[Isa. 50:1] Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.
[2] Wherfore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst. [
3] I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.
[4] The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
[5] The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.
[6] I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
[7] For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
[8] He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me.
[9] Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.
[10] Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
[11] Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.
[51:3] For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
[16] And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.
[18] There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up.
[22] Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:
[52:6] Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I. [Joel 2; 15-16] Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.
[Isa. 54:5] For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. In this chapter G-d vindicates His dealings with His people, whose alienation was owing to themselves, by allusion to the temporal deliverances connected with the drying up of the Red Sea and the Euphrates, asserts His power to save. And namely, by the obedience and sufferings of the Messiah, who was at length to prove victorious, exhorting to faith and trust in His Father in the most disconsolate circumstances; with a denunciation of vengeance on those who should trust to their own devices.
“Where is the bill, let them produce it if they can, for a bill of divorce was given into the hand of her that was divorced. Who divorce who? I gave you no such bill.” They were sent into Babylon for their idolatry, a sin which broke the marriage covenant. In the east they pay their debts by giving up their slaves, for these are their chief property of a disposable kind; and in many places they give their children to their creditors. “But this,” saith G-d, “cannot be My case, I am not governed by any such motives, neither am I urged by any such necessity. Your captivity therefore and your afflictions are to be imputed to yourselves, and to your own folly and wickedness. For when I come as the Messiah, notwithstanding your sins, I can still redeem you from your bondage and dispersion. I declare that the office has been assigned to Me of encouraging the weary exiles of Israel by words in season suited to your case; and that, whatever suffering it is to cost Me, I will not shrink from it for that I knows My cause will triumph at last. I learn not in mere human learning, but in divinely taught modes of instruction and eloquence. I will succor by words, namely, in your season of need, the weary dispersed ones of Israel and also, of the spiritual weary. I will be wakening My pupils early for instruction morning by morning, preparing you for receiving My divine instructions. I have learned obedience, experimentally, by the things which I suffered; thus gaining that practical learning which adapted Me for speaking a word in season to suffering mankind. None must undertake to be teachers who have not first been learners. Nor is it enough to hear, but you must hear as the learned, hear and understand, hear and remember, hear as those that would learn by what you hear. Those that would hear as the learned must be awake, and wakeful; for you are naturally drowsy and sleepy, and unapt to hear at all, or you hear by the halves, hear and do not heed. Your ears need to be wakened; you need to have something said to rouse you, to awaken you out of your spiritual slumbers that you may hear as for your lives. You need to be awakened morning by morning, as duly as the day returns, to be awakened to do the work of the day in its day. Your case calls for continual fresh supplies of divine grace, to free you from the dullness you contract daily. The morning, when your spirits are most lively, is a proper time for communion with Me; then you are in the best frame both to speak to Me and to hear from Me. If you do any thing to purpose in My service, it is Me who, as your Master, calls you up; and you should doze perpetually if I did not waken you morning by morning. I was not rebellious, neither turned away back but most willing to do the Father's will in proclaiming and procuring salvation for man, at the cost of My own sufferings. I set Myself resolutely, not to be daunted from My work of love by shame or suffering.” G-d’s greatest desire was for a more intimate relationship—one which could only be pictured between a husband and wife. To demonstrate this, Yahweh chose to use the marriage relationship as a “type or shadow” to the degree of intimacy He wanted with His people. The bride of the Messiah in Scriptures is pictured as a female, though the distinction of His bride being made up of males and females is irrelevant. There is no gender in our heavenly position in Messiah. Scriptures tell us we are all sons of G-d through faith. Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Y’Shua HaMashiach.” Many Believers today believe the ‘body’ and ‘Bride of the Messiah’ are synonymous terms. However, that is simply not true. The Greek word means ‘congregation of believers’ as referred to as His body in Ephesians 1:22-23. The definition of ‘church’ is ‘called out ones’ and refers to the remnant that came out from the body and is set apart for Him alone. Not everyone who has received the gift of salvation will respond to this ‘closer walk.’ Believers who continue to live a worldly, or carnal, lifestyle will not be ready to meet the Bridegroom. A godly man's way may be dark, but his end shall be peace and light. A wicked man's way may be bright, but his end shall be utter darkness. In contrast to the godly, and the wicked, in times of darkness, instead of trusting in Me, they trust in themselves (kindle a light for themselves to walk by). The human devices for salvation are like the spark that goes out in an instant in darkness. The Bride Of the Messiah is a remnant!
One New Man
Eph. 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace. Jew and Gentiles were reconciled and brought together by the gospel, and there were no more such wars between them as there had been; for they became one sheepfold under one Shepherd. The first five verses of Isaiah 2 foretell the kingdom of Messiah, the conversion of the Gentiles, and their admission into it. The bringing of the Gentiles into it. 1. The nations shall be admitted into it, even the uncircumcised, who were forbidden to come into the courts of the Temple at Jerusalem. The partition wall, which kept them out, kept them off, shall be taken down. 2. All nations shall flow into it; having liberty of access, they shall improve their liberty, and multitudes shall embrace the Hebrew faith. They shall flow into it, as streams of water, which denotes the abundance of converts that the gospel should make and their speed and cheerfulness in coming into the fold. They shall not be forced into it, but shall naturally flow into it. Thy people shall be willing, all volunteers, Psalms 110: 3. To the Messiah shall the gathering of the people be, Genesis 49:10. See Isaiah 60:4, 5. Last days - that is, Messiah's: especially the days yet to come, to which all prophecy hastens, when "the house of the G-d of Jacob," namely, at Jerusalem, shall be the center to which the converted nations shall flock together (Matt. 13:32; Lk. 2:31, 32; Acts 1:6, 7); where "the kingdom" of Israel is regarded as certain and the time alone uncertain (Ps. 68:15, 16; 72:8, 11). Wherever the latter times are mentioned in Scripture, the days of the Messiah are always meant. Come ye, and let us go up - The mutual assistance and encouragement which this confluence of converts shall give to one another. Their pious affections and resolutions shall be so intermixed that they shall come in one full stream. As, when the Jews from all parts of the country went up thrice a year to worship at Jerusalem, they called on their friends in the road and excited them to go along with them, so shall many of the Gentiles court their relations, friends, and neighbors, to join with them in embracing the Hebrew religion. Those that are entering into covenant and communion with G-d themselves should bring as many as they can along with them; it becomes Believers to provoke one another to good works, and to further the communion of saints by inviting one another into it. What they promise themselves in going up to the mountain of the L-rd; There He will teach us of His ways. Note, G-d's ways are to be learned in His church, in communion with His people, and in the use of instituted ordinances--the ways of duty which He requires us to walk in, the ways of grace in which He walks towards us. It is G-d that teaches His people, by His word and Spirit. It is worth while to take pains to go up to his holy mountain to be taught his ways, and those who are willing to take that pains shall never find it labor in vain. Then shall we know if we follow on to know the L-rd. 4. What they promise for themselves and one another: "If He will teach us His ways, we will walk in His paths; is He will let us know our duty, we will by His grace make conscience of doing it." Those who attend G-d's word with this humble resolution shall not be sent away without their lesson. Out of Zion shall go forth the Law - In the Temple of G-d, and in His ordinances only, can we expect to hear the pure doctrines of revelation preached. 1. G-d alone can give a revelation of His own will. 2. We must use the proper means in order to know this will. 3. We should know it in order to do it. 4. We should do it in order to profit by it. 5. He who will not walk in the light when G-d vouchsafes it shall be shut up in everlasting darkness. 6. Every man should help his neighbor to attain that light, life, and felicity: "Come ye, and let us walk in the light of the L-rd. From Jerusalem - (Lk. 24:47) an earnest of the future relations of Jerusalem to Christendom (Rom. 11:12, 15). The Messiah Himself began in Galilee, Matt. 4:23, Lk. 23:5. But, when He commissioned His Jewish Apostles to preach the gospel to all nations, He appointed them to begin in Jerusalem, Luke 24:47. See Romans 15:19. Though most of them had their homes in Galilee, yet they must stay at Jerusalem, there to receive the promise of the Spirit, Acts 1:4. And in the Temple on Mount Zion they preached the gospel, Acts 5:20. This honor was allowed to Jerusalem, even after Y’Shua was crucified there, for the sake of what it had been. And it was by this gospel, which took rise from Jerusalem, that the gospel was established on the top of the mountains. This was the rod of divine strength that was sent forth out of Zion, Psalms 110:2. Judge - as a sovereign umpire, settling all controversies (11:4), work, conviction. He whose Word goes forth out of Zion shall by that word not only subdue souls to Himself, but rule in them. He shall, in wisdom and justice, order and overrule the affairs of the world for the good of His followers, and rebuke and restrain those that oppose His interest. By His Spirit working on men's consciences He shall judge, and rebuke shall try men and check them; His kingdom is spiritual, and not of this world. Plowshares - in the East resembling a short sword (9:6, 7; Zec. 9:10). He whose word goes forth out of Zion shall by that word not only subdue souls to himself, but rule in them. He shall, in wisdom and justice, order and overrule the affairs of the world for the good of His church, and rebuke and restrain those that oppose His interest. By His Spirit working on men's consciences He shall judge, and rebuke shall try men and check them; His kingdom is spiritual, and not of this world. War any more - Jew and Gentiles were reconciled and brought together by the gospel, and there were no more such wars between them as there had been; for they became one sheepfold under one Shepherd. If wars are necessary, how deep must that fall be that renders them so! But what a reproach to humanity is the trade of war! Men are regularly instructed in it, as in any of the necessary arts. "How to dislodge most souls from their frail shrines by bomb, sword, ball, and bayonet, is the art which some call great and glorious!" [5] O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the L-RD. The connection is: As Israel's high destiny is to be a blessing to all nations (Gen. 12:3), let Israel's children walk worthy of it (Eph. 5:8). The light - Take heed that you do not reject that light which is so clear that even the blind Gentiles will discern it. 1. Let us walk circumspectly in the light of this knowledge. Will G-d teach us His ways? Will He show us His glory in the face of the Messiah? Let us then walk as children of the light and of the day, Eph. 5:8, 1 Thess. 5:8, Romans 13:12. 2. Let us walk comfortably in the light of this peace. Shall there be no more war? Let us then go on our way rejoicing, and let this joy terminate in G-d, and be our strength, Neh. 8:10. Thus shall we walk in the beams of the Sun of righteousness.
Eye of Sodom
[Isa. 3:9] The shew of their countenance doth witness against them The word translated "shew" is only used in this place. Which may be known by their countenances; the countenance oftentimes shows what is in the heart, the cruel disposition of the mind, the pride and vanity of it, the uncleanness and lasciviousness that is in it. It may be judged of them; their guilt flies in their face, and fills them with shame and confusion; not only their words and actions, but their disrespectful looks, show what they are. The steadfastness of their countenance-they appear to be bent on iniquity, their eyes tell the wickedness of their hearts. The eye is the index of the mind. Envy, hatred, malice, wickedness, and murder, when in the heart, look most intelligently out at the eye. They tell the innocent to be on their guard; they announce the presence of the destroyer. Impure tendency are particularly legible in the eyes for hey glory in their iniquity. This is the highest pitch of ungodliness.And they have committed it openly, without fear or shame; glory in it, and boast of it! Woe unto their soul - they have brought upon themselves, soul and body, the just recommence of reward; they have been the cause of their own ruin, and have wronged their own souls. Every man's sin is against his own soul. Evil awaits sinners-and he that offends his G-d injures himself. The condition of sinners is woeful and very deplorable. Their minds are vain, and lewd, and malicious; their eyes declare plainly that they cannot cease from sin. One may look them in the face and guess at the desperate wickedness that there is in their hearts. They declare their sin as Sodom, so unthinking, so domineering, are their lusts, and so impatient of the least check, and so perfectly are all the remaining sparks of virtue extinguished in them. The Sodomites declared their sin, not only by the exceeding greatness of it (Genesis 13:13), so that it cried to heaven (Genesis 18:20), but by their shameless owning of that which was most shameful (Genesis 19:5); and thus Judah and Jerusalem did: they were so far from hiding it that they gloried in it, in the bold attempts they made upon virtue, and the victory they gained over their own convictions. They had a whore's forehead (Jeremiah 3:3) and could not blush, Jeremiah 6:15. Note: Those that have grown impudent in sin are ripe for ruin. Those that are past shame are past grace, and then past hope, without repentance.That their guides, who should direct them in the right way, put them out of the way, mislead them; they cause them to err. Either they preached to them that which was false and corrupt, or, if they preached that which was true and good, they contradicted it by their practices, and the people would soon follow a bad example than a good exhortation. Thus they destroyed the ways of their paths, pulling down with one hand what they built up with the other.Their priests applauded them, as if nothing were amiss among them, cried Peace, peace, to them, as if they were in no danger; and thus they caused them to go on in their errors.Look deep into ones’ eyes and you will know how to pray for their soul.
Weekly Collections
Acts 18:23 Paul goes to Galatia and Phrygia. It was on this visitation that he ordained the weekly collection (1 Cor. 16:1, 2), which has been since adopted generally, and converted into a public usage throughout Christendom. “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” I never noticed that before Paul started it a Christian weekly collection. Not a collection for the church or their leaders. It was to be a charitable collection for the distresses and poverty of Believers in Judea, which at this time were extraordinary, partly through the general calamities of that nation and partly through the particular sufferings to which they were exposed. It is the meaning is that we should lay by as we could spare from time to time, and by this means make up a sum for this charitable purpose, a stock for the poor as well as for ourselves. By this means we will be ready to every good work as the opportunity offers; and many who labor with their own hands for a livelihood should so work that they may have to give to him that needs. (Those who do not work should not eat). Indeed all our charity and benevolence should be free and cheerful, and for that reason should be made as easy to ourselves as may be. We may cheerfully give when we know that we can spare, and that we have been lying by in store that we may give. Our prosperity and success are from G-d and not from ourselves; and he is to be owned in all and honored with all. It is his bounty and blessing to which we owe all we have; and whatever we have is to be used, and employed, and improved, for Him. When G-d blesses and prospers us, we should be ready to relieve and comfort His needy servants; when His bounty flows forth upon us, we should not confine it to ourselves, but let it stream out to others that have a need. Remember when one part of the body hurts the whole body hurts. The good we receive from Him should stir us up to do good to others, to resemble Him in our beneficence; and therefore the more good we receive from G-d the more we should do good to others. When Paul came, as to the disposal of it, he would leave it much to themselves. The charity was theirs, and it was fit they should dispose of it in their own way; he would not meddle with their contributions without their consent. We should not only charitably relieve our poor fellow-believers but do it in such a way as will best signify our compassion to them and care of them. It appears from the whole that the first day of the week, which is the Christian Sabbath, (now separated from the instructions of G-d) was the day on which their principal religious meetings were held on a Sunday. Paul follows here the rule of the Synagogue; it was a regular custom among the Jews to make their collections for the poor on the Sabbath day, (Saturday, the end of the week to rest) that they might not be without the necessaries of life, and might not be prevented from coming to the Synagogue. let him put it in the alms' purse. It was a maxim also with them that, if they found any money, they were not to put it in their private purse, but in that which belonged to the poor. The pious Jews believed that as salt seasoned food, so did alms, riches; and that he who did not give alms of what he had, his riches should be dispersed. The moth would corrupt the bags, and the canker corrodes the money, unless the mass was sanctified by giving a part to the poor. Do you have an Alms purse? Or do you bury your treasures, to keep for yourself? Do you care for the hurting believers and reach out a hand to help where you can? This is one of the most interesting and suggestive incidental narratives in this precious history. What history are you making?
Religious Indifference
[Acts 18:12-17…. If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, ..., reason would that I should bear with you: But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.] This is a great story and I see a message in it, so I chose to search it out to bring it to life of true understanding. The Romans comprehended, under the name of Achaia, all that part of Greece which lay between Thessaly and the southernmost coasts of Peloponnesus. The Romans comprehended, under the name of Achaia, all that part of Greece which lay between Thessaly and the southernmost coasts of Peloponnesus. The Romans were accustomed to send a governor into that country, and that they called him the governor of Achaia, not of Greece; because the Achaeans, when they subdued Greece, were the leaders in all the Grecian affairs. The Jews had no power to punish any person in the Roman provinces, and therefore were obliged to bring their complaint before the Roman governor. The powers that be are ordained of G-d. Had the Jews possessed the power here, Paul had been put to death! This fellow persuadeth men to worship G-d contrary to the law. This accusation was very dangerous. The Jews had permission by the Romans to worship their own G-d in their own way: this the laws allowed. The Roman worship was also established by the law. The Jews probably intended to accuse Paul of acting contrary to both laws. "He is not a Jew, for he does not admit of circumcision; he is not a Gentile, for he preaches against the worship of the idols. He is setting up a worship of his own, in opposition to all laws, and persuading many people to join with him: he is therefore a most dangerous man, and should be put to death." When Paul was about to open his mouth, He was about to enter on his defense; but Gallio, perceiving that the prosecution was through envy and malice, would not put Paul to any farther trouble, but determined the matter as follows. If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, any offense punishable by the magistrate. Wrong would have been of injustice; any thing contrary to the rights of the subject. Lewdness was something by which the subject is grievously wronged; were it any crime against society or against the state. Gallio stated it was according to reason, or the merit of the case, he would patiently hear it. Question of words and names, and of your law . . . I will be no judge, in this only laying down the proper limits of his office. A better answer could not be given by man; and it was highly becoming the acknowledged meekness, gentleness, and benevolence of this amiable man. He concluded that the state had no right to control any man's religious opinion; that was between the object of his worship and his own conscience; and therefore he was not authorized to intermeddle with subjects of this nature, which the law left to every man's private judgment. Had all the rulers of the people in every country acted as this sensible and benevolent Roman, laws against liberty of conscience, concerning religious persecution, would not be found to be, as they not are, blots and disgraces on the statute books of almost all the civilized nations of Europe. State and religion have always been separated, but it is now slowly changing to where if ‘certain things’ that are written in Scripture, and if a speaker mentions it could be imprisoned., such as ‘gay’ rights. Such as a time is this! What happen to liberty of conscience? Gallio, drave them being annoyed at such a case. He saw that their accusation was both frivolous and vexatious, and he ordered them to depart, and the assembly to disperse. The word to which we translate he drave, does not signify here any act of violence on the part of Gallio or the Roman officers, but simply an authoritative dismission. All the Greeks were the Gentile spectators, that these Hellenes were Jews, born in a Greek country, and speaking the Greek language. They took Sosthenes, it is very improbable that this was the same Sosthenes as the missionary afterwards calls "his brother" (1 Cor. 1:1). Crispus might have been removed from his presidency in the Synagogue as soon as the Jews found he had embraced Christianity, and Sosthenes appointed in his place. And, as he seems to have speedily embraced the same doctrine, the Jews would be the more enraged, and their malice be directed strongly against him, when they found that the proconsul would not support them in their opposition to Paul. And beat him before the judgment-seat, Gallio did not concern himself, did not intermeddle with any of these things. As he found that it was a business that concerned their own religion, and that the contention was among themselves, and that they were abusing one of their own sect only, he did not choose to interfere. He, like the rest of the Romans, considered the Jews a most despicable people, and worthy of no regard; and their present conduct had no tendency to cause him to form a different opinion of them from that which he and his countrymen had previously entertained. It is not very likely, however, that Gallio saw this outrage; for, though it was before the judgment seat, it probably did not take place till Gallio had left the court; and, though he might be told of it, he left the matter to the lictors, and would not interfere.Gallio’s brother praise his loving and lovable manners. Religious indifference, under the influence of an easy and amiable temper, reappears from age to age, and not a stranger in our day. The conduct of Gallio has been, in this case, greatly censured; and I think with manifest injustice. In the business brought before his tribunal, no man could have followed a more prudent or equitable course. His whole conduct showed that it was his opinion, that the civil magistrate had nothing to do with religious opinions or the concerns of conscience, in matters where the safety of the state was not implicated. He therefore refused to make the subject a matter of legal discussion. The lictors, and other minor officers, were there in sufficient force to prevent any serious riot, and it was their business to see that the public peace was not broken, besides, as a heathen, he might have no objection to permit this people to pursue a line of conduct by which they were sure to bring themselves and their religion into contempt. These wicked Jews could not disprove the missionary’s doctrine, either by argument or Scripture; and they had recourse to manual logic, which was an indisputable proof of the badness of their own cause, and the strength of that of their opponents. The words, ‘cared for none of those things,’ are both misunderstood and misapplied: we have already seen that they only mean that he would not intermeddle in a controversy which did not belong to has province and sufficient reasons have been alleged why he should act as he did. It is granted that many preachers take this for a text, and preach useful sermons for the conviction of the undecided and lukewarm; and it is to be deplored that there are so many undecided and careless people in the world, and especially in reference to what concerns their eternal interests. But is it not to be lamented, also, thy there should be preachers of G-d's holy word who attempt to explain passages of Scripture which they do not understand. For he who preaches on Gallio cared for none of those things, in the way in which the passage has, through mismanagement, been popularly understood, either does not understand it, or he willing perverts the meaning. Mob setting is when people join one side or another calling out words and names being wrong and lewdness loosing the liberty of conscience, in the war of Religious Indifference. Would we have religious indifference if ALL studied the Word to get its full meaning, than followed it without bending comprising with the world?
Speak Out in the Cities
[Acts 18:9-10: Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not your peace: For I am with you, and no man shall set on you to hurt you: for I have much people in this city.] Be not afraid of the magistrates of the city, for they have no power against you but what is given them from above. It is the cause of heaven you should be pleading, do it boldly. Be not afraid of their words, nor dismayed at their looks; but speak, and hold not your peace; Let slip no opportunity of speaking to them; cry aloud, spare not. Do not hold your peace from speaking for fear of them, nor hold your peace in speaking the truth. Do not speak shyly and with caution, but plainly and fully and with courage. Speak out; use all the liberty of Spirit that becomes an ambassador for the Messiah. The same promise that ratified the general commission (Matthew 28:19, 20), Lo I am with you always, is here repeated. Those that have Y’Shua with them need not to fear, and ought not to shrink. G-d will gave him a warrant of protection to save him harmless, and He is not a respecter of persons: "No man shall set on you to hurt you; you shall be delivered out of the hands of wicked and unreasonable men and shall not be driven hence, as you was from other places, by persecution." G-d does not promise that no man should set on him (for the next news we hear is that he is set upon, and brought to the judgment-seat, 18:12), but, "No man shall set on you to hurt you; the remainder of their wrath shall be restrained; you shall not be beaten and imprisoned here, as you was at Philippi." Paul met with coarser treatment at first than he did afterwards, and was now comforted according to the time wherein he had been afflicted. Trials shall not last always, Psalms 66:10-12. G-d gave him a prospect of success: "For I have much people in this city. Therefore no man shall prevail to obstruct your work, therefore I will be with you to own your work, and therefore do thou go on vigorously and cheerfully in it; for there are many in this city that are to be effectually called by your ministry, in whom you shall see of the travail of your soul." “There is to Me a great people here. The L-rd knows those that are His, yea, and those that shall be His; for it is by His work upon them that they become His, and known unto Him are all His works. "I have them, though they yet know Me not, though yet they are let captive by Satan at his will; for the Father has given them to Me, to be a seed to serve Me; I have them written in the book of life; I have their names down, and of all that were given Me I will lose none; I have them, for I am sure to have them;" whom He did predestinate, those He called.” In our cities, though it is a very profane wicked city, full of impurity, yet in this heap of sin, that seems to be all chaff, there is wheat; in this ore, that seems to be all dross, there is gold. Let us not despair concerning any place, when even in our cities the Messiah has much people.
Paul The Tentmaker
[Acts 18:3] And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. In Judaism it was not considered proper for a scribe or a rabbi to receive payment for his teaching, so many of them practiced a trade in addition to their study and teaching of the Law. Paul's tentmaking was an important part of his ministry. Though he recognized his right to be supported by those he ministered to (1 Corinthians 9:7-14), he voluntarily supported himself on the mission field so that no one could accuse him of seeking converts for the sake of enriching himself (1 Corinthians 9:15-18). In the modern missions movement, people call any work that a missionary does to support himself on the mission field tentmaking. Tents are made of strips of heavy materials just over a yard wide. Woven of goat or camel hair and hemp like fiber, the material is usually made by women during spare time in their household routines. The raw materials are corded and then spun by means of a spindle. The cord thus spun is as thick as the heavy wrapping cord we use for tying parcels for shipment. It is wound into huge balls as it is spun. The weaving is done in a very crud manner outside the tent, without the aid of a loom, though by a loom like process. A kind of shuttle affair is passed back and forth, alternating between the cords that have been strung out as the warp of the material. When woven, the tent strips are about a quarter of an inch thick. The tent is then actually “made” by sewing these strips together, producing the family residence. The tents are rectangular or oblong, never round or square. They vary in size according to the wealth of the man and the size of his family. There is usually a separating partition in the center to divide the space into “kitchen” and “living room” areas, the former generally serving as the women’s compartment and the latter as the place for the men. This partition is formed either by suspending rugs or extra tent fabric, or more commonly, by stacking up the family supplies of grain and other produce, rugs, bundles of clothing ect. Either carpets or straw mats are spread on the dirt floor for the people to sit on. In the dry weather the tents let through a great deal of sunlight, particularly when the materials are new, so during the first rain of the season, leakage is profuse. But as soon as the rains soak the material, it tightens up and the tent becomes virtually waterproof. They add appropriate accessories as ten ropes, poles and pegs. It is the duty of each woman to weave one new strip of material for her tent annually. Then, during the dry season, with the aid of a professional tentmaker and the male members of her household, she opens the tent in the center, sews in the new strip, and discards the oldest strip at the outside edge. In this way she always keeps a roof over her family. Paul had been designed originally for a lawyer, and had been brought up at the feet of Gamaliel. But it was a regular custom among the Jews to train up their sons to some useful employment, that they might have the means of an honest livelihood. Paul made it a point of conscience to work at that which he had probably been bred to, partly that he might not be burdensome to the churches, and partly that his motives as a minister of the Messiah might not be liable to misconstruction. Cloth tents supplied by the goats of the missionary’s native province, and hence, as sold in the markets of the Levant, called cilicium. In eastern countries, where there was much travel, where there were no inns, and where many were shepherds, such a business might be useful, and a profitable source of living. It appears that the missionary had his lodging with Aquila and his wife Priscilla (from these Latin names one would conclude that they had resided so long in Rome as to lose their Jewish family names); and probably a portion of the profits of the business, after his board was deducted. It was evidently no reproach for a man, at that time, to unite public teaching with an honest useful trade. Even though they were trained up to the liberal sciences, yet they deemed a handicraft trade, or some honorable occupation, an indispensable part of education. The wise generally practice some of the arts, lest they should be dependent on the charity of others." The wisdom of this is obvious; and it is equally plain that a custom of this kind now might preserve the health and lives of many professional men and women, and save from ignoble dependence or vice, in future years, many who are trained up in the lap of indulgence and wealth. This is more to Paul’s praise who did not ask for supplies than to theirs who did not supply him unasked. He supported his own missions, never asking for a hand out. See how industrious Paul was, and how willing to take pains. He that had so much excellent work to do with his mind, yet, when there was occasion, did not think it below him to work with his hands. Even those that are redeemed from the curse of the law are not exempt from that sentence: In the sweat of thy face thou shalt eat bread. Paul therefore maintained himself with his own labor that he might not make the gospel of the Messiah burdensome. He took ‘gifts’ offered but he never asked for it or tried to manipulate to get a hand out. And why should it be so now??
Foods that speed healing
It's common knowledge that when you are sick or laid up, you should drink as many glasses of water, juice or drinks containing electrolytes as possible. At least eight cups a day--helps the body rid itself of toxins and other waste products. The human body is, after all, made up of 75 percent water.
A well-balanced diet is one key to keeping your body strong and healthy. Whether you are fighting cancer, depression or heart disease, or if you're trying to ward off these kinds of illnesses, a diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other healing food will provide your body with the nutrition it needs to fight disease and keep everything in working order.
It's also true that certain foods feed your body powerful vitamins and nutrients that can help you feel better faster.
Alzheimer’s disease eat strawberries contain a nutrient that might be able to protect the brain from Alzheimer’s and even improve memory. Strawberries contain the nutrient fistein, which is high in antioxidants that can help protect the brain from both oxidation and the degeneration. Protect the brain and nervous system from degenerative disease — is edible plants.
Cleanse the liver performs the vital function of cleansing toxins from the body's blood. When high toxin levels cause the liver to overwork, the liver can slow down and become congested. Liver congestion impairs the detoxification process. Foods to eat are cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, Leafy green vegetables, including kale, spinach and arugula. Root vegetables, particularly carrots and beets, are rich in beta carotene and flavonoids. Citrus fruits, lemons and limes also aid the liver in breaking down toxins. Apples, whole grains, walnuts and garlic.
Heart disease, angina, a chest pain that is a symptom of heart disease, occurs when the blood flow to your heart diminishes. There are steps you can take to ease the pain and blunt the attacks.
Add vegetables and whole-grain foods. Some options include oatmeal, peaches, bananas, toast crackers, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, blueberries and brown rice. Look for labels that say "whole grain" as opposed to just "wheat" on breads and pastas. The fiber in whole grain foods can ease the symptoms of heart disease.
Limit foods that are high in fat, such as red meat, cheese and many desserts. Standard treatment for angina can include cutting the calories from fat in your diet to around 10 percent. If you do eat red meat, trim all the excess fat.
Consider supplements. Your doctor can recommend the correct amounts and particular brands. Vitamin E, selenium and magnesium have been beneficial in the treatment of angina and other problems related to heart disease. You also can buy a fiber supplement.Hot Peppers are an excellent nasal decongestant. Capsaicin is found in peppers and naturally thins mucus and clears stuffy nose.
The use of herbs and spices in foods is for well-being. Garlic is one example of a food used for centuries for its inherent anti-fungal and antibiotic properties to aid in illness, injury and disease. Other spices used for healing properties include red pepper, turmeric and cinnamon.
Irritable bowel syndrome take two 850g capsules of Wild Yam Root, after a meal, use dill weed as a seasoning on whatever dish you prefer. Dill weed contains vanadium, magnesium, and calcium, all which are very good for your digestive system.
Take one 480g capsule of Fennel Seed, after a meal. Fennel contains vitamin c, potassium, quercetin, isoflavanoids, molybdenum, folic acid, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, iron, calcium, sulfur, and vitamin A.
Fennel is very good for the reproductive system, stomach, spleen, liver, kidneys, digestive system, and nervous system. Fennel can also be taken by lactacting mothers to encourage their babies to nurse more. Fennel aids digestion, relives vomiting, cramping, and abdominal pains.
Have a bowl of tomato bisque basil soup. Basil contains megnesium, polyphenols, phystosterols, monoterpenes, antioxidants, and calcium. It is good for the intestines, digestive system, nervous system, and is used to releive nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Kidney disease food would be soybeans, royal jelly and Eicosapentaenoic acid, found in Sardines.
Rheumatoid Arthritis foods are black sesame seeds, fish, Black sesame seeds, Black soya beans. Grapes, cauliflower, shallots, papaya, onion, leek, celery, asparagus, flaxseeds, cucumber, apple, banana, prunes, watercress, strawberries, lemon, cabbage, chives, vinegar, melon, beets, green beans, chestnuts, raspberries, bell pepper, blueberries, tomato and mulberries.
Prostate health possess cancer-fighting properties, antioxidants, omega three fatty acids, or selenium. Onions, garlic, broccoli and cabbage are natural cancer fighters, and tomatoes contain lycopene, an important antioxidant. Fish like salmon and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids, and Brazil nuts, tuna, cod and turkey offer selenium. Cultures that consume more soy show a lower incidence of prostate cancer. Vitamin D may cut your prostate cancer risk, and is available in supplement form. You can take a fish oil supplement to obtain omega-3 fatty acids.
Protein-rich foods such as nuts and certain fruits were as healing foods. Among the valued nuts were almonds, which contain good oils and proteins. The high protein content in figs was believed beneficial in promoting tissue growth and healing from injuries.
Roots and root vegetables have long been associated with good health. Ginger is a root for a digestive aid. It is known for healing properties that help calm upset stomachs and aid in digestion. Ginger can be chewed raw or used in teas and drinks.
Soup is a food that does double duty --- it hydrates and nourishes and it's generally easy to digest if nausea is present. Certain studies suggest that chicken soup, in particular, contains healing properties that help fight infections. Choose broth-based soups over cream-based ones.
Yogurt or Kefir are probiotics are a front-line defense for the immune system and yogurt and kefir are loaded with probiotics, also known as good bacteria. This good bacteria lives in the intestinal tract and fights off bad germs, helping to increase your body's white blood cell count. An advantage kefir has over regular yogurt is that it can colonize in the intestinal tract, maintaining that defensive line and warding off any relapses once you recover.
Vegetables and fruits are super foods. They are loaded with vitamins that your body needs to not only maintain optimum well-being, but also to build your body back to health. Vitamin C is linked to helping you get and remain healthy and can be found in oranges, strawberries and potatoes. Carrots, cantaloupe and sweet potatoes are filled with beta carotene. When you or a loved one is sick, it's a good time to indulge in the "whatever tastes good" philosophy. So if mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes will spur an appetite, or if roasted carrots drizzled with a little maple syrup or butter and brown sugar will entice someone to eat, indulge.
Natural Healing Whole Foods allow you to throw away your medicines, and all the side effects that go with them!
A well-balanced diet is one key to keeping your body strong and healthy. Whether you are fighting cancer, depression or heart disease, or if you're trying to ward off these kinds of illnesses, a diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other healing food will provide your body with the nutrition it needs to fight disease and keep everything in working order.
It's also true that certain foods feed your body powerful vitamins and nutrients that can help you feel better faster.
Alzheimer’s disease eat strawberries contain a nutrient that might be able to protect the brain from Alzheimer’s and even improve memory. Strawberries contain the nutrient fistein, which is high in antioxidants that can help protect the brain from both oxidation and the degeneration. Protect the brain and nervous system from degenerative disease — is edible plants.
Cleanse the liver performs the vital function of cleansing toxins from the body's blood. When high toxin levels cause the liver to overwork, the liver can slow down and become congested. Liver congestion impairs the detoxification process. Foods to eat are cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, Leafy green vegetables, including kale, spinach and arugula. Root vegetables, particularly carrots and beets, are rich in beta carotene and flavonoids. Citrus fruits, lemons and limes also aid the liver in breaking down toxins. Apples, whole grains, walnuts and garlic.
Heart disease, angina, a chest pain that is a symptom of heart disease, occurs when the blood flow to your heart diminishes. There are steps you can take to ease the pain and blunt the attacks.
Add vegetables and whole-grain foods. Some options include oatmeal, peaches, bananas, toast crackers, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, blueberries and brown rice. Look for labels that say "whole grain" as opposed to just "wheat" on breads and pastas. The fiber in whole grain foods can ease the symptoms of heart disease.
Limit foods that are high in fat, such as red meat, cheese and many desserts. Standard treatment for angina can include cutting the calories from fat in your diet to around 10 percent. If you do eat red meat, trim all the excess fat.
Consider supplements. Your doctor can recommend the correct amounts and particular brands. Vitamin E, selenium and magnesium have been beneficial in the treatment of angina and other problems related to heart disease. You also can buy a fiber supplement.Hot Peppers are an excellent nasal decongestant. Capsaicin is found in peppers and naturally thins mucus and clears stuffy nose.
The use of herbs and spices in foods is for well-being. Garlic is one example of a food used for centuries for its inherent anti-fungal and antibiotic properties to aid in illness, injury and disease. Other spices used for healing properties include red pepper, turmeric and cinnamon.
Irritable bowel syndrome take two 850g capsules of Wild Yam Root, after a meal, use dill weed as a seasoning on whatever dish you prefer. Dill weed contains vanadium, magnesium, and calcium, all which are very good for your digestive system.
Take one 480g capsule of Fennel Seed, after a meal. Fennel contains vitamin c, potassium, quercetin, isoflavanoids, molybdenum, folic acid, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, iron, calcium, sulfur, and vitamin A.
Fennel is very good for the reproductive system, stomach, spleen, liver, kidneys, digestive system, and nervous system. Fennel can also be taken by lactacting mothers to encourage their babies to nurse more. Fennel aids digestion, relives vomiting, cramping, and abdominal pains.
Have a bowl of tomato bisque basil soup. Basil contains megnesium, polyphenols, phystosterols, monoterpenes, antioxidants, and calcium. It is good for the intestines, digestive system, nervous system, and is used to releive nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Kidney disease food would be soybeans, royal jelly and Eicosapentaenoic acid, found in Sardines.
Rheumatoid Arthritis foods are black sesame seeds, fish, Black sesame seeds, Black soya beans. Grapes, cauliflower, shallots, papaya, onion, leek, celery, asparagus, flaxseeds, cucumber, apple, banana, prunes, watercress, strawberries, lemon, cabbage, chives, vinegar, melon, beets, green beans, chestnuts, raspberries, bell pepper, blueberries, tomato and mulberries.
Prostate health possess cancer-fighting properties, antioxidants, omega three fatty acids, or selenium. Onions, garlic, broccoli and cabbage are natural cancer fighters, and tomatoes contain lycopene, an important antioxidant. Fish like salmon and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids, and Brazil nuts, tuna, cod and turkey offer selenium. Cultures that consume more soy show a lower incidence of prostate cancer. Vitamin D may cut your prostate cancer risk, and is available in supplement form. You can take a fish oil supplement to obtain omega-3 fatty acids.
Protein-rich foods such as nuts and certain fruits were as healing foods. Among the valued nuts were almonds, which contain good oils and proteins. The high protein content in figs was believed beneficial in promoting tissue growth and healing from injuries.
Roots and root vegetables have long been associated with good health. Ginger is a root for a digestive aid. It is known for healing properties that help calm upset stomachs and aid in digestion. Ginger can be chewed raw or used in teas and drinks.
Soup is a food that does double duty --- it hydrates and nourishes and it's generally easy to digest if nausea is present. Certain studies suggest that chicken soup, in particular, contains healing properties that help fight infections. Choose broth-based soups over cream-based ones.
Yogurt or Kefir are probiotics are a front-line defense for the immune system and yogurt and kefir are loaded with probiotics, also known as good bacteria. This good bacteria lives in the intestinal tract and fights off bad germs, helping to increase your body's white blood cell count. An advantage kefir has over regular yogurt is that it can colonize in the intestinal tract, maintaining that defensive line and warding off any relapses once you recover.
Vegetables and fruits are super foods. They are loaded with vitamins that your body needs to not only maintain optimum well-being, but also to build your body back to health. Vitamin C is linked to helping you get and remain healthy and can be found in oranges, strawberries and potatoes. Carrots, cantaloupe and sweet potatoes are filled with beta carotene. When you or a loved one is sick, it's a good time to indulge in the "whatever tastes good" philosophy. So if mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes will spur an appetite, or if roasted carrots drizzled with a little maple syrup or butter and brown sugar will entice someone to eat, indulge.
Natural Healing Whole Foods allow you to throw away your medicines, and all the side effects that go with them!
Explain this statement
“If you have all Word you dry up, if you have all Spirit you blow up.”
I did an extensive search in the Scriptures and can not even find a hint to such a statement of (drying up or blowing up) in using the Father's Word or Spirit.
Can you imagine telling G-d “I got all of Your Word and dried up?
Or I got all of Your Spirit and blew up?
The concept was you do need 'both' the Word and the Spirit, which is Scriptural.
I think it would scare babies off with fear of drying up or blowing up.
My way would be to just explain how the Spirit of G-d was given to us to help us draw closer to G-d's Word.
There has to be a balance to maintain a spiritual walk or we would become lopsided.
My question is would you even use this statement in trying to get the message across?
I did an extensive search in the Scriptures and can not even find a hint to such a statement of (drying up or blowing up) in using the Father's Word or Spirit.
Can you imagine telling G-d “I got all of Your Word and dried up?
Or I got all of Your Spirit and blew up?
The concept was you do need 'both' the Word and the Spirit, which is Scriptural.
I think it would scare babies off with fear of drying up or blowing up.
My way would be to just explain how the Spirit of G-d was given to us to help us draw closer to G-d's Word.
There has to be a balance to maintain a spiritual walk or we would become lopsided.
My question is would you even use this statement in trying to get the message across?
Epicureans & Stoics
[Acts 17:18] Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Y’Shua, and the resurrection.
Certain philosophers of the Epicureans is a well-known school of atheistic materialists, who taught that pleasure was the chief end of human existence; a principle which the more rational interpreted in a refined sense, while the sensual explained it in its coarser meaning. These were the followers of Epicurus, who acknowledged no gods except in name, and absolutely denied that they exercised any government over the world or its inhabitants; and that the chief good consisted in the gratification of the appetites of sense.
The Stoics did not deny the existence of the gods; but they held that all human affairs were governed by fate. They did not believe that any good was received from the hands of their idols; and considered, as Seneca asserts, that any good and wise man was equal to Jupiter himself. Both these sects agreed in denying the resurrection of the body; and the former did not believe in the immortality of the soul.
Epicurus, the founder of the Epicurean sect, was born at Athens, about A.M. 3663, before the Messiah 341. The Stoics was a celebrated school of severe and lofty pantheists, whose principle was that the universe was under the law of an iron necessity, the spirit of which was what is called the Deity: and that a passionless conformity of the human will to this law, unmoved by all external circumstances and changes, is the perfection of virtue. While therefore the Stoical was in itself superior to the Epicurean system, both were alike hostile to the Gospel.
Zeno, the founder of the Stoic sect, was born in the isle of Cyprus, about thirty years before Messiah. His disciples were called Stoics from the a famous portico at Athens, where they studied. Besides these two sects, there were two others which were famous at this time; viz. the Academics and the Peripatetics. The founder of the first was the celebrated Plato; and the founder of the second, the no less famous Aristotle. These sects professed a much purer doctrine than the Epicureans and Stoics; and it does not appear that they opposed the missionaries, nor did they enter into public disputations with them. Against the doctrines taught by the Epicureans and Stoics, several parts of Paul's discourse, in the following verses, are directly pointed.
"The two enemies it has ever had to contend with are the two ruling principles of the Epicureans and Stoics--Pleasure and Pride".
What will this babbler say? The word, which means "a picker-up of seeds," bird-like, is applied to a gatherer and retailer of scraps of knowledge, a prater; a general term of contempt for any pretended teacher.
The epithet became applied to persons who collected the sayings of others, without order or method, and detailed them among their companions in the same way. The application of the term to prating, empty, disrespectful persons, was natural and easy, and hence it was considered a term of reproach and contempt, and was sometimes used to signify the vilest sort of men.
A setter forth of strange gods are "demons," but in the Greek (not Jewish) sense of "objects of worship." There was a difference, in the heathen theology, between god, and demon: the first, were such as were gods by nature: the second were men who were deified.He seemed to be a setter forth of strange gods. This distinction seems to be in the mind of these philosophers when they said that the missionaries seemed to be setters forth of strange demons, because they preached unto them Y’Shua whom they showed to be a man, suffering and dying, but afterwards raised to the throne of G-d. This would appear to them equivalent with the deification of heroes, services to mankind. They made these to be two divinities: the strange gods were Jehovah and the Risen Savior, ordained to judge the world.
In the twenty-first century it sounds like it is even truer of our own time. "This is a striking feature of the USA in the present day. The itch for news, which generally argues a worldly, shallow, or unsettled mind, is wonderfully widespread: even ministers of the Gospel, negligent of their sacred function, are become in this sense Athenians; so that the book of G-d is neither read nor studied with half the avidity and spirit as a newspaper . . . It is no wonder if such become political preachers, and their sermons be no better than husks for swine. To such the hungry sheep look up, and are not fed.”
Certain philosophers of the Epicureans is a well-known school of atheistic materialists, who taught that pleasure was the chief end of human existence; a principle which the more rational interpreted in a refined sense, while the sensual explained it in its coarser meaning. These were the followers of Epicurus, who acknowledged no gods except in name, and absolutely denied that they exercised any government over the world or its inhabitants; and that the chief good consisted in the gratification of the appetites of sense.
The Stoics did not deny the existence of the gods; but they held that all human affairs were governed by fate. They did not believe that any good was received from the hands of their idols; and considered, as Seneca asserts, that any good and wise man was equal to Jupiter himself. Both these sects agreed in denying the resurrection of the body; and the former did not believe in the immortality of the soul.
Epicurus, the founder of the Epicurean sect, was born at Athens, about A.M. 3663, before the Messiah 341. The Stoics was a celebrated school of severe and lofty pantheists, whose principle was that the universe was under the law of an iron necessity, the spirit of which was what is called the Deity: and that a passionless conformity of the human will to this law, unmoved by all external circumstances and changes, is the perfection of virtue. While therefore the Stoical was in itself superior to the Epicurean system, both were alike hostile to the Gospel.
Zeno, the founder of the Stoic sect, was born in the isle of Cyprus, about thirty years before Messiah. His disciples were called Stoics from the a famous portico at Athens, where they studied. Besides these two sects, there were two others which were famous at this time; viz. the Academics and the Peripatetics. The founder of the first was the celebrated Plato; and the founder of the second, the no less famous Aristotle. These sects professed a much purer doctrine than the Epicureans and Stoics; and it does not appear that they opposed the missionaries, nor did they enter into public disputations with them. Against the doctrines taught by the Epicureans and Stoics, several parts of Paul's discourse, in the following verses, are directly pointed.
"The two enemies it has ever had to contend with are the two ruling principles of the Epicureans and Stoics--Pleasure and Pride".
What will this babbler say? The word, which means "a picker-up of seeds," bird-like, is applied to a gatherer and retailer of scraps of knowledge, a prater; a general term of contempt for any pretended teacher.
The epithet became applied to persons who collected the sayings of others, without order or method, and detailed them among their companions in the same way. The application of the term to prating, empty, disrespectful persons, was natural and easy, and hence it was considered a term of reproach and contempt, and was sometimes used to signify the vilest sort of men.
A setter forth of strange gods are "demons," but in the Greek (not Jewish) sense of "objects of worship." There was a difference, in the heathen theology, between god, and demon: the first, were such as were gods by nature: the second were men who were deified.He seemed to be a setter forth of strange gods. This distinction seems to be in the mind of these philosophers when they said that the missionaries seemed to be setters forth of strange demons, because they preached unto them Y’Shua whom they showed to be a man, suffering and dying, but afterwards raised to the throne of G-d. This would appear to them equivalent with the deification of heroes, services to mankind. They made these to be two divinities: the strange gods were Jehovah and the Risen Savior, ordained to judge the world.
In the twenty-first century it sounds like it is even truer of our own time. "This is a striking feature of the USA in the present day. The itch for news, which generally argues a worldly, shallow, or unsettled mind, is wonderfully widespread: even ministers of the Gospel, negligent of their sacred function, are become in this sense Athenians; so that the book of G-d is neither read nor studied with half the avidity and spirit as a newspaper . . . It is no wonder if such become political preachers, and their sermons be no better than husks for swine. To such the hungry sheep look up, and are not fed.”
Noble Spirit
[Acts 17:11] These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
The comparison is between the Jews of the two places; for the triumphs of the Gospel at Thessalonica were mostly among the Gentiles. It was a maxim among the Jews, that "none was of a noble spirit who did not employ himself in the study of the Law.”They received the word with all readiness of mind and heard it not only without prejudice, but with eager interest, "in an honest and good heart" (LK. 8:17), with sincere desire to be taught aright (John 7:17). Mark the "nobility" ascribed to this state of mind. Searching the Scriptures daily whether those things were so as to whether the Christian interpretation which the missionaries put upon the Old Testament Scriptures was the true one, do you search out what your preacher says is truth?
It appears that the Bereans were a better educated and more polished people than those at Thessalonica; in consequence far from persecuting:
1. They heard the doctrine of the Gospel attentively. Those that have ears let them hear!
2. They received this doctrine with readiness of mind: when the evidence of its truth appeared to them sufficiently convincing, they had too much dignity of mind to refuse their assent, and too much honesty to hide their approbation.
3. They searched the Scriptures, of the Old Testament, to see whether these thing were so: to see whether the promises and types corresponded with the alleged fulfillment in the person, works, and sufferings of Y’Shua HaMashiach.
Are you searching the Old Testament also that you may fully understand the back ground of the New?
4. They continued in this work; they searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Daily is the key word. Daily you need to study His Word!
What Bible school student ever escaped memorizing this verse? “They were more noble minded, not in the fictitious nobility of earth, but in their generous sympathies of piety and humanity with the Divine Will."
One of the epic principles in evidence here is that even the word of anyone is properly studied and verified in the light of the Bible, the same being not the word of men, but of G-d. In these days when religious people are solicited to accept the word of so-called "successors" to the missionaries regardless of obvious conflict with the sacred Scriptures, the example of these Bereans has an amazing relevance. Any teaching, even that of a genuine preacher, to say nothing of alleged "successors," that fails to harmonize with the Bible is to be rejected.
You research is not to be casual. You searched the Scriptures. It was worth it to you to work hard at it, and investigate what the Word of G-d says, and how the preaching, teaching matches up with it. You must also search the Scriptures daily to find out. It isn’t a one time, quick look. You must make it a point of diligent, extended study. You can understand and find out truth from the Bible for G-d said to “study to show yourself approved”. For you, the Bible is not just a pretty book of poetry or mystery or nice spiritual inspiration for thoughts-for-the-day. It was a book of truth, and that truth was there to find out.
Many people have clear heads, but closed hearts, and never receive the word with all readiness. They are too ‘busy’ and their priorities are out of order. Don’t become one of them.
We may notice that this energy, which seeks the Gentiles, never loses sight of the favor of G-d towards His elect people-a favor that sought them till the end of time.
May you have a noble spirit in tune to the Father's Word.
The comparison is between the Jews of the two places; for the triumphs of the Gospel at Thessalonica were mostly among the Gentiles. It was a maxim among the Jews, that "none was of a noble spirit who did not employ himself in the study of the Law.”They received the word with all readiness of mind and heard it not only without prejudice, but with eager interest, "in an honest and good heart" (LK. 8:17), with sincere desire to be taught aright (John 7:17). Mark the "nobility" ascribed to this state of mind. Searching the Scriptures daily whether those things were so as to whether the Christian interpretation which the missionaries put upon the Old Testament Scriptures was the true one, do you search out what your preacher says is truth?
It appears that the Bereans were a better educated and more polished people than those at Thessalonica; in consequence far from persecuting:
1. They heard the doctrine of the Gospel attentively. Those that have ears let them hear!
2. They received this doctrine with readiness of mind: when the evidence of its truth appeared to them sufficiently convincing, they had too much dignity of mind to refuse their assent, and too much honesty to hide their approbation.
3. They searched the Scriptures, of the Old Testament, to see whether these thing were so: to see whether the promises and types corresponded with the alleged fulfillment in the person, works, and sufferings of Y’Shua HaMashiach.
Are you searching the Old Testament also that you may fully understand the back ground of the New?
4. They continued in this work; they searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Daily is the key word. Daily you need to study His Word!
What Bible school student ever escaped memorizing this verse? “They were more noble minded, not in the fictitious nobility of earth, but in their generous sympathies of piety and humanity with the Divine Will."
One of the epic principles in evidence here is that even the word of anyone is properly studied and verified in the light of the Bible, the same being not the word of men, but of G-d. In these days when religious people are solicited to accept the word of so-called "successors" to the missionaries regardless of obvious conflict with the sacred Scriptures, the example of these Bereans has an amazing relevance. Any teaching, even that of a genuine preacher, to say nothing of alleged "successors," that fails to harmonize with the Bible is to be rejected.
You research is not to be casual. You searched the Scriptures. It was worth it to you to work hard at it, and investigate what the Word of G-d says, and how the preaching, teaching matches up with it. You must also search the Scriptures daily to find out. It isn’t a one time, quick look. You must make it a point of diligent, extended study. You can understand and find out truth from the Bible for G-d said to “study to show yourself approved”. For you, the Bible is not just a pretty book of poetry or mystery or nice spiritual inspiration for thoughts-for-the-day. It was a book of truth, and that truth was there to find out.
Many people have clear heads, but closed hearts, and never receive the word with all readiness. They are too ‘busy’ and their priorities are out of order. Don’t become one of them.
We may notice that this energy, which seeks the Gentiles, never loses sight of the favor of G-d towards His elect people-a favor that sought them till the end of time.
May you have a noble spirit in tune to the Father's Word.
Conscious Forgiveness
Offenders have been guilty and what they have done has been in despicable.
I am only accountable for my actions and must release them to be totally free.
"Dear Heavenly Father,
I make a conscious decision, to forgive every person that has ever hurt me.
Everyone that has ever done me wrong.
That had lied against me.
That have ever hurt one of my family members.
G-d if I have ever felt You have let me down I even release and forgive You.
I forgive myself for making wrong decisions.
I release the past and I let it go.
I make a decision right now to receive forgiveness for having un-forgiveness.
I want to walk closer to you Father.
I receive restoration and the power from Heaven that is released when forgiven.
Father, I thank You that You are touching these people that I have now turned over to You.
Any tormenting spirit, any physical pain, mental stress, anxiety, fear, your power has been broken and you can no longer live in this body!
These people have not been restored back to the Father until I released my un-forgiveness.
I now place them in Your hands, Father. And I walk into my freedom being released from all the adversary has placed on me, in Y'Shua's name."
I am only accountable for my actions and must release them to be totally free.
"Dear Heavenly Father,
I make a conscious decision, to forgive every person that has ever hurt me.
Everyone that has ever done me wrong.
That had lied against me.
That have ever hurt one of my family members.
G-d if I have ever felt You have let me down I even release and forgive You.
I forgive myself for making wrong decisions.
I release the past and I let it go.
I make a decision right now to receive forgiveness for having un-forgiveness.
I want to walk closer to you Father.
I receive restoration and the power from Heaven that is released when forgiven.
Father, I thank You that You are touching these people that I have now turned over to You.
Any tormenting spirit, any physical pain, mental stress, anxiety, fear, your power has been broken and you can no longer live in this body!
These people have not been restored back to the Father until I released my un-forgiveness.
I now place them in Your hands, Father. And I walk into my freedom being released from all the adversary has placed on me, in Y'Shua's name."
Five-Minute Fudge
Five-Minute Fudge Wreath
Fry up 4 slices of bacon until golden brown.
Put in a magic bullet or coffee grinder,
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and chop it up together.
Set aside.
One 8 ounces of walnut halves roasted over the stove, a few minutes.
Set it aside.
Spay pan, greased cake pan or jello mold.
Save the empty condensed milk can wrapping plastic around the can.
Center it in the pan.
Place a heavy pot (double boiler) on the stove and preheat it over low heat.
Add: 12 ounce bag semisweet chocolate morsels.
9 ounce (3/4 of a 12 ounce bag) butterscotch morsels.
One 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk.
Stir until chips are melted and milk are combined.
Remove from stove & added 1 tsp. vanilla extract & the walnuts & stir in immediately.
Spoon fudge into the pan around the can, making sure to recenter can if it drifts.
The fudge will set up almost immediately.
Garnish (red & green cherries halves) can only be added in the first minute or two when the fudge is in the pan.
Chill covered (a damp piece of paper toweling) in the refrigerator and slice fudge very thin when ready to serve.
A little goes a long way and it is very rich.
Fry up 4 slices of bacon until golden brown.
Put in a magic bullet or coffee grinder,
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and chop it up together.
Set aside.
One 8 ounces of walnut halves roasted over the stove, a few minutes.
Set it aside.
Spay pan, greased cake pan or jello mold.
Save the empty condensed milk can wrapping plastic around the can.
Center it in the pan.
Place a heavy pot (double boiler) on the stove and preheat it over low heat.
Add: 12 ounce bag semisweet chocolate morsels.
9 ounce (3/4 of a 12 ounce bag) butterscotch morsels.
One 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk.
Stir until chips are melted and milk are combined.
Remove from stove & added 1 tsp. vanilla extract & the walnuts & stir in immediately.
Spoon fudge into the pan around the can, making sure to recenter can if it drifts.
The fudge will set up almost immediately.
Garnish (red & green cherries halves) can only be added in the first minute or two when the fudge is in the pan.
Chill covered (a damp piece of paper toweling) in the refrigerator and slice fudge very thin when ready to serve.
A little goes a long way and it is very rich.
Righteous Vindication
[Acts 16:36] And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.
[37] But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
There are three aggravating circumstances mentioned:
1. That they had been beaten, contrary to the Roman laws.
2. That it had been public; the disgrace had been in the presence of the people, and the reparation ought to be as public.
3. That it had been done without a trial, and while they were un-condemned and therefore the magistrates ought themselves to come and release them, and thus publicly acknowledge their error. Paul knew the privileges of a Roman citizen; and at proper times, when the interests of justice and religion required it, he did not hesitate to assert them. In all this he understood and accorded with the Roman laws. The Valerian law declared that if a citizen appealed from the magistrate to the people, it should not be lawful for the magistrate to beat him with rods, or to behead him.
Being Romans, or having the privilege of Roman citizens. They were born Jews, but they claimed that they were Roman citizens, and had a right to the privilege of citizenship. On the ground of this claim, and the reason why Paul claimed to be a Roman citizen.
The release should be as public as the unjust act of imprisonment. As they have publicly attempted to disgrace us, so they should as publicly acquit us. This was a matter of mere justice; and as it was of great importance to their character and success, they insisted on it.
Nay - but let them come, etc. It was proper that they should be required this:
1. Because they had been illegally imprisoned, and the injustice of the magistrates should be acknowledged.
2. Because the Roman laws had been violated, and the majesty of the Roman people thus insulted and honor should be done to the laws.
3. Injustice had been done to Paul and Silas, and they had a right to demand just treatment and protection.
4. Such a public act on the part of the magistrates would strengthen the young converts, and show them that the apostles were not guilty of a violation of the laws.
5. It would tend to the honor and to the furtherance of religion. It would be a public acknowledgment of their innocence; and would go far towards lending to them the sanction of the laws as religious teachers.
The magistrates were apprehensive of punishment for having imprisoned them in violation of the laws of the empire. To punish unjustly a Roman citizen was deemed an offence to the majesty of the Roman people, and was severely punished by the laws. The punishment appointed for those who abrogated or transgressed the Valerian law was death, and the confiscation of his property.
A Believer may bear much as a man in a private capacity, and may submit, without any effort to seek reparation; but where the honor of the gospel is concerned--where submission, without any effort to obtain justice, might be followed by disgrace to the cause of religion--a higher obligation may require him to seek a vindication of his character, and to claim the protection of the laws. His name, and character, and influence, belong to the church. The laws are designed as a protection to an injured name, or of violated property and rights, and of an endangered life. And when that protection can be had only by an appeal to the laws, such an appeal, as in the case of Paul and Silas, is neither vindictive nor improper. My private interests I may sacrifice, if I choose; my public name, and character, and principles belong to the church and the world; and the laws, if necessary, may be called in for their protection.
Paul and Silas did not seem to get their righteous vindication but their unkind and inhospitable request that they should leave them, was the means of the extension of the gospel into adjacent regions. The preachers of the gospel were not such despicable
people as they were commonly looked upon to be, and that they merited better treatment than what they received.
Maybe you have not received righteous vindication when you should have. G-d has seen the goings on and He can use a bad situation to send you to the ones that are open to the truth, thus glorifying His kingdom.
Let not ministers be discouraged, though they see not the fruit of their labors presently; the seed sown seems to be lost under the clods, but it shall come up again in a plentiful harvest in due time.
[37] But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
There are three aggravating circumstances mentioned:
1. That they had been beaten, contrary to the Roman laws.
2. That it had been public; the disgrace had been in the presence of the people, and the reparation ought to be as public.
3. That it had been done without a trial, and while they were un-condemned and therefore the magistrates ought themselves to come and release them, and thus publicly acknowledge their error. Paul knew the privileges of a Roman citizen; and at proper times, when the interests of justice and religion required it, he did not hesitate to assert them. In all this he understood and accorded with the Roman laws. The Valerian law declared that if a citizen appealed from the magistrate to the people, it should not be lawful for the magistrate to beat him with rods, or to behead him.
Being Romans, or having the privilege of Roman citizens. They were born Jews, but they claimed that they were Roman citizens, and had a right to the privilege of citizenship. On the ground of this claim, and the reason why Paul claimed to be a Roman citizen.
The release should be as public as the unjust act of imprisonment. As they have publicly attempted to disgrace us, so they should as publicly acquit us. This was a matter of mere justice; and as it was of great importance to their character and success, they insisted on it.
Nay - but let them come, etc. It was proper that they should be required this:
1. Because they had been illegally imprisoned, and the injustice of the magistrates should be acknowledged.
2. Because the Roman laws had been violated, and the majesty of the Roman people thus insulted and honor should be done to the laws.
3. Injustice had been done to Paul and Silas, and they had a right to demand just treatment and protection.
4. Such a public act on the part of the magistrates would strengthen the young converts, and show them that the apostles were not guilty of a violation of the laws.
5. It would tend to the honor and to the furtherance of religion. It would be a public acknowledgment of their innocence; and would go far towards lending to them the sanction of the laws as religious teachers.
The magistrates were apprehensive of punishment for having imprisoned them in violation of the laws of the empire. To punish unjustly a Roman citizen was deemed an offence to the majesty of the Roman people, and was severely punished by the laws. The punishment appointed for those who abrogated or transgressed the Valerian law was death, and the confiscation of his property.
A Believer may bear much as a man in a private capacity, and may submit, without any effort to seek reparation; but where the honor of the gospel is concerned--where submission, without any effort to obtain justice, might be followed by disgrace to the cause of religion--a higher obligation may require him to seek a vindication of his character, and to claim the protection of the laws. His name, and character, and influence, belong to the church. The laws are designed as a protection to an injured name, or of violated property and rights, and of an endangered life. And when that protection can be had only by an appeal to the laws, such an appeal, as in the case of Paul and Silas, is neither vindictive nor improper. My private interests I may sacrifice, if I choose; my public name, and character, and principles belong to the church and the world; and the laws, if necessary, may be called in for their protection.
Paul and Silas did not seem to get their righteous vindication but their unkind and inhospitable request that they should leave them, was the means of the extension of the gospel into adjacent regions. The preachers of the gospel were not such despicable
people as they were commonly looked upon to be, and that they merited better treatment than what they received.
Maybe you have not received righteous vindication when you should have. G-d has seen the goings on and He can use a bad situation to send you to the ones that are open to the truth, thus glorifying His kingdom.
Let not ministers be discouraged, though they see not the fruit of their labors presently; the seed sown seems to be lost under the clods, but it shall come up again in a plentiful harvest in due time.
Spirit of Divination
[Acts 16:16] And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
The account that is given of this damsel is she was pythonissa, possessed with such a spirit of divination as that damsel was by whom the oracles of Apollo at Delphos were delivered; she was actuated by an evil spirit, that dictated unclear answers to those who consulted her, which served to gratify their vain desire of knowing things to come, but often deceived them. In those times of ignorance, infidelity, and idolatry, the devil, by the divine permission, thus led men captive at his will; and he could not have gained such adoration from them as he had, if he had not pretended to give oracles to them, for by both his usurpation is maintained as the idol of this world. This damsel brought her masters much gain by soothsaying; many came to consult this witch for the discovery of robberies, the finding of things lost, and especially to be told their fortune, and none came but with the rewards of divination (prediction) in their hands, according to the quality of the person and the importance of the case. Probably there were many that were thus kept for fortune-tellers, but, it should seem, this was more in repute than any of them; for, while others brought some gain, this brought much gain to her masters, being consulted more than any other.
The testimony which this damsel gave to Paul and his companions: She met them in the street, as they were going to the place of prayer. They went thither publicly, every body knew where they were going, and what they were going to do. If what she did was likely to be any distraction to them, or a hindrance in their work, it is observable how subtle Satan is, that great tempter, in taking the opportunity to give us diversion when we are going about any religious exercises, to ruffle us and to put us out of temper when we need to be most composed. When she met with them she followed them, crying, "These men, how contemptible so ever they look and are looked upon, are great men, for they are the servants of the most high G-d, and men that should be very welcome to us, for they show unto us the way of salvation, both the salvation that will be our happiness, and the way to it that will be our holiness."
Now, this witness is true; it is a comprehensive encomium on the faithful preachers of the gospel, and makes their feet beautiful, Romans 10:15, though they are men subject to like passions as we are, and earthen vessels. The idols we Gentiles worship are inferior beings, therefore not god.
“They show unto us the way of salvation." Even the heathen had some notion of the miserable deplorable state of mankind, and their need of salvation, and it was what they made some enquiries after. "Now these men are the men that show us what we have in vain sought for in our superstitious profitless application to our priests and oracles."
How came this testimony from the mouth of one that had a spirit of divination? Is Satan divided against himself? Will he cry up those whose business it is to pull him down?
As designed by the evil spirit, that subtle serpent, to the dishonor of the gospel; she designed hereby to gain credit to herself and her prophecies, and so to increase her master's profit by pretending to be in the interest of the missionaries, who, she thought, had a growing reputation. Satan, who can transform himself into an angel of light, and can say anything to serve a turn, designed hereby to disgrace the apostles; as if these divines were of the same fraternity with their diviners, because they were witnessed to by them, and then the people might as well adhere to those they had been used to. Those that were most likely to receive the missionaries' doctrine were such as were prejudiced against these spirits of divination, and therefore would, by this testimony, be prejudiced against the gospel; and, as for those who regarded these diviners, the devil thought himself sure of them.
The Messiah caused them to be taken notice of, by giving them power to cast the devil out of this damsel. She continued many days clamoring thus; and, it should seem, Paul took no notice of her, not knowing but it might be ordered of G-d for the service of his cause, that she should thus witness concerning his ministers; but finding perhaps that it did them a prejudice, rather than any service, he soon silenced her, by casting the devil out of her. Paul was grieved. It troubled him to see the damsel made an instrument of Satan to deceive people, and to see the people imposed upon by her divinations. It was a disturbance to him to hear a sacred truth so profaned, and good words come out of such a wicked mouth with such and evil design. Perhaps they were spoken in an ironical bantering way, as ridiculing Paul’s pretensions, and mocking them, as when Y’Shua's persecutors complimented Him with Hail, king of the Jews
Paul commanded the evil spirit to come out of her. He turned with a holy indignation, angry both at the flatteries and at the reproaches of the unclean spirit, and by this he will show that these men are the servants of the living G-d, and are able to prove themselves so, without her testimony: her silence shall demonstrate it more than her speaking could do. Thus Paul shows the way of salvation indeed, that it is by breaking the power of Satan, and chaining him up, that he may not deceive the world (Revelation 20:3), and that this salvation is to be obtained in the name of Y’Shua HaMashiach only, as in His name the devil was now cast out and by no other Power went along with the word of Messiah, before which Satan could not stand, but was forced to quit his hold, and in this case it was a strong hold: He came out the same hour.
The preachers of the gospel would never have had an opportunity of speaking to the magistrates if they had not been brought before them as evil doers.
Satan's power to deceive is broken: the priests hated the gospel because it turned men from the blind service of dumb idols, and so the hope of their gains was gone. The power of Messiah, which appeared in dispossessing the woman, and the great kindness done to her in delivering her out of Satan's hand, made no impression upon them when they detained that they should hereby lose money.
Satan has always tried to copy the things of the Father, so in receiving the Spirit of divination one must have discernment, for satan will always give a bit of a truth to deceive you.
The account that is given of this damsel is she was pythonissa, possessed with such a spirit of divination as that damsel was by whom the oracles of Apollo at Delphos were delivered; she was actuated by an evil spirit, that dictated unclear answers to those who consulted her, which served to gratify their vain desire of knowing things to come, but often deceived them. In those times of ignorance, infidelity, and idolatry, the devil, by the divine permission, thus led men captive at his will; and he could not have gained such adoration from them as he had, if he had not pretended to give oracles to them, for by both his usurpation is maintained as the idol of this world. This damsel brought her masters much gain by soothsaying; many came to consult this witch for the discovery of robberies, the finding of things lost, and especially to be told their fortune, and none came but with the rewards of divination (prediction) in their hands, according to the quality of the person and the importance of the case. Probably there were many that were thus kept for fortune-tellers, but, it should seem, this was more in repute than any of them; for, while others brought some gain, this brought much gain to her masters, being consulted more than any other.
The testimony which this damsel gave to Paul and his companions: She met them in the street, as they were going to the place of prayer. They went thither publicly, every body knew where they were going, and what they were going to do. If what she did was likely to be any distraction to them, or a hindrance in their work, it is observable how subtle Satan is, that great tempter, in taking the opportunity to give us diversion when we are going about any religious exercises, to ruffle us and to put us out of temper when we need to be most composed. When she met with them she followed them, crying, "These men, how contemptible so ever they look and are looked upon, are great men, for they are the servants of the most high G-d, and men that should be very welcome to us, for they show unto us the way of salvation, both the salvation that will be our happiness, and the way to it that will be our holiness."
Now, this witness is true; it is a comprehensive encomium on the faithful preachers of the gospel, and makes their feet beautiful, Romans 10:15, though they are men subject to like passions as we are, and earthen vessels. The idols we Gentiles worship are inferior beings, therefore not god.
“They show unto us the way of salvation." Even the heathen had some notion of the miserable deplorable state of mankind, and their need of salvation, and it was what they made some enquiries after. "Now these men are the men that show us what we have in vain sought for in our superstitious profitless application to our priests and oracles."
How came this testimony from the mouth of one that had a spirit of divination? Is Satan divided against himself? Will he cry up those whose business it is to pull him down?
As designed by the evil spirit, that subtle serpent, to the dishonor of the gospel; she designed hereby to gain credit to herself and her prophecies, and so to increase her master's profit by pretending to be in the interest of the missionaries, who, she thought, had a growing reputation. Satan, who can transform himself into an angel of light, and can say anything to serve a turn, designed hereby to disgrace the apostles; as if these divines were of the same fraternity with their diviners, because they were witnessed to by them, and then the people might as well adhere to those they had been used to. Those that were most likely to receive the missionaries' doctrine were such as were prejudiced against these spirits of divination, and therefore would, by this testimony, be prejudiced against the gospel; and, as for those who regarded these diviners, the devil thought himself sure of them.
The Messiah caused them to be taken notice of, by giving them power to cast the devil out of this damsel. She continued many days clamoring thus; and, it should seem, Paul took no notice of her, not knowing but it might be ordered of G-d for the service of his cause, that she should thus witness concerning his ministers; but finding perhaps that it did them a prejudice, rather than any service, he soon silenced her, by casting the devil out of her. Paul was grieved. It troubled him to see the damsel made an instrument of Satan to deceive people, and to see the people imposed upon by her divinations. It was a disturbance to him to hear a sacred truth so profaned, and good words come out of such a wicked mouth with such and evil design. Perhaps they were spoken in an ironical bantering way, as ridiculing Paul’s pretensions, and mocking them, as when Y’Shua's persecutors complimented Him with Hail, king of the Jews
Paul commanded the evil spirit to come out of her. He turned with a holy indignation, angry both at the flatteries and at the reproaches of the unclean spirit, and by this he will show that these men are the servants of the living G-d, and are able to prove themselves so, without her testimony: her silence shall demonstrate it more than her speaking could do. Thus Paul shows the way of salvation indeed, that it is by breaking the power of Satan, and chaining him up, that he may not deceive the world (Revelation 20:3), and that this salvation is to be obtained in the name of Y’Shua HaMashiach only, as in His name the devil was now cast out and by no other Power went along with the word of Messiah, before which Satan could not stand, but was forced to quit his hold, and in this case it was a strong hold: He came out the same hour.
The preachers of the gospel would never have had an opportunity of speaking to the magistrates if they had not been brought before them as evil doers.
Satan's power to deceive is broken: the priests hated the gospel because it turned men from the blind service of dumb idols, and so the hope of their gains was gone. The power of Messiah, which appeared in dispossessing the woman, and the great kindness done to her in delivering her out of Satan's hand, made no impression upon them when they detained that they should hereby lose money.
Satan has always tried to copy the things of the Father, so in receiving the Spirit of divination one must have discernment, for satan will always give a bit of a truth to deceive you.
Lydia
[Acts 16:13] And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
We meant Paul and Luke, speaking to the women a humble congregation, and simple manner of preaching. But here and thus were gathered the first-fruits of Europe unto Messiah, and they were of the female sex, of whose accession and services honorable mention will again and again be made.
[14] And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
Lydia was a common name among the Greeks and Romans, and she was a merchant in purple was probably a seller of blue. The blue dye was derived from the gland of the sea snail, the purple from the gland of the sea mollusk, and the scarlet from the dried body of the female maggot. Purple dyes took over 85, 00 such snails to obtain one gram of dye. The best dye which did not fade or oxidize was taken from live mollusks or sea snails, which binds very tightly to wool and will not fade over time. The dye is extracted from a live snail, necessitating harvesting from the sea floor and immediately extracting the dye. Legend has it that the blue and purple dye was discovered when Hercules’ dog bit into a Murex snail on the shores of Tyre, leaving his mouth stained purple. Extracted, it is a clear, yellowish liquid, dibromindigo which is put into a reduced solution for vat dyeing wool. In the presence of sunlight, the spectrum causes the dibromindigo to debrominate to indigo. The shade of the resultant color is dependent upon the degree of exposure to ultraviolet light; therefore, on a cloudy day or in controlled sunlight, the color is more violet or purple while on a cloudless day, the color is sky blue.
Lydia came from the city of Thyatira which was on the confines of Lydia and Phrygia. The Lydians, particularly the inhabitants of Thyatira, were celebrated for their dyeing, in which they inherited the reputation of the Tyrians. This was a city of Lydia, in Asia Minor, now called Ak-hisar. The art of dying was particularly cultivated, as appears from an inscription found there.
She was worshiping woman; a proselyte to the Jewish faith. And when she attended to the things spoken it was showing that the inclination of the heart towards the truth originates not in the will of man. The first character to turn to the Gospel is a work of grace.
[15] And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
She was baptized apparently without any delay (2:41; 8:38). It was usual to be baptized immediately on believing before being taught. It is manifestly implied that they were baptized because she believed. It was the offering of her family to the Messiah. It is just such an account as would now be given of a household or family that were baptized on the faith of the parent.
She constrained them imply that they were reluctant, but were overborne by saying; “By the faith on the Messiah which you have recognized in me by baptism.” This was an instance of great hospitality, and also an evidence of her desire for further instruction in the doctrines of religion. There is a beautiful modesty in the expression.
She had an honest calling, which Luke notices to her praise. Yet though she had a calling to mind, she found time to improve advantages for her soul. It will not excuse us from religious duties, to say, we have a trade to mind; for have not we also a G-d to serve, and souls to look after? Religion does not call us from our business in the world, but directs us in it. Pride, prejudice, and sin shut out the truths of G-d, till His grace makes way for them into the understanding and affections; and G-d alone can open the heart to receive and believe His word. We must believe in Y’Shua HaMashiach; there is no coming to Father, in the New Covenant but by the Son as Mediator.
We meant Paul and Luke, speaking to the women a humble congregation, and simple manner of preaching. But here and thus were gathered the first-fruits of Europe unto Messiah, and they were of the female sex, of whose accession and services honorable mention will again and again be made.
[14] And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
Lydia was a common name among the Greeks and Romans, and she was a merchant in purple was probably a seller of blue. The blue dye was derived from the gland of the sea snail, the purple from the gland of the sea mollusk, and the scarlet from the dried body of the female maggot. Purple dyes took over 85, 00 such snails to obtain one gram of dye. The best dye which did not fade or oxidize was taken from live mollusks or sea snails, which binds very tightly to wool and will not fade over time. The dye is extracted from a live snail, necessitating harvesting from the sea floor and immediately extracting the dye. Legend has it that the blue and purple dye was discovered when Hercules’ dog bit into a Murex snail on the shores of Tyre, leaving his mouth stained purple. Extracted, it is a clear, yellowish liquid, dibromindigo which is put into a reduced solution for vat dyeing wool. In the presence of sunlight, the spectrum causes the dibromindigo to debrominate to indigo. The shade of the resultant color is dependent upon the degree of exposure to ultraviolet light; therefore, on a cloudy day or in controlled sunlight, the color is more violet or purple while on a cloudless day, the color is sky blue.
Lydia came from the city of Thyatira which was on the confines of Lydia and Phrygia. The Lydians, particularly the inhabitants of Thyatira, were celebrated for their dyeing, in which they inherited the reputation of the Tyrians. This was a city of Lydia, in Asia Minor, now called Ak-hisar. The art of dying was particularly cultivated, as appears from an inscription found there.
She was worshiping woman; a proselyte to the Jewish faith. And when she attended to the things spoken it was showing that the inclination of the heart towards the truth originates not in the will of man. The first character to turn to the Gospel is a work of grace.
[15] And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
She was baptized apparently without any delay (2:41; 8:38). It was usual to be baptized immediately on believing before being taught. It is manifestly implied that they were baptized because she believed. It was the offering of her family to the Messiah. It is just such an account as would now be given of a household or family that were baptized on the faith of the parent.
She constrained them imply that they were reluctant, but were overborne by saying; “By the faith on the Messiah which you have recognized in me by baptism.” This was an instance of great hospitality, and also an evidence of her desire for further instruction in the doctrines of religion. There is a beautiful modesty in the expression.
She had an honest calling, which Luke notices to her praise. Yet though she had a calling to mind, she found time to improve advantages for her soul. It will not excuse us from religious duties, to say, we have a trade to mind; for have not we also a G-d to serve, and souls to look after? Religion does not call us from our business in the world, but directs us in it. Pride, prejudice, and sin shut out the truths of G-d, till His grace makes way for them into the understanding and affections; and G-d alone can open the heart to receive and believe His word. We must believe in Y’Shua HaMashiach; there is no coming to Father, in the New Covenant but by the Son as Mediator.
Look at ME!
[Isa. 45:22] Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.This simple but powerful statement shows the plan of salvation. It shows the simplicity of salvation: all we must do is look. "One can read may books on theology which expound all kinds of things in an attempt to show how man can reach G-d, but these theories are far from the truth. The Holy Spirit needs exactly four letters, two of them the same, to tell us what to do: l-o-o-k. That is all. It is the simplest, basic thing any person can do, yet the most difficult to do in daily living.
It shows the focus of salvation: we must look to G-d, and never to ourselves or to anything else of man. "Look unto ME, is His Word, which means looking away from the church because that will save nobody; away from the preacher because he can disappoint and disillusion you; away from all outward form and ceremony. You must look off from all this to the throne and there, in your heart, see the risen, reigning L-rd Y’Shua HaMashiach."
It shows the love behind salvation: G-d pleads with man, "Look to Me.”
It shows the assurance of salvation: and be saved.
It shows the extent of G-d's saving love: all you ends of the earth!
Look to Me: In Numbers 21, the people of Israel were stricken by deadly snake bites, and Moses lifted up the image of a bronze serpent, raised on a pole, and the people who looked to it lived. The people were saved not by doing anything, but by simply looking to the bronze serpent. They had to trust that something as seemingly foolish as looking at such a thing would be sufficient to save them, and surely, some perished because they thought it too foolish to do such a thing!
So it says here in Isaiah: Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! We might be willing to do a hundred things to earn our salvation, but G-d commands us to only trust in Him - to look to Him!
For I am G-d, and there is no other: This is why we must look to the L-RD, and to the
L-RD alone only He is G-d. Institutions are not G-d. The Church is not G-d. Pastors are not G-d. Brothers and sisters in Messiah are not G-d. We don't look to them; we look to the L-RD, for He alone is G-d.
[23] I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
When G-d confirms an oath, who does He swear by? He swears by Himself. There is no one greater, so He swears by His own holy name and character. Heb. 6:13.
The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath. He shall say, "Surely in the L-RD
I have righteousness and strength. To Him men shall come, and all shall be ashamed who are incensed against Him. In the L-RD all the descendants of Israel shall be justified, and shall glory.”
That to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath: The L-RD here declares there will come a day when every knee shall bow to Him, and every tongue will swear by His greatness. Paul obviously quoted this passage in Philippians 2:10-11.
[25] In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
One day the Israelites will be our priest and teachers of all things that concern G-d, just as He original meant it to be!
G-d is in control!
[Isa. 45:1] Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
Thus says the L-RD to Cyrus: Isaiah carries on this remarkable prophecy from the previous chapter. In it, G-d announces - by name - the deliverer for His people from a coming captivity, and He does it 200 years before the man Cyrus is born. These things Cyrus knew from reading the book of prophecy which Isaiah had left behind two hundred and ten years earlier.
His anointed means that Cyrus had a particular anointing from G-d for His work. G-d poured out His Spirit on a pagan king, because G-d wanted to use that man to bless and deliver His people.
Like many of us, Cyrus could look back on his life and career and see how the L-RD held his hand the entire time.
To open before him the double doors, so that the gates will not be shut: G-d opened the gates of the city of Babylon for Cyrus, and put it in writing 200 years before it happened!
[2] I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:
[3] And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
[4] For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
G-d raises up one, and He puts down another. Behind all the drama of human events today there is a G-d who is planning for His people - through affliction and persecution, chastening and tribulation - to be perfected and prepared to inherit the Kingdom of G-d.
[5] I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
I will gird you, though you have not known Me: Cyrus didn't even know the L-RD, yet G-d could anoint him, guide him, bless him, and use him. How much more should G-d be able to do through those who have at least a mustard seed's worth of faith in Him!
[6] That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me.
I am the L-RD, and there is none else.
There is none besides Me - This was wonderfully fulfilled in Ezra 1:1-3. That passage shows how when Cyrus made his proclamation allowing the people of G-d to return to the Promised Land, that he acknowledged to the whole world the greatness and uniqueness of the L-RD G-d of Israel.
[7] I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil:
I the LORD do all these things.
I make peace and create calamity; I, the L-RD, do all these things: Simply put, Isaiah knows, Cyrus would know and declare to the whole world, and we should know today, that G-d is in control. Since this prophecy was given long before G-d's people went into the captivity Isaiah now announces deliverance from, they could be comforted through the captivity by knowing G-d is in control.
Isaiah's point is that there are not two gods or forces in heaven, one good and one bad, as in a dualistic "yin and yang" sense. Cyrus was a Persian, and Persian had a dualistic concept of G-d and the world. Their good god they called Ahura-mazda and the evil god Angra-mainya. The former had created the light, the second the darkness.
But G-d has no opposite. Satan is not and has never been G-d's opposite. There is one G-d. He is not the author of evil; evil is never "original," but always a perversion of an existing good. Yet G-d is the allower of evil, and He uses it to accomplish His eternal purpose of bringing together all things in Y’Shua (Ephesians 3:8-11 and 1:9-10).
Creat evil - Even though much of the physical evil often comes through the hand of wicked men and women, ultimately G-d permits it. Thus, according to the Hebrew way of speaking, which ignores secondary causation in a way Western though would never do whatever G-d permits must be directly attributed to Him, often without noting that secondary and sinful parties were the immediate causes of physical disaster.
The evil spoken of in this text refers to natural evil and not moral evil. Natural evil is seen in the volcano eruption, plague, earthquake, and destructive fire. It is G-d who must allow these calamities to come.
Evil is not a substance; it is a by-product of our freedom, and especially our sin. The effects of that sin did not fall solely on the world of humans; its devastating effects hit the whole natural world as well. Any disaster must fall within the sovereign will of G-d, even though G-d is not the sponsor or author of that evil.
When G-d does great, miraculous things, it is easy to believe that He is in control. When times are hard and the trials heavy, we need to believe it all the more.
Thus says the L-RD to Cyrus: Isaiah carries on this remarkable prophecy from the previous chapter. In it, G-d announces - by name - the deliverer for His people from a coming captivity, and He does it 200 years before the man Cyrus is born. These things Cyrus knew from reading the book of prophecy which Isaiah had left behind two hundred and ten years earlier.
His anointed means that Cyrus had a particular anointing from G-d for His work. G-d poured out His Spirit on a pagan king, because G-d wanted to use that man to bless and deliver His people.
Like many of us, Cyrus could look back on his life and career and see how the L-RD held his hand the entire time.
To open before him the double doors, so that the gates will not be shut: G-d opened the gates of the city of Babylon for Cyrus, and put it in writing 200 years before it happened!
[2] I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:
[3] And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
[4] For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
G-d raises up one, and He puts down another. Behind all the drama of human events today there is a G-d who is planning for His people - through affliction and persecution, chastening and tribulation - to be perfected and prepared to inherit the Kingdom of G-d.
[5] I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
I will gird you, though you have not known Me: Cyrus didn't even know the L-RD, yet G-d could anoint him, guide him, bless him, and use him. How much more should G-d be able to do through those who have at least a mustard seed's worth of faith in Him!
[6] That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me.
I am the L-RD, and there is none else.
There is none besides Me - This was wonderfully fulfilled in Ezra 1:1-3. That passage shows how when Cyrus made his proclamation allowing the people of G-d to return to the Promised Land, that he acknowledged to the whole world the greatness and uniqueness of the L-RD G-d of Israel.
[7] I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil:
I the LORD do all these things.
I make peace and create calamity; I, the L-RD, do all these things: Simply put, Isaiah knows, Cyrus would know and declare to the whole world, and we should know today, that G-d is in control. Since this prophecy was given long before G-d's people went into the captivity Isaiah now announces deliverance from, they could be comforted through the captivity by knowing G-d is in control.
Isaiah's point is that there are not two gods or forces in heaven, one good and one bad, as in a dualistic "yin and yang" sense. Cyrus was a Persian, and Persian had a dualistic concept of G-d and the world. Their good god they called Ahura-mazda and the evil god Angra-mainya. The former had created the light, the second the darkness.
But G-d has no opposite. Satan is not and has never been G-d's opposite. There is one G-d. He is not the author of evil; evil is never "original," but always a perversion of an existing good. Yet G-d is the allower of evil, and He uses it to accomplish His eternal purpose of bringing together all things in Y’Shua (Ephesians 3:8-11 and 1:9-10).
Creat evil - Even though much of the physical evil often comes through the hand of wicked men and women, ultimately G-d permits it. Thus, according to the Hebrew way of speaking, which ignores secondary causation in a way Western though would never do whatever G-d permits must be directly attributed to Him, often without noting that secondary and sinful parties were the immediate causes of physical disaster.
The evil spoken of in this text refers to natural evil and not moral evil. Natural evil is seen in the volcano eruption, plague, earthquake, and destructive fire. It is G-d who must allow these calamities to come.
Evil is not a substance; it is a by-product of our freedom, and especially our sin. The effects of that sin did not fall solely on the world of humans; its devastating effects hit the whole natural world as well. Any disaster must fall within the sovereign will of G-d, even though G-d is not the sponsor or author of that evil.
When G-d does great, miraculous things, it is easy to believe that He is in control. When times are hard and the trials heavy, we need to believe it all the more.
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