Acts (Written)

House or Senate. Wyoming Capitol.

Tuesday, 11 June 2024

After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. Acts 28:11

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, scrolling 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 literally translated, “And after three months, we went up in a ship having been wintered in the island, Alexandrian, figure-headed Dioscuri” (CG).

In the previous verse, Luke noted that the islanders honored Paul and him in many ways, noting that when they departed, they were provided things that were necessary. Now, Luke speaks of the actual departure, saying, “And after three months.”

This means that it was likely about early to mid-February. Some speculate it was as early as the month of January, others date it as late as March. The point is that they waited through the dangerous winter months while sailing was too hazardous.

The ship remained over the winter on the island until the time when it was safe to once again engage in commerce on the high seas. With the winter ending, the sailing would again be favorable. Therefore, Luke next notes, “we went up in a ship having been wintered in the island.”

Being a perfect participle, it means that the ship was wintered there, and it continued to winter there until the time that it could again go up to the high seas. This ship was heading in the right direction for the continued travel to Rome, and so it was employed for the next leg of the journey. Of this ship, Luke notes it was “Alexandrian, figure-headed Dioscuri.”

These words continue to show that Melita is, in fact, Malta. Malta would fall on the course from Alexandria to Italy, and so the identification of the ship as Alexandrian gives a good indication of the fact that the island was most likely Malta.

The word translated as figure-headed is parasémos. It comes from para, beside or by the side of, and séma, a sign or mark. Thus, a most literal translation would be “side-marked.” However, the intent is that of a figurehead.

Some ancient ships were side-marked with paintings, such as large eyes or other symbols like fighter jets display today. Others had carved images on them. Being the Dioscuri, it would seem likely these were carvings which then may have been highlighted with paint.

The word used to describe them is Dioskouroi, a word found only here in Scripture. It is derived from Dios which refers to Zeus, and the plural of kouros, boy. Thus, it means the two sons of Zeus and Leda, Castor and Pollux. They were the patrons of sailors.

Due to the nature of the word, the translation can be literal, Dioscuri, or any suitable translation that conveys the message, such as “twin gods,” “twin brothers,” “Castor and Pollux,” “the Castors,” “the sign of the Twins,” “the Heavenly Twins,” etc.

Each gives an acceptable description intended to convey what Luke meant with the single word Dioskouroi. Of these guardian deities of sailors, Ellicott notes –

“In Greek mythology, Zeus had rewarded their brotherly devotion by placing them among the stars as the Gemini, which were connected with the month of May in the signs of the Zodiac, and Poseidon (= Neptune) had given them power over the winds and waves that they might assist the shipwrecked. So in the Helena of Euripides they appear, in 1550–60, as promising a fair wind and a safe voyage. The figure-heads of the Greek and Roman ships were commonly placed both at the prow and the stern.”

What is unusual is that Luke has never noted the figurehead on any ship that they had sailed on in his previous accounts. And the number of ships would not have been small. For example, he notes that sometimes they changed ships while in a harbor, taking another to get to their intended destination. This would have been quite common, changing ships from one harbor to the next.

Despite this, the account now – when leaving Malta – is the only time a figurehead is described. Of this, Benson says, “And yet, in a ship having such an idolatrous image, Paul did not refuse to sail, considering it as being only the name of the ship.”

Paul was a prisoner being conducted to Rome, he had no choice in what ship he traveled, and it is certain that the majority, if not all, of the ships they had traveled on had figureheads. Therefore, it is irrelevant that it was an idolatrous image.

What seems likely is that Luke included this to show a contrast to what had occurred upon their arrival. As that ship certainly had a figurehead, and maybe even the same one as the ship they were now departing on (being the patron of sailors), such figureheads were irrelevant in providing protection to a ship.

The Lord had been with Paul, He had assured the safety of every person on the ship, He had followed through with that, and He had demonstrated His hand upon Paul when the viper bit him. He also continued to be with Paul as he laid hands upon the sick and healed them. And more, this journey to Rome is the fulfillment of the words of the Lord that Paul would bear witness at Rome (Acts 23:11).

Luke has, therefore, set a contrast to the effective workings of the Lord and the ineffective protection of false idols made by man’s hands.

Life application: Despite Benson’s comments not fitting the narrative, his words are correct that the images on the ship were idolatrous. People were putting their trust in something that is a part of creation rather than in the Creator.

The Bible mentions several constellations, acknowledging that they are as real as the planets. If God uses the constellations to tell a story, that is not the same thing as God allowing those things to be objects of worship or luck.

In Judges 9, Jotham uses the trees as an allegory. The Lord does this elsewhere as well. However, this doesn’t mean that the trees have any power in and of themselves. They are simply used to convey a story or prophecy. We must be careful to distinguish between such things.

Also, it would be ludicrous to refuse to travel on a ship or airplane that has figureheads on it. Paul addresses such notions when dealing with foods sacrificed to idols in 1 Corinthians. Those things are nothing. As long as we remember that and have our hearts and minds directed to the Lord, we don’t need to worry about what the world is doing.

Our hope is not in a carving, a painting, or a constellation. Rather, our hope is in the One who created all things and who has revealed Himself in Scripture and in the Person of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Heavenly Father, we know that an idol is nothing at all. It cannot help and it cannot harm. When our eyes look to the stars and constellations, we see Your hand of creation, not deities that can help us with our problems or direct our futures. May we always remember these things and focus our hearts and attention on You alone. Amen.

House or Senate chamber. Wyoming Capitol.

Monday, 10 June 2024

They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary. Acts 28:10

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, scrolling 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 much sparser in the Greek, and much must be inferred, “And who honored us many honors, and going up they laid upon for the necessity.” (CG).

The previous verse noted that the others on the island, having heard Paul healed Publius’ father, came to him with their diseases and were healed. Because of this, it next says, “And who honored us many honors.”

In other words, because Paul was able to heal them, and because he spent his time doing so, the kindness of Paul and Luke was rewarded by the people. The word translated as honor indicates a price. Vincent’s Word Studies says –

“The word was applied to payments for professional services, and that fact may have influenced Luke in selecting it; but it is evidently not used in that sense here.”

Whether it was payment or gifts, honors of some tangible nature were bestowed upon them for their efforts. However, other scholars disagree. Some of them show concern that accepting compensation for their work would be a violation of Matthew 10 –

“These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: ‘Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. ⁶ But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. ⁷ And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ ⁸ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. ⁹ Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, ¹⁰ nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.’” Matthew 10:5-10

There is absolutely no reason to accept that. Those words of Jesus were to the disciples, in Israel, under the time of the law, and for a specific purpose. If those words applied to the situation now, everything that Paul and Luke had done would be a violation of Jesus’ words because He said, “Do not go in the way of the Gentiles.” But this is the main focus of Paul’s ministry.

Such an evaluation is not a proper handling of Scripture. And more, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:3-12 concerning the rights of accepting payment for such work. He also notes it to Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:18 concerning receiving compensation.

It is stated explicitly and implicitly elsewhere as well. If those on the island felt that they should pay for the help they had received, and they freely offered it to those who had lost everything, then there is no reason to assume that Paul and Luke should not receive it – whether merely as a gift or as a sort of payment. Understanding this, it next says, “and going up they laid upon for the necessity.”

As noted above, the words are sparse. The meaning is that upon sailing (because to sail from land is considered going up), the same people from the island heaped everything necessary for the travel upon Paul and Luke.

This means that two separate things occurred. They were first rewarded for their efforts of healing the people, and then they were assisted in their continued traveling to Rome. Of this verse, the Geneva Bible says, “God does well to strangers for his children’s sake.”

Life application: When reading the Bible, the context of what is being said must be maintained. For example, we cannot force the words of Jesus in the synoptic gospels into what is going on in the book of Acts and the epistles. Jesus was speaking to Israel, under the law, about matters of the law and of the kingdom to come.

Care must be taken to ensure that if something is cited from the gospels, that it actually applies to whatever point is being made. To not do so can form a logical contradiction in one’s theology. For example, Jesus said –

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. ³⁵ For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶ Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36

People in the church will often cite these words, applying them to the life of believers today. Jesus’ words in this passage are not intended for those of the church. He is speaking to the people of Israel who were under the law and in anticipation of the tribulation period which comes after the church age.

Those in the church during this dispensation do not need to pray that they will be counted worthy to escape those things. They will be taken out at the rapture before those days transpire. We also do not need to pray that we will be worthy to stand before the Son of Man. Rather –

“…giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. ¹³ He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:12-14

Mixing matters between dispensations will always result in poor theology. Normally, it will result in a complete contradiction in what is said in Scripture. We are qualified to be partakers. We have been delivered! Read and apply the words of the Bible in their intended context and your doctrine will be sound.

Almighty God, help us to rightly divide Your word. May our evaluation of it be based on what You are doing in history according to the dispensation in which events are being referred. In this, our understanding of what is being said will be proper. Help us always to remember the proper context as we seek out what is being conveyed. Amen.

House or Senate, Wyoming Capitol.

Sunday, 9 June 2024

So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. Acts 28:9

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, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

More exactingly, it reads, “This, therefore, having occurred, also the others having infirmities in the island approached and were healed” (CG).

In the previous verse, Paul went into the sick father of Publius, prayed, and laid hands on him. With that, he was healed. Because of this, Luke continues, beginning with, “This, therefore, having occurred.”

He is showing a consequence based on an action. Because of Paul’s healing of the sick man, the word got out. This was the father of the leading citizen of the island and what occurred could not be hidden from the ears of the people. Once they realized Paul had the gift of healing, therefore, it next says, “also the others having infirmities in the island approached.”

The article before others is necessary for the intent of what is being said. Some translations simply say, “others also.” The inclusion of the article gives the sense that there was a rush upon Paul once the word had gotten out. In their coming to Paul with their infirmities, it then says, “and were healed.”

This is, therefore, a tie back to Luke 5 where the word went out about Jesus’ miracles to the point that everyone came to Him to be healed –

“Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ Immediately the leprosy left him. ¹⁴ And He charged him to tell no one, ‘But go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as a testimony to them, just as Moses commanded.’
¹⁵ However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. ¹⁶ So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” Luke 5:13-16

Luke is making a direct connection between the healing powers of Jesus and those of Paul, demonstrating that the same power that was upon Jesus now rested upon Paul. The Spirit of God was confirming the message of Jesus to those on the island of Malta.

Of the words of this verse, the Geneva Bible says, “Although Paul was a captive, yet the power of God was not captive.”

Life application: The people of Malta came to Paul for healing of their physical bodies. But the point of such healing is to lead people to understand their need for spiritual healing. Paul and Luke would have made this perfectly clear to those on the island. This is the point of having such healing powers.

Today, those miracles are recorded in the Bible. There is no longer a need for such demonstrable proofs. The New Testament tells believers to trust in what the word says, having faith that the message about Jesus contained there is true.

Of all of the writings throughout the world, the Bible alone tells the complete message of how we got into the mess we are in, what God has been doing to get us out of it, and what He will do for those who accept that message.

It is written in such a way that it is self-validating and can be trusted. And so, why do we need miracles, signs, and wonders to choose or reject Jesus? We don’t! This doesn’t mean God cannot or will not heal people today, but such healing will come as He chooses, without the explicit necessity of miracles that were needed before the Bible was complete.

To expect such things actually demonstrates a lack of faith, not the other way around. As it says, for example, in Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

We are expected to pick up the word, read it, test it to see if it is what it claims to be and then have faith in what it says. Don’t be captivated by those who claim to do miraculous things. They are a distraction from what God expects of His people. Evidence of this is that there are such supposed healers in other religions as well.

Is God working through them? No, He isn’t. Be careful what you believe and what you will accept. The word is reliable. Check it out and have faith in what it proclaims. Everything else is unnecessary eyewash.

Lord God, may we not be led down wayward paths by false teachers. Help us to be attentive to Your word, ready to test what we are exposed to, and to reject those things that have no basis in what You would intend for us in our walk before You. May Your Spirit rest upon us and guide us. Yes, Lord, may it be so. Amen.

Stairway. Wyoming Capitol.

Saturday, 8 June 2024

And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. Acts 28:8

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, scrolling 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, even if a tad clunky, more literally reads, “And it was, the father of Publius – afflicted with fevers and dysentery – who, lying toward Paul, having entered and having prayed, having laid the hands on him, healed him” (CG).

In the previous verse, Luke noted that there was a portion of land where the first of the island, Publius, lived. He invited Paul and others to stay with him for three days. Remembering that, it now says, “And it was.”

The Greek word egeneto is used to show the transition from one thing to another. In this, we can see that the divine hand is guiding the events of the matter. This transitional thought is then explained by Luke with the words, “the father of Publius – afflicted with fevers and dysentery.”

Publius has brought Paul, Luke, and whoever else was with them into his house. At some point, it was relayed to them that Publius’ father was sick. The word translated as “fever” is in the plural. This plural use of “fevers” is believed to indicate a recurrent fever.

As such, it was a malady that afflicted him regularly. Along with his fevers, he had a case of dysentery. It is a word found only here in the New Testament, dusenterion. Luke is giving a precise medical diagnosis of the situation.

Ellicott notes that the plural “fevers” in “combination with dysentery would, according to Hippocrates, who also uses the plural form (Aph. vi. 3), make the case more than usually critical.” In his situation, the verse uses multiple participles which makes the narrative quite exciting, “who, lying toward Paul, having entered and having prayed, having laid the hands on him, healed him.”

It is carefully noted that as soon as Paul entered, he prayed. At the same time, he laid hands on the sick man. All of this was done in a carefully recorded way to show an absolute connection between Paul’s actions and the man’s healing.

This is especially noted by Luke to show that Paul had subordinated himself to the Lord. It is likely that this was stated here to show the contrast to the initial claim of the locals, noted in the previous account just a couple of verses earlier, that he was called a god.

This verse parallels the account of Peter in Acts 9:32-35. For further insights concerning this, refer to James 5:14, 15. Also, notice the very close sequence of events in this account of Paul’s snake bite and then healing of this man in comparison to Mark 16:18.

In the previous verse, Publius was first noted in the Bible. Now, he is seen for the second and last time. This is actually noteworthy because, in just a couple of verses, it will say that the duration of their time on Malta is a full three months.

Life application: We are told here that Paul prayed, laid hands on the sick man, and he was healed. The next verse will speak about more healings. By incorrectly taking these verses in a prescriptive manner, many have assumed that we too have been given such powers without any limits at all.

They claim healing over others as if they have a right to demand things from the Lord, or as if they are divine conduits for the powers of healing to flow through them. This is completely contrary to what is actually the case. It is presumptuous and it is a sinful attitude.

Paul was unable to heal himself and several others as is clearly indicated in his epistles. And more, Scripture never indicates that we have been given the apostolic powers of healing.

Rather, we have been given the intelligence to produce medicines. Also, societies have developed institutions to educate people to be doctors and nurses. We have likewise been given the honor to pray for the healing of others. If it is in the Lord’s will to respond favorably, He will. But we should never claim such things as if we have the authority to tell the Spirit how and when to heal.

Use reason and intelligence when you pray for yourself and others. And, if you really want to be a part of the healing of others, go to school and learn how to do so. You can have a lifetime of positive effects on others, both physically and spiritually, if you are willing to put forth the effort.

Lord God, thank You for our doctors, nurses, and others who are in the business of healing others. And thank You that we can also come to You for healing when it is in Your will to respond. May we never accuse You in our hearts when others get sick and die, knowing that this is a fallen world. In Christ, however, we have an eternal hope of life and health ahead of us! Amen.

First responders flag – Wyoming Capitol.

Friday, 7 June 2024

In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. Acts 28:7

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, scrolling 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 in the surrounding area [lit: in the around that region], were parcels of the first of the island by name Publius, who having received us three days, lodged us hospitably” (CG).

In the previous verse, Paul was seen to have not swollen up or keeled over from the snake bite. Because of this, the fickle islanders of Malta said he was a god. Now, Luke begins a new portion of the narrative, saying, “And in the surrounding area [lit: in the around that region].”

By God’s providence, they were shipwrecked in a particular place that would bring comfortable times to those who had been cast ashore. Despite the great trials and losses that were suffered by those who were shipwrecked, there would be a season of blessing to come upon them. This is first starting to be realized now because in that surrounding area, there “were parcels of the first of the island.”

The meaning of “first” is the principal man of the island. The adjective used to describe the person is protos. It means the first, or chief, and thus he is “the first man.” Ellicott notes –

“The term is found both in Greek and Latin inscriptions, at Malta, of the time of Augustus, as an official title.”

Score another point for Luke’s accuracy. He is the chief ruler or magistrate appointed to oversee the population. Luke then notes, “by name Publius.”

This man’s name is a Latin one, literally: Poplios. It is known that Malta was rendered under the province of Sicily and so he would have been over the island, but under the Sicilian proconsul.

What we see in him then is a person who has received his job through appointment and not through a family line. This is indicated even more poignantly by the fact (as will be seen) that his father is there. He would not be the chief man if the position was based on family. This man is said to have “received us three days.”

It is a new word in Scripture, anadechomai. It comes from ana, up or upwards, and dechomai, to receive or welcome. Thus, HELPS Word Studies says it signifies to “receive up to the limit” and thus “to welcome with gladness.”

They were whole-heartedly and enthusiastically received up by the chief man of the island. It is agreed that this did not mean the entire host from the ship, but rather a select few.

Despite being a prisoner, Paul was a Roman citizen and stood in high favor with Julius. Luke was a physician and, thus, a man of respect. It is probably these three and maybe a limited number of others who were brought in as guests for those three days until other arrangements could be made. . this time, Luke notes that he “lodged us hospitably”

The word translated as “hospitably,” philophronós, is an adverb found only here. It literally means, “acting from a mind-set of personal affection” HELPS Word Studies. In other words, this was not a formal thing that was required by custom, but an invitation because of truly having come to like them. It was probably brought on by the words of Julius to Publius about the exceptional character of Paul and Luke.

Life application: Luke writes in the first-person plural concerning this visit. Thus, he was there, and it is absolutely certain that Paul, as will be seen, was there as well. Because Paul was there, Julius would have been there also, being the lead soldier and personally responsible for Paul.

Nothing is said here, or anywhere else, about Julius being converted to the Christian faith. However, it is unlikely that he was not fully aware of every nuance of what it meant to be a Christian by the time his supervision of Paul was ended. He personally saw prophecies uttered and fulfilled. He will see miracles of healing in the verses ahead. If anyone ever knew it, certainly Julius did, since Paul would not have been silenced over his proclamation of the gospel, etc.

Because of this, either Julius was converted and that is purposefully left out of the narrative for whatever reason Luke deemed necessary, or the heart of Julius was soft towards Paul and hard toward the message Paul proclaimed.

The latter is not unusual. There are people who have remained friends for years, even friends of pastors and preachers, who find the faith of their good friend curious and maybe even a bit comical. And yet, they stay fast friends through it. And how many times has there been an effect on the stout unbeliever later in life?

We cannot know what effect we will have on others by giving the gospel and then simply sharing our lives together with those we know whether they readily accept our words at the start or wait decades to yield. We don’t need to beat our faith into others. We simply need to share it and then let our lives be a testimony to those we know.

Let us never tire of living out the gospel that we have received. When the ball drops in the life of others, and it always does, they will know who to turn to if they are willing to once again hear the good news in their time of need.

Lord God, may our faith be on display at all times for others to see and remember what we believe. But we need to first let them know what our faith entails. So, Lord, give us boldness to first share the message, and then to live it out from day to day from that point on. Help us in this, O God. Amen.