Even if the one witness was certain - which he could be - the judgment was not executed unless his witness was corroborated.

This was to prevent the talebearer destroying men and women(Leviticus 19:16) The counterpart in our lives in Christ is (1 Peter 2:10)

V.1 The only exception to a perfect animal sacrifice was that of a voluntary peace offering (Lev 22:23).  In this case, the meat had to be without blemish but the proportions of the animal need not be perfect. 

Contrast this with the fact that any man who became a priest had to be perfectly proportioned (Lev 21:17-21).  Christ Himself fulfilled these requirements. 

We, on the other hand, are imperfect. We have volunteered our services to Christ, and Yahweh in His mercy has accepted us despite our shortcomings.  This is the meaning of the voluntary peace offering.

17:8,10,15             In repeating that the place of offering was of God’s choice, not their own, Israel were to learn that God was to be worshipped on His terms, not their own. For many going to the place of His choosing would be inconvenient.  Worshipping God is not designed to be convenient for us. It should teach us self sacrifice.

17:16 The king of Israel was not to multiply horses, nor cause the people to return to Egypt. When Pharaoh was overthrown in the Red Sea and Moses and Miriam sang God’s praises - Exo 15- there is repeated mention of Pharaoh’s horses. So maybe the king was not to multiply horses precisely because the Egyptians placed so much confidence in them.

17:17   In telling us that the hand of the witness should be first in executing the stoning we learn that we are responsible for our decisions. If we feel strongly that something should be said we should not leave it to others to do the work. It is all too easy to see the responsibility as belonging to individuals in the church who have been given jobs of responsibility.

17:9 Given that Israel were a Theocracy – that is they had God as their ruler – one would expect hard matters to be taken to the priests. However we should not forget this point. God’s laws – the law of Moses – was not simply a list of sacrifices. It was to govern the whole of a person’s life, both moral and in worship.

V.5 This verse is reflected in Heb 10:28.  Jesus advised his disciples of this procedure in dealing with a trespassing brother (Matt 18:16).  However, at His trial, Jesus never had two witnesses who could agree on his guilt.  Even the testimony of the two false witnesses could not have convicted Him if He had continued to say nothing (Matt 26:59-63).  But, Jesus knew His destiny and so He helped His accusers out by making the statement in Matt 26:64.  This gave the high priest the opening he needed (Matt 26:65).

Obedience for obedience sake

The principle of obedience comes through very strongly in v8-13. Obedience is actually more important than the subject of the original quarrel or dispute. So for example, if there was a dispute about land which was taken to Jerusalem for a resolution, though neither party was in the wrong as such (and no "penalty" would have been considered) one or both of these could still end up dead if they disobeyed. So we can see that this punishment bore no relation whatsoever to the crime or dispute being judged.

This is important for two reasons. Firstly, when Samuel said in 1Sam 15:22-23 "to obey is better than sacrifice" he was formulating this principle into words for the people of Israel (incidentally he said this in the context of setting up a king, Deut 17:14-15). And this principle became the cornerstone of salvation in Christ (Heb 10:5-7 "I have come to do Your will").

Secondly, it's important that we practice it in our own relationships. Parents should always be firm and consistent in what judgements they make. Children should obey no matter how much they disagree or don't see the logic. This formula must be upheld no matter how small the actual dispute. As we see in v12-13 the punishment for disobedience should be for its own sake, and a greater punishment than would have originally be given, that they "shall hear and fear, and no longer act presumptuously". It is largely because this principle is lacking within the family and in law and order that the world is in such a chaotic state. All respect for authority has broken down.

V.4  echoes the saying: where there's life there's hope.  Real hope is based on being put right with God to be able to look forward to that future age of perfect, eternal worship.  Only through belief in the Gospel and baptism is this possible.  Now is the time to prepare because the grave does not afford any opportunity (Psa 6:5).

V.11 Time and chance (occurrence) is not a consuming consideration of the saint.  The ultimate decisions concerning the saint are Yahweh's.  If we pray for guidance, we are assured that Yahweh will direct our paths (Prov 3:5,6).  This is beyond time and chance and is within the purview of divine Providence.  Only those who have a covenant relation with Yahweh (through Jesus) have this privilege - all others live solely by time and chance.  Let us guard our privileged position jealously and determine to walk with Yahweh daily.

9:2,5,10 The threefold comment upon the death state serves as a sober reminder that without God life is totally pointless. This is the theme of the book of Ecclesiastes.

9:5 The cessation of the memory of those that die is echoed by the prophet – Isa 26:14

9:18    This verse is thematically linked with 10:1.  The ‘sinner’ of this verse equates with the ‘dead flies’ of 10:1

9:11 ‘So I returned’ - on this occasion from reflecting upon the futility of life without God to reflect upon the fact that one’s future is not in one’s own control but in God’s.

V.5 This is a clear statement that when people die everything about them ceases to be (See Psa 146:4).  There is no immortal element that goes floating off to a heavenly place.

V.8 White garments are a sign of innocence and purity.  For true followers of Christ, white garments are worn by them because of His sacrifice (Rev 7:14). True believers will endeavour to keep their garments clean, hating them to become dirty (Jude 1:23).

9:1-5 The detailed way in which Solomon defines all the groups of men is well known to us. However we see the all embracing aspect of the punishment of God for sin. Echoed in Paul’s word – Rom 5:12

8:6,20 Whilst there is repeated emphasis in Acts about the unity that existed amongst the believers we should also realize that there was dissention. Simon had not grasped what the gospel was all about, even though he had been baptized. We need to realize that there is more to being ‘in Christ’ than being baptized.

V.13 We see a great play on words by Luke. miracles here and power (V.10) are the same word DUNAMIS (1411). The phrases used in both verses are identicle showing that, where Simom called himself the great power of God, he is now lost in admiration of the great power of God shown by miracles, signs, and wonders which Philip did.

8:3  in saying ‘men and women’ here and 8:12, 9:2 we see the ferocity of Saul’s opposition to the gospel. No one was spared.

It’s always a great pleasure to make other people happy. In today’s chapter Philip brought great joy to Samaria by his preaching (Acts 8:8). Can our preaching bring great joy to our neighbours and contacts?

8:22 There is always a way of escape from sin (1Cor 10:13). Simon has sinned but, if he repented sincerely, and prayed to God, he would have been heard. Repentance requires a change of heart, and if Simon could do this God would forgive him. Without an approach to God in prayer during which one confesses the sin, there is no proper basis for forgiveness being granted. Simon had regarded iniquity in his heart and therefore would not hear him. We must discard the evil thought first, and then make our approach to God through prayer. (Psa 66:18-20)

It is also worth considering the word "thought" EPINOIA (1963) used by Peter on this occasion. It is only used once in scripture. It means a premeditated plan, this was no sudden impulse, it had been planned out in Simon's mind. His long range plan was on his mind when he he offered to pay for the gift of the Holy Spirit.    

8:4     In saying that those scattered  were ‘preaching the word’ we see how the persecution, which for the brethren at that time would have been terrible, was a mechanism used by God to further the spreading of the gospel message. Looking back it is possible to see the benefit. The same is often true in our lives. An unpleasant experience, with hindsight, can be seen to have benefited others or the gospel. We must remember that God is in control n our lives and He knows the reason for events even though we do not.

8:2 This is the second time a believer has died and buried in the record in Acts. The first was the double death of Ananias and Sapphira. Their burial is described in a matter of fat way with no mention of mourning. However we see a different case with Stephen. ‘great laminations’ were made. Thus the contrast between a faithful and unfaithful one is seen here.

The Holy Spirit - part two (see April 29 for part one)

1. John 20:21-22;Acts 8:17-20 - The Holy Spirit isn't God. Did Christ give the apostles "God" and then they gave "God" to others? That wouldn't make sense. Rather, they were given "gifts" or "abilities"  or "power(s)" from God.

2. A few usages of God's Spirit or power: Gen 1:1-2 (The spirit "of" God moved over the face of the waters); Jer 27:5;51:15;Job 26:12-13 (God made the earth and divided the sea by His power); Isa 11:2;Luke 1:15 (Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit - this makes sense if it's God's power but would seem illogical if Jesus was filled with another being); Acts 10:38 (clarified here where we read Jesus was anointed with power and the Holy Spirit).

3. A person might by clothed by God or by God's power but it is impossible to be clothed "of" or "as" an actual diety Acts 1:8;Luke 24:49.

4. The Bible records how people were filled with and moved by the Holy Spirit (it wasn't senseless babbling or confusion or a disorderly frenzied state) Acts 2:1-11;1Cor 14:27-33.

5. The Bible (not some "inner voice") is inspired by God and is where we are to get our direction 2Pet 1:20-21;2Tim 3:16-17;James 1:18-22;Acts 17:10-12.

v 12 First Principles
The passages given here provide only a tiny glimpse of each of the first principles of the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ. To see more, you need to search for the reference by chapter using Search by Chapter, above and more notes are given on each verse for each of the topics.
The Things concerning the Kingdom of God
1. The Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Israel Gen 12:1
2. The Sure Mercies of David Isa 55:3 (not yet finished)
3. The Promises made to the Fathers Gen 12:2 (not yet finished)
4. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ Acts 1:11 (not yet finished)
and the Name of Jesus Christ
5. The God we worship John 17:3 (not yet finished)
6. The Atonement Gen 3:17-19 (not yet finished)
7. The Devil Heb 2:14 (not yet finished)
8. Hell Gen 1:31 (not yet finished)
9. The Nature of man Gen 5:1-2 (not yet finished)
10. Immortality 1John 2:25 (not yet finished)
11. Baptism Matt 28:19-20 (not yet finished)
12. Discipleship 1Cor 12:14-31 (not yet finished)

Vs.39,40 Caught away does not imply a miraculous whisking away of Philip to Azotos by the Spirit.  It means that the Spirit advised him to leave for Azotos to preach.