Day 348

(H) Book of 2 Timothy ~ cont.
3. Description of apostasy - 2 Timothy 3:1-13
4. Defense of a good soldier - 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 4:1-8
5. Closing instructions - 2 Timothy 4:9-22
(I) Martyrdom of Peter and Paul - A.D. June 29, 67-68

XVIII The Writings of John - A.D. 67 - C 100
A. Temple at Jerusalem destroyed by Titus (7th plundering) - A.D. 70
B. Gospel of John written - A.D. 95 (R) C A.D. 35 (K)
C. Book of 1 John - A.D. 95 (R) C A.D. 41 (K)
1. Love and obedience to the father
a. What to do with sin - 1 John 1:1-10
b. Obedience - 1 John 2:1-14
c. Worldliness and unbelief - 1 John 2:15-28
d. Love - 1 John 2:29; 3:1-24

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  (2 Timothy 3:1-4)

perilous - G5467 - chalepos - khal-ep-os' - Perhaps from G5465 through the idea of reducing the strength; difficult, that is, dangerous, or (by implication) furious.

1. lovers of their own selves - G5367 -philautos - fil'-ow-tos - From G5384 and G846; fond of self, that is, selfish.
2. covetous - G5366 - philarguros - fil-ar'-goo-ros - From G5384 and G696; fond of silver (money), that is, avaricious.
3. boasters - G213 - alazōn - al-ad-zone' - From ἄλη alē (vagrancy); braggart.
4. proud - G5244 - huperēphanos - hoop-er-ay'-fan-os - From G5228 and G5316; appearing above others (conspicuous), that is, (figuratively) haughty.
5. blasphemers - G989 - blasphēmos - blas'-fay-mos - From a derivative of G984 and G5345; scurrilous, that is, calumnious (against man), or (specifically) impious (against God).
6. disobedient - G545 - apeithēs - ap-i-thace' - From G1 (as a negative particle) and G3982; unpersuadable, that is, contumacious.
7. parents - G1118 - goneus - gon-yooce' - From the base of G1096; a parent.
8. unthankful - G884 - acharistos - ach-ar'-is-tos - From G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of G5483; thankless, that is, ungrateful.
9. unholy - G462 - anosios - an-os'-ee-os - From G1 (as a negative particle) and G3741; wicked.
10. w/out natural affection - G794 - astorgos - as'-tor-gos - From G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of στέργω stergō (to cherish affectionately); hard hearted towards kindred.
11. trucebreakers - G786 - aspondos - as'-pon-dos - From G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G4689; literally without libation (which usually accompanied a treaty), that is, (by implication) truceless.
12. false accusers - G1228 - diabolos - dee-ab'-ol-os - From G1225; a traducer; specifically Satan (compare [H7854]).
13. incontinent - G193 - akratēs - ak-rat'-ace - From G1 (as a negative particle) and G2904; powerless, that is, without self control.
14. fierce - G434 - anēmeros - an-ay'-mer-os -From G1 (as a negative particle) and ἥμερος hēmeros (lame); savage.
15. despisers of those that are good - G865 - aphilagathos - af-il-ag'-ath-os - From G1 (as a negative particle) and G5358; hostile to virtue.
16. traitors - G4273 - prodotēs - prod-ot'-ace - From G4272 (in the sense of giving forward into another’s [the enemy’s] hands); a surrender.
17. heady - G4312 - propetēs - prop-et-ace' - From a compound of G4253 and G4098; falling forward, that is, headlong (figuratively precipitate).
18. highminded - G5187 - tuphoō - toof-o'-o - From a derivative of G5188; to envelop with smoke, that is, (figuratively) to inflate with self conceit.
19. lovers of pleasures - G5369 - philēdonos - fil-ay'-don-os - From G5384 and G2237; fond of pleasure, that is, voluptuous.

lovers of God - G5377 - philotheos - fil-oth'-eh-os - From G5384 and G2316; fond of God, that is, pious.

I kept perilous and lovers of God out of the list for a reason.  The word perilous is not describing the types of people, but the times in which they live.  With the phrase 'lovers of God' it really was not a description so much as a comparison to the lovers of pleasures MORE than lovers of God.  They love pleasure more than they love God.

Nothing like a few extra words to find a definition for/about.  :-)  The one that initially caught my attention was the traducer, I went back to see if I had copy and pasted correctly.  NOTE:   Definitions which reference the Greek (or Hebrew) are taken from the Strong's concordance within the E-Sword program.  Other definitions are taken from dictionary.com.

avaricious–adjective - characterized by avarice; greedy; covetous.

scurrilous–adjective - grossly or obscenely abusive.

contumacious–adjective - stubbornly perverse or rebellious; willfully and obstinately disobedient.

traducer –verb (used with object)- to speak maliciously and falsely of; slander; defame: to traduce someone's character.


hard hearted towards kindred - this implies a lack of concern.  Maternal care comes to mind when I think of this and how in a siege against Israel the mother's were eating their young. Is this applicable in our day? Mothers hating the fruit of their womb, murdering their young that they might feast upon their lusts, enjoy the sinfulness of pleasure for a season without the responsibility of a baby?  Woe to that nation which allows such a travesty of injustice against the innocent.  Even the King in Israel rent his clothes when he learned of the treachery, how much more does the Bride (priests, peculiar people, saints, children of God) abhor that which is evil?

hostile to virtue - What is virtue?  (Quick, abbreviated definition) moral excellence; goodness; righteousness.  Reflecting that this is a definition of the phrase despisers of those that are good. My understanding, virtue: anything holy, morally upright, wholesome.  I see this in our generation.  I know, each generation observes the same wickedness and laments the depravity.

Ruminating upon that phrase: lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. This year in sharing my journey through the Bible has been a major delight and encouragement. I have grown so much in my faith, my deepening love for my Savior, my Redeemer. What 'pleasures' in my life am I so firmly attached to that they crowd out my love for God? I realize the list above is for the unregenerate, but it behooves us to examine ourselves and see what dross needs to be removed. :-)

The definition of traducer reminds me of this verse:

Rev 12:10  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Amen, even so come Lord Jesus.

Day 347

(E) Book of 2 Peter ~ cont.
3. God's promise to be fulfilled in apostate times - 2 Peter 3:1-18
(F) Book of Jude (Brother of Jesus)
1. History of apostasy - Jude 1:1-7
2. Apostate teachers described - Jude 1:8-19
3. Strength available - Jude 1:20-25
(G) Second Imprisonment (A.D. 67)
(H) Book of 2 Timothy
1. Greetings and charge to hold fast - 2 Timothy 1:1-18
2. Requirements of a good soldier - 2 Timothy 2:1-26

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers,walking after their own lusts.  (2 Peter 3:3)

knowing - G1097 - A prolonged form of a primary verb; to “know” (absolutely), in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as shown at left, with others not thus clearly expressed.

first - G4412 - Neuter of G4413 as an adverb (with or without G3588); firstly (in time, place, order, or importance).

scoffers - G1703 - From G1702; a derider, that is, (by implication) a false teacher.  G1702 - From G1722 and G3815; to jeer at, that is, deride.

walking - G4198 - Middle voice from a derivative of the same as G3984; to traverse, that is, travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove [figuratively die], live, etc.).

lusts - G1939 - From G1937; a longing (especially for what is forbidden).

As I typed in the word scoffers and the definition it made me wonder, how oft is that word used in Scripture?  Well...the word 'scoffer' is only used 1x, the Greek word represented by 1703 is only used 1 other time:

Jud 1:18  How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

Only those 2 entries for the 1703, but for 1702 (the root word) it is used 13x in 13 verses.  All of which are in Matthew, Mark and Luke and reference the 'mockings' that our Lord endured.  That gives it a slightly different twist as to how I view the word scoffer.  Those who mocked my Lord and Savior, that was once me!  Before He sovereignly chose me, willfully hating Him and all that HE is, desiring to tear down HIS kingdom, a mocker.  Thank You Lord for Your redemption!

These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. (Jude 1:19)

separate - G592 - From G575 and a compound of G1223 and G3724; to disjoin (by a boundary, figuratively a party).

sensual - G5591 - From G5590; sensitive that is, animate (in distinction on the one hand from G4152, which is the higher or renovated nature; and on the other from G5446, which is the lower or bestial nature).

Poole's commentary on 2 Peter 3:3:  Knowing this first; especially, as being very necessary to be known.  The apostle having in the former chapter cautioned these saints against the more close enemies of the gospel, seducers and false teachers, here he foretells them of more open enemies, profane scoffers.  In the last days; see 1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:1. Scoffers; profane contemners of God, and deriders of his truth, Psalm 1:1; 119:51; Isaiah 28:14, 22.  Walking after their own lusts; such as are natural to them; lusts of ungodliness, Jude 18.

I double checked that word 'contemners' that is exactly how it is spelled in the commentary.  Dictionary.com -  contemn: verb - to treat or regard with disdain, scorn, or contempt.

Poole's commentary on Jude 1:18 - Told you;  whether in their preaching or writing.  Ungodly lusts; Greek, lusts of ungodliness; a Hebraism; the vilest lusts.

Jude 1:19 - These be they who separate themselves; viz. from the true doctrine and church of Christ, as being in love with their carnal liberties and loth to come under the yoke of Christ's discipline.  Sensual;  or carnal or animal, 1 Corinthians 2:14; such as are mere men, and have no higher principle in them than human nature, which, left to itself, and being destitute of the sanctifying Spirit, is generally overpowered by sense, and inclines to fleshly lusts.  Having not the Spirit; the Spirit of God, by which they should be led, and to which they so much pretend; having neither the light, nor grace, nor comfort of the Spirit.

Day 346

(D) Book of Hebrews ~ cont.
3. Walk and worship of the Christian - Hebrews 12:1-29; 13:1-25
(E) Book of 2 Peter
1. Characteristics of our faith - 2 Peter 1:1-21
2. Signs of the coming apostasy - 2 Peter 2:1-22

Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  (Hebrews 12:4)

resisted - G478 - From G473 and G2525; to set down (troops) against, that is, withstand.

striving - G464 - From G473 and G75; to struggle against (figuratively), (“antagonize”).

sin - G266 - From G264; sin (properly abstract).

O how wicked this flesh is - wanting to have its way - have we yet striven to blood to resist the lure and enticement that the mortal body craves?  Nay.  Not one drop of blood has been shed either by wound or sweat.  Sometimes it is a terrible battle daily to deny this flesh its wants, wills and desires.


1Jn 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

O Lord, give us the ability to stand to Your command, to not be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.  Help us Lord to desire to spend time with you daily.  Help us to not give into the temptation, but to remember that You always give a way of escape.

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou are rebuked of him: for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  (Hebrews 12:5-6)

forgotten - G1585 - Middle voice from G1537 and G2990; to be utterly oblivious of.

exhortation - G3874 - From G3870; imploration, hortation, solace.

despise - G3643 - From a compound of G3641 and ὤρα ōra (“care”); to have little regard for, that is, to disesteem.

chastening - G3809 - From G3811; tutorage, that is, education or training; by implication disciplinary correction.

faint - G1590 - From G1537 and G3089; to relax (literally or figuratively).

rebuked - G1651 - Of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish.

loveth - G25 - Perhaps from ἄγαν agan (much; or compare [H5689]); to love (in a social or moral sense).

chasteneth - G3811 - From G3816; to train up a child, that is, educate, or (by implication) discipline (by punishment).

scourgeth - G3146 - From G3148; to flog (literally or figuratively).

receiveth - G3858 - From G3844 and G1209; to accept near, that is, admit or (by implication) delight in.

Scourgeth = flog.  That is quite a graphic word.  Flog - in my initial understanding, flail, reminds me of what they did to Christ Jesus.  Paul was also flogged.

Though we may endure the correction of Father, we take heart in this:

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.  (Hebrews 12:11)

Day 343

(C) Book of 1 Peter
1. The Christian's sufferings - 1 Peter 1:1-25; 2:1-20
2. Christ has suffered for us - 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:1-22; 4:1-19
3. Exhortation to be strong and closing salutations - 1 Peter 5:1-14

1st Peter - Timeless Truths for Tough Times - I have been blessed to be in a ladies Bible study for the past 5+ years studying the book of 1st Peter inductively.  We are finishing verse 5 and will begin verse 6 sometime in 2011.  If you have never availed yourself of the opportunity to study inductively, here are a couple of articles to get you started:  How To Study Inductively, which has an in interesting side story about being observant with that which is placed before you.  The next is an 8 part article also titled, How To Study Inductively, they reference Websters 1828 dictionary for definitions of words.  I have always used the Strong's Concordance which can be found online here or here, or as part of the free Bible software at E-Sword, which also includes a variety of translations, dictionary and commentaries.

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:7-9)

It was specifically verse 7 that I was focused upon, however I did not want to fragment the verse.  This verse reminds me of another about our works being tried by fire.


1Co 3:13  Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

This passage has been brought to my attention time and again.  Father's reminding me to be cognizant of HIS son's eventual return to claim His (Jesus') betrothed.  I am saddened with the thought that I may stand before Him and have nothing left but the foundation.  Will that which I do stand the fire of HIS scrutiny?  Will all that I have done this side of glory be burnt as if hay, wood and stubble?  Will ought of that which I thought to offer unto Him come through as gold, silver or precious gems?

1Pe 4:17  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 

1Pe 4:18  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 

We all need to take warning, the Master's return draws closer every day, we are commanded to be diligently looking and craving for that day.  We ought not to be as the unwise servant:


Luke 12:46  The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

Luke 12:47  And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

Luke 12:48  But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Day 319

XVII The Ministries of Paul and Peter ~ cont.

D. Paul's first missionary journey (with Barnabas) ~ cont.

2. Antioch (Pisidia) to Derbe - Acts 13:14-51; 14:1-20

3. The return trip - Acts 14:21-25

4. At Antioch (Syria) - Acts 14:26-28

5. Attends council at Jerusalem - Acts 15:1-12; Galatians 2:7-10; Acts 15:13-35; Galatians 2:11-14

6. Gospel of Mark written

The word Sabbath, synagogue and first day caught my attention as I read through this passage and the days following.  Sabbath is used 60x in the NT - primary usage is in the gospels.  9 occurrences in Acts and 1 in Colossians.


I have not done an in-depth study yet on the difference between Sabbath and the first day of the week worship.  I know people in both camps that hold to either position.


This made me curious as to why we call the days of the week something other than how they are presented in Scripture.  :-)  An interesting google search on where and how the days of the week got their names.  A very brief overview:


Sunday - Sun's day;
Monday- Moon's day;
Tuesday - Tyr's day.  Tyr was the Norse god of combat;
Wednesday - Woden or Odin's day, the father of the Gods;
Thursday - Thor's day, Thor was the Germanic and Norse god of thunder;
Friday - Frigg's day, the Norse goddess of beauty Frigg;
Saturday - Saturn's day, worship of Saturn.


Synagogue is mentioned 45x - and first day is recorded in 12 verses.  I found it thought provoking that the apostles went into the synagogues on the Sabbath to preach about Jesus.  Paul reasoned 3 Sabbath days about the faith.


The references to first day are when the women were at the sepulchre, Jesus appeared to the apostles, Paul preached, saints encouraged to lay up (offerings?).


According to Scripture a day begins and ends at dusk (approximately 6 p.m.), our 1st day (or Sunday) would start on the 7th day (Saturday).  Passages about Jesus (John 20:19) and Paul (Acts 20:7) state evening or a time of breaking bread.  This makes me wonder if they meant the 7th day evening (1st day) or actually the 1st day's evening (which would be the 2nd day).  Quite perplexing.


I will be ruminating over this passage - Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.  As it appears that the apostles were meeting together regularly on the Sabbath to preach and teach.  I am sure they were preaching and teaching on the other days, as situations and circumstances allowed, but it would appear that a gathering of the people corporately continued to be primarily on the Sabbath.  Much prayer and diligent searching to be made on this topic.  Praying that Father will clarify to me what HE desires.


The passage, "Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on."


Which put me in mind of this passage:  1Co 14:26  How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 


I don't know of many fellowships in which all the men are able to give forth the Word.  This is a sad indicator of how anemic the Bride of Christ has become.  Very sad.  All men ought to be able to give forth a morsel of the Word to those with whom they are fellowshipping.


The worship service started with a presentation of the law and the prophets.  Fascinating thought - how can someone truly understand who Jesus is, why he came, and what he accomplished if their is a disconnect between the preaching/teaching of the OT with the New?  Paul's discourse (similar to Stephen's) in Acts 13:19-41 (coupled with the previous presentation of the law and prophets) is an awesome 'sermon.'


I liked that the Gentiles were already there...listening and hearing - Father's preparation for them as Paul begins to minister.  I also noted they were meeting on the Sabbath day and besought Paul to return the next Sabbath day to share.


"When the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy..." (Acts 13:45a)  Jealous, vengeful, destructive.  Looking at #'s rather than God.  Is that happening in our day?  Where someone is more focused on how many people are 'hearing' and 'following' them versus whether or not the TRUTH is being rightly divided and presented?


More later....

Day 318

XVII The Ministries of Paul and Peter ~ cont.

B. Book of James (brother of Jesus) ~ cont.

3. Evils that cripple true faith - James 4:1-17; 5:1-20
C. Other event preceding missionary journeys
1. Peter imprisoned and delivered - Acts 12:3-19
2. Death of Herod - Acts 12:20-23
D. Paul's first missionary journey (with Barnabas)
1. Cyprus to Perga where Mark leaves - Acts 12:24-25; 13:1-13


Peter, in prison, again!  If my count is correct, this would be his third trip - he's managed (by God's provision) to get out each time.


I sometimes marvel at the industriousness of those who oppose the gospel and against those who proclaim it.  After being thwarted time and again, one would think that the enemy would disengage.  Or is he truly being thwarted?  Have we (or are we) as the Bride of Christ, really giving any true resistance?  Or are we simply 'playing' at being the church?  How much do we really care to sacrifice for the sake of the gospel?


Who much different from the world does the Bride of Christ look?  Can anyone tell a difference?


Herod imprisons Peter - And when he (Herod) had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Passover to bring him forth to the people.  (Acts 12:4)


apprehended - G4048 - Probably another form of G971; to squeeze, that is, seize (gently by the hand [press], or officially [arrest], or in hunting [capture]).


quaternions - G5069 - Neuter of a presumed derivative of τέτρας tetras (a tetrad; from G5064); a quaternion or squad (picket) of four Roman soldiers.


Soooo (perplexedly computing) - a quaternion is 4 soldiers and 4 of this set = 16 soldiers.  Quite a few fellows.  Ahhh...Gill settled the question for me.  :-) 16 men to guard one.  Quite a lot for 1 fellow.  I'd be slightly overwhelmed by 16 burly (I am assuming they didn't pick wimps) men.


Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.  (Acts 12:5)


I like that - prayer without ceasing - reminds me of the passage instructing the Bride to pray without ceasing.  (1 Thessalonian 5:17)


prayer - G4335 - From G4336; prayer (worship); by implication an oratory (chapel).


without ceasing - G1618 - From G1614; intent: - without ceasing, fervent.


And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. (Acts 12:6)


sleeping - G2837 - From G2749; to put to sleep, that is, (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively to decease.


keepers - G5441 - From G5442; a watcher or sentry.


kept - G5083 - From τηρός teros (a watch; perhaps akin to G2334); to guard (from loss or injury, properly by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from G5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from G2892, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), that is, to note (a prophecy; figuratively to fulfil a command); by implication to detain (in custody; figuratively to maintain); by extension to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively to keep unmarried).  [Note: This is the same word used in verse 5.]


I liked Gill's commentary on verse 6 - (I like Gill's commentaries in general :) ) - the same night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers; fearless of death, being in a good cause, and having nothing to ruffle and disturb his mind; and though he was in a prison, and in such company, God gave him, his beloved, sleep.


Regarding the chained issue - bound with two chains; one on one hand, and one on the other, each of which were fastened to the soldiers; that on his right hand was fastened to the left hand of the soldier, that was on that side; and that on his left hand to the right hand of the soldier, on the other side him; such security was made, that he might not get away from them; to which is added.


I am trying to figure out - 16 soldiers initially - were these the ones chained to him?  Or were they the keepers of the door?


Herod determined he was NOT going to lose this prisoner!  What an encouragement from our brother Peter - in prison, destined for apparent death, yet resting in the Lord, HIS provision and protection enough to sleep - and quite heartily it would appear.


And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell of from his hands. (Acts 12:7)


Slumbering well enough NOT to notice a bright light in what was obviously a very dark place and had to be smitten to be awakened.  O Lord, help us Your people to rest so fervently in You regardless of the trials, tribulations, tests and bondages which You allow.  Help the Bride to pray for those who are bound for the sake of the gospel, to give diligence to intercede for Your chosen people.


Peter is out - seeking his spiritual family - I found it interesting that the damsel who answers the gate - her name is recorded.  Rhoda = rose.  Would we be worthy of having our name recorded if Scripture were still being written?  Something so simple as answering a knock on a garden gate and Father deemed it noteworthy to acknowledge her name.  Simply amazing.  Thanks be to Him who has ensured that our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life!


I used to think the ending verse to this passage was unfair.  Yet, Father is not unfair.  He completely organizes events and circumstances to bring out HIS divine will and plan.  Knowing when each man will pass from this temporal plane to the eternal state.  Some to everlasting life, others to eternal torment.  Do you know your final destination?


And when Herod had sought for him (Peter), and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. (Acts 12:19a)


Herod departs to Caesarea - and until recently I never made the connection of this verse:


"...and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost."  (Acts 12:23) - I had always wondered how Herod could be eaten of worms and then give up the ghost.  Isn't that backwards?


Within the last year or so, I have studied and researched how people can have internal parasites - oh YUCK!  internal worms - quite appalling!  But that makes sense, Herod, could have had intestinal worms or some other type of internal worm infestation which caused him to expire.  All obviously by the divine direction of God.


Gill, Henry and Poole all concur - he was eaten of worms prior to his demise.  I will quote Poole on this one, "He was eaten of worms; either breeding in his bowels, or in his flesh, after a more unusual manner; as it is recorded of Herod the Great, that he was eaten up of lice.  No creature so little or contemptible, but it can execute God's judgments on whom HE please."


Reminds me of the verse:  Luke 11:39  And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.


There are many within the visible church which give the appearance of being righteous, moral, reformed, upright, say the 'right' words, do the 'right' things, etc. etc., but it is all an outward show.  Then there are the 'churches' which say they are churches, but are of the synagogue of satan, pretending to 'preach' the gospel, but in reality full of dead men's bones.   Acquiescing to the culture and making 'church' fun, seeker friendly, not giving out the medicine of the Word.  Lord, help us as the day of Your return draws ever nearer to be cleansed and made holy, meet for Your use, desiring to give a proper estimate of You in all that we say do and think.  God preserve us from being full of worms, eaten from the inside out with the ways of the world.  Give us a heart to hear, see, read, study and know You and Your Word with a growing intimacy which brings health and life.

Day 317

XVII The Ministries of Paul and Peter ~ cont.

A. First records the early church at Jerusalem ~ cont.

6. Growth of church under Peter's ministry ~ cont.

c. Church established at Antioch

(1) Early days - Acts 11:19-24

(2) Paul visits - Acts 11:25-30

d. James killed (son of Zebedee) - Acts 12:1-2

B. Book of James (brother of Jesus)

1. Temptations try faith - James 1:1-27

2. True faith will perform good works - James 2:1-26; 3:1-18

"And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord."  (Acts 11:21)


believed - G4100 - From G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ).


turned - G1994 - From G1909 and G4762; to revert (literally, figuratively or morally).


Gill's commentary:  and a great number believed; not the Gospel only, but in Christ preached in it, Acts 11:20 which was not owing to the force of moral persuasion in the ministers, nor to the power of free will in the people, but to the hand or power of the Lord; for the work of faith is not a work of man's will, but of God's almighty power and grace; and when that is displayed, multitudes believe in Christ for righteousness and life: and turned to the Lord; and obeyed his commands; see Psa_119:59 as a fruit, effect, and consequence of believing in Christ; for not first conversion is here intended, which is not man's work, but God's, and in which God is the agent, and man is passive; but obedience to the ordinances of Christ, as the fruit of faith, is meant.


Because this believed/baptized issue is tickling my mind...I went back to some of the scriptures which specifically stated believed and/or baptized.

Mar 16:16  He that believeth (G4100) and (G2532) is baptized (G907) shall be saved; (G4982) but (G1161) he that believeth not (G569) shall be damned. (G2632)

Acts 8:12- believed and baptized

Gill's commentary:  they were baptized, both men and women: that is, when, they heard Philip preach the Gospel, and believed in Christ, the sum and substance of it, and made a profession of faith, they were of each sex, both men and women, baptized by immersion, in the name of Jesus Christ.

Believe?  believeth?  believed?  What is the difference?  Is there any difference?  How many different words are there that are translated believe (or some variation)?


Quite a few - :-)
G544 - From G545; to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely).  - Used 16x - translated as: not believing, believe not, disobedient, unbelieving, not obey, obey not.


G569 - From G571; to be unbelieving, that is, (transitively) disbelieve, or (by implication) disobey. - Used 7x - translated as: believed not, not believed.


G571 - From G1 (as a negative particle) and G4103; (actively) disbelieving, that is, without Christian faith (specifically a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing). - Used 23x - translated as: faithless, unbelievers, incredible (thing), believeth not, unbelieving, believe not, infidel.


G3982 - A primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty). - Used 55x - (Strong's word list) - agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) content, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.


G4100 - From G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ).  Used 248x - (Strong's word list) - believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.


G4102 - From G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself. - Used 244x - (Strong's word list) - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.


G4103 - From G3982; objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful.  - Used 68x (Strong's word list) - believe (-ing, -r), faithful (-ly), sure, true.


G4135 - From G4134 and G5409; to carry out fully (in evidence), that is, completely assure (or convince), entirely accomplish.  - Used 5x - translated as: believed, persuaded, proof, fully known.


G4168 - Neuter of a presumed derivative of G4167; a flock, that is, (figuratively) group (of believers).  - Used 5x - translated as: flock.


I (laughing at myself) thought, prior to searching, that I would include all the Scriptural references...obviously there are quite a few.  There are numerous resources online that allow you to search for words, phrases, definitions, etc.  My favorite program is E-Sword, which you can download for free here.  I enjoy this program primarily because it is 'on' my computer which means I don't need internet access.  One site that I have used to link to commentaries and is liked by many is Blue Letter Bible.  I think I have used either this one, Bible Study Tools or this one, Bible Com as well.


I encourage all to avail yourselves of any and all study resources that are available.  A Strong's concordance is a MUST - especially if you want to know what the words mean, where they are used, etc. etc.  Next would be some sound commentaries - I tend to prefer Matthew Poole, John Gill and Matthew Henry.


The main exhortation - read the Word, be instant in season and out, search the Scriptures daily, study to show yourself approved.  We all want to hear, well done thou good and faithful servant when we stand before our Lord.  How will we know what HE wants if we spend not time with Him?

Day 316

XVII The Ministries of Paul and Peter ~ cont.

A. First records the early church at Jerusalem ~ cont.

4. Tiberius, Emperor, dies - A.D. March 15, 37
5. Conversion of Saul (Paul)
a. Christians persecuted - Acts 9:1-2
b. Paul converted - Acts 9:3-25
c. Paul grows in grace - Galatians 1:17
d. Paul visits Jerusalem - Galatians 1:18-19; Acts 9:26-31
6. Growth of church under Peter's ministry
a. Miracles performed - Acts 9:32-43
b. Cornelius (gentile) hears gospel - Acts 10:1-48; 11:1-18


"And he (Saul) trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" (Acts 9:6a)


trembling - G5141 - Strengthened from a primary word τρέω treō (to “dread”, “terrify”); to “tremble” or fear.


astonished - G2284 -From G2285; to stupefy (with surprise), that is, astound.


No ifs, ands or buts.  Tell me what to do, I will do it.  I recently found a quote from Corrie ten Boom, "Don't bother to give God instructions; just report for duty."


I remember my conversion, not the actual date or time, but the month, where I was, exactly what happened.  I do not remember trembling - I do remember being thoroughly astonished.  What an exhortation Paul is...he continued to carry that zestful spirit post-conversion.  Far too many people, well, they settle.  I remember someone telling me that once I had been a Christian for a while, I would settle down; and thinking, NO WAY.


I want to be ON FIRE, always and continually.  O that the Bride of Christ would recapture that fervency, that turn the world upside down mentality.  Lord, stir up Your gift which You have placed within us, cause us to be bold, fervent, full of the Spirit, speaking forth Your word without fear or care of offending.


God tells Ananias that Paul is a chosen vessel (Acts 9:15) - Paul was most definitely NOT looking for the Lord, he thought he already 'had' his God, his religion.  He was out to make sure others were not polluting the 'true religion.'  What an awesome testimony of how even when we think we are 'saved' by some religious checklist, if we are His, He will cause us to see and hear Him.


Cornelius, a centurion (captain of 100 men), devout (well reverent, pious), feared (awe, revere) God, gave alms (compassionateness) to the people, prayed (beg, petition) to God.


Sees in a vision and receives instruction to send for Peter - Peter lodging with Simon the tanner.  Peter up on the housetop to pray, falls into a trance and sees a sheet let down from heaven, containing all manner of beasts, creeping things and fowls and is told to rise, kill and eat.  Peter resists, a good Jew, keeping the Law does not eat unclean animals.


Out of curiosity I googled clean and unclean animals and came up with several articles.  The one listed was streamlined.  This is not an area I have extensively researched and know people on both sides of the aisle - some very emphatic about their position - and will leave it to the reader and God to work out.  Obviously Peter, being sent to the Gentiles, was going to encounter some alternate food practices and Father did not want him turning his nose up.  In fact, later on Paul has to rebuke Peter for having an attitude about eating with the Gentiles.


Jesus, upon sending out the 70 tells them to eat what is set before them.  Later in Corinthians believers are encouraged to eat, but to be cautious of offending the conscience of others.


Peter goes, preaches to Cornelius and the Holy Ghost is poured out...those who are regenerated speak with other tongues, magnifying God.  Then they are baptized.


Peter returns to Jerusalem and has to contend with those of the circumcision - and he recounts all that transpired - ending with:


"Then remembered I the word of the Lord , how that the said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.  Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?" (Acts 11:17-18)


Thus they glorified God and said, "Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." (Acts 11:18).


Amen!