Acts 23:12-22
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+23:12-22
The Plot to Kill Paul
12 The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.” 16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him to the commander. The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.” 19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?” 20 He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. 21 Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.” 22 The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
23:14, 15 When the Pharisee/Sadducee controversy died down, the religious leaders refocused their attention on Paul. To these leaders, politics and position had become more important than God. They were ready to plan another murder, just as they had done with Jesus. But as always, God was in control.
23:16 This is the only Biblical reference to Paul's family. Some scholars believed that Paul's family had disowned Paul when he became a Christian. Paul wrote of having suffered the loss of everything for Christ (Philippians 3:8). Paul's nephew was able to see Paul, even though Paul was in protective custody, because Roman prisoners were accessible to their relatives and friends who could bring them food and other amenities.
23:16-22 It is easy to overlook children, assuming that they aren't old enough to do much for the Lord. But a young boy played an important part in protecting Paul's life. God can use anyone, of any age, who is willing to yield to him. Jesus made it clear that children are important (Matthew 18:2-6). Give children the importance God gives them.
How did the son of Paul's sister hear of this plot? Would you call him one of the first "whistleblowers"? Where did he get up the courage to go tell Paul and get his counsel? How did God work in all this? Was God's message to Paul that he would testify in Rome an assurance that this plot would fail, despite the numbers of men who were "all in," pledging not to eat or drink and stuff? This passage evokes lots of questions. My thoughts ran to the protection of God for His own. And, admittedly, to the arrogance of men to think they could control this Paul situation by killing him.
Oh Heavenly Father, thank You for Your divine protection and guidance in these difficult times. Thank you for assurances of that guidance. Help us to keep our thoughts on You through constant, unceasing prayers. Let us seek You, Lord. Truly seek You. Let us put our sincere petitions up to You. Let us see Your works clearly and give You praise daily+ for them. Oh Lord, fill us with Your righteousness and respect for life. Lord, let us pray for our nations too. And for true justice to prevail in truth. According to Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/rG_y6X2K_dM
Have a blessed day.
Acts 23:1-11
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+23:1-11
Paul Before the Sanhedrin
1 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” 2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!” 4 Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!” 5 Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’ ” 6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” 7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.) 9 There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks. 11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
23:2-5 Josephus, a respected first-century historian, described Ananias as profane, greedy, and hot-tempered. Paul's outburst came as a result of the illegal command that Ananias had given. Ananias had violated Jewish law by assuming that Paul was guilty without a trial and ordering his punishment (see Deuteronomy 19:15). Paul didn't recognize Ananias as the high priest, probably because Ananias' command broke the law he was pledged to represent. As Christians, we are to represent Christ. When those around us say, "I didn't know you were a Christian," we have failed to represent him as we should. We are not merely Christ's followers; we are his representatives to others.
23:6-8 The Sadducees and Pharisees were two groups of religious leaders, but with strikingly different beliefs. The Pharisees believed in a bodily resurrection, but the Sadducees did not. The Sadducees adhered only to Genesis through Deuteronomy, which contain no explicit teaching on resurrection. Paul's words moved the debate away from himself and toward their festering controversy about the resurrection. The Jewish council was split.
23:6-8 Paul's sudden insight that the council was a mixture of Sadducees and Pharisees is an example of the power that Jesus promised to believers (Mark 13:9-11). God will help us when we are under fire for our faith. Like Paul, we should always be ready to present our testimony. The Holy Spirit will give us power to speak boldly.
Wow. This sounds so much like what we need to hear today. "'Take Courage!" God is freely giving us courage to testify for Him! We should do it. We are not hopeless or defeated. Remember that the battle has already been won on the cross and testify to it. GOD WINS. God is outside of time and space, the Almighty Creator of ALL (Genesis 1:1). The Alpha and the Omega. We can testify to it--through His strength and power and courage and glory and honor, forever and ever, freely given to us. TAKE COURAGE!
Almighty Father and Lord of all, we give You praise this morning for all that You have done and for all that You are doing. Thank You for the gifts of life that You give to us daily, especially the gift of courage. Let us be bold when proclaiming the Truth. Let us honor You in our conduct today and always. You have defeated sin and fear and death. You have an endless supply of courage that You freely give to us. Let us take it and testify to the truth through Your strength and courage. Let us defeat again the deceivers who try to rule our thoughts and ways. And Lord, help us to fight for those precious lives of Your children. In Jesus' Holy name, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/LJoABwNMzvM
Have a blessed day.l
Acts 22:22-30
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+22:22-30
Paul the Roman Citizen
22 The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!” 23 As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the commander ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and interrogated in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this. 25 As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?” 26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.” 27 The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes, I am,” he answered. 28 Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.” “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied. 29 Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains. 30 The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews. So the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
22:21, 22 These people listened intently to Paul, but the word Gentile brought out all their anger and exposed their pride. They were supposed to be a light to the Gentiles, telling them about the one true God. But they had renounced that mission by becoming separatist and exclusive. God's plan, however, would not be thwarted; the Gentiles were hearing the Good News through Jewish Christians such as Paul and Peter.
22:25-28 Paul's question stopped the centurion because, by law, a Roman citizen could not be punished until he had been proven guilty of a crime. Paul was born a Roman citizen, whereas the commander had purchased his citizenship. Buying citizenship was a common practice and a good source of income for the Roman government. Bought citizenship was considered inferior to citizenship by birth.
22:30 Paul used his times of persecution as an opportunity to witness. Even his enemies were creating a platform for him to address the entire Sanhedrin (Jewish council). If we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, we will see increased opportunities to share our faith, even in the face of opposition.
Oh the value of citizenship. Paul was a citizen of the country (empire?) of his birth. It was a freely given prize, one he did not have to buy. I listened to an April 19 hearing about an illegal immigration markup bill yesterday and got angry. (Yes, it was not compassionate and shows my lagging sinfulness.) It showed how people discard their born citizenship for money or greed or "a better life" and cross illegally into ours. Paul wisely called upon his citizenship rights when he was about to be flogged. What does it mean that God knows His own? Does it mean he has bestowed upon them all the rights and privileges of citizenship with Him? And if we are truly "born again" in Christ, does that make us born citizens in the place He prepared for us? Oh my mind wonders and wanders.
Heavenly Father, forgive us when we fail to understand all that You have done for us. Help us to seek to understand You more each day. Help us grow in Your care so that we can truly love like You love us. Help us see the truth in situations and set ups. Let us discern what is right and actually act righteously. Oh Lord, when the power plays around us get so frustrating, remind us to turn to You, the source of all power. Thank You, Lord, for our birth citizenship and true freedom. In Your holy name, Jesus, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/GwirdlbkUD8
Bonus Song: https://youtu.be/xAKDndEBaiA
Have a blessed day.
Acts 22:1-21
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+22:1-21
1 “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.” 2 When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. Then Paul said: 3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. 4 I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, 5 as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished. 6 “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ 8 “ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. “ ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. 9 My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me. 10 “ ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked. “ ‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’ 11 My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me. 12 “A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. 13 He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him. 14 “Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. 15 You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’ 17 “When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!’ he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 “ ‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. 20 And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ 21 “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ”
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
21:40-22:2 Paul was probably speaking in Aramaic, the common language among Palestinian Jews. He used Aramaic not only to communicate in the language of his listeners, but also to show that he was a devout Jew and had respect for the Jewish laws and customs. Paul spoke Greek to the Roman officials and Aramaic to the Jews. To minister to people most effectively, use their language.
22:3 Gamaliel was the most honored rabbi of the first century. He was well known and respected as an expert on religious law and as a voice for moderation (5:34). Paul was showing his credentials as a well-educated man trained under the most respected Jewish rabbi.
22:3 By saying that at one time he was as zealous for God as any of his listeners, Paul was acknowledging their sincere motives behind their desire to kill him and recognizing that he would have done the same to Christian leaders a few years earlier. Paul always tried to establish a common point of contact with his audience before launching into a full-scale defense of Christianity. When you witness for Christ, first identify yourself with your audience. They are much more likely to listen if they feel a common bond with you.
22:6ff After gaining a hearing and establishing common ground with his audience, Paul gave his testimony. He shared how he had come to faith in Christ. Sound reasoning is good, but it is also important to simply share what Christ has done in our lives. But no matter how we present the message, not everyone will accept it, as Paul knew. We must faithfully and responsibly present the gospel, and leave the results to God.
22:21, 22 These people listened intently to Paul, but the word Gentile brought out all their anger and exposed their pride. They were supposed to be a light to the Gentiles, telling them about the one true God. But they had renounced that mission by becoming separatist and exclusive. God's plan, however, would not be thwarted; the Gentiles were hearing the Good News through Jewish Christians such as Paul and Peter.
Absolutely could not skip posting this today. We learn A LOT about how God works from Paul's testimony. A direct face-to-face encounter with our risen Lord on the road to Damascus. If that doesn't shake one into belief, what will? Paul was confronted by the TRUTH in all Jesus' blinding brilliance. Paul's speech here in his defense was also a confession and a conviction. And God's work through this zealous man shows how it is through God's power that things can be turned around for good. I have seen the light of Truth (at least glimpses if not the full shining brilliance). Like Paul, I am a sinner too. But Christ saved even me. So now we serve.
Our Lord and Savior, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit of Truth to convict us and to guide us in service to You. Thank You for the turn arounds--repentance--that we can do through God's power. Thank You for divine order: the Law; Your work on the cross, Your resurrection, ascension; sending Your Holy Spirit to be with us forever; Your work in and through us to reach all of Your own. Thank You for the things You do to wake us up to the Truth. Let us serve continuously and faithfully even when under trials. For Your glory and honor. In Jesus' name, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/NTdFEZhjiko
Have a blessed day.
Acts 21:37-40
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+21:37-40
Paul Speaks to the Crowd
37 As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?” “Do you speak Greek?” he replied. 38 “Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago?” 39 Paul answered, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.” 40 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 :
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
21:37, 38 By speaking in Greek, Paul showed that he was a cultured, educated man and not just a common rebel starting riots in the streets. The language grabbed the commander's attention and gave Paul protection and the opportunity to give his defense.
21:37, 38 The historian Josephus wrote of an Egyptian who led a revolt of 4,000 people in Jerusalem in A.D. 54 and then disappeared. The commander assumed that Paul was this rebel.
21:40-22:2 Paul was probably speaking in Aramaic, the common language among Palestinian Jews. He used Aramaic not only to communicate in the language of his listeners, but also to show that he was a devout Jew and had respect for the Jewish laws and customs. Paul spoke Greek to the Roman officials and Aramaic to the Jews. To minister to people most effectively, use their language.
A cliffhanger? What a way to end a chapter and make one read on to the next. It kinda reminds me of the latest twitter drop. It seems that God was purposely working for broad understanding of the coming message. You see, the language was important. The gathering of the crowd was important. And the quieting of the crowd occurred while their attention turned to Paul. He had the audience. Now what did he say? Well, you could read on for yourself. As for me, I will use this day in anticipation, developing patience, content in my trust that God is in control on this day too.
Our Lord and Savior, Thank You for Your perfect timing. We need patience. You give assurance of what is to come. We need the truth. You give us discernment. We need forgiveness and salvation. You gave us Yourself through Your teachings and sacrifice on the cross, Your resurrection, Your ascension, and Your promise--"I will not leave you as orphans. I will come back. (John 14)". We can wait, Lord, in faithfulness. Oh but Lord, we do look forward to that day. In Jesus' name, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/8iZ9Aj16_lc
Have a blessed day.
Acts 21:27-35
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+21:27-36
Paul Arrested
27 When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, 28 shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” 29 (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.) 30 The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. 31 While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32 He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. 35 When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. 36 The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!”
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
21:28, 29 These Jews knew how effective Paul's work had been in Asia. Their strategy was to discredit Paul so that his work would be weakened. Be alert when you hear accusations against God's workers. Someone might be trying to discredit them or to hinder their work. Keep an open mind and pray for the workers. They will be strengthened by your support.
21:31 Because Jerusalem was under Roman control, an uproar in the city would be investigated by Roman authorities. The commander of the troops at this time was Claudius Lysius (23:26). This commander was head of a cohort (a special group, part of a legion) of Roman soldiers. He was the senior Roman official in Jerusalem.
Oh the riotous crowd in Jerusalem. First they shouted, "Crucify Him!" about Jesus. Here we read in verse 36 they shouted, "Get rid of him!" Makes me think about the danger of the assumption of guilt and the beauty of the presumption of innocence in our justice system (the one under our Constitution and Bill of Rights). False accusations are truly problematic and we should refrain from them. But it takes a lot to follow the Truth instead of following the mob. Consider the contrast in our Final Judgment. God+Jesus know the complete and utter truth--we all are guilty of sin. That is not an unproven assumption. That is a known fact by God. Thankfully, Jesus knows also His own believers and He intercedes for us. Saved by God's grace. Choose to be saved. Believe in the grace of Christ.
Our Lord and Savior, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your servant Paul who endured suffering to reach those he could. Thank You that his teachings are reaching us even today. Lord, help us to remember not to falsely accuse others. Help us to think graciously, remembering Your grace. For those of us that play a role in the justice system, remind us about integrity and fairness and the role of truth in fair trials. Lord, may we as citizens have a view of following the law to the best of our abilities, keeping Your requirements of us sovereign over all. Thank You for this day where we can begin anew by focusing on You. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/5Aomr5fDj7A
Have a nice day.
Acts 21:17-26
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+21:17-26
Paul’s Arrival at Jerusalem
17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.” 26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
21:18 James, Jesus' brother, was the leader of the Jerusalem church (15:13-21; Galatians 1:19; 2:9). He was called an apostle even though he wasn't one of the original 12 who followed Jesus.
21:21 The Jerusalem council (Acts 15) had settled the issue of circumcision of Gentile believers. Evidently there was a rumor that Paul had gone far beyond their decision, even forbidding Jews to circumcise their children. This, of course, was not true, and so Paul willingly submitted to Jewish custom to show that he was not working against the council's decision and that he was still Jewish in his life-style. Sometimes we must go the second mile to avoid offending others, especially when doing so would hinder God's work.
21:23, 24 Evidently these four men had made a religious vow. Because Paul was going to participate with them in the vow (apparently he was asked to pay for some of the expenses), he would need to take part in the purification ceremony for entering the temple (Numbers 6:9-20). Paul submitted himself to this Jewish custom to keep peace in the Jerusalem church. Although Paul was a man of strong convictions, he was willing to compromise on nonessential points, becoming all things to all people so that he might save some (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Often a church is split over disagreements about minor issues or traditions. Like Paul, we should remain firm on Christian essentials but flexible on nonessentials. Of course, no one should violate his or her true convictions, but sometimes we need to exercise the gift of mutual submission for the sake of the gospel.
21:23, 24 There are two ways to think of the Jewish laws. Paul rejected one way and accepted the other. (1) Paul rejected the idea that the Old Testament laws bring salvation to those who keep them. Our salvation is freely given by God's gracious act. We receive salvation through faith. The laws are of no value for salvation except to show us our sin. (2) Paul accepted the view that the Old Testament laws prepare us for and teach us about the coming of Jesus Christ. Christ fulfilled the law and released us from its burden of guilt. But the law still teaches us many valuable principles and gives us guidelines for grateful living. Paul was not observing the laws in order to be saved. He was simply keeping the laws as custom to avoid offending those he wished to reach with the gospel (see Romans 3:21-31; 7:4-6; 13:9, 10). For more on the law, see Galatians 3:23-29, 4:21-31, and the chart in Galatians 3.
Well, it seems God is shining a light on the law this week so far. This scripture shows that Paul was obedient to the teachings of Moses and to Christ, God's Risen Son, who fulfilled the law. God gives order in life, not chaos. We can choose to provide evidences (like the purification rituals in these verses), but what speaks most is how we live each day--the truth of our everyday actions. Do we serve every day? Who are we serving? Choose this day whom you will serve...
Dear Jesus, You taught and showed us what a servant leader is like. Thank You for leading the way. You showed us the divine character that a servant leader has, and that we fail often to meet those divine requirements of the law. But You met them for us. You have offered to stand with us when we are judged, when we stand before You. Oh Lord, let us choose to stand with You today, in this chaotic world. Let us dwell in the peaceful order that You provide. Let us live in truth. Let us truly live. In Jesus' name and for His glory, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/_PyA04BBMe0
Have a blessed day.
Acts 21:1-16
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+21:1-16
On to Jerusalem
1 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. 2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. 3 After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. 4 We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. 6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home. 7 We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed with them for a day. 8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. 10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’ ” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” 15 After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem. 16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples.
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
21:4 Did Paul disobey the Holy Spirit by going to Jerusalem? No. More likely, the Holy Spirit warned these believers about the suffering Paul would face in Jerusalem. They drew the conclusion that he should not go there because of that danger. This is supported by 21:10-12 where the local believers, after hearing that Paul would be turned over to the Romans, begged him to turn back.
21:8 This is the Philip mentioned in 6:5 and 8:26-40.
21:9 Obviously the gift of prophecy was given to both men and women. Women actively participated in God's work (2:17; Philippians 4:3). Other women who prophesied include Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), Noadiah (Nehemiah 6:14), Isaiah's wife (Isaiah 8:3), and Anna (Luke 2:36-38).
21:10 Fifteen years earlier, Agabus had predicted the famine in Jerusalem (11:27-29).
21:13, 14 Paul knew he would be imprisoned in Jerusalem. Although his friends pleaded with him to not go there, he knew that he had to because God wanted him to. No one enjoys pain, but a faithful disciple wants above all else to please God. Our desire to please God should overshadow our desire to avoid hardship and suffering. When we really want to do God's will, we must accept all that comes with it--even the pain. Then we can say with Paul, "The Lord's will be done."
Stubborn faith. This is a gift from God that Paul had. It was also given to me, thankfully. Many influences tried to dissuade Paul from going to Jerusalem for fear of his safety. Fear. I remember how many times the Bible says in essence "Do not fear." It is A LOT. Scriptures urge over and over that God is sovereign and in control and He cares for us. Paul's knowledge of Scripture and his belief in the presence of Christ with him must have helped him to decide to put aside fear for his own safety in favor of doing God's work in Jerusalem. Why did Paul ignore these warnings from others? Weren't they also Spirit-led? Could it be that the Holy Spirit was informing of the danger but allowing Paul in his own free will to decide his course of action? God works His will in all circumstances. He gave us brains to consider dangers also. He gave us freedom to choose for ourselves. He gives us strength and endurance to carry on His work through us. Doing so brings true glory to God.
Heavenly Father, it is comforting to know You are with us. Help us focus on Your guidance to us when it comes down to making our decisions. Let us be wise enough to listen to others who offer opinions or Spirit-filled words of caution. But, then, Lord, let us consider and choose our actions based upon what You would have us do. It is amazing to consider that You know each of us intimately--all of our being--attitudes+tendencies+cares+concerns+circumstances+timing--all of it, for all time. Surely if anyone should be in control, it is You. We praise You for all Your attributes. And we can only consider those that our limited minds can fathom. So, Yes, Almighty Father and Jesus and the Holy Spirit of Truth, lead on! In Jesus' name, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/GB1aiM-yLqg
Have a blessed day.
Acts 20:13-38
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+20:13-38
Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
13 We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot. 14 When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene. 15 The next day we set sail from there and arrived off Chios. The day after that we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day arrived at Miletus. 16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. 17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. 18 When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. 19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents. 20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. 22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. 25 “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you. 27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. 32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” 36 When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37 They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. 38 What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
20:16 Paul had missed attending the Passover in Jerusalem, so he was especially interested in arriving on time for Pentecost, which was 50 days after Passover. He was carrying with him gifts for the Jerusalem believers from churches in Asia and Greece (see Romans 15:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 16:1ff; 2 Corinthians 8:9). The Jerusalem church was experiencing difficult times. Paul may have been anxious to deliver this gift to the believers at Pentecost because it was a day of celebration and thanksgiving to God for his provision.
20:18-21 The way of the believer is not an easy road; being a Christian does not solve or remove all problems. Paul served humbly and "with tears," but he never quit, never gave up. The message of salvation was so important that he never missed an opportunity to share it. And although he preached his message in different ways to fit different audiences, the message remained the same --turning away from sin and turning to Christ by faith. The Christian life will have its rough times, its tears, and its sorrows, as well as its joys, but we should always be ready to tell others what good things God has done for us. His blessings far outweigh life's difficulties.
20:22 "Compelled by the Spirit" could be paraphrased, "drawn irresistibly by the Holy Spirit."
20:23 The Holy Spirit showed Paul that he would be imprisoned and experience suffering. Even knowing this, Paul did not shrink from fulfilling his mission. His strong character was a good example to the Ephesian elders, some of whom would also suffer for Christ.
20:24 We often feel that life is a failure unless we're getting a lot out of it: recognition, fun, money, success. But Paul considered life worth nothing unless he used it for God's work. What he put into life was far more important than what he got out. Which is more important to you --what you get out of life, or what you put into it?
20:24 Single-mindedness is a quality needed by anyone who wishes to do God's work. Paul was a single-minded person, and the most important goal of his life was to tell others about Christ (Philippians 3:7-13). It is no wonder that Paul was the greatest missionary who ever lived. God is looking for more men and women who focus on that one great task God has given them to do.
20:31, 36-38 Paul's relationship with these believers is a beautiful example of Christian fellowship. He had cared for them and loved them, even cried over their needs. They responded with love and care for him and sorrow over his leaving. They had prayed together and comforted one another. Like Paul, you can build strong relationships with other Christians by sharing, caring, sorrowing, rejoicing, and praying with them. You will gather others around you only by giving yourself away to them.
20:33 Paul was satisfied with whatever he had, wherever he was, as long as he could do God's work. Examine your attitudes toward wealth and comfort. If you focus more on what you don't have than on what you do have, it's time to reexamine your priorities and put God's work back in first place.
20:34 Paul was a tentmaker, and he supported himself with this trade. Paul worked not in order to become rich, but to be free from being dependent on anyone. He supported himself and others who traveled with him (he also mentions this in some of his letters; see Philippians 4:11-13; 1 Thessalonians 2:9).
20:35 These words of Jesus are not recorded in the Gospels. Obviously, not all of Jesus' words were written down (John 21:25); this saying may have been passed on orally through the apostles.
One of the things that used to be cherished in my country was "orderly transition". Or at least, that was the illusion that was cherished perhaps. We had "elections" every 2 years or 4 years and leaders would take control peacefully in the political realm. And in the financial realm, the transitions occurred in the background of other events (for most of us). As Paul was saying goodbye to the remaining leaders of the churches he established during his missions, he cautioned them to remain in truth--the truth of the good news of Jesus. It is a great reminder (Spirit-led I am sure). We can find that stability through all transitions if we remain anchored in the truth--the living Truth--the Way, the Truth, the Life.
My Lord and Savior, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit of Truth to guide us even today. Let us honor that gift by paying attention and holding truth in highest reverence. Help us to discern what is false even if it takes our own efforts along with Your guidance. Keep us anchored to You, the everlasting, immutable Truth. You give us the orderly transitions we cherish because of Your sacrifice for us. Another gift from You. Another day in Your care. Comfort, everlasting comfort, even amidst the not-so-orderly transitions of this world. I love Your stability and I love the ways You still work in this world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/uozWkxIPcRs
Have a blessed day.
Acts 20:7-12
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+20:7-12
Eutychus Raised From the Dead at Troas
7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.
Study Note: This will be added as I am able.
20:8, 9 The "many lamps" were candles in lanterns. The combination of the heat from the candles and the gathered number of people in an upstairs room probably made the room very warm. This no doubt helped Eutychus fall asleep, as well as the fact that Paul spoke for a long time. Eutychus was probably somewhere in the range of 8-14 years old (the age of a "young man").
Thinking about the gift of life, what makes it so treasured that one would desire everlasting life? Like, with our nation, does it have a lifespan? Did it die? Or can we (with God's help from the Holy Spirit of Truth) pick it up and wrap our arms around it., and it be revived (like Paul did to Eutychus)? Yes, I choose life because it is the most treasured thing God gave me. He loved me enough to give me life on this day. He loves me enough to offer everlasting life to me through His Son. It is love that makes life (everlasting or this life) desirable. Would everlasting life be as attractive if it were not freely offered to all my loved ones? I dunno. (Yeah probably.) Thankfully, God offers it to all.
Heavenly Father, the Giver of Life and all that sustains it, thank You for my everlasting attitude that I can put on today. Thank You for loved ones in this world who offer kind words (even if those kind words follow harsh ones). Thank You for the ability to think through what matters reasonably and in truth. Guide us along the unique paths of righteousness that You have given each of us through the gift of Your Son--the omnipresent Way, the Truth, and the Everlasting Life. Forgive our sins as we grow in Your grace. Strengthen us through these trials as our character grows. Help us to love even those that seem to be unlovable--or at least help us start out by praying for them. Thank You for the prayers from others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/KaTKSQ1-fh8
Bonus Song: https://youtu.be/Jy6AOGRsR80
Have a blessed day.
I seem to have an extra sensitivity and irritation with "Truthers" not being accurate and honest in their podcasts. Admittedly, though, they cite their sources and sometimes play the source video or show a tweet from their source. But still, the info is incomplete and seems to either be bait or influence ops. Thought manipulations.
Examples: All Truthers calling out the RESTRICT Act with fearful warnings about it. It has only just been introduced in the Senate and assigned to committee! No further action. So, where are bills sposed to be introduced? The House? Not the Senate? Where's the related House bill? What is its status? Will it pass the Republican-led House within the new House Rules?
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/686/all-actions?overview=closed#tabs
I need prayer because I really don't like fearmongering from anyone, but especially those who purport to tell the truth. Trust but verify.
I will trust God to lead me along the path of righteousness with the belt of Truth firmly around my waist and the Holy Spirit of Truth guiding my thoughts.
Oh Lord, please help me with my attitudes about others' trustworthiness.
EDIT: Oh, Lord, let me focus on the needs of others more than those of my own. Annestaan's comment reminds that there is always more significant things to lift up in prayer. Thank You for hearing all these prayers, large and small.
Acts 20:1-6
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+20:1-6
Through Macedonia and Greece
1 When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia. 2 He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, 3 where he stayed three months. Because some Jews had plotted against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia. 4 He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. 5 These men went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. 6 But we sailed from Philippi after the Festival of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
20:1-3 While in Greece, Paul spent much of his time in Corinth. From there he wrote the letter to the Romans. Although Paul had not yet been to Rome, believers had already started a church there (2:10; 18:2). Paul wrote to tell the church that he planned to visit the Roman believers. The letter to the Romans is a theological essay on the meaning of faith and salvation, an explanation of the relation between the Jews and the Gentiles in Christ, and a list of practical guidelines for the church.
20:4 These men who were traveling with Paul represented churches that Paul had started in Asia. Each man was carrying an offering from his home church to be given to the believers in Jerusalem. By having each man deliver the gift, the gifts had a personal touch, and the unity of the believers was strengthened. This was also an effective way to teach the church about giving, because the men were able to report back to their churches the way God was working through their giving. Paul discussed this gift in one of his letters to the Corinthian church (see 2 Corinthians 8:1-21).
20:5, 6 The use of us and we shows that this is where Luke again joins the group. The last we was in chapter 16.
20:6 Jewish believers celebrated the Passover (which was immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread) according to Moses' instructions (see Exodus 12:43-51) even if they couldn't be at Jerusalem for the occasion.
I read a word in a GAW post, unstoppable. It stuck out to me because a church that is growing in my area also used this word in describing their work for God. They pointed to God's unstoppable love. Today we can embrace the unstoppable awakening we have before us. God has given us strength in a variety of ways: (1) Individual strength from personal awakening to the Truth (discernment) and personal assessment about how to live in truth (conduct), (2) true awareness of our situations and circumstances and God's presence with us in these, and (3) our strength in fellowship with others in God's work through us. There is a unity in that bond through God that is truly unstoppable. It is a Great Awakening.
Our heavenly Father, thank You for Your persistence throughout time. Thank You for guys like Paul and his companions that could not give up Your mission given to them. Thank You for bringing us together to accomplish the final steps You have for us, and for the promise of Your will for us on Earth. We are strong through Your strength and willing to work and endure together until the tasks and jobs are done. We can do them together--we are unstoppable. Because of You. We give You praise in Jesus' name, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/W4zKUz6JXWU
Have a blessed day.
9The Riot in Ephesus
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+19:23-41
23 About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. 24 A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. 25 He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. 26 And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. 27 There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.” 28 When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together. 30 Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. 31 Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater. 32 The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. 33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. 34 But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 35 The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: “Fellow Ephesians, doesn’t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? 36 Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to calm down and not do anything rash. 37 You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess. 38 If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges. 39 If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. 40 As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of what happened today. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it.” 41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
19:23 "The Way" refers to those who follow the way of Christ--the Christians.
19:24 Artemis was a goddess of fertility. She was represented by a carved female figure with many breasts. A large statue of her (which is said to have come from heaven, 19:35) was in the great temple at Ephesus. That temple was one of the wonders of the ancient world. The festival of Artemis involved wild orgies and carousing. Obviously the religious and commercial life of Ephesus reflected the city's worship of this pagan deity.
19:25-27 When Paul preached in Ephesus, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen did not quarrel with his doctrine. Their anger boiled because his preaching threatened their profits. They made silver statues of the Ephesian goddess Artemis. The craftsmen knew that if people started believing in God and discarding the idols, their livelihood would suffer.
19:27 Demetrius's strategy for stirring up a riot was to appeal to his fellow workmen's love of money and then to encourage them to hide their greed behind the mask of patriotism and religious loyalty. The rioters couldn't see the selfish motive for their rioting--instead, they saw themselves as heroes for the sake of their land and beliefs.
19:29 Paul often sought others to help him in his work. On this occasion, his traveling companions were Aristarchus (who would accompany him on other journeys, see 20:3, 4 and 27:1, 2), and Gaius (probably not the same Gaius mentioned in Romans 16:23 or 1 Corinthians 1:14).
19:30 Paul wanted to go to the theater to speak up and defend his companions, but the other believers wouldn't let him go, fearing for his safety.
19:31 These officials of the province were government officials, responsible for the religious and political order of the region. Paul's message had reached all levels of society, crossing all social barriers and giving Paul friends in high places.
19:33, 34 The mob had become anti-Jewish as well as anti-Christian. This Alexander may have been pushed forward by the Jews as a spokesman to explain that the Jews had no part in the Christian community, and thus were not involved in the economic problem of the silversmiths.
19:38 A proconsul served as a civil magistrate or governor of a Roman province.
19:40 The city of Ephesus was under the domination of the Roman empire. The main responsibility of the local city leaders was simply to maintain peace and order. If they failed to control the people, Rome would remove the appointed officials from office. The entire town could also be put under martial law, taking away many civic freedoms.
19:41 The riot in Ephesus convinced Paul that it was time to move on. But it also showed that the law still provided some protection for Christians as they challenged the worship of the goddess Artemis and the most idolatrous religion in Asia.
When is it reasonable and justified to riot? For me, the list is really really short, if existent at all. To me, riots are attempts by groups of people to intimidate or influence either other people, or government officials, or both, with "show of dominance". I don't like forced manipulations. I like appeals to hearts and minds with everlasting truth, reason, and compassion that allow people to decide for themselves. But there are those that don't think for themselves cuz they don't know how to anymore. These people need our prayers. Even they can have a great awakening. God surely knows how to awaken them when it is their time to wake up. I have seen Him do it--and so have you. Admit it. God works through us.
Heavenly Father and my Lord of Peace, show us the way to receive Your peace that is beyond the turmoil of this world. Help us help others learn about that peace. When we have disputes with others, let us address those disputes honorably, without deceit. When it is a true war against evil, help us stand strong in the Armor that You provide, and battle against evil through Your strength and righteousness. Thank You for these gifts of courage and perseverance that keep us consistent in our objectives. And, Lord, may those objectives be aligned with Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen.
A Song: (This one requires listening closely to the lyrics...😇) https://youtu.be/I8OIXBD5zQQ
Have a blessed day.
Acts 19:1-22
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+19:1-22
Paul in Ephesus
1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all. 8 Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. 11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. 13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. 17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. 21 After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.” 22 He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
19:1 Ephesus was the capital and leading business center of the Roman province of Asia (part of present day Turkey). A hub of sea and land transportation, it ranked with Antioch in Syria and Alexandria in Egypt as one of the great cities on the Mediterranean Sea. Paul stayed in Ephesus for a little over two years. There he wrote his first letter to the Corinthians to counter several problems the church in Corinth was facing. Later, while imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesian church (the book of Ephesians).
19:2-4 John's baptism was a sign of repentance from sin only, not a sign of new life in Christ. Like Apollos (18:24-26), these Ephesian believers needed further instruction on the message and ministry of Jesus Christ. They believed in Jesus as the Messiah, but they did not understand the significance of his death and resurrection or the work of the Holy Spirit. Becoming a Christian involves turning from sin (repentance) and turning to Christ (faith). These "believers" were incomplete.
In the book of Acts, believers received the Holy Spirit in a variety of ways. Usually the Holy Spirit would fill a person as soon as he or she professed faith in Christ. Here that filling happened later because these disciples' knowledge was incomplete. God was confirming to these believers, who do not initially know about the Holy Spirit, that they were a part of the church. The Holy Spirit's filling endorsed them as believers.
Pentecost was the formal outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the church. The other outpourings in the book of Acts were God's way of uniting new believers to the church. The mark of the true church is not merely right doctrine, but right actions, the true evidence of the Holy Spirit's work.
19:6 When Paul laid his hands on these disciples, they received the Holy Spirit, just as the disciples did at Pentecost, and there were outward, visible signs of the Holy Spirit's presence. This also happened when the Holy Spirit came on Gentiles (non-Jews, see 10:45-47).
19:9 Paul spoke in a lecture hall at this school. Such halls were used in the morning for teaching philosophy, but they were empty during the hot part of the day (about 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Because many people did not work during those hours, they would come to hear Paul's preaching.
19:10 "The province of Asia" refers to Asia Minor or modern-day Turkey. During this time, Paul and his coworkers spread the gospel throughout the land.
19:13 These Jews traveled from town to town making a living by claiming to heal people and drive out demons. Often they would recite a whole list of names in their incantation to be sure of including the right deity. Here they were trying to use Jesus' name in an effort to match Paul's power.
19:13-16 Many Ephesians engaged in exorcism and occult practices for profit (see 19:18, 19). The sons of Sceva were impressed by Paul's work, whose power to drive out demons came from God's Holy Spirit, not from witchcraft, and was obviously more powerful than theirs. They discovered, however, that no one can control or duplicate God's power. These men were calling on the name of Jesus without knowing the person. The power to change people comes from Christ. It cannot be tapped by reciting his name like a magic charm. God works his power only through those he chooses.
19:18, 19 Ephesus was a center for black magic and other occult practices. The people cooked up magical formulas to give them wealth, happiness, and success in marriage. Superstition and sorcery were commonplace. God clearly forbids such practices (Deuteronomy 18:9-13). You cannot be a believer and hold on to the occult, black magic, or sorcery. Once you begin to dabble in these areas, it is extremely easy to become obsessed by them because Satan is very powerful. But God's power is even greater (1 John 4:4; Revelation 20:10). If you are mixed up in the occult, learn a lesson from the Ephesians and get rid of anything that could keep you trapped in such practices.
19:21 Why did Paul say he had to go to Rome? Wherever he went, he could see Rome's influence. Paul wanted to take the message of Christ to the world's center of influence and power.
19:22 Paul mentions Timothy in more detail in the books of 1 and 2 Timothy. Erastus was a committed follower of Christ who was not only Paul's helpful assistant, but also Corinth's director of public works (see Romans 16:23).
These verses reiterate to me that one cannot fake belief in Jesus. He knows. He knows your heart and mind intimately. He is Allknowing God's Son! It also shows that the power to heal, to preach and persuade truth, comes from Christ through the Holy Spirit working through people. Remember He said, "I am the vine and you are the branches...apart from me you can do nothing." Oh but when Christ's Holy Spirit is working in and through you, powerful miracles happen! I see them even today. Verse 15 is great, isn't it? "One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” " That makes one pause and check one's authenticity. Christ knows His own, and the demons know Christ and about Christ's own, it seems. One more reason to put on the Armor of God today.
Our Lord and Savior, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit of Truth to be our helper and guide. Thank You for Paul and all the disciples that truly believe in You. Thank You for protecting those who are doing Your will even today. Let us be moved to appropriate actions and commitments. Let us speak truth boldly. Lord, help those who are seeking jobs gain employment in just the right one, and continue to bring out the truth about workplaces that do not align with Your will. Lord, let us live and work in truth. In Your holy name, Jesus, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/lTlRcgXizMw
Have a blessed day.
18:18-28
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+18:18-28
Priscilla, Aquila and Apollos
18 Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken. 19 They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. 21 But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. 22 When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch. 23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. 24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. 27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
18:18 This vow Paul took was probably a temporary Nazirite vow that ended with shaving of the head and offering the hair as a sacrifice (Numbers 6:18).
18:22 This verse marks the end of Paul's second missionary journey and the beginning of the third, which lasted from A.D. 53-57. Leaving the church at Antioch (his home base), Paul headed toward Ephesus, but along the way he revisited the churches in Galatia and Phrygia (18:23). The heart of this trip was a lengthy stay (two to three years) in Ephesus. Before returning to Jerusalem, he also visited believers in Macedonia and Greece.
18:24-26 Apollos had heard only what John the Baptist had said about Jesus (see Luke 3:1-18), so his message was not the complete story. John focused on repentance from sin, the first step. But the whole message is to repent from sin and then believe in Christ. Apollos did not know about Jesus' life, crucifixion, and resurrection. Nor did he know about the coming of the Holy Spirit. Priscilla and Aquila explained the way of salvation to him.
18:27, 28 Apollos was from Alexandria in Egypt, the second most important city in the Roman empire, and the home of a great university. There was a thriving Jewish population in Alexandria. Apollos was a scholar, orator, and debater; and after his knowledge about Christ was made more complete, God greatly used these gifts to strengthen and encourage the church. Reason is a powerful tool in the right hands and in the right situation. Apollos used the gift of reason to convince many in Greece of the truth of the gospel. You don't have to turn off your mind when you turn to Christ. If you have an ability in logic or debate, use it to bring others to God.
18:27, 28 Not all the work of a minister or missionary is drudgery, setback, or suffering. Chapter 18 is triumphant, showing victories in key cities and the addition of exciting new leaders such as Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos to the church. Rejoice in the victories Christ brings, and don't let the hazards create a negative mind-set.
God gives us another gift--the gift of commitment to lead. As I read this morning, my thoughts are about our leaders, not just those in government, but also those we listen to as we live our lives. I wish for my leaders to be true leaders. I wish for them to represent truly the ones they serve, and we can see that they are. What I am seeing is those that recognize the One true leader, the Truth himself, lead well. Leaders that lie are being exposed. This too is a gift from God. The mention of Ephesus in these verses reminds of the armor of God in Ephesians 6. Don't forget to put it on daily.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts you give us daily. You renew our commitment when we start out our day with You. Help us draw from this gift throughout today. Thank You for remaining in Ephesus through Priscilla and Aquila, while traveling also with Paul on his journeys and with Apollos to Achaia. Thank You for being with us today and with all those who are working to do Your will all around the world. Lord, when we get frustrated with our leadership, help us to remember to pray for them, asking for You to renew their commitment to align with Your will, even if they don't seek that gift from You themselves. See us through this day, Lord. In confidence, we pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/WubT3UCjdzo
Have a blessed day.
Acts 18:1-17
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+18:1-17
In Corinth
1 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. 4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 6 But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. 8 Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized. 9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” 11 So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. 12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the place of judgment. 13 “This man,” they charged, “is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.” 14 Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, “If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. 15 But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.” 16 So he drove them off. 17 Then the crowd there turned on Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the proconsul; and Gallio showed no concern whatever.
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
18:1 Corinth was the political and commercial center of Greece, surpassing Athens in importance. It had a reputation for great wickedness and immorality. A temple to Aphrodite--goddess of love and war--had been built on the large hill behind the city. In this popular religion, people worshiped the goddess by giving money to the temple and taking part in sexual acts with male and female temple prostitutes. Paul found Corinth a challenge and a great ministry opportunity. Later he would write a series of letters to the Corinthians dealing in part with the problems of immorality. First and Second Corinthians are two of those letters.
18:2, 3 Each Jewish boy learned a trade and tried to earn his living with it. Paul and Aquila had been trained in tentmaking, cutting and sewing the woven cloth of goats' hair into tents. Tents were used to house soldiers, and so these tents may have been sold to the Roman army. As a tentmaker, Paul was able to go wherever God led him, carrying his livelihood with him. The word "tentmaker" in Greek was also used to describe a leather worker.
18:6 Paul told the Jews he had done all he could for them. Because they rejected Jesus as their Messiah, he would go to the Gentiles, who would be more receptive.
18:10 In a vision, Christ told Paul that he had many people in Corinth. Sometimes we can feel alone or isolated, especially when we see wickedness all around us and when we are persecuted for our faith. Usually, however, there are others in the neighborhood or community who also follow Christ. Ask God to lead you to them.
18:10, 11 Others who became Christians in Corinth were Phoebe (Romans 16:1--Cenchrea was the port city of Corinth), Tertius (Romans 16:22), Erastus (Romans 16:23), Quartus (Romans 16:23), Chloe (1 Corinthians 1:11), Gaius (1 Corinthians 1:14), Stephanas and his household (1 Corinthians 16:15), Fortunatus (1 Corinthians 16:17), and Achaicus (1 Corinthians 16:17).
18:11 During the year and a half that Paul stayed in wicked Corinth, he established a church and wrote two letters to the believers in Thessalonica (the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians). Although Paul had been in Thessalonica for only a short time (17:1-15), he commended the believers there for their loving deeds, strong faith, and endurance inspired by hope. While encouraging them to stay away from immorality, he dealt with the themes of salvation, suffering, and the second coming of Jesus Christ. Paul told them to continue to work hard while they awaited Christ's return.
18:12 Gallio was proconsul of Achaia (modern Greece) and the brother of Seneca the philosopher. He came to power in A.D. 51-52.
18:13 Paul was charged with promoting a religion not approved by Roman law. This charge amounted to treason. Paul was not encouraging obedience to a human king other than Caesar (see 17:7), nor was he speaking against the Roman empire. Instead he was speaking about Christ's eternal kingdom.
18:14-16 This was an important judicial decision for the spread of the gospel in the Roman empire. Judaism was a recognized religion under Roman law. As long as Christians were seen as part of Judaism, the court refused to hear cases brought against them. If they had claimed to be a new religion, they could easily have been outlawed by the government. In effect, Gallio was saying, "I don't understand all your terminology and finer points of theology. Handle the matter yourself and don't bother me."
18:17 Crispus had been the ruler of the synagogue, but he and his family were converted and joined the Christians (18:8). Sosthenes was chosen to take his place. The mob could have been Greeks venting their feelings against the Jews for causing turmoil, or the crowd may have included some Jews. In any case, they beat Sosthenes for losing the case and leaving the synagogue worse off than before. A person named Sosthenes is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:1, and many believe this was the same man who, in time, became a convert and a companion of Paul.
Here's another instance of God urging us to not be afraid. There's lots of them in the Bible! Also, I note the First Amendment endorsement in verse 9. We have a God-given right to speak, especially to speak of God. May we do so fearlessly and to His glory! This Scripture also showed Paul's many emotions--the joy of working with Aquila and Priscilla, the frustration with the synagogue leaders, and the satisfaction of having God "on your side". It made me think about if God is with you, who could be against you? If Creator God is your Healer, what better healing is there? If the Living God is your guide, what better motivator is there? So, let's speak up!
Thank You, Lord, for Your Holy Spirit that reminds us over and over of Your presence with us--that we do not have to fear and we can speak up boldly with the truth. You are with us when we cling to the truth. When we seek truth, we find You right there with us. Almighty presence of God surrounding and guiding us through the circumstances of life. What confidence we can have in this! It is pretty awesome to think that You care about this one tiny dot in all of eternity that is my life enough to hear my prayers and answer them in Your wonderful ways and for Your glory. Let us speak boldly then. In Jesus' name, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/esUsHmkRIiA
Have a blessed day.
In Athens
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+17:16-34
16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. 18 A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. 19 Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” 21 (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) 22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you. 24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 29 “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. 30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” 32 When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” 33 At that, Paul left the Council. 34 Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
17:18 The Epicureans and Stoics were the dominant philosophers in Greek culture. The Epicureans believed that seeking happiness or pleasure was the primary goal of life. By contrast, the Stoics placed thinking above feeling and tried to live in harmony with nature and reason, suppressing their desire for pleasure. Thus they were very disciplined.
17:19 For a time the Council or Court (here called the Areopagus) met on a low hill in Athens near the Acropolis. As Paul stood there and spoke about the one true God, his audience could look down on the city and see the many idols representing gods that Paul knew were worthless.
17:22 Paul was well prepared to speak to this group. He came from Tarsus, an educational center, and had the training and knowledge to present his beliefs clearly and persuasively. Paul was a rabbi, taught by the finest scholar of the day, Gamaliel, and he spent much of his life thinking and reasoning through the Scriptures.
It is not enough to preach with conviction. Like Paul, we must be prepared. The more we know about the Bible, what it means, and how to apply it to our lives, the more convincing our words will be. This does not mean that we should avoid presenting the gospel until we feel adequately prepared. We should work with what we know, but always want to know more in order to reach more people and answer their questions and arguments more effectively.
17:22ff Paul's address is a good example of how to communicate the gospel. Paul did not begin by reciting Jewish history, as he usually did, for this would have been meaningless to his Greek audience. He began by building a case for the one true God, using examples they understood (17:22, 23). Then he established common ground by emphasizing what they agreed on about God (17:24-29). Finally he moved his message to the person of Christ, centering on the resurrection (17:30, 31). When you witness to others, you can use Paul's approach: use examples, establish common ground, and then move people toward a decision about Jesus Christ.
17:23 The Athenians had built an idol to the unknown god for fear of missing blessings or receiving punishment. Paul's opening statement to the men of Athens was about their unknown god. Paul was not endorsing this god, but using the inscription as a point of entry for his witness to the one true God.
17:23 Paul explained the one true God to these educated men of Athens; although these men were, in general, very religious, they did not know God. Today we have a "Christian" society, but to most people, God is still unknown. We need to proclaim who he is and make it clear what he did for all mankind through his Son Jesus Christ. We cannot assume that even religious people around us truly know Jesus or understand the importance of faith in him.
17:27, 28 God is known in his creation, and he is close to every one of us. But he is not trapped in his creation --he is transcendent. God is the Creator, not the creation. This means that God is sovereign and in control, while at the same time he is close and personal. Let the Creator of the universe rule your life.
17:30, 31 Paul did not leave his message unfinished. He confronted his listeners with Jesus' resurrection and its meaning to all people--either blessing or punishment. The Greeks had no concept of judgment. Most of them preferred worshiping many gods instead of just one, and the concept of resurrection was unbelievable and offensive to them. Paul did not hold back the truth, however, no matter what they might think of it. Paul often changed his approach to fit his audience, but he never changed his basic message.
17:32-34 Paul's speech received a mixed reaction: some sneered, some kept searching for more information,and a few believed. Don't hesitate to tell others about Christ because you fear that some will not believe you. Don't expect a unanimously positive response to your witnessing. Even if only a few believe, it's worth the effort.
These verses have me thinking about being smart. The great thinkers gathered in Athens, didn't they? They reasoned just to reason. They liked to get their "noggin joggin'". Well GAW guys do, too. I see that with my own eyes. So, why did God send Jesus to be with us "in the flesh"? Verse 27 points to it. Our Creator loves us and seeks to have a personal relationship with each of us. But how can He when we don't even recognize Him? We gotta see to believe. It has to be reasonable to us. There's something about seeking the unseen. What we seek must be worthy of finding. I think of the autistic brother I read about. I think Allknowing God knows where he is, and that the brother is in omnipresent God's care. Faith. Knowledge of God's attributes. Hope. God-given abilities to think and to seek. Love. God-given ability.
Dear Lord and Savior, thank You that You are with us right now through Your omnipresent Holy Spirit of Truth. Thank you for Your care over our loved ones wherever they may be. Thank You for the ability to reason and freely think. Guide our thoughts to what is worthy. Then let us choose reasonably, in truth, and make decisions based on truth. Lord, in difficult times, help us to remember Your attributes and that "the greatest of these is love." In Jesus' name, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/k3S1wfXmYPw
Have a blessed day.
Acts 17:10-15
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+17:10-15
In Berea
10 As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 12 As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. 13 But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. 14 The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. 15 Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
17:11 How do you evaluate sermons and teachings? The people in Berea opened the Scriptures for themselves and searched for truths to verify or disprove the message they heard. Always compare what you hear with what the Bible says. A preacher or teacher who gives God's true message will never contradict or explain away anything that is found in God's Word.
17:15 Athens, with its magnificent buildings and many gods, was a center for Greek culture, philosophy, and education. Philosophers and educated men were always ready to hear something new, so they invited Paul to speak to them at the meeting of the Areopagus (17:18, 19).
The Bible read this morning reminded once again how strong, powerful, trustworthy, and everlasting God's Truth is. It stands firm under scrutiny. God invites us to seek truth and to believe. He gave us brains, each one of us, so that we can think and search and corroborate and verify throughout history. The Berean Jews did that and many believed. Christian apologists like Sean and Josh McDowell ("Evidence That Demands A Verdict") do it. Journalists like Lee Stroble did it. And even today many join with others to bring out the truth. Even before Paul, there were these women who went to the tomb of their Savior on the Sunday after Jesus was crucified to find it empty. When they saw that Jesus was alive, they told the disciples. When John and Peter heard, they also ran to the tomb to see for themselves. Jesus showed himself to them later, just as he had promised. Instance after instance, evidence after evidence, time after time. Truth stands on its own. God's only begotten Son, the Way, the Truth, the Everlasting Life.
Hallelujah! Praise to my risen Savior! Thank you, Lord, that your glory was made known to me. And thank You that You would find my inquisitive mind worthy to satisfy with Your truth such that You sent Your Holy Spirit of Truth to both convict me so that I see my unworthiness, and to remind me of Your teachings and promises and love--mostly Your love. What a wonderful day You have given to us to celebrate life and Your living Presence with us. We offer our praises and prayers to You as You taught--In Jesus' name, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/OibIi1rz7mw
Have a Blessed Day!
Acts 17:1-9
https://www.biblestudytools.com/kjv/acts/passage/?q=acts+17:1-9
In Thessalonica
1 When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. 5 But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, 7 and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” 8 When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. 9 Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
17:1 Thessalonica was one of the wealthiest and most influential cities in Macedonia. This is the first city Paul visited where his teachings attracted a large group of socially prominent citizens. The church he planted grew quickly, but in A.D. 50-51, Paul was forced out of the city by a mob (17:5, 6, 10). Paul later sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to see how the Christians were doing. Soon afterward, Paul wrote two letters to the Thessalonian believers (1 and 2 Thessalonians), encouraging them to remain faithful and to refuse to listen to false teachers who tried to refute their beliefs.
17:1, 2 A synagogue, a group of Jews who gathered for teaching and prayer, could be established when there were ten Jewish males. Paul's regular practice was to preach in synagogues as long as the Jews allowed it. Often those who weren't Jews would come to these services and hear Paul's preaching. For a description of a synagogue service, see the note on 13:14, 15.
17:2, 3 When Paul spoke in the synagogues, he wisely began by talking about Old Testament writings and explaining how the Messiah fulfilled them, moving from the known to the unknown. This is a good strategy for us. When we witness for Christ, we should begin where people are, affirming the truth they do know, and then we can present Christ, the One who is truth.
17:5 The Jewish leaders didn't refute the theology of Paul and Silas, but they were jealous of the popularity of these itinerant preachers. Their motives for causing the riot were rooted in personal jealousy, not doctrinal purity.
17:6 We don't know much about Jason except that he evidently was the local host and sponsor of Paul and Silas; thus he took the heat for all the problems. Jason is just one of many "unsung heroes" who faithfully played their part to help spread the gospel. Because of Jason's courage, Paul and Silas were able to minister more effectively. You may not receive much attention (in fact you may receive only grief) for your service for Christ. But God wants to use you. Lives will be changed because of your courage and faithfulness.
17:6 What a reputation these early Christians had! The Power of the gospel revolutionized lives, broke down all social barriers, threw open prison doors, caused people to care deeply for one another, and stirred them to worship God. Our world needs to be turned upside down, to be transformed. The gospel is not in the business of merely improving programs and encouraging good conduct, but of dynamically transforming lives. Take courage and ask God how you can help spread his Good News all over your world.
17:7 The Jewish leaders had difficulty manufacturing an accusation that would be heard by the city government. The Romans did not care about theological disagreements between the Jews and these preachers. Treason, however, was a serious offense in the Roman empire. Although Paul and Silas were not advocating rebellion against Roman law, their loyalty to another king sounded suspicious.
17:8, 9 Jason posted bond--putting up cash for freedom. By doing so, he promised that the trouble would cease or his own property and possibly his own life would be taken.
It seems like much of the stuff we see going on around us were also going on in Paul and Silas's time. Some people just would rather riot than hear the Good News and believe. And rioting not satisfying them, they must impose their demands on leaders to try to silence the Good News. The Son of God has conquered sin and death and offers that salvation to us too. God does not quit. He provides true peace, everlasting peace, amidst the turmoil. Choose wisely the path to take for yourself.
Our heavenly Father and Son and Holy Spirit of Truth, may this day be completely filled with Your goodness and mercy and love. As we celebrate Your power this weekend, let Your peace prevail. Thank You that we can gather in each others' homes to celebrate a meal together to honor this holy time. Keep our focus on You as we enjoy the goodness of family and friends. Keep our loved ones safe in Your care. With deeply grateful hearts, we pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/ZYrL9ea1XUg
Have a blessed day.
Acts 16:16-40
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+16:16-40
Paul and Silas in Prison
16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” 18 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her. 19 When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. 20 They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar 21 by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.” 22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. 35 When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” 36 The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.” 38 The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. 39 They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. 40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
16:16 This girl's fortune-telling ability came from evil spirits. Fortune-telling was a common practice in Greek and Roman culture. There were many superstitious methods by which people thought they could foretell future events, from interpreting omens in nature to communicating with the spirits of the dead. This young slave girl had an evil spirit and she made her master rich by interpreting signs and telling people their fortunes. The master was exploiting her unfortunate condition for personal gain.
16:17, 18 What the slave girl said was true, although the source of her knowledge was a demon. Why did a demon announce the truth about Paul, and why did this annoy Paul? If Paul accepted the demon's words, he would appear to be linking the gospel with demon-related activities. This would damage his message about Christ. Truth and evil do not mix.
16:22-25 Paul and Silas were stripped, beaten, and placed in stocks in the inner cell. Despite this dismal situation, they praised God, praying and singing as the other prisoners listened. No matter what our circumstances, we should praise God. Others may come to Christ because of our example.
16:24 Stocks were made of two boards joined with iron clamps, leaving holes just big enough for the ankles. The prisoner's legs were placed across the lower board, and then the upper board was closed over them. Sometimes both wrists and ankles were placed in stocks. Paul and Silas, who had committed no crime and who were peaceful men, were put in stocks designed to hold the most dangerous prisoners in absolute security.
16:27 The jailer drew his sword to kill himself because jailers were responsible for their prisoners and would be held accountable for their escape.
16:30,31 Paul and Silas's reputation in Philippi was well known. When the jailer realized his own true condition and need, he risked everything to find the answer. The Christian Good News of salvation is simply expressed: Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved (see Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Philippians 2:11). When we recognize Jesus as Lord and trust in him with our entire life, salvation is assured to us. If you have never trusted in Jesus to save you, do so quickly. Your life can be filled with joy, just as the jailer's was (16:34).
16:31-34 Paul and Silas took the family unit seriously. So the offer of salvation was made to the jailer's entire household--family and servants. Yet it was not the jailer's faith that saved them; they all needed to come to Jesus in faith and believe in him in the same way the jailer had. Yet his entire family did believe and all were saved.
16:37 Paul refused to take his freedom and run. He wanted to teach the rulers in Philippi a lesson and to protect the other believers from the treatment he and Silas had received. The word would spread that Paul and Silas had been found innocent and freed by the leaders, expressing the truth that believers should not be persecuted--especially if they were Roman citizens.
16:38 Roman citizenship carried with it certain privileges. These Philippian authorities were alarmed because it was illegal to whip a Roman citizen. In addition, every citizen had the right to a fair trial--which Paul and Silas had not been given.
Demons removed from a slave girl--She believed in Christ and was healed from the bondage of the demons. The jailer experienced an earthquake and righteousness of God through Paul and Silas--He believed in Christ and was truly freed. This scripture made me think about stuff happening today: (1) Us--We The People--enslaved to a system of lies and deceits (political, financial, judicial), hoping to be truly free; (2) The J6 prisoners--imprisoned unjustly for exercising our God-given First Amendment right to freedom of assembly and speech (and religion); (3) My President Trump politically attacked again, yet steadfast in his God-given righteousness; and (4) Those involved with the legal system+others who must experience the earthquakes to be shaken into belief in the Truth. You see, I believe God is sovereign over all of these happenings for all time. I believe his Word. It says God wins. So I choose to believe in Christ, my Savior, the Way, the Truth, the Life. The other instances are just dots in everlasting life.
Thank You, Jesus, for choosing to save us from our many sins. Thank You for Your steadfastness. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit of Truth that is with us always forever. Thank You for true freedom. Thank You for endurance and perseverance and hope and will to act in kindness and all the gifts You provide that help us get through this day. Thank You for the promise of life tomorrow, too. Thank You for an everlasting attitude. Lord, help us to believe and act like believers. In Jesus' name, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/dhU-Omwg2rU
Bonus Song (Thanks, u/TNBanjoMan!) https://youtu.be/y4KJ4lSq8XA
Have a blessed day.
Acts 16:11-15
https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+16:11-15
Lydia’s Conversion in Philippi
11 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. 13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.
16:12 Philippi was the key city in the region of Macedonia (northern Greece today). Paul founded a church during this visit (A.D. 50-51). Later Paul wrote a letter to the church, the book of Phillipians, probably from a prison in Rome (A.D. 61). The letter was personal and tender, showing Paul's deep love for and friendship with the believers there. In it he thanked them for a gift they had sent, alerted them to a coming visit by Timothy and Epaphroditus, urged the church to clear up any disunity, and encouraged the believers not to give in to persecution.
16:13 Inscribed on the arches outside the city of Philippi was a prohibition against bringing an unrecognized religion into the city; therefore this prayer meeting was held outside the city, beside the river.
16:13, 14 After following the Holy Spirit's leading into Macedonia, Paul made his first evangelistic contact with a small group of women. Paul never allowed gender or cultural boundaries to keep him from preaching the gospel. He preached to these women, and Lydia, an influential merchant, believed. This opened the way for ministry in that region. God often worked in and through women in the early church.
16:14 Lydia was a dealer in purple cloth, so she was probably wealthy. Purple cloth was valuable and expensive. It was often worn as a sign of nobility or royalty.
16:14ff Luke highlights the story of three individuals who became believers through Paul's ministry in Philippi: Lydia, the influential businesswoman (16:14), the demon-possessed slave girl (16:16-18), and the jailer (16:27-30). The gospel was affecting all strata of society, just as it does today.
16:15 Why was Lydias's household baptized after Lydia responded in faith to the gospel? Baptism was a public sign of identification with Christ and the Christian community. Although all members of her household may not have chosen to follow Christ (we don't know), it was now a Christian home.
The Good News is for all people, including Gentile women. Women are saved; they pray; they serve; they show hospitality. They are not a piece of property in Christ's eyes, apparently, like they were thought of in those days. Loving people is hard for me. I have trouble trusting them. But God continues to work on my heart. Sometimes we have to put aside the preconceived notions we have about people to love and trust. Sometimes we have to ignore the labels others have applied to them. Sometimes we need to pay attention to how God treats people and do the same. "Love each other as I have loved you." (John 15:12)
Oh, Lord, forgive us as we fall so short of what You would have us be and do. Have mercy on us, Lord, when we are confused and struggling. Remind us over and over of Your Good News--that You have overcome the world and You will see us through the sufferings too. Help us to love and care for each other. Help us put aside ourselves and, while in Your strength, overcome the obstacles that prevent us from loving people like You did and do. Thank You for all the gifts You provide, particularly for courage and patience today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
A Song: https://youtu.be/QbUQcbh4TF0
Have a blessed day.