#1576 Acts 13 Part 1 Bar-Jesus Really?

 

Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 And while they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

On Cyprus

4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they reached Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, and they also had John as their helper. 6 And when they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a magician, a Jewish false prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him, 10 and said, “You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord? 11 Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time.” And immediately a mist and a darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking those who would lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed when he saw what had happened, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord. Acts 13: 1-12 LSB

Acts 13: 1-12

We saw Paul before as Saul, persecuting the Christians, and we saw in the first part of Acts, the birth of the church and some highlights from the ministry of Peter, first to the Jews and then to Cornelius. The early church has fallen under much persecution, and much time has past from Acts 1 until now. We will now see the parallel ministry of Paul, the apostle to the gentiles. 

David Jeremiah - Another way to outline the book of Acts is to center it on the book’s key character: the apostle Paul. More than half of the book of Acts (chapters 13–28) chronicles Paul’s missionary activity. Chapters 1–12 can be read as a prologue to Paul’s work, as these chapters identify him as the leading persecutor of the church, describe his conversion to Christ, and record his pre-missionary activities.Prologue (Acts 1–12): The church is born; believers are persecuted and scattered; Saul of Tarsus, the Christians’ chief persecutor, is converted; Paul is gradually accepted by the church.

Paul’s first missionary journey and the council at Jerusalem (Acts 13–15:35): Paul preaches to the Gentiles in Cyprus, Turkey, and Syria, taking Barnabas and John Mark with him; the council at Jerusalem declares that Gentiles who come to Christ do not need to be circumcised.

Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 15:36–18:22): Paul and Silas strengthen churches in Syria; Paul travels throughout Greece, preaching and encouraging new believers (such as Lydia, Priscilla, and Aquila).

Paul’s third missionary journey (Acts 18:23–21:16): Paul ministers in Ephesus (in modern-day Turkey) before returning to Jerusalem, where he is arrested.

Paul’s fourth “missionary journey” (Acts 21:17–28:10): This is not a planned missionary journey; it comes as a result of Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem and his appeal to make his case to Caesar in Rome.

Epilogue (Acts 28:11-31): Paul is incarcerated in Rome. - PA

V. 1 Barnabas and Simeon, who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch - God has raised up these men and honed their craft over some time. We often read through these chapters as pages rather than the many years and historical journeys they represent. Niger means "black", so the church at Antioch was already becoming as diverse as it's surroundings. It is a city representative of many different peoples who come there to do business. Lucius name means "light" in Latin, but I cannot find much about him. Manaen means "comforter". 

Prophets (4396)(prophetes from próphemi = literally to tell beforehand in turn from pró = before, in front of, forth, on behalf of + phemí = speak, tell) is primarily a forth-teller or one who speaks out God’s message, primarily to their own generation, usually always calling the people to God's truth for them at that moment, often using the phrase "Thus saith the Lord." Although we commonly think of the prophet as predicting future events (foretelling) generally this was secondary to his work of forth-telling. In sum, forth-telling deals with current events (spiritual life today) and fore-telling with future events, but in both the goal is the same -- to call us to trust the Lord and submit to His will for our lives, living in conformity with His Word and growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to Whom be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18+).

In Acts 11:27+ Luke records that Agabus came down from Jerusalem to give a fore-telling of a future famine in A D 45. Though the prophets were not essentially predictors of the future, the case of Agabus shows that their functions sometimes did include the actual prediction of coming events. Apparently Agabus returned to Jerusalem after giving his prophecy of a famine because Luke records that while Paul was staying with Philip the evangelist (Acts 21:8+) "a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea (used for "Jerusalem")," (Acts 21:10+) and foretold of Paul's subsequent binding and deliverance into the hands of the Gentiles (Acts 21:11+), a prophecy which came to pass.

John MacArthur writes that "Effective, strong churches inevitably have godly leaders, and the church at Antioch was no exception. God has always put a premium on spiritual leadership (Acts 6:3; 1 Tim. 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9; cf. Hos. 4:9; Matt. 9:36). These five men were the heart of the ministry at Antioch....The prophets edified the saints by preaching expositions of existing revelation (cf. 1 Thess. 5:20). Although prophets of that unique kind no longer exist, the similar gift for preaching the Word of God remains. It is given to pastors and evangelists, who proclaim what Peter called “the prophetic word” (2 Pet. 1:19) and is still vital to the spiritual health of the church (cf. Rom. 10:14–18). All the way to the return of the Lord, the “spirit of prophecy” continues to be “the testimony of Jesus” (Rev. 19:10).

Peterson notes that "Barnabas and Saul have already been identified as teachers in Acts 11:26+ where they "taught (didasko) considerable numbers." - PA

And Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the Tetrarch - His name is transliterated from the Hebrew "Menachem" and means "comforter" or "consoler." Manaen was raised in the environment of the generally evil Herodian line. Manaen was the childhood companion of Herod, either a close friend or the foster brother of Herod the Tetrarch (aka "Herod Antipas" who governed Galilee from 4 BC to AD 39). Herod the Tetrarch is the ruler who had John the Baptist imprisoned in Lk 3:19+ and beheaded in Mt 14:10. Later Herod the Tetrarch played a role in the contempt and mocking of Christ (Lk 23:11+) and subsequent condemnation of Christ (see Lk 23:7-10, 11, 12+). And yet in spite of being raised in such an evil environment, Manaen was redeemed by God to be used to edify the body of Christ in Antioch! Is this not amazing grace! - PA

V. 2 And while they were ministering to the Lord and fasting - So many people called ministers today, do so to be waited upon, ministered to, instead of being called to the service of God's people. What we do with our gifts for each other is as unto God. Paul and Barnabas have been with the people of Antioch, faithfully teaching the word of God. Quit looking at the crowd, quit studying their body language, remember that you are handling God's word, that you teach as before Him, that your worship is directed and directs others to Him. He is the judge and final say as to your doctrine, not the claps or amen of the human audience. 

…7From there they traveled to Gudgodah, and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land with streams of water. 8At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. 9That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him.… Deuteronomy 10: 7-9 

…15However, I have written you a bold reminder on some points, because of the grace God has given me 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17Therefore I exult in Christ Jesus in my service to God.… Romans 15: 15-17

John MacArthur wrote, “Their ministering was not to the congregation but to the Lord. It is crucial to understand that God is the audience for all spiritual ministry.” - PA

V. 3 They sent them away - These men were already using their gifts in the local sense before they were ever sent out. I know when I was young I thought it would be cool to be called as a missionary to Brazil or Peru, and how much easier it would be to talk about God then and there. I probably mostly wanted to catch Peacock bass and breed discus fish, but if you are not faithful in your study and witness at home, at work and amongst your neighbors, then you are not ready to be fishing in the Amazon either. 

Vs. 4-5 To proclaim the word of God in the synagogues - Paul makes this a practice wherever he goes. He still loves his Jewish brothers and sisters, and along with his call to the gentiles he always looks for his fellow Jews in every city. He was not a replacement theologian. 

…2I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood, 4the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises.… Romans 9: 2-4

V. 6 A false prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus - Luke calls it like it is, there is no reason to reduce the charge for the sake of unity or compromise for the sake of peace and quiet. We are to be united in the truth and this man is speaking untruths so he is to be called out and corrected. The church was growing, and with that will come opposition, but even worse is that which pretends to join and then undermines from within. 

1Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. 3In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.… 2 Peter 2: 1-3

…14And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: They commit adultery and walk in lies. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns his back on wickedness. They are all like Sodom to Me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.” 15Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says concerning the prophets: “I will feed them wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land.” 16This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.… Jeremiah 23: 14-16

Jack Arnold - Bar-Jesus means “the son of Jesus.” In the Hebrew culture, to call yourself the son of someone was to designate yourself his follower. This man was claiming to be a follower of Jesus, but what he taught was absolutely contrary to what Jesus taught. Today we have cults such as the Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Unitarians, Unity, Christian Science, Armstrongism, Spiritism, Rosicrucianism, Bahaism and many others who seize upon the name of Jesus, claim the name of Christianity and yet teach unchristian and unbiblical doctrine. They have mixed much error with a little truth and are cults because they deny the fundamentals of the Christian faith. The age we are living in is the age of the cults and all of them are false and Satanically inspired. It is common today to hear of Astrology, I Ching, Edgar Cayce and A.R.E., Spiritualism, Witchcraft, Satanism, Scientology, Hare Krishna, Transcendental Meditation, Sun Myung Moonism, and many others. We live in an age when the forces of hell will openly challenge the forces of God. It is frightening, but exciting, since it will give us an opportunity to see God work for Christians in supernatural ways to put down the forces of evil. (The Blessings, Burdens and Blunders of Missionaries)

Magician (3097)(magos) is derived from the Persian word magus meaning "great" (thus "great, powerful men") and in the plural ("magi") as in Mt 2:1, 7, 16, magi referred to the high priestly caste Persians (also Medes and Babylonians) who are affectionately called the "wise men." The other sense of magos is that of a magician or sorcerer, one who used magic crafts or "witchcraft." BDAG adds that magos referred to "a Persian and then also Babylonian wise man and priest, who was expert in astrology, interpretation of dreams and various other occult arts (Herodutus, Josephus 20.142). The Septuagint uses magos in Daniel 2:2 when King Nebuchadnezzar desired to know the meaning of his dream and called "the magicians (epaoidos - one that uses charms or incantations), the conjurers (magos), the sorcerers (pharmakos)." - Precept Austin

Vs. 7-8 Sergius Paulus - This governor wanted to speak to Paul and Barnabas about the faith, but Elymas, the magician, wanted to block this meeting. The true gospel points men to Christ, and it even ask that men evaluate what we tell them against Holy Scripture. It allows that we need to be tested, but false teachers want you to believe that they have special knowledge, a different access to God than you, and so you need to listen to them, give them your money, and where they differ with what the Word of God actually teaches, well they want you to still side with them. There is much play to the emotions, to excitement, to entertainment, to carnality, because they are ear ticklers who desire that you follow them rather than Christ. 

Ramsay - A Greek inscription of Soloi on the north coast of Cyprus is dated “in the proconsulship of Paulus,” who probably is the same governor that played a part in the strange and interesting scene now to be described.

Utley adds that "There has been much discussion about the historicity of Luke’s accounts. Here is a good example of the accuracy of Luke the historian. He calls this man “a proconsul,” which meant Cyprus was a Roman Senatorial province. We learn this occurred in A.D. 22 by decree from Augustus. We also learn from a Latin inscription at Soloi that Sergius Paulus began his proconsulship in A.D. 53. The more information archaeology discovers from the Mediterranean world of the first century, the more Luke’s historical accuracy is corroborated." - PA

Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) - Elymas the magician (sorcerer, see magos). The name "magician" is somewhat misleading because this term does not refer to magicians as we normally think of today where magic is performed for entertainment. The magicians most Americans are familiar with are those that practice some form of illusion which has nothing to do with the supernatural world. As Wikipedia says this form of magic "is a performing art in which audiences are entertained by staged tricks or illusions of seemingly impossible feats using natural means." Wikipedia has a lengthy description of "supernatural magic" which would be closer to what Elymas the magician practiced. For example, Wikipedia says that especially during the Middle Ages "Christian authors categorised a diverse range of practices—such as enchantment, witchcraft, incantations, divination, necromancy, and astrology—under the label magic." In fact, Dr John MacArthur feels that Acts 13:8 gives us virtually a descriptive definition of the "occult." (Sermon) - PA

Vs. 9-10 You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil - Wow, you are not a follower of Christ, you are a follower of Satan. In the age of politeness I have only known of a few pastors who will call it out like this, most try to keep everyone together, keep them calm, and they don't confront like a true shepherd would the wolf, and so many a soul gets savaged, many trip over this block. Paul also tells him, "you will not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord", and oh let me count the ways. This is an ongoing attack, a Jesus, Who says that He is the only way, and then people who call themselves pastors saying, "there are many ways, be a good person, have your best life now, do this, pray this prayer, don't hurt anyone's feelings with the truth." The Scriptures tell us a different story.

…28Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood. 29I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.… Acts 20: 28-30

14After the arrest of John, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God. 15 “The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!” Mark 1: 14-15

13Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. 15Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.… Matthew 7: 13-15

…5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test? 6And I hope you will realize that we have not failed the test. 7Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not that we will appear to have stood the test, but that you will do what is right, even if we appear to have failed.… 2 Corinthians 13: 5-7

1Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead— 2and all the brothers with me, To the churches of Galatia: 3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,…

…4who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 6I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—…

…7which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! 9As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse!… Galatians 1: 1-9

Vs. 11-12 A mist and a darkness fell upon him - He tried to keep others in the dark spiritually, and now it has become a physical reality for him. 

Moody Bible Commentary has an interesting note - The blinding of Elymas and the conversion of Sergius Paulus demonstrated the beginnings of the change that would happen in the early church—Israel would more and more reject the gospel, while Gentiles would be increasingly receptive. Paul noted later in Romans 11 that the Jewish people were hardened by God to allow time for the gospel to be taken to the Gentile world, and the Gentiles would be the ones more inclined initially to embrace Messiah Jesus (cf. the comments on Romans 11:11-24+). Paul's experience at Paphos foreshadowed what he would experience throughout his life in ministry to Jews and Gentiles. His gospel message would largely be rejected by Jews but accepted by Gentiles. From a theological perspective this event provided the historical background for Paul's discussion of Jewish unbelief in Romans 9-11. There Paul answered the question about Gentile responsiveness to the gospel and Jewish unbelief. Did it mean that God's plan of redemption for the Jewish people had failed? The answer is an emphatic, "No!" Rather, Paul explained, Jewish unbelief opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. Nevertheless, the temporary blinding of Elymas cannot be cited to support the teaching that the church has replaced Israel in God's program. - PA

Read More

#1575 Acts 12 Part 2 Blastus' Pedestal

 

20 Now he was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and with one accord they came to him, and having won over Blastus the king’s chamberlain, they were asking for peace, because their country was fed by the king’s country. 21 And on an appointed day Herod, having put on his royal apparel and sitting on the judgment seat, began delivering an address to them. 22 And the assembly kept crying out, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” 23 And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

24 But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, fulfilling their ministry, taking along with them John, who was also called Mark. Acts 12: 20-25 LSB

Acts 12: 20-25

Now he was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon - Some commentators note that the Greek, thumomacheo, means to fight fiercely, so Herod is enraged against this people, and though he has no authority there, yet he does have influence because they rely on food imports from Palestine. 

MacArthur notes that Tyre and Sidon "were outside Herod’s jurisdiction, but since Old Testament times their country had been fed by the region ruled by Herod (cf. 1 Kings 5:11; Ezra 3:7; Ezek. 27:17).

And with one accord they came to him - As crises generally do to people, even those as heterogeneous as the populace was in Caesarea, the food crisis united the citizens to be of one mind on this necessity lest they starve. - Precept Austin

V. 20b And having won over Blastus the king's chamberlain - It doesn't say how they won him over, but looking at how the world works, and seeing how easily men fall into greed, it is probable that they bribed Herod's close servant. 

NET Note on chamberlain - the one in charge of the bed-chamber, the chamberlain.” This individual was not just a domestic servant or butler, but a highly respected person who had considerable responsibility for the king’s living quarters and personal affairs. The English word “chamberlain” corresponds very closely to this meaning but is not in common use today. The term “personal assistant,” while it might convey more business associations than management of personal affairs, nevertheless communicates the concept well in contemporary English. - PA

V. 21 Having put on his royal apparel and sitting on the judgment seat, began delivering an address to them - Some, like Josephus, say that his clothes were woven with silver, so as to glimmer loudly in the sun. You can see the way to reach such men, once his chamberlain was on their side, it probably took only empty platitudes and flattery to bend him. To be sure you sit in the seat of judgment so as to savor that they have come groveling to you. 

As John Phillips says "When the sun's rays fell upon that robe it glittered and shone with a resplendence that dazzled the crowds packed into the theatre." (See Exploring Acts: An Expository Commentary - Page 225)

Steven Cole says "To seek glory for ourselves is to declare war against God. God will not give His glory to another (Isa. 42:8; 46:11). If we seek to exalt ourselves, the Lord will surely humble us. We must all beware of the temptation of pride, of taking credit for ourselves when it is God alone in His mercy who deserves the praise. To declare war against God is to commit eternal suicide, because God always wins. Herod’s glory was short-lived, and his misery is eternal. Even the Antichrist and the false prophet will only enjoy three and a half years of glory before God casts them into the lake of fire, where Satan himself will end up. All who never submitted to God will be thrown into that cauldron, to be tormented day and night forever and ever (Rev. 19:20; 20:10, 15). (Acts 12:1-25 The Unstoppable Gospel)

John Piper adds "In John 5:44 Jesus said to the glory-seeking Pharisees, "How can you believe, who receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?" In other words, you can't believe in Jesus and be devoted to glory-seeking among men. Faith is God-exalting. Glory-seeking is self-exalting. They can't go together. If you are seeking the praise of men, you are on a collision course with God. That's exactly what Herod was seeking and that's just what happened....The point of this is to make clear to everyone who will listen that God and not Herod is to be honored and glorified. If a man lifts himself up against God, he becomes weaker than a worm. It is insane to commit treason against the Creator of the universe. You can't win. Daniel gave the same message about kings. In 2:21 he said, "God changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings." And when Nebuchadnezzar boasted, "Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?" a voice came from God and said, "You will eat grass like an ox . . . until you have learned that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he wills" (Da 4:30, 32). (Sermon) - PA

…6So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever! 7All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions. 8Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”… Daniel 6: 6-8

V. 22 The voice of a god and not of a man - He is not the first no will he be the last to feed on such. Men of greater stature, who have conquered and ruled more area, who have sat atop great kingdoms and thought they answered to no one, have all been deluded by the applause of men. Nebuchadnezzar looked across his vast kingdom, and he is the head atop the great image of Daniel 2, the gold standard. Yet, like lucifer, who saw himself and fell in love, who entertained the thought he should have killed straight away, of thinking that some of the glory intended for God should rest on him, that he, a created being, could ascend to the throne of the uncreated Being, so Neb and the King of Tyre fell into that great evil. Herod wants this, and he becomes so foolish as to embrace their chants as worship. God rejects empty worship yet men bathe in it, thinking it makes them more than what they are. God made the devil, He made man, and so no one can rise to the level of their maker. He is the One Who gives men their place of rule, and He is the one Who comes to collect the honor due to Him alone. That spirit which praises itself, that seeks to be exalted by men, is the spirit of antichrist. 

More from Daniel

More on Neb

More on Antichrist

1For the choirmaster. According to Sheminith. A Psalm of David. Help, O LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. 2They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. 3May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue.… Psalm 12: 1-3

16These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage. 17But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ 18when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.”… Jude 1: 16-18

…3One of the heads of the beast appeared to be mortally wounded. But the mortal wound was healed, and the whole world marveled and followed the beast. 4 They worshiped the dragon who had given authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?” 5The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months.… Revelation 13: 3-5

…3Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed. 4He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. 5Do you not remember that I told you these things while I was still with you?… 2 Thessalonians 2: 3-5

V. 23 And immediately an Angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory - Your boasting is not good, not even remotely accurate. God made you and allowed you to rule, but we will all answer for our talents, our sphere of influence, may we be found humble and honest. He came against God's people and only to appease those who rejected Christ. Neb ended up eating grass in a field for 7 years until he praised the Most High. Jezebel was thrown from a window and eaten by dogs. Jonah spent some time in the belly of a whale, and in my opinion both Neb and Jonah, were far better off for God's chastening. I have spent much time beating my fist against the wall, living in opposition to what God has told me through His word, and He has broken me through seizures, through bad bosses, overdose, and though I chased the whale rather than His will, yet He has graciously spit me out and directed me away from my disobedience time and time again. Herod is not so fortunate, like Jezebel and the final future antichrist, they all exalted themselves, died and will die in their pride. 

…16But when the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!” At that time the angel of the LORD was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. 17When David saw the angel striking down the people, he said to the LORD, “Surely I, the shepherd, have sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house.” 2 Samuel 24: 16-17

33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.

34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.

35 All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?”

36 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before.

37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Daniel 4: 33-37

V. 24 But the Word of the Lord continued to grow and be multiplied - The spread and recording of the gospel continued. It has been met with obstacles both outside and inside the church. It was not only pagans and Pharisees who attacked Christianity, but wolves from within, those teaching unsound doctrine, tickling people's ears. Yet God has and still does preserve it, just look at the time of the Reformation. The church had gone so far away as to become not the church, and Roman Catholicism demanded that the Bible only be printed in Latin, and only trained priests could read it. Men, like Luther, started to be convicted by the Word of God when they read it, and they realized, that it should have preeminence over and above the thoughts of men. Sola Scriptura rang out, the word was printed in German, and the man who printed it in English was killed for as much. All these men that came out of the Roman cult had to spend the rest of their lives defending the gospel and ridding themselves of their own bad doctrines. None that I can think of from back then were completely successful, but God mercifully corrected them on the greatest matter, the gospel, and justification by grace alone, through faith alone, according to the Holy Scriptures alone. In my day it has been the feels gospel, the play a song and plead with people to walk forward with their feet gospel, while leaving their still born souls in the pew. We have enjoyed much freedom in America, yet persecution seems to have distilled the purest gospel, and most of us have stayed quiet far too long as our Lord's word has been smeared in front of an unbelieving world. So yet another time, I have to ask, what did you believe?

…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

6He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 7 To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. 8I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. For you have only a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.… Revelation 3: 6-8

Read More

#1574 Acts 12 Part 1 Knock Knock

 

Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church in order to harm them. 2 And he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword. 3 And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. Now it was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 When he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out before the people. 5 So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.

6 Now on the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Rise up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he *said to him, “Wrap your garment around yourself and follow me.” 9 And he went out and continued to follow, and he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but was thinking he was seeing a vision. 10 And when they had passed the first and second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now truly I know that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” 12 And when he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 And when she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate. But she ran in and reported that Peter was standing in front of the gate. 15 And they said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she kept insisting that it was so. They kept saying, “It is his angel.” 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened the door, they saw him and were astounded. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he recounted to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison. And he said, “Report these things to James and the brothers.” Then he left and went to another place.

18 Now when day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. 19 And when Herod had searched for him and had not found him, he examined the guards and ordered that they be led away to execution. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and was spending time there. Acts 12: 1-19 LSB

Acts 12: 1-19 

V. 1 Herod the king - This is the grandson of Herod the Great and the nephew of Herod Antipas, who was also called Herod the Tetrarch, meaning ruler of a quarter. Herod is the name of a family dynasty. Herod the Great tried to kill Jesus as a baby, his son, Herod Antipas, is the one who killed the prophet John the Baptist. Herod Agrippa, much like his Father and uncle, is now persecuting Christians. The fruit doesn't fall far from the tree. 

Steven Ger gives an excellent review of Herod's life - Herod Agrippa I. Jewish history fondly remembers Herod Agrippa I as a real "crowd pleaser." Born in 10 B.C., grandson of Herod the Great and nephew of Herod Antipas, Herod Agrippa achieved a great level of popularity with his Jewish subjects during his seven-year reign. Severely insecure over his Idumean ancestry through his grandfather Herod, Agrippa went to great lengths both to please and appease his Jewish subjects, bending over back-wards to generate their good will. He was especially beloved for moving the capital back to Jerusalem from Caesarea. Agrippa was not yet four years old when his paranoid and bloodthirsty grandfather, Herod the Great, suspecting betrayal, had his own son, Agrippa's father, Aristobulus, executed in 7 B.C.. Thereafter, the young Agrippa was sent away from the royal household in Judea, shipped off to receive an education in Rome. Growing up as a member of the Roman Imperial court, the free-spirited Agrippa became close friends with Gaius, the man who would later become the Roman Emperor, Caligula. Caligula appointed Agrippa king of great portions of greater Israel, excluding Judea and Samaria. He proved such an excellent politician, charmer and smooth operator that Caligula's successor, Claudius, granted Agrippa sovereignty over the territories of Judea and Samaria as well. This consolidated Agrippa's complete dominion over all Israel, restoring to him control of the entirety of the territory over which his grandfather, Herod the Great, had once ruled. Agrippa's reign was one of the few periods when there was no Roman prefect or procurator looking over the shoulder of a Herodian king. Agrippa's untimely death, at fifty-four, occurred in A.D. 44 (Acts 12:23). Three of Agrippa's offspring make cameo appearances in Acts: his daughters, Drusilla (Acts 24:24) and Bernice (Acts 25:13, 23; 26:30) and his son, Agrippa II (Acts 25:13-26:32). (Ibid) - PA

16When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi. 17Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”… Matthew 2: 16-18

…17For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married. 18For John had been telling Herod, “ It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!” 19So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable,… Mark 6: 17-19

V. 2 James the brother of John put to death by the sword - James is one of the early church fathers, part of the inner circle, one of the sons of thunder. What a contrast, this brother goes home early, near the beginning, but the other goes on to be the last to die. Christ told them, if they hated Me they will hate you also. 

The final answer to this is found in the sovereign wisdom of God. The issues of life and death rest in the hands of a sovereign God and we will not get the full answer to this question of James's death until we get to glory. James's death, while executed by Herod, was appointed by God (ED: and allowed by God) and what may seem to us as a life cut short was for God a saint come home. Surely, this tells us that in the mind of God death is not as horrible as we think it is. It is not the bitter experience the human mind imagines it to be. (ED: WATCH OUT FOR THIS NEXT STATEMENT MAY SHOCK YOU!) For a Christian, death should be an anticipated event for it means entrance into heaven. We Christians have the promise, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15). From the human perspective, James’s death was a tragedy, but from the perspective of a sovereign, supernatural working God, it was a fantastic blessing. God delivered James as much or more than He delivered Peter. (ED: PONDER THAT THOUGHT) He delivered James through death and Peter from death. God reserves the right to do as He pleases, but in the case of James, he was better off than Peter because he was in heaven. (Acts 12:1-25 Supernaturalism and the Church) - PA

Vs. 3-5 When he saw that it pleased the Jews - Of course it did, God had taken one of their chief persecutors, Saul, and regenerated him unto life. Now Herod, who is quite the politician, sees an easy way to make the locals happy, and so he goes after another apostle. 

V. 6 Bound with two chains - Peter is in jail awaiting his execution, and not only chained but between 2 guards with more guards on the outside of the jail. It is an impossible situation. Notice Peter's level of concern, he's sleeping. 

…7You have filled my heart with more joy than when grain and new wine abound. 8I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4: 7-8

…6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, 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.… Philippians 4: 6-8

Vs. 7-9 But was thinking he was seeing a vision - It would be understandable to question such a reality, chains normally don't fall off, both guards did nothing and they walked past more guards as they left. There is a great spiritual parallel here. We are all bound, dead in our trespasses, slaves to sin when the gospel first approaches us. It even takes a mighty work of God to wake us, to see our chains, and then want to be free.  

…13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself. 14So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,… Ephesians 5: 13-15

Vs. 10-11 Now truly I know - The gate opened without human assistance, the angel leaves and now Peter's fog is clearing up. He realizes that he is a freed man, and by no work of his own.

…8We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. 10He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,… 2 Corinthians 1: 8-10

V. 12 Who was also called Mark - This would be John Mark, who wrote the gospel of Mark, and was the cousin of Barnabas. 

He went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark - John (Jewish name) who was also called Mark (Greek name) is the same John Mark who would later go with Barnabas and Saul on the First Missionary Journey and eventually write the Gospel of Mark (See Acts 12:25+ below - cf Acts 13:5, 13; "Barnabas was desirous of taking John called Mark along with them" on the Second Missionary Journey - Acts 15:37–39+). This is the only mention of this specific "Mary" in the New Testament, so we don't know that much about her.

Mary the mother of John - Mary, was the mother of John Mark and one of many Jewish women named for Miriam, the sister of Moses. Mary must have been a woman of some means as she was the owner of a house in Jerusalem which was large enough for followers of Jesus to meet. Her son, John Mark, was the cousin of Barnabas, so Mary must have been Barnabas' aunt (Col 4:10). (How many Marys are in the Bible?)

…9With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here. 10My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him. 11Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.… Colossians 4: 9-11

Vs. 13-14 She did not open the gate - She recognized him, but was so happy that she left him out in the open. This is definitely a home of hospitality and probably the way much of the church met, in homes, in secret, in the catacombs of Rome. It's hard to grasp some of this from modern America, where there are many buildings to choose from, but it is still, most often, the small places where the word is kept most soundly. People here worry about programs and entertainment, people then worried about persecution. I have heard missionaries tell stories of people who walk miles through the jungle to meet with Christians in other villages, sitting on stumps or dirt floors, singing, reading God's word, and being blessed by each other's fellowship. They don't have a large projector screen, and they are few in number in comparison to their unbelieving and hostile neighbors, but they have Jesus, Who is enough, and then he adds upon this the wealth of brothers and sisters. 

A servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer - Rhoda's name means "Rose." Women can have such beautiful names like Dorcas (Gazelle), Euodia (Sweet Aroma), Syntyche (Good Luck). Vincent writes that "The Jews frequently gave their female children the names of plants and flowers: as Susannah (lily); Esther (myrtle); Tamar (palm-tree). “God, who leaves in oblivion names of mighty conquerors, treasures up that of a poor girl, for his church in all ages” (Quesnel)." - PA

Vs. 15-17 Then he left and went to another place - Probably for their safety. A shepherd would not put Christ's sheep in any danger unnecessarily. It is interesting that James of the twelve has been martyred, yet now we have James, the brother of Jesus.

He was called “James the Just” and later nicknamed “camel knees” because he constantly prayed on his knees (from Hegesippus, quoted by Eusebius). (Ed: O, if all God's people had callused knees! Amen!)

James did not become a believer until after the resurrection (cf. Mark 3:21; John 7:5). Jesus appeared to him personally after the resurrection (cf. 1 Cor. 15:7).

He was present in the upper room with the disciples (cf. Acts 1:14) and was possibly also there when the Spirit came on Pentecost.

He was married (cf. 1 Cor. 9:5).

Paul refers to him as a pillar (possibly an apostle, cf. Gal. 1:19) but was not one of the Twelve (cf. Gal. 2:9; Acts 12:17; 15:13ff).

In Antiquities of the Jews, 20:9:1, Josephus says that he was stoned in A.D. 62 by orders from the Sadducees of the Sanhedrin, while another tradition (the second century writers, Clement of Alexandria or Hegesippus) says he was pushed off the wall of the Temple.

For many generations after Jesus’ death a relative of Jesus was appointed leader of the church in Jerusalem.

He wrote the NT book of James. - PA Quoting Utley

Vs. 18-19 He examined the guards - It would be more than a little unlikely that so many layers of security had failed. But, since no one who was responsible could give a good account, Herod sentences them to death. There's really no good answer here, it is beyond the forensics of the time, beyond observation. They were there, but they can't testify to what they didn't see happen, which would lead one to believe they were sleeping, which would be incompetence. But then there is the problem of the chains, the doors, and the other soldiers, which would lead one to believe there was intent, maybe a pay off. 

Barclay - When Peter escaped, the soldiers were led away to execution because it was the law that, if a criminal escaped, the guard should suffer the penalty the prisoner would have suffered. - PA

Read More