#1589 Acts 17 Part 2 Noble Bereans

 

10 And the brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, along with not a few prominent Greek women and men. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, shaking up and disturbing the crowds. 14 Then immediately the brothers sent Paul out to go as far as the sea; and Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 Now those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they left. Acts 17: 10-15 LSB

Acts 17:  10-15

V. 10 And the brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea - Things went south in Thessalonica, and it says "the brothers", meaning in Christ, sent them away. There is a great sense of this in Christianity, that we are among brethren, and in a far deeper way than earthly familial ties. This passes away, our relations in the flesh, but what Christ has done as the first born of many brethren, that is infinite. The older I get in Christ, the more pause it gives me when I hear about the persecuted church elsewhere. Those are my brothers and sisters in China, in Africa, in the middle east, and now even in the persecutions that arise in the West. I believe sending Paul and Silas away by night was not only to protect them, but also to ease some of the tensions that stirred up against those who housed the Apostles and allowed them to speak. 

…13And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as the true word of God—the word which is now at work in you who believe. 14For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews, 15who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and drove us out as well. They are displeasing to God and hostile to all men,… 1 Thessalonians 2: 13-15

V. 10b They went into the synagogue of the Jews - A synagogue is a place where Jews met in cities away from Jerusalem, where they did the reading from the Torah. They had to have a minyan which was the equivalent of 10 Jewish adult men in order to build a synagogue in a city. Paul usually went to these places first in order to proclaim to the Jews that Messiah had arrived, the One they were reading about in the Torah. 

To Berea (See note; Wikipedia) - Berea (population about 6000 compared to 200,000 for Thessalonica) was about 45-50 miles away from Thessalonica on the eastern slopes of a mountain on the way to Achaia, the province that corresponds to southern Greece today. Timothy is not mentioned and presumably must have remained at Philippi (he is not mentioned at Thessalonica although Paul did later send him to them 1 Th 3:2ff).

They went into the synagogue of the Jews - Berea though considerably smaller than Thessalonica still had enough Jews for a synagogue and as was his custom, Paul made a beeline for the place of Jewish worship. Paul did not take a rest break but sought to preach the Gospel posthaste! We always see an urgency about Paul's zeal to proclaim the Word of God that men might be saved by faith in Jesus. God give us all such a persistent, consistent zeal to preach Your Word! Amen

Matthew Henry wrote, “That command of Christ to His disciples, ‘When they persecute you in one city flee to another,’ intends their flight to be not so much for their own safety (flee to another, to hide there) as for the carrying on of their work (flee to another, to preach there).” - PA

V. 11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica - They didn't turn them away straight off. The Jews meeting here took what the Apostles said, and there were things in what they said that resonated. Now here is where they differ from so many today. If someone comes and says, "I am a Christian", then most in the evangelical world that I grew up in will accept that at face value. They will let them teach Sunday School, get up and say, "God told me", and even those who don't fancy that so much intellectually will let it go on in the name of unity, or brotherly love, but is that really your brother? Is what they are saying true because they share some of the same vocabulary, because they vote conservative, agree with you on moral topics like abortion? The Bereans were more noble minded, not because they were quick to agree with the Apostles, but because they heard them out and then weighed it against Scripture. You see, once you know that the Bible is God's word, then you realize that it is also the standard for everything. Does what Paul and Silas say about this Jesus agree with Scripture? One of the greatest things to happen to me in my life, was to get closer to Scripture. When I was in the charismatic movement it took a back seat, everyone said they needed a "fresh word" from the Lord, and Scripture was used more like a book of spells, pray this and get that. When I decided to seek atheism, and had to come up against the word, then I could see deep, contrasting lines between the God of the Bible and humanism. I could also see that much of what I thought I knew was wrong. I started to believe that there was something special about the Bible, but I didn't want Christ as Lord. I didn't want to bow the knee. When God changed my heart then I developed a love for His word, and eventually took up the challenge to examine every verse from Genesis to Revelation, to study, to meditate, and eventually share it with my family and coworkers. 

John MacArthur - The noble Bereans carefully sifted the evidence and concluded that the gospel Paul proclaimed was the truth that fulfilled Old Testament promise. Those who honestly examine the Scriptures will always come to that conclusion. In John 5:39, Jesus said to the Jewish leaders, "You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me."..." “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me." (Jn 5:46, cf Jn 7:17, Lk 24:25-27)...Most people who reject the gospel have little knowledge of the Scriptures. Some of the Bible's harshest critics over the centuries have displayed a shocking ignorance of its teachings. The primary duty in evangelism, then, must be to demonstrate the truth of Christianity from the Scriptures. (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Acts) - PA

13Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 14and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him. 15Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death.… Luke 23: 13-15

…13And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14 The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment.… 1 Corinthians 2: 13-15

…7because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God. 9You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.… Romans 8: 7-9

V. 12 Therefore many of them believed - Not because they were tricked, but because they were searching and knowing Scripture. The Holy Spirit had prepared them and they did not receive the word because someone spoke it, but because it was true. God opened their eyes and ears to see that what these men were proclaiming was founded in something unchanging, God's Word, that said Messiah would come, be rejected, and die. We can see that this Christ perfectly fulfills OT prophecy about His first coming, and so I can rely upon it to know that He will perfectly fulfill the Word about His second coming, that every knee will bow. 

Jack Arnold - All the Bereans started out as skeptics but they ended up as true believers and followers of Christ. Once they were intellectually convinced, the bowing of their wills to Christ was a rather easy step. One of the problems in modern day evangelism is an appeal to the emotions without proper understanding with the mind. Consequently the mind is passed over, and while some kind of a commitment has been made, it was not based on a persuaded mind. This, of course, sets up a terrible conflict between the mind unconvinced and the heart not fully committed to truth. This has left many so-called Christian converts in total derision. Many infidels have confessed that they had never carefully read the Bible. Thomas Payne, who wrote The Age of Reason, a book that shook Puritan New England for humanism, confessed that he wrote the first part of his book without having a Bible at hand, and without its being possible to procure one where he then was in Paris. He said, “I had neither Bible nor Testament to refer to, though I was writing against both; nor could I procure any.” (Acts 17: 1-15 Ideal Evangelism) - PA

…20for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls. 22Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.… James 1: 20-22

V. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out - No rest for the weary. These men were the Karens of that era. It is eating their lunch that people are not following them, that they are hearing and weighing it out in Scripture, and then coming to the conclusion that this is the true gospel. I have seen atheist angry with a family member who gets saved and stops drinking, doing drugs, but starts going to church and talking about Jesus. It is as though, and this is less than a stretch to say, but they preferred the drunk, the adulterer, the dependent, and even catered to them in that state, enabled them towards demise. There is only one true religion out there, and it is based upon what Christ has done, not me, all else are cults, from atheism to Daoism to Zoroastrianism, and when you leave them, you leave their rule and influence, it upsets their egos. These men are zealous, but zealously wrong. 

Vs. 14-15 They left - We have to remember that even when things seem to be going so well that an interruption like this is not unknown by God. It will only sift out the wheat and send the seed of the gospel into new fields. I am certain that is difficult, and I have heard from missionaries in the field, who go and learn the customs and language of another culture, and find brothers and sisters there as God  raises them from death into life. They tell of the trauma of being ripped away from this family, of developing such close bonds but then being forced out of the country by communist regimes, guerillas, warlords. It was never in their plans, but it was in God's. Timothy and Silas remained for a time, and Paul must have had great confidence in them, but also a very fatherly concern.

2To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3As I urged you on my departure to Macedonia, you should stay on at Ephesus to instruct certain men not to teach false doctrines 4or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.… 1 Timothy 1: 2-4

Ray Pritchard on modern America and ancient Athens - In his book, Therefore Stand (written in 1945), Wilbur Smith has a chapter on Paul’s speech to the Areopagus (Acts 17:16-34). Along the way he comments on the similarity between ancient Athens and modern America. For all the obvious differences in culture and language, there is a similar approach to the problems of life.Professor Smith brings forth three evidences of that similarity that seem even more true a half-century later. He notes that the men of Athens worshiped the human intellect. They also loved newness and the endless discussion of new ideas. Finally, they valued tolerance and diversity as seen by their ever-expanding pantheon of gods. The same is true today. We too worship the human mind, love new ideas, and exalt tolerance as our highest virtue. What does such a worldview produce? When you worship intellect, you get educated arrogance. When you love newness, you get restless dissatisfaction. When you exalt tolerance, you get endless uncertainty—always seeking for the truth you can never seem to find. The more you travel around the world, the more common humanity seems to be. Athens knew everything that was knowable except the most important thing. She did not know God. Or what to do about her sins or where to find peace or how to discover the hope of heaven. That leads me to the following crucial point: It is possible to be highly educated and deeply religious and still be totally ignorant about God. Is that not an apt description of our own generation? To quote another writer, we have become a nation of “intellectual giants and moral pygmies.” We know more and more about the details and less and less about the meaning of life. (Acts 17:26-28 Empty on the Inside: How God Reveals Himself to Us) - Precept Austin

#1591 James 4 Wisdom About Slander

 

What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have, so you murder. You are envious and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity toward God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world sets himself as an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be miserable and mourn and cry. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

11 Do not slander one another, brothers. He who slanders a brother or judges his brother, slanders the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you who judge your neighbor? James 4: 1-12 LSB

James 4: 1-12

V. 1 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you - He gives the question and then takes them immediately to the answer, and not the one I would come up with naturally. I might summize after a time that it has something to do with my pride, but it's a work of the Holy Spirit to get me to accept that. James tells us that it's our pleasures that wage war in our members. I would say, instinctively, that it is external. It is what that person said or did to me. It is because something is unfair in that I did not receive what I think I deserved, and boy is that a slippery slope. James is saying that the war is from inside you, that there is a problem with my heart. Think of Cain and Abel, what did Abel do to Cain that deserved that type of retaliation. He envied that Abel received the Lord's blessing, and he very pridefully, from an entitled heart, expected God to accept his offering as well, though it didn't conform to God's will. Cain, like Satan, like me, anytime I sin, was saying, "Yes, God, you said this, but this is what I am going to do, and You need to be not only good with that, but elated." He apparently had a problem with obtaining an animal to offer up to God, representative of a life for a life, atonement, but he had no problem offering his brother's life to his own ego. Cain was actually angry at God, but He couldn't kill him, so he attacked the image of God in someone else. 

…5but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. 6“Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “ and why has your countenance fallen? 7If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.”…

8Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9And the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I do not know!” he answered. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10“What have you done?” replied the LORD. “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.… Genesis 4: 5-10

V. 2 You lust and do not have - I remember about 7 years ago when God crushed me, and one of the things was lust, that Jesus took it so far as to look at a woman with that intent, or to be so angry that you wished someone was dead. He equated them to adultery and murder, even though to me they were just thoughts. That started a war inside me where I asked Him for a holy hatred of such things, and the war then moved to the level of my thoughts. I started to train my eyes away from such, and it instantly bothered me, but the sensual is not the only problem. What about when I am wronged, or I am in the right? What about when I am slandered? I long for justice of course, but when does it turn to revenge, when does it exceed the crime, and am I able to forgive? I had no breakthrough with the first till I asked in prayer, but why have I not asked to hate my unforgiving spirit, why have I not asked God all the more to be my vindication, to shut the slandering mouths? As long as I have played down my gluttony I have remained fat, openly showing my disdain for the thought of it as sin. I have lost in the last year the appeal and identity that fishing once held for me. I still enjoy it, but it's not the everything to me that it once was. There was a time when I wouldn't do it because I did not have the fancy equipment that I wanted, but I got over that with God's help, but it consumed me for a long time. I want my marriage to be a beacon of hope and light for others, but I demand rather than pray. 

As Matthew Henry said "Natural desires are at rest when that which is desired is obtained, but corrupt desires are insatiable. Nature is content with little, grace with less, but lust with nothing....Our desires must not only be offered up to God, but they must all terminate in Him, desiring nothing more than God, but still more and more of Him." (Read Mt 6:33+, Ps 37:4)

A W Pink writes that worldly lusts "are those affections and appetites which dominate and regulate the man of the world. It is the heart craving worldly objects, pleasures, honors, riches. It is an undue absorption with those things which serve only a temporary purpose and use. "Worldly lusts" cause the things of Heaven to be crowded out by the interests and concerns of earth. This may be done by things which are quite lawful in themselves—but through an immoderate use they gain possession of the heart. "Worldly lusts" are "the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (1 John 2:16+). (Grace Preparing for Glory) - PA

3. So that you may spend it on your pleasures - When I was a Pentecostal I heard a whole message on you have not because you ask not, but the pastor left out this tidbit of context. We don't ask for God's glory, we don't ask in humility, but we ask to indulge ourselves. It's not wrong to do well or have nice things, but our motives aren't usually so pure as we would like to convince ourselves. Sometimes we do good because others are looking, or we want much, we say, so that we can give, but we give so we can again look like philanthropists and honor ourselves. We are not even good stewards in our giving, though we pat ourselves upon the back, did we weigh out if that was what the person really needed, or could we have helped more people if we wouldn't have dumped upon one what they did not know how to handle? Did we just add to their materialism?  

…12The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent all he had, a severe famine swept through that country, and he began to be in need.… Luke 15: 12-14

You may spend it on your pleasures (hedone) - The idea of spend in context is our English word "squander" which means to to spend thoughtlessly, foolishly, extravagantly; to throw away or waste in a reckless manner. Clearly God does not not respond positively to prayers that have one's own pleasures as as one's chief goal. - PA

V. 4-6 Friendship with the world is enmity towards God - The world is proud and God opposes the proud. The world is based upon self love, self preservation, and the Spirit of God that dwells in the believer is fixed on the person of Christ, the love of Christ that is evidenced in our relationship to His children. 

Consider the accusation of James concerning the illicit love affair with the world as stated in the following paraphrase: "You [are like] unfaithful wives [having illicit love affairs with the world and breaking your marriage vow to God]! Do you not know that being the world's friend is being God's enemy? So whoever chooses to be a friend of the world takes his stand as an enemy of God."(James 4:4, Amplified Bible).

Being a friend of the world indicates that the person agrees with the values of the world system. The Old Testament Prophet Amos asked, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3).

V. 7 Be subject therefore to God - We forget that we were bought with a price, that we no longer belong to the ruler of this present age. Disobedience to what God says is no one's problem but my own. 

V. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you - This is only to be found in Christ, God is holy and we are not outside of the blood and life of His Son. If you are in the wrong, which I am often, and I want to be near God again, then there is only one thing left to do.

8If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us.… 1 John 1: 8-10

Vs. 9-10 Be miserable - Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted. 

…9And now I rejoice, not because you were made sorrowful, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you felt the sorrow that God had intended, and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11Consider what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what zeal, what vindication! In every way you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.… 2 Corinthians 7: 9-11

Vs. 11-12 Do not slander one another - If you don't know and you keep on talking then your speculation may become slander. Some will throw up with this "judge not lest ye be judged", but that means don't be a hypocrite. We are also told to judge among ourselves, to evaluate people based on their doctrine and their life. If I say something unsound then it is also a responsibility of other members of the body to correct me. We have to protect the flock from wolves, and they abound, some are rather difficult to spot, as they seem the happiest and most outgoing, but listen closely to what they say, and watch their life. Now, on the other hand, if you see a woman talk to a man, that does not mean they are having an affair. If you hear that one of the church members is a used car salesman, that does not give cause for you to spread that his is a dishonest man because all the car salesmen that you have ever met are dishonest. 

Speaking against another is an "old" sin and even Moses' own brother and sister, Aaron and Miriam, spoke against him for marrying a Cushite woman (see Nu 12:1-8, note Moses' character in Nu 12:3!). And again in Numbers we find the people of Israel speaking against God and Moses by complaining about their conditions in the wilderness (Nu 21:5)! Job’s friends spoke against Job (not in the classic sense of slander which is speaking bad when one is not present), insulting, tormenting and crushing him to his face with their malicious words (Job 19:1-3).

Swindoll bluntly says that "James is suggesting that Christians who “speak against” their brothers or sisters in Christ include themselves in that biblical register of rebellious mumblers, moaning grumblers, deceitful slanderers, crushing insulters, and wicked slanderers. Not exactly the best company! Let me show you how this game works. You speak against the other person in the ears of the hearer, hoping to lower their estimate of the person—and in the process you hope to make yourself look all the better. Of course, you have to cover up your malicious intent with creative sentimentality. So, you begin your statements with “Now, stop me if I’m wrong, but . . .” or, “Now, I don’t mean to be critical, but . . .” or, “Perhaps I shouldn’t say this about him or her, but . . .” or even, “I really like so-and-so as a person, but . . ."(Swindoll's Living Insights New Testament Commentary – James, 1 & 2 Peter)

Steven Cole - YOU JUDGE SOMEONE WRONGLY WHEN YOU CRITICIZE HIM OUT OF JEALOUSY, BITTERNESS, SELFISH AMBITION, OR SOME OTHER SIN, RATHER THAN SEEKING TO BUILD HIM IN CHRIST. In other words, your motive is crucial!....Slander, which means maligning someone or damaging his reputation by sharing false or deliberately misleading information, is always sin. But the word that James uses has a broader meaning that includes any form of criticism or running someone down from selfish motives. In other words, what you are saying may be true, but the reason you’re sharing it is to make yourself look good and to put the other person in a bad light. If your motive in criticizing someone is jealousy, selfish ambition, rivalry, pride, or hatred, you are judging wrongly. (The Sin of Judging Others) - PA

#1590 James 3 Wisdom

 

13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good conduct his works in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not coming down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruits, without doubting, without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3: 13-18 LSB

James 3: 13-18

While some writers feel James is speaking primarily to teachers (James 3:1), there is nothing in this section which indicates it would not also be applicable to all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. And so I agree with John MacArthur's analysis of James 3:13-18 - "Some interpreters believe the phrase who among you refers only to the teachers, or would-be teachers, addressed in James 3:1. But it seems more probable that, like the intervening section on the tongue (James 3:2-12), this section on wisdom (James 3:13-18) applies to everyone in the churches to whom James was writing, true believers and mere professed believers. James is seeking to identify who is truly skilled in the art of righteous living. "In what way are you wise?" he is saying, in effect, "and in what way are you understanding? The answer will reveal not only your inner character but the spiritual condition of your soul." (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – James) (Bold added) - PA

V. 13 Who among you is wise and understanding - Wisdom to some cultures could include cleverness or a vast array of knowledge, but to the Hebrews there was not just knowledge, but the application, not just saying but also doing. 

Stulac explains James' question "For those who do not care about true wisdom but only want the status of being thought wise, the question is a challenge; James's answer will expose them for what they are. For those who honestly aspire to being wise, the question is an invitation; James's answer will divulge the way to attain their aspirations. James is saying, "I am about to tell you the nature of true wisdom; treasure this." Let all readers, then, first examine their own hearts before reading beyond the question posed in James 3:13. Do you really want to be wise? (James 3 - IVP Commentary) - PA

…4Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.… James 1: 4-6

…4So if you need to settle everyday matters, do you appoint as judges those of no standing in the church? 5I say this to your shame. Is there really no one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers? 6Instead, one brother goes to law against another, and this in front of unbelievers!… 1 Corinthians 6: 4-6

V. 13b Let him show by his good conduct his works - This sort of wisdom is not merely doctrinal recitation, but just as a tree is known by it's fruit and saving faith is always produces good works, repentance, so is the way of that wisdom which comes from above. 

…3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own work. Then he will have reason to boast in himself alone, and not in someone else. 5For each one should carry his own load.… Galatians 6: 3-5

…27then He looked at wisdom and appraised it; He established it and searched it out. 28And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Job 28: 27-28

…17So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead. 18But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.… James 2: 17-19

V. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart - It is easy for me to be self seeking and dismissive of others. When I see wrong I naturally want to confront it, but it is often without love for the person who has wronged me, or has said something wrong. I think zeal is good, but it has to be matched, or even exceeded by humility. 

…2How long, O LORD, must I call for help but You do not hear, or cry out to You, “Violence!” but You do not save? 3Why do You make me see iniquity? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict abounds. 4Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.… Habakkuk 1: 2-4

Rod Mattoon - The word "bitter" is from the Greek word pikros which can also mean "harsh." It is derived from a Greek root word which means "to cut, prick, pierce, or fasten together." When someone gets bitter, they pierce themselves and build up or fasten together hate for someone else. The biggest loser of your hatred and jealousy is you. Two men were envious and covetous. Their ruler summoned them to grant them one wish. The first man to choose would get his wish, but the other man would get double of the first wish. The envious man spoke up first and asked that one of his eyes be put out. The other man lost both of his eyes. Envy and bitterness hurts you as well as others....Do you rejoice when others succeed or do you have a secret envy, bitterness, and criticalness in your heart? If so, you have the wits of a withering world. (Treasures from James)

Hiebert - Since the reference seems to be to a religiously motivated feeling, "bitter zeal" or "harsh zeal" seems the best rendering. Religious zeal or "enthusiasm" for God and truth is a commendable attitude, but the subtleties of sinful human nature can readily pervert it into bitter antagonism against those who do not express their adherence to God and His truth in the same way we do. (Ibid)

Jealousy (2205)(zelos from zeo = to be hot, boil) was originally a good word which described fervour or zeal in advancing a cause (cf Ro 10:2) or in rendering service. Notice that "zeal" is related to fire (to be hot, to boil), so if the fire (zeal) burns under control, the results are good and God honoring. But if zeal gets out of control, it can reduce everything to ashes (so to speak). Clearly in James 3:14 zelos is used with the negative nuance describing an unholy zeal (as in Acts 5:17+, Acts 13:45, Ro 13:13, 1 Co. 3:3, 2 Cor 12:20, Gal 5:20). This negative connotation describes envy of someone else’s possessions, achievements, or advantages. It describes the spirit which cannot be content with what it has and looks with a jealous eye on every blessing given to someone else and denied to itself. Zelos describes wanting what belongs to someone else without regard for their rights. Ropes defines it as “a fierce desire to promote one’s own opinion to the exclusion of those of others." - Precept Austin

V. 15 This wisdom is not coming down from above - This isn't God's wisdom, it comes from what works best for me by human measure and reasoning. It is limited to earthly advice, like Dr. Phil, or your unsaved or spiritually immature friends. It is easy to find a million people that can hear your story and reaffirm that you are in the right, and that this or that is what you should do. Spiritual wisdom offers ends that men can't reach outside of the Spirit. It doesn't pretend to not have enemies, but tells you to love your enemies, to forgive those that slander you, to hope for reconciliation. 

…2I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready, 3for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man? 4For when one of you says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men?… 1 Corinthians 3: 2-4

V. 16 There is disorder and every evil practice - Pride is the root of all sin, and everything else, though sin, is but the head the pimple. 

Fetid means offensively malodorous. My wife and I returned from several weeks away from our home and immediately detected a fetid smell upon entering the house. It took us two days to discover the rotting potatoes hidden in a bin out of view! It has taken us many more days to rid the house of this fetid smell. The fetid fruit of worldly wisdom is similar, because you can "smell" something is not right in a church body, but it may take a while to discover. Even sadder it may take much longer to reverse the adverse effects of disorder and wickedness that are reaped when seeds of worldly (earthly, natural, demonic) wisdom are sown! - Precept Austin

…19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.… Galatians 5: 19-21

MacArthur - James has already made clear that disorder does not characterize God’s people but rather the “double-minded man, unstable [akatastatos]” (James 1:8) and the unredeemed tongue, which “is a restless [akatastatos] evil and full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). Because “God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Cor. 14:33), biblical wisdom, on the other hand, brings harmony, unity, peace, and love. All the conflicts, crimes, battles, and wars of the world are evidence of the devastation caused by human wisdom. - PA

V. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure - It is not confusing gossip with discernment, not vengeful, not trying to get in digs. It submits to Christ, and look at the example He set, He was obedient even to the cross. You can say you forgive somebody, but how true is it if you keep smoldering on it. Even if they don't want your forgiveness, you can still give it. 

13Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. 14Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. 15See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.… Hebrews 12: 13-15

7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think on these things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.… Philippians 4: 7-9

V. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace - Christ is our peace with God, as in that which has brought us back into relationship. As Christians we should easily recognize our fault in a situation and seek Christ who giveth even more grace. True wisdom would always seek peace. 

…8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.… Matthew 5: 8-10

John MacArthur - There is an inexorable causal relationship between godly wisdom, genuine righteousness, and peace. Godly wisdom produces a continuing cycle of righteousness, which is planted and harvested in a peaceful, harmonious relationship between God and His faithful people and between those people themselves. As Isaiah declared, "The work of righteousness will be peace, and the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever" (Isa. 32:17). As James continually emphasizes, the person who professes to be a Christian must prove it by his works, his daily living. If he is a true believer, he will possess his Lord's own wisdom, and that wisdom will manifest itself in righteous, selfless, and peaceful living. He has the revelation of God's wisdom in Scripture and the teacher and interpreter of God's wisdom in the indwelling Holy Spirit. Paul therefore prayed for the church at Ephesus, "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him" (Eph. 1:17). He later admonished them, "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise" (Eph 5:15). "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food," the apostle elsewhere assures us, "will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness" (2 Cor. 9:10), the righteousness "which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" (Phil. 1:11). (Ibid) - PA

 

#1588 Acts 17 Part 1 Reasoned With

 

Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and setting before them that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is that Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a great multitude of the God-fearing Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 5 But the Jews, becoming jealous, taking along some wicked men from the marketplace, and forming a mob, set the city in an uproar. And attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the assembly. 6 And when they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also; 7 and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 8 And they disturbed the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. 9 And when they had received the bond from Jason and the others, they released them. Acts 17: 1-9 LSB

Acts 17: 1-9

V. 1 Through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica - It would appear that there was not a synagogue in the first two cities. I don't want to speculate, but it does say "through", and they had been stopped by the Holy Spirit previously from going in to certain areas. It would seem that the aim here is Thessalonica. 

Charles Swindoll - In the second century BC, the Romans built a highway called the Via Egnatia from Dyrrachium on the Adriatic Sea to Byzantium (now called Constantinople) near the Black Sea, a distance of almost 700 miles. Nearly 20 feet wide and paved with hand-laid stone slabs, it carried Roman troops to battle, taxes to the capital city, and merchandise everywhere. And now it carried the Gospel into Greece. Paul followed the Via Egnatia a little more than 35 miles from Philippi to Amphipolis, where the seat of Roman government administered its affairs in Macedonia. From there, he continued another 30 miles to Apollonia, and then to Thessalonica 33 miles away. Each leg of his journey required a long day’s walk but put him in a major city by nightfall. I offer this detail to make a point. Not long after his ordeal (Ed: In Philippi)—a public beating with rods and a night in jail—Paul walked nearly 100 miles in three days! Emerson wrote, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” - Precept Austin

V. 2 For three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures - If you are a true Jew, then you are a person of the Book, and if you are a Christian then you are a person of the Book. Now, if you ever want to get at my heart, then come at me with the Scripture and rightly divided. Show me from the book which I claim to believe, that I am wrong about my doctrine, or that I am not living to it's standard. Keep your preferences, but show me Scripture, untwisted and clear. Rebuke me with the book I desire to live by and I will accept a beating. If I can't then I am either a babe or not saved at all. Paul could demonstrate all of this by going down the Scarlet thread, showing the pictures of atonement starting in Genesis where God promised the Seed of the woman, and then covered Adam and Eve's nakedness with animal skins. He would eventually turn up the setting to high resolution as he read to them about the suffering servant in Isaiah, and there is nothing crisper than Isaiah 53. If you had that book with the confirmation of any one of the gospels, you would be without excuse. I mean don't we use the excuse that we don't believe because of our intelligence, our ability to reason? He is laying it out for them, so is human reason enough? Will they believe what is logically progressing before their eyes, from the words of their esteemed prophets? 

More on the Scarlet thread

38nor does His word abide in you, because you do not believe the One He sent. 39You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me, 40yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.… John 5: 38-40

V. 3 That the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead - Your works will never be good enough, nor your genetic line, that does not save you. 

…12“Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him,” said the angel, “for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me.” 13Then Abraham looked up and saw behind him a ram in a thicket, caught by its horns. So he went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. 14And Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. So to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”… Genesis 22: 12-14

…4Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted. 5But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. 6We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.… Isaiah 53: 4-6

V. 4 And some of them were persuaded - Is this why, Thessalonica, because this is where the Holy Spirit was moving, tilling the ground, removing the rocks?

Jack Arnold - It says, “some” were persuaded, not all. The majority of Jews stayed in their unbelief, for religious people are the hardest to reach for Christ. This is also true even today. The minority believe in Christ, the majority will not. (Acts 17: 1-15 Ideal Evangelism)

Were persuaded (3982)(peitho) means literally to persuade or induce by words to believe (Acts 19:26, Mt 27:20, Ro 14:14). In short, some believed. The preacher is not responsible for the fruit, only for the sowing of the seed of the Word. Are you sowing the pure Word? If not why do you wonder why you see no conversions, no transformed marriages, no personal revivals, no new baptisms? They were persuaded particularly by kind words (Ro 2:4-note) or motives. Some were persuaded to receive a belief--They were convinced, ultimately the job of the Holy Spirit (1Pe 1:2-note; 2Th 2:13, John 16:7-11) - PA

Vincent on leading woman - The position of women in Macedonia seems to have been exceptional. Popular prejudice, and the verdict of Grecian wisdom in its best age, asserted her natural inferiority. The Athenian law provided that everything which a man might do by the counsel or request of a woman should be null in law. She was little better than a slave. To educate her was to advertise her as a harlot. Her companions were principally children and slaves. In Macedonia, however, monuments were erected to women by public bodies; and records of male proper names are found, in Macedonian inscriptions, formed on the mother's name instead of on the father's. Macedonian women were permitted to hold property, and were treated as mistresses of the house. These facts are borne out by the account of Paul's labors in Macedonia. In Thessalonica, Beroea (Beroea is the Latinized form of Berea and is used in ancient texts), and Philippi we note additions of women of rank to the church; and their prominence in church affairs is indicated by Paul's special appeal to two ladies in the church at Philippi to reconcile their differences, which had caused disturbance in the church, and by his commending them to his colleagues as women who had labored with him in the Lord (Philemon 4:2, Philemon 4:3).(Acts 17 - Vincent's Word Studies)  - PA

Vs. 5-7 These men who have upset the world - A massive complement, like when Ahab calls Elijah the troubler of Israel. God is using them in a mighty way. It doesn't go into much detail about Jason, but it says that he welcomed them, so this is probably the house where much of these discussions took place, and maybe the home church for that city.

John MacArthur one of the best modern expositors of the Word (and one who has experienced the conflict) writes "Those who courageously proclaim the right message and win converts will face conflict. Success will be accompanied by opposition. Paul and his companions were no exception. The unbelieving Jews at Thessalonica were enraged by the success of the gospel. They "loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil" (John 3:19). "Becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, they formed a mob and set the city in an uproar" ironically, the very thing they accused the missionaries of doing (Acts 17:6)." - PA

Vs. 8-9 Received the bond from Jason and the others - They most likely had to pay a fine, like criminals, to be released. 

#1587 Acts 16 Part 3 Jail House Rock

 

25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 And suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the jailhouse were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. 27 And when the jailer awoke and saw the prison doors opened, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” 29 And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your house.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his household. 33 And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. 34 And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly with his whole household, because he had believed in God.

35 Now when day came, the chief magistrates sent their policemen, saying, “Release those men.” 36 And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The chief magistrates have sent to release you. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to them, “Having beaten us in public without trial, men who are Romans, they have thrown us into prison. And now are they sending us away secretly? No indeed! But let them come themselves and bring us out.” 38 And the policemen reported these words to the chief magistrates. They were afraid when they heard that they were Romans, 39 and they came and appealed to them, and when they had brought them out, they kept requesting them to leave the city. 40 And they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia, and when they saw the brothers, they encouraged them and left. Acts 16: 25-40 LSB

Acts 16: 25-40

V. 25 Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God - In the midst of their troubles they could still find joy in the One Who actually brought them there. It's hard to remember this in the heat of my problems, but what others intend for evil, to hurt you, God can use for good. This story is a prime example of that. When you pray to God you are appealing to the highest authority, the greatest good. When you praise Him you are putting Him, in your mind, closer to the place He already is. Your heart is starting to agree with the reality that He is above your reasoning, above your current circumstances. 

…14Why do I put myself at risk and take my life in my own hands? 15Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face. 16Moreover, this will be my salvation, for no godless man can appear before Him.… Job 13: 14-16

  

1For the choirmaster. According to Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph. I cried out to God; I cried aloud to God to hear me. 2In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted. 3I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused and my spirit grew faint. Selah… Psalm 77: 1-3

…15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.… Colossians 3: 15-17

V. 26 And suddenly there came a great earthquake - Talk about a visual of setting the captives free; I think I need to start praying and singing at work more. You can't just say coincidence here, that it happened randomly at the same time they were praying and praising. That may account for the bars in a few cells, but not the shackles, and certainly earthquakes that shake the foundation are usually not so selective at sparing life. 

V. 27 He drew his sword and was about to kill himself - I have had some bad bosses in my day, even been falsely accused, but being blamed for the result of an earthquake, an act of God, that's a wee bit harsh.

The jailer was about to kill himself - Instant death would be better to him than the torture that the authorities would inflict before they killed him. "He was on the point of committing suicide as Brutus had done near here. Stoicism had made suicide popular as the escape from trouble like the Japanese harikari." (Robertson)

Roman law stated that if a guard lost a prisoner, he was given the same punishment the prisoner would have received. It follows that the jailer knew that there were some men in the prison who had committed capital crimes and were being held for execution. The jailer would rather commit suicide than face shame and execution. - PA

V. 28 Do not harm yourself for we are all here - That's mercy, even going there in your mind, that awareness of what your freedom could do to someone else, and then having the kindness to give it up. I try to teach my guys this when it comes to security, they are just doing their job in a lot of instances, and they are not given the authority to reason with you or negotiate, they're just told, "do this" and so they are doing just that. Sometimes they are also going out of their way to be pricks, but how you respond could cost you your job. Be forgiving, let ant hills stay low. 

…43You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.… Matthew 5: 43-45

Vs. 29-30 Sirs, what must I do to be saved - It's not always an earthquake, but it is always an act of God. 

V. 31 Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your house - I have heard people use this to say that a loved one who was not a believer was saved though because of being married to or the child of a believer. That is not what we learn by taking the whole counsel of God. I have also seen this verse used to teach infant baptism, and that is a gross stretch. If that were the case then I would be pushing my atheist friends into the water all the time. 

…15But if the unbeliever leaves, let him go. The believing brother or sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace. 16 How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? 17Regardless, each one should lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is what I prescribe in all the churches.… 1 Corinthians 7: 15-17

You and your whole household - Luke is not advocating salvation by proxy. In other words, he is not saying the jailer's salvation automatically included everyone in his house and that they had no need to respond to the Gospel. The fact is that each member of the household had to personally believe in order to be saved. The example of the head of the household made it easier for them, but they, too, needed to believe to be saved, a salvation which they testified to by being baptized. - PA

V. 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord - Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. What a marvelous work that we get to be part of. 

…7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power. 8Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.… Ephesians 3: 7-9

Vs. 33-34 Rejoiced greatly with his whole household because he had believed in God - What a change of events, like when Abraham has the knife raise above Isaac, so this man was going the way of the stoic, by his own hands, with his own sword. What a turn around, at the very edge of death. 

1In that day you will say: “O LORD, I will praise You. Although You were angry with me, Your anger has turned away, and You have comforted me. 2Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.” 3With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation,… Isaiah 12: 1-3

Vs. 35-37 Having beaten us in public without trial, men who are Romans - OOps! Rome had laws about this. They had a Republic and they were supposed to uphold justice, you know, like innocent until proven guilty, but even nowadays that is not always the case. If you die then you are no longer away.

…25“Look!” he exclaimed. “I see four men, unbound and unharmed, walking around in the fire—and the fourth looks like a son of the gods!” 26Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the door of the blazing fiery furnace and called out, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire, 27and when the satraps, prefects, governors, and royal advisers had gathered around, they saw that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men. Not a hair of their heads was singed, their robes were unaffected, and there was no smell of fire on them.… Daniel 3: 25-27

Vs. 38-40 And they came and appealed to them - Now they are asking Paul for mercy because they are way in the wrong. An eye for an eye, lash for lash, they did not want for themselves what they did to these men and even against their own laws. Where is justice?

They have beaten us in public without trial, men who are Romans - Paul was born a Roman citizen (Acts 22:28), which gave him certain rights, including a public hearing. Scourging of any Roman citizen was prohibited by law; the rights of Paul and Silas, therefore, had already been violated. "he praetors (magistrates) did not know, of course, that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens any more than Lysias knew it in Acts 22:27. Paul’s claim is not challenged in either instance. It was a capital offence to make a false claim to Roman citizenship." (Robertson)

John Stott notes that "The citizen had only to say civis Romanus sum and he would be immune to punishment; heavy penalties were prescribed for those who violated these citizenship privileges."

John MacArthur wrote, “For Paul and Silas to have departed quietly could have set a dangerous precedent for the future treatment of missionaries and exposed the believers to arbitrary and abusive action from the magistrates.” - PA