jesus and the resurrection. However, there was a problem with that. Luke introduces that with the words, “And seeing the man.”

As in verse 4:10, it is evident that the man who was healed was right there in front of everyone. He would have been known by sight to anyone who regularly passed through the gate where he sat. His deformed and emaciated legs would have been readily apparent to them, and yet he now stood before them healed. And more, the credit has gone solely to the One they had crucified, and whom the apostles avowed had been resurrected. The apostles were proclaiming that it was in the power of His name that the council was seeing the man “who had been healed standing with them.”

This was a huge problem for them, because if every one of them had passed by the man time and time again, and if he had remained unhealed with each passing, it then meant that they – the leading men of Israel – were unable to do what these uneducated men were able to do by simply proclaiming healing in the name of Jesus.

They had seen the miracles of Jesus during His entire ministry. Again, and again, they had challenged Him and spoken against Him. And now, those who followed Him had performed their own miracle. But they had done it under the authority of His name. This would only be effective if His name truly had power, and His name could only hold such power if He was alive. The conundrum for them was an impossible one. As such, “they could say nothing against it.”

The Greek word, antilegó, translated as “say against,” signifies “to contradict.” It is a compound word coming from anti, or “opposite to,” and legó, meaning “to say.” The apostles have made a claim that the man was healed through Jesus. He stood there healed, something otherwise completely impossible for them to have done. As such, the authorities could not contradict their claim. If they could not do that, then they could not punish Peter and John for any wrongdoing, even if they wished to. And verse 4:21 indicates that this is exactly what the leaders wished to do.

Life application: Many have come to Christ over the years. Some simply accept the gospel, but their lives don’t need a lot of change. They simply believe and are grateful for what happened. Some have larger changes where it is evident a new direction has taken place. Friends of family may see it and be curious, or they may think the person has simply flipped out. They accept the change but aren’t sure of the power behind it. And then, there are those whose lives are so utterly changed that it truly is an inexplicable conversion.

Such a person may have been a brawler, a drunkard, a drug addict, a prostitute, or some other lost soul. Nobody would have ever thought he or she would amount to anything again. And yet, there he or she is, cleaned up and completely whole again. When asked what happened and the answer is “Jesus,” it is something that simply cannot be contradicted. What was otherwise ruined and on the way to the garbage dump of human history suddenly becomes a precious gem in the stream of human existence.

Such people are living testimonies to the healing power of the name of Jesus. But just because many believers did not have such tremendous conversions, it doesn’t change the fundamental truth that every person who comes to Christ has had such a change. They each went from being 100% lost to 100% saved. Let us remember this. It is an argument that anyone can use while witnessing to others.

God does not grade on a bell curve. Rather, there are the redeemed of the Lord, and then there are all others. The problem isn’t the severity of the sin, nor the amount of sin in one’s life. The problem is that there is sin in one’s life. Let us each be thankful for the healing that came about through Christ’s cross, and let us be willing to tell others of the gift that they too can share in. It is a gift that everyone needs.

Heavenly Father, we are all in need of Jesus. Being saved through His cross is something that no person can do without if they want to be restored to You. Help us to be able to explain this fundamental truth to all who we encounter along life’s path. Everything else will find its place after that, but help us to remember to get this truth through first. Help us to share the good news that is found in the forgiveness of sins, and eternal life through Jesus. Amen.