Now when we had parted from them and had set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos and the next day to Rhodes and from there to Patara; 2 and having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 And when we came in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left, we kept sailing to Syria and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And after looking up the disciples, we stayed there seven days; and they kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem. 5 And when our days there were ended, we left and started on our journey, while they all, with wives and children, escorted us until we were out of the city. After kneeling down on the beach and praying, we said farewell to one another. 6 Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home again.
7 And when we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and after greeting the brothers, we stayed with them for a day. 8 And on the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him. 9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. 10 And as we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 And when we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, crying and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, saying, “The will of the Lord be done!”
15 Now after these days we got ready and started on our way up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea also came with us, taking us to Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple with whom we were to lodge. Acts 21: 1-16 LSB
Acts 21: 1-16
Had parted (withdrawn) (645)(apospao from apó = from + spáo = to draw or pull) literally means to draw, pull or drag away from. Apospao is used literally to draw out a sword in Mt 26:51. Apospao is used figuratively Acts 20:30+ ("to draw away the disciples after them") to describe drawing someone away from "attracting" them from the Word of truth. In the present context the figurative sense is to draw away from or depart from the Ephesian elders at Miletus. In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Juliet says "Parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow." And for believers this is even more true for "the night is almost gone and the day is at hand" (Ro 13:12) and we shall soon all be reunited before the King of kings. Chrysostom, himself, a Greek, says the Greek word means "had torn away." (cf Jesus in Garden of Gethsemane - Lk 22:42). This sense emphasizes how the parting was indeed somewhat emotionally traumatizing even for the apostle Paul. There was a strong bond of mutual love between Paul and the elders so that this verb pictures him as having to "tear himself away!" - Precept Austin
V. 1 Now when we had parted from them - Sometimes the English word doesn't pick up the full force of the Greek. This was basically the first Shepherd's conference, Paul's admonishment, teaching, preparing the elders of the church at Ephesus to be without him, making them conscious of their duties, and pushing them towards the integrity of the gospel and preaching by way of Scripture. Paul wrote many of the epistles that have stood to protect the church from error and allow for a path of reform. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. He is sorrowful in leaving them, but he is leaving them fully aware of what they need.
16hindering us from telling the Gentiles how they may be saved. As a result, they continue to heap up their sins to full capacity; the utmost wrath has come upon them. 17Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense. 18For we wanted to come to you—indeed I, Paul, tried again and again—but Satan obstructed us.… 1 Thessalonians 2: 16-18
14Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin. 15Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth. 16But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,… 2 Timothy 2: 14-16
…4The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete.…
…7You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should remind himself that we belong to Christ just as much as he does. 8For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed. 9I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you by my letters.… 2 Corinthians 10: 4-9
1I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom: 2Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.… 2 Timothy 4: 1-3
Vs. 2-6 They kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem - Paul stated in the last chapter that he was compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, yet the same Spirit kept warning him through others not to go, or at least that there would be affliction, and so naturally we would advise against seeing a brother receive that. Like was discussed before, I believe this to be more of a preparation, like Christ in the garden, a cross is before Paul, yet he must meet it. It is like this in many aspects of the faith, we are told to defend the faith, yet we are also told not to be debaters for the sake of argument, for ego. The same can apply in this, we should be willing to die for the gospel, but not seeking martyrdom as though it were a trophy, or that which would cause us to survive in men's memories long after we are gone. I think Paul is being led by the Spirit with increasing light as to his coming predicament.
…21testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.… Acts 20: 21-23
…2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.… 1 Corinthians 13: 2-4
…24Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.… John 12: 24-26
Vs. 7-9 Phillip...now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses - When I was in the Pentecostal movement this was sighted as a reason to ignore the restrains of other passages regarding the roles of women in the church. The context itself doesn't allow it, in fact, it is a man in the very next verse that prophesies to Paul. The use of the word virgins here seems to imply that they were of marrying age but did not seek such an arrangement. There is a popular heresy among Christians now that speaks only to consent, yet we are told to marry if we burn with such a desire, and that those who don't marry are to be those who have the gift of celibacy. Remember, God holds Original design and intent, where He instituted that union between a man and a woman, the very foundation and bedrock of society, saying, 4 And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” Matthew 19: 4-6.
Many have wavered even on the topic of abortion in the church because they teach so lightly on the sin of fornication which led to the pregnancy, and so a child must pay for the sins of the parents, a sin to cover a sin that we refuse to call sin.
And entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him - Philip the evangelist is not to be confused with the apostle by that name. Philip had lived in Caesarea for about 20 years prior to Paul's arrival. Philip would have been one of the believers Saul would have tried to have jailed or even worse, and yet now, the transformative power of the Gospel has brought them together in the bond of peace (Eph 4:3+). And don't forget that Philip had been an associate of Stephen, in whose martyrdom Paul had played a role (Acts 8:1+), which would make this a most interesting meeting! Philip was supernaturally enabled to forgive because "God in Christ" had forgiven him (Eph 4:32+) illustrating the truth of Col 3:13+ that "just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you." - PA
John MacArthur - Luke records no details regarding Philip's daughters' prophetic ministry. It is therefore impossible to know how often they prophesied or even if they did so more than once. However the New Testament does not permit women to assume the role of preachers or teachers in the church (1 Cor. 14:34-36; 1 Tim. 2:11-12). It is likely, therefore, that they prophesied by receiving divine revelation, rather than preaching sermons. It is also possible that they spoke instructively to individuals rather than to congregations. (MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Acts)
Jack Arnold on the prophetesses - Since Scripture does not contradict itself, we can assume these women did their prophesying outside the local church, but they were active in the ministry. “Let the women keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but let them subject themselves, just as the Law also says” (1 Cor. 14:34). This verse shows that women did occupy a prominent place in the ministry of the early church. It is interesting to note that from the last time Philip is mentioned in Acts 8, there is 20 years of silence. What was he doing those many years? We don't know for sure, but we can be quite definite that he was still evangelizing and he had been raising four daughters in a Christ-centered home who grew up to love Christ. The will of God for Philip was not only to win men to Christ but to raise children under the sound of the gospel and win them to Christ. Raising children for Christ is one of the most important ministries in the world and to dodge this responsibility is a clear denial of the revealed will of God. (Acts 21:1-14 The Will of God)
William MacDonald - This means they were gifted by the Holy Spirit to receive messages directly from the Lord and to convey them to others. Some have inferred from this verse that it is permissible for women to preach and teach in the church. However, since it is expressly forbidden for women to teach, speak, or have authority over the men in the assembly (1 Cor. 14:34, 35; 1 Tim. 2:11, 12), it can only be concluded that the prophetic ministry of these four virgin daughters was carried on in the home or in other non-church gatherings. (Believer's Bible Commentary)
Jack Andrews makes a good point commenting that "We know that these ladies didn’t take it upon themselves to teach or take authority over the men in the church—case in point is in the following verses. The prophet Agabus came down from Judea and there the Spirit led him to prophesy before the church and to Paul! The Lord is not the author of confusion and His Spirit does not contradict His word!" (Ibid) - Precept Austin
32 But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. 33 But one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, 34 and his interests have been divided. The woman who is unmarried, and the virgin, is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit. But one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband. 35 Now this I say for your own benefit, not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote propriety and undistracted devotion to the Lord.
36 But if any man thinks that he is acting unbecomingly toward his virgin daughter, if she is past her youth, and if it must be so, let him do what he wishes, he does not sin; let her marry. 37 But he who stands firm in his heart, being under no compulsion, but has authority over his own will, and has decided this in his own heart, to keep his own virgin daughter, he will do well. 38 So then both he who gives his own virgin daughter in marriage does well, and he who does not give her in marriage will do better. 1 Corinthians 7: 32-38
Vs. 10-11 Bind the man who owns this belt - It is confirmed once again, that Paul is heading towards trouble. He does not deny this. Agabus had proven right in the past.
…27In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the whole world. (This happened under Claudius.) 29So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.… Acts 11: 27-29
Jack Arnold points out that "The early church needed prophets for the New Testament had not been written yet. There are no prophets or prophetesses in the New Testament sense today, for we have completed written revelation in the New Testament." (Acts 21:1-14 The Will of God) - PA
V. 12 We as well as the local residence began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem - Jesus' disciples cautioned Him in the same way, Peter even rebuked Jesus, only to be rebuked himself. Remember, this is Luke writing, so he is including himself as one of those trying to convince Paul to avoid what's waiting for him in Jerusalem.
Vs. 13-14 For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus - I think Paul, as well as the other disciples, went where not everyone will be called to, but it is a great and somber reminder that God has that right. He never gave us a prosperity gospel, no, He gave us the book of Job, and the pattern of a great many men who were beaten, imprisoned, hung on crosses, beheaded, starved and burnt up by those who ultimately hate God. Paul himself saw to the murder of Christians before he was saved, and he was one who would have professed a great love of God, all the while refusing God the Son.
35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written: “ For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.… Romans 8: 35-37
…16as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.… Philippians 2: 16-18
23if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. 24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church. 25I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God,… Colossians 1: 23-25
…13I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body, 14because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15And I will make every effort to ensure that after my departure, you will be able to recall these things at all times.… 2 Peter 1: 13-15
…10And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down—he who accuses them day and night before our God. 11 They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death. 12Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea; with great fury the devil has come down to you, knowing he has only a short time.”… Revelation 12: 10-12
Vs. 15-16 Mnason of Cyprus - This is the only mention I could find for this disciple.
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.