Comments for April 30

v. 8 - Here is a different use for the 'place which the Lord thy God shall choose' - a place of judgement - pointing forward to the time when all will stand before the great and righteous judge. Gen 18:25, Heb 12:23.

v.11 The law of Moses did not allow for variation in how to deal with specified errors. The judge was to pronounce and there was to be no discussion on the decision of the judge. Therefore the judge can be seen as standing in the place of Yahweh in judgement. In Christ the judgement is the same. There are clear principles as to what is right and wrong. However where the law of Christ differs is that it allows for repentance as a basis for deciding how to deal with the error. Whilst the law of Moses seeks to retain an holy nation by removing the one astray the law of Christ differs in that the unity of the body is to be maintained through the reconciliation of the one in error. 1 Corinthians 5:5 1 Timothy 1:20

v.6 - It is often hard to find more than one witness to situations. There is much food for thought in the harshness of God's decreed punishment here. Idolatry, in whatever form, is seems is beyond forgiveness. It is the denying of the power of God - blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, for which there is no forgiveness - Matt.12:31

17:2 - 6 Whilst idol worship was to be removed from the congregation of Israel it had to be certain that the person accused was an idolater. Therefore it required two or three witnesses.

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 2:12)

:1 That animals that were to be sacrificed were to be free of blemish is such a repeated concept that the force of it may be forgotten. God is always looking for the best. In our service to Him - our ;living sacrifice' we must give of our best. However we must also realise that our 'best' is flawed. We cannot atone for ourselves. Jesus flawless, blemish free, life is the only way.

17:20 The specific reason for the writing of the law 'that his heart be not lifted up' seems to contrasted with the attitude of Uzziah (2Chron 26:16) implying that he did not write a copy of the law, or if he did it had no effect on him.
 

V.16-17  The people have not as yet entered into the promised land, but here we are taking about a time when they would have a king. This is almost 500 years away. There were commandments laid out for the kings which we are told were broken by Solomon.

                     Commandment                    Given             Broken

Deut 17:1 says that second best is not acceptable to God. It's the same today.

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.

Vs.9-13  In the Kingdom, the immortalised saints will be the priests who will hear cases and determine outcomes.  They shall perform their duties with having divine wisdom and authority.  Gone will be the days of perverted justice as seen in the present world.

17:8,10         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.

17:7  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.

Deut 17:7;1Cor 5:9-13.

17:20 The injunction not to turn to the left or right was lived out in the life of Josiah – 2Chron 34:2

17:18-19       In these days of printed Bibles and electronic Bibles with all their search facilities it is all too easy to become complacent about reading and absorbing the mind of God from the pages of Scripture.  The ease of access to a Bible should enable us to be more diligent in understanding it. However it is probable that the influence of the world impacts more on us than the ease with which we can read Scripture and consequently we may fail to appreciate the benefits that we have in this day to read and reflect on his word.

17:20  The injunction to the king to turn not to the right or left hand has already been given to the whole of the nation - Deut 5:32

17:8-9 Whilst men had to be appointed to judge all matters in the land there would be times that they did not have the wisdom to come to a correct answers in some cases. In such circumstances a procedure was given. Seek the advice of others. We do well to realise that we do not always have the answers ourselves. We should, likewise, seek the advice of others. Prov 11:14

Deut 17:14-20.

17:16 The injunction about not multiplying horses may well explain why Absalom was riding a mule – 2Sam 18:9 – rather than a horse. 

17:6     the two or three witnesses is the basis for Jesus’ comment – Matt 18:20 – where Jesus is talking about the way believers today should deal with problems. That is decisions should be supported by witnesses.

17:20 The warning against turning to the right or left is later developed – Prov 4:27 -  when speaking to the “children” Prov 4:1. The instruction for the king here applies to all those who will be children of God.

17:4       The key is that when an accusation is made “diligent” enquiry has to be made. It is all too easy to form judgements on the basis of imagination or hearsay and wrongly accuse our brethren and sister.

17:6  The charge of false worship was a serious charge which could have been brought by one who hated another. The need for at least two witnesses reduced the possibility of such “hate crimes”.

17:6 The Law of Moses set out careful rules so that false judgments were not made.  Firstly when one had “heard of it” one had to “diligently enquire” and then if found to be true had to be confirmed by at least “two witnesses”. This was to be no summary judgment. The allegation could fail on more than one occasion.

17:19 Whilst this requirement that the king was to read daily his bible we see later – Neh 8:18 – that the nation benefitted from doing the same also. We cannot leave regular dally bible reading to those we think of as students. Rather it is an obligation that falls on all of those who would understand God and His son.

17:1,4“Abomination” is a strong word for God to use to describe the offering of something that is less than the best that could be offered. Do we think that half-hearted, or slipshod, attitudes we may have to serving our father are equally abominable?

Does this affect the way we think and behave?

17:20 Having a proud heart is not restricted to wicked kings. A faithful and good king managed to fall down on this command –2Chron 34:25 – when Hezekiah’s heart was lifted up in pride. The saving feature of Hezekiah, when reproved, humbled himself. Herein is a powerful lesson for us.

v.9 - We do well to realise that wherever we read of marriage in scripture it always has a bearing on the relationship we have with Jesus as the bride of Christ. May these verses help us to increase our love for this particular bridegroom and be the more determined to present ourselves, individually and collectively, as a chaste virgin for him. Prov.18:22, 19:14, Mal.2:5, Isa.52:1, 54:5, 61:10, 2Cor.11:2, Eph.5:25-32.

v.10 The exhortation to do all with all our might is a very powerful warning. Set against the background of the transient nature of life we should make full use of the time that we have at our disposal. That time is a gift from God as we only deserve to die.

v.11 - we use this so much to show that we all suffer the same in this life regardless of our beliefs but in fact the commentators agree that this word chance here is in the sense of opportunity. This puts a totally different complexion on the passage. We each have time and opportunity. What are we doing with it?

9:5 Like the language in chapter 3 we use this verse to 'prove' that there is no such thing as an immortal soul. However the focus of the wise man is that because death ends everything we ought to work for God. Of course if one does not believe in God one would be advised to make the most of the time because death certainly will end everything for that man.

:11-12 The 'time and chance' that happens to man is only from man's perspective. The fish does not know that it will be caught in the net nor the bird the snare. However the hunter in both cases knows what will happen - he has planned it so that he will make a catch. Likewise whilst we do not know - and so from our perspective it is 'time and chance' - God knows what will happen in our lives because He has planned it out.

9:1 We should be comforted that God does not judge things in the same way that man does.

V.10  Do not think that even within the limits of mortality the "doing with thy might." will guarantee the object for which you strive. To attain any end, a man must develop his aptitudes, yet the end cannot be assured by any amount of agility, strength, wisdom, understanding, or skill. Strive as he may, time and the event beyond his control may upset all his reckoning and nullify his efforts.

Dog or Lion?

No one knows what will happen to them in the future except to know that we will eventually die. What a morbid thought!

But God has made our lives this way for a purpose. If we are wise then we will ask, as Solomon did, "why is it that this is the only thing we know for sure?" (vs 2-3). We will see, like Solomon, that there are some very important lessons to be learned and God has limited the number of our days so that we are forced to face up to this lesson. The lesson is in verse 4

"for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion".

No matter how well we are doing in life, no matter how much we are enjoying it, no matter how hard we find it, how honourable we are, or how well esteemed; all of us have just enough time to humble ourselves to seek God's offer of salvation. We may have today and no more to choose to store up treasure in heaven.

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.5 "know that they shall die" and may thereby be led "so to number their days, that they may apply their hearts to wisdom" Ecc 7:1-4;, Psa 90:12

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.

“Time and Chance” is an expression we hear fairly often, but does it really mean what we think it does?  Ecc 9:11 is the only time, I think, when these words are put together. The Hebrew word translated “chance” is translated “occurrent” in 1Kin 5:4, and this is the key to understanding the word.  Solomon says that he has neither enemies or evil things happening to him.  Substitute “things” for “chance” in Ecc 9:11, and we have Solomon (again) saying, that time and things happen to people.  There is no hint of “chance”.  Perhaps in the world, or as Solomon would say “under the sun”, luck or good or bad fortune happen to people.  But to us, the “things” that happen to us, like time itself, are all known to God. So says Rom 8:28

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

9:2,5,10 - V2 when we die we all go to the same place which V10 notes is the "grave" - a word translated from the Hebrew "sheol" (7585) which is rendered hell, grave, pit - every single mention of "hell" in the Old Testament is from the word "sheol" which means "grave".  V5 mentions the dead know nothing and Psa 146:4 notes the dead have no thoughts. When a person or animal dies they always go to sheol Psa 49:12,14 (the word "grave" in Psa.49:14 also being "sheol"); there are no plans, knowledge, work or wisdom in sheol. The only hope for the dead who are in the grave is Psa 49:15 to redeem their ["soul" KJV or "life" NIV which is from the Hebrew word "nephesh" (5315) which primarily means creature, a breathing creature man or animal and is rendered variously: life, person, creature, self, soul] from the grave which will happen during the resurrection of those to be judged when Christ returns Dan 12:2; Matt 25:31-34 to earth.

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

9:9    The permanence of marriage is stressed with ‘all the days of thy life’ – a recurring idea in Scriptural. Commitment to God’s laws have the same requirement – Deut 4:10, 12:1

9:10    The inspired sentiment expressed here by Solomon reflects Job’s comments – Job 7:9-10

9:14-16   Might is not always the way to achieve one’s objective. Wisdom – correct reasoning listened to by others – is more effective than an army against a city. However we tend to think of the Bible as not particularly powerful. We are wrong if we think like that. The word of God is sharper than any sword – Heb 4:12  – because it works on the minds of individuals.

1. Ecc 9:1 - (NIV) "...no man knows whether love or hate awaits him" - good and bad happens to the righteous and wicked (Matt 5:45;Luke 13:1-5).

2. Ecc 9:3 - (NIV) "...The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live..." (Jer 17:9;Gen 6:5) - some people incorrectly believe that human nature is good or a blank slate.

3. Ecc 9:4 - (NIV) "Anyone who is among the living has hope -- even a live dog is better off than a dead lion" - a faithful Gentile is better off than a faithless man of Judah.

4. Ecc 9:7 - could this have an application to the memorial feast (Luke 22:14-20;1Cor 11:23-28)?

5. Ecc 9:8 - (NIV) "Always be clothed in white" (Rev 7:14;19:8).

6. Ecc 9:11 - (NIV) "The race is not to the swift" (2Sam 2:18-23;1Cor 9:24-27;2Tim 4:7;Heb 12:1).

7. Ecc 9:11 - (NIV) "...or the battle to the strong" (1Sam 17:4-7,42,45-46).

8. Ecc 9:11 - "...time<6256> and chance<6294> happeneth<7136> to them all" - (time and chance happens to those in the world but what about believers?), (NIV Isaiah 65:"11 But as for you who forsake the Lord and forget my holy mountain, who spread a table for Fortune and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny, I will destine you for the sword..." forsaking God and trusting in luck), (Matt 5:45 - God controls), (Heb 12:5-11;Rom 8:28 - God chastens those whom He loves and all things work together for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose), (Matt 6:26-30;Luke 12:6-7;Matt 10:29-31).

9. Ecc 9:12 - (NIV) "...no man knows when his hour will come..." (the uncertainty of this mortal existence - we shouldn't fear losing this mortal existence but should fear that which could deprive us of eternal life Matt 10:28;16:25).

9:5-7   The comment by the inspired preacher here about death is not given to enable us to prove that death ends everything. Rather it stands as a warning that we should, given that in death there is a cessation of the ability to praise God, give our lives over to praising God now. 

9:9        The phrase “all the days of life” is a recurring theme inEcc 2:3, 5:18, 6:12 and here.

9:7     The idea of drinking and eating and being merry is taken up by Jesus – Luke 12:19 – where the man in the parable is condemned for such an attitude. So we should not assume that Solomon is here encouraging a life of unending self indulgence.

9:7        The book of Ecclesiastes could be taken as presenting life as quite a depressing environment. However there are five times – Ecc 2:24, 3:13, 5:18, 8:15, 9:7 – where the inspired preacher advises that God has given, amongst other things, food and drink to be enjoyed in the labour of our lives.

Summary of Ecclesiastes 9

9:1          The righteous are chastened by God

9:2-3       But we cannot tell by looking

               Because the life of the wicked looks just like ours

9:4-6       But death ends all opportunity for service to God

              And opportunities to learn of Him

              So take your opportunities now to respond to God’s hand

9:7-10     So live your life  “to the full” because it is all there is

              As the environment to learn to be Godly

              For there is no opportunity for service in the grave

              Life is not an opportunity to excess

9:11-12   Social / economic status is of no value in godly matters

              Because your status does not affect life expectancy

9:13-18  A worked example in parable form

             The wisdom [of God] employed in our lives is more powerful than human reasoning

             But we can spoil everything by our actions

9:1     The wise man is inspired to generalise the specific statement – Prov 21:1–about God’s involvement in the lives of kings. Here we learn that God is involved in the lives of all of us. Though our free will is never compromised.

9:2   Job 9:22– says that evil and good come alike on the good and evil. The wise man here confirms, through inspiration, that what Job said was true.

9:12     That we do not know the time of our death should help us to focus on the need to, at all time, focus on praising God in the way that we live.

Ecc 9:4 Caleb, son of Jephunneh was a Kenezite and his name comes from a Hebrew root that means yelp as a dog<3611> So the living dog was chosen by the tribe of Judah to be their representative. Caleb the gentile dog joined himself to the living, and was better than the dead lion that was the tribe of Judah at the time - no others of them entered the land. 

9:1-18 Death is the sombre leveller. Whatever is achieved in this life it is but vanity – a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes.   There is little value in proving that death ends everything as we tend to do with Ecc 9:5.  The value is found in “wisdom” – wisdom that sees this life as the training ground for the kingdom

9:1-5 Death is the great leveller. No one can escape the clutches of death. We may forget death’s all pervasive power because it is all around us. However the certainty of death is proved to us by the overflowing cemeteries.

Of course there is an escape – but it is conditional on God’s mercy that will be shown to his faithful followers.

9:8  The counsel that our garments should always be “white” is not advice about style and clothing. White signifies righteousness. Our lives should always show the righteousness of God against the back ground of the emptiness of this life without Him. Of course it is not our righteousness – but that which is conferred upon us because of our faith in him that has been raised form the dead who leaves us the example of righteous living.

v. 24 - We are not told the apostles reaction to this request. Was this man beyond the pale? Clearly he had not stepped completely over the line as the apostles tell him to repent in v. 22. Is it acceptable for someone else to do the praying for him? There are examples of this happening. Consider these - Gen.20:7,17, Ex.8:8, 10:17, Num.21:7, 1Kings 13:6, Ezra 6:10, 8:23, Jas.5:16.

v.23 when speaking with Simon the sorcerer Peter appeals to Scripture to describe his attitude. gall ... bitterness Deuteronomy 29:18 bond of iniquity Isaiah 58:6 Examining the two passages quoted highlights the depths of his greed and sinfulness and how he did not appreciate the salvation that he had obtained in Christ.

8:28-33 From the detail of this familiar narrative we might conclude that the Ethiopian was reading Isa 53 to a company of men - possibly his retinue. We might wonder how many individuals had their own copy of Isaiah's prophecy. Had he just got to this part of the prophecy when Philip appeared on the scene/ Or was he reading it - with puzzlement - because he had heard the apostles speaking about this area of Isaiah whilst he had been in Jerusalem?

WHEN THINGS GET BAD
The first verse of this chapter tells us that a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem and that all except the apostles were scattered. Saul was going from house to house dragging off men and women to put them in prison if the believed in Jesus. Some, we find later, were even killed for their faith. Things were getting bad for the Christians in Jerusalem. Their freedom, life, families and everything were in danger.
So what did they do about it? Did they sit around and mope about it? Did they renounce their faith in their Messiah? No! Verse 4 tells us what they did. "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went." Even though life was bad for them they still got stuck in doing the job they were called to do. Nothing is achieved by hiding or getting upset. And this is the lesson for us.
Our faith in Jesus may not be tried like theirs was, but we can still go through bad times. In these bad times we must keep our faith in God, stay positive and press on in the task we should be doing. As the old saying goes, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." So when things get bad remember the examples of the early Christians and step out in the strength of God to carry on the work you were called to do.

The way in which Simon wished to buy the ability to pass on the Holy Spirit gifts, even though he already had the gifts is the most powerful testimony that the only ones who were able to pass on the gifts were the apostles.

V.14  It is a remarkable thing that John was sent on this occasion, earlier John had observed that the people of Samaria were not prepared to accept Christ, so asked Christ if fire could come down from heaven and destroy the people.(Luke 9:54) Now John was being sent to those same people, not to destroy them, but to help them in their faith. This is the last time that John is mentioned in the record of the Acts of the Apostles.

8:23 'Gall of bitterness' quotes Deut 29:18. Peter was telling Simon that he deserved the curses of Deuteronomy because of his dishonesty.

One wonders why the high official of the Ethiopian queen (Candace is probably a title rather than a proper name), came to Jerusalem to worship (v.27).  The fact that he was reading Isaiah is even more astounding.  Yahweh is gracious to extend His invitation for eternal life to all.  I wonder whether the eunuch had read Isa 56:3-5?

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 baptised. We need to realize that there is more to being ‘in Christ’ than being baptised.

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 identical showing that, where Simon 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.

WHEREVER WE ARE
 
"Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went." (Acts 8:4) The example of preaching the word wherever we are comes out very strongly in this chapter. It extends from people as important as the apostles right through to those who were scattered because of the persecution.
 
Philip's example also comes out strongly. Listen to what we are told about his travels. "Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed Christ there." (v.5) Then he was told to go down to the desert road between Jerusalem and Gaza where he met an Ethiopian eunuch. Philip "told him the good news about Jesus." (v.35) And then, "Philip ... appeared at Azotus and travelled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea." (v.40)
 
The apostles also preached wherever they went. We read of them that "When they had testified and proclaimed the word of the Lord, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages." (v.25)
 
What amazing examples we have been set. It does not matter where we are, or whether there is a church there or not, we still have opportunities there to preach the word. Our lives are not here just to be enjoyed. Part of our life's work is to preach the gospel in the places God has put us. Let's not let another opportunity go past, but wherever we are, tell others the good news about Jesus Christ

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 in our lives and He knows the reason for events even though we do not.

Philip demonstrated the miraculous power of Yahweh and much healing took place (vs.6,7). But, salvation was brought by Philip’s message of the Gospel, not by these works. After hearing the good news concerning the Kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ, the people were baptised (v.12). Salvation is only obtainable through hearing and believing the Gospel; and by committing to it through the waters of baptism.

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 fact way with no mention of mourning. However we see a different case with Stephen. ‘great lamentations’ 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 (the Spirit will rest on Christ, John was filled with the Holy Spirit); Acts 10:38 (here 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 deity 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 First Principles of the gospel can be divided into the sections below and clicking on each of the references will take you to the chapters containing those subjects. Look for First Principles notes within the notes for these chapters will give you more information about each subject.
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 
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)

v 12 First Principles>Kingdom of God>Gospel concerns God's Kingdom
The Gospel preached by Jesus and the Apostles concerns the Kingdom of God.
1. Examples of teaching concerning the Kingdom of God
Matt 4:23, Mark 1:14, Luke 8:1, Acts 8:12, Acts 19:8, Acts 20:25, Acts 28:31
For more about the Gospel concerning God's Kingdom, go to Matt 4:23

Vs.18,19 Simon’s act gave rise to the term simony which means: the act of buying and selling ecclesiastical offices and pardons.

V.26 Gaza was one of the five Philistine cities and not the Palestinian territory of today (1Sam 6:17).

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

8:12 The little statement about what Philip preached provides us with what the Holy Spirit sees as a suitable summary of the gospel. There are two elements. The kingdom of God and the name of Jesus. Whilst both of these elements can be expanded extensively it is important that both elements must be present in a presentation of the whole gospel.

:15-16The incidental comment that the visit of the apostles was to give the Holy Spirit is a powerful indicator that only the apostles could pass on the Holy Spirit

8:9     ‘but’ –how often do we see the good things of God undermined by others with a different agenda.

8:7        When the New Testament speaks of ‘unclean spirits’ we should not think that we are being shown that the apostles and Jesus before them spoke in this way because that is what the people thought. We should realise that the use of the phrase is designed to remind us that the prophet – Zech 13:2 – spoke of the removal of such from the land by the work of the saviour.

8:9-13   The way in which Simon, who had seduced the people, responded when he saw the miracles of Philip, is the most compelling proof that in the first century miracles convinced people of the truth of the gospel message. Whilst we do not have the holy spirit to perform miracles the evidence of the work of the holy spirit – fulfilled prophecy – can be just as effective in convincing men and women that God is working to save men and women through the sacrifice of Jesus. The fact that the restoration of Israel took place some 60 years ago does not in any way diminish the fact that it is evidence of God working. 

Acts 8:1 tells us that the believers were scattered thoughout Judea and Samaria. Samaria was previously the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and Judea made up the Southern Kingdom. When seen together like this in the text we are being told that the believers were being dispersed to all their Jewish and Israelite kin.

8:37    We should not imagine that Philip, in some unnatural way, was taken away from the scene. There are other occasions in the Acts where the “spirit” was involved in decision making. So we can conclude that Philip, having finished his task, left the Ethiopian and went to Azotus.

Acts 8:15-17 - baptism is not receiving the Holy Spirit in a miraculous way; baptism is immersion in water once one believes (Mark 16:16;Acts 8:35-39); V16-17 note that baptism into the name of the Lord Jesus happened before receiving the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands.

8:3   One might imagine that there was not much lamentation over the death of Ananias and Sapphira. However the death of Stephen was something quite different. He was the first to die for his beliefs. A portent of what was to come!

8:18-19 We might wonder, from time to time, whether those we have spoken to before baptism understood what they committed themselves to. We then reprove ourselves for not investigating enough. Spare a thought for the apostle Peter who, it seems, did not make sufficiently diligent enquiry into Simon’s motives before baptising him.

8:8-10  Notice that whilst the city rejoiced Simon was troubled. The people had made a choice between deceit and truth. It is inevitable that our response to the gospel will impact on others, as it did here. But that is not a reason not to respond to what we know to be true.

8:13 Simon is the first who used sorcery who was converted to the gospel. Another occasion is when those who used “curious arts” accepted the gospel. It is case of God showing He is more powerful than witchcraft.

8:34  The question the Ethiopian asked is a question that should be on our lips when we read scripture. Who (Or what) is the record speaking about.  The Divine record shows Christ “in all the scriptures” – Luke 24:27.

8:1 The same Greek word for “consenting” <4909> is found in Luke where it is used, albeit of the lawyers, but also in the context of the slaying of the faithful: “Truly ye bear witness that ye allow <4909> the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres” (Lk. 11:48). Saul of Tarsus was a Pharisee, but his behaviour was no better than the lawyers in this regard.  A few verses earlier, Christ said of the Pharisees: “ye are as graves” (Lk. 11:44). This was true of Saul for he consented to Stephen’s death, he persecuted “unto the death” (Acts 22:4) and the Hebrew name `Saul’ <7586> means ‘asked’ but is spelt the same as the Hebrew, š’wl, `grave’ <7585>. His behaviour punned on this similarity for when believers saw Saul coming towards them it was as though the grave was approaching. 

8:32-33 The Ethiopian had been to Jerusalem and, possibly, had bought for himself a copy of the prophecy of Isaiah. He is now reading it and for some reason is reading Isaiah 53:7-8 when Philip joins him. Consider the way that God is working so that the Ethiopian might hear the gospel. He is disposed to the gospel message, is reading a prophecy which is so specifically talking about Jesus and Philip is there to explain it to him.

8:34  The question the Ethiopian asked is a question that should be on our lips when we read scripture. Who (Or what) is the record speaking about.  The Divine record shows Christ “in all the scriptures” – Luke 24:27.

8:18-19 The way Simon behaved showed his greed. In that respect his motivation matches exactly that of Ananias and his wife Sapphira  5:1-9. Greed can manifest itself in many different ways but in the end it is always for the benefit of self, not the glorification of God,

8:9 The human spirit, left to its own devices, tends to promote “self” just like Simon. Scripture is littered with individuals who thought highly of themselves. We see another in Acts 5:36. Doubtless you can think of others. Hopefully we are never in that position ourselves.