Acts (Written)

Some spot in Washington State.

Thursday, 31 August 2023

“For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.” Acts 19:40

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 text more literally reads, “For also we are in danger of being accused of insurrection concerning today. There being no cause about which we will be able to give a reason concerning this conspiracy” (CG).

The recorder at Ephesus made his statement and then told those listening that if they had any grievance, they should take it up in a lawful assembly. That being said, it implies that the gathering was unlawfully assembled. He confirms that now, beginning with, “For also we.”

He includes himself in the matter at hand. He is an official in the city, the city has gone into an uproar, and he has entered the place where it occurred. He could, therefore, potentially be considered a part of the uproar. As such, he continues that they, including him, “are in danger.”

The authority of Rome was not to be questioned. Unlawful assemblies could be considered a lack of control. Any lack of control over the people could become a movement. Any movement could become a threat to the power of the empire. Therefore, such things were considered intolerable. In this case, he says the result could be “of being accused of insurrection concerning today.”

The recorder’s words now bring in a possible ironic turn of events that could result from this mob. The word he translated as “being accused” is the same word just seen in 19:38. The entire assembly, including Demetrius and those gathered with him, are being reminded that they may end up as defendants and not plaintiffs.

If so, the results might be even worse than they could imagine. They had almost organized a lynching, but it might be they who were to be executed. Albert Barnes notes –

“Popular commotions were justly dreaded by the Roman government; and such an assembly as this, convened without any good cause, would not escape their notice. There was a Roman law which made it capital for anyone to be engaged in promoting a riot. ‘He who raises a mob, let him be punished with death.’”

Even if this didn’t occur, the privileges of the city could be restricted, such as we have today with curfews and the like. The Romans did not appreciate such disobedience. The recorder was fully aware of this and next says, “There being no cause about which we will be able to give a reason.”

In other words, if the authorities heard of this gathering and came to Ephesus, there would be a hearing to determine what occurred. Even if the exact reason was discovered, which has already been described by Luke, it would not be a valid reason for the uproar. Somebody would be held accountable, and others would probably be implicated as well “concerning this conspiracy.”

In holding a hearing and finding those responsible, it is probable that charges would be made. If so, and it was quite possible under Roman law, there would be no reasonable defense. The word translated as “conspiracy” is sustrophé – a twisting together, hence a conspiracy. It speaks of anything rolled or twisted into a mass. In this case, a mass of people with an underlying sense of confusion, and thus a mob. The word is found only here and in Acts 23:12.

Life application: The words and actions of the recorder in this section of Acts could be compared with Gamaliel of the Sanhedrin in Acts 5. He was able to calm the crowd and use a logical defense of the situation at hand –

Gamaliel: “Men of Israel” / logical defense / conclusion – fighting against God.
Recorder: “Men of Ephesus” / logical defense / conclusion – fighting against Roman authority.

As such, there is a palpable irony between the two accounts. Gamaliel said that if the Way was of human origin, it would fade away, but if it was of God, it would endure. In this account, the recorder says that the whole world was aware of the divine source of their religion, and yet it eventually faded away.

The point of this is that in the world of faithful Christians, there are – at times – moments where it seems all is lost, and the faith is being overcome. This was the state of things several times in vast swaths of Christian-controlled areas. Wars seemed to threaten the very existence of the faith.

Likewise, in the world today, there is so much apostasy from the true faith that it seems as if those who are properly following the word of God are being pushed out by those who have completely departed from it. But this should not concern us. We have been told, in advance, that this time would come.

Eventually, the Lord will descend, and His faithful will be gathered to Him. He is not going to allow His faithful followers to be completely overwhelmed before that day comes. Until then, He expects us to hold fast to Him and His word, keep sharing the good news about what He has done, and remain encouraged even in a world filled with discouragement. Let us do so because a great Day lies ahead for those who are His faithful followers.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the sure hope we possess. Our faith is not built on fantasy but on the truth of who You are and what You have done to bring us back to Yourself. As the world devolves around us, we can remain confident and cheerful that there is an end to wickedness. A new and glorious Day lies ahead. May that Day be soon! Amen.

Bird. Posts. Trees. Washington state.

Wednesday, 30 August 2023

“But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. Acts 19:39

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 read, “If, however, you seek anything beyond, it will be solved in the lawful assembly” (CG).

In the previous verse, the recorder told the crowd what was proper concerning the matter they were gathered for and excited about. He continues his words to them now, saying, “If, however, you seek anything beyond.”

The word peran, or beyond, signifies over, on the other side, etc. For example, it is used when saying beyond the Jordan, beyond the sea, to the other side of the sea of Galilee, etc. In this case, the crowd has brought the matter between Demetrius and Paul forward. It was currently at a large gathering in the theater, and it needed to end there. However, he notes if there was anything beyond that point, either in time, place, or concerning the issue, “it will be solved in the lawful assembly.”

These words show that the assembly in the theater (ecclesia – verse 19:32) was not an authorized one. Instead, the term was used in a general sense. The clerk here notes that if there was anything that still needed to be addressed, it would have to be in an ecclesia that was obedient to the law. Also, the word translated as “solved” is epiluó. It is a verb giving the sense of unloosening. In other words, the issue at hand is like a tied knot that must be unloosened.

This is the job of the appropriate magistrates, not a crowd without authority or knowledge of the legal issues involved. The noun form of the word is found in 2 Peter 1:20, where it says, “knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation.” As for the verb used above, it is only found elsewhere in Mark 4, where it is translated as “explained” –

“And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. ³⁴ But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.” Mark 4:33, 34

Jesus “unloosened the knot” of the parables he spoke. However, the prophets of old could not form their own prophecies to unloosen the mind of God. Rather, God spoke through them as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Likewise, the matter between Demetrius and Paul, if it was not now settled by the recorder, would need to be taken before those who could properly unloosen it.

Life application: In seeing the use of the noun form of the word used here, Peter gives us insights into how prophecy is transmitted. The men of God of the past were given the words of God through a process that “unloosened” the mysteries necessary to understand what He is doing in the world concerning the redemptive narrative.

If you go on YouTube or some other internet forum and do a search for people who claim prophecy, you will find tens of thousands of people from all religions and all walks of life claiming they have had such secrets revealed to them.

Who are you going to believe? How can you determine if this one or that one is true or not? The Bible lets us know that what we have in it is sufficient for our doctrine, life, and religious practice. As this is so, the implication is that we do not need anything else revealed to us by God. It is easy to say, “That guy is a Hindu, and so his prophecies cannot be true,” but it should be just as clear to us that the people who claim to be Christians and who claim prophecy are also liars.

Their words are unnecessary for our walk with the Lord. They can only muddy the waters in which we tread. They cannot be accepted without causing some type of misdirection. Therefore, why listen to them? The plan has been set forth, it has been explained enough so that we have the broad outline we need, and it is sufficient for our time in this life. Be content with that.

Lord God, Your word is sufficient. Help us to accept this and to not search for something extra. That has caused too much damage in the church throughout the ages. Cults have sprung up, people have been misdirected, and souls have been lost. May we hold fast to Your word alone as we live out our lives in Your presence. Amen.

Land! On Washington State Ferry.

Tuesday, 29 August 2023

“Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. Acts 19:38

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 read, “Therefore, if indeed Demetrius and those craftsmen with him have a matter with anyone, judicials are held, and there are proconsuls. Let them accuse one another” (CG).

The previous words of the recorder were directed to the mob that had seized Gaius and Aristarchus, having brought them to the theater. He now says, “Therefore, if indeed Demetrius.”

The recorder is in a position of authority, responsibility, and understanding concerning legal matters. He has carefully described the situation to the crowd. Having done so, he next places the responsibility for any legal issue right back where it belongs, meaning with Demetrius. It was he who began the ruckus in verse 19:25. At that time, he called together “those craftsmen with him.”

Demetrius may have initiated the matter, but he had called these others to stand with him and against Paul and his doctrine. The people now gathered had been led as blind sheep to the theater, not even knowing all the facts concerning the matter. The recorder has carefully replaced the entire situation on Demetrius and those with him, questioning if they “have a matter with anyone.”

Even more literally, it says, “have a word with anyone.” The word logos, or word, carries with it the idea of a cause, matter, word, speech, analogy, and more. It is a very broad word, meaning “reasoning expressed by words” (HELPS Word Studies). In this case, Demetrius had expressed his reasoning for exciting the other craftsmen by words.

However, that had almost turned into a riot, a matter of Roman interest and legal prosecution. These people had no valid word against Paul or the disciples with him. Therefore, the recorder is returning the issue back to those who may have a case. If so, he notes that “judicials are held.”

It is a word found only once elsewhere in Acts 17:5, agoraios. It signifies “pertaining to the marketplace.” In Acts 17, it was used of the wicked market-loungers who set the crowd in an uproar. In this case, it is obviously a type of court setting. As it is a plural adjective, the closest word to describe it would be “judicials.” It would be the public setting where such grievances were to be brought forward.

Once such a case was brought forward to the judicials, the recorder notes that at that place, “there are proconsuls.” Of this, Charles Ellicott notes –

“Strictly speaking, there was only one proconsul in each province, and we must therefore assume either that here also the expression is colloquial, or that the assessors (consiliarii) of the proconsul were popularly so described, or that some peculiar combination of circumstances had led to there being two persons at this time at Ephesus clothed with proconsular authority. There are some grounds for adopting the last alternative. Junius Silanus, who was Proconsul of Asia when St. Paul arrived in Ephesus (A.D. 54), had been poisoned by Celer and Helius, the two procurators, at the instigation of Agrippina; and it seems probable that they for a time held a joint proconsular authority.”

Whatever the exact situation, it is obvious from the words of the recorder that the people knew and understood what he was saying. The matter was not in their hands, and they had no right to have it adjudicated in the manner that was currently being conducted. Therefore, it should be directed to the Roman authority that was set forth for it. With that, he concludes, saying, “Let them accuse one another.”

As in a modern court, an accusation was to be filed. From there, the matter would be handled by the court as each side presented its case or counterargument. Witnesses, if available, would be brought forward. The matter would be handled in the proper legal manner set forth by the Roman Empire.

Life application: In this verse, the clerk moved from the concrete to the abstract very smoothly, never mentioning Paul. Instead, he moved the complaint back to where it belonged, which was to Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen.

This showed everyone else that they had nothing to argue against. By using the abstract “anyone” it actually means there was nobody to charge Paul because the very person who was the supposed instigator has been shown in the previous verse to have not done anything meriting a complaint. From there, if legal action needed to be filed, it was by Demetrius.

We can learn from this type of thinking. If a complaint arises at work, in the church, in a public setting, or so forth, it is very easy for us to get caught up in the matter, not thinking it through. However, if we can remove ourselves from the rising excitement and think, “What would the authority propose concerning this?”, we may be able to quell the rash thinking before it gets out of control.

This assumes that the people are willing to listen. Such is quite often not the case. And even the legal authorities are often so corrupt that a logical presentation means little to them. However, we can at least remove ourselves from the matter and not get caught up in whatever negative arises from it.

Learn to think clearly by learning to think independently. The herd mentality will never come to satisfactory results because it is based on a lack of information and unbridled passions, and it is usually led by someone who already had failed to think through the matter clearly.

Lord God, too often, a herd mentality exists around us, even in the church. Numbers and might do not necessarily mean that what is being considered is correct. May our thoughts and actions be properly directed to You and by Your word. In this, we will not be misdirected in how we conduct our affairs. Amen.

Land in sight. Washington ferry ride.

Monday, 28 August 2023

“For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. Acts 19:37

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 succinct. They literally read, “For you brought these men, neither temple-robbers nor blaspheming your goddess” (CG).

The recorder has logically defended why the crowd should calm down, stating that what he spoke was undeniable. Now, because of what he has said, he explains why they must let the people they have been rallying against be left alone, saying, “For you brought these men.”

The word translated as you is plural. He is speaking to the crowd first spurred on by Demetrius, accusing them of causing an unnecessary riot and an attack against people who have done no wrong. The people he is referring to are Gaius and Aristarchus, the Macedonians who traveled with Paul, as noted in verse 19:29. They had been seized and brought into the theater. Of them, the recorder begins with, “neither temple-robbers.”

It is a single Greek word found only here in the New Testament, hierosulos. It is from two words meaning “sacred” or “holy” and to rob or plunder.  It is used only here in the New Testament. In 2 Corinthians 11:8, Paul writes a similar thought using the word “rob” with the Greek word ekklésia, translated as “churches.” Of this word, Ellicott says –

“The corresponding noun for ‘robbing temples,’ or ‘sacrilege,’ is found in inscriptions discovered by Mr. Wood (vi. 1, p. 14) among the ruins of the Temple, as denoting a crime to which the severest penalties were attached.”

These men had not done such a thing. But more, the recorder continues with, “nor blaspheming your goddess.” Note the use of the present tense. They had not blasphemed Artemis in the past and were not doing so now. The point of these words is that Paul and those with him could rightly say, “they are not gods which are made with hands,” as was stated in verse 19:26. No act of blasphemy could be ascribed to such a statement.

If Paul and his disciples said, “And that includes the false goddess made by hands in the temple of Artemis,” they could be accused of blasphemy. But the recorder has said that it was indisputable that she was not made with hands but had fallen from heaven (verse 19:35). Therefore, they could not be accused of blaspheming her. If she was not made with hands, then the statement ascribed to Paul, and which was then stated by Demetrius in verse 19:26, could not apply to them concerning blasphemy against Artemis.

Finally, some texts of the clause say, “our goddess.” Others say, “your goddess.” If the latter is the true original, it could explain why the recorder was so careful to choose his words as he did. It may be that he was convinced that what Paul taught was true, even if he said it was indisputable that the image had fallen from heaven. Those words could have been purposefully chosen to exonerate these men with whom he agreed.

Life application: There is the old saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” This is a way of saying that when you are in another nation or among another culture, you should adapt your conduct according to the location and culture of those you are visiting. It would be arrogant to assume that you can continue to act in a manner that would be offensive to those whose land you are visiting.

For example, whether you agree or disagree with the dress codes for women in an Islamic nation, when you are in such a nation, a visiting woman should wear what is required, or she can expect to be arrested. That is not complicated. If you don’t agree with their dress codes, then you should refrain from visiting.

This concept applies to evangelism as well. There are nations that forbid evangelism of their people. Because of this, many missionaries will go to such nations under the guise of working in another job, such as an English translator. The actual reason for going is to be a missionary, but any evangelism is done quietly and usually on an individual basis. If caught, that person is usually aware that it can end in being deported, imprisoned, or worse.

If you are going to travel to another nation, it is best to be aware of what you can and cannot do. Sharing the gospel is the highest priority for a believer, but it must be accompanied with tact and diplomacy. It would be highly inappropriate to go to an Islamic nation and begin your evangelism by blaspheming their god. The same is true with going to a Buddhist or Hindu nation. Be sure to know what is allowed and what is not allowed, and then work within that framework as closely as possible without either compromising your own faith or without getting yourself in a real pickle by those with whom you have come to reside.

Lord God, help us to know the laws, even in our own lands, concerning how we can evangelize others. It serves no good purpose to be labeled as an outlaw when we share the gospel, if that can easily be avoided. So, Lord, give us wisdom and discernment about when to speak, how to speak, and what will be the most effective way of sharing the gospel. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

The Jesus truck on Washington ferry.

Sunday, 27 August 2023

“Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. Acts 19:36

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 closely translated, “Therefore, these things being undeniable, it is necessary for you to be calmed and to do nothing rash” (CG).

The recorder in Ephesus just calmed the crowd and spoke to them concerning their goddess Artemis, claiming her image had fallen down from Zeus. Having said that, he next continues, saying, “Therefore, these things being undeniable.”

He uses a word found only here in Scripture, anantirrétos. It consists of three parts: a – the negative particle, anti – in place of, and rheo – to speak of. Taken together, they signify indisputable or undeniable. Literally, “cannot be spoken against.”

The intent is that Paul had spoken against things made with hands, such as Demetrius’ images. However, the recorder stated that the image of Artemis in the temple was not made with hands. Rather, it had fallen down from Zeus. But Demetrius’ claim from verse 19:26 was against Paul’s words, “they are not gods which are made with hands.”

His words indicate that the crowd had been gathered and stirred up under false pretenses. This is because there was no way Paul’s words could overturn what heaven itself had set up. As this was indisputable, how could such ridiculous worries even enter the minds of those in the crowd? Therefore, he next says, “it is necessary for you to be calmed and to do nothing rash.”

Because they were gathered based on a false and ridiculous argument, and because ridiculous worries end in decisions that are rash, they should lighten up before something arose that they would regret. In the next verses, he will give sound advice for those who may have a grievance, but the crowd itself had no justification for their almost riotous actions.

Life application: Despite properly calming the crowd from taking unjust actions, the words of the recorder were based on a false proposition. He stated that the image of Artemis had fallen down from heaven and that this was indisputable.

If the people believed him concerning this, that is fine, but time has not borne out his words. If what he said was true, the temple and the image would still be standing to this day, but it is not. Anyone can make any claim, no matter how ridiculous. Unfortunately, the more trustworthy a person appears, the more he will be heeded, regardless of how inane his argument may be.

For example, there are scientists all over the world who are highly respected and who teach that the universe exploded itself into existence. Others teach that man evolved from goo. There is not a single shred of evidence for either of these claims, and yet they are believed by innumerable people.

Just because someone in a position of authority makes a claim, it is unwise to accept his words at face value. This applies to those in the ministry as well as the secular world. If someone makes a claim about something from the Bible, you should be well versed enough in Scripture to know whether what he says is true or not, or at least know where to go to check it out.

Don’t just believe what you hear. An entire stadium of people believed the recorder’s nonsensical words that an image had fallen down from heaven simply because they were told it was true by someone in authority. Check, think, and verify. These things are important in all aspects of life.

Lord God, the word we have been given from You is a self-validating book, filled with sufficient evidence that we can certainly trust its contents. Unfortunately, people still take what it says and manipulate it for various reasons. Help us to be diligent in reading it and being familiar enough with it to know when it is being mishandled. Help us in this, O God, so that our walk with You will be sound and proper. Amen.