Acts (Written)

West Virginia Flag.

Monday, 4 December 2023

“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ Acts 22:16

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 Greek reads, “And now, why delay? Having arisen, be baptized and wash away your sins, having called on the name of the Lord” (CG).

In the previous verse, Ananias said to Paul, “For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.” Now, with his calling set forth, Ananias continues with, “And now, why delay?”

There is a sense of urgency in his words, as if the clock of people’s lives is winding down. Paul has a charge to carry forth the word of the Lord, and without that message, people will die apart from Jesus. He needs to begin his ministry immediately. But before he does, Ananias next says, “Having arisen, be baptized.”

Baptism is the normative thing seen after any conversion. It is based on the word of the Lord to those who were with Jesus at the beginning –

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20

However, unlike the instructions given to many who heard the word, received the Spirit, and were then baptized (for example, Acts 10:46-48), Ananias continues, saying, “and wash away your sins.”

Baptism for repentance is what John the Baptist told Israel to do and which all of Israel would have been aware of. However, in Luke 7 it says –

“And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. ³⁰ But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.” Luke 7:29, 30

Paul was in this group. The people of Israel were then admonished to be baptized into Jesus in Acts 2. There is no record of the other apostles having been baptized. However, Paul was told to be baptized “and wash away your sins.” In Acts 2, Peter instructed the people, saying –

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38, 39

This implies that their sin (as with Paul) was not connected with the law, which could have been forgiven on the Day of Atonement. Instead, they were connected with “the Just” mentioned in verse 14, meaning the Messiah. Paul, like Israel, had rejected the Messiah. Israel had to repent (change their minds) concerning this. Their minds needed to be converted from rejection to acceptance.

At this point, however, Paul does not need to repent. He has already changed his mind about who Jesus is. And yet, he was still told to be baptized to wash away his sins. Those in Acts 10 did not need to do this. They were baptized as an outward demonstration of the faith they possessed, and which had saved them. In both instances, baptism is required, but the underlying reason is different.

As for the word translated as “wash away,” it is apolouó. It is a compound word, coming from words meaning “away” and “wash.” It is only used here and in 1 Corinthians 6:11. However, the verb louo is used in an important passage during Jesus’ ministry, John 13:10. In that verse, a picture of both justification and sanctification are given by using two different words for “wash,” louo and nipto. Paul needs to be “washed,” meaning sanctification and justification, in order to be cleansed from his sins.

Those in Acts 10 received this immediately. Paul, having previously rejected Jesus, needed to go through the process of baptism for this purpose, just as those in Acts 2 did. In his baptism, he was to enter into a new life in Messiah while “having called on the name of the Lord.”

The Greek word translated as “Lord” is used, kurios. Some manuscripts simply say, calling on His name. Either way, it is implying that the Just is the Lord because only God can forgive sins. Once again, the text clearly indicates that Jesus the Man is the embodiment of Yehovah of the Old Testament. Thus, He is the God/Man.

As for the giving of the Spirit to Paul, nothing is said of when he received it. However, it can be inferred that the Spirit only came upon him after the act of Baptism. Notice the necessary conditions for those Jews who had first rejected Jesus –

For Israel on Pentecost: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38, 39

For Paul as noted in Acts 9: “And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ ¹⁸ Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.” Acts 9:17, 18

For Paul while speaking to Israel in Acts 22: “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16

Without telling us when Paul received the Spirit, it can be inferred that it occurred only after he was baptized. The sin of rejection by these early Jews was to be overcome through water baptism. The reason for this is because it is a sign to national Israel of their need to be identified with the Messiah in order to be saved as a nation. That is actually prefigured in typology in Joshua 3 and 4. Take time to watch the Superior Word sermons on those chapters to more fully understand this.

Life application: Today, a person who accepts Jesus is saved by faith and he is immediately sealed with the Spirit. At that moment, he is sanctified and justified before the Lord. Water baptism follows this as an outward sign of the inner change that has taken place.

It is a command of the Lord that baptism takes place, just as taking the Lord’s Supper is a command. Such rites are obviously important to the Lord and He expects us to follow through with them. Salvation is not tied up in either, but it is sure that rewards are. Be sure to receive baptism if you have never done so, and then be sure to take the Lord’s Supper when you meet.

Also, take time to read the Bible each day. Consider it in its intended context and think about why things occur as they do in Scripture. There is always a logical reason for why things are detailed as they are. So, contemplate the word as you go about your day.

Heavenly Father, thank You for salvation by grace through faith. Thank You that, when we believe, we are saved and sealed for the day of redemption. We no longer have to fear death or condemnation. Rather, we can look to the future with hope and joy because of the work of Jesus our Lord! Thank You for Jesus. Amen.

West Virginia Capitol Rotunda.

Sunday, 3 December 2023

“For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. Acts 22:15

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).

Paul was just told by Ananias that the God of their fathers had chosen him to know His will and to personally see and hear the Just, meaning Jesus. With that, he next says, “For you will be His witness.”

At this point, Paul leaves off the words of Acts 9:15. Those words would have been completely abhorrent to them –

“But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.’”

The part about “the children of Israel” would have been no problem, but mentioning the Gentiles would have put them into attack mode, as will soon be seen. Rather than that, he tells the crowd that he was selected to be the Lord’s witness.

The other apostles were told they would be His witnesses as well –

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

As for what Paul is expected to witness, it is to be directed “to all men.” This would include the “Gentiles, kings, and children of Israel” of Acts 9:15. Any and all whom he encountered would be those he was to tell the good news about. This would have been much easier for him than the other apostles.

He was raised in a Gentile land; he was a Roman citizen, making his testimony more likely to be received by many; he was comfortable around highly placed leaders; he spoke many languages, allowing him to travel more easily throughout the empire, etc. What the other apostles would struggle at, he would be able to effortlessly accomplish, speaking to any and all. With that noted, Ananias continues with, “of what you have seen and heard.”

These things are not merely referring to the encounter he is now describing. Instead, it will encompass the personal revelations that he will receive directly from the Lord, his encounters with others, as he travels, and so forth.

Of his personal revelations, he mentions these in several passages, such as 2 Corinthians 12:1-4, Galatians 1:11-17, Ephesians 3:1-7, etc.

Life application: Paul was deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. He didn’t need to be trained in what was contained there, something that takes much of one’s life to even begin to grasp. The other apostles did not have this wealth of knowledge.

Where they could easily tie Jesus in with the more common parts of Scripture, Paul could give the theology behind why it was so. This was especially necessary because he would be dealing largely with Gentiles. Because of this, a deeper theology would be needed to overcome barriers that naturally existed.

Today, Christian theology is highly refined because of the words of Paul. But it was not this way at the time of the early church. Paul’s evangelism made this possible, and his writings continued to do so during his life. And because they were maintained by those who received them, they continue to provide clarity even today.

Unfortunately, people spend more time reading about the Bible than reading it. This is unfortunate because it does not provide a sufficient grounding to know if what is presented aligns with Scripture or not. Above all, we must put reading and studying of the word, directly from the word, as the most important part of our day each day.

On the day this commentary was typed, a note came from someone who attends the Superior Word Church with the following comments –

“I sit on my couch today … and I just read Galatians. … Today the scriptures have come alive in me like never before. … I understand belief, faith and grace like never before and … I wanted to share it because I truly feel free today in my spirit and I understand why Christ had to come to die. I before always had the head knowledge but now I have it written on my heart. I just wanted to share my testimony with you. … Your constant encouragement to read the scriptures have [made them] come alive in my heart today.”

This person, whether attending online or in the building, has heard many sermons, but through direct study of the word, the book of Galatians made a particular impact that could not have come otherwise.

Each day, be sure to pick up and read the Bible, the source of our knowledge of God in Christ. You will be blessed as you do.

Lord God, Your word truly is a lamp for our feet and a light to our path! Thank You for Your precious and glorious word. Amen.

American hero.

Saturday, 2 December 2023

“Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. Acts 22:14

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 Greek reads, “And he said, ‘The God of our fathers has before-handed you to know His will, and to see the Just, and to hear the voice from His mouth.” (CG).

Paul’s sight was just restored at the word of the Lord through Ananias. Now, Ananias will speak again in order to explain to Paul his commission. That begins with a statement concerning his calling. This is detailed to the crowd, beginning with, “And he said.”

He is referring to Ananias. Paul makes note of the divine appointment given through this Jew who was in good standing in regard to the law. The exact words of Ananias begin with “The God of our fathers.”

The meaning of “The God of our fathers” is obvious. He is Yehovah, the one true God. Paul has been selected to know His will. Understanding that in verse 3, he said, “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today,” this statement by Ananias is all the more astonishing.

How could someone, brought up in the strictness of “our father’s law,” not “know His will?” Wasn’t it written down for all to know? How much more this man! And yet, he obviously was completely clueless as to what the will of God was.

This is an obvious conclusion because of his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, his blindness, and now his forthcoming instruction. As for this will, Ananias is next noted to have said that their God “has before-handed you.”

The word is procheirizó. It was first used in Acts 3:20 and it will be seen one more time in Acts 26:16. It comes from pro, before, and cheir, hand. Thus, it is literally before-handed, meaning divinely handpicked in advance. The Pulpit Commentary notes, “In classical Greek it means mostly ‘to get anything ready beforehand.’” The words bring to mind the calling of Jeremiah –

“Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
⁵ ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations.’” Jeremiah 1:4, 5

What was said to Jeremiah is summed up in this word, translated as before-handed. Paul’s calling was “to know His will.” Paul’s preselection was to know the will of the Lord. Again, it obviously meant that he did not know this will. Therefore, his persecution of believers was not in accord with the will of the Lord. Ananias was sent first to begin to set this straight.

Eventually, Paul would personally receive revelation from the Lord (Galatians 1:2), but this was a necessary first step in preparing him for that. This explains why Paul quite often opened his letters stating that he was an apostle according to the will of God. He does this in 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; and Colossians 1:1. Ephesians 1:1-11 actually gives an entire commentary on this. Next, Ananias says, “and to see the Just.”

This term, “the Just,” comes from an adjective, dikaios. It means correct, righteous, innocent, etc. Being prefixed by an article, and without any other words to further qualify it, the meaning is a single individual who embodies what the adjective signifies. It is a term that any Jew would have understood as referring to the Messiah. Many Old Testament passages would have immediately flooded their minds, such as Psalm 2, Isaiah 11:1-5, Isaiah 53:11, etc.

The words of Ananias continue, saying, “and to hear the voice from His mouth.” It is a phrase that carries great weight. To hear the voice from His mouth meant that Paul was being granted a prophetic office.

If his words to the crowd were true, and they could be verified by Ananias if he was still alive, Paul was being given a commission that raised him to the level of any true prophet of Israel. His words would carry the same weight and effect as those of their own Scriptures.

Paul was not being called to do another thing than the other selected apostles, but to carry the same word of the Lord to another group of people, making understandable to them what God was doing in and through Israel. That will be seen in the next verses.

Life application: There is one prophetic plan that is being worked out in redemptive history. It is being developed in various steps. The Mosaic Covenant was one step. That was replaced by the New Covenant. Gentile inclusion in the New Covenant was to be a part of that plan, not something separate from it.

Israel’s rejection of Jesus was known by God before it happened. During their time of rejection, God has been working out His New Covenant through a Gentile-led church, but it is still the same covenant that will be continued through the Jews at a future point. This is completely certain because Paul, writing to the Gentiles, appeals to the New Covenant in 1 Corinthians 11 –

“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; ²⁴ and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ ²⁵ In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’” 1 Corinthians 11:23-25

Watch out for heretical doctrines that attempt to separate what God is doing for the Jews and for the Gentiles. There is one New Covenant. The nation of Israel has temporarily rejected the offer. But because of His faithfulness to His covenant promises, they too will be brought into the New Covenant someday.

In the meantime, any Jew or Gentile can come into the New Covenant in exactly the same way. That Israel, the nation, will be given this opportunity again is explicitly stated in Hebrews 9:15 –

“And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”

Hold fast to what is sound and proper. The New Covenant is one thing. It was given to the House of Israel and the House of Judah, as noted in Jeremiah 31:31 and Hebrews 8:8. They will be brought into it in due time. Until then, the one and only gospel is currently going forth to any individual who will receive it.

O God, Your faithfulness is everlasting. What concern should we have that You would ever not fulfill every word You have spoken forth? Rather, we can read Your word and know, with absolute surety, that You will perform as You have spoken. Praises be to You, our great and faithful Lord! Amen.

Stonewall Jackson. Probably removed by a bunch of idiotic lefties by now.

Friday, 1 December 2023

“came to me; and he stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him. Acts 22:13

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 reads, “Having come to me and having stood, said, ‘Saul, brother, look up.’ And I, the same hour, looked up to him” (CG).

In the previous verse, Paul told the crowd about Ananias, a devout man according to the law and who had a good testimony with the Jews. Of him, it now says, “Having come to me and having stood, said.”

Luke’s use of participles makes each step carefully anticipate the next. In Acts 9, Ananias was told by the Lord to go to Paul and put his hand on him in order to restore his sight. Paul skips this information and simply notes that an observant Jew was the one taking the action. This would have had a more profound effect on the crowd.

They were gathered outside the temple, accusing Paul of being a violator of the law. And yet, everything he is presenting to them concerned adherence to the law by those he was associated with. As the temple was still standing, it would be an affront to the sensibilities of the Jews to do otherwise when among them.

As for Ananias, once he had come to Paul, he then spoke, “Saul, brother, look up.” The word is anablepó. It literally means “look up.” However, it is also used to indicate the recovery of sight, such as in Matthew 11 –

“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: ⁵ The blind see [anablepó: look up] and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. ⁶ And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.’” Matthew 11:5, 6

Therefore, many translations simply say, “receive you sight.” With that stated, Paul next says, “And I, the same hour, looked up to him.”

He uses the same word, anablepó, that was just used. Paul received his sight right then. The word was spoken, and the sight was immediately restored. Thus, it was certainly a miracle. Further, it was performed by a Jew in good standing and it was performed on Paul.

This would have had a pronounced effect on them. This would not only validate that Ananias was capable of such things, but that it was the Lord Jesus who was ultimately behind the act. This is because he had already noted in verse 10 that it was Jesus who directed the events.

And more, this power of the Lord through Ananias was in approval of Paul’s coming ministry. Paul’s words thus far would have had a weighty effect on those listening.

Life application: By following the progression of thought one step at a time, it is evident that Paul’s ministry was a particular one that was directed and commissioned by the Lord. He was not a rogue Jew who was out of control among his people and among the Gentiles.

Rather, he was called by the Lord, healed by the power of the Lord, commissioned as an apostle by the Lord, and then sent forth to his ministry by the Lord. As he was not one of the twelve apostles sent forth to the house of Israel, it means that his ministry served an entirely different purpose.

There is overlap in what the apostles taught, but the focus of Paul’s ministry was different than that of the others. This clearly indicates that the Gentile-led church, though being brought into the commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:12), is not a replacement of Israel. Nor is it the fulfillment of the promises to Israel.

These things have to be carefully considered. Otherwise, there will be a defect in one’s understanding of proper doctrine, sound eschatology, etc. Keep the boxes straight, and the Bible will be rightly divided regarding sound dispensational theology.

Lord God, give us wisdom and discernment in how to interpret Your word properly. It is a big book, filled with many difficulties. And so, be with us as we actively engage in it through reading and study. May our doctrine be sound as we go forth telling others about the great plan You have set forth for the people of the world in this wonderful word. Amen.

West Virginia Capitol.

Thursday, 30 November 2023 

“Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there, Acts 22:12

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 words are more exactingly translated, “And a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, being testified to by all the Jews dwelling there” (CG).

In the previous verse, Paul noted to the crowd that he could not see because of the light, and so he was led by the hand to Damascus. Continuing now, it says, “And a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law.”

Only the term “disciple” was used of Ananias in Chapter 9. Now, for the sake of this Jewish audience and to show that the man would have been acceptable in their eyes, Paul calls him a devout man according to the law.

This is the fourth and last time that the word eulabés is found in Scripture. It is found only in Luke’s writings. Once in his gospel (Luke 2:25) and three times in Acts. It is a compound word that literally means “‘taking hold of what is good.’ It focuses on the outward response someone gives to what they feel is truly worthwhile (worthy of respect)” (HELPS Word Studies). At times, translators say, “God-fearing” which is more of a paraphrase, but it implies that a godly fear is instilled in the person. With that, Paul next says, “being testified to by all the Jews dwelling there.”

This would be easily verifiable, and it shows that Ananias was obedient in his actions as a faithful Jew. The resentment of followers of The Way was obviously not as pronounced elsewhere as it was in Jerusalem.

And even at this time, it was perceived by most that followers of The way were considered obedient Jews. This is an obvious truth from the fact that James and the other apostles moved freely about. Gloag says that this “affirms that he was not introduced to Christianity by an opponent of Judaism, but by a strict Jew” (Paton James Gloag).

Paul’s argument before the people is a petition for reason concerning faith in Jesus that does not contradict their faith. However, as the author of Hebrews (probably Paul) notes –

“In that He says, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:13

It was understood that law observance would eventually be ended. Thus, there is nothing deceitful by Paul in living as a Jew among Jews, as a Gentile among Gentiles, and promoting law observance among the Jews during the time that the temple was still standing.

As for the ending of the law, Hebrews notes that it will come at some future point. According to Daniel 9:27, Scripture reveals that point will be after the seven years of tribulation, whenever that occurs. Since the destruction of the temple, believing Jews and Gentiles are not bound to law observance, nor could they be. Without a temple, it would be impossible.

At the rapture, all believers will be taken to glory. After that, a temple will be rebuilt, and temple rites and law observance will return to Israel temporarily to consummate the times set forth by the Lord in Daniel 9.

Life application: The words of Hebrews 8:13 are written to the Hebrew people. They do not apply to the Gentiles. The Gentiles were never under law observance. As the New Covenant supplants the Old, it is insane theology to teach that a Gentile must observe the law, in part or in whole. This is why Paul is so adamant about this issue in Galatians.

To go to the Law of Moses, after coming to Christ, means that Christ’s finished work has been rejected. Is this where you really want to stand? Is your hope in your own meriting of God’s favor. If so, you will be sorely disappointed.

Be sure to trust in Christ, rest in Christ, and find your eternal security in the grace of God that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lord God Almighty, how can we be pleasing to You? Your word tells us. We are pleasing to You through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Help us to never attempt to merit Your favor through observance of the law that He came to fulfill. How good it is to simply rest in His finished work. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Hallelujah and amen.