Acts Chapter Twenty-Eight (NIV)
Acts Chapter Twenty-Eight (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-10: Paul spends three months on Malta.
Verses 11-16: Paul sails to Rome.
Verses 17-31: Paul preaches in Rome.
II. SYNOPSIS
Acts 28:3-5--"When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, 'No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.' He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm." There are different kinds of miracles. Here Paul is bitten by a snake, and the natives believe that he is being judged by Justice (the goddess who punishes wrongdoers). But Paul suffers no ill-effects, showing that he has divine approval.
Acts 28:22--"But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” The Jews in Rome knew nothing about Christianity, and yet they had heard plenty of complaints.
Acts 28:23--"When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets." Throughout the Book of Acts, we've seen a constant appeal to evidence. Here Paul tries to convince Jews by pointing to Old Testament prophecies.
Showing posts with label Commentary on Acts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Commentary on Acts. Show all posts
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Acts Chapter Twenty-Seven
Acts Chapter Twenty-Seven (NIV)
Acts Chapter Twenty-Seven (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-12: Paul and his companions set sail for Rome.
Verses 13-38: The ship hits a storm.
Verses 39-44: The ship breaks apart at Malta.
II. KEY PASSAGES
Acts 27:33-36--"As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, 'Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.' And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves." Paul's confidence was a powerful witness to his mostly polytheistic listeners.
Acts 27:42-44--"The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land." If a Roman soldier allowed a prisoner to escape, the soldier would receive whatever sentence the prisoner was to receive. Rather than risk such punishments, the soldiers wanted to kill all of the prisoners. Since the centurion had become fond of Paul, he rejected this solution. Thus, even the prisoners were saved for the sake of Paul.
Acts Chapter Twenty-Seven (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-12: Paul and his companions set sail for Rome.
Verses 13-38: The ship hits a storm.
Verses 39-44: The ship breaks apart at Malta.
II. KEY PASSAGES
Acts 27:33-36--"As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, 'Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.' And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves." Paul's confidence was a powerful witness to his mostly polytheistic listeners.
Acts 27:42-44--"The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land." If a Roman soldier allowed a prisoner to escape, the soldier would receive whatever sentence the prisoner was to receive. Rather than risk such punishments, the soldiers wanted to kill all of the prisoners. Since the centurion had become fond of Paul, he rejected this solution. Thus, even the prisoners were saved for the sake of Paul.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Acts Chapter Twenty-Six
Acts Chapter Twenty-Six (NIV)
Acts Chapter Twenty-Six (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-11: Paul speaks about his life before Christianity.
Verses 12-18: Paul speaks about his conversion.
Verses 19-32: Paul preaches the Gospel.
II. KEY PASSAGES
Acts 26:22-23--"To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” It's easy to miss the significance of this passage. Paul is speaking to Jews, wealthy Romans, and others. Here he says that he testifies "both to small and great," showing that the Gospel is for people of all social classes. He then says the Gospel is to be proclaimed "both to our people and to the Gentiles," showing that the Gospel is for all races. The Gospel isn't simply a message about salvation. It breaks down social and racial barriers.
Acts 26:24-25--"And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, 'Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.' But Paul said, 'I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.'" Paul's appeal to visions must have made him sound crazy to skeptics. Paul responds that his words are true and rational. Paul then turns his attention back to Agrippa, who had a reputation for being a pious Jew, and therefore wouldn't have been ask skeptical of visions.
Acts Chapter Twenty-Six (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-11: Paul speaks about his life before Christianity.
Verses 12-18: Paul speaks about his conversion.
Verses 19-32: Paul preaches the Gospel.
II. KEY PASSAGES
Acts 26:22-23--"To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” It's easy to miss the significance of this passage. Paul is speaking to Jews, wealthy Romans, and others. Here he says that he testifies "both to small and great," showing that the Gospel is for people of all social classes. He then says the Gospel is to be proclaimed "both to our people and to the Gentiles," showing that the Gospel is for all races. The Gospel isn't simply a message about salvation. It breaks down social and racial barriers.
Acts 26:24-25--"And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, 'Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.' But Paul said, 'I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.'" Paul's appeal to visions must have made him sound crazy to skeptics. Paul responds that his words are true and rational. Paul then turns his attention back to Agrippa, who had a reputation for being a pious Jew, and therefore wouldn't have been ask skeptical of visions.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Acts Chapter Twenty-Five
Acts Chapter Twenty-Five (NIV)
Acts Chapter Twenty-Five (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-12: Paul appeals to Caesar.
Verses 13-27: King Agrippa and Bernice visit Caesarea.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 25:10-11--"But Paul said, 'I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.'” Paul recognized that Festus was trying to please the Jews, which would have made a Jerusalem trial dangerous. As a Roman citizen, Paul had the right to appeal to Caesar--a long way from the influence of the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem.
(B) Acts 25:26--Festus says, "But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write." Roman leaders would often assemble a panel of officials when judging a difficult case. Here Festus consults with Herod Agrippa II, great-grandson of Herod the Great, and his half-sister Bernice.
Acts Chapter Twenty-Five (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-12: Paul appeals to Caesar.
Verses 13-27: King Agrippa and Bernice visit Caesarea.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 25:10-11--"But Paul said, 'I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.'” Paul recognized that Festus was trying to please the Jews, which would have made a Jerusalem trial dangerous. As a Roman citizen, Paul had the right to appeal to Caesar--a long way from the influence of the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem.
(B) Acts 25:26--Festus says, "But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write." Roman leaders would often assemble a panel of officials when judging a difficult case. Here Festus consults with Herod Agrippa II, great-grandson of Herod the Great, and his half-sister Bernice.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Acts Chapter Twenty-Four
Acts Chapter Twenty-Four (NIV)
Acts Chapter Twenty-Four (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-21: Paul's gives his defense before Felix.
Verses 22-27: Felix leaves Paul in prison.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 24:2-3--"And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: 'Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.'" Tertullus begins with absurd flattery. Felix was a horrible administrator, was known for taking bribes, and was later removed from office by the Romans. Compare the flattery of Tertullus with the honest introduction by Paul in v. 10: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense."
(B) Acts 24:5-6--"For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him." These are the charges against Paul. Paul responds by admitting that he is a leader among Christians, but that he was not inciting a riot and did not profane the temple. Since accusers had to be present in order to testify against a Roman citizen, Paul points out that the people who had supposedly witnessed him starting a riot were not present.
(C) Acts 24:27--"When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison." Felix, as well as other Roman leaders, tried to balance (1) not abusing Paul, since he was a Roman citizen, with (2) not upsetting the Jews by allowing Paul unrestricted freedom. Though Felix knew that Paul was innocent, he left him in prison in order to satisfy Paul's enemies.
Acts Chapter Twenty-Four (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-21: Paul's gives his defense before Felix.
Verses 22-27: Felix leaves Paul in prison.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 24:2-3--"And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: 'Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.'" Tertullus begins with absurd flattery. Felix was a horrible administrator, was known for taking bribes, and was later removed from office by the Romans. Compare the flattery of Tertullus with the honest introduction by Paul in v. 10: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense."
(B) Acts 24:5-6--"For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him." These are the charges against Paul. Paul responds by admitting that he is a leader among Christians, but that he was not inciting a riot and did not profane the temple. Since accusers had to be present in order to testify against a Roman citizen, Paul points out that the people who had supposedly witnessed him starting a riot were not present.
(C) Acts 24:27--"When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison." Felix, as well as other Roman leaders, tried to balance (1) not abusing Paul, since he was a Roman citizen, with (2) not upsetting the Jews by allowing Paul unrestricted freedom. Though Felix knew that Paul was innocent, he left him in prison in order to satisfy Paul's enemies.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Acts Chapter Twenty-Three
Acts Chapter Twenty-Three (NIV)
Acts Chapter Twenty-Three (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-11: Paul addresses the Jewish Council.
Verses 12-22: Forty men vow to kill Paul.
Verses 23-35: Lysias sends Paul to Governor Felix.
II. KEY PASSAGES
Acts 23:3-5--"Then Paul said to him, 'God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?' Those who stood by said, 'Would you revile God's high priest?' And Paul said, 'I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, "You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.”'" Paul was before the court as a supposed law breaker, yet the high priest was breaking the law. After realizing that it was the high priest who ordered the assault, Paul stops his rebuke, on the ground that the law doesn't allow him to "speak evil" of the high priest. So Paul, who was accused of violating the law, was actually more dedicated to following the law than the high priest!
Acts 23:6--"Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, 'Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.'” Though the Jewish population as a whole had far more in common with the Pharisees, the Sadducees formed the majority of the Jewish Council. As a former devout Pharisee, Paul certainly would have retained his distaste for the position of the Sadducees. Here he draws attention to his biggest objection against the Sadducees, and a dispute erupts.
Acts 23:12--"When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul." Though they never got to carry out their plot, they wouldn't have starved to death. Jewish law allowed the cancellation of oaths if fulfillment became impossible.
Acts 23:23-24--"Then he called two of the centurions and said, 'Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.'" Four hundred and seventy Roman soldiers would have been around half of the Roman force in Jerusalem. This passage shows how dedicated the Roman military was to protecting Roman citizens from unjust treatment.
Acts Chapter Twenty-Three (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-11: Paul addresses the Jewish Council.
Verses 12-22: Forty men vow to kill Paul.
Verses 23-35: Lysias sends Paul to Governor Felix.
II. KEY PASSAGES
Acts 23:3-5--"Then Paul said to him, 'God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?' Those who stood by said, 'Would you revile God's high priest?' And Paul said, 'I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, "You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.”'" Paul was before the court as a supposed law breaker, yet the high priest was breaking the law. After realizing that it was the high priest who ordered the assault, Paul stops his rebuke, on the ground that the law doesn't allow him to "speak evil" of the high priest. So Paul, who was accused of violating the law, was actually more dedicated to following the law than the high priest!
Acts 23:6--"Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, 'Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.'” Though the Jewish population as a whole had far more in common with the Pharisees, the Sadducees formed the majority of the Jewish Council. As a former devout Pharisee, Paul certainly would have retained his distaste for the position of the Sadducees. Here he draws attention to his biggest objection against the Sadducees, and a dispute erupts.
Acts 23:12--"When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul." Though they never got to carry out their plot, they wouldn't have starved to death. Jewish law allowed the cancellation of oaths if fulfillment became impossible.
Acts 23:23-24--"Then he called two of the centurions and said, 'Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.'" Four hundred and seventy Roman soldiers would have been around half of the Roman force in Jerusalem. This passage shows how dedicated the Roman military was to protecting Roman citizens from unjust treatment.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Acts Chapter Twenty-Two
Acts Chapter Twenty-Two (NIV)
Acts Chapter Twenty-Two (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-21: Paul addresses the Jews (largely a review of Paul's conversion in Chapter Nine).
Verses 22-29: Paul before the Roman Tribune.
Verse 30: Paul stands before the Jewish Council.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 22:2--"And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet." The most common language in Israel was Aramaic (and the word "Hebrew" here could mean "Aramaic.") Depending on whether Paul addressed the Jews in Hebrew or Aramaic, this verse could mean either (1) the Jews became quiet because Paul was speaking Hebrew, which would have been a bit more difficult to understand, or (2) the Jews became quiet because Paul was speaking Aramaic, and this was surprising to them, since the mob most likely assumed that Paul was a Hellenist (Greek-speaking Jew).
(B) Acts 22:9--"Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me." For some reason, Muslims often point to this verse as a contradiction when compared with Acts 9:7, which reads, "The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one." Obviously, there's no contradiction here. Paul's companions saw the light but not Jesus, and heard the voice but didn't understand it.
(C) Acts 22:25--"But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, 'Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?'" It was illegal to flog a Roman citizen without a trial. Paul again demands his civil rights as a Roman citizen.
Acts Chapter Twenty-Two (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-21: Paul addresses the Jews (largely a review of Paul's conversion in Chapter Nine).
Verses 22-29: Paul before the Roman Tribune.
Verse 30: Paul stands before the Jewish Council.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 22:2--"And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet." The most common language in Israel was Aramaic (and the word "Hebrew" here could mean "Aramaic.") Depending on whether Paul addressed the Jews in Hebrew or Aramaic, this verse could mean either (1) the Jews became quiet because Paul was speaking Hebrew, which would have been a bit more difficult to understand, or (2) the Jews became quiet because Paul was speaking Aramaic, and this was surprising to them, since the mob most likely assumed that Paul was a Hellenist (Greek-speaking Jew).
(B) Acts 22:9--"Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me." For some reason, Muslims often point to this verse as a contradiction when compared with Acts 9:7, which reads, "The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one." Obviously, there's no contradiction here. Paul's companions saw the light but not Jesus, and heard the voice but didn't understand it.
(C) Acts 22:25--"But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, 'Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?'" It was illegal to flog a Roman citizen without a trial. Paul again demands his civil rights as a Roman citizen.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Acts Chapter Twenty-One
Acts Chapter Twenty-One (NIV)
Acts Chapter Twenty-One (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-16: Paul travels to Jerusalem.
Verses 17-26: Paul meets with James and the elders.
Verses 27-36: Paul is arrested in the Temple.
Verses 37-40: Paul asks to speak to the Jews.
II. KEY PASSAGES
Acts 21:4--"And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem." On the surface, this verse seems to conflict with other passages (e.g. Acts 20:22), which state that the Spirit was leading Paul to go to Jerusalem. We see what's happening a few verses later, however, when Agabus prophesies about what will happen to Paul in Jerusalem. The Spirit revealed that suffering and imprisonment await Paul, and some of the disciples interpret this to mean that Paul should avoid Jerusalem, in order to avoid the suffering and imprisonment. Paul, however, understands that persecution isn't always something to be avoided, and that the Lord wants him to endure it as a witness to the Jews.
Acts 21:8-9--"On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied." In Acts 2:16-21, Peter announced that Joel's prophecy (Joel 2:28-29) was being fulfilled. Part of the prophecy declared that "your sons and your daughters shall prophesy." Here we see Philip's daughters prophesying, in fulfillment of Joel's prophecy and Peter's confirmation.
Acts 21:13--"Then Paul answered, 'What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.'” While it is difficult to stand by and do nothing while a fellow believer is being persecuted, Paul wanted the disciples to understand that persecution is part of being a Christian. Indeed, suffering for the sake of the Lord Jesus is an honor, not a disgrace.
Acts 21:26--"Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them." Paul had no objections to Jewish Christians retaining their Jewish heritage, provided they understood that the Law does not save them. Paul's objection to the Law came when some Jewish believers insisted that the Gentiles must obey the Old Testament Law.
Acts Chapter Twenty-One (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-16: Paul travels to Jerusalem.
Verses 17-26: Paul meets with James and the elders.
Verses 27-36: Paul is arrested in the Temple.
Verses 37-40: Paul asks to speak to the Jews.
II. KEY PASSAGES
Acts 21:4--"And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem." On the surface, this verse seems to conflict with other passages (e.g. Acts 20:22), which state that the Spirit was leading Paul to go to Jerusalem. We see what's happening a few verses later, however, when Agabus prophesies about what will happen to Paul in Jerusalem. The Spirit revealed that suffering and imprisonment await Paul, and some of the disciples interpret this to mean that Paul should avoid Jerusalem, in order to avoid the suffering and imprisonment. Paul, however, understands that persecution isn't always something to be avoided, and that the Lord wants him to endure it as a witness to the Jews.
Acts 21:8-9--"On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied." In Acts 2:16-21, Peter announced that Joel's prophecy (Joel 2:28-29) was being fulfilled. Part of the prophecy declared that "your sons and your daughters shall prophesy." Here we see Philip's daughters prophesying, in fulfillment of Joel's prophecy and Peter's confirmation.
Acts 21:13--"Then Paul answered, 'What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.'” While it is difficult to stand by and do nothing while a fellow believer is being persecuted, Paul wanted the disciples to understand that persecution is part of being a Christian. Indeed, suffering for the sake of the Lord Jesus is an honor, not a disgrace.
Acts 21:26--"Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them." Paul had no objections to Jewish Christians retaining their Jewish heritage, provided they understood that the Law does not save them. Paul's objection to the Law came when some Jewish believers insisted that the Gentiles must obey the Old Testament Law.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Acts Chapter Twenty
Acts Chapter Twenty (NIV)
Acts Chapter Twenty (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-6: Paul visits Macedonia and Greece.
Verses 7-16: Paul raises a young man from the dead.
Verses 17-38: Paul gives his farewell address to the elders of Ephesus.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 20:8-10--"There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, 'Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.'" The "many lamps" would have reduced the oxygen in the room. Eutychus apparently sat in the window to catch some fresh air, but the late night discussion made him drowsy. He was "taken up dead," but Paul raised him from the dead.
(B) Acts 20:24--"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." This is, in my opinion, one of the coolest verses in the Bible.
(C) Acts 20:28--"Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood." This is an important verse for discussions of the Deity of Christ. Paul says that God obtained the church "with his own blood." There are two possible interpretations. First, "God" here could refer to Jesus, in which case the verse says that Jesus, who is God, purchased the church with His own blood. Second, since "blood" can refer to relatives or offspring, the verse could be saying that God the Father purchased the church with His own blood, i.e. His own Son. Either way, this verse proclaims the Deity of Christ. (On a different note, Paul tells the leaders to "Pay careful attention to yourselves," meaning that leaders are to be especially vigilant watching over their own spiritual condition, since they set the example for others.)
(D) Acts 20:29-30--"I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them." Timothy later served in Ephesus. Paul's letters to Timothy show that he was right when he said that false teachers would arise in Ephesus.
Acts Chapter Twenty (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-6: Paul visits Macedonia and Greece.
Verses 7-16: Paul raises a young man from the dead.
Verses 17-38: Paul gives his farewell address to the elders of Ephesus.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 20:8-10--"There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, 'Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.'" The "many lamps" would have reduced the oxygen in the room. Eutychus apparently sat in the window to catch some fresh air, but the late night discussion made him drowsy. He was "taken up dead," but Paul raised him from the dead.
(B) Acts 20:24--"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." This is, in my opinion, one of the coolest verses in the Bible.
(C) Acts 20:28--"Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood." This is an important verse for discussions of the Deity of Christ. Paul says that God obtained the church "with his own blood." There are two possible interpretations. First, "God" here could refer to Jesus, in which case the verse says that Jesus, who is God, purchased the church with His own blood. Second, since "blood" can refer to relatives or offspring, the verse could be saying that God the Father purchased the church with His own blood, i.e. His own Son. Either way, this verse proclaims the Deity of Christ. (On a different note, Paul tells the leaders to "Pay careful attention to yourselves," meaning that leaders are to be especially vigilant watching over their own spiritual condition, since they set the example for others.)
(D) Acts 20:29-30--"I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them." Timothy later served in Ephesus. Paul's letters to Timothy show that he was right when he said that false teachers would arise in Ephesus.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Acts Chapter Nineteen
Acts Chapter Nineteen (NIV)
Acts Chapter Nineteen (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-10: Paul preaches and teaches in Ephesus.
Verses 11-20: Seven sons of Sceva are cast out of the house while trying to cast out a demon.
Verses 21-41: A riot breaks out in Ephesus.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 19:11-12--"And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them." There can be no question that God's anointing was on Paul, confirming his status as an Apostle of Jesus Christ.
(B) Acts 19:15--"But the evil spirit answered them, 'Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?'" Casting out demons isn't a matter of reciting particular words. Such work demands an appropriate relationship with Jesus Christ. Attempting to confront demons without God's protection is inviting an attack.
(C) Acts 19:30--"But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him." The crowd would most likely have torn Paul to pieces, yet he still wanted to enter the crowd in order to preach.
(D) Acts 19:35--"And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, 'Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky?'" In the ancient world, cities would often treat meteorites as objects that fell from heaven. Interestingly, Muhammad often kissed one of these "sacred stones," which is still kissed by Muslims to this day. The Bible condemns reverence for sacred stones, as can be seen in the following passage:
Here the Bible says that Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and as an example the passage notes that he "smashed the sacred stones." This clearly condemns Muhammad, who taught his followers to kiss a sacred stone. We read in the History of at-Tabari (Volume 6, p. 101):
On a completely different note, notice that Muhammad promised to slaughter the Meccans, after he had (1) derided their traditional values, (2) abused their forefathers, (3) reviled their religion, (4) caused division among them, and (5) insulted their gods. This is quite different from the picture of Muhammad presented by Muslims in the West.
Acts Chapter Nineteen (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-10: Paul preaches and teaches in Ephesus.
Verses 11-20: Seven sons of Sceva are cast out of the house while trying to cast out a demon.
Verses 21-41: A riot breaks out in Ephesus.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 19:11-12--"And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them." There can be no question that God's anointing was on Paul, confirming his status as an Apostle of Jesus Christ.
(B) Acts 19:15--"But the evil spirit answered them, 'Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?'" Casting out demons isn't a matter of reciting particular words. Such work demands an appropriate relationship with Jesus Christ. Attempting to confront demons without God's protection is inviting an attack.
(C) Acts 19:30--"But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him." The crowd would most likely have torn Paul to pieces, yet he still wanted to enter the crowd in order to preach.
(D) Acts 19:35--"And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, 'Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky?'" In the ancient world, cities would often treat meteorites as objects that fell from heaven. Interestingly, Muhammad often kissed one of these "sacred stones," which is still kissed by Muslims to this day. The Bible condemns reverence for sacred stones, as can be seen in the following passage:
2 Kings 18:1-4--"In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother's name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (See also 2 Kings 23:14, where Josiah smashes sacred stones.)
Here the Bible says that Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and as an example the passage notes that he "smashed the sacred stones." This clearly condemns Muhammad, who taught his followers to kiss a sacred stone. We read in the History of at-Tabari (Volume 6, p. 101):
Ibn Humayd- Salamah- Muhammad b. Ishaq- Yahya b. ‘Urwah b. al-Zubayr- his father ‘Urwah-‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr b. al-‘As: I said to him, "What was the worst attack you saw by Quraysh upon the Messenger of God when they openly showed their enmity to him?" He replied, "I was with them when their nobles assembled one day in the Hijr and discussed the Messenger of God. They said, ‘We have never seen the like of what we have endured from this man. He has derided our traditional values, abused our forefathers, reviled our religion, caused division among us, and insulted our gods. We have endured a great deal from him,’ or words to that effect. While they were saying this, the Messenger of God suddenly appeared and walked up and kissed the Black Stone. Then he passed by them while performing the circumambulation, and as he did so they made some slanderous remarks about him. I could see from the Messenger of God’s face that he had heard them, but he went on. When he passed the second time they made similar remarks, and I could see from his face that he had heard them, but again he went on. Then he passed them the third time, and they made similar remarks; but this time he stopped and said, ‘Hear, men of Quraysh. By Him in whose hand Muhammad’s soul rests, I have brought you slaughter.’ They were gripped by what he said, and it was as though every man of them had a bird perched on his head; even those of them who had been urging the severest measures against him previously spoke in conciliatory ways to him, using the politest expressions they could think of, and said, ‘Depart in true guidance, Abu al-Qasim; by God you were never ignorant.’"
On a completely different note, notice that Muhammad promised to slaughter the Meccans, after he had (1) derided their traditional values, (2) abused their forefathers, (3) reviled their religion, (4) caused division among them, and (5) insulted their gods. This is quite different from the picture of Muhammad presented by Muslims in the West.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Acts Chapter Eighteen
Acts Chapter Eighteen (NIV)
Acts Chapter Eighteen (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-17: Paul preaches and teaches in Corinth.
Verses 18-23: Paul ends his second missionary journey and returns to Antioch.
Verses 24-28: Apollos learns the Gospel and refutes his opponents in Corinth.
II. KEY PASSAGES
Acts 18:7--"And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue." Paul moves in to a house next door to the Jewish synagogue. This couldn't have pleased Paul's Jewish opponents.
Acts 18:17--"And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this." Once again, Paul's preaching got other people in trouble. Here the ruler of the synagogue (who had most likely become a Christian) was beaten in order to vent anger at Paul.
Acts 18:24-25--"Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John." Apparently, Apollos knew some of the facts about Jesus' life and ministry, without knowing the full Gospel. Priscilla and Aquila explain things more fully to him.
Acts 18:27-28--"When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus." Here vigorously refuting non-Christians in public is considered a "great help" to believers.
Acts Chapter Eighteen (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-17: Paul preaches and teaches in Corinth.
Verses 18-23: Paul ends his second missionary journey and returns to Antioch.
Verses 24-28: Apollos learns the Gospel and refutes his opponents in Corinth.
II. KEY PASSAGES
Acts 18:7--"And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue." Paul moves in to a house next door to the Jewish synagogue. This couldn't have pleased Paul's Jewish opponents.
Acts 18:17--"And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this." Once again, Paul's preaching got other people in trouble. Here the ruler of the synagogue (who had most likely become a Christian) was beaten in order to vent anger at Paul.
Acts 18:24-25--"Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John." Apparently, Apollos knew some of the facts about Jesus' life and ministry, without knowing the full Gospel. Priscilla and Aquila explain things more fully to him.
Acts 18:27-28--"When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus." Here vigorously refuting non-Christians in public is considered a "great help" to believers.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Acts Chapter Seventeen
Acts Chapter Seventeen (NIV)
Acts Chapter Seventeen (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-9: Paul preaches to the Thessalonians.
Verses 10-15: Paul preaches in Berea.
Verses 16-21: Paul reasons with the Athenians.
Verses 22-34: Paul addresses the Court of the Areopagus.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 17:2-3--"And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, 'This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.'" This passage notes that it was Paul's custom to enter Jewish synagogues in order to demonstrate from the Jewish scriptures that Jesus had to die and rise from the dead.
(B) Acts 17:6-7--"And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, 'These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.'” Paul's preaching made things difficult not only for himself, but for the other Christians in Thessalonica as well.
(C) Acts 17:11--"Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." It is a virtue in Christianity to carefully examine the evidence with an open mind.
(D) Acts 17:19--"And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, 'May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?'" The Areopagus wasn't merely a meeting place. It was a kind of court that could hand down rulings on religious and moral issues. Paul is on trial so that the court could make a decision as to whether his claims were harmful to the city.
(E) Acts 17:22-23--"So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, "To the unknown god." What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.'" Many cities in the ancient world had altars to unknown gods, showing that people were worried about not giving some unknown god the proper respect. Paul sees the altar as an acknowledgement that they didn't possess the full truth, and that they should therefore be open to his preaching.
(F) Acts 17:24-25--"The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything." From the Areopagus, there would have been a clear view of the Acropolis, with numerous temples and idols. Paul asserts that the true God doesn't need these things. (Note: This would have been extremely offensive to the Athenians.)
(G) Acts 17:27-28--"Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’" Paul quotes pagan poets to show that even the pagans had some understanding of a God who is the source of everything.
(H) Acts 17:29--"Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man." Since God created man, and man creates idols, we shouldn't think that God is somehow like our idols, which are less complex than we are.
(I) Acts 17:30-31--"The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” Paul refers to the time before the preaching of the Gospel as "times of ignorance" (certainly not the most seeker-friendly way to put things!). Paul also says that God has given proof of the Christian message by raising Jesus from the dead. Christianity, contrary to the claims of skeptics and even some Christians, isn't based on blind faith.
Acts Chapter Seventeen (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-9: Paul preaches to the Thessalonians.
Verses 10-15: Paul preaches in Berea.
Verses 16-21: Paul reasons with the Athenians.
Verses 22-34: Paul addresses the Court of the Areopagus.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 17:2-3--"And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, 'This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.'" This passage notes that it was Paul's custom to enter Jewish synagogues in order to demonstrate from the Jewish scriptures that Jesus had to die and rise from the dead.
(B) Acts 17:6-7--"And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, 'These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.'” Paul's preaching made things difficult not only for himself, but for the other Christians in Thessalonica as well.
(C) Acts 17:11--"Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." It is a virtue in Christianity to carefully examine the evidence with an open mind.
(D) Acts 17:19--"And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, 'May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?'" The Areopagus wasn't merely a meeting place. It was a kind of court that could hand down rulings on religious and moral issues. Paul is on trial so that the court could make a decision as to whether his claims were harmful to the city.
(E) Acts 17:22-23--"So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, "To the unknown god." What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.'" Many cities in the ancient world had altars to unknown gods, showing that people were worried about not giving some unknown god the proper respect. Paul sees the altar as an acknowledgement that they didn't possess the full truth, and that they should therefore be open to his preaching.
(F) Acts 17:24-25--"The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything." From the Areopagus, there would have been a clear view of the Acropolis, with numerous temples and idols. Paul asserts that the true God doesn't need these things. (Note: This would have been extremely offensive to the Athenians.)
(G) Acts 17:27-28--"Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’" Paul quotes pagan poets to show that even the pagans had some understanding of a God who is the source of everything.
(H) Acts 17:29--"Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man." Since God created man, and man creates idols, we shouldn't think that God is somehow like our idols, which are less complex than we are.
(I) Acts 17:30-31--"The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” Paul refers to the time before the preaching of the Gospel as "times of ignorance" (certainly not the most seeker-friendly way to put things!). Paul also says that God has given proof of the Christian message by raising Jesus from the dead. Christianity, contrary to the claims of skeptics and even some Christians, isn't based on blind faith.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Acts Chapter Sixteen
Acts Chapter Sixteen (NIV)
Acts Chapter Sixteen (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-5: Timothy joins Paul and Silas.
Verses 6-10: Through a vision, God calls Paul to Macedonia.
Verses 11-15: Lydia becomes a Christian.
Verses 16-24: Paul and Silas are beaten and jailed.
Verses 25-40: The Philippian jailer becomes a Christian (along with his family).
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 16:3--"Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek." Paul always resisted the claim that circumcision was necessary for salvation. But he also refused to put stumbling blocks in people's way when he preached. Since Paul typically entered Jewish synagogues to preach, and since Timothy would have been considered Jewish (because his mother was Jewish), Paul circumcised Timothy so that Timothy could work with him effectively among the Jews.
(B) Acts 16:10--"And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them." Notice that the pronoun shifts to "we" here. This must have been when Luke joined Paul's group.
(C) Acts 16:25--"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them." The most common argument against Theism is the "Argument from Evil." If God exists, why is there so much suffering? Why doesn't He protect us? It's interesting to see how different the reaction to suffering was in the first century. Paul was routinely beaten, abused, and tortured, yet it never occurred to Paul to say, "Wait a minute! I believe in God. Surely a powerful and loving God would make sure that I don't suffer. Thus, since I'm suffering, God must not exist." For Paul, and for most others in the ancient world, pain and pleasure weren't at the top of the list of priorities. In today's world, well . . .
(D) Acts 16:36-37--"And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” Paul demands public acknowledgement that his civil rights were violated. Interesting.
Acts Chapter Sixteen (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-5: Timothy joins Paul and Silas.
Verses 6-10: Through a vision, God calls Paul to Macedonia.
Verses 11-15: Lydia becomes a Christian.
Verses 16-24: Paul and Silas are beaten and jailed.
Verses 25-40: The Philippian jailer becomes a Christian (along with his family).
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 16:3--"Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek." Paul always resisted the claim that circumcision was necessary for salvation. But he also refused to put stumbling blocks in people's way when he preached. Since Paul typically entered Jewish synagogues to preach, and since Timothy would have been considered Jewish (because his mother was Jewish), Paul circumcised Timothy so that Timothy could work with him effectively among the Jews.
(B) Acts 16:10--"And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them." Notice that the pronoun shifts to "we" here. This must have been when Luke joined Paul's group.
(C) Acts 16:25--"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them." The most common argument against Theism is the "Argument from Evil." If God exists, why is there so much suffering? Why doesn't He protect us? It's interesting to see how different the reaction to suffering was in the first century. Paul was routinely beaten, abused, and tortured, yet it never occurred to Paul to say, "Wait a minute! I believe in God. Surely a powerful and loving God would make sure that I don't suffer. Thus, since I'm suffering, God must not exist." For Paul, and for most others in the ancient world, pain and pleasure weren't at the top of the list of priorities. In today's world, well . . .
(D) Acts 16:36-37--"And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” Paul demands public acknowledgement that his civil rights were violated. Interesting.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Acts Chapter Fifteen
Acts Chapter Fifteen (NIV)
Acts Chapter Fifteen (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-21: The Council in Jerusalem.
Verses 22-35: The Council sends a letter.
Verses 36-41: Paul and Barnabas separate.
II. KEY PASSAGES
Acts 15:1--"Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, 'Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.'" The Jews were given the Law first, then the Gospel. Many of them therefore assumed that all believers should follow the same pattern--submit to the Law, then believe the Gospel. As Peter points out (vv. 8-9), the Holy Spirit had already come upon Gentiles, without their submitting to Jewish Law.
Acts 15:19-20--"Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood." The decision from James shows his wisdom. Gentiles did not need to submit to the Jewish Law. However, many Jewish believers still adhered to Jewish dietary practices, etc. James orders the Gentile Christians to submit to some of the dietary restrictions so that there could be fellowship among the Jewish and Gentile believers. The additional command, to abstain from sexual immorality, was likely given because many of the Gentile believers would have been brought up in an atmosphere where sexual immorality was quite common. Thus, James places special emphasis on sexual purity.
Acts 15:39-40--"And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord." Throughout Acts, problems arise. Yet we see how those problems always turn out for the furtherance of the Gospel. Here, Paul and Barnabas part ways. But the result is two separate missionary teams.
Acts Chapter Fifteen (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-21: The Council in Jerusalem.
Verses 22-35: The Council sends a letter.
Verses 36-41: Paul and Barnabas separate.
II. KEY PASSAGES
Acts 15:1--"Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, 'Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.'" The Jews were given the Law first, then the Gospel. Many of them therefore assumed that all believers should follow the same pattern--submit to the Law, then believe the Gospel. As Peter points out (vv. 8-9), the Holy Spirit had already come upon Gentiles, without their submitting to Jewish Law.
Acts 15:19-20--"Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood." The decision from James shows his wisdom. Gentiles did not need to submit to the Jewish Law. However, many Jewish believers still adhered to Jewish dietary practices, etc. James orders the Gentile Christians to submit to some of the dietary restrictions so that there could be fellowship among the Jewish and Gentile believers. The additional command, to abstain from sexual immorality, was likely given because many of the Gentile believers would have been brought up in an atmosphere where sexual immorality was quite common. Thus, James places special emphasis on sexual purity.
Acts 15:39-40--"And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord." Throughout Acts, problems arise. Yet we see how those problems always turn out for the furtherance of the Gospel. Here, Paul and Barnabas part ways. But the result is two separate missionary teams.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Acts Chapter Fourteen
Acts Chapter Fourteen (NIV)
Acts Chapter Fourteen (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-7: Paul and Barnabas preach in Iconium.
Verses 8-18: Paul and Barnabas preach in Lystra.
Verses 19-23: Paul stoned for preaching in Lystra.
Verses 24-28: Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 14:14-15--"But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 'Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you . . .'" This is the appropriate response when someone tries to worship you. Paul and Barnabas immediately tear their garments (standard Jewish response to blasphemy) and denounce the claim that they are gods. Compare their reaction with that of Jesus, who, as we have seen, was worshiped as a child (Matthew 2:11), during His ministry (Matthew 14:33; John 9:38), and after His resurrection (Matthew 28:17; Luke 24:52). Neither Jesus nor anyone else ever commanded people not to worship Him.
(B) Acts 14:15--Paul says, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them." Paul refers to the religious rituals of the pagans as "vain things." He thus criticized their religious views while proclaiming the truth. This criticism no doubt made it easier for Paul's enemies to stir up the crowd and ultimately stone him. Strangely, there are many Christians today who don't believe in refuting false views.
(C) Acts 14:21-22--"When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." It's easy to miss the significance of this passage. Paul had been stoned in Lystra. Presumed dead, he was dragged outside of the city. To the shock of everyone, he returned to the city immediately after the stoning. Paul and Barnabas went on to Derbe. From there, there was a quick route home to Antioch. However, instead of taking the easy route home, they took a longer route and returned to the cities that had just driven them out. But wouldn't this have led to further persecution? Of course. But for Paul, being persecuted was simply a part of being a Christian.
Acts Chapter Fourteen (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-7: Paul and Barnabas preach in Iconium.
Verses 8-18: Paul and Barnabas preach in Lystra.
Verses 19-23: Paul stoned for preaching in Lystra.
Verses 24-28: Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 14:14-15--"But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 'Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you . . .'" This is the appropriate response when someone tries to worship you. Paul and Barnabas immediately tear their garments (standard Jewish response to blasphemy) and denounce the claim that they are gods. Compare their reaction with that of Jesus, who, as we have seen, was worshiped as a child (Matthew 2:11), during His ministry (Matthew 14:33; John 9:38), and after His resurrection (Matthew 28:17; Luke 24:52). Neither Jesus nor anyone else ever commanded people not to worship Him.
(B) Acts 14:15--Paul says, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them." Paul refers to the religious rituals of the pagans as "vain things." He thus criticized their religious views while proclaiming the truth. This criticism no doubt made it easier for Paul's enemies to stir up the crowd and ultimately stone him. Strangely, there are many Christians today who don't believe in refuting false views.
(C) Acts 14:21-22--"When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." It's easy to miss the significance of this passage. Paul had been stoned in Lystra. Presumed dead, he was dragged outside of the city. To the shock of everyone, he returned to the city immediately after the stoning. Paul and Barnabas went on to Derbe. From there, there was a quick route home to Antioch. However, instead of taking the easy route home, they took a longer route and returned to the cities that had just driven them out. But wouldn't this have led to further persecution? Of course. But for Paul, being persecuted was simply a part of being a Christian.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Acts Chapter Thirteen
Acts Chapter Thirteen (NIV)
Acts Chapter Thirteen (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-3: Paul and Barnabas sent on their first missionary journey.
Verses 4-12: Paul and Barnabas on the island of Cyprus.
Verses 13-43: Paul and Barnabas at Pisidian Antioch.
Verses 44-52: Paul turns to the Gentiles.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 13:9-10--"But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him, and said, 'You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord?'" If a Christian were to utter these words today, he would immediately hear, "And you call yourself a Christian!" Biblically, people who attempt to keep others from hearing the Gospel receive the strongest rebuke.
(B) Acts 13:13--"Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John left them and returned to Jerusalem." Luke doesn't tell us why John (Mark) returned to Jerusalem. However, it's clear that Paul didn't want to take Mark on a future missionary journey because of this event (Acts 15:36-40). Mark would later regain Paul's trust (see Colossians 4:10).
(C) Acts 13:26-41--Like Peter, Paul consistently emphasizes Jesus' death (vv. 28-29), resurrection (vv. 30-31), and deity (v. 33), as well as Old Testament prophecies about Jesus (vv. 33-35).
Acts Chapter Thirteen (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-3: Paul and Barnabas sent on their first missionary journey.
Verses 4-12: Paul and Barnabas on the island of Cyprus.
Verses 13-43: Paul and Barnabas at Pisidian Antioch.
Verses 44-52: Paul turns to the Gentiles.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 13:9-10--"But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him, and said, 'You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord?'" If a Christian were to utter these words today, he would immediately hear, "And you call yourself a Christian!" Biblically, people who attempt to keep others from hearing the Gospel receive the strongest rebuke.
(B) Acts 13:13--"Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John left them and returned to Jerusalem." Luke doesn't tell us why John (Mark) returned to Jerusalem. However, it's clear that Paul didn't want to take Mark on a future missionary journey because of this event (Acts 15:36-40). Mark would later regain Paul's trust (see Colossians 4:10).
(C) Acts 13:26-41--Like Peter, Paul consistently emphasizes Jesus' death (vv. 28-29), resurrection (vv. 30-31), and deity (v. 33), as well as Old Testament prophecies about Jesus (vv. 33-35).
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Acts Chapter Twelve
Acts Chapter Twelve (NIV)
Acts Chapter Twelve (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-5: James, the brother of John, is put to death (the first of the Apostles to be martyred). Peter is imprisoned and is about to meet the same fate.
Verses 6-19: Peter is rescued by an angel.
Verses 20-25: Herod Agrippa I (grandson of Herod the Great) dies.
II. KEY PASSAGES
Acts 12:1-5--Persecution can be a way to win political favor. (This can happen even today. For instance, police in Dearborn target certain Christians in order to please Muslims. I've also seen some politicians speak out against Islam in what seems to be an attempt to win support from people who are concerned about Islam, though this hasn't yet reached the level of persecution. I'm fine with politicians speaking out against Islam, as they should. But we must be careful that this doesn't lead to persecution of any group.)
Acts 12:19--"When Herod had searched for him and had not found him, he examined the guards and ordered that they be led away to execution." Herod here adopts the Roman penalty, according to which a soldier who loses a prisoner would suffer the same fate that the prisoner was supposed to suffer. This shows that Herod was going to have Peter executed.
Acts 12:22-23--"The people kept crying out, 'The voice of a god and not of a man!' And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died." This is an important passage for understanding Jesus' claims. As we saw earlier, Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and an angel all reject worship in the New Testament. Here Herod receives praise that is due to God alone, and he is struck down for not giving God the glory. Yet Jesus repeatedly accepted worship and made claims that only God can justly make. Thus, Jesus either stands condemned as a false prophet, or He is Lord of all.
Acts Chapter Twelve (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-5: James, the brother of John, is put to death (the first of the Apostles to be martyred). Peter is imprisoned and is about to meet the same fate.
Verses 6-19: Peter is rescued by an angel.
Verses 20-25: Herod Agrippa I (grandson of Herod the Great) dies.
II. KEY PASSAGES
Acts 12:1-5--Persecution can be a way to win political favor. (This can happen even today. For instance, police in Dearborn target certain Christians in order to please Muslims. I've also seen some politicians speak out against Islam in what seems to be an attempt to win support from people who are concerned about Islam, though this hasn't yet reached the level of persecution. I'm fine with politicians speaking out against Islam, as they should. But we must be careful that this doesn't lead to persecution of any group.)
Acts 12:19--"When Herod had searched for him and had not found him, he examined the guards and ordered that they be led away to execution." Herod here adopts the Roman penalty, according to which a soldier who loses a prisoner would suffer the same fate that the prisoner was supposed to suffer. This shows that Herod was going to have Peter executed.
Acts 12:22-23--"The people kept crying out, 'The voice of a god and not of a man!' And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died." This is an important passage for understanding Jesus' claims. As we saw earlier, Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and an angel all reject worship in the New Testament. Here Herod receives praise that is due to God alone, and he is struck down for not giving God the glory. Yet Jesus repeatedly accepted worship and made claims that only God can justly make. Thus, Jesus either stands condemned as a false prophet, or He is Lord of all.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Acts Chapter Eleven
Acts Chapter Eleven (NIV)
Acts Chapter Eleven (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-18: Peter reports the conversion of the Gentiles to the believers in Jerusalem.
Verses 19-30: Gentiles in Antioch accept the Gospel.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 11:15--Peter says, "And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning." This is Peter's response to those who objected to his fellowship with non-Jews. If God had accepted the Gentiles (without first converting to Judaism), who was Peter to reject them?
(B) Acts 11:19--"Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews." The persecution of Christians led to Christian preachers being scattered across the Roman world. But wherever they went, they preached the Gospel!
(C) Acts 11:20-21--"But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord." These Jewish Christians were preaching to Greeks without being aware of the news from Jerusalem.
Acts Chapter Eleven (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-18: Peter reports the conversion of the Gentiles to the believers in Jerusalem.
Verses 19-30: Gentiles in Antioch accept the Gospel.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 11:15--Peter says, "And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning." This is Peter's response to those who objected to his fellowship with non-Jews. If God had accepted the Gentiles (without first converting to Judaism), who was Peter to reject them?
(B) Acts 11:19--"Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews." The persecution of Christians led to Christian preachers being scattered across the Roman world. But wherever they went, they preached the Gospel!
(C) Acts 11:20-21--"But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord." These Jewish Christians were preaching to Greeks without being aware of the news from Jerusalem.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Acts Chapter Ten
Acts Chapter Ten (NIV)
Acts Chapter Ten (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-8: Cornelius receives a vision.
Verses 9-33: Peter receives a vision.
Verses 34-43: Peter preaches to the Gentiles.
Verses 44-48: The Gentiles receive the Spirit.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 10:13-15--Jews would not eat with Gentiles, due largely to dietary restrictions. In this powerful vision, Jesus abolishes the Jewish dietary restrictions, opening the door for Peter to fellowship with the Gentiles.
(B) Acts 10:25-26--"When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter raised him up, saying, 'Stand up; I too am just a man.'" Peter rejects worship, as did Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:15) and even an angel (Revelation 19:10). This is in stark contrast to Jesus, who was worshiped as a child (Matthew 2:11), during His ministry (Matthew 14:33; John 9:38), and after His resurrection (Matthew 28:17; Luke 24:52). Neither Jesus nor anyone else ever commanded people not to worship Him.
(C) Acts 10:34-43--Notice Peter's emphasis on Jesus' death, resurrection, and deity as he preaches the Gospel to the Gentiles. Peter calls Jesus "Lord of all" (v. 36) and says that He is the final Judge (v. 42). Continuing his appeal to evidence, Peter points to eyewitness testimony of Jesus' resurrection appearances (v. 41), as well as Jesus' miracles (v. 38) and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (v. 43).
(D) Acts 10:44--Without following Jewish ceremonial traditions (e.g. dietary restrictions and circumcision), the Gentiles receive the Spirit and enter the Kingdom of God.
Acts Chapter Ten (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-8: Cornelius receives a vision.
Verses 9-33: Peter receives a vision.
Verses 34-43: Peter preaches to the Gentiles.
Verses 44-48: The Gentiles receive the Spirit.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 10:13-15--Jews would not eat with Gentiles, due largely to dietary restrictions. In this powerful vision, Jesus abolishes the Jewish dietary restrictions, opening the door for Peter to fellowship with the Gentiles.
(B) Acts 10:25-26--"When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter raised him up, saying, 'Stand up; I too am just a man.'" Peter rejects worship, as did Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:15) and even an angel (Revelation 19:10). This is in stark contrast to Jesus, who was worshiped as a child (Matthew 2:11), during His ministry (Matthew 14:33; John 9:38), and after His resurrection (Matthew 28:17; Luke 24:52). Neither Jesus nor anyone else ever commanded people not to worship Him.
(C) Acts 10:34-43--Notice Peter's emphasis on Jesus' death, resurrection, and deity as he preaches the Gospel to the Gentiles. Peter calls Jesus "Lord of all" (v. 36) and says that He is the final Judge (v. 42). Continuing his appeal to evidence, Peter points to eyewitness testimony of Jesus' resurrection appearances (v. 41), as well as Jesus' miracles (v. 38) and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (v. 43).
(D) Acts 10:44--Without following Jewish ceremonial traditions (e.g. dietary restrictions and circumcision), the Gentiles receive the Spirit and enter the Kingdom of God.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Acts Chapter Nine
Acts Chapter Nine (NIV)
Acts Chapter Nine (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-19: Saul, the leading persecutor of the Christians, becomes a believer after witnessing an appearance of the risen Lord.
Verses 20-25: Saul proclaims Jesus in Damascus angering the Jews, from whose murderous conspiracy he escapes.
Verses 26-31: In Jerusalem, Barnabas assures the wary disciples that Saul was truly one of the brethren. Saul preaches in Jerusalem.
Verses 32-43: Peter heals a paralytic and raises a dead woman back to life.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 9:3-18--In Isaiah 6:9, the Lord says to the prophet “Go and tell this people: 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving. Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.’” It seems fitting that Saul, Pharisee and student of Gamaliel, who thought he could “see” the truth about God, is blinded when confronted with Christ’s radiant reality on the road to Damascus. This brief period of blindness allowed Saul to truly see and “understand with his heart,” so that he could “turn and be healed” of both the spiritual and physical blindness.
(B) Acts 9:22-23, 26-31--Saul’s arguments proving that Jesus was the Messiah confounds the Jews in Damascus whose response is to plot to kill him. Similarly, Saul’s proclamations of the gospel in Jerusalem lead to disputes with the Hellenists. Time and again, we find Saul arousing the anger of those around him with his bold preaching and powerful argumentation. It is interesting how the response of these people when they fail to overcome Saul’s reasoning is not to reconsider their positions but rather to scheme murder.
(C) Acts 9:35, 42--Just as the miraculous resurrection of the Lord Jesus established His claims, miracles performed by the power of the Holy Spirit result in many people believing in Him.
Acts Chapter Nine (NASB)
I. SYNOPSIS
Verses 1-19: Saul, the leading persecutor of the Christians, becomes a believer after witnessing an appearance of the risen Lord.
Verses 20-25: Saul proclaims Jesus in Damascus angering the Jews, from whose murderous conspiracy he escapes.
Verses 26-31: In Jerusalem, Barnabas assures the wary disciples that Saul was truly one of the brethren. Saul preaches in Jerusalem.
Verses 32-43: Peter heals a paralytic and raises a dead woman back to life.
II. KEY PASSAGES
(A) Acts 9:3-18--In Isaiah 6:9, the Lord says to the prophet “Go and tell this people: 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving. Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.’” It seems fitting that Saul, Pharisee and student of Gamaliel, who thought he could “see” the truth about God, is blinded when confronted with Christ’s radiant reality on the road to Damascus. This brief period of blindness allowed Saul to truly see and “understand with his heart,” so that he could “turn and be healed” of both the spiritual and physical blindness.
(B) Acts 9:22-23, 26-31--Saul’s arguments proving that Jesus was the Messiah confounds the Jews in Damascus whose response is to plot to kill him. Similarly, Saul’s proclamations of the gospel in Jerusalem lead to disputes with the Hellenists. Time and again, we find Saul arousing the anger of those around him with his bold preaching and powerful argumentation. It is interesting how the response of these people when they fail to overcome Saul’s reasoning is not to reconsider their positions but rather to scheme murder.
(C) Acts 9:35, 42--Just as the miraculous resurrection of the Lord Jesus established His claims, miracles performed by the power of the Holy Spirit result in many people believing in Him.
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