January 2025 ~ "The Whole Book"

Saturday, January 4, 2025

#1567 Acts 9 Part 3 A Basket Case

Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all those hearing him continued to be astounded, and were saying, “Is this not the one who in Jerusalem destroyed those that called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this One is the Christ.

23 And when many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to put him to death, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death; 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a large basket.

26 And when he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and recounted to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews, but they were attempting to put him to death. 30 But when the brothers learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.

31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria was having peace, being built up. And going on in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it continued to multiply. Acts 9: 20-31 LSB

Acts 9: 20-31

V. 20 And immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues - God took all that zeal, that head knowledge, regenerated that man by the power of the Holy Spirit, opening his spiritual eyes, and then channeled him to do His work. God took an enemy of the church and weaponized him against error. Now the same dragon that was spewing fire at believers was one of them, and with all his learning God is adding to it, truth, the right understanding of the things he had studied from his youth. That book you are reading in Synagogue, the Suffering Servant of Isaiah, the righteous Branch spoken of by Jeremiah, the Son of David, that is this Christ Whom we killed but God raised from the dead. Jesus is the Messiah. Saul has met Jesus and the result is that he can't shut up about it.

…22I was personally unknown, however, to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the account: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24And they glorified God because of me.… Galatians 1: 22-24

…19For through the law I died to the law so that I might live to God. 20I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 21I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness comes through the law, Christ died for nothing.… Galatians 2: 19-21

V. 21 Is this not the one - He looks just like the guy who was sent to arrest these pesky Christians, but now he sounds like a Christian apologist, doesn't that somehow violate his contract? This is a clearer testimony, people can see it, his actions are in total opposition to what they were prior. His speech has changed, his direction, everything. Saul is in the most awkward place because of his previous life. He was highly regarded by the Pharisees, even the Sadducees of the Sanhedrin wanted this powerhouse on their side, for this cause, to snuff out Christianity. The Christians are still scared of him though, and the Jews, who previously thought him a hero, are not going to be thrilled about his new message. How suddenly alone he has become. Everyone is puzzled about this. What happened to this man?

…54Coming to His hometown, He taught the people in their synagogue, and they were astonished. “Where did this man get such wisdom and miraculous powers?” they asked. 55“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? 56Aren’t all His sisters with us as well? Where then did this man get all these things?”… Matthew 13: 54-56

…7Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing. 8At this, his neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging began to ask, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” 9Some claimed that he was, but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” But the man kept saying, “I am the one.”… John 9: 7-9

V. 22 Proving that this Jesus is the Christ - Saul is probably the most trained scholar of the Apostles, but he would have struggled against someone like Stephen, for the simple matter that Stephen had the advantage of the light of truth. I am certain that it enraged Saul at the time, but now he sees what Stephen saw, and equipped with this same light, all of the Torah opens to him in a way that he had previously not known. You can have every verse of the Bible memorized, but if you do not recognize the Author when He comes, if you do not know Him, then your understanding is fruitless.

44Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” 45Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46And He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,… Luke 24: 44-46

#1566 Acts 9 Part 2 Not Sapphira's Husband

10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And he laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord sent me—that is Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming—so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he rose up and was baptized; 19 and he took food and was strengthened. Acts 9: 10-19 LSB

Acts 9: 10-19 Ananias

V. 10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias - Damascus is in Syria, and we just left off with Saul being confronted by Christ as he was approaching the city to arrest Jews who had been born again. He was blinded, now fasting and waiting for this Ananias. Ananias' name means "Jehovah is gracious", and fitting since he will be the first teacher and brother in Christ to come to Saul. There are others with this name in the Bible, like the husband of Saphira, but what a contrast.

Jack Arnold has an interesting note in his introduction - Acts 9:10-31 is filled with things which mark a new creature in Christ. This section of Scripture is a fascinating study of the experiences and activities of a new Christian. It is also a sobering study on some of the pitfalls and lessons a new Christian must learn before he can be effective for Christ. As a new Christian, Paul still had to grow in grace and wrestle with ignorance, prejudice and sin in his own life. We shall find that it took years for him to come to the place where he could be an effective instrument for Jesus Christ....(focusing on Saul as a new creature in Christ Arnold divides this chapter accordingly)...New Acquaintances (9:10-11a) New Communications (9:11b-12) New Purpose for Living (9:13-15) New Burden (9:16), New Power (9:17) New Commitment (9:18) New Communion (9:19a) NEW LESSONS FROM CHRIST (Acts 9:19b-31) Need for Fellowship (9:19b) Need for Right Knowledge (9:20-21) Need for Humility (9: 22-25) Need for Patience (9:26-27) Need for Dependence (9:28-29) Need for God's Will (9:30-31) (Paul, The New Creature) - PA

V. 11 Go to the street called Straight - I wonder if it's a narrow street. So Ananias receives his marching orders, the place to go, and the man he is supposed to meet. Look at this carefully, Saul is praying, Ananias has no knowledge of Saul's encounter with God, or the work that God was doing on him, we don't know these things. We are sent with the gospel, and it is never your great speaking, your fame, nor argument that wins a soul. It is that God has gone before you, that He has broken through the surface and met with the soul.

4. Why he was to go. Because the Master was there already. God had inspired the prayer of the blinded persecutor, and now he was about to answer it by Ananias. Where God has ploughed we are to sow. Of that preparation you know but little, but your own duty is clear enough. 5. What he was to do when he found Saul; he was to lay his hand on him. There is a great deal in the touch of an earnest man. If you stand half a mile off from a man, and throw the gospel at him, you will miss him; but if you go close to him, and lay hold upon him, and show that you have an affection for him, you will, by God's blessing, lead him in the right way.(The Good Man Ananias - A Lesson for Believers) - C.H. Spurgeon from PA

V. 12 He has seen in a vision - Saul is expecting you. He has been prepared to receive what you have to say. Now, I don't have visions like this, but I do have the gospel, which is the power of God to salvation, and I do meet people, though I don't know if God has tilled there as yet, but I pray for such an opportunity. I have this promise as well:

…10For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, 11so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. 12You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.… Isaiah 55: 10-12

V. 13 I have heard from many about this man - And rightfully so, this is Saul of Tarsus, and his name is not synonymous with friend of Christians. "God, in case your omniscience is somehow not all knowing, just so you know, this is a bad man, openly hateful to Christians, not even a wolf trying to hide amongst the sheep, he is a dragon that has been breathing out flames of murder toward your people." The people that Saul is hunting are most likely religious refugees from Jerusalem. Ananias is going into shepherd mode, protect the sheep, and this is a known enemy.

V. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name - "Jesus, please hear me out, our local government won't even help us here." Many of the prophets felt the same way, Elijah felt like he was all alone in the world, the last man standing. Jeremiah was tired of bringing God's words to a people who didn't want to hear it, but they obeyed, regardless of how the situation appeared.

…9If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail. 10For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.” 11But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior. Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail. Since they have not succeeded, they will be utterly put to shame, with an everlasting disgrace that will never be forgotten.… Jeremiah 20: 9-11

V. 15 Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine - God knows the kind of man Saul is, I am, you are, and yet He is that powerful to save. There are some moralist, like Saul, who are very hard to reach because they live upstanding lives, follow the laws and work hard. You have the same problem of pride as a moralist as you do when you are a drug addict, a sloth, and a fornicator, but you say, "I am not an addict, a sloth or a fornicator", so you think you are good by what you do or don't do. No matter who is saved it is a work of God and not theirs. The good is no longer to be seen and approved of by men, but born of love for the One Who saved you. He is going to be the Apostle to the gentiles, the very opposite of his prior company or concern. His story will parallel that of Peter's throughout Acts, and he will write a great portion of the doctrinal work, correction and exhortation found throughout the New Testament. He will be used to sharpen both his students and contemporaries, even correcting Peter for the glory and sake of Christ's church.

…46You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume. 47Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” 48Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”… Luke 7: 46-48

1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God— 2the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,… Romans 1: 1-2

…21Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? 22 What if God, intending to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath, prepared for destruction? 23What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory—…

…24including us, whom He has called not only from the Jews, but also from the Gentiles? 25As He says in Hosea: “I will call them ‘My People’ who are not My people, and I will call her ‘My Beloved’ who is not My beloved,” 26and, “It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’ ”… Romans 9: 21-26

V. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for My name - There are people who think they are Apostles today, which comes from a very poor understanding of God's word, the desire for titles that inflate the ego, but they want money and comforts, and that is their understanding of Apostleship. Remember, the Apostles were the foundation, the pillars of the church, with Christ being the cornerstone. There is no new church, no new foundation, so no new Apostles. Besides, you wouldn't be interested in a call like Paul's or Peter's, who was crucified upside down. These men were imprisoned, hated by their own relatives and fellow Jews, poor and despised, battling constantly with "Super Apostles" who came in selling a gnostic gospel, attacking the word of God. There is so much of that today, and the ones who speak up against it, like John Macarthur, Justin Peters and the likes, are hated for it. If you are a true believer then you will desire sound teaching, you will not only love what Jesus loves, but you will hate what He hates. You will find enemies that call themselves believers, religious, and some who claim there is no God, but your call, the message, it never changes, it never conforms to this world.

…9For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men. 10We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored. 11To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.…

…12We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world. 14I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.… 1 Corinthians 4: 9-14

…23Are they servants of Christ? I am speaking like I am out of my mind, but I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. 24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea.…

…26In my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers and from bandits, in danger from my countrymen and from the Gentiles, in danger in the city and in the country, in danger on the sea and among false brothers, 27in labor and toil and often without sleep, in hunger and thirst and often without food, in cold and exposure. 28Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.… 2 Corinthians 11: 23-28

Comment - Since all believers are in covenant with Jesus and identified with His Name, and will suffer for His Name's sake. (Read Jn 15:18-21, Mt 10:22) As an aside, this is not a popular preaching topic and I have seldom heard sermons on the fact that suffering is guaranteed if one is a genuine believer. As a result as a new believer when suffering for Jesus blindsided me, it greatly disturbed my faith. I had never been taught this important truth. If you are reading these notes, you are now responsible to heed and to teach this truth to those in your sphere of influences so that they are not surprised when the fiery ordeal comes upon them for their testing (1 Pe 4:12 +). - PA

V. 17 Brother Saul, the Lord sent me - What a change wrought in Ananias, but Saul came with the highest recommendation. We should be hopeful for this change in others, not quick to lay on hands though, lest we share in someone's sin, but Ananias was given direct orders and could do this with a clear conscience, knowing that God had chose this man. Pray for the worst sinner you know and then watch their life if they profess Christ. We are told to look for fruit, not just words, so listen, judge their doctrine to see whether it is sound, and watch their life. Saul's is a wonderful life to study, someone in constant repentance, a man who was given to us to take us to greater depths in the understanding of our faith. How wonderful it must of been for Saul to hear Ananias say, "Brother". I have watched people become hopeful over the years, and mention a celebrity or a celebrity style pastor, at churches where a lot of people go, and someone will call me all excited about something that the person said, it sounded to them like they had a real change of heart. I say, "I hope so, but let's watch and see", and they get mad at me. They think themselves discerning because they felt moved by what the person said, that he quoted Spurgeon, or spoke out against a sin that much of the church was afraid to speak against, and to them I am just being a hater for even suggesting that we wait, question their doctrine, ask which Jesus they are referring to. It's actually our duty, even to question our own selves, examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. Now, one man I have watched for a time now is Costi Hinn, and I must say, at first the last name was a lot for me. Like Ananias, I would have some questions, like, "Lord, you do realize which family he comes from? They have used Your great name and made Christianity a byword among worldlings and religious alike, for teaching a gospel (prosperity gospel) that is no gospel, and taking money from some of the poorest people in the world." Yet listening carefully to how Costi handles the word, and watching as much of his life as I can see thus far, I am happy to call him a brother.

…15Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4: 15-16

V. 18 And he regained his sight - Now he has regained the sight of his eyes, but so much more.

…13We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at the end of what was fading away. 14But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. 15And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.… 2 Corinthians 3: 13-15

…5For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.… 2 Corinthians 4: 5-7

…62At midnight I rise to give You thanks for Your righteous judgments. 63I am a friend to all who fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts. 64The earth is filled with Your loving devotion, O LORD; teach me Your statutes.… Psalm 119: 62-64

#1565 Acts 9 Part 1 Blinded To See

Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, 2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 And as he was traveling, it happened that when he was approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4 and falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6 but rise up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.” 7 And the men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 And Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. Leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Acts 9: 1- 9 LSB

Acts 9: 1-9

V. 1. Now Saul - This is the man who was present and gave approval to the stoning of Stephen. He is a highly educated Pharisee and very zealous about the law. Christianity is blowing up, he is probably witnessing people he knows turn to Christ, and he is coming off of the very brutal stoning of Stephen, and is left wanting more of the same. Men in their zeal can justify much, especially when they think they are on the right side of history.

…4though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.…

7But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. 8More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.… Philippians 3: 4-9

V. 2 Letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus - Synagogues are places within each city, where you have a local population of practicing Jews, who gather to meet for reading from the Torah. Saul wants a letter from the high priest to go to these places and remove those who are calling Jesus the Messiah. Now some may think that it is disrespectful of these Christians to be teaching there, but these are Jews who have rightly accepted the Messiah Who they are reading about. Saul, in his unbelief, wants to punish them as heretics.

Utley on letters - The Roman government had given limited authority to the Sanhedrin to conduct and control events in the synagogues or related to Jewish life in the Empire (cf. 1 Macc. 15:16–21 or Josephus, Antiq. 14:10:2). Judaism was a recognized, legal religion of the Greco-Roman world. Apparently these were letters of extradition for the Jewish Christians who had fled Jerusalem in the face of the Jewish persecution (cf. Acts 9:14, 21; 22:5; 26:10).

And asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus - It is fascinating that Saul's action illustrates the saying "the enemy of my enemy is my friend," because here we see Saul, a Pharisee, asking for letters from a Sadducee (probably Caiaphas)! Stated another way, their common hatred of Jesus made them "strange bedfellows!" - PA

Marty notes that "The designation of believers as belonging to the Way referred to a distinctive moral and spiritual way of life. Significantly, this is in contrast to Jewish “halacha,” a Hebrew term meaning “the way of walking,” used of rabbinic explanations and applications of Mosaic law. Instead of following “halacha,” these believers follow the way of the Messiah." (Borrow Moody Bible Commentary page 1692)

The opponents of the Way often referred to them as members of “the sect of the Nazarenes” (Acts 24:5, cf Acts 24:14 "the Way which they call a sect"; Acts 28:22 = "concerning this sect"). Notice how they would generally avoid using the Name Jesus or Christ. Instead in this case they use Nazarene in a derogatory sense, for this name was repeatedly linked with Jesus in the NT - (Mt. 2:23; 26:71; Lk 18:37; Jn 18:5, 7; 19:19; Acts 2:22; 3:6; Acts 4:10; 6:14; 22:8; 26:9)

Notice that the Greek is very specific here - Luke says not "a Way" but "the Way." Christianity is not one of many ways to God but is "the way," the only way! Proverbs describes the approach of most people in the world declaring "There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death." (Pr 14:12). Jesus made it clear that He alone was the way (cf Acts 4:12) when He declared “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; (absolutely) no one comes to the Father but through Me." (Jn 14:6). Even the demon possessed girl knew that Paul and Silas were proclaiming "the way of salvation." (Acts 16:17). In Acts 18:25 Apollos "had been instructed in the way of the Lord." - Precept Austin

Vs. 3-4 Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me - Christ is at the right hand of the Father, Saul can't touch Him, yet Jesus describes what Saul is doing to His sheep quite personally. This should give us great pause before we run our mouths, before we disrespect our parents, slander one of our brothers and sisters in Christ, or take advantage of their kindness or generosity. Whatever you do to one of Christ's slaves you do to their Master, that is Who takes up the account. I said horrible things about John Macarthur when I was young; I disrespected my mother who tried to teach us in the Way. It is quite merciful to receive any number of earthly confrontations and discipline that would bring us aright, for it is truly a terrible thing to fall into the hands of an angry God. I think it is fair to say that we should actually feel distress for the one who is in the wrong.

…18If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”… Romans 12: 18-20

John MacArthur has a helpful note on why Saul would be going to Damascus - There were probably 150,000 minimum people in Damascus. At least 20,000 were Jews. We know that because it wasn't too long after this that Damascus was sacked and about 20,000 Jews were massacred (ED: Robertson says Nero killed 10,000, Longenecker above quotes Josephus at 10,000 and 18,000). So there had to be at least that many there. So there's a Jewish community in this place called Damascus. Another note that you need to understand. Christianity, in its original context, stayed within the framework of the synagogue. (ED: WHICH IS WHY THERE WERE "letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus" Acts 9:2) You remember that in Jerusalem, when the Jews were getting saved, they didn't necessarily leave the synagogue. You'll also remember that when Paul went to the Christians in various towns on his missionary journeys, where did he always go? To the synagogue. Because, in many cases, the Christians had not yet separated themselves from the synagogue. Christianity began in the synagogue and went from there. So in every area it began with a group of Jews who then saw the new covenant and moved away from that, but they didn't necessarily move out of the synagogue. That was a problem and that is the problem on which the Book of Hebrews is based, the fact that you had Jews who had come to Christ but who maintained their involvement in all of the rigmarole of the Jewish synagogue. And so that was why the Book of Hebrews was written....to detach the Christians from the traditions that were so much a part of their former life.

And suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him - In Acts 22:6 Paul describes the light from heaven as "a very bright light suddenly (exaiphnes) flashed from heaven all around me." This light was "brighter than the sun" and was "shining all around" Saul (Acts 26:13).

…39When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?’ 40And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ 41Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.… Matthew 25: 39-41

V. 5 I am Jesus whom you are persecuting - Some have tried to say that this is a hallucination born of his guilt over killing Christians, but that isn't rational. It says he was still breathing threats and murder in verse 1. This is not a man grieving over his past actions, but someone who feels totally in the right and now has the paperwork to see it through. He is a man of action, and he wants to destroy what he sees as a cult. He hates Jesus and he hates His followers, but now this same Jesus is introducing Himself to him. It's great to be zealous, determined, driven, but not against God, not against His people. There are many people in the world who hold convictions and are sincere about what they believe, but if it goes against God, it's wrong, especially when you do it in His name. This is God being gracious, this is a vision of the void between us and Him, that we think our way is right when we are actually heading towards our destruction.

…11Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. Psalm 2: 11-12

12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service. 13 I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. 14And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.… 1 Timothy 1: 12-14

Vs. 6-7 The men who traveled with him stood speechless - A shared hallucination? They couldn't see either but they could hear the voice.

…6His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. 7Only I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but a great terror fell upon them, and they ran and hid themselves. 8So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision. No strength remained in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless.… Daniel 10: 6-8

Matthew Henry comments "Thus those who came to this place to be the instruments of Paul's rage against the Church (will in effect now) serve as witnesses of the power of God over him." One can just imagine the story these men would give the high priest and Sanhedrin when they returned to Jerusalem! You would think these religious leaders had seen sufficient supernatural signs clearly pointing to the hand of God and that this would shake them to their senses. But when men are hardened to the Gospel, only the Spirit can break through their calloused hearts, not supernatural signs and wonders.

Everett Harrison relates to story of Polycarp's martyrdom - Now when Polycarp entered into the arena there came a voice from heaven: “Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man.” And no one saw the speaker, but our friends who were there heard the voice. - Precept Austin

Vs. 8-9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank - A glorious picture of salvation, being headed in a way that seemed right to him, but then completely turned around. The one that thought he could see so well, blinded by the light, like a man staring into the sun. I suppose he didn't want to eat, like a fast, praying and talking to God in a way he had not previously known. He can actually see now too, spiritually, he knows the truth, Jesus is the Son of God. He was so strong, so confident, now he must be led by the hand, dependent, shaken and vulnerable.

Swindoll suggests that "According to Saul’s recollection of this entire episode before Agrippa, he spent those three days in communication with the Lord. Saul summarized what he heard during those three days in Acts 26:16-18 (see chart on the facing page). During that time, he also received a vision reassuring him that he would regain his sight through the ministry of a Christian in Damascus (Acts 9:12)." (See Insights on Acts)

#1564 Acts 8 Part 3 An Ethiopian With A Question

25 So, when they had solemnly borne witness and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were proclaiming the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

26 But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, “Rise up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a desert road.) 27 So he rose up and went; and behold, there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 And Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this:

“As a sheep is led to slaughter;

And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,

So He does not open His mouth.

33 In humiliation His judgment was taken away;

Who will recount His generation?

For His life is removed from the earth.”

34 And the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you earnestly, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he proclaimed the good news about Jesus to him. 36 And as they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch *said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 37 [And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”] 38 And he ordered the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away, and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept proclaiming the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea. Acts 8: 25-40 LSB

Acts 8: 25-40

V. 25 When they had solemnly borne witness and spoken the word of the Lord - They, were Peter and John, who had come up from Jerusalem, had laid hands on and prayed for the new believers in Samaria. Remember back in verse 16 it states that they had "simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus". Prior to Peter and John they had not had the same evidence of the Spirit falling on them like in Acts 2. We see that when the Apostles lay hands on them that they do give evidence, and we also see that there is someone, Simon the magician, who is drawn not so much to the gospel message of repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ, but to displays of power that he would like to purchase. So we see that there are genuine believers in Samaria and Jerusalem at this point in the church, a warning to shallow professors in the stories of Ananias and Sapphira, who may have been genuine believers, but who God removed for lying to the Holy Spirit. We also see a huge warning against those that would try to buy the Holy Spirit, Who is God very God, the third member of the Trinity, and that was the story of Simon. He wanted to stand out, to glorify himself, to have power and the money that comes with that, just like a Balaam. When told to repent and pray to God, Simon flips it back onto the Apostles, his heart is not right before God. We are also seeing the gospel move further into the world, from Jerusalem, to the Jew first, now to Samaria, what the Jews considered to be half breeds, people they would not associate with, and then now we will see the message extend even further to the gentiles.

…18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”… Matthew 28: 18-20

…17I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. 18And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Genesis 22: 17-18

Solemnly testified (1263)(diamarturomai from diá = intensifies meaning conveying idea of "thoroughly" + marturomai = witness, bear witness) means to thoroughly bear witness, to testify earnestly, to charge as it if before witnesses, to exhort earnestly with authority in matters of extraordinary importance. This verb conveys the idea of giving a forceful order or directive.

Diamarturomai is found only 15 times in the NT with 9 of uses in Acts. Most (but not all) refer to some aspect of the Gospel, Acts 20:23 being an exception where the Spirit speaks to Paul. - PA

V. 26 Rise up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza - Samaria is the name given to the northern kingdom of Israel, the people who were taken into captivity by Assyria. Jerusalem is in Judaea, it is the home of the temple that was rebuilt after the Babylonian captivity. Gaza is one of the former Philistine towns that was rebuilt on the border of Egypt. An angel has told Phillip to go to that road, and these are the only instructions we see here. He just obeys, leaves what seems to be a thriving ministry in Samaria, and goes into the desert. Phillip is a very interesting man, and there is some debate on whether he is the Apostle or one of the 7 deacons. Phillip is a common Greek name and I think the arguments for him being the Apostle Phillip are weak. I believe he is introduced to us in chapter 6 with Stephen, we see his work and ministry here, and then he is referred to in Acts 21 by the name that coincides with his type of work, gift.

…2This is the land that remains: All the territory of the Philistines and the Geshurites, 3from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)— that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites; 4to the south, all the land of the Canaanites, from Mearah of the Sidonians to Aphek, as far as the border of the Amorites;… Joshua 13: 2-4

…13Yet to which of the angels did God ever say: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet”? 14Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1: 13-14

…4and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.… Acts 6: 4-6

8Leaving the next day, we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. 10After we had been there several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.… Acts 21: 8-10

V. 27 Behold, there was an Ethiopian eunuch - Behold, is like "Check this out, be amazed". Ethiopia is a kingdom south of Egypt, also referred to as Cush, and a eunuch is usually a man who has been gelded. Kings would fix them like this and put them as charge over their harems, and it was much easier to trust a man like this for obvious reasons. I am reminded of Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian eunuch who helped the OT prophet, Jeremiah. It should also be noted that not everyone referred to as a eunuch was clipped like this either, and that Judaism did not allow for this practice.

7Now Ebed-melech the Cushite, a court official in the royal palace, heard that Jeremiah had been put into the cistern. While the king was sitting at the Gate of Benjamin, 8 Ebed-melech went out from the king’s palace and said to the king, 9“My lord the king, these men have acted wickedly in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet. They have dropped him into the cistern, where he will starve to death, for there is no more bread in the city.”… Jeremiah 38: 7-9

MacArthur - Ethiopia in that day was a large kingdom located south of Egypt. To the Greeks and Romans, it represented the outer limits of the known world (John B. Polhill, The New American Commentary: Acts [Nashville: Broadman, 1992], 223). Its kings were believed to be incarnations of the sun god, and the everyday affairs of government were held to be beneath them. Real power lay with the queen mothers, known by the hereditary title Candace (Which is not a proper name, but an official title, like Pharaoh or Caesar). (Ibid)

…11“Not everyone can accept this word,” He replied, “but only those to whom it has been given. 12For there are eunuchs who were born that way; others were made that way by men; and still others live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” Matthew 19: 11-12

V. 27b He had come to Jerusalem to worship - This is interesting; he is from what the Roman world would call the utmost parts of the world, yet he is familiar enough with the OT to go to Jerusalem to worship Yahweh. He appears to be a proselyte in earnest.

MacArthur notes that "The eunuch is a classic example of one who lived up to the light he had. God then gave him the full revelation of Jesus Christ through Philip’s ministry." (Ibid) - PA

Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to Yahweh say,

“Yahweh will surely separate me from His people.”

Nor let the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.”

4 For thus says Yahweh,

“To the eunuchs who keep My sabbaths,

And choose what pleases Me,

And hold fast My covenant,

5 To them I will give in My house and within My walls a memorial,

And a name better than that of sons and daughters;

I will give them an everlasting name which will not be cut off.

6 “Also the foreigners who join themselves to Yahweh,

To minister to Him, and to love the name of Yahweh,

To be His slaves, every one who keeps from profaning the sabbath

And takes hold of My covenant,

7 Even those I will bring to My holy mountain

And make them glad in My house of prayer.

Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar;

For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.”

8 Lord Yahweh, who gathers the banished of Israel, declares,

“Yet others I will gather to them, to those already gathered.” Isaiah 56: 3-8

V. 28 Was reading the prophet Isaiah - Talk about divine appointment. God is sovereign in salvation. He draws men, as we can see here. There were plenty in Jerusalem who had read the prophets and yet did not believe. Know your Bible, this is important, and pray for the opportunity to be involved in such work. God has sovereignly chosen His elect from eternity, but has also chosen to bring His message to them, carried by the feet of believers who have the gospel on their lips. The ground is being tilled here, the soil prepared, the seed is even there, but it needs be watered, and God is sending someone to do just that. God has graciously brought in laborers, an angel who spoke to Phillip, who is now going to teach the one who is being drawn by the Spirit. God help us to know your word, and help us to recognize these opportunities, whether sewing, watering or reaping, that we are eager and prepared.

Vs. 29-30 Do you understand what you are reading - What a simple opening line. Someone is in the book that you love, that you know. You have a relationship with the Author, this is right up your alley.

V. 31 Well, how could I unless someone guides me - It would be sad for those that live under our roof to say this.

…13for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”… Romans 10: 13-15

Vs. 32-33 “As a sheep is led to slaughter;

And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,

So He does not open His mouth.

33 In humiliation His judgment was taken away;

Who will recount His generation?

For His life is removed from the earth.” - He is reading Isaiah 53: 7-8, from the chapter that some would call the fifth gospel, though it was written some 700 years before Christ was born. Isaiah 53 prophesies Christ coming as the Lamb of God, being wounded for our transgressions and bruised on account of our iniquities. It clearly demonstrates that it is by His suffering we are made right with God, "by His stripes we are healed".

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#1564 Acts 8 Part 3 An Ethiopian With A Question

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