Acts (Written)

Capital building, Washington State.

Friday, 2 June 2023 

Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. Acts 17:12

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

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

The NKJV changes the structure of the second clause so that it does not reflect the Greek. The verse more precisely reads, “Many, indeed, therefore, of them believed, and of the prominent Greek women, and men, not a few” (CG). This will be used in the evaluation.

The previous verse noted the eagerness of the Bereans to examine the Scriptures daily to find out whether the words of Paul and Silas were true or not. As a result, it now says, “Many, indeed, therefore, of them believed.”

Though a little clunky in the English translation, the words carefully provide the result of what was just stated –

They “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”
“Many, indeed, therefore, of them believed.”

Instead of just hearing Paul on the Sabbath and then going home like the Thessalonian synagogue, these people went each day to search out what they had heard. Because of their diligent effort, the result was exactly what one would expect. The Scriptures pointed to Jesus. Jesus had come. In comparing what Scripture prophesied with what Paul proclaimed, they came to the obvious conclusion that the words of Paul were correct and that the gospel was true. From there, it next says, “and of the prominent Greek women.”

The word translated as prominent is the same as that used in Acts 13:50. It is affixed to the women, not to the men next to be mentioned, just as it was in Acts 13 –

“But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.”

The word itself is derived from two words signifying “well” and “form.” Thus, it means well-fashioned or well-formed. HELPS Word Studies notes that it “is used in Koine Greek of a person who properly uses influence, especially by serving in a high (respected) position.”

Many translations incorrectly affix the word to both the women and the men. But the intent is that these women were influential, perhaps connected with ranking families in the society. Along with them, it next says, “and men, not a few.”

These were probably mostly proselytes, but there could be some that were talked to by Paul and Silas during the week and who then came to the synagogue to continue to hear what they had to say. Whoever these people were, it says that they believed.

The main point of the words is that there was a large number of both Jews and Greeks who believed, including influential women among them. This can all be attributed to the leadership of the synagogue. Unlike Thessalonica, there was a true desire to search out Scripture that had to have come from one man or a few men who truly desired to know the truth concerning the words of Scripture. Without being named, it is a testimony to the integrity of the person or people who led the synagogue.

Life application: The leadership in a church will direct its heart for the word. If a pastor is passionate about the Bible, those who attend will be as well. Those who are not passionate about it will simply not attend. Instead, they will go looking for a church that suits their preferences. However, those who stay and continue will do so because they appreciate his zeal for Scripture. Thus, they will naturally be geared toward doing their own daily studies, talking about the word, sharing the word, etc.

If you love the Bible and are looking around for a church to attend in your area, you should not be satisfied until you find one that will fill your desire. If you start attending a church that is weak in this area, you may eventually find your zeal for the word waning. Don’t let this happen to you. Keep close to the word, attend where it is properly taught, and keep the fire alive by doing your own reading each and every day. It is your roadmap along life’s highway, so use it to keep you going in the right direction!

What a wonderful and precious word You have given to us, O God. Thank You for it. Help us to always stick close to it and to grow in our knowledge of its contents as each new day arrives. Yes, Lord God, thank You for Your magnificent and superior word. Amen.

Washington Capitol Panorama

Thursday, 1 June 2023

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Acts 17:11

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).

The previous verse detailed Paul and Silas having traveled to Berea and their going into the synagogue of the Jews upon their arrival. With that remembered, it next says, “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica.”

The NKJV, following after the KJV, omits a necessary conjunction. It should read, “And these,” “Now these,” or something similar. “And these were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica.” As for the word “fair-minded,” it is eugenes, translated as noble, but signifying “well born.” Using “fair-minded” is more of a paraphrase than a translation, even if the thought is properly conveyed.

These people in Berea were brought up properly and told not to just trust what they first heard but were to instead check for themselves. In other words, they were not gullible, but they were also not dismissive. In Thessalonica, some of the Jews were persuaded, but there were a great many Greeks who came to believe.

As Paul had clearly reasoned from the Scriptures, and as the majority of the Jews there did not believe, it indicates their dismissive attitude toward what was clearly presented in their writings. On the contrary, concerning those in Berea, it next says, “in that they received the word with all readiness.”

The words “in that” are not in the original and should be italicized. It simply says, “they received the word with all readiness.” They obviously listened to Paul and absorbed what he said, not being dismissive of what he presented. That is the first part of the necessary equation for being noble. The second part is that after hearing, they then “searched the Scriptures.”

The word searched should read examined. It is the Greek word anakrinó. It signifies to examine, investigate, or question. This is unlike Jesus’ words of John 5:39 –

“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”

There, the word is ereunaó. It signifies to search or seek. In Berea, Paul told them what the Scriptures said. There was no need to search. Rather, if Paul said, “The prophet Isaiah said xxx,” they would go to Isaiah and examine if Paul was correct or not.

They were not dismissive of hearing, but they were also not gullible in accepting. After hearing, they went to the source of their faith, and they checked out if what Paul had said matched what God had told them in the law, prophets, and writings. This shows care about getting to the truth of the matter. It also demonstrates a willingness to not be haughty or arrogant in matters they had not previously considered, dismissing things as if they already knew it all. And more, they did it “daily.”

After hearing Paul’s words on the Sabbath, they didn’t just say, “We’ll hear more next Sabbath,” which is exactly what is implied concerning those at Thessalonica –

“Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures.” Acts 17:2

Rather, those in Berea decided to come back each day, probably either before or after a long day of work, and they continued to search and contemplate what Paul had said. This shows a caliber of person who truly wants to know the truth of the word. They did this “to find out whether these things were so.” Of this, Albert Barnes gives four sound reasons for their actions –

(1) That it is proof of true nobleness and liberality of mind to be willing to examine the proofs of the truth of religion. What the friends of Christianity have had most cause to lament and regret is, that so many are unwilling to examine its claims; that they spurn it as unworthy of serious thought, and condemn it without hearing.

(2) the Scriptures should be examined daily. If we wish to arrive at the truth, they should be the object of constant study. That man has very little reason to expect that he will grow in knowledge and grace who does not peruse, with candor and with prayer, a portion of the Bible every day.

(3) the constant searching of the Scriptures is the best way to keep the mind from error. He who does not do it daily may expect to ‘be carried about with every wind of doctrine,’ and to have no settled opinions.

(4) the preaching of ministers should be examined by the Scriptures. Their doctrines are of no value unless they accord with the Bible. Every preacher should expect his doctrines to be examined in this way, and to be rejected if they are not in accordance with the Word of God.

Albert Barnes is correct in his analyses and each of us would do well to pay heed to the lesson of those in Berea.

Life application: If there is a God, and there is every logical reason to believe there is, then the most important thing a man can ever do is learn about Him. If God has revealed Himself through some sort of communication, then it is man’s responsibility to consider what He is saying.

God has revealed Himself through creation, communicating things about Himself through a process we call general revelation. God has generally revealed Himself to us so that we can consider Him and His nature. David touches on this in the 19^th Psalm. Paul writes about it in Romans. The book of Job and elsewhere convey this to us as well.

The wise person will consider what God has done and be grateful to Him for the provision He provides, the beauty He offers, the order and harmony of things that allow us to use the creation for our benefit, etc.

But God has done more than offer a general way for us to consider Him. He has also specifically revealed Himself to us through His word. We call this special revelation. God has purposefully and specifically revealed Himself through speaking to and through prophets, communicating to us what we need to know to have a close and personal relationship with Him.

The wise person will go beyond simply acknowledging this and will determine to read this word, study it, defend it, proclaim it, and so on. The wise person will make this word the central focus of his life because Jesus is the central focus of this word. Jesus is God’s special revelation par excellence. He is the point, purpose, and meaning of all aspects of God’s word. Therefore, to properly know God, one must know Jesus Christ. And to know Jesus Christ, one must know the words of the Bible that tell us of Jesus Christ. Read your Bible. Know your Bible. Find Jesus in God’s precious and sacred word!

Glorious Lord God, help us to use our time wisely, searching out who You are and what You are like through the ways You have revealed Yourself to us. May we not squander our time in futility, but consider You at all times, especially when we intimately fellowship with You through Your word. Yes, may it be so, to Your glory. Amen.

Wednesday, 31 May 2023

Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Acts 17:10

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).

In the previous verse, security was taken from Jason and those with him, and they were released. Now, it continues, saying, “Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away.”

This may have been something mentioned by those who held their bail. Part of the conditions may have been to get Paul and Silas out of Jason’s house, or it could be that they were to hand them over to the city leaders; but to avoid that, they sent them away. It could also just be that they knew Paul and Silas were targets of the Jews and wanted to keep them from being harmed.

The latter reason, because it is so similar to Paul’s other interactions with disbelieving Jews, seems most likely. However, regardless of the reason, Paul and Silas were immediately sent away, “by night.”

The Greek reads, dia nyktos, through night. Under the cover of night, they were sent out of the area. This is not unlike what occurred in Acts 9 –

“Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. ²⁴ But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. ²⁵ Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.” Acts 9:23-25

In sending Paul and Silas away, it next says that it was “to Berea.” The name Berea comes from the word peran, meaning “over,” “on the other side,” or “beyond.” Thus, it is the region beyond the coastline. Of this location, Wikipedia says –

“Berea was in southwestern Macedonia. The city’s foundation stood where Veria, or Kar-Verria, in Greece is today. It is a unique position [and] has had a variety of terrain surrounding the city since then.

Berea sat at the base of Mount Bermius, which is part of the Vermio Mountains and provides an ample supply of water for the city and the region. The main sources of water were the Haliacmon and Axios Rivers, which supported apple, peach and pear orchards. The area is prosperous with a hydroelectric dam on the Haliacmon powering the area’s industrial sector.”

With that noted, it next says, “When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.”

This is Paul’s standard way of entering into a new city, at least as far as Luke’s focus is concerned. Nothing else is recorded concerning their arrival and time in Berea until he goes to the synagogue. It shows that Paul’s main focus was to first bring the word to his own people and any proselytes who were there. From that point, he could then continue to branch out in his evangelistic efforts.

It also shows that, despite repeated attacks from his own people, he was willing to continue to evangelize them. It reflects the attitude of his words to those in Rome. Paul desperately wanted his own countrymen to come to a saving knowledge of Christ. He was willing to expend himself and even place his life in danger to do so.

Life application: It would be an argument from silence to say that Paul did not speak to any Gentiles before going into the synagogue in Berea. Luke’s focus for the narrative is to show that Paul was always willing to go into the synagogue and share his faith with them as his top priority.

However, if Paul and Silas arrived in Berea on a Tuesday, they would have several days until the Sabbath to talk to others. It is unlikely they would have said, “No, we have to wait to give the good news to the synagogue first.” Rather, they would have spoken to whomever as the occasion arose. The focus of the narrative is to highlight Paul’s modus operandi, not to give a complete record of everything he and Silas did.

As you read the Bible, be sure to contemplate why things are recorded as they are. A single turn of the page can be a jump ahead in time of weeks, months, or even years. Innumerable things are skipped over because they are not relevant to the narrative. Consider the main focus of what God is conveying to you and think about His reasons for doing so. This is a great help in understanding why things are laid out as they are.

Heavenly Father, may our time in Scripture be a time of fellowshipping with You, understanding Your mind as it is revealed to us, and as a light and guide for our own lives as we draw nearer and nearer to You. Help us to consider Your word as being a guide for humanity to understand You and our relationship with You. Thank You for the coming of Jesus, O God, who then makes all this clear and understandable. Amen.

Washington State Capitol.

Tuesday, 30 May 2023

So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. Acts 17:9

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).

In the last verse, the evil men who had gathered a mob were said to have troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city by their sayings. With that, it next says, “So when they had taken security.”

The Greek word is hikanos. It is a noun meaning “sufficiency.” Like bail today, they took a sufficient sum to ensure proper conduct on the account of a person and his guests, and to sufficiently meet any charges that may be brought against the individual. In this case, it was “from Jason.”

As he was the owner of the house where those who were the brunt of the accusations, meaning Paul and Silas, were staying, he was held accountable for a certain sum. Along with him, it next says, “and the rest.”

This would be the “some brethren” mentioned along with Jason in verse 17:6. Because they were all in the same quarters with Paul and Silas, it could be that they were complicit in any wrongdoings. Until the matter was investigated and sorted out, there would be a particular sum held to protect the interests of the city. With that complete, it says, “they let them go.”

Like bail today, once the deposit was made, it was considered sufficient to ensure compliance for any future matters.

Life application: There are those who fall under the umbrella of Christianity but who refuse to participate in society in any meaningful way. Some refuse to participate in the military. If the reason is as a conscientious objector, that is one thing. But if it is only because of not participating in affairs of government, that is another. Some will not vote. Some will refuse any public office.

However, if one of these people is arrested, you can bet your bottom dollar they will pay the necessary bail to be released. They will also pay taxes, toll fees, entrance fees at national monuments, etc. The incorrect nature of such thinking is totally contradictory. Be sure to consider the lessons found right in Scripture.

If you are a member of a particular society, there is nothing at all wrong with participating in that society, including military service, government service, and exercising civic responsibilities such as voting. Think clearly. Be a responsible, active participant in those things that daily affect your life. If you don’t, when things go bad for you, you will only have yourself to blame.

Lord God, may we be shining examples of faithfulness to You all our days. If that can be done while in service to the nations in which we live, may it be so. May we not isolate ourselves from our surroundings in this world where You have placed us. What a difference we can make if called to do so! And so, may we do so to Your glory. Amen.

View from Washington State Capitol.

Monday, 29 May 2023

And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. Acts 17:8

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).

In the previous verse, those who came against the believers charged them with “acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there was another king – Jesus.” With that, it now continues, saying, “And they troubled the crowd.”

In stirring up those standing there, they would have more effect in their hopes of bringing harm to the believers. The word “crowd” is singular, giving the sense of a hive mind where everyone will act as a unified whole. In other words, verse 17:5 noted that a mob was gathered. This then “set all the city in an uproar.”

With this expanding frenzy, the whole multitude has become alarmed. It is the common tactic of incitement that builds from something small to something ubiquitous. Along with the multitude, it next says, “and the rulers of the city.”

The city rulers see the excitement of the crowd and, being rulers, they knew they could easily become the object of the crowd’s displeasure. Were that to take place, they would be subject to harm or even death. This is what occurred “when they heard these things.”

The Jews of the synagogue started the trouble because of their envy. Enlisting miscreants to join them and stir up the masses, a general frenzy broke out. From there, the multitude began to fear the commotion. That led to fear by the rulers. From a little plan, a large turmoil has developed.

Life application: If the words of this account in Acts seem difficult to believe, just remember the events of January 6, 2020. The US government placed operatives in the midst of a peaceful group of protestors. They incited the people to act against the government. From there, the leaders in the capitol complex became exceedingly fearful and were quickly ushered out of the capitol building.

Just what the Jews instigated in Thessalonica is what the US government instigated against an entire party of people in the nation. This is a very simple way of gaining control over others. It has been used in communist rebellions many times in the past century.

All people should be extremely careful about joining large crowds that are being whipped into a frenzy. If you are a part of those who are to be targeted, your mere presence at the event may wind up with you being charged with sedition and rebellion. Be obedient to the rules of your land, but do not trust your government to do what is right.

Lord God, it is so good that we have a hope that transcends this world. There is nothing here for us of any true value. We long for the day when we live for eternity solely under the loving care of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May that Day be soon. Amen.