Friday, June 13, 2025

#1607 Acts 23 Part 2 Son Of Providence

 





12 The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.”

16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.

17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him to the commander.

The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”

19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”

20 He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. 21 Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.”

22 The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.” Acts 23: 12-22 LSB

Acts 23: 12-22

Vs. 12-14 Neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul - Not just a hunger strike, but a conspiracy to murder. It sounds great at the time, when you're all drunk on rage and boasting with your buddies, yeah, we are going to this thing, make a pact, and possibly starve to death or look really stupid. Humans love ceremony and symbolism, but don't be confused, that stuff doesn't make what you are doing right or wise. The Bible speaks to this and these Jewish men would know that. People swear all the time, and in a day and age when words have lost meaning because truth is no longer esteemed, we forget that the One Who spoke the world into existence puts a premium upon words, saying, "thou shalt not lie" as in Leviticus 19, or "bear false witness" in Exodus 20. 

1Now Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like the lives of those you killed!” 3And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,… 1 Kings 19: 1-3

…28Nothing that a man sets apart to the LORD from all he owns—whether a man, an animal, or his inherited land—can be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most holy to the LORD. 29No person set apart for destruction may be ransomed; he must surely be put to death. Leviticus 27: 28-29

…26And when they entered the forest and saw the flowing honey, not one of them put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath. 27Jonathan, however, had not heard that his father had charged the people with the oath. So he reached out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened. 28Then one of the soldiers told him, “Your father bound the troops with a solemn oath, saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats food today.’ That is why the people are faint.”… 1 Samuel 14: 24-28

33Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ 34But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.… Matthew 5: 33-35

v. 15 On the pretext of wanting more accurate information - So they went to the Sanhedrin which would be like the Jewish Supreme Court, only this was under the time of Roman rule and Paul is a Roman citizen, so they are outside of their jurisdiction. This is how bad they hated Paul, 40 men, and now bringing in the religious rulers. They have lost their minds, and must be getting hungry now, so they seek help to speed up the process. 

Longenecker - They pledged that they would kill him as he was brought from the Fortress of Antonia north of the temple to the hall of the Sanhedrin southwest of the temple area. (Ibid)

Jack Arnold - The fact that God uses evil men does not mean that men are robots. Men are always responsible for their evil actions and attitudes. God’s providence governs man but it governs him in such a way that man is not robbed of the degree of liberty necessary for him to remain responsible for his own actions. God's plan includes the evil actions of men and yet in such a way that He is not responsible for the evil. Men are responsible for their evil and they are held accountable, but all this never occurs outside God's secret will. This is a very hard concept to understand, but the Bible illustrates it best of all for us from the life of Joseph. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery which was a very evil act. Years later, after God used that evil as a stepping stone to make Joseph Pharaoh's right hand man, Joseph could say, “And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Gen. 50:20). - PA

Vs. 16-19 But when the son of Paul's sister heard this plot - This is some fascinating information, that Paul had family still alive, that they were this close to the Sanhedrin; very providential. Did his nephew become a believer or was he just sane enough to realize this was over the top? Awe, so many questions this brings up, but I can't find the answers.

Jack Andrews - No matter how hard the men tried, how much the men connived, the plans of men cannot override the providence of God. St. Augustine wrote, “Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love, and the future to His providence. (Ibid)

But - And what a term of contrast this is! God just happens to have the son of Paul's sister within earshot of the discussion of the plot to kill Paul! Talk about coincidence! God is behind all "coincidences" in our life!

The son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush - Luke does not tell us where this young man overheard the plot, but presumably they are still in the council chambers. God makes sure that he hears the details of the plot. - PA

18Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” 20And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”… 1 Corinthians 3: 18-20

Vs. 20-22 Don't tell anyone that you have reported this to me - I have seen men plot before and it not go according to plan. I also leave room here for grace because some have plotted and then changed their minds, and even come to respect the person they initially hated. 

MacArthur - If the conspirators realized their plot had been uncovered, they would undoubtedly have abandoned it and formulated another. And if that one were not discovered, Lysias reasoned, Paul might be killed. Further, if the Jews did not know that he knew of the plot, they could not question his motives for sending Paul to Caesarea. (Ibid) - PA



























Saturday, June 7, 2025

#1606 Acts 23 Part 1 A Good Conscience

 




Now Paul, looking intently at the Sanhedrin, said, “Brothers, I have lived my life in all good conscience before God up to this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law order me to be struck?” 4 But those standing nearby said, “Do you revile the high priest of God?” 5 And Paul said, “I was not aware, brothers, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

6 But knowing that one group were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, Paul began crying out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!” 7 As he said this, there was dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. 9 And there occurred a great outcry; and some of the scribes of the Pharisaic party stood up and began to argue heatedly, saying, “We find nothing wrong with this man. Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 And as a great dissension was developing, because the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them, he ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks.

11 But on that very night, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly borne witness to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must bear witness at Rome also.” Acts 23: 1-11 LSB

Acts 23: 1-11

V. 1 Brothers, I have lived my life in all good conscience before God up to this day - He doesn't say he has never done anything wrong, but has confessed that in his testimony, that he killed Christians in the name of God, in ignorance. These men would like to do the same to him. It says that love covers a multitude of sins, but it doesn't say, covers up. Paul is very open in his testimony, and it keeps him humble and grounded. Too often we desire to be held high by people, in their words and thoughts, to appear to have lived a good life, but if we don't see and confess our sin, then it is not in good conscience. He calls them brothers, since they are that after the flesh. We need to get to the point that we realize this about all of humanity, we all come from Adam and Eve, but he has this special bond with the Jews, this heritage of the law and the prophets. It was from this people that Messiah was promised and came, first to die and later to reign. Paul isn't saying this from pride, not at all, his strength actually came from humility.

…8And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth. 9For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.…
11Whether, then, it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed. 12But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.… 1 Corinthians 15: 8-13

…8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. 10That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.… 2 Corinthians 12: 8-10

V. 2 Strike him on the mouth - I have started a lot of fights with my mouth, but usually saying something much more egregious. People who sit in the seat of judgment, wearing the clothes that give the appearance of holiness, usually can't take much of the truth. They lash out or feign injury. Paul is calling Ananias a hypocrite.

The high priest (archiereus) Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike him on the mouth - So much for the idea of innocent until proven guilty! As Knowling says Ananias' "act was illegal and peculiarly offensive to a Jew at the hands of a Jew." The high priest's action reminds us of a similar response to Jesus "When He had said this (Jn 18:20,21), one of the officers standing nearby struck Jesus, saying, “Is that the way You answer the high priest?”" (John 18:22)

I like what Joseph Parker said "But goodness always awakens wickedness. The man presiding over the council was the embodiment of every crime that could defile personal character and debase official dignity. Josephus paints his portrait, and the portrait is one mass of darkness, and no later historian has ventured to add one touch of light to the infinite density. Hearing a man claim a good conscience, he was reminded of his own evil career; and we often seek to make ourselves virtuous by punishing what we believe to be, or apparently conceive to be, the claim of any other man to a good standing and spotless reputation. "Ananias commanded them that stood by Paul to smite him on the mouth." That is the only thing the bad man can do. He has no other shot in his locker; he can only strike, abuse, defame, and cause the innocent to suffer. It is the least power—it is not power; it is the weakness of fury and the fury of weakness." (People's Commentary - Acts) (Bold added)

William Barclay explains that "When the high priest ordered Paul to be struck, he himself was transgressing the Law, which said, "He who strikes the cheek of an Israelite, strikes, as it were, the glory of God." - Precept Austin

V. 3 You white washed wall - Paul addresses the fact that this man is about appearance, but his insides are rotten, decaying. 

…27Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. 28In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. 29Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous.… Matthew 23: 27-29

…24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. 25Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well.… Matthew 23: 24-26


Vs. 4-5 You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people - It's not that rulers can't be wicked; this is no covering for their actions, but when the wicked rule it was a sign of judgement on the people. God will hold them accountable, no one can live long enough in this life to make it worth what they will face in eternity. 



1First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority— so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. 3This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,… 1 Timothy 2: 1-3

Vs. 6 - 8 I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead - He went about preaching Christ, Whom they had killed and buried in a tomb, but now he claims that He is risen. It is an interesting move, because though they are in unity against Paul, they are actually quite divided in their theology. The Sadducees are much like the liberal church today. They were in love with the things of this world, the ideologies, Greek thought, and like so many today, when the culture says this is what it means to be intellectual, well then who doesn't want to sit at that table? "Only an idiot would believe in the resurrection," though there is this whole miracle of existence that they are a part of without their own doing or comprehending. The Pharisees were more reformed in a sense, yet they missed the coming of the Holy and righteous One. Both were legalist in there own rights, saved by relation to Abraham or by the way they kept the law according to their own interpretation. 

23 On that day some Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came to Jesus and asked Him a question, 24 saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies having no children, his brother as next of kin shall marry his wife and raise up a seed for his brother.’ 25 Now there were seven brothers with us; and the first married and died, and having no seed, he left his wife to his brother; 26 so also the second, and the third, down to the seventh. 27 And last of all, the woman died. 28 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had married her.”

29 But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 31 But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” 33 And when the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. Matthew 22: 23-33

…13The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus. You handed Him over and rejected Him before Pilate, even though he had decided to release Him. 14 You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead, and we are witnesses of the fact.… Acts 3: 13-15

Vs. 9-10 We find nothing wrong with this man - Well plaid. The Sadducees hate him because he is a disciple of Christ, and they hated Christ because he interfered with their commerce, flipping over the tables in the temple, and accusing them of stealing widow's houses. The Pharisees weren't in love with him because he questioned their idea of salvation. They knew there was going to be a resurrection, but they assumed that by following a system of works, based somewhat on the law, that they would be found worthy by their endeavors. They added so much stupid stuff to the law, to the point that they could only walk so many feet, and God even allowed for acts of mercy on the Sabbath, but they used the Sabbath as an excuse to not do that unless it benefited them. Paul has sewn some uncertainty here, and now they are reminded of their hatred for each other as well. 

Jack Arnold - Just these few simple words about resurrection triggered a tumultuous argument between the Sadducees and the Pharisees. The Pharisees would not admit that Paul saw the resurrected Christ but they attributed his experience to a supernatural event in which a spirit or an angel appeared to him. Note again God's providential care for Paul. Just a few words were used by God to cause a fight which in turn divided the Sanhedrin which just a few minutes before was solidly against the Apostle Paul. God just laughs at the plans and purposes of puny men and uses the most simple things to bring about His purposes. “The wicked plots against the righteous, and gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laughs at him; for He sees his day coming” (Psalm 37:12, 13). God uses the smallest, insignificant things to accomplish His purposes. Esther and the Jews were saved in the Book of Esther because the King had insomnia. Because he couldn't sleep, he called for the records and found that nothing had been done for Mordecai. Out of royal insomnia arose the deliverance of the Jewish people. Moses' tears as a baby awakened sympathy in Pharaoh's daughter and the Jewish nation was preserved and led out of the land of Egypt. - PA

V. 11 So you must bear witness at Rome also - This is God's way of letting Paul know that this is not the end yet, it's getting close, but he must stand and be judged one more time by man before he is called home. Paul fought against his own self to insure that he did not have a seared conscience, as Luther said, "my conscience is held captive by the word of God."












Friday, June 6, 2025

#1605 Acts 22 Part 2 Flogging Citizens

 




22 And they were listening to him up to this statement, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he should not be allowed to live!” 23 And as they were crying out and throwing off their garments and tossing dust into the air, 24 the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, stating that he should be examined by flogging so that he might find out the reason why they were shouting against him that way. 25 But when they stretched him out with leather straps, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?” 26 And when the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported to him, saying, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman.” 27 And the commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 And the commander answered, “I acquired this citizenship with a large sum of money.” And Paul said, “But I have been born a citizen.” 29 Therefore those who were about to examine him immediately withdrew from him; and the commander also was afraid when he learned that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

Paul Before the Sanhedrin

30 But on the next day, wishing to know for certain why he had been accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to come together, and brought Paul down and set him before them. Acts 22: 22-30 LSB

Acts 22: 22-30 LSB

V. 22 They were listening to him up to this statement - His previous statement was towards the end of his testimony, or at least where they cut him off. He stated that God had sent him to minister to the gentiles, and apparently that was a bridge too far. The Jews did not think much of the Gentiles, wanted the time of Gentile rule to be over, but here is a Jew, Paul, who has met Christ, being a light to the Gentile nations. He is well versed in the Old Testament as well, and could easily show that this was God's intent all along, that Israel was to be a light to the other nations. Paul isn't preaching or bearing testimony to anything that God, through Holy Scripture, has not attested to already. Everything in Jewish tradition, from the sacrificial ordinances, the layout of the temple, the prophets and their genealogies, all pointed to Christ, the deliverer received by faith. 

Barton - They were supposed to be a light to the Gentiles, telling them about the one true God, but they had renounced that mission by becoming separatist and exclusive. Did the Jews hate the Gentiles? No. Continual efforts were made by the Jews to try to convert the Gentiles. The implications of Paul's testimony and Christian gospel were clear, however. He was suggesting that the Gentiles could be saved and made right with God without first subscribing to the law and submitting to Jewish circumcision. In effect, Paul was claiming divine approval for the idea that Jews and Gentiles could have equal standing before God. This message collided head-on with the blindness, pride, and prejudice of the Jews. The results were explosive. (Life Application Bible Commentary – Acts) - Precept Austin

…5This is what God the LORD says—He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring, who gives breath to the people on it and life to those who walk in it: 6“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, 7to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.… Isaiah 42: 5-7

…5And now says the LORD, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, that Israel might be gathered to Him—for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and My God is My strength— 6He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.” 7Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, to Him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the Servant of rulers: “Kings will see You and rise, and princes will bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen You.”… Isaiah 49: 5-7

…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

V. 22b Away with such a fellow from the earth - Seems a bit harsh, but once people are emotionally charged and set upon hate, they lose regard for human life. Paul could relate to this as Saul, and that was part of the testimony that he just gave. There is zero tolerance here.

V. 23 As they were crying out, and throwing off their garments - An emotional tactic to show just how disturbed they were by this man's existence, much like toddlers when you don't buy them that piece of candy at the checkout. I am not saying that they weren't really mad, I am quite certain they felt anger, but it was not righteous as they would suppose. One of the fruits of the Spirit is self control.

John MacArthur has an interesting thought on what their angry actions represented - Some people would say, “Well, that was just fury, and they were throwing dirt and throwing – you know, like they were mad.” No, I don’t think so. I think they had a very specific purpose. You say, “What do you mean?” Well, you know, I was reading about casting off their clothes, and my mind went back to Acts 22:20, and it says that when Stephen was stoned, Paul was "watching out for the coats of those who were slaying him." You know, whenever they stoned somebody, apparently they took off their outer garment so they could really let the rocks fly. And I think what they were going to do was stone Paul; and since he was clear up at the top of the stairs, it was a long shot. And they started throwing off their outer garments, you see, but they threw dirt. You know why they threw dirt? There weren’t any rocks. They grabbed whatever there was: dirt clods instead of stones. I think they were going to stone him. They were so infuriated. They were in a frenzy, and they began to grab dirt and throw dirt, and threw their clothes off so they could throw it far enough to hit him. What a scene. Can you see how totally stupid and totally irrational they are? All of the logic of Paul’s presentation means nothing. All he does is mention the word “Gentiles” and they go nuts. That’s religious prejudice. - PA

V. 24 Examined by flogging - It's a crazy interrogation method, beat me and then ask me questions. This probably led to many false confessions. 

Robertson on anetazo - Milligan and Moulton's Vocabulary quotes an Oxyrhynchus papyrus of A.D. 127 which has a prefect using the word directing government clerks to "examine" (anetazein) documents and glue them together into volumes (tomoi). The word was evidently in use for such purposes. It was a kind of "third degree" applied to Paul by the use of scourges (mastixin), instrumental plural of mastix, old word for whip, as in Hebrews 11:36. But this way of beginning an inquiry by torture (inquisition) was contrary to Roman law (Page): Non esse a tormentis incipiendum, Divus Augustus statuit.

MacArthur - Scourging by the Roman flagellum (a wooden handle to which were attached leather thongs tipped with bits of metal and bone) was a fearful ordeal from which men frequently died (from loss of blood or infection). Jesus endured it before His crucifixion (John 19:1). Such a beating would have surpassed anything Paul had previously experienced. In preparation, the guards stretched him out with thongs to make his body taut and magnify the effects of the flagellation. (Ibid) - PA

V. 25 When they stretched him out with leather straps - This makes your back come tight and the blows tear deeper into the muscle. If you were a skinny fellow it may expose bone, and being stretched out would go against your bodies response to contract at the pain. Jesus experienced this before the cross. 

V. 25b Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman and uncondemned - Paul knew the law, and sometimes we have to appeal to those who are in authority by way of their own creed. At work I have had to appeal to my companies "Core Values", of honesty, trust and integrity, basically demonstrating that they are outside of this, or they are trying to terminate someone by way of the letter, not understanding the spirit of the law. Amongst fellow believers Paul can appeal to God's word, even when speaking to his Jewish brethren according to the flesh. Sadly, Paul looks like the bad guy here because you have a majority, the mob, throwing a temper tantrum and sighting him as the reason. Again, sadly, in Western Christianity, the person who points out that someone is teaching things that are unsound, or even worse, another gospel, often gets reviled by the crowd, in the name of unity. True brotherly love and compassion would not leave the person unconfronted regarding their error, and it would hope for the sort of unity that comes when we all return to the truth. Our disagreements must be sorted out in Scripture. These Jews are not allowing Paul that grace, and they are the majority, they are louder, but they are wrong. These are not noble Bereans; they are blood thirsty, and they are the actual cause of disunity in that they have not received Christ or His messengers. Paul then moves his appeal to Roman law, for it was a crime to do this to a Roman citizen, which he was. 

Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned - By the Roman law, no magistrate was allowed to punish a Roman citizen capitally, or by inflicting stripes, or even binding him; and the single expression, "I am a Roman citizen," arrested their severest decrees, and obtained, if not an escape, at least a delay of his punishment. - PA

V. 26 This man is a Roman - The commander was being lazy here, trying to pacify the mob. It may seem like the easier rout, but it often doesn't obtain justice when we side with the squeaky wheel. 

MacArthur - To subject a Roman citizen to the flagellum could have destroyed Lysias's military career or even cost him his life. (Ibid) - PA

Vs. 27-28 But I have been born a citizen - Paul didn't have to purchase his. He was born a citizen, and we can see here what a great perk that is, and God's providential hand in getting Paul so far along against such great odds. 

F F Bruce comments - “Something of this sort may have been in the tribune’s mind as he said, It cost me a very large sum of money to obtain Roman citizenship – the implication being that the privilege must have become cheap of late if such a sorry-looking figure as Paul could claim it.”

Longenecker - “The verbal claim to Roman citizenship was accepted at face value; penalties for falsifying documents and making false claims of citizenship were exceedingly stiff – Epictetus speaks of death for such acts.”

John Phillips wrote, “There are times for a believer to claim his civil rights. A believer should be willing to suffer for the cause of Christ, but there is no virtue in suffering merely for suffering’s sake.” (Exploring Acts)

Vs. 29-30 Because he had bound him - He had already overstepped his authority, though unbeknownst. 




























Saturday, May 31, 2025

#1604 Acts 22 Part 1 Apologia of Paul

 






“Men, brothers, and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you.”

2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even quieter; and he *said,

3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but having been brought up in this city, having been instructed at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strictness of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today, 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering both men and women into prisons, 5 as also the high priest and all the Council of the elders can testify. From them I also received letters to the brothers, and started off for Damascus in order to bring even those who were there to Jerusalem as prisoners to be punished.

6 “But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, 7 and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’ 9 And those who were with me beheld the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told of all that has been determined for you to do.’ 11 But since I could not see because of the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those who were with me, I came into Damascus.

12 “Now a certain Ananias, a man who was devout by the standard of the Law, and well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing near, said to me, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight!’ And at that very hour I regained my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from His mouth. 15 For you will be a witness for Him to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 Now why do you delay? Rise up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.’

17 “Now it happened when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I fell into a trance, 18 and I saw Him saying to me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your witness about Me.’ 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves understand that in one synagogue after another I used to imprison and beat those who believed in You. 20 And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I also was standing by approving, and guarding the garments of those who were slaying him.’ 21 And He said to me, ‘Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” Acts 22: 1-21 LSB

Acts 22: 1-21

People say, “When I was young, they used to say to me when they were trying to get me to go out and win people to Christ, say, ‘Well, the more you do it, the easier it gets.’” That isn’t true. “The more you do it, the easier.” That doesn’t work at all. The more you do it, the more effective you get, the harder Satan works against you.

And, incidentally, the longer you do it, the closer you get to the end of the age; and the closer you get to the end of the age, the worse people are going to get. Isn’t going to get any easier, it’s going to get tougher, so you might as well do it. Do it now while it’s easier than it’s going to be tomorrow.

You never rescue a soul from hell without putting up a struggle; it’s just that way. So if you’re going to give a positive testimony, I mean something that really makes waves in the system, you’re going to have to be aware that there’s going to be a negative involved in it. Be willing to take a little flack.

You know, it’s exciting to make waves, really. I imagine there are some Christians who don’t know what that means, whose only testimony is given to other Christians. If you’re going to confront the system, you’re going to find it’s always a negative situation; but you can just have a tremendous time seeing the power of God overcome that situation; and in the book of Acts, we’ve seen that happen.

The apostle Paul, it’s just one negative situation after another, it never phased him. He just figured, “That’s the way it’s going to be. I’ll just go ahead with what I’m want to do.” And he gave a positive testimony in a negative situation. God blessed.

Now he comes to Jerusalem in chapter 21 of Acts. It’s the final step in his third journey, and the third journey is the last journey that he ever made as a free man. The last “missionary” journey. The next trip that he makes back toward Rome is as a prisoner. It’s no less a missionary journey, because whether he was in or out of chains never changed what he said, and never changed his effect at all either. But technically speaking, this is last of his three missionary journeys.

He’s coming to Jerusalem. He wants to come to Jerusalem, because he wants to bring some Gentile converts who have money. He wants them to bring their money, which are love offerings from the Gentile churches, to give to the poor Jerusalem saints. He feels, one, it will meet the need of those saints. Two, it will bring together in a beautiful act of love, the Jewish and Gentile Christians; and he believes they should be one, as he so aptly communicated from the Holy Spirit in Ephesians. And so he does this as an act of conciliation, to bring together the two parts of the church: Jew and Gentile. J Mac Sermon on Acts 22: 1-15

Vs. 1-2 They became even quieter - God had given him the high ground of the stairs, and now he speaks in the language of Jerusalem. We have seen the accusations against him, claiming that he is anti-Jewish, that he is against the Mosaic law, and all this is slander against a man who actually loves these people enough to say what will make them want to kill him unless God intervenes and the Holy Spirit changes their hearts. The time right now is during the feast of Pentecost and he has been recognized by Jews from Ephesus, who are now inciting the crowd. Two things that Macarthur points out, if you are going to bring a positive message to a negative situation, you have to "see the negative situation as God ordained and you have to create an opportunity. At the end of the previous chapter Paul had talked to the commander, the commander realized he was not the person he thought he was, and then Paul asked to speak to the crowd. We need to pray for opportunities, but we also need to recognize them when they come. At one of the lowest points in my life, when I thought I was declining to a point that would be my end, I finally looked to God and saw His hand, and that helped me to take my eyes off the people who had wronged me and focus on Christ. 

…19But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this— to preserve the lives of many people. 21Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.… Genesis 50: 19-21

…18And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 1 Peter 4: 18-19

V. 3 At the feet of Gamaliel - Paul's apologia, his defense, starts with his testimony. They say he is against the Jews, he says he is a Jew. They say he is against the law, but he loves the law, is a Pharisee who studied under Gamaliel, one of their great teachers. What the Mishnah states of Gamaliel shows him to be considered a man of the highest integrity. 

And listen to this. He says, “I am verily a man who is a Jew.” Now this is in the literal Greek emphatic. “I myself, like you, am truly a Jew.” What is he saying? “I’m as Jewish as you are. I am truly, myself, a Jew.” Emphatic Greek construction. He’s proud of it, and he should be. Nothing to be ashamed of to be Jewish. He’s proud of it. And, man, he announces it, because it identifies with those people. It conciliates them immediately. This is no foreigner. This is no rabblerousing Egyptian. And, you know, most of the mob don’t have any idea who he is. There’s just that little group that started the thing that know.

Disraeli, speaking to British Parliament just after he became prime minister of England, and he was in the middle of his speech, and a very bitter and hateful, brutal lord in the House stood up and said, “You, sir, are a Jew,” sat down. Disraeli drew himself to full height, which wasn’t very much, and he replied these words: “My lord, you accuse me of being a Jew. I am proud to answer to the name, and I would remind you, sir, that one-half of Christendom worships a Jew, and the other half a Jewess. And I would also remind you that my forefathers were worshipping the one true and living God, while yours were naked savages running around the woods of Britain.” Well said. - J Mac

Luke mentioned Gamaliel in the trial of the apostles before the Sanhedrin writing "that a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council (sunedrion) and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time (he commanded the respect of all the Council)." (Acts 5:34+) He argued that the Jewish leaders were in danger of arguing against God (Acts 5:39+) and they agreed and released the apostles (Acts 5:40-41+) Gamaliel was the greatest disciple of one of the greatest Jewish rabbis Hillel. All of the Jews listening knew exactly who Gamaliel was and this further established Paul's credibility with his audience.

NET Note on Gamaliel - Gamaliel was a famous Jewish scholar and teacher mentioned here and in Acts 5:34. He had a grandson of the same name and is referred to as "Gamaliel the Elder" to avoid confusion. He is quoted a number of times in the Mishnah, was given the highest possible title for Jewish teachers, Rabba (cf. John 20:16), and was highly regarded in later rabbinic tradition.
The Mishnah helps us understand why Gamaliel was so esteemed "Since Rabban Gamaliel the elder died there has been no more reverence for the law; and purity and abstinence died out at the same time.” (Sotah 9:15) - PA

Vs. 4-5 I persecuted this Way to the death - Jesus claimed to be the Way, the Truth and the Life, and then claimed to be the only Way to be right with God, by continuing, "no one comes to the Father but by Me." So His followers were called followers of The Way. Paul was called Saul in those early times, and he was zealous, just like these people who were trying to kill him on this day, and he hunted Christians. This is the beauty of a true testimony, "this was me, this was my sin, but I met Jesus and this is why I am different, this is why you can't stand me. I am falling more in love with the Way, and you are still in love with the world, or with a religion that hasn't changed your heart. This shows the pattern of Paul's repentance, his turning away from his former life. 

…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

Vs. 6-8 Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me - Now he moves into his encounter with Christ, what changed it all. This is his Lazarus come forth moment, on my way to kill Christians, thinking I am alive, though dead in my trespasses and sins, thinking I am doing God's work, thinking I can see clearly, and then boom! 

…44And they too will reply, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45Then the King will answer, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.’ 46And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”… Matthew 25: 44-46

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. 9-11 But did not understand the voice of the One - This is an interesting point to his testimony, that there were others with him that witnessed the light, the physical phenomena, but they did not hear Christ's voice. It's sad for them, but compelling as testimony, because he doesn't say that they can attest to all that Paul is saying, only in part. They did have to lead him away as well since he was physically blinded by this phenomena. 


Vs. 12-16 Regain your sight - God is able to convince even the most stubborn, there is no one outside of or above his sovereignty, if He so chooses to save you then you will come humbly and willingly as He brings you. 


MacArthur writes that Paul "wants the people who are hearing him below him to know that this Christianity was not something concocted by a bunch of anti-Jewish people. He was pro-Jewish. It was Jesus of Nazareth, whom they knew to be Jewish, that spoke to him. It was Ananias who was a devout Jew, who was involved. So far, the whole thing is Jewish." (Sermon) _ PA

Vs. 17-21 For I will send you far away to the gentiles - It is interesting that God takes the most studied Jew and sends him to the gentiles. Paul would be able to give the most complete, technical picture of the gospel, from Genesis till his time. His is the testimony of a changed life that points to God as the soul reason. Paul has a great heart for his people even after all the abuse, and he goes to their synagogues in every Gentile town that he can find one. There are missionaries who give all like that even to this day.
























































Friday, May 30, 2025

#1603 Acts 21 Part 4 Mistaken Identity

 




37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the commander, “May I say something to you?” And he *said, “Do you know Greek? 38 Then you are not the Egyptian who some time ago raised a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” 39 But Paul said, “I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city; and I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.” 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned to the people with his hand; and when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying, Acts 21: 37-40

Acts 21: 37-40

4Jesus answered, “See to it that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come.… Matthew 24: 4-6

V. 37 Brought to the barracks - The unruly and mindless mob had become violent, and so in order to sort this out they had to bring Paul back to the military barracks. I imagine from what transpires next that this commander must of thought he had a very important criminal, what else could stir these people into such a frenzy? The reality of it is, though we respond and our geared to respond to an infants cry, the sounds of distress, calls for help, it isn't always sincere, the majority is often wrong, and people go along with the dumbest things. There is little more dangerous in this world than the stampede of the misguided. When Paul seeks permission to speak, the commander is shocked that he speaks Greek because he has already pegged him for someone else. Pause is the sign of the wise; don't be moved by the crowd or crocodile tears. 

As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the commander - The verb for was about is mello which means to be about to or to be at the point of happening, in this case Paul's entrance into the fortress. But Paul, surely filled with the Spirit (boldness - cf Acts 4:31+) and a "carpe diem" mentality grabbed this golden opportunity to speak. Given the fact that this was in the middle of the Pentecost festival with Jews from all over the land and now the fact that Paul even had an elevated "podium" from which he might deliver his message, we can better understand his charge to the Ephesians to redeem the time or make the most of the time (kairos) (Eph 5:16+). Paul was going to make the most of this opportunity! Beloved, are you imitating Paul (a command - 1 Cor 11:1+), redeeming the precious moments? As Jesus said we must work while it is day, for night cometh when no man can work. (John 9:4) - PA

Bible Background Commentary - In the eastern part of the empire, Latin was confined to use in the military and in documents concerning Roman citizens. The public administration of Syria-Palestine used Greek, which was also the first language of the Jerusalem aristocracy, and most Jewish people in Palestine knew at least some Greek. The “tribune” (NRSV) or “commander” assumes that Paul is a particular troublemaker (Acts 21:38); most rabble-rousers he would know would have spoken Aramaic by choice. But most Egyptian business documents of this period were in Greek, which seems to have been the main language there; he thus should not be surprised that one he supposes to be an Egyptian speaks Greek. The point is not that Paul speaks Greek; it is that he speaks it without an accent, like someone educated and fluent in the language, which the tribune assumes the Egyptian Jew who had caused problems would not be. (The IVP Bible Background Commentary – New Testament)

Utley - The Colonel was surprised that Paul spoke Koine Greek because he apparently thought that Paul was an Egyptian insurrectionist that he had heard about (cf. v. 38 and Josephus’ Antiquities 20:8:6, 10). This Egyptian rebellion occurred between A.D. 52–57. - PA

…18On My account, you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. 20For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.… Matthew 10: 18-20

V. 38 Led the 4000 men of the Assassins out into the wilderness - The Assassins came from a group of zealots who were not at all above acts of terror. Apparently the leaders were Jews who came up from Egypt. Jesus warned there would be many that came saying they were the Christ, or Messiah, and that has definitely been the case. I could just see this one claiming to fulfill Hosea 11, "Out of Egypt I have called My son", referring to Israel, in fulfillment of the Law through Christ. Christ goes there as a child to escape Herod. Many Jews went there against God's warning through the prophets, in order to continue their goddess worship. In Christianity we have the Apostasy of Rome to thank for that. 

1When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son. 2But the more I called Israel, the farther they departed from Me. They sacrificed to the Baals and burned incense to carved images.… Hosea 11: 1-2



Josephus Antiquities of the Jews, 20.167-172 records - These works, that were done by the robbers, filled the city with all sorts of impiety. And now these impostors and deceivers persuaded the multitude to follow them into the wilderness, 169 Moreover, there came out of Egypt about this time to Jerusalem one that said he was a prophet, and advised the multitude of the common people to go along with him to the Mount of Olives, as it was called, which lay over against the city, and at the distance of five furlongs. 170 He said further, that he would show them from hence how, at his command, the walls of Jerusalem would fall down; and he promised them that he would procure them an entrance into the city through those walls, when they were fallen down. 171 Now when Felix was informed of these things, he ordered his soldiers to take their weapons, and came against them with a great number of horsemen and footmen from Jerusalem, and attacked the Egyptian and the people that were with him. He also slew four hundred of them, and took two hundred alive. 172 But the Egyptian himself escaped out of the fight, but did not appear any more. And again the robbers stirred up the people to make war with the Romans, and said they ought not to obey them at all; and when any persons would not comply with them, they set fire to their villages, and plundered them. - Josephus

Josephus Wars of the Jews 2.13.3 on Sicarii - When the country was purged of these, there sprang up another sort of robbers in Jerusalem, which were called Sicarii, who slew men in the day time, and in the midst of the city: this they did chiefly at the festivals, when they mingled themselves among the multitude, and concealed daggers under their garments, with which they stabbed those that were their enemies; and when any fell down dead, the murderers became a part of those that had indignation against them, by which means they appeared persons of such reputation, that they could by no means be discovered. The first man who was slain by them was Jonathan the high priest, after whose death many were slain every day, while the fear men were in of being so served was more afflicting than the calamity itself, and while every body expected death every hour, as men do in war, so men were obliged to look before them, and to take notice of their enemies at a great distance; nor, if their friends were coming to them, durst they trust them any longer; but, in the midst of their suspicions and guarding of themselves, they were slain. Such was the celerity of the plotters against them, and so cunning was their contrivance. - Josephus

V. 39 I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia - This was a major city, a place associated with schools of higher learning. Paul was a Roman citizen so they would have to take care that he received a fair trial, not the brutality of mob rule. 

But Paul said, "I am (ego men eimi) a Jew (Ioudaios) of Tarsus in Cilicia a citizen of no insignificant city - Paul for the moment did not reveal that he was Roman citizen but a citizen of a well-known city. In the phrase no insignificant city we see Luke's use of understatement (and also a double negative) or litotes, a figure of speech in which understatement is used to emphasize a point by stating a negative (no insignificant) to further affirm a positive -- Tarsus is a significant city, in fact one of the great cities of the Roman empire. - PA

V. 40 Paul, standing on the stairs - God provides the preacher a pulpit, and not always the most congenial congregants, but he is now up where all can see, and when he spoke in Hebrew they paid the greater attention, for it was Jerusalem, and this was the language of the Jews.