Acts (Written)

Abe Lincoln in bronze…

Saturday, 9 December 2023 

“Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’” Acts 22:21

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).

Paul just tried to defend why he was no longer a threat to the people, even after Jesus had told earlier him he should quickly leave Jerusalem on the first visit after his conversion. However, Jesus had already spoken, knowing what was best. Therefore, without allowing any further appeal, it next says, “Then He said to me, ‘Depart.’”

After Jesus’ first instruction to depart and Paul’s rebuttal concerning his certainty that the Jews would understand his conversion and surely convert as well, Jesus again instructs him to depart. What is implied in this is that Jesus knew that the Jews would continue to reject His Lordship.

The offer of salvation had been made, and those who were to accept it had done so. However, the leaders of the nation, thus representing the entire nation, had rejected their Messiah. Paul’s words would fall on deaf ears. But more, Jesus doesn’t just tell him to depart, but He specifically says, “for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.”

Jesus’ words directly imply that Paul’s being sent to the Gentiles was for the purpose of telling of his conversion, of the offer of salvation that extends to them, and that they would accept it.

There can be no doubt this is what is implied in His words based on the reaction that is forthcoming from the crowd. It must be remembered that the word “Gentiles” included the Romans who ruled over them and who stood between them and Paul at that very moment.

Israel was anticipating a Messiah who would break off their yoke and set them at the head of the nations. One of many prominent sets of verses that promise this is from Isaiah 2 –

“The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
² Now it shall come to pass in the latter days
That the mountain of the Lord’s house
Shall be established on the top of the mountains,
And shall be exalted above the hills;
And all nations shall flow to it.
³ Many people shall come and say,
‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
To the house of the God of Jacob;
He will teach us His ways,
And we shall walk in His paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” Isaiah 2:1-3

These words are repeated, almost exactly, in Micah 4. They, along with many other assurances, prophesy about a time when Israel would be under her own control while also being the main point of focus throughout the world.

For Jesus to instruct Paul to depart to the Gentiles did not fit in with that idea at all. With Rome having authority over Israel, Paul was saying that he was directed to evangelize the very people who had the yoke upon the necks of the Jews. They could not accept such a Messiah who would allow this at their expense.

Life application: The problem with Israel lay in a misunderstanding of their position before the Lord. That same problem continues to this day. Everything about Israel’s calling, even before the calling was made, was of grace.

Noah found grace and was saved through the waters. Abraham was selected by grace. Isaac was chosen apart from any merit. Jacob was known to be the one God favored before the children were born. Israel was given grace in the sending of Moses.

The covenant between the Lord and Israel came about because of the gracious promises made to the patriarchs. The continuation of the covenant, even after Israel’s breaking it repeatedly, was based on the grace of God. Every step of the way, God demonstrated grace in the establishment, calling, and preservation of Israel.

Today, Israel has been called back from among the nations as prophesied by the Lord. Thus, this restoration is an act of grace. And yet, Israel has consistently looked at their calling as one of personal merit – “We deserve this because we are Israel.” If Israel truthfully looked at their history, they would realize what every sinner who comes to Christ realizes – “All we deserve is condemnation, and yet God has given us grace.”

Until they come to this realization and accept Jesus, thus entering into the New Covenant, their days will be marred with unhappiness. In our relationship with God, personal merit is excluded. Let us consider this and be grateful to Him for His unlimited grace in saving even us.

Lord God, thank You for the grace of God that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

$250 back then was a heap o’ cash. Don’t deface…

Friday, 8 December 2023

“And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.” Acts 22:20

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).

Paul has been defending his conversion and adherence to the Way based on his life prior to his conversion. He continues that thought now, saying, “And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed.”

Paul uses the word martus to describe Stephen. Some translations say “martyr,” while others “witness.” Either is correct, depending on the context. It is generally believed that the use of “martyr” came later. Therefore, “witness” is probably a better rendering for this account.

Also, as he is speaking to a congregation about the events that occurred and of which they would have been familiar, the idea of Stephen having been a witness seems more appropriate. However, by the time Revelation was written, “martyr” was probably more in use and is probably a correct translation for Revelation 2:13, although even there, “witness” is possible. Of Paul’s conduct at the time of Stephen, he next says, “I also was standing by consenting to his death.”

Paul ensures that the account of Stephen is conveyed to them with exacting detail in order to show them the extent of his zeal before his conversion. He was willing to consent to the murderous act of a person because of his belief that it was the right thing to do. He was part of a crowd, not unlike those now standing before him, looking for the blood of the accused.

Paul’s words are an attempt to show them that just what they were engaged in is what he previously engaged in and for essentially the same reasons. Therefore, there must have been a change in him that converted him to the stand he now took. As for his actions at Stephen’s death, he next says, “and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.”

These were the outer garments of the people who stoned him. Today, we might take off our jackets if we are going to engage in an activity that needs labor or precision of movement. This is true with the outer garments of the Jews. They were flowing and cumbersome for such activities.

Therefore, the people would have removed them and placed them near someone trustworthy to watch them. The meaning is that even if Paul did not pick up stones and cast them at Stephen, he was complicit in Stephen’s death through his actions, approving of what was occurring and giving the death a better opportunity to come about.

Life application: Paul was a part of the execution of Stephen, even if he never cast a stone. There are ways that groups of people can execute someone where no one person is directly responsible for the person’s death.

For example, if a hundred people lined up and each punched someone, none of them might land a death blow, but the person would die from the many blows he received. The same is true with death by a thousand cuts. One little cut on the skin may not kill someone, but when a person is cut many times, he will not survive.

Such actions reveal to us that we may know something is wrong, but we will take various legal or quasi-legal avenues to make it happen, thus trying to find a way of exonerating our consciences from the guilt of what we are doing. This may occur in divorce situations, business dealings, and so forth.

These types of things show us that there is a problem in man that already exists. It is the infection of sin. It is in our lives, and it permeates ourselves and our societies. We all bear guilt for many things that occur. An example of this is found in the law –

“So you shall not pollute the land where you are; for blood defiles the land, and no atonement can be made for the land, for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of him who shed it.” Numbers 35:33

This is a statement that is found in the law, but it follows from a general principle about the nature of God. That can be deduced from other verses that speak of such things in relation to the inhabitants of the land prior to Israel’s entry.

As this is so, we collectively bear guilt when we allow murderers to walk free. Abortion is something that cannot be excused, and yet we pass laws allowing it to happen, as if a human law can override a God-centered principle. When we vote for those who will pass such laws, we bear direct responsibility for such deaths.

The only way to be free of such sin debt is to come to Jesus and be cleansed. Only through the atonement of His precious shed blood can we ever find restoration with God because of the sin debt that we bear. And when that restoration is made, it is an eternal restoration. Therefore, let us not disgrace what God in Christ has done for us by continuing in sin.

Rather, let us be grateful for His gracious atonement and live for Him according to holiness. May we have this attitude, to the glory of God who saved us.

We praise You for Your goodness to us Lord God Almighty! Thank You for the forgiveness we have been granted because of the work of Jesus. May we live out our lives in gratitude and holiness all our days. Praises to You for JESUS! Amen.

It’s got to start somewhere.

Thursday, 7 December 2023

“So I said, ‘Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe on You. Acts 22:19

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 verbs are all present participles – “And I said, ‘Lord they know that I was imprisoning and scourging in those synagogues those believing on You’” (CG).

In the previous verse, the Lord instructed Paul to get out of Jerusalem because those in the city would not receive his testimony. Of course, like Ananias in Acts 9, Paul’s human nature decided to argue against the Lord’s word instead of simply complying with it. Therefore, he tells the crowd before him, “And I said, ‘Lord they know.’”

Despite the divine warning, Paul felt compelled to defend his presence in Jerusalem, as if his words would sway the Lord to change His mind or something. And so, he continues, saying, “that I was imprisoning and scourging in those synagogues.”

The word translated as imprisoning is found only here in Scripture, phulakizó. It is derived from phulax, a guard, or a sentinel. Thus, it signifies the act of incarcerating. The word translated as scourging means to flay. By implication, then, it means to scourge, which can flay the skin. However, it can also mean to simply thrash or beat another person. In this case, he continues speaking to the Lord saying, “those believing on You.”

Paul was a persecutor of the very faith he was now being persecuted over. He had converted, but his change would not positively affect those he later encountered in Jerusalem. He was given authority to do these things, the people of Jerusalem knew this, and yet Jesus knew that his conversion would be upsetting to them. None of this was unknown to the Lord, and Paul’s appeal would not change the matter.

Life application: Despite the divine warning, Paul felt compelled to defend his presence in Jerusalem to the Lord. Sharing that now with the crowd who was accusing him actually serves a two-fold purpose in the ears of his hearers.

First, he had been opposed to the faith that he now professed. Thus, they would know that his actions were sincere for the tenets of being an observant Jew, but that he realized that these tenets did not extend to persecuting Christ’s followers. Instead, those actions were opposed to the true faith of an observant Jew.

Secondly, it showed the audience that it was they, not him, who stood opposed to what was correct and proper. Though he had imprisoned and beaten these followers of Jesus in defiant opposition to Him, his zeal was misdirected. Thus, their zeal at his arrest is similarly misdirected.

Therefore, Paul could use his own failing (meaning arguing against the Lord’s word) to reinforce his present position before the people. However, this doesn’t change the fact that he originally argued instead of simply obeying. As noted, this is what Ananias did in Acts 9. It is also what Moses did in Exodus 4 and Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1.

Despite this obviously being a human trait that is hard to overcome, as evinced by these and other examples in Scripture, we can learn from them. The word of the Lord is now complete. It is written, and it is authoritative. And yet, people who have believed on the Lord and been saved will still argue against the word of the Lord.

We rebelliously buck against the instructions laid out there, acting as if we know better than He does. Until we are willing to accept His word as written and in proper context, we are no different than those who stood right in front of the Lord and argued why He must be wrong.

Let us not rebel against His word. Instead, we should be willing to comply with its directives. The Lord is infinitely more intelligent than we are. When He directs, it is for a good purpose. Therefore, let us obediently submit to His will.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for those times when we question Your word, either openly or through our general conduct as we walk before You. Give us knowledge to understand the things that are often difficult to grasp and the wisdom to apply that knowledge to our lives. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Historical info. Test at 10am.

Wednesday, 6 December 2023

“and saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’ Acts 22:18

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).

A literal rendering would be, “and saw Him saying to me, ‘Hasten, and in speed depart from Jerusalem: because they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’”

Paul just noted that after his conversion, when he had returned to Jerusalem, he was praying in the temple and a trance came upon him. That continues now, saying, “and saw Him saying to me.”

Without going any further, who “Him” is can be discerned by referring to the nearest antecedent. In verse 16, it said, “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Thus, Paul is referring to the Lord. He is continuing his thoughts about his relationship with the Lord as His chosen instrument. Next, he details what the Lord said with the words, “Hasten, and in speed depart from Jerusalem.”

At various times in Scripture, the Lord either directly or indirectly tells people to move from one place to another. For example, after serving Laban for many years, the Lord directed the steps of Jacob –

“Then the Lord said to Jacob, ‘Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.’” Genesis 31:3

The Lord also directed the steps of His prophets from time to time, and that continued with His apostles during the establishment of the church –

“As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ ³ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:2, 3

In this case, it is early in Paul’s ministry, he has been selected as the apostle who would most thoroughly explain salvation by grace through faith apart from deeds of the law, and he was in the location from which the law issued forth. His message would not be well received at this time by any Jew, but especially not in Jerusalem. Hence, the Lord continues, saying, “because they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.”

Paul was direct in his approach, he did not hold back what he had learned, and he meticulously detailed what it meant to enter into the New Covenant by faith in Christ. This is clearly laid out in Romans where he, time and again, addresses matters directed at particular categories of people.

When addressing an issue concerning Jews, he explicitly uses them as his example, such as, “Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God…” (Romans 2:17). From there, Paul explains the problems with resting on the law as one’s boast. This type of abrupt and direct discourse concerning Jesus and the effects of His work would not be well-received by the Jews. Indeed, two thousand years later, it still is not.

As for Paul’s words in this verse, the account in Acts 9 doesn’t mention any of this. However, it does mention his disputing with the Hellenists. It may be that at this time, the warning in the trance came. He may have thought to stay and debate with these people, hoping to convert them, but if he had, they would have sought to kill him. Instead, and because of the vision, he took the direction to depart as he was instructed.

Life application: When speaking to others about spiritual matters, a lot of enmity can arise. People are often sensitive about even discussing matters of salvation, condemnation, etc. Therefore, tact in one’s approach is necessary.

And yet, being tactful should not include waffling on proper doctrine. For example, the Bible teaches that all people are born in sin and are at enmity with God. This is something that we cannot avoid sharing when asked. However, how we present this truth can make a great difference in the anticipated response.

If a person stands on a street corner and yells at everyone who passes him, “You are a sinner. You are going to hell!” He probably won’t make any converts. Someone might give him a good pounding, though.

On the other hand, if the same person quietly approaches someone and says, “May I share the good news of what Jesus did with you?” He might get a favorable response. From there, he might say, “Because of the sin in our lives, God cannot accept us, but He loves us enough to have sent Jesus to restore us to Himself.”

Such an approach conveys the same truth as the first approach, but it does it in a spirit of caring, not high-handed superiority. Paul’s approach was always direct but not necessarily confrontational. However, when dealing with matters of the law, even something nonconfrontational can still be very upsetting to those whose boast is in the law.

Therefore, he had been directed by the Lord to depart from Jerusalem. His message needed ears that would be receptive to it at the right time. That time is yet ahead for this troubled city, but it will come someday. Until then, Jerusalem continues as a city without a proper relationship with the Lord. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem by praying for its collective heart to be turned to Jesus.

Glorious Lord God, today we lift up Your wayward nation, the people of Israel. We also pray for Your holy city, Jerusalem. There is not yet peace in the people’s hearts, nor is there peace in the city. But we pray for hearts to be changed before the days of tribulation come upon them. May the word about Jesus continue to expand and convert hearts and minds before that time comes. Amen.

West Virginia Capitol.

Tuesday, 5 December 2023

“Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance Acts 22:17

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 Greek is more literally translated, “And it happened to me, having returned to Jerusalem and my praying in the temple, I came into a trance” (CG).

Paul had just been instructed by Ananias to arise, be baptized, and wash away his sins, calling on the name of the Lord. That was while he was in Damascus. Next, he tells the crowd, “And it happened to me, having returned to Jerusalem.”

His words now occurred upon his return, which is recorded in these few verses of Acts 9 –

“And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. ²⁸ So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. ²⁹ And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. ³⁰ When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.” Acts 9:26-30

Though these words in Acts 9 are recorded directly after his departure from Damascus, as if he immediately traveled there, it is probable that he first went to Arabia, returned to Damascus, and then went to Jerusalem –

“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, ¹⁶ to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, ¹⁷ nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
¹⁸ Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days.” Galatians 1:15-18

It is then during this fifteen-day stay in Jerusalem that his next words probably took place. He says, “and my praying in the temple, I came into a trance.”

The fact that he went to the temple to pray forms a part of his defense against being a blasphemer. His words to them indicate that he has remained an observant Jew all along.

Versions such as the KJV and NKJV don’t give the correct sense here. Instead of “he was in a trance,” it says he “came” or “fell” into a trance. Like both Cornelius and Peter in Acts 10, the state came about during a time of prayer.

Life application: By the time of these events, Paul had personally received revelation from the Lord in Arabia. He had believed in the Lord for a full three years. And yet, he took time to pray while in the temple.

In other words, his attitude was not, “I personally know the Lord and don’t need to pray anymore.” Rather, prayer was a part of his continued life in Christ. In his epistles, he holds prayer as a key and integral part of his walk with the Lord.

If this is so with someone who was personally called by the Lord and who had then personally received revelation from the Lord, it shows the high value of prayer. It should be something we likewise place a high value on. Let us remember this and take time to stop and pray. Moving mountains in one’s life begins while stationary on one’s knees.

Lord God, help us to remember to connect with You as we conduct our affairs each day. May prayer be considered an important part of our walk as we draw near to You with our souls open before You. Help us to solidify this as a priority in our lives. Amen.