Acts (Written)

West Virginia Capitol.

Wednesday, 29 November 2023

“And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus. Acts 22:11

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 instructed by the Lord to arise and go into Damascus where he would be told all the things appointed for him to do. Continuing the narrative, he next says, “And since I could not see for the glory of that light.”

This verse explains the blindness of chapter 9. The reason for his blindness might be inferred from the words there, but it was not stated. Now, the reason is explicitly given. The glory of the light was so intense upon his eyes that he could no longer see.

It is an argument for the authenticity of the account because Paul personally explains what happened and also added a note to the people that what he beheld was exceedingly glorious. It is a reminder to them of the glory of the Lord that Moses beheld. It was because of this glory that he veiled his face –

“Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him. ³⁰ So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. ³¹ Then Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned to him; and Moses talked with them. ³² Afterward all the children of Israel came near, and he gave them as commandments all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. ³³ And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face. ³⁴ But whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with Him, he would take the veil off until he came out; and he would come out and speak to the children of Israel whatever he had been commanded. ³⁵ And whenever the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone, then Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with Him.”

Paul will later explain the theological importance of what happened to Moses –

“Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech— ¹³ unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. ¹⁴ But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. ¹⁵ But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. ¹⁶ Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. ¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. ¹⁸ But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:12-18

Paul was so steeped in reveling in his own efforts through law observance that when he encountered the glory of the Lord, he was literally blinded by the goodness that he saw. The grace of God in Jesus Christ simply overwhelmed him.

Of all people, Paul understood the theological implications of the dulling of spiritual senses because of the law. Eyes are blinded, ears are covered over, and hearts are made dull. These types of manifestations of the effects of the law are seen in Scripture, and they are seen in the lives and conduct of people throughout the world today.

With these things understood, Paul continues with, “being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.”

Rather, both verbs are present participles – “being led by the hand” and “being with me.” Paul is conveying the events in a lively manner for the crowd gathered before him. As for the word translated as “being led by the hand,” this is the second and last use of cheiragógeó in the Bible. Its other use was in Acts 9:8.

Also, the word translated as “being with me,” suneimi, is found only here and in Luke 9:18. Luke masterfully uses the Greek language to convey what Paul would have said to the audience in their native dialect.

Life application: Referring to the idea of senses being dulled, at the time of Isaiah’s commissioning by the Lord, he was told –

“And He said, ‘Go, and tell this people:
“Keep on hearing, but do not understand;
Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.”’
¹⁰ ‘Make the heart of this people dull,
And their ears heavy,
And shut their eyes;
Lest they see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart,
And return and be healed.’” Isaiah 6:9, 10

Jesus used those words to explain why He spoke as He did to the people –

“Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. ¹⁴ And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:
‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,
And seeing you will see and not perceive;
¹⁵ For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.’” Matthew 13:13-15

The people lived under the law. They thought it was what made them holy and distinct above all else, and they conducted their lives as such. It is true that the law was given to distinguish them from all other people, but the law reflects the Lord’s will for them. Thus, it is ultimately the Lord who sets Israel apart.

Their history had shown them that the law could not save them. They should have been jubilant at the coming of the perfect Savior who would remove this burden from upon them. But they could not see the truth of who He is.

As noted, this continues throughout the world today, and it does so in some very surprising places. Not only is Israel still affected by this, but supposed churches also are. They have returned to the law, given up on the grace of God in Christ, and they have their senses dulled because of this.

Grace! The Bible is trying to tell us (if we will only pay heed!) that the ultimate glory that we can behold is the grace of God. It is the greatness of the glory of God found in Jesus Christ that reveals this to us. Do not mar grace. Rather, embrace it. Rejoice in it. And thank God for it all the days of your life. You don’t need more law. Rather, you need grace. Cling to what God has done. It is all about Jesus.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your glory revealed. Thank You for the grace that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

West Virginia capitol in sight.

Tuesday, 28 November 2023

“So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’” Acts 22:10

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 appropriately translated as, “And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord.’ And the Lord said unto me, ‘Having arisen, go to Damascus, and there it will be told you all things that have been appointed you to do’” (CG).

Previously, Paul noted that those who were with him were afraid, having seen the light, but they did not understand the voice speaking to him. With that, he continues, saying, “And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord.’”

Paul continues saying “Lord” as he did in verse 8. This, however, is the first time that he has done so with the understanding that Jesus is the Lord. There he was, on the ground speaking to the Lord of creation and the Messiah of Israel, acknowledging submission to Him when the very purpose of him going to Damascus was to snuff out any remnant of His name.

There must have been a great sense of terror in his heart as he considered the dreadful awe of the situation in which he found himself. But instead of words of condemnation, the words continue, saying, “And the Lord said unto me, ‘Having arisen, go to Damascus.’”

There is a slight variation in Paul’s words here from Chapter 9. There it said, “Arise and go into the city…” Here, it says, “Having arisen, go to Damascus.” Paul is speaking to the people in Jerusalem, and so this is an obvious amendment for them to hear and understand.

Paul was already headed to Damascus, but now his purpose for going would be diametrically opposed to what it had been only moments before. Instead of giving orders and arresting faithful believers, he would receive words concerning his new direction in life, as recorded in the continued words, “and there it will be told you all things that have been appointed you to do.”

In Chapter 9, it said, “…and you will be told what you must do.” Here, that is amended to show his appointment by the Lord as a son of Israel and one given a commission for spreading the word of the Lord. The changes are logical and appropriate. Of these words, Bengel says –

“The Divine appointment is the sphere of the godly: whatever they do is a realisation (repræsentatio, a vivid exhibition or ready performance) of that appointment.”

Life application: At this point in the narrative, Paul’s mind must have gone from vehement rage to utter astonishment to absolute horror and then to complete confusion – all within a few moments of discourse by the Lord.

The process of his conversion from persecuting Jesus to acknowledging Him as Lord was as sudden as the flash of lightning. There was no questioning if the Lord could clarify a few things, there was no asking for a sign to confirm who He was, and so forth. He heard, and he acknowledged.

How good it would be if we would do this as well. Obviously, we must ensure that what we have read or heard is properly understood. Unlike Paul, who didn’t need such clarification, we might. Varying views on Scripture necessitate logically thinking through which view is correct.

Is the view of N.T. Wright correct where he views Jesus and the Gentile-led church as being the true Israel? If so, then there will be no national salvation for Israel and the people who have been brought back to the land of Israel have no future hope or purpose in God’s redemptive plans.

If he is wrong, then there is a future for Israel and, even if not supporting the worldview of Israel at this time, it is incumbent on faithful believers to pray for and stand with Israel in anticipation of the coming fulfillment of the Lord’s promises to them

Once that matter is settled in our theology, the latter being the correct view as argued by the author of this commentary, then we should accept God’s will, stop bucking against what He is doing in regard to Israel, and continue to pray for Israel in anticipation of the Lord’s returning to them.

We are under no obligation to place ourselves in a subservient position to the overall views of the Jewish society, but we are obligated by Scripture to anticipate and pray for God’s will to be fulfilled according to how His word is laid out and properly interpreted.

In all such matters of theology, let us not kick against what God has ordained. Instead, let us look to the higher purposes of God and allow our hopes for the future to be realized in our attitudes in the present.

Gracious and almighty God, we come before You, knowing that You are the One who keeps His covenant, even when we fail to do so. Unlike man, who is willing to toss away the promises set forth by You, Your word stands, confirming what You have spoken as a promise to the people You have covenanted with. Help us in our weakness, clarify our confusion, and redirect our hearts and minds to be in accord with Your intentions for all humanity. Amen.

obama’s disaster program. Total waste of US tax dollars.

Monday, 27 November 2023

“And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me. Acts 22:9

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 more literally reads, “And those being with me indeed saw the light and were terrified but did not comprehend the voice of Him speaking to me” (CG).

In the previous verse, Paul told the crowd that he asked who was speaking to him on the road to Damascus. Paul then noted that the voice stated He was Jesus of Nazareth, whom he was persecuting. Paul now adds more detail about the encounter, saying, “And those being with me indeed saw the light.”

This is an important addition. First, it could be verified if it was true or not. Second, if only Paul saw the light, it could be claimed that he had a stroke, suffered a mental breakdown, got donked on the head by a falling rock, or some other event. However, if all of those with him saw the light, it could not be denied that the event occurred. Understanding this, Paul next says, “and were terrified.”

These words are not found in some manuscripts, but they are likely original. It is a natural and obvious reaction to such an encounter, and the words fit with the general tenor of the account. Terror would have gripped anyone who was in such a situation. Such a radiant light in the middle of the day would be inexplicable. But more, Paul continues with, “but did not comprehend the voice of Him speaking to me.”

In many translations, there is a seeming contradiction from chapter 9. In Chapter 9, it said, “And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.” As in the NKJV, translations will say “hear.” It is not incorrect, but it leads to a seeming contradiction. The men heard a voice, but they did not understand it. The same word carries both connotations.

We might say, “You aren’t hearing me” to someone who hears but does not pay heed. We may knock on someone’s head and say, “Helloooo, did you hear me?” when it is perfectly well-known that he did. However, he may not have grasped what was said, or he may have completely ignored it.

This would have added to their terror. Seeing a gleaming light and hearing a voice but not understanding it would be something truly terrifying to those who experienced the encounter.

As for the word “hear,” that carries a dual meaning, one example is found in Mark 4:33 –

“And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it.”

It is clear that the word “hear” means to assimilate into the mind, not simply to audibly hear a sound. 1 Corinthians 14:2 also provides clarity –

“For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.”

The same word, here translated as “understands,” clarifies the dual nature of the word.

Life application: It is the constant aim of some people to tear apart the word of God in order to deny that it is what it claims to be. Supposed contradictions are highlighted on innumerable websites, attempting to deceive people and rob them of faith. Such claims, incredibly, will even come from the pulpit or lectern in churches or seminaries.

However, with a bit of study, such supposed contradictions are cleared up. Don’t be hasty to believe everything you read or hear. Instead, check out such claims. In the end, you may find that what you heard was inaccurate. If you care about your analysis of Scripture, it can be even more embarrassing to have repeated what was said, to only later find out you were wrong.

Check things out, don’t be quick to repeat without verification, and be ready to defend the word as you find out how truly reliable it is.

Thank You, O God, for the precious word You have given us. It is a wonder to our understanding, a delight to our minds, and a joy to our hearts to read and know it more each day. We thank You for how You have displayed Your heart to us in it. Thank You! Amen.

West Virginia Highway.

Sunday, 26 November 2023

So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ Acts 22:8

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).

Rather, the Greek reads, “And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting’” (CG).

In the previous verse, Paul had fallen to the ground and heard a voice asking, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” It next says, “And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’”

Paul’s questioning of who the Presence is shows that even though he had all of the training of a master, he still didn’t know who the Lord truly was. It is reminiscent of the story of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3 –

“And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you did call me.’
Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. ⁹ Therefore Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.”’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
¹⁰ Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’
And Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for Your servant hears.’” 1 Samuel 3:8-10

Paul knew that this was a divine messenger, but he could not have imagined that Jesus was that divine messenger. His worldview and presuppositions about the law, the Messiah, etc., would not allow him to believe that his actions could possibly be responsible for the persecution of God’s appointed Messiah. However, that was about to change with the next words, “And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene.’”

The word Nazarene was not used by Luke in Chapter 9. However, Paul here indicates that this is the full title that was spoken to him. Luke’s words in Chapter 9 were focused more on the persecution and Paul’s stubborn inability to perceive the truth, instead recklessly pursuing a false direction –

“And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’
Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’”

Here, Paul first identifies the Source of the words from heaven because of the audience he is addressing. He carefully calls Jesus the Nazarene to ensure that the proper Jesus (Hebrew: Yeshua) was being identified for their understanding.

The name was not uncommon in Israel at the time. Identifying him this way would carefully elicit memories of the Man who had come and done so many miracles among the people, who had been crucified, and whose followers avowed that He had risen. Paul poignantly identifies himself with this same Jesus. With that, he completes Jesus’ words to him, saying, “whom you are persecuting.”

Paul doesn’t leave out the fact that he had been persecuting Jesus, but the proper Jesus had to first be identified. Matthew Poole describes the term Nazarene used here, saying “…that contemned (though not contemptible) name is owned by Christ from heaven, that they might not be ashamed when they were reproached by it on earth.”

Life application: The name Jesus is the name at which every person shall someday bow. All of humanity, from Adam until the last person born, will acknowledge Him –

“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

Isaiah, however, ascribes this honor to the Lord (Yehovah) –

“Look to Me, and be saved,
All you ends of the earth!
For I am God, and there is no other.
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.” Isaiah 45:22, 23

Paul directly cites Isaiah and applies what the Lord said through him to Jesus. Either Paul was a heretic and a blasphemer, or he is rightly claiming that Jesus is the Lord incarnate. The truth of Jesus’ deity cannot be missed if one truly searches it out. However, presuppositions and biases stand in the way. Paul was given a special grace by encountering the Lord personally.

We are likewise offered the grace of meeting Jesus personally through the now-completed pages of Scripture. Let us be wise and attend carefully to what we read. The choice is ours, just as it was for Paul. As Paul would, later on, declare to Agrippa –

“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, ²⁰ but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.” Acts 26:19, 20

Paul was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. We are not to be disobedient to the testimony now set forth in the pages of the Bible. Believe and be saved, and then share this message with those you encounter, to the glory of God who saved you.

Lord God Almighty, thank You for the word that You have given us. It is the place where we can encounter You and find the truth of who You are. May we not be slack about our pursuit of You. Rather, fill us with the burning desire to know You more and more each day. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Crossing a river in West Virginia.

Saturday, 25 November 2023

“And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ Acts 22:7

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

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

In the last verse, Paul was approaching Damascus when a gleaming light shone around him. Next, it says, “And I fell to the ground.”

The light overwhelmed him, as happens at other points in Scripture where someone encounters the glory of God. Regardless of how He reveals Himself, it is a natural reaction to beholding His glory. An example of this is found in Peter’s encounter with Jesus –

“But Simon answered and said to Him, ‘Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.’ ⁶ And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. ⁷ So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. ⁸ When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!’” Luke 5:5-8

This doesn’t mean that Peter recognized Jesus as God, but he did recognize the miracle as having come from God. Thus, Peter understood that Jesus had been a divinely appointed Messenger of the Lord. The miracle leveled him because he discerned his utterly contemptible nature before such greatness.

Paul is now overwhelmed in a different but comparable way. The glory of the risen Lord was too much for him to bear, and the event, likewise, leveled him. With that having occurred, it next says, “and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul.’”

The Greek Saoul – Saoul is transliterated from the Hebrew name Shaul, or Saul, meaning Asked For. Further, the call is personal, having been repeated twice as so often occurs in Scripture. It is a way of bearing verbal emphasis. Further, it is generally used in a way that demonstrates intimate familiarity. For example –

“So Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. ² Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob!’
And he said, “Here I am.”
³ So He said, ‘I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. ⁴ I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes.’” Genesis 46:1-4

The Lord was emphatically calling Jacob, intimately identifying with him, and demonstrating that He knew what would come to pass. In this, He was reassuring Jacob concerning the future, the events of which were completely within the control of His capable hands.

As for the encounter between Jesus and Saul, the words continue, saying, “why are you persecuting Me?”

The accusation is personal as well – “Why are you persecuting ME?” An attack against believers is an attack against Christ Himself. If the church is “in Christ,” then it is “in” Christ! Of interest is that the noun “voice” is in a different case than in verse 9.

The same is true with Acts 9:4 and Acts 9:7. The reason is certainly to show that the others heard a sound, but it was not speech to them. The Lord was only speaking to Paul.

Life application: In Isaiah 66, it says –

“Thus says the Lord:
‘Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
Where is the house that you will build Me?
And where is the place of My rest?
² For all those things My hand has made,
And all those things exist,’
Says the Lord.
‘But on this one will I look:
On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,
And who trembles at My word.’” Isaiah 66:1, 2

The word of God, meaning the Holy Bible, reveals who God is. It speaks forth His intentions for the people of the world. God says that He looks favorably upon the one who trembles at this word. Does this reflect your state before God?

It is certain that you cannot tremble at a word you don’t read. Nor can you tremble at a word that you read in which you are looking for personal earthly gain. But this is how much of the church treats the word because this is what they have been taught about the word.

You might be looking to get rich, and so you look to the Bible as a talisman to make that happen. There is no trembling and reverent fear in this. There is only the expectation that the Great ATM in the sky will be paying out in the days ahead.

The word of God is supposed to appeal to our souls, convict us of our sins, reveal to us His greatness, demonstrate our need for His mercy and grace, etc. These things are what we should find when we open the word and look into it. Let us consider this as we reflect upon this sacred and precious word.

Glorious Lord God, we stand in awe of Your splendor and majesty. We thank You for the grace and kindness You have shown to us, even in our fallen state. And we thank You that, because of Jesus, we are now reconciled to You for all eternity. Be glorified in our praises to You, O God. Amen.