Acts (Written)

Wife on the ferry.

Saturday, 26 August 2023

And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? Acts 19:35

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

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

A more literal rendering, even if a bit clunky, would be, “And having calmed the crowd, the recorder says, “Men, Ephesians, why, for is there a man who knows not the Ephesian city is being temple-sweeper of the great Artemis and the Zeus-fallen?” (CG).

In the previous verse, the people were in an uproar for about two hours, shouting, “Great, the Artemis of Ephesians.” Now, in response to the ruckus, it next says, “And having calmed the crowd, the recorder says.”

Note the use of the present tense, “says.” Luke draws the reader directly into the events as if they are occurring right now.

With such tumult, it would take a particularly noted person to calm the people. The person now introduced is such a soul. The Greek reads grammateus. It is the same word translated elsewhere as scribe. This is most especially found in the synoptic gospels, but it is also seen once in John, a few times in Acts, and once in 1 Corinthians 1:20.

This person probably held a permanent office instead of the annual offices of the Asiarchs. Plus, he would be a local resident and known to the people. Hence, he would be the one with the true power. His words would have more weight than the temporary positions he served. The excitement of Demetrius is contrasted with how calm this person is. In calming the people, he says, “Men, Ephesians.”

He is appealing to their identity to make a point about what is going on. From there, he makes what he assumes is a logical appeal to their senses as Ephesians, saying, “why, for is there a man who knows not.”

It is a rhetorical question. The answer would be obvious to anyone if he just thought it through. In fact, his words demonstrate that the matter should be universally known and understood that “the Ephesian city is being temple-sweeper.”

The recorder’s use of a present participle indicates that this is the case, and it continues to be the case. Ephesus is the neókoros, or temple-sweeper, of Artemis. The word comes from naos, temple, and koreó, to sweep. It is found only here in the New Testament. Vincent’s Word Studies says, “This title, originally applied to the lowest menials of the temple, became a title of honor, and was eagerly appropriated by the most famous cities. Alexander says, ‘The city of Ephesus is the sacristan of the great goddess Artemis.’”

The thought is similar to the words of Psalm 84 –

“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84:10

To be a Levite doorkeeper may not be as important as the priestly offeror of incense or the sacrifices, but it was of greater honor than any other position in all of Israel due to the proximity to God and the personal offering connected with the service of His temple. This is how a temple-sweeper would feel in the presence “of the great Artemis and the Zeus-fallen?”

This is the last time that Artemis will be seen in Scripture. As for the words “the Zeus-fallen,” they come from a single word diopetés, which, in turn, is from Dios (Zeus) and piptó (to fall). It is also a word found only here in Scripture. It would have been immediately understood and accepted by those hearing his words.

The point of what he says is that there may have been a challenge to the authority of Artemis, but she would prevail because she had fallen from Zeus. What challenge could stand against her? It is a similar thought to what occurs in Judges 6 –

“And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, there was the altar of Baal, torn down; and the wooden image that was beside it was cut down, and the second bull was being offered on the altar which had been built. ²⁹ So they said to one another, ‘Who has done this thing?’ And when they had inquired and asked, they said, ‘Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing.’ ³⁰ Then the men of the city said to Joash, ‘Bring out your son, that he may die, because he has torn down the altar of Baal, and because he has cut down the wooden image that was beside it.’
³¹ But Joash said to all who stood against him, ‘Would you plead for Baal? Would you save him? Let the one who would plead for him be put to death by morning! If he is a god, let him plead for himself, because his altar has been torn down!’ ³² Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, ‘Let Baal plead against him, because he has torn down his altar.’” Judges 6:28-32

If Baal is god, let him prove it and stand on his own merits. And if the God Paul proclaims is God, let Him stand on His own merits. As for the words of the recorder, the temple would eventually fall into disuse. Artemis has proven to be no goddess at all. On the other hand, the name of Jesus Christ and the proclamation of the gospel continue two millennia later.

Life application: Quite often, Christians get riled up when people do various things against the faith. One “artist” took a crucifix and submerged it in urine. To antagonize Christians, some people will tear up a Bible in public. Others will burn the Bible, stamp on it, etc.

These and other things are obviously wrong in the eyes of believers, just as the crowd at Ephesus felt that an attack against their supposed goddess was wrong. But in the end, if one god is pitted against another, even if it is the true “God,” why should believers be upset? Can’t God handle and judge the actions of His creatures?

Muslims get hugely bent out of shape at supposed blasphemies against their god Allah. They even take offense at pictures being drawn of Muhammed. But can’t Allah stand on his own? When attacks come against the God of the Bible, when blasphemies are hurled out against Jesus, or when someone speaks against the Holy Spirit or the Bible, why should we get all riled up? God can and will contend for His name.

In the end, those who fail to come to Jesus will be judged and removed from God’s presence. Our job is to provide the necessary warnings and to explain the grace that is found in Jesus Christ. Don’t get in a tizzy over those who come against such things. We should be more upset at those within the church who fail to uphold the name of Jesus that they claim to bear. That is where our focus should be.

Lord God, Your word tells us that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow. If You are God, then it shall come to pass. Our job is to get that name out so that those who are willing, will do so now. Those who are unwilling now, will do so on that great Day of judgment that lies ahead. Thank You that we have the sure and absolute guarantee that we belong to You through faith in Jesus. Hallelujah to His great name. Amen.

Ferry trip.

Friday, 25 August 2023

But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” Acts 19:34

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 rendered, “And having recognized that he is a Jew, there was one voice from all over about two hours, crying, ‘Great, the Artemis of Ephesians’” (CG).

Alexander was ready to speak, having motioned with his hand before the multitude. However, it now says, “And having recognized that he is a Jew.” The verb is in the present tense. Luke is writing as if it is happening right before our eyes.

Unfortunately for Demetrius and Alexander, whether they were in collusion together or not, those who recognized Alexander saw him as a Jew, they saw Paul as a Jew, and so the two were lumped together into the same basket – both as miscreants against their great goddess. As most of the crowd didn’t have any idea why they were there, this means that only some of the people were paying attention to this fact.

But to those who understood what was going on, a Jew would have been the same as any other Jew. Those that had heard Paul speak about the futility of idolatry would have remembered that and assumed Alexander held the same beliefs as Paul. Therefore, in their recognition of this fact, “there was one voice from all.”

In verse 32, those who gathered had been crying out whatever was on their minds. There was no harmony to their voices. However, they are all brought together into the singular “one voice” as the voice of those who had instigated the gathering began to prevail. Like the united chants for a particular political leader, the crowd was brought into harmony which spanned “over about two hours.”

What had started as a gathering of curiosity for most had become a united gathering in support of the original rallying cry. This would have increased the unity of those gathered immensely because they were “crying, ‘Great, the Artemis of Ephesians.’”

Being unwilling to listen to a Jew, the crisis was diverted for the Christians. Instead, a general roar of the original cries noted in verse 28 became a united rallying call to the masses. Because Ephesus was where the temple of the goddess Artemis was located, the people had become focused on it as the central purpose of their gathering.

Life application: It doesn’t take much to convince a group of people to act in a particular way. Many studies have shown that people will even do unreasonable things simply because a majority of those around them are doing them. It is the herd mindset that can take over anyone who either wants to join in with a cause or who is unwilling to speak out about the incorrect nature of a matter.

Quite often, this occurs because people don’t want to look foolish to others. This herd mindset then becomes a cult mindset. Jim Jones understood this and led an entire group of people to Guyana. They faithfully followed his leading, eventually to their own deaths. The same has repeatedly happened throughout history. Think of the cultlike thinking of those during the COVID event in 2021!

To varying degrees, this type of thing occurs in churches all the time. For example, the cult of King James Onlyism demands that only that translation be used. It claims that any other translation is of the devil. This is not an act of faithfulness to the word. If it were, the truth of the matter would be searched out. In searching, the mindset would be dismissed as ridiculous. But it is not. Fear of the leader sets in and control over the congregation is solidified.

The same occurs with other erroneous doctrines, moral perversity, etc. Anytime a leader claims something is exclusive to his teaching, it should be carefully considered. It is true that if his teaching is that Jesus is the only way to heaven, then he is teaching what is correct. However, if he teaches that Jesus is the only way to heaven and that salvation can only be realized in, for example, the Church of Christ, it is time to leave that church.

The only way to find out if such things are appropriate or not is to read and know the word. If this is not done, people are setting themselves up for disaster at the hands of others.

Thank You, Lord God, for Your precious word. It has been given to us to keep us on the straight and narrow path, and it certainly tells us what that path is. This can be verified in Your word. Help us to get to know this wonderful treasure of safety, security, and grounded hope that You have given to us. Amen.

Looks like we are sailing into oblivion.

Thursday, 24 August 2023

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. Acts 19:33

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 previous verse, Luke noted the confusion of the assembly and that most of the people didn’t even know why they were assembled. With that, it next says, “And they drew Alexander out of the multitude.”

This is not the first time the name Alexander has been seen in Scripture, but this is the first time this particular person has been noted. According to Abarim, the name is defined saying –

“A curious consequence of the distinction between the nouns ανερ [aner] and ανθρωπος [anthropos] is that the name Alexander does not so much mean Defender of Man(kind), as it is commonly translated, but more so Defence Of The Men. In other words, this name does not so much commemorate mankind’s defense against, say, forces of nature, wild animals or even the gods, but rather our boys from the evil others. The name Alexander does not speak of the betterment of mankind but rather of competition among armies or cultures or systems of governance, and the edge of advantage that the ‘way of Alexander’ has over the other armies and systems of governance.”

Of this particular Alexander, it next notes, “the Jews putting him forward.” Rather, being an aorist participle, it reads, “the Jews, having thrust him forward.”

It appears that there may have been collusion between the leaders of the rabble and the Jews in attendance. They have shown up in order to act against Paul, just as the silversmiths had. These people, knowing Alexander, and having had him recommended by the Jews to speak against Paul – who was a supposed apostate from Judaism – brought him forward out of the crowd.

This Alexander then is quite likely the same guy mentioned in 2 Timothy 4 –

“Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. ¹⁵ You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.” 2 Timothy 4:14, 15

If it is the same person, the assumption can be made that he had a connection with Demetrius through their trade of working in metals. Therefore, if the loss of livelihood harmed Demetrius, Alexander may have suffered as well. Being a Jew who had not received the gospel, that would only increase his desire to see Paul harmed.

It may be that this person was on Paul’s mind when he penned his words in Romans 2, but specifically in Romans 2:22 –

“Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; ¹⁸ if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; ¹⁹ if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, ²⁰ an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— ²¹ you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? ²² You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? ²³ You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? ²⁴ As it is written: ‘God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.’” Romans 2:17-24

This is speculation, but Paul’s points about various issues stem from the things he had seen, heard, and experienced. This event in Ephesus, along with any other mistreatment by the Jews there, would have stuck in his mind as he wrote out his epistle. As for Alexander now having been thrust forward to speak, it next says, “And Alexander motioned with his hand.”

This is the common way one identifies himself as being prepared to speak. It has already been noted several times in Acts, and it will be noted again as Luke’s descriptions continue. Paul will speak before another highly agitated crowd in Acts 21 –

“After receiving the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic…” Acts 21:40

As for Alexander, it next says, “and wanted to make his defense to the people.” Rather, it says, “and wanted to make a defense to the people.” He was not defending his own actions. Instead, he was setting forth an apologeomai, a “compelling defense with sound logic” (HELPS Word Studies). This defense was to be in favor of Demetrius’ accusations against Paul as stated in verses 19:25-27.

Life application: The quote from Romans 2 is addressed to the Jew. Paul does this throughout Romans, using the Jew as an example to make points about the law versus grace, etc. This does not mean that the words are for the Jews and that they have no bearing on Gentiles, as if those parts can be cut out of the book when dealing with church doctrine.

As stupid as that surely sounds to you, it is not uncommon for people to have this type of theology. They pull out words, verses, and paragraphs and claim they do not apply to those in the church. Hyperdispensationalists will do this, for example, in an attempt to justify their unjustifiably poor doctrine.

What Paul writes in his epistles is doctrine for the church. His address to the Jew is a literary device to get people to think an issue through. He is not saying, “Ok, Gentiles don’t need to pay attention for a minute.” Rather, he is saying, “Brethren (Jew and Gentile), pay attention to this point in case someone comes along and brings up this issue about the Jews.”

The main point of what Paul is saying is that the law is opposed to grace. The Jews who rely on the law for their righteousness are placing their hope in the wrong place. “Therefore, O church consisting of both Jew and Gentile, put your trust in Jesus Christ and you will be deemed righteous before God.” The Jew is being used as an example in instruction.

Stay away from anyone who cannot understand basic context. Your doctrine, and thus your walk before the Lord, will be greatly harmed if your biblical analysis does not rightly consider context.

Lord God, You have given us Your precious word to instruct and guide us. And there are many teachers of the word in the world. However, many of them haven’t taken the time to rightly understand it themselves. So, Lord, lead us away from poor teachers. As we read and learn Your word on our own, help illuminate it to us so that we will know when false teachings are presented to us. Amen.

Taking a ferry, Washington State.

Wednesday, 23 August 2023

Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. Acts 19:32

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 more precisely read, “Others, indeed therefore, another thing were crying, for the assembly was in confusion, and the majority knew not for what reason they were assembled” (CG).

In the previous verse, the Asiarchs implored Paul to not enter the theater. The reason for that is now stated, saying, “Others, indeed therefore, another thing were crying.” The meaning is as many versions paraphrase. They will say something like, “Some cried one thing and some another.” The intent is that there was utter chaos with people yelling out whatever they thought was going on. Further explaining this, Luke next says, “for the assembly was in confusion.”

The word translated as assembly is ecclesia. It is the same word used to describe the church. It comes from ek – out and kaleo – call. Thus, it means a “called out assembly.” In the case of this one, it was not sanctioned by leaders but by miscreants, as will be seen in a few verses.

Also, the verb is in the passive voice, “in confusion.” All of the din from the various voices calling out brought the entire gathering into confusion. It was, therefore, a dangerous situation to enter. If Paul entered and started speaking and another voice got the upper hand, Paul’s life could easily be in jeopardy.

Paul would be appealing for the gospel’s sake, Demetrius or another would bring up the matter of Artemis and Paul’s diminishing of her supposed glory, and the crowd would be easily swayed. They were in tumult “and the majority knew not for what reason they were assembled.”

As this is so, there would be heightened uncertainty and any spark could light a fire in the people’s minds. As such, and knowing this was the state of things, the Asiarchs had appealed to Paul to not get involved in the matter. The crowd was too large and too excited to take such a chance.

Life application: The images set forth in this verse are vivid and were certainly provided to Luke by firsthand witnesses. The descriptions are a perfectly apt description of a tumultuous gathering of people.

Throughout history, people flock to any large commotion simply to say they were a part of it, even if they have no idea why it was called. It is an excellent description of the term “sheeple.” Individuals are smart. But when brought into crowds, the herd mentality renders them stupid.

This is a dangerous situation to join. This is especially so when there are people that may be pushing for a religious or political upheaval. Such occurred on 6 January 2020 in Washington D.C. Government officials were embedded in the crowd to agitate it and to set them up in a hoped-for insurrection. Thus, they could bring charges against the demonstrators and against the sitting president. Such instigators are to be found in almost every such large gathering. So be on your guard and stay away from such crowds.

O God, give us wisdom to handle our daily affairs carefully and with reason. May we not get caught up in affairs that could bring a stain upon Your name. Instead, help us to always be wise and discerning as we live out our lives in Your presence. Amen.

Wife unit, 1 each. On ferry across the channel. My truck with Bible verse and flowers. Washington State.

Tuesday, 22 August 2023

Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. Acts 19:31

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).

To be more precise, the words read, “And also some of the Asiarchs, being his friends, having sent to him, were imploring not to venture himself into the theater” (CG).

In the previous verse, it noted that Paul wanted to go to the people in the theater but that the disciples would not allow him. That continues now, saying, “And also some of the Asiarchs.” It is a word found only here in Scripture. Vincent’s Word Studies says of them, “These were persons chosen from the province of Asia, on account of their influence and wealth, to preside at the public games and to defray their expenses.”

Charles Ellicott adds to this, saying, “The office was an annual one. They were ten in number, and the proconsul nominated one of them as president. Their duties led them now to one city, now to another, according as games or festivals were held, now at Ephesus, now at Colophon, or Smyrna. As connected both with the theatre and with the worship of Artemis, they were probably officially informed of the occasion of the tumult.”

Concerning these Asiarchs, Luke next records, “being his friends.” How he became connected to these men isn’t stated. Likewise, it is unknown if they were believers or not. Regardless, Ellicott seems to be correct when he says, “There is something significant in the fact that the Asiarchs were St. Paul’s friends. The manliness, tact, and courtesy which tempered his zeal and boldness, seem always to have gained for him the respect of men in authority: Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:7), Gallio (Acts 18:14-17), Festus and Agrippa (Acts 25:9; Acts 26:28; Acts 26:32), the centurion Julius (Acts 27:3; Acts 27:43).”

Paul was obviously bold and firm in his speaking. Therefore, whether he obtained converts of others or not, the men respected him for his character. Because they are noted as his friends, Luke continues with, “having sent to him.”

Whether they were in the theater and saw the riotous nature of the crowd, or whether they were elsewhere in the city and knew of what was occurring, they sent a messenger to Paul and “were imploring not to venture himself into the theater.”

These men were aware of Paul’s character. They knew that if he went into the theater he would immediately go to where he could be heard and begin to speak up about the gospel. Having dealt with him in the past, they were certain this would be the case. They also knew that the fracas was because of him and his supposed undermining of Artemis.

All of this is either explicit or it can be deduced from the surrounding text. Knowing this, they begged him to refrain from entering, knowing that the outcome would result in certain harm to him.

Life application: As noted above, it is apparent that Paul was known to highly prominent men, not just in Asia but wherever he traveled. Even if they were not converts, he gained their respect as a person. His words and demeanor may have been totally directed to the sharing of the gospel. However, he did it in a manner that was bold and firm but not confrontational.

At times, one may come across a street preacher who yells out his message. He may stand and condemn everyone around him to hell for not accepting Jesus. These things may be true, but there is no reason for this type of conduct. To tell people that they need Jesus in order to be saved implies that they are not saved. If they are not saved, the implication is that they are already separated from God. People get this without being yelled at that they are sinners and are going to hell.

And the whole yelling thing. Yeah, right. If someone comes to your business and you start yelling at him, well, that won’t go over well.

[Shouted loudly] “If you don’t buy this extra insurance for your new appliance, you are an idiot!”

You will not sell many insurance policies that way. The same is true with selling hot dogs, promoting your plumbing business, etc. There is a way to convey the gospel message without yelling and/or accusation. Reading the evangelistic words of Paul in Acts will help you see how he conveyed the message. Even if his words were rejected, he was received as an honorable man.

The strong words of accusation by Paul (and by Jesus) were saved for those who claimed to be followers of the true God but who were not living according to their proclamation. For the unsaved, they were treated boldly in the message, but respectfully regardless of its acceptance or rejection. Follow this path and you will find that even if you meet with initial failure, you may later have success with those same people.

Heavenly Father, may we be wise and discerning in how we present the gospel to others. It is the message that saves. If we don’t present it with respect and care, it will not only be rejected at first, but the encounter will be remembered by those who were offended by our presentation. Our goal should be to exalt You and this saving message, not to demean and condemn those who hear our words. Help us in this, O God. Amen.