Interpretive Study of Acts 11-12

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Acts Chapter 11

Chapter theme is: the Lord working to save Gentiles.

links to sentences in this chapter:

C11-S1 (Verse 1), C11-S2 (Verse 2-3), C11-S3 (Verse 4-6), C11-S4 (Verse 7), C11-S5 (Verse 8), C11-S6 (Verse 9), C11-S7 (Verse 10), C11-S8 (Verse 11), C11-S9 (Verse 12), C11-S10 (Verse 12-14), C11-S11 (Verse 15), C11-S12 (Verse 16), C11-S13 (Verse 17), C11-S14 (Verse 18), C11-S15 (Verse 19), C11-S16 (Verse 20), C11-S17 (Verse 21), C11-S18 (Verse 22), C11-S19 (Verse 23), C11-S20 (Verse 24), C11-S21 (Verse 25-26), C11-S22 (Verse 26), C11-S23 (Verse 26), C11-S24 (Verse 27), C11-S25 (Verse 28), C11-S26 (Verse 29-30)'.

Acts 11:1-3 tell us that the Jews in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God and the Jews in the Jerusalem Church contended with Peter over it.

Acts 11:4-12 tell us that Peter rehearsed his vision from God and instructions to go where he was directed by the men at the door of where he was staying.

Acts 11:12-17 tell that God saved the Gentiles and that Peter could not fight God.

Acts 11:18 tell us that the Jews accepted what God did.

Acts 11:19-21 tell us that the non-preachers were scattered abroad and spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

Acts 11:22-24 tell us that the Jerusalem Church sent Barnabas to be pastor at Antioch.

Acts 11:25-26 tell us that Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch to teach and that the result was the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Acts 11:27-30 tell us that a prophet said that should be great dearth throughout all the world and that the saved outside of Jerusalem sent relief to the Jerusalem Church.

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C11-S1 (Verse 1) And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God

Acts 11:1-3 tell us that the Jews in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God and the Jews in the Jerusalem Church contended with Peter over it.

As far as I can tell, this is the last time that we read about the Jerusalem Church leading someone to salvation. They started out with the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. But now, with their fighting against true doctrine from God and giving the chief pastor grief for obeying God and going against religious traditions, God stopped using them. We need to recognize the cause and result and avoid repeating their error.

Please see the note for Matthew 1:2 about the word brethren. The functional definition for this word is: 'Spiritually used for God's people: the Jews and the people are saved, baptized and active members of the church'.

Please see the note for John 7:3 about the words Jewry / Judaea / Judea / Judah. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'This name occurs in Ezr 5:8 for the territory of Judah; in Da 5:13 the same is called JEWRY. In the N.T. the name at times refers to a much larger district, including all south of about 32 5' N with the plain on the west border of the land to mount Carmel as generally shown on N.T. maps. the land was thus divided by Rome, with Samaria in the centre, and Galilee in the north. In Lu 3:1 Judaea embraces the above and Samaria; but in other passages a smaller area than the above is implied. Ac 12:19 speaks of Herod going down from Judaea to Caesarea, whereas Caesarea would be part of the Judaea of the Romans. Paul, in Ga 1:22; 1Th 2:14, speaks of the 'churches of Judaea' which would seem to embrace the whole of Palestine. the context will almost always show the extent of the district intended. It is called JEWRY in Lu 23:5; Joh 7:1.'. the functional definition is: 'The area of land generally associated with the Southern Kingdom and religious control by Jewish rulers but which varies in size from one reference to another'.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S13 and Galatians C2-S4 about the word Gentile. The functional definition for this word is: 'In the scriptures, a pagan; a worshipper of false gods; any person not a Jew or a christian; a heathen'.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S1; 1Corinthians C15S1 and Colossians C2-S4 about the word receive. The functional definition for this word is: 'To take, as a thing offered or sent; to accept'. In addition, please see the note for Matthew 10:41, which explains that in order to truly receive a person, we must receive their character as our own.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S2 about the word word. The functional definition is: 'a single component part of human speech or language'. However, the word of God is the holy scriptures and in the English language, it is only the KJV-1611. Please also see the notes for Romans C10S22 and Word in 1John about the phrase word of God. Please also see the note for John 1:1 for an extensive note explaining the differences, and similarities, between the capitalized and the non-capitalized word word. When a Bible reference uses an uppercase word, it is referring to Jesus Christ. The uppercase makes this a formal name of the Son of God. However, while the exact definition is different, the properties are spiritually similar to the lowercase word. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 1:8 about the phrase word of the Lord. Please note that the word of the Lord is a sub-set of the word of God. the word of God contains all of God's written truth including recording the lies of Satan. The word of the Lord is that part of the word of God which will be used to judge us. The lies from Satan are not included within the word of the Lord.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the apostles. Ac 8:14-15; Ga 1:17-22 the Gentiles. Ac 10:34-38; 14:27; 15:3; Ge 49:10; Ps 22:27; 96:1-10; Isa 11:10; 32:15; 35:1-2; 42:1,6; 49:6; 52:10; 60:3; 62:2; Jer 16:19; Ho 2:23; Am 9:11-12; Mic 5:7; Zep 2:11; 3:9; Zec 2:11; 8:20-23; Mal 1:11; Mt 8:11; Mr 16:5; Lu 2:32; Ro 15:7-12'.

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C11-S2 (Verse 2-3) Religious Jews accused Peter of violating religious traditions instead of praising God for saving souls..

And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem,
they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
Saying,
Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised,
and didst eat with them.

Acts 11:1-3 tell us that the Jews in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God and the Jews in the Jerusalem Church contended with Peter over it.

These Jews complained about Peter violating their religious traditions instead of praising God for the salvation of souls. The also failed to search the scriptures and the Mosaic law. The lost religious Jews added this restriction to the Jewish culture. Instead of being God's messengers, like God wanted, they taught the Jews to be proud and prejudiced towards all non-Jews.

Please see the note for Galatians C2-S6 about Peter. The functional definition for this word is: 'pebble or little rock. Also, the head apostle and example of Christ'. Please also see the first half of the book called SbS-Preacher Missionaries about how God used Peter to show us how He trains a pastor / missionary.

Please see the note for Galatians C1-S12 about Jerusalem. The functional definition for this word is: 'the central place of worship of the true God'. Several Bible dictionaries have quite large entries about Jerusalem because it is so important within the Bible and within world history outside of the Bible.

Please see the note for Romans C4S13 about the word circumcision. The functional definition for this word is: 'Cutting away the foreskin of males. Symbolically, it is letting God cut away all the sins of the flesh in our life'. Please see the note for Colossians C2S7 about the word circumcise`. The functional definition of the word circumcise is: 'To cut off the foreskin of males. To cut off the foreskin of males. A physical ceremony which shows spiritual agreement to cut away of the fleshly parts of our heart and soul. Religiously, it is symbolic submission to God done God's way'. This sentence uses the word circumcision to identify Jews who were relying upon their religious ceremony for salvation instead of relying on a personal relationship with God for true salvation.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C11S16 and Philippians 1:15-17 about the words contentious / contention / contend. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines contentious as: 'Apt to contend; given to angry debate; quarrelsome; perverse. A continual dropping in a rainy day, and a contentious woman are alike. Proverbs 27. 2. Relating to contention in law; relating to litigation; having power to decide causes between contending parties; as a court of contentious jurisdiction. 3. Exciting or adapted to provoke contention or disputes; as a contentious subject'.

Please see the note for Romans 11:1 about the phrase I say. The functional definition is: 'Uttering in articulate sounds or words; speaking; telling; relating; reciting'. Please also see the note for Romans C10S28 about the word gainsaying. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:1 about the word sayings (plural). Please also see the notes for Romans C15S15 and 2Corinthians 2:17 about the word speak. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:12-14 about the word speech. Please also see the notes for Ephesians C4S15 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase evil speaking. The words speaketh and saith mean that the person 'keeps on keeping on doing the saying'.

Please see the note for Acts 7:51 about the word uncircumcised. The functional definition for this word is: 'Not circumcised, not a Jew'.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S2; 1Corinthians C11S37 and Hebrews 13:10 about the word eat. The functional definition for this word is: 'Besides the common use of this word, it is employed symbolically for to 'consume, destroy:' they "eat up my people as they eat bread." Ps 14:4; cf. Pr 30:14; Hab 3:14; 2Ti 2:17. Also for receiving, digesting, and delighting in God's words'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they. Ac 10:9,45; 15:1,5; 21:20-23; Ga 2:12-14 General references. exp: 1Sa 17:29.
General references. Ac 10:23,28,48; Lu 15:2; 1Co 5:11; 2Jo 1:10 exp: 1Sa 17:29.'.

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C11-S3 (Verse 4-6) Peter explains his experience.

Equivalent Section: Peter tells where he was at the start.

But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning,
and expounded it by order unto them,
saying,
I was in the city of Joppa praying:.

Equivalent Section: What Peter saw at first.

First Step: Peter had a vision from God.

and in a trance I saw a vision,
A certain vessel descend,
as it had been a great sheet,
let down from heaven by four corners;.

Second Step: God made the vision personal to Peter.

and it came even to me:.

Equivalent Section: What Peter saw in the sheet.

Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes,
I considered,
and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth,
and wild beasts,
and creeping things,
and fowls of the air.

Acts 11:4-12 tell us that Peter rehearsed his vision from God and instructions to go where he was directed by the men at the door of where he was staying. Please also see the Significant New Testament Events about Other places in the New Testament where people received a vision. Here, Peter is reporting the fulfillment of prophecy.

Our sentence has three Equivalent Sections which explain Peter's vision from God. Remember that, at this time, they did not have the written New Testament and God still gave visions to His people. This is, in fact, a fulfillment of the prophecy which Peter quoted in Acts 2:16-21 where the prophecy from Joel included your young men shall see visions. And, at that time, God used visions to give explicate instructions to His people. Further, the saved Jews understood this. Therefore, they could not argue against God because it would prove that they were declaring themselves to be greater than God and all of the other saved Jews would reject anything more that they said.

This sentence is reporting what we read in Chapter 10. Please see it for more details about this vision and the actions taken as a result of the vision.

Please see the note for Acts 8:21 about the word matter. Only part of the definition in Webster's 1828 matches the actually usage of this word within the Bible. The other dictionaries which I can access also give erroneous definitions. The part of the definition in Webster's 1828 , which matches every usage within the Bible is: 'a. the very thing supposed or intended. He grants the deluge to have come so very near the matter, that few escaped. b. Affair; business; event; thing; course of things. Matters have succeeded well thus far; observe how matters stand; thus the matter rests at present; thus the matter ended. Tohelp the matter, the alchimists call in many vanities from astrology. Some young female seems to have carried matters so far, that she is ripe for asking advice. c. Cause of any event, as of any disturbance, of a disease, or of a difficulty. When a moving machine stops suddenly, we ask, what is the matter? When a person is ill, we ask, what is the matter? When a tumult or quarrel takes place, we ask, what is the matter?'.

Please see the note for John 11:49-50 about the word consider. The functional definition for this word is: 'To fix the mind on, with a view to a careful examination; to think on with care; to ponder; to study; to meditate on'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 11:6; Acts 12:12; Acts 15:6.

We find forms of the word rehearse in: Exodus 17:14; Judges 5:11; 1Samuel 8:21; 1Samuel 17:31; Acts 11:4; Acts 14:27. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: '.t. rehers.' 1. to recite; to repeat the words of a passage or composition; to repeat the words of another. When the words were heard which David spoke, they rehearsed them before Saul. 1Sam. 17. 2. to narrate or recount events or transactions. There shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the Lord. Judges 5. Acts 11. 3. to recite or repeat in private for experiment and improvement, before a public representation; as, to rehearse a tragedy.'.

Please see the note for John 1:1 about the word beginning. The functional definition for this word is: 'First entering upon; commencing; giving rise or original; taking rise or origin'.

Please see the note for Mark 4:34 about the word expound. The functional definition for this word is: 'To explain; to lay open the meaning; to clear of obscurity; to interpret; as, to expound a text of scripture; to expound a law'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 11:4; Acts 18:26; Acts 28:23.

Please see the note for Colossians C2-S3 about the word order. The functional definition for this word is: 'Regular disposition or methodical arrangement of things; a word of extensive application; as the order of troops or parade; the order of books in a library; the order of proceedings in a legislative assembly'.

Please see the note for Mark 11:19 about the word city. The functional definition for this word is: 'An area where many people live together and have a local government rule over them'. Please also see the note for Romans C13S12 about the phrase city of refuge. Please also see the note for Matthew 4:5 about the phrase holy city.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S25 and 2Corinthians C1S6 about the word pray. The functional definition for this word is: 'talking to God'. Please also see the Doctrinal Study called Pray for links to papers on prayer.

Please see the note for Acts 10:10 about the word trance. Smith's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Nu 24:4,16: --in which this word occurs in the English of the Old Testament italics show no corresponding word in Hebrew. In the New Testament we meet with the word three times --
Ac 10:10; 11:6; 22:17: the ekstasis (i.e. trance) is the state in which a man has passed out of the usual order of his life, beyond the usual limits of consciousness and volition, being rapt in causes of this state are to be traced commonly to strong religious impressions. Whatever explanation may be given of it, it is true of many, if not of most, of those who have left the stamp of their own character on the religious history of mankind, that they have been liable to pass at times into this abnormal state. the union of intense feeling, strong volition, long-continued thought (the conditions of all wide and lasting influence, aided in many cases by the withdrawal from the lower life of the support which is needed to maintain a healthy equilibrium, appears to have been more than the "earthen vessel" will bear. the words which speak of "an ecstasy of adoration" are often literally true. As in other things, so also here, the phenomena are common to higher and lower, to true and false systems. We may not point to trances and ecstasies as proofs of a true revelation but still less may we think of them as at all inconsistent with it. thus though we have not the word, we have the thing in the "deep sleep" the "horror of great darkness," that fell on Abraham.
Ge 15:12: Balaam, as if overcome by the constraining power of a Spirit mightier than his own, "sees the vision of God, falling, but with opened eyes."
Nu 24:4: Saul, in like manner, when the wild chant of the prophets stirred the old depths of feeling, himself also "prophesied" and "fell down" --most, if not all, of his kingly clothing being thrown off in the ecstasy of the moment --"all that day and all that night."
1Sa 19:24: Something there was in Jeremiah that made men say of him that he was as one that" is mad and maketh himself a prophet."
Jer 29:26: In Ezekiel the phenomena appear in more wonderful and awful forms.
Eze 3:15: As other elements and forms of the prophetic work were revived in "the apostles and prophets" of the New Testament, so also was this. though different in form, it belongs to the same class of phenomena as the gift of tongues, and is connected with "visions and revelations of the Lord" In some cases, indeed, it is the chosen channel for such revelations.
Ac 10:11; 22:17-21: Wisely for the most part did the apostle draw a veil over these more mysterious experiences. 2Co 12:1-4'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:22 about the word vision. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'By means of visions God often vouchsafed to make known His will. When Samuel was a child, before the word of Jehovah was revealed to him, for a time 'there was no open vision.' 1Sa 3:1,15. With the prophets they were frequently employed: more than twenty times we read of them in Daniel. In the future when the Spirit will be poured out, Israel's sons and daughters will prophesy; the old men will dream dreams, and the young men will see visions. Joe 2:28; Ac 2:17. the book of Revelation is a series of visions. Re 1:2.'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 4:7 about the word vessel. The functional definition for this word is: 'A cask or utensil proper for holding liquors and other things, as a tun, a pipe, a puncheon, a hogshead, a barrel, a firkin, a bottle, a kettle, a cup, a dish, etc'.

Please see the note for Mark 15:32 about the word descend. The functional definition for this word is: 'o move or pass from a higher to a lower place; to move, come or go downwards; to fall; to sink; to run or flow down; applicable to any kind of motion or of body'.

Please see the note for Acts 10:11 about the word sheet. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. L. schenda; Gr. the Greek and Latin words signify a table or plate for writing on; L. scindo, Gr. 1. A broad piece of cloth used as part of bed-furniture. 2. A broad piece of paper as it comes from the manufacturer. Sheets of paper are of different sizes, as royal, demi, foolscap, pot and post-paper. 3. A piece of paper printed, folede and bound, or formed in to a book in blank, and making four, eight, sixteen or twenty-four pages, etc. 4. anything expanded; as a sheet of water or of fire; a sheet of copper, lead or iron. 5. Sheets, plu. a book or pamphlet. the following sheets contains a full answer to my opponent. 6. A sail.
SHEET, n. In nautical language, a rope fastened to one or both the lower corners of a sail to extend and retain it in a particular situation. When a ship sails with a side-wind, the lower corners of the main and fore-sails are fastened with a tackand a sheet.
SHEET, v.t. 1. to furnish with sheets. Little used. 2. to fold in a sheet. Little used. 3. to cover as with a sheet; to cover with something broad and thin. When snow the pasture sheets. Shak.'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word heaven. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) Definitions. the phrase "heaven and earth" is used to indicate the whole universe (Ge 1:1; Jer 23:24; Ac 17:24). According to the Jewish notion there were three heavens, (a) the firmament, as "fowls of the heaven" (Ge 2:19; 7:3,23; Ps 8:8, etc.), "the eagles of heaven" (La 4:19), etc. (b) the starry heavens (De 17:3; Jer 8:2; Mt 24:29). (c) "The heaven of heavens," or "the third heaven" (De 10:14; 1Ki 8:27; Ps 115:16; 148:4; 2Co 12:2). (2.) Meaning of words in the original, (a) the usual Hebrew word for "heavens" is shamayim, a plural form meaning "heights," "elevations" (Ge 1:1; 2:1). (b) the Hebrew word marom is also used (Ps 68:18; 93:4; 102:19, etc.) as equivalent to shamayim, "high places," "heights." (c) Heb galgal, literally a "wheel," is rendered "heaven" in Ps 77:18 (R.V., "whirlwind"). (d) Heb shahak, rendered "sky" (De 33:26; Job 37:18; Ps 18:11), plural "clouds" (Job 35:5; 36:28; Ps 68:34, marg. "heavens"), means probably the firmament. (e) Heb rakia is closely connected with (d), and is rendered "firmamentum" in the Vulgate, whence our "firmament" (Ge 1:6; De 33:26, etc.), regarded as a solid expanse. (3.) Metaphorical meaning of term. Isa 14:13-14; "doors of heaven" (Ps 78:23); heaven "shut" (1Ki 8:35); "opened" (Eze 1:1). (See 1Ch 21:16.) (4.) Spiritual meaning. the place of the everlasting blessedness of the righteous; the abode of departed spirits. (a) Christ calls it his "Father's house" (Joh 14:2). (b) It is called "paradise" (Lu 23:43; 2Co 12:4; Re 2:7). (c) "The heavenly Jerusalem" (Ga 4:1; 6:18; Heb 12:22; Re 3:12). (d) the "kingdom of heaven" (Mt 25:1; Jas 2:5). (e) the "eternal kingdom" (2Pe 1:11). (f) the "eternal inheritance" (1Pe 1:4; Heb 9:15). (g) the "better country" (Heb 11:14,16). (h) the blessed are said to "sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," and to be "in Abraham's bosom" (Lu 16:22; Mt 8:11); to "reign with Christ" (2Ti 2:12). In heaven the blessedness of the righteous consists in the possession of "life everlasting," "an eternal weight of glory" (2Co 4:17), an exemption from all sufferings for ever, a deliverance from all evils (2Co 5:1-2) and from the society of the wicked (2Ti 4:18), bliss without termination, the "fulness of joy" for ever (Lu 20:36; 2Co 4:16,18; 1Pe 1:4; 5:10; 1Jo 3:2). the believer's heaven is not only a state of everlasting blessedness, but also a "place", a place "prepared" for them (Joh 14:2)'. Please also see the notes for Hebrews 12:2-LJC and Laying up Treasure in heaven about the phrase treasure in heaven. Please also see the note for 1Peter 1:2-LJC about the phrase heaven, things in. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:2 about the phrase kingdom of heaven.

Please see the note for Mark 12:10-11 about the word corner. The functional definition for this word is: 'Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The angle of a house (Job 1:19) or a street (Pr 7:8). "Corners" in Ne 9:22 denotes the various districts of the promised land allotted to the Israelites. In Nu 24:17, the "corners of Moab" denotes the whole land of Moab. the "corner of a field" (Le 19:9; 23:22) is its extreme part, which was not to be reaped. the Jews were prohibited from cutting the "corners," i.e., the extremities, of the hair and whiskers running round the ears (Le 19:27; 21:5). the "four corners of the earth" in Isa 11:12; Eze 7:2 denotes the whole land. the "corners of the streets" mentioned in Mt 6:5 means the angles where streets meet so as to form a square or place of public resort.
The corner gate of Jerusalem (2Ki 14:13; 2Ch 26:9) was on the north-west side of the city.
Corner-stone (Job 38:6; Isa 28:16), a block of great importance in binding together the sides of a building. the "head of the corner" (Ps 118:22-23) denotes the coping, the "coign of vantage", i.e., the topstone of a building. But the word "corner stone" is sometimes used to denote some person of rank and importance (Isa 28:16). He is also styled "the chief corner stone" (Eph 2:20; 1Pe 2:6-8). When Zechariah (Zec 10:4), speaking of Judah, says, "Out of him came forth the corner," he is probably to be understood as ultimately referring to the Messiah as the "corner stone."'. Please also see the note for Ephesians 2:20 about the phrase corner stone.

Please see the note for Luke 4:20 about the word fasten. The functional definition for this word is: 'Made firm or fast; fixed firmly; impressed'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S13 about the word eye. The functional definition for this word is: 'The organ of sight or vision; properly, the globe or ball movable in the orbit'. Please also see the note for John 12:45 about the phrase eyes to see.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S9; 2Corinthians 2:17 and Colossians C1S6 about the words see / sight. The functional definition is: 'perception of objects by the eye; view. this word is often used symbolically for spiritual understanding'. Please also see the note for John 6:40-LJC about the phrase see the Son. Please also see the note for Acts 2:25 about the words foresee / foresaw. Please also see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men.

Please see the note for Acts 7:42 about the word beast. The functional definition for this word is: 'Any animal that is not man. Sometimes it means quadrupeds, and not creeping things'.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 5:1 and Philippians 2:9-11 about the word earth. The functional definition for this word is: 'All of this physical world including the influence it has on us. At times, the application o0f this word, will focus on only part of the whole'. Please also see the note for Luke 21:10-11 about the word earthquake. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:7 about the word earthen. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word earthly. Please also see the note for Revelation 10:11-LJC about the phrase kings of the earth.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 3:6 about the word creep. The functional definition for this word is: 'To move with the belly on the ground, as a worm or serpent without legs, or as many insects with feet and very short legs'.

Please see the note for Mark 4:2 about the word fowl. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'This term is used for every description of bird described as of the heaven and of the air, including those that feed on carrion, as in Ge 15:11; Re 19:17,21; and those for the table. 1Ki 4:23; Ne 5:18'.

Please see the note for Matthew 6:26 about the word air. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'the atmosphere, as opposed to the higher regions of the sky (1Th 4:17; Re 9:2; 16:17). this word occurs once as the rendering of the Hebrew ruah (Job 41:16); elsewhere it is the rendering of shamaiyim, usually translated "heavens." the expression "to speak into the air" (1Co 14:9) is a proverb denoting to speak in vain, as to "beat the air" (1Co 9:26) denotes to labour in vain'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 14:27; Jos 22:21-31; Pr 15:1; Lu 1:3 exp: 1Sa 17:29.
was. Ac 10:9-18 in a. Ac 22:17; 2Co 12:1-3 and it. Jer 1:11-14; Eze 2:9; Am 7:4-7; 8:2
fastened. Ac 3:4; Lu 4:20'.

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C11-S4 (Verse 7) What Peter was commanded to do.

First Step: What he is to do first.

And I heard a voice saying unto me,
Arise,
Peter;.

Second Step: What he is to do next.

slay and eat.

Acts 11:4-12 tell us that Peter rehearsed his vision from God and instructions to go where he was directed by the men at the door of where he was staying.

In the prior sentence we were told what Peter saw in his vision. in this sentence we are told what Peter heard in his vision. In the next sentence we are told what Peter's reaction was to the command.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S14 and Galatians C3-S7 about the word hear. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Perceiving by the ear. This word is often used symbolically for hearing the spiritual message of the word of God, as sound. 1. Listening to; attending to; obeying; observing what is commanded. 2. Attending to witnesses or advocates in a judicial trial; trying'. Please pay attention to the word 'obey' within this definition. That is what most people refuse to do when the Bible says that they do not hear. Please also see the note for James 2:5 about the word hearken. Please also see the note for Mark 4:9 about the phrase He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C14S11 about the word voice. The functional definition for this word is: 'The sense of the verb is to throw, to drive out sound; and voice is that which is driven out. Sound or audible noise uttered by the mouth, either of human beings or of other animals'. Please also see the note for Luke 3:21-22 about the phrase voice from heaven Please also see the note for Revelation 20:9 about the phrase fire from heaven.

Please see the note for Mark 10:1 about the words arise / arose. The functional definition for this word is: 'To ascend, mount up or move to a higher place; as, vapors arise from humid places'. The word arose is the past-tense form of the word arise. Please also see the note for Colossians C2-S7 about the word rise.

Please see the note for Luke 9:22 about the word slain. The functional definition for this word is: 'pp. of slay; so written for slayen. Killed'. Please also see the note for Luke 11:49-51 about the word slay.

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C11-S5 (Verse 8) Peter's reaction was to the command.

Equivalent Section: What peter answered.

But I said,
Not so,
Lord :.

Equivalent Section: Why.

for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

Acts 11:4-12 tell us that Peter rehearsed his vision from God and instructions to go where he was directed by the men at the door of where he was staying.

in this sentence, Peter claims to have always followed the religious traditions which he was taught. However, in our next sentence, we read that God overrode the religious traditions and corrected the additions to the law which God gave to Moses.

Acts 10 tells about God saving the Gentile household of Cornelius. Acts 11 starts with and when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him. This is a fight that we see all throughout the New Testament and even see today. When God leads men against religious traditions, there are people ready to denounce, attack and even kill the person who puts heir personal walk with God above religious traditions.

Jesus gave very clear instructions before He returned to Heaven. Acts 1:8 says But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

These people, who are identified as they that were of the circumcision, agreed to go unto the uttermost part of the earth. But they refused to leave Jerusalem until God forced them out and then preached to Gospel only to the circumcision in the other places where they went. This is in spite of clear instructions from Jesus, in Mark 16:15, which says and he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

In spite of this, Peter didn't argue with them but related what happened as it happened in Acts 10. This is part of the account about how Peter recounted his experience when is in Acts 10 where Peter is repeating his first answer to the Lord. Please see the note on Acts 10:14, which is the original verse of this account. Peter ended his defense in Acts 11:17 with what was I, that I could withstand God? at this time, they that were of the circumcision could no longer contend with him (Peter) so they joined in with the rest of the church and ...they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life (Acts 11:18). However, they, and their doctrine, keeps coming back up and we see them continuing to argue their wrong religious traditions until God had to destroy the Jerusalem Church.

We see this phrase of the circumcision used in Acts 10:45; Acts 11:2; Romans 3:30; Romans 4:9, Romans 4:12; 15:8; Galatians 2:7-9, Galatians 2:12; Ephesians 2:11; Philippians 3:3; Colossians 2:11; Colossians 4:11; Titus 1:10. This group is also found many other places in the New Testament. They led Peter and Barnabas into preaching doctrinal error. They tried to steal Paul's work and authority in the churches hat he started. They caused the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) yet refused to abide by the decision of the Council.

In the verses mentioned above we see this doctrine explained in Romans. We see the Galatians and Titus warned to avoid their doctrinal error. We see the truth in Philippians and Colossians where we are told that true circumcision is putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ and causes us to worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

That brings us to the point of this entire contention that still goes on today in God's church. There are people who insist that religious acts are what is most important while the Bible teaches that acts of the heart and spirit which are in obedience to God are what really matters.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C10S10 about the word common. The functional definition for this word is: 'Of no rank or superior excellence; ordinary and applies to the majority of any grouping. Not noble, not distinguished'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 5:1 about the word commonly.

Please see the note for Hebrews 9:13-14 about the word unclean. The functional definition for this word is: 'polluted from the world; influenced by devils; never doing the right religious practice; doing anything that would make us less than 100% committed to obeying God; accepting anything that is even questionable as being right; accepting all influences that corrupt'. Please also see the notes for Word Study on Spirit; Romans C14S20 and Colossians C3S5 about the phrase unclean spirits. They are devils. Please also see the notes for Galatians C5S20 and Colossians C3S5 about the word uncleanness. Please also see the note for James 4:8 about the word cleanse.

Please see the note for John 10:9 about the word enter. The functional definition for this word is: 'to leave one place and go into another place'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:64 about the word mouth. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'Is sometimes used in Scripture for speaker, Ex 4:16; Jer 15:19. God spoke with Moses "mouth to mouth," Nu 12.8, that is, condescendingly and clearly. the law was to be "in the mouth" of the Hebrews, Ex 13:9, often rehearsed and talked of. "The rod of his mouth," Isa 11:4, and the sharp sword, Re 1:16, denote the power of Christ's word to convict, control, and judge; compare Isa 49:2; Heb 4:12. the Hebrew word for mouth is often translated "command," Ge 45:21; Job 39:27; Ec 8:2; and the unclean spirits out of the mouth of the dragon, Re 16:14, are the ready executors of his commands'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'common. Mr 7:2; Ro 14:14 unclean. Le 10:10; 11:47; Ezr 9:11-12; Ho 9:3; Ro 14:14; 1Co 7:14 exp: Jos 22:19.'.

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C11-S6 (Verse 9) God corrects Peter's religious belief.

But the voice answered me again from heaven,
What God hath cleansed,
that call not thou common.

Acts 11:4-12 tell us that Peter rehearsed his vision from God and instructions to go where he was directed by the men at the door of where he was staying.

This is a repeat of Acts 10:15. (Please also see the note for that sentence.)

Peter, and the other Jews, understood this command religiously, but not spiritually. And, when God speaks to us, our main concern should be the spiritual meaning. While peter was pondering this command and trying to understand the religious application, God's spiritual meaning was that when God saved the Gentiles, the saved Jews were to not deny their salvation (call them unclean). That was the true spiritual message of this command from God and peter, and the other Jews, misunderstood it because they did not use the spiritual perspective. Likewise, much of the spiritual messages from God are misunderstood because most people either can not or do not take the spiritual perspective.

The unfortunate thing is that the listening Jews did not accept this command as applying to them. In addition to their own disobedience, they kept insisting that everyone else keep disobeying until God killed, or scattered, all of them and destroyed the Jerusalem Church.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:12 about the word answer. The functional definition for this word is: 'To speak in return to a call or question, or to a speech, declaration or argument of another person; as, "I have called and ye have not answered." "He answered the question or the argument."'.

Please see the note James 4:8 about the word cleanse'. The functional definition for this word is: 'To remove physical or spiritual pollution, filth or anything which defiles. Only what is unclean needs to be cleansed'. In addition to those references, the word unclean needs to also be studied in order to truly understand the conditions which this word is saying must be removed. Please see the notes for Word Study on Spirit; Romans C14S20 and Colossians C3S5 about unclean spirits. Please see the notes for Galatians C5S20 and Colossians C3S5 about the word uncleanness.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S3 about the word call. That note has links to notes in every New Testament book where there are links to every place where the particular book uses this word. The functional definition is: 'To command another to help or to cry for help, hence to pray (Ge 4:26)'. Please also see the note for Romans 10:13; 2Thessalonians 3:1-LJC; Ephesians 5:8-LJC and 1John 4:14-LJC about the phrase call upon the Lord. The note for Romans 10:13 has links to every place in the Bible where we find the words call and Lord used together, along with a small note on each reference.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'What. Ac 10:28,34-35; 15:9; 1Ti 4:5; Heb 9:13-14 exp: Ac 10:15.'.

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C11-S7 (Verse 10) the symbolic message.

Equivalent Section: the symbolism of three.

And this was done three times:

Equivalent Section: the symbolism of the sheet taken to Heaven.

and all were drawn up again into heaven.

Acts 11:4-12 tell us that Peter rehearsed his vision from God and instructions to go where he was directed by the men at the door of where he was staying.

This is a repeat of Acts 10:19. (Please also see the note for that sentence.)

The three times are symbolic of the three persons in the Trinity and let peter know that all three persons were sending this message to him and to other men. The fact that it was drawn up again into heaven is a reminder that the message came from Heaven and that what God takes to heaven is not unclean nor is it common. And, since what was in the sheet symbolically represented saved Gentiles, God was letting Peter, and the other Jews, know that God planned to take saved Gentiles to Heaven.

Please see the note for Matthew 15:7-8 about the words draw / drawn / drew. The word drawn and drew. are past-tense forms of the word draw. The functional definition for this word is: 'To pull along; to haul; to cause to move forward by force applied in advance of the thing moved or at the fore-end, as by a rope or chain. It differs from drag only in this, that drag is more generally applied to things moved along the ground by sliding, or moved with greater toil or difficulty, and draw is applied to all bodies moved by force in advance, whatever may be the degree of force. Draw is the more general or generic term, and drag, more specific'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'three. Nu 24:10; Joh 13:38; 21:17; 2Co 12:8'.

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C11-S8 (Verse 11) the three men represented a message from God.

And,
behold,
immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was,
sent from Caesarea unto me.

Acts 11:4-12 tell us that Peter rehearsed his vision from God and instructions to go where he was directed by the men at the door of where he was staying.

Cornelius sent two servants so that Peter would know that they legally represented his household. (Jews recognized the testimony of two men as being legally true.) And, Cornelius sent a soldier to make sure that the servants traveled safe. But, Peter understood that three men was symbolically letting Peter know that their message was from God. And, this was especially true after the vision, from God, gave the same message three times.

Please see the note for Colossians C2S3 about the word behold. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this word as: 'to fix the eyes upon; to see with attention; to observe with care. Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1. 2. In a less intensive sense, to look upon; to see. When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Num. 21. BEHO'LD, v.i. to look; to direct the eyes to an object. And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne, a lambdas it had been slain. Rev.5. 1. to fix the attention upon an object; to attend; to direct or fix the mind. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Rev.3.word is much used in this manner for exciting attention, or admiration. It is in the imperative mode, expressing command, or exhortation; and by no means a mere exclamation.' Please also see the note for 2:18-19 about the word holding'.

Please see the note for Mark 1:42 about the word immediate. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Proximate; acting without a medium, or without the intervention of another cause or means; producing its effect by its own direct agency. An immediate cause is that which is exerted directly in producing its effect, in opposition to a mediate cause, or one more remote. 2. Not acting by second causes; as the immediate will of God. 3. Instant; present; without the intervention of time. We must have an immediate supply of bread. Immediate are my needs-- Death--inflicted--by an immediate stroke'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word house. The functional definition for this word is: ' In a general sense, a building or shed intended or used as a habitation or shelter for animals of any kind; but appropriately, a building or edifice for the habitation of man; a dwelling place, mansion or abode for any of the human species. It may be of any size and composed of any materials whatever, wood, stone, brick, etc. This word is also used, symbolically within the Bible, for the descendants of a person'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:17 about the phrase house of God. Please also see the note for Luke 1:26-27 about the phrase house of David. Please also see the note for Luke 1:32-33 about the phrase house of Jacob. Please also see the note for Matthew 10:25 about the words household / householder.

Please see the note for Mark 8:27 about the word Caesarea. The functional definition for this word is: 'A city on the Mediterranean which was visited by our Savior shortly before his transfiguration'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 9:10-12; 10:17-18; Ex 4:14,27'.

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C11-S9 (Verse 12) Peter's spirit told him to go with them.

And the spirit bade me go with them,
nothing doubting.

Acts 11:4-12 tell us that Peter rehearsed his vision from God and instructions to go where he was directed by the men at the door of where he was staying.

Please notice the word spirit is lower-case. Therefore, Peter's spirit understood the message from God's Holy Spirit and old him what to do.

Please use the link in the sentence above and see the notes for Romans C8S1; Galatians C6S8 and Hebrews 8:10-LJC about the word Spirit. The functional definition is: 'An intelligent being from the spiritual reality which is a super-set of the physical reality'. As seen in the summary part of the Study on Spirit, 'We are made spiritually alive when God's spirit quickens our spirit'. That study also provides links to many more verses which teach the same doctrine. Please use his link for links to every usage in the Bible where we find the phrase Spirit of the Lord. Please see the note for Romans C11S13 about the phrase spirit of slumber. Please see the note for Galatians 6:1 in Word Study on Spirit for links to every place where we find the word spiritual. Please see the notes for Romans C8S40; Ephesians C6S8 about the phrase spiritual powers. Please see the note for 1Peter C1S11 about the phrase spiritual verses physical. Please see the notes for Word Study on Spirit; Romans C14S20 and Colossians C3S5 about the phrase unclean spirits. Please see the note for please see the Word Study on Holy Ghost for links to every place in the Bible where we find the phrase Holy Ghost.

We find forms of the words bade occurring 38 times in 37 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Matthew 16:12; Luke 14:9; Luke 14:10; Luke 14:12; Luke 14:16; Acts 11:12; Acts 18:21; Acts 22:24. The word bade is the past-tense form of the word bid. Webster's 1828 defines the word bid as: 'BID, v.t. pret. bid, or bade; pp. bid, bidden. L. peto, to drive at, to attack, to ask, to desire, to beseech, anciently beto; impetus. Applied to the voice, it denotes utterance, a driving of sounds, which is applied to asking, prayer, and command. Class Bd. 1. to ask; to request; to invite. Go ye into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. Math.22. This sense is antiquated, but we have the same word from the Latin, in invite, in and bid.'. Please see the note for Matthew 14:28 about the word bid. Please see the note for Luke 7:39 about the word bidden. It is another word that is the past-tense forms of the word bid. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 4:1 about the word forbid. Please also see the notes for Romans C3S6 and Galatians C3S25 about the phrase God forbid.

Please see the note for Romans C14S1 about the word doubtful. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Dubious; not settled in opinion; undetermined; wavering; hesitating; applied to persons; as, we are doubtful of a fact, or of the propriety of a measure. 2. Dubious; ambiguous; not clear in its meaning; as a doubtful expression. 3. Admitting of doubt; not obvious, clear or certain; questionable; not decided; as a doubtful case; a doubtful proposition; it is doubtful what will be the event of the war. 4. Of uncertain issue. We have sustained one day in doubtful fight. 5. Not secure; suspicious; as, we cast a doubtful eye. 6. Not confident; not without fear; indicating doubt. With doubtful feet, and wavering resolution. 7. Not certain or defined; as a doubtful hue'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 12:1 about the word doubtless.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the Spirit. Ac 8:29; 10:19-20; 13:2,4; 15:7; 16:6-7; Joh 16:13; 2Th 2:2; Re 22:17 nothing. Mt 1:20 General references. exp: Ac 8:29.'.

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C11-S10 (Verse 12-14) the saved Jews were witnesses to what God's angel said.

Equivalent Section: Peter identifies six saved Jews who accompanied him.

Moreover these six brethren accompanied me,
and we entered into the man's house:.

Equivalent Section: God's angel gave the instructions.

First Step: Cornelius showed how God's angel gave instructions.

And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house,
which stood and said unto him,
Send men to Joppa,
and call for Simon,
whose surname is Peter;.

Second Step: God's angel said that Peter would preach the Gospel.

Who shall tell the words,
whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

Acts 11:12-17 tell that God saved the Gentiles and that Peter could not fight God.

Here we see Peter telling the Jews that six saved Jews accompanied him and were witnesses that God's angel instructed Cornelius. Therefore, Peter did not act on his own but was obeying God and there were saved Jews who were witnesses to this fact. God chose to save the Gentiles. Therefore, their complaint was against God.

Please see the note for John 6:5 about the word company. The functional definition for this word is: ' Any assemblage of persons or other animals, in a very indefinite sense'.. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:25 about the word companion. Please also see the note for Hebrews 6:9 about the word accompany. All of these words have a similar basic meaning while the technical details vary.

Please see the note for John 10:9 about the word enter. The functional definition for this word is: 'to leave one place and go into another place'.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S8 about the word shew. The functional definition for this word is: 'The Biblical spelling for the word show, which means: to exhibit or present to the view of others'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S1; Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events about the word angel. The functional definition for this word is: 'Literally, a messenger; one employed to communicate news or information '. Please also see the note for Jude 1:7 about the word archangel.

The word stood is the past-tense form of the word stand. Please see the notes for Romans C14S5 and 1Corinthians C15S1 about the word stand. The functional definition for this word is: 'to be upon the feet, as an animal; not to sit, kneel or lie'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:18 about the word notwithstanding. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C14S2 about the word understand. Please also see the note for Galatians C5S1 about the phrase stand fast.

Please see the note for 2Peter 1:1 about Simon. There are several men with this nameans that note tells the difference in them. The functional definition for this word is: 'the name of Peter when he was being spiritual'.

Please see the note for Acts 1:23 about the word surname. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'In scripture this means an additional or added name, not a family name, as the word now implies. Isa 44:5; 45:4; Mt 10:3: Mr 3:16-17; etc'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C1S1 and Philippians 2:9-11 about the word name. The functional definition is: 'How a person or thing is identified. In the Bible, the power and authority which is associated with the name is always part of the message where this word is used'. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S4 about the phrase the name. That note has links to every place in the New Testament where the phrase in the name. occurs along with links to where similar phrases occur in the New Testament. Please see the note for 1Peter 4:14-LJC about the name of Christ. Please see the note for Luke 13:35 about the phrase name of the Lord. Please also see the Summary and verses documents about the use of this word for the Son of God. Please also see the note for Acts 1:23 about the word surname.

Please see the note for Matthew 18:31 about the words tell / told. The word told is the past-tense form of the word tell. The functional definition for this word is: 'to communicate to others'.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:19-20 for links to every place in that epistle where we find the word salvation along with definitions from three different dictionaries and links from other commentators. The functional definition is: 'to exclude. When used spiritually, it means to exclude from the damned by having God's life in you. When used physically, it means to exclude from what is endangering physical life'. As we see in the Bible and in this book, our continuing spiritual growth, and our sanctification is part of true Biblical salvation. Please see the note for Main Menu item for Salvation about the word save. Please also see the notes for 2Thessalonians 2:13-LJC and Hebrews 12:2-LJC about the phrase salvation through sanctification. Please also see the note for John 8:30 about the phrase non-saving belief Please also see verses in the New Testament. Summary on the name / role of Saviour. Please also see the note for James 1:21 about the phrase save your soul.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'these. Ac 10:23,45 General references. exp: Ac 8:29.
he shewed. Ac 10:3-6,22,30-32; 12:11; Heb 1:14 to Joppa. Ac 9:43 General references. exp: Joh 7:17.
words. Ac 10:6,22,32-33,43; 16:31; Ps 19:7-11; Mr 16:16; Joh 6:63,68; 12:50; 20:31; Ro 1:16-17; 10:9-10; 1Jo 5:9-13 all. Ac 2:39; 16:15,31; Ge 17:7; 18:19; Ps 103:17; 112:2; 115:13-14; Pr 20:7; Isa 61:8-9; Jer 32:39; Lu 19:10 exp: Ac 5:20. General references. exp: Joh 7:17.'.

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C11-S11 (Verse 15) God gave the Gentiles the same evidence of salvation as God gave to the Jews.

And as I began to speak,
the Holy Ghost fell on them,
as on us at the beginning.

Acts 11:12-17 tell that God saved the Gentiles and that Peter could not fight God.

This sentence continues Peter's explanation of how God saved the Gentiles and the Jews who had a complaint had to take their complaint to God. in this sentence, peter explains that God gave the Gentiles the same evidence of salvation as God gave to the Jews.

Please see the note for John 1:1 about the word beginning. The functional definition for this word is: 'First entering upon; commencing; giving rise or original; taking rise or origin'.

The word fell is the past-tense form of the word fall. Please see the note for 1Timothy 3:6 about the word fall. The functional definition for this word is: 'moving from a high position to a low position'. This word is often used symbolically for the spiritual meaning which is: 'apostasy: unexpectedly moving from a high spiritual position to a low spiritual position'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'as I. Ac 10:34-44 the Holy Ghost. Ac 10:45-46; 19:6 exp: Ac 10:44. as on. Ac 2:2-12; 4:31 General references. exp: Ac 10:47.'.

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C11-S12 (Verse 16) Peter remembered the instruction from John the Baptist.

First Step: Peter remembered John's baptism.

Then remembered I the word of the Lord,
how that he said,
John indeed baptized with water;.

Second Step: Peter remembers the promise of our Lord.

but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost .

Acts 11:12-17 tell that God saved the Gentiles and that Peter could not fight God.

John the Baptist said this to Jews when they asked him why he baptized. (His saying this is reported in Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16 and John 1:33.) He baptized Jews who truly repented. But, he also told them that there was more to true salvation. True salvation, during the 'Church Age', included the indwelling Holy Ghost to give saved people personal instructions from God.

Peter is reporting that our Lord also said this in Acts 1:5. Since all of the church was there at that time, the Jews can not complain about not knowing the promise.

Acts 19:2-4 show us that a religious repentance (John's baptism) is not sufficient of salvation. Indeed, it also shows that baptism dos not save.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C11S28 about the words remember / remembrance:. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. 1. the retaining or having in mind an idea which had been present before, or an idea which had been previously received from an object when present, and which recurs to the mind afterwards without the presence of its object. Technically, remembrance differs from reminiscence and recollection, as the former implies that an idea occurs to the mind spontaneously, or without much mental exertion. the latter imply the power or the act of recalling ideas which do not spontaneously recur to the mind. the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. Ps. 112. Remembrance is when the same idea recurs, without the operation of the like object on the external sensory. 2. Transmission of a fact from one to another. Titan among the heav'ns th' immortal fact display'd, lest the remembrance of his grief should fall. 3. Account preserved; something to assist the memory. those proceedings and remembrances are in the Tower. 4. Memorial. But in remembrance of so brave a deed, a tomb and funeral honors I decreed. 5. A token by which one is kept in the memory. Keep this remembrance for thy Julia's sake. 6. Notice of something absent. Let your remembrance still apply to Banquo. 7. Power of remembering; limit of time within which a fact can be remembered; as when we say, an event took place before our remembrance, or since our remembrance. 8. Honorable memory. Not in use. 9. Admonition. 10. Memorandum; a note to help the memory'.

The doctrinal meaning of the word baptize is 'identification'. John's baptism 'identified people with true repentance'. Baptism of the Holy Ghost 'identified people a changed life due to having God's life in them'. Please see the messages called Basic doctrine of Baptism and Baptism Gets God's Mercy. Also, Acts 19 tells us about people who repented and were baptized with John's baptism, but were not saved. He only prepared the way of the Lord but people still had to accept Jesus as their Lord in an ongoing personal relationship in order to be truly saved. (That is the main lesson of the reference in Acts 19).

Please see the note for Luke 3:11 about the word indeed. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. in and deed. In reality; in truth; in fact. the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom.8. Indeed is usually emphatical, but in some cases more so than in others; as,This is true; it is indeed. I were a beast indeed to do you wrong. Some sons indeed; some very few we see, Who keep themselves from this infection free. there is indeed no greater pleasure in visiting these magazines of war-- It is used to note concession or admission; as, ships not so large indeed, but better manned. Indeed is used as an expression of surprise, or for the purpose of obtaining confirmation of a fact stated. Indeed! is it possible? is it so in fact?'.

Please see the note for Luke 3:16 about the word water. The functional definition for this word is: 'The basic liquid of life. It is used symbolically for more than one meaning. Consideration of the context is required in order to determine the usage in any Bible reference'. Please also see the note for John 4:10 about the phrase waters: living. Please also see the note for John 7:38 about the phrase waters: rivers of living water.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'remembered. Ac 20:35; Lu 24:8; Joh 14:26; 16:4; 2Pe 3:1 how. Ac 1:5; 19:2-4; Mt 3:11; Mr 1:8; Lu 3:16; Joh 1:26,33 but. Pr 1:23; Isa 44:3-5; Eze 36:25; Joe 2:28; 3:18; 1Co 12:13; Tit 3:5-6 General references. exp: Ac 10:47.'.

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C11-S13 (Verse 17) Peter asks the Jews how he was supposed to stop God.

First Step: God's the One who saved the Gentiles, not Peter.

Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us,
who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ;.

Second Step: By what power does any man fight against God?.

what was I,
that I could withstand God ?.

Acts 11:12-17 tell that God saved the Gentiles and that Peter could not fight God.

This is a very important attitude to keep. Yet, like the Jews in this church, men forget this attitude and end up bringing destruction upon themselves, their families and their followers.

As well as I can determine, this is the last time that the Bible reports the Jerusalem Church willing souls. They are the mother church. Therefore, doctrinal disputes are brought there. But, they that were of the circumcision contended with an ongoing basis that people had to become Jews, and be4 physically circumcised, in order to be saved. They went to Gentile churches until Paul brought an uncircumcised, but saved, Gentile to the Jerusalem Church and proved that to be wrong. Their insisting that Jews had to keep Jewish religious traditions almost caused the first church split at Antioch. When God was punishing them and the Gentile churches sent them money for relief, the many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law were more concerned about forcing Paul to preach their religious doctrinal error than they were in obeying God. Therefore, God had the Temple torn down so that the saved could no longer keep Jewish religious traditions. And, apparently, those Jews were killed or scattered. Simply put, we do not dictate religious doctrine to God.

The word gave is the past-tense form of the word give. Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 5:5 and Philippians 4:15 about the word give. The functional definition for this word is: 'Bestowing; conferring; imparting; granting; delivering'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word given. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:7 about the word giver. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about the phrase giving of thanks.

Please see the notes for Romans C5S9 and 1Corinthians C12S4 about the word gift. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'given from one person to another without compensation; a donation. It is applicable to anything movable or immovable. 1. the act of giving or confering. 2. the right or power of giving or bestowing. the prince has the gift of many lucrative offices. 3. An offering or oblation. If thou bring thy gift to the altar. Matt.5. 4. A reward. Let thy gifts be to thyself. Dan.5. 5. A bribe; anything given to corrupt the judgment. Neither take a gift; for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise. Deut.16. 6. Power; faculty; some quality or endowment confered by the author of our nature; as the gift of wit; the gift of ridicule.
GIFT, v.t. to endow with any power or faculty'. Please also see the note for John 4:10 about the phrase gift of God. The functional definition for this word is: 'A minot title of Jesus'.

Please see the notes for Romans C10S15; 1Corinthians C14S25 and Galatians C3-S8 about the word believe. The functional definition for this word is: 'To credit upon the authority or testimony of another; to be persuaded of the truth of something upon the declaration of another, or upon evidence furnished by reasons, arguments, and deductions of the mind, or by other circumstances, than personal knowledge. When we believe upon the authority of another, we always put confidence in his veracity. When we believe upon the authority of reasoning, arguments, or a concurrence of facts and circumstances, we rest our conclusions upon their strength or probability, their agreement with our own experience, etc. Tocredit upon the authority or testimony of another; to be persuaded of the truth of something upon the declaration of another, or upon evidence furnished by reasons, arguments, and deductions of the mind, or by other circumstances, than personal knowledge. When we believe upon the authority of another, we always put confidence in his veracity. When we believe upon the authority of reasoning, arguments, or a concurrence of facts and circumstances, we rest our conclusions upon their strength or probability, their agreement with our own experience, etc. true Biblical belief causes us to act upon that belief and any claimed belief that does not lead to matching action is a lie. Many people confuse faith and belief. Before people act, they have a belief but that belief does not turn into true faith until the people act upon it. Thus, we need to tell people the true gospel, which requires them to act upon their claimed belief'. Please also see the note for John 3:16 about the word believeth. The functional definition for this word is: 'a lifestyle belief. This is opposed to whay people call belief but what they have does not stay with them'. Please also see the notes for John 6:42 and John 12:40 about the phrase believe on / believe in. The functional definition for this word is: 'This identifies an ongoing spiritual relationship'. Please also see the notes for Romans 3:26-LJC and John 20:31-LJC about the phrase believe in Jesus / Christ. The functional definition for this word is: 'the start of a spiritual relationship with Jesus and / or Christ'. Please also see the note for John 8:30 about the phrase belief, non-saving. Please also see the note for Romans C10S15 about the phrase belief (true) changes life.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'as God. Ac 11:15; 15:8-9; Mt 20:14-15; Ro 9:15-16,23-24; 11:34-36 what. Ac 10:47; Job 9:12-14; 33:13; 40:2,8-9; Da 4:35; Ro 9:20-26 General references. exp: Ac 10:47.'.

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C11-S14 (Verse 18) at this time, the jews reacted right.

When they heard these things,
they held their peace,
and glorified God,
saying,
Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Acts 11:18 tell us that the Jews accepted what God did.

As our sentence title says, the jews reacted right, at this time. But, they had not thought this through. When they did, they changed their attitude. It should be obvious that none of those Gentiles were circumsized even though they were saved. And, Romans 4:9-10 says, Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

The word held is the past-tense form of the word hold. Please see the note for Colossians 2:18-19 about the word hold. The functional definition for this word is: 'Stopping; confining; restraining; keeping; retaining; adhering; maintaining, etc'. Please also see the note for Luke 24:15 about the word holden. Please see the note for Luke 24:15 about the word holden.

Please see the notes for Romans C12S16; Galatians C1-S1 and Jude 1:1 about the word peace. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines peace as: 'n. L. pax, paco, to applease. 1. In a general sense, a state of quiet or tranquility; freedom from disturbance or agitation; applicable to society, to individuals, or to the temper of the mind. 2. Freedom from war with a foreign nation; public quiet. 3. Freedom from internal commotion or civil war. 4. Freedom from private quarrels, suits or disturbance. 5. Freedom from agitation or disturbance by the passions, as from fear, terror, anger, anxiety or the like; quietness of mind; tranquility; calmness; quiet of conscience. Great peace have they that love the law. Psalms 119. 6. heavenly rest; the happiness of heaven. 7. Harmony; concord; a state of reconciliation between parties at variance. 8. Public tranquility; that quiet, order and security which is guaranteed by the laws; as, to keep the peace; to break the peace. This word is used in commanding silence or quiet; as, peace to this troubled soul. Peace, the lovers are asleep. Tobe at peace, to be reconciled; to live in harmony. Tomake peace, to reconcile, as parties at variance. Tohold the peace, to be silent; to suppress one's thoughts; not to speak.'. Please also see the notes for Philippians 4:7 and Colossians 3:15 about the phrase peace of God. Please also see the notes for Romans 10:15 and Hebrews 12:14-LJC about the phrase peace with God.

Please see the note for Romans C15S14; 1Corinthians C15S36; Ephesians C1S2; 2Corinthians 10:14-LJC and Colossians C1S6 about the word glory. The functional definition is: 'Abundance, wealth, treasure, and hence honour, dignity of God; of the mind or heart; Splendour, brightness, majesty of Jehovah , the infinite perfections of God'. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:1 about the phrase Jesus Christ return in glory. Think about the 'Mount of transfiguration'.

Please see the note for Mark 10:37 about the word grant. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to admit as true what is not proved; to allow; to yield; to concede. We take that for granted which is supposed to be true. Grant that the fates have firmed, by their decree-- 2. to give; to bestow or confer on without compensation, particularly in answer to prayer or request. thou hast granted me life and favor. Job.10. God granted him that which he requested. 1. Chron.4. 3. to transfer the title of a thing to another, for a good or valuable consideration; to convey by deed or writing. the legislature have granted all the new land. Grant me the place of this threshing floor. 1 Chron.21.
GR`ANT, n. the act of granting; a bestowing or confering. 1. the thing granted or bestowed; a gift; a boon. 2. In law, a conveyance in writing, of such things as cannot pass or be transferred by word only, as land, rents, reversions, tithes, etc. A grant is an executed contract. 3. Concession; admission of something as true. 4. the thing conveyed by deed or patent'.'.

Please see the note for Romans C11S32 about the word repentance. The functional definition for this word is: 'A turning away from the attitudes and actions of sin and turning towards God and accepting His attitudes and actions about sin'.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 2:15; Philippians 1:19-20; Life in 1John about the word life. The functional definition is: 'Life is that by which a created being enjoys the place in which the Creator has set it'. Please also see the note for Life in 1John about the phrase eternal life. Please also see the notes for Hebrews 1:8-LJC; Philippians 1:27-LJC about the phrase life everlasting. Please note that eternal life is different from everlasting life in that while eternal life is 'Without beginning or end of existence', everlasting life 'has a beginning but is without end of existence'. Please see the note for John 5:24 about the phrase everlasting life. Please also see the note for Life in 1John about the phrase eternal life. Please also see the note for Romans C10S15 about the phrase belief changes life. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16 about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by lifestyle sins. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:10 about the word sinners. Please also see the notes for Romans C14S11; Galatians C2-S14 and Philippians 1:21 about the word live. Please also see the note for Colossians C3S4 about the phrase Christ lives through us. Please also see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please also see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith. Please also see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they held. Le 10:19-20; Jos 22:30 and glorified. Ac 15:3; 21:20; Isa 60:21; 61:3; 2Co 3:18; Ga 1:24 hath. Ac 11:1; 13:47-48; 14:27; 22:21-22; Ro 3:29-30; 9:30; 10:12-13; 15:9-16; Ga 3:26-27; Eph 2:11-18; 3:5-8 granted. Ac 3:19,26; 5:31; 20:21; 26:17-20; Jer 31:18-20; Eze 36:26; Zec 12:10; Ro 10:12-13; 15:9,16; 2Co 7:10; 2Ti 2:25-26; Jas 1:16-17 General references. exp: Lu 2:20; Ga 1:24.'.

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C11-S15 (Verse 19) What the non-preachers did due to persecution..

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice,
and Cyprus,
and Antioch,
preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

Acts 11:19-21 tell us that the non-preachers were scattered abroad and spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

Please also see the Message called Character of a Missionary for the application of these verses in the life of the believer.

Our sentence starts with the word Now, which means: 'After you understand what came before this'. All of this chapter, before this sentence, is reporting uncircumcised Gentiles getting saved. But, according to out sentence, the saved Jews were still instructed to preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. God had proven that He intended to save Gentiles and the saved religious Jews still insisted that the Gentiles could go to Hell. The leaders instructed the Jews, including those going into Gentile areas, to preach the word to none but unto the Jews only.

Some of the Jews, in these areas, married Gentiles and were friends with Gentiles. Therefore, God still made sure that the Gentiles were saved and the church at Antioch was mixed, Jews and Gentiles. Later on, Peter visits and almost causes a church split by telling the Jews, including the Pastor, that they could not fellowship with Gentiles even thought they were saved (Galatians 2:11-17).

Notice that our sentence says they which were scattered abroad. Acts 8:1 says: except the apostles. These Jews were non-preachers. God expects all saved to be involved in the 'Great Commission'. (Please see the book called SbS-Non-Preacher Missionaries about this truth.)

Please also notice that they preached the doctrine of their mother church. That is what missionaries are to do. God had to make Paul an apostle before they had the proper church authority to change the official church doctrine. These Jews ended up doing what God required and preaching to everyone. However, it took God to change the official church doctrine.

Please see the note for John 16:32 about the word scatter. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to disperse; to dissipate; to separate or remove things to a distance from each other. From thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. Gen. 11. I will scatter you among the heathen. Lev. 26. 2. to throw loosely about; to sprinkle; as, to scatter seed in sowing. Teach the glad hours to scatter, as they fly, soft quiet, gentle love and endless joy. 3. to spread or set thinly. Why should my muse enlarge on Libyan swains, their scatter'd cottages, and ample plains.
SCAT'TER, v.i. 1. to be dispersed or dissipated. the clouds scatter after a storm. 2. to be liberal to the poor; to be charitable. Prov. 11'.

Please see the note for Romans C16S22 about the word abroad. The functional definition for this word is: 'Beyond the local area'.

Please see the note for Galatians C1-S11 about the word persecute. The functional definition for this word is: 'n a general sense, to pursue in a manner to injure, vex or afflict; to harass with unjust punishment or penalties for supposed offenses; to inflict pain from hatred or malignity. 2. Appropriately, to afflict, harass, or destroy for adherence to a particular creed or system of religious principles, or to a mode of worship. thus, Nero persecuted the Christians by crucifying some, burning others, and condemning others to be worried by dogs. See Acts.22. 3. to harass with solicitations or importunity'. Please also see the note for Romans C8S37 about the word persecution.

Please see the note for Acts 6:5 about Stephen. He was one of the first deacons and was the first reported martyr.

Please see the note for Matthew 25:14 about the word travel. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to walk; to go or march on foot; as, to travel from London to Dover, or from New York to Philadelphia. So we say, a man ordinarily travels three miles an hour. this is the proper sense of the word, which implies toil. 2. to journey; to ride to a distant place in the same country; as, a man travels for his health; he is traveling to Virginia. A man traveled from London to Edinburgh in five days. 3. to go to a distant country, or to visit foreign states or kingdoms, either by sea or land. It is customary for men of rank and property to travel for improvement. Englishmen travel to France and Italy. Some men travel for pleasure or curiosity; others travel to extend their knowledge of natural history. 4. to pass; to go; to move. News travels with rapidity. Time travels in divers paces with divers persons. 5. to labor. See Travail. 6. to move, walk or pass, as a beast, a horse, ox or camel. A horse travels fifty miles in a day; a camel; twenty'.

Please see the note for Acts 4:36 about Cyprus. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'one of the largest islands of the Mediterranean, about 148 miles long and 40 broad. It is distant about 60 miles from the Syrian coast. It was the "Chittim" of the Old Testament (Nu 24:24). the Greek colonists gave it the name of Kypros, from the cyprus, i.e., the henna (see Camphire), which grew on this island. It was originally inhabited by Phoenicians. In B.C. 477 it fell under the dominion of the Greeks; and became a Roman province B.C. 58. In ancient times it was a centre of great commercial activity. Corn and wine and oil were produced here in the greatest perfection. It was rich also in timber and in mineral wealth.
It is first mentioned in the New Testament (Ac 4:36) as the native place of Barnabas. It was the scene of Paul's first missionary labours (Ac 13:4-13), when he and Barnabas and John Mark were sent forth by the church of Antioch. It was afterwards visited by Barnabas and Mark alone (Ac 15:39). Mnason, an "old disciple," probaly one of the converts of the day of Pentecost belonging to this island, is mentioned (Ac 21:16). It is also mentioned in connection with the voyages of Paul (Ac 21:3; 27:4). After being under the Turks for three hundred years, it was given up to the British Government in 1878'.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 3:11 about Antioch. The functional definition for this word is: 'The place of the first missionary church and the church which sen out Paul as a missionary'.

Please see the notes for Romans C16S33; 1Corinthians C15S1; Galatians C1-S4 and 2Timothy 4:1-LJC about the word preach. The functional definition for this word is: 'To pronounce a public discourse on a religious subject, or from a subject, or from a text of Scripture. the purpose of preaching is to get people to obey God's word'. Please also see the note for Romans 10:14 about the word preacher. Please also see the Study called False things According to the Bible about 'false preachers'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they. Ac 8:1-4 Phenice. Ac 15:3; 21:2 Cyprus. Ac 4:36; 13:4; 15:39; 21:16 exp: Ac 21:3; 27:4. Antioch. Ac 11:26; 15:22,35 to none. Ac 3:26; 13:46; Mt 10:6; Joh 7:35 General references. exp: Ac 8:4; 14:7.'.

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C11-S16 (Verse 20) What they preached.

And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene,
which,
when they were come to Antioch,
spake unto the Grecians,
preaching the Lord Jesus .

Acts 11:19-21 tell us that the non-preachers were scattered abroad and spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

At least one of these men was among the leaders of the church in Antioch which laid hands on Paul and Barnabas before they were sent out as missionaries. However, others, from the same groups, disputed true doctrine with Paul. Therefore, I am not sure what the significance is of where these men came from.

This section of Acts 11 starts with the word Now in Acts 11:19. That means after God used Peter to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. Acts 1:8 tells us that Jesus returned to Heaven after commanding But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost section of the earth. We have seen how that the church brought the gospel to Jerusalem and Judaea starting in Acts 2 (See Acts 2:14). Then the gospel was brought to Samaria in Acts 8 and to the Gentiles in Acts 10. Now God is going to send the gospel unto the uttermost section of the earth using this church at Antioch and Paul's missionary groups.

in this sentence we read that they were preaching the Lord Jesus. Philip did that in Acts 8 and the people were not truly saved until Peter and John went to the Samaritans and laid hands on them. It was not the physical act but their spiritually opening the door of Heaven (salvation) as apostles. Jesus limited that authority to the apostles.

Then, in Acts 19 we see the same situation but from a different cause. People repented and agreed to obey the Lord Jesus, but they did not even know about God's Holy Ghost. Paul had to preach God's Holy Ghost to them and then lay hands on them before they received Him. Again, it was not the physical act but the heart agreement to the ongoing personal relationship with God which is through God's Holy Ghost. Therefore, what we see in these incidents is that people can believe almost the truth and not be truly saved. True spiritual salvation requires the heart agreement to the ongoing personal relationship with God which is through God's Holy Ghost.

Our next sentence tells us that a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Thus, we see that the circumstances of this time are different from the other times and the results are also different. at this time, the people agreed, in their heart, to obey the Lord and not just religious traditions which claimed to come from the Lord.

The Jews of Cyrene are mentioned in a good way within the Bible. The man who carried the cross of Jesus was from there. His sons were important in the early church. Jews from this region were involved in starting the church of Antioch and in sending Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey. Please see the note for Luke 23:26 for links to other places where this region is mentioned.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 3:11 about Antioch. The functional definition for this word is: 'The place of the first missionary church and the church which sen out Paul as a missionary'.

Please see the notes for Acts 6:1 and Acts 9:29 about the word Grecian. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Hellenists, Greek-Jews; Jews born in a foreign country, and thus did not speak Hebrew (Ac 6:1; 9:29), nor join in the Hebrew services of the Jews in Palestine, but had synagogues of their own in Jerusalem. Joe 3:6 =Greeks'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Cyrene. Ac 2:10; 6:9; 13:1; Mt 27:32 the Grecians. Ac 6:1; 9:29 preaching. Ac 8:5,35; 9:20; 17:18; 1Co 1:23-24; 2:2; Eph 3:8'.

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C11-S17 (Verse 21) People believed, obeyed, and were saved.

Equivalent Section: Who truly did the saving.

And the hand of the Lord was with them:

Equivalent Section: the results of letting the Lord work through our life.

and a great number believed,
and turned unto the Lord .

Acts 11:19-21 tell us that the non-preachers were scattered abroad and spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

The phrase turned unto the Lord means 'they agreed to obey from their heart'. True Biblical salvation is an act by God based upon the heart agreement to obey the Lord. Those people who agree to obey religion instead are not truly saved.

In addition to the prior, our sentence tells us; the hand of the Lord was with them. God works with His people. If we don't take the Gospel to the world then God does not bypass His people and holds them responsible for the people who die lost.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S12 and Colossians C2S7 about the word hand. The functional definition for this word is: 'In man, the extremity of the arm, consisting of the palm and fingers, connected with the arm at the wrist; the part with which we hold and use any instrument. Often used symbolically for ability'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. Please also see the note for 1Peter 5:6-7 about the phrase hand of God. Please also see the note for Mark 16:19 about the phrase right hand of God. Please also see the note for Luke 1:38 about the word handmaid. Please also see the note for 1John 1:1-3 about the word handle. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:1-2 about the phrase at hand. This phrase is defined as: 'it will happen very soon'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. The functional definition for this word is: 'To physically grab with the intention of doing great harm which, usually, ends in death'.

Please see the note for Matthew 10:30 about the word number. The functional definition for this word is: 'Used to count things Also used symbolically in the Bible'. That note is extensive and includes 'Numbers are used as Symbols' from the Morrish Bible Dictionary. Be very careful about the use of this information. Much doctrinal error and division has been caused in God's church by preachers claiming that the symbolicl meaning of numbers provided the single interpretation of the word of God and that the symbolic meaning actually corrected the word of God. All symbolic meanings provide the many applications, must be understood within the context where they are found, and can vary from one application to another. Be careful to not use these symbols beyond their God-given purpose.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the hand. 2Ch 30:12; Ezr 7:9; 8:18; Ne 2:8,18; Isa 53:1; 59:1; Lu 1:66 exp: 2Ki 3:15. and a. Ac 11:24; 2:47; 4:4; 5:14; 6:7; 1Co 3:6-7; 1Th 1:5 turned. Ac 9:35; 15:19; 26:18-20; 1Th 1:9-10 General references. exp: Jg 6:16; Ac 12:24.'.

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C11-S18 (Verse 22) the reaction of the Jerusalem Church.

Equivalent Section: they heard and reacted to assure proper doctrine.

Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem:

Equivalent Section: Whom they sent.

and they sent forth Barnabas,
that he should go as far as Antioch.

Acts 11:22-24 tell us that the Jerusalem Church sent Barnabas to be pastor at Antioch.

Acts 4:36 tell us that Barnabas was actually named Joses but was given this name by the apostles. It means The son of consolation. Our next few sentences tell us that he preached with the results of: much people was added unto the Lord. Then, our chapter tells us that he went and got Pail, who taught with the results of: the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. That is the difference between teaching and preaching. The Jerusalem Church, like many churches today, emphasized preaching, without teaching and the result was their church was destroyed by God because many thousands were zealous for doctrinal error. However, the church at Antioch had a balance of the two and ended up being God's main church to take the Gospel to the world.

Please see the notes for Matthew 7:1 about the word judge. The functional definition for this word is: 'To hear and determine, as in causes on trial; to pass sentence'. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C4S5 and Ephesians C5S6 about the phrase we are to judge. Please also see the notes for Romans 8:1-LJC; Galatians C5-S6 and Revelation 19:2-LJC about the phrase judged by works. Please also see the notes for Romans C2S2; Philippians 1:9-11 and Psalms 119 about the word judgment. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:10 about the phrase judgment Seat. Please also see the notes for Romans 14:10 and 2Corinthians 5:10 about the phrase judgment Seat of Christ. Please also see the note for Romans 14:8-LJC and 2Thessalonians 1:9-LJC about the phrase judgment without mercy.

Please see the note for Luke 1:19 about the word tidings. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. plu. News; advice; information; intelligence; account of what has taken place, and was not before known. I shall make my master glad with these tidings. Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2'. Forms of this word are used, in this Gospel, in: Acts 11:22; Acts 13:32; Acts 21:31.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S13 about the word ear. The functional definition for this word is: 'The organ of hearing; the organ by which sound is perceived. It is often used symbolically in scripture'. Please also see the note for Mark 4:9 about the phrase ears to hear.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 11:22 about the word church. The functional definition for this word is: 'a called out assembly of baptized believers'. Please also see the note for 2Thessalonians 1:4 about the phrase church(es) of God. The commonly accepted definition is 'a called out assembly of baptized believers' with most of the disagreement over people including buildings in the definition and people adding or denying different definitions for a 'universal church'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 12:18-24 about the word churches (plural). Please also note that 1Thessalonians gives us 'The Doctrine of the Church'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S8 about Barnabas. The functional definition for this word is: 'This man was a peace maker'.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 3:11 about Antioch. The functional definition for this word is: 'The place of the first missionary church and the church which sen out Paul as a missionary'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'A.M. 4047. A.D. 43. tidings. Ac 11:1; 8:14; 15:2; 1Th 3:6 and they. Ac 4:36-37; 9:27; 13:1-3; 15:22,35-39'.

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C11-S19 (Verse 23) How Barnabas reacted to the mission work when he saw it.

Who,
when he came,
and had seen the grace of God,
was glad,
and exhorted them all,
that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord .

Acts 11:22-24 tell us that the Jerusalem Church sent Barnabas to be pastor at Antioch.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase Who means: 'Barnabas, the pastor sent from the Jerusalem Church'.
The phrase when he came, and had seen the grace of God means: 'This is when he reacted. He did not make the mistake of many people and form an opinion of expectation before he truly saw what was there and how the people reacted to the truth from God'.
The phrase was glad, and exhorted them all means: 'How he reacted and did as a result of what he found'.
The phrase hat with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord means: 'This was the main thing that he preached. Notice that he did not make the mistake of a lot of preachers and have them dependent upon him. He also told them to obey God's commandments (Lord)'.

Please see the notes for Romans C4S5; Romans C4S17; Galatians 1:1 and Ephesians C1S2 about the word grace. The word grace is usually presented as 'God's riches at Christ Expense'. However, that obviously does not fit in James 1:11. So while that is the main application within the Bible, the true definition is: 'that which makes the source look good'. We are given God's grace for the expressed purpose of making God look good. please see the notes for Galatians C5S4 and Galatians C6S18 about the phrase grace through Christ.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C14S3 about the word exhort. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. the act or practice of exhorting; the act of inciting to laudable deeds; incitement to that which is good or commendable. 1. the form of words intended to incite and encourage. 2. Advice; counsel'.

Please see the note for Matthew 26:8 about the word purpose. The functional definition for this word is: 'That which a person sets before himself as an object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view is directed in any plan, measure or exertion'. Forms of this word are used, in this Gospel, in: Ac 11:23; Acts 19:21; Acts 20:3; Acts 26:16; Acts 27:13; Acts 27:43.

Please see the note for Romans C10S6; 2Corinthians C2S4 and Colossians C2S1 about the word heart. The functional definition for this word is: 'Our heart controls the same things as our soul only where the soul deals with the long term the heart deals with the short term and we control our heart directly while the soul is the accumulated actions of our heart. Both are the way we think (mind), the way we emotionally respond to circumstances (emotions) and the method we use to make decisions (will)'. Please also see the note for Galatians C6S6 about the phrase Lord looketh on the heart. Please also see the note for Ephesians C4S8 about the phrase wicked heart.

Please see the note for Romans C12S7 about the word cleave. The functional definition for this word is: 'To absolutely hold to'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'seen. Mr 2:5; Col 1:6; 1Th 1:3-4; 2Ti 1:4-5; 2Pe 1:4-9; 3Jo 1:4 and exhorted. Ac 13:43; 14:22; Joh 8:31-32; 15:4; 1Th 3:2-5; Heb 10:19-26,32-39; 2Pe 3:17-18; 1Jo 2:28 purpose. Ps 17:3; Pr 23:15,28; Da 1:8; 2Co 1:17; 2Ti 3:10 cleave. De 10:20; 30:20; Jos 22:5; 23:8; Mt 16:24; 1Co 15:58 exp: Ge 2:24; Ro 12:9. General references. exp: De 4:4.'.

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C11-S20 (Verse 24) Why Barnabas ministered like he did.

Equivalent Section: What Barnabas was like spiritually.

For he was a good man,
and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith:.

Equivalent Section: the spiritual results of his ministering.

and much people was added unto the Lord .

Acts 11:22-24 tell us that the Jerusalem Church sent Barnabas to be pastor at Antioch.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase For he was a good man means: 'He did what God told him to do'. The Biblical meaning of the word good is: 'What comes from God'.
The phrase and full of the Holy Ghost means: 'God's Holy Ghost controlled everything that he did in life'.
The phrase and (full) of faith means: 'He believed and acted on what God told him even when he did not understand'.
The phrase and much people was added unto the Lord means: 'Lots of people were saved through his preaching'.

The spiritual results that God gets from our life are directly related to how much He controls our life. What we see here is that the results of this church are directly related to the spiritual attitudes and actions of their pastor.

Please see the notes for Romans C7S16; Romans C11S26 and 2Corinthians 5:10 about the word good. The functional definition for this word is: 'what comes from God'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S26 about the word goodness. Please also see the note for Mark 14:14 about the word goodman. Please also see the note for Mark 2:28-LJC about the phrase Good Friday.

Please see the note for Romans C15S11 about the word fill. The functional definition for this word is: 'the action which causes a container to be full'. Please alsosee the note for Philippians 4:18 about the word full. Please also see the note for Colossians 2:9 about the word fullness. The functional definition for this word is: 'Replete; having within its limits all that it can contain'. Please also see the notes for Romans C15S11 and Galatians C5-S15 about the word fulfill.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C1S3; 2Corinthians C1S17; Galatians C3S27; Ephesians 6:23-LJC; Philippians 1:25-26 and 2Timothy C1S2 about the word faith. The functional definition is: 'an action word that is based upon a belief in a promise found within the Bible with the action dictated by the Bible and the understanding that our action does not force God to act nor determines when or how God acts but proves that of our own free will we are giving God permission to act in and through our life to do what He promised within His Word'. Please also see the notes for Colossians 1:1 and Titus 1:1 about the word faithful. The functional definition is: 'Firm in adherence to the truth and to the duties of religion. Full of faith, trustful, and not simply trustworthy. being true to oneself, to one's nature, to any promise given, and to any trust committed'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 3:1-LJC about Christ Jesus is faithful. Please also see the notes for Romans 4 and James 2:21-LJC about Abraham's faith. Please also see the note for 2Timothy C1S2 about the phrase faith: unfeigned. Please also see the note for 2Peter 2:3 about the word feign. Please also see the note for Romans C10S12 about the phrase faith makes us not ashamed. Please also see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please also see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith. Please also see the note for Romans C3S29 about the phrase justification by faith. Please also see the note for Romans C3S25 about Law and faith. Please also see the note for Romans C9S28 about live / walk by faith.

Please see the note for Luke 12:31 about the word added. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'pp. Joined in place, in sum, in mass or aggregate, in number, in idea or consideration; united; put together'. Please also see the note for Matthew 6:27 about the word add. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: ', v.t. L. addo, from ad and do, to give. 1. to set or put together, join or unite, as one thing or sum to another, in an agreegate; as, add three to four, the sum is seven. 2. to unite in idea or consideration; to subjoin. Towhat has been alledged, let this argument be added. 3. to increase number. Thou shalt add three cities more of refuge. Deut. 19. 4. to augment. Rehoboam said, I will add to your yoke. 1Kings, 12. Ye shall not add to the word which I command you. Deut. 4. As here used, the verb is intransitive, but there may be an ellipsis. Toadd to, is used in scripture, as equivalent to give, or bestow upon. Gen. 30, Matt. 6. In Gal. 2, the word is understood to signify instruction. "In conference they added nothing to me." In narration, he or they added, is elliptical; he added words, or what follows, or he continued his discourse. In general, when used of things, add implies a principal thing, to which a smaller is to be annexed, as a part of the whole sum, mass, or number'. The functional definition for this word is: 'The mathematical function. Ignoring either side of the word add changes what is said into doctrinal error'. Please also see the note for Galatians C3S22 about the phrase Mosaic Law added.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'he was. Ac 24:16; 2Sa 18:27; Ps 37:23; 112:5; Pr 12:2; 13:22; 14:14; Mt 12:35; 19:17; Lu 23:50; Joh 7:12; Ro 5:7 full. Ac 6:3,5,8; Ro 15:15 exp: Jas 3:17. and much. Ac 11:21; 5:14; 9:31'.

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C11-S21 (Verse 25-26) Barnabas sought out Saul specifically for how he could help the church that Barnabas was pastor of.

Equivalent Section: Barnabas sought Saul after establishing the church of Antioch.

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus,
for to seek Saul:.

Equivalent Section: Barnabas had to seek Saul.

And when he had found him,
he brought him unto Antioch.

There are very few pastors who would do this today, especially when we think about the time, effort and danger involved in those days. Few pastors would admit that they need the help of another man who might be seen as being more important than the pastor.

Our sentence makes it clear that Barnabas did not know where in Tarsus to find Saul. But he still went and looked. No doubt, God's Holy Ghost told him to do so. And, his pride was not so much that he refused to acknowledge that Saul could minister in ways that Barnabas could not. Barnabas was the preacher and pastor. Saul was the teacher who got the saved people to mature spiritually and live a life which caused others to call them Christians.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S8 about Barnabas. The functional definition for this word is: 'This man was a peace maker'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 12:8 about the word depart. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to go or move from. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire. Matt. 25. It is followed by from, or from is implied before the place left. I will depart to my own land, that is, I will depart from this place to my own land. Num. 10. 2. to go from; to leave; to desist, as from a practice. Jehu departed not from the sins of Jeroboam. Jehoshaphat departed not from the way of Asa his father'.

Please see the note for Acts 9:11 about Tarsus. Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Ac 9:11; 22:3; 21:39. Paul's birthplace and early residence. Capital of Cilicia, in a plain on the river Cydnus at the foot of the passes northward over Mount Taurus into Cappadocia and Lycaonia. through these passes a road led to Lystra and Iconium (Acts 14), another road by the Amanian and Syrian gates eastward to Antioch. Founded by Sennacherub of Assyria; the Greeks too took part in its colonisation (Strabo xiv. 673), Xenophon mentions it (Tarsoi in the Ariabasis). Julius Caesar rewarded Tarsus for fidelity, and Augustus made it a free city, i.e. governed by its own laws and magistrates and free from tribute, but without Roman citizenship, which Paul must have acquired in some other way. Ranked by Strabo above Athens and Alexandria for its school of literature and philosophy; Athenodorus, Augustus' tutor, the grammari and Artemidorus and Diodorus, and the tragedian Dionysides belonged to Tarsus.
Here Paul received providentially that training which adapted him for dealing with the polished Greeks on their own ground, quoting Aratus a Cilician poet, Epimenides a Cretan, and Menander the Athenian comedian. He resided in Tarsus at intervals after his conversion (Ac 9:30; 11:25); after his first visit to Jerusalem and before his ministry with Barnabas at Antioch, and doubtless at the commencement of his second and third missionary journeys (Ac 15:41; 18:23). G. Rawlinson thinks Tarshish in Ge 10:4 can scarcely designate Tartessus, founded not until after Moses, but Tarsus in Cilicia; though said to be founded by Sennacherib, an old settlement doubtless preceded his colony. thus, Tarshish in Ge 10:4 will represent the Cilici and or the Greeks in Cilicia; it is associated with Kittim or Cyprus, which was near.'.

The word sought is the past-tense form of the word seek. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C10S24 about the word seek. The functional definition for this word is: 'v.t. pret and pp. sought, pronounced sat. L. sequor, to follow; for to seek is to go after, and the primary sense is to advance, to press, to drive forward, as in the L. peto. 1. to go in search or quest of; to look for; to search for by going from place to place. the man asked him, saying, what seekest thou? And he said, I seek my brethen. Gen. 37. 2. to inquire for; to ask for; to solicit; to endeavor to find or gain by any means. the young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God. Ps. 104. He found no place for repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. Heb. 12'. Please also see the note for The S and P's of 2Timothy 1. Please also see the note for Acts 17:24-28 about seek the Lord.

Saul was the name of Paul before he was a missionary. (This is written in Acts 13:9.) Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:12 for links to where Paul is named within the Bible. Please see the note for Colossians C1S6 for links to every place where the phrase I Paul is used. Please also see the second half of the book called SbS-Preacher Missionaries about how God used Paul to show us how He uses a pastor / missionary to build the ministry.

The word found is the past-tense form of the word find. Please see the note for John 1:41 about the word find. The functional definition for this word is: 'Literally, to come to; to meet; hence, to discover by the eye; to gain first sight or knowledge of something lost; to recover either by searching for it or by accident'.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 3:11 about Antioch. The functional definition for this word is: 'The place of the first missionary church and the church which sen out Paul as a missionary'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'to Tarsus. Ac 9:11,27,30; 21:39
that. Ac 13:1-2 with the church. Ac 14:23,27; 1Co 4:17; 11:18; 14:23 taught. Mt 28:19 General references. exp: Ac 14:28.'.

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C11-S22 (Verse 26) How the results of the next sentence were achieved.

And it came to pass,
that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church,
and taught much people.

Acts 11:25-26 tell us that Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch to teach and that the result was the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Teaching takes more time than preaching. However, it also achieves results which preaching can not achieve. True Bible knowledge and true Bible understanding are only passed on through teaching. Isaiah 28 tells us that is how Gog gives His people true Bible knowledge and true Bible understanding. And, as a pastor, Barnabas was humble and obedient enough to do as God's Holy Spirit commanded and bring in Saul to achieve God's desired results. He also gave Saul the time which was required in order to achieve those results.

Please see the note for Mark 10:52 about the word whole. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'All; total; containing the total amount or number, or the entire thing; as the whole earth; the whole world; the whole solar system; the whole army; the whole nation. 2. Complete; entire; not defective or imperfect; as a whole orange; the egg is whole; the vessel is whole. 3. Unimpaired; unbroken; uninjured. My life is yet whole in me. 2 Samuel 1. 4. Sound; not hurt or sick. they that are whole need not a physician. Matthew 9. 5. Restored to health and soundness; sound; well. thy faith hath made thee whole. Mark 5. His hand was restored whole. Mark 3.
WHOLE, n. 1. the entire thing; the entire or total assemblage of parts. the whole of religion is contained in the short precept, Love God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12. 2. A system; a regular combination of parts'. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:3 about the word wholesome.

Please see the note for Luke 1:7 about the word year. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Heb shanah, meaning "repetition" or "revolution" (Ge 1:14; 5:3). Among the ancient Egyptians the year consisted of twelve months of thirty days each, with five days added to make it a complete revolution of the earth round the sun. the Jews reckoned the year in two ways, (1) according to a sacred calendar, in which the year began about the time of the vernal equinox, with the month Abib; and (2) according to a civil calendar, in which the year began about the time of the autumnal equinox, with the month Nisan. the month Tisri is now the beginning of the Jewish year'.

Please see the note for Mark 14:53 about the word assembled. The functional definition for this word is: 'collected into a body; congregated'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S27 about the word teach / taught. The functional definition for this word is: 'To instruct; to inform; to communicate to another the knowledge of that of which he was before ignorant'. The word taught is the past-tense form of the word teach. Please also see the note for John 3:2 about the word teacher. Please also see the Study called False things According to the Bible about 'false teachers'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'were. Ac 26:28; Isa 65:15; 1Co 12:12; Eph 3:15; 1Pe 4:14; 1Jo 2:27; Re 3:18 General references. exp: Ac 14:28.'.

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C11-S23 (Verse 26) And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch

Acts 11:25-26 tell us that Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch to teach and that the result was the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Please also see the Message called Spiritual Maturity Levels according to the Bible for the application of these verses in the life of the believer.

Our sentence starts with the word and, which means it is added to the prior sentence and a direct result of it. A year of concentrated teaching about the true character of Christ changed the character of these believers in a way that others could see. In addition, if you add up the numbers of prior chapters, you get about 20,000 professions reported for the Jerusalem Church. However, they were not called Christians because they refused to let Christ change their character that much. Instead, as we read throughout the New Testament, they kept putting their trust in Jewish religious traditions and preaching a works salvation ('being circumcised in order to be saved') and a works sanctification ('obeying religious traditions instead of God's Holy Spirit for blessings from God'). The results were that God destroyed the Jerusalem Church while He used the Church of Antioch to take the Gospel to the world.

Please see the note for John 1:35-36 about the word disciple. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'a scholar, sometimes applied to the followers of John the Baptist (Mt 9:14), and of the Pharisees (Mt 22:16), but principally to the followers of Christ. A disciple of Christ is one who (1) believes his doctrine, (2) rests on his sacrifice, (3) imbibes his spirit, and (4) imitates his example (Mt 10:24; Lu 14:26-27,33; Joh 6:69)'. Please also see the note for John 6:67 about the phrase twelve disciples / apostles.

Please see the note for 1Peter 4:16 about the word Christian. The word Christian is only found in Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1Peter 4:16. The functional definition for this word is: 'saved disciples who had a life and testimony that lost people professed that they were followers of Christ'. Please also see the Message called Spiritual Maturity Levels according to the Bible.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 3:11 about Antioch. The functional definition for this word is: 'The place of the first missionary church and the church which sen out Paul as a missionary'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'that. Ac 13:1-2 with the church. Ac 14:23,27; 1Co 4:17; 11:18; 14:23 taught. Mt 28:19 were. Ac 26:28; Isa 65:15; 1Co 12:12; Eph 3:15; 1Pe 4:14; 1Jo 2:27; Re 3:18 General references. exp: Ac 14:28.'.

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C11-S24 (Verse 27) Prophets left the Jerusalem Church.
And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

Acts 11:27-30 tell us that a prophet said that should be great dearth throughout all the world and that the saved outside of Jerusalem sent relief to the Jerusalem Church.

We are not told why this happened. We are only told the result. However, since our sentence starts with the word and, this sentence is added to the prior. Where the prior sentence told us about God using the church at Antioch, this sentence starts the report of God removing His blessing from the Jerusalem Church. Our next chapter tells about God blessing Peter and freeing him from jail. But Peter had done as God told him and brought the Gospel to the Gentiles. This great dearth affected everyone but, apparently, affected the church members in Jerusalem more than those in Antioch because those in Jerusalem needed help while those in Antioch were able to provide help. Thus, we see, by the way of blessings from God, that God approved the Christians in Antioch while punishing the believers in Jerusalem who insisted on keeping Jewish religious traditions which God wanted to get rid of.

Please see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word day. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The Jews reckoned the day from sunset to sunset (Le 23:32). It was originally divided into three parts (Ps 55:17). "The heat of the day" (1Sa 11:11; Ne 7:3) was at our nine o'clock, and "the cool of the day" just before sunset (Ge 3:8). Before the Captivity the Jews divided the night into three watches, (1) from sunset to midnight (La 2:19); (2) from midnight till the cock-crowing (Jg 7:19); and (3) from the cock-crowing till sunrise (Ex 14:24). In the New Testament the division of the Greeks and Romans into four watches was adopted (Mr 13:35). (See Watches.) the division of the day by hours is first mentioned in Da 3:6,15; 4:19; 5:5. this mode of reckoning was borrowed from the Chaldeans. the reckoning of twelve hours was from sunrise to sunset, and accordingly the hours were of variable length (Joh 11:9). The word "day" sometimes signifies an indefinite time (Ge 2:4; Isa 22:5; Heb 3:8, etc.). In Job 3:1 it denotes a birthday, and in Isaiah 2:12; Acts 17:31; 2Timothy 1:18, the great day of final judgment.'. The functional definition, of the phrase last day is: '(end of the) Church Age. However, in the life of the individual, it can be used for the day that he dies'. Please see the note for Hebrews 3:13 about the word today. The functional definition is: 'obey immediately'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:55 about the word daily. Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:6-LJC and 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of the Lord. Please also see the note for John 20:1 about the phrase first day of the week.

Please see the notes for Luke 1:76; Romans C16S33; Romans C12S5 and Jude about the word prophet. In addition, false prophets are covered in the Study called False things according to the Bible. The most popular religious definition for this word is: 'someone who foretells the future'. However, that definition tends to limit the thinking of people to only those statements when, actually, the majority of their message was doctrinal. Please also see the note for John 1:45 about the phrase law and the prophets. Please also see the links for Prophecies and Prophecies Fulfilled in the Gospel Significant Events Study and the New Testament Significant Events Study.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 3:11 about Antioch. The functional definition for this word is: 'The place of the first missionary church and the church which sen out Paul as a missionary'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'prophets. Ac 2:17; 13:1; 15:32; 21:4,9; Mt 23:34; 1Co 12:28; 14:32; Eph 4:11'.

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C11-S25 (Verse 28) A prophecy of that day.

Equivalent Section: what would happen.

And there stood up one of them named Agabus,
and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world:.

Equivalent Section: When it happened.

which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

Acts 11:27-30 tell us that a prophet said that should be great dearth throughout all the world and that the saved outside of Jerusalem sent relief to the Jerusalem Church.

The note in the Word Study on Spirit (use link in the sentence outline, above) explains how God's Holy Spirit revealed this truth to Agabus. in this sentence, we see the prophet speak using his own (lower-case) spirit. However, God's Holy Spirit is Who let him know this truth. It was his personal choice to leave the Jerusalem Church and go to Antioch to avoid most of that punishment from God. (The Jerusalem Church refused to let God correct their doctrine.) He also chose to tell others about this truth which God's Holy Spirit revealed to him.

Please see the note for Hebrews 9:7-10 about the word signify. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to make known something, either by signs or words; to express or communicate to another any idea, thought, wish, a hod, wink, gesture, signal or other sign. A man signifies his mind by his voice or by written characters; he may signify his mind by a nod or other motion, provided the person to whom he directs it, understands what is intend by it. A general or an admiral signifies his commands by signals to officers as a distance.
2. to mean; to have or contain a certain sense. the word sabbath signifies rest. Less, in composition, as in faithless, signifies destitution or want. the prefix re, in recommend, seldom signifies anything.
3. to import; to weigh; to have consequence; used in particular phrases; as, it signifies much or little; it signifies nothing. What does it signify? What signify the splendors of a court? Confession of sin without reformation of life, can signify nothing in the view of God.
4. to make known; to declare. the government should signify to the protestants of Ireland that want of silver is not to be remedied'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 11:28; Acts 21:26; Acts 23:15; Acts 25:27.

Please see the note for Acts 7:11 about the word dearth. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'a scarcity of provisions (1Ki 17). there were frequent dearths in Palestine. In the days of Abram there was a "famine in the land" (Ge 12:10), so also in the days of Jacob (Ge 47:4,13). We read also of dearths in the time of the judges (Ru 1:1), and of the kings (2Sa 21:1; 1Ki 18:2; 2Ki 4:38; 8:1).
In New Testament times there was an extensive famine in Palestine (Ac 11:28) in the fourth year of the reign of the emperor Claudius (A.D. 44 and 45)'.

Please see the note for Romans 16:25-27 which gives links to every place in the New Testament that uses any form of the word world and provides the definition from Webster's 1828 . Please also see the notes for 1Timothy 1:15; 2Timothy C1S5; 1Corinthians C1S19 and World in 1John about the word world. The functional definition is: 'The world is not the earth but is all of the people in the earth and often is used for the majority opinion / thought process. that opinion / thought process is the result of lost people thinking that they know better than God does and believe Satan's lie'. Please also see the note for John 9:5 about the phrase light of the world.

Please see the note for Luke 2:1 about the word Caesar. The functional definition for this word is: 'The common title of the successive Roman emperors, taken from Julius Caesar'. Please see the note for Mark 8:27 about the city called Caesarea Philippi. Please see the note for Luke 2:1 about the city called Caesarea. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 11:28; Acts 17:7; Acts 25:8; Acts 25:10; Acts 25:11; Acts 25:12; Acts 25:12; Acts 25:21; Acts 26:32; Acts 27:24; Acts 28:19.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Agabus. Ac 21:10 great. this was probably the famine which took place in the fourth year of Claudius, which continued for several years, and in which, says Josephus, "many died for want of food." Ge 41:30-31,38; 1Ki 17:1-16; 2Ki 8:1-2 Claudius. Claudius Caesar succeeded C. Caligula, A.D. 41; and after a reign of upwards of 13 years, he was poisoned by his wife Agrippina, and succeeded by Nero. Lu 2:1; 3:1 exp: Ac 18:2.'.

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C11-S26 (Verse 29-30) the saved in the Church of Antioch sent financial help to the people in the Jerusalem Church.

Equivalent Section: How the saved in Antioch responded to the need.

Then the disciples,
every man according to his ability,
determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:.

Equivalent Section: How they sent help.

Which also they did,
and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Acts 11:27-30 tell us that a prophet said that should be great dearth throughout all the world and that the saved outside of Jerusalem sent relief to the Jerusalem Church.

This sentence is clear as written. What is not as clear is that the saved in Jerusalem were hurting far more than the saved in Antioch. And, even though many of the saved in Jerusalem had a bad attitude about the saved Gentiles in Antioch, the saved in Antioch had a far more spiritually mature attitude. They helped brethren in need and left and dealing about sinful attitudes to God.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:1 about the word accord. The functional definition for this word is: 'Agreeing; harmonizing when two notes are in a music chord, they move together, up or down, to the next note''. Please also see the note for Psalms 119:23 about the phrase according to works.

Please see the note for Matthew 25:15 about the word ability. The functional definition, for the word ability, is: 'Physical power, whether bodily or mental; skill in arts or science'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:1 about the word determine. The functional definition for this word is: 'Ended; concluded; decided; limited; fixed; settled; resolved; directed. Having a firm or fixed purpose, as a determined man; or manifesting a firm resolution, as a determined countenance'. Please also see the note for Acts 2:22-24 about the word determinate.

Please see the note for Romans C7S24 about the word dwell. The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines dwelling as 'ppr. Inhabiting; residing; sojourning; continuing with fixed attention.
DWELL'ING, n. Habitation; place of residence; abode. Hazor shall be a dwelling for dragons. Jer.49. 1. Continuance; residence; state of life. thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. Dan.4'. Please also see the note for John 7:39 about the phrase indwelling Holy Spirit.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:1 about the word elder. The functional definition for this word is: 'An older saved person within the church who has Godly wisdom and is accepted as a leader in the church even if he has no formal position within the church'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S8 about Barnabas. The functional definition for this word is: 'This man was a peace maker'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'every. Ezr 2:69; Ne 5:8; 1Co 16:2; 2Co 8:2-4,12-14; 1Pe 4:9-11 to send. Ac 2:44-45; 4:34; Ec 11:1-2; Lu 12:29-33; Ro 15:25-27; 1Co 13:5; 16:1; 2Co 9:1-2; Ga 2:10; Heb 13:5-6
to the. Ac 14:23; 15:4,6,23; 16:4; 20:17; 1Ti 5:17; Tit 1:5; Jas 5:14; 1Pe 5:1 by. Ac 12:25; 1Co 16:3-4; 2Co 8:17-21'.

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Chapter theme is: .

Acts Chapter 12

Chapter theme is: God supports right doctrine and punishes wrong doctrine.

links to sentences in this chapter:

C12-S1 (Verse 1), C12-S2 (Verse 2), C12-S3 (Verse 3), C12-S4 (Verse 3), C12-S5 (Verse 4), C12-S6 (Verse 5), C12-S7 (Verse 6), C12-S8 (Verse 7), C12-S9 (Verse 7), C12-S10 (Verse 8), C12-S11 (Verse 8), C12-S12 (Verse 8), C12-S13 (Verse 9), C12-S14 (Verse 10), C12-S15 (Verse 11), C12-S16 (Verse 12), C12-S17 (Verse 13), C12-S18 (Verse 14), C12-S19 (Verse 15), C12-S20 (Verse 15), C12-S21 (Verse 15), C12-S22 (Verse 16), C12-S23 (Verse 17), C12-S24 (Verse 17), C12-S25 (Verse 17), C12-S26 (Verse 18), C12-S27 (Verse 19), C12-S28 (Verse 19), C12-S29 (Verse 20), C12-S30 (Verse 21), C12-S31 (Verse 22), C12-S32 (Verse 23), C12-S33 (Verse 24), C12-S34 (Verse 25)'.

Acts 12:1-19 tell us about king Herod being used by devils to vex certain of the church. Acts 12:1-2 tells us about him killing James the brother of John and the rest of that section tells about his arresting peter and the results of that.

Acts 12:3-4 tell us about his arresting Peter and making sure that he could not escape. When the angel of God freed Peter, king Herod had the guards killed for failing to keep Peter.

Acts 12:5-12 tell us about Peter being freed by an angel and the church refusing to believe their prayers were answered when he showed up where they were praying.

Acts 12:13-16 tell us about the church refusing to believe until Peter went into their midst.

Acts 12:17 tell us about Peter testifying what happened to him, his instructing the people to tell the rest of the church and them Peter going into hiding.

Acts 12:18-19 tell us about Herod having the keepers killed for not keeping peter in prison.

Acts 12:20-23 tell us about Herod letting people call him a god and God killing him for that.

Acts 12:24-25 tell us the results in the church to God killing Herod.

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C12-S1 (Verse 1) the worldly king acted to get support from the lost but religious Jews.
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church

King Herod acted this way because the lost but religious Jews had a lot of political power and he was trying to get them to support his own worldly power. That is why the end of our chapter reports his allowing doctrinal error to be proclaimed about him. And, that is why God killed him. It is always dangerous to deny God's power and influence in this world.

Please see the note for Matthew 2:1 about Herod. The functional definition for this word is: ' the Herods, though aliens by birth, were Jews in faith. they made religion an engine of state policy. Eschewing Antiochus Epiphanes' design to Graecize Jerusalem by substituting the Greek worship and customs for the Jewish law, the Herod's, while professing to maintain the law, as effectively set at nought its spirit by making it a lever for elevating themselves and their secular kingdom. for this end Herod adorned gorgeously the temple with more than Solomonic splendor'. Please also see the note for Mark 3:6 about the word Herodians.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:14-16 about the word stretch. The functional definition for this word is: 'To draw out to greater length; to extend in a line; as, to stretch a cord or a rope.'.

Please see the note for Matthew 15:22 about the word vex. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'To irritate; to make angry by little provocations; a popular use of the word. 2. to plague; to torment; to harass; to afflict. Ten thousand orments vex my heart. 3. to disturb; to disquiet; to agitate. White curl the waves, and the vex'd ocean roars. 4. to trouble; to distress. I will also vex the hearts of many people. Ezek. 32. 5. to persecute. Act. 12.
VEX, v.i. to fret; to be teased or irritated'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'stretched forth his hands. or, began. Ac 4:30; 9:31; Lu 22:53 to vex. Mt 10:17-18; 24:9; Joh 15:20; 16:2'.

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C12-S2 (Verse 2) And he killed James the brother of John with the sword

The sword was the main weapon of soldiers in that day. In all likelihood, king Herod had a soldier kill James for some slight such as refusing to bow and treat king Herod as if he was a god. King Herod also found that his action was favorable with the politically powerful lost religious Jews. Therefore, as our next sentence says, he then acted against Peter. Satan loves it when politici and and religious people get together because then they can justify really evil acts in the name of religion.

Please see the note for Romans C13S12 about the word kill. Webster's 1828 defines the word kill as: 'v.t. 1. to deprive of life, animal or vegetable, in any manner or by any means. to kill an animal or a plant, is to put an end to the vital functions, either by destroying or essentially injuring the org and necessary to life, or by causing them to cease from action. An animal may be killed by the sword or by poison, by disease or by suffocation. A strong solution of salt will kill plants. 2. to butcher; to slaughter for food; as, to kill an ox. 3. to quell; to appease; to calm; to still; as, in seamen's language, a shower of rain kills the wind'.

Please see the note for Mark 1:19 about James the son of Zebedee. We find the name of James occurring 42 times in 38 verses of the New Testament. There are several men with this nameans the reader must use the context to determine which one is spoken of in that reference. In general, if the James is called son of Zebedee, or is associated with John, then it is this James. While the following information from commentators can be helpful, please remember that it may contain errors. In particular, any comment which questions what is literally written in the Bible is wrong. (An example is the claim that the brothers of Jesus were really cousins.)

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C6S10 and Galatians C1-S1 about the word brother. The functional definition for this word is: 'A human male born of the same father and mother'. Please also see the note for Romans C12S8 about the word brotherly. Please also see the note for Matthew 1:2 about the word brethren.

There are several men named John in the Bible. This John was the apostle who also wrote five books of the New Testament.

Please see the note for Romans C8S37 about the word sword. The functional definition for this word is: 'n. 1. An offensive weapon worn at the side, and used by hand either for thrusting or cutting. 2. Figuratively, destruction by war. I will bring a sword upon you. Lev.26. Is.51. 3. Vengeance or justice. She quits the balance, and resigns the sword. 4. Emblem of authority and power. the ruler--beareth not the sword in vain. Rom.13. 5. War; dissension. I came not to send peace, but a sword. Matt.10. 6. Emblem of triumph and protection. the Lord--the sword of thy excellence. Deut.33'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'James. Mt 4:21-22; 20:23; Mr 10:35,38 exp: Mt 10:2; Mr 1:19; Lu 6:14. with. 1Ki 19:1,10; Jer 26:23; Heb 11:37'.

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C12-S3 (Verse 3) Herod decided to do more for political advantage.

And because he saw it pleased the Jews,
he proceeded further to take Peter also.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase And because he saw it pleased the Jews means: 'This is why he did more. The Jews, who were pleased were the politically powerful religious leaders'. Remember that they forced Pilate to crucify Jesus. Therefore, they had lots of political power and Herod wanted that political power backing him.
The phrase he proceeded further to take Peter also means: 'He knew that the religious leaders wanted to kill Peter but were limited by what the people believed religiously'. However, like with John the Baptist, the political leader can get away with murder where the religious leaders had to use religious justification. The political leader could claim political justification without producing evidence to the common people.

Please see the note for Romans C1S10 about the word because. The functional definition for this word is: 'provides a cause where the cause and effect are both in the past'. Please also see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of the truth.

Please see the notes for 2Timothy 2:4 and Galatians 1:10-LJC about the word please. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to excite agreeable sensations or emotions in; to gratify; as, to please the taste; to please the mind. their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem, Hamor's son. Gen.34. Leave such to trifle with more grace than ease, Whom folly Please s, and whose follies Please. 2. to satisfy; to content. What next I bring shall Please thy wish exactly to thy heart's desire. 3. to prefer; to have satisfaction in; to like; to choose. Many of our most skilful painters were pleased or recommend this author to me. to be pleased in or with, to approve; to have complacency in. Matt.3. to please God, is to love his character and law and perform his will, so as to become the object of his approbation. they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom.8.
Please , v.i. s as z. to like; to choose; to prefer. Spirits, freed from mortal laws, with ease Assume what sexes and what shapes they Please. 1. to condescend; to comply; to be pleased; a word of ceremony. Please you, lords, In sight of both our battles we may meet. the first words that I learnt were, to express my desire that he would please to give me my liberty. Please expresses less gratification than delight'. Please also see the note for Luke 8:14 about the word pleasure. Please also see the note for Matthew 21:15 about the word displeased.

Please see the note for John 15:26-7 about the word proceed. The functional definition for this word is: 'To move, pass or go forward from one place to another; applied to persons or things.'.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:25-26 about the word further. The functional definition for this word is: 'n. A helping forward; promotion; advancement. I know that I shall abide and continue with you all, for your furtherance and joy of faith. Phil. 1'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'he saw. Ac 24:27; 25:9; Joh 12:43; Ga 1:10; 1Th 2:4 he proceeded. Ac 2:14; 4:13; Ps 76:10; Joh 19:11; 21:18 General references. exp: Ex 34:18; Le 23:6; Nu 28:16.'.

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C12-S4 (Verse 3) (Then were the days of unleavened bread

This was the God ordained feast of Passover.

Please see the note for Matthew 26:17 about the word unleavened. The functional definition for this word is: 'a. unlev'ened. Not leavened; not raised by leaven, barm or yeast. Ex. 12. This word is used symbolically for removal of sin, especially pride, from our life'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C5S5 about the word leaven.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Then. Ex 12:14-20; 13:3-7; 23:15; Le 23:6-14; Mt 26:17; 1Co 5:7-8 General references. exp: Ex 34:18; Le 23:6; Nu 28:16.'.

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C12-S5 (Verse 4) Herod's plan.

First Step: When Herod started acting on his plan.

And when he had apprehended him,
he put him in prison,
and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him;.

Second Step: Herod's future step of his plan.

intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

Our First Step tells us that king Herod apprehended Peter. This would not have been difficult but he might have had to wait for Peter to show up. Peter was not hiding but was traveling. So, it is quite possible that some saved, but upset, Jews told the authorities when Peter was around and where he could be found. I'm not saying that they did, but it is possible and we need to be circumspect with our mouth.

Regardless of how they found him, the soldiers arrester Peter. And, in the second next sentence, we are told that Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Being bound with two chains would have been uncomfortable. But, Peter, obviously, was not too worried because he was sleeping. Peter trusted Jesus even though he did not know what would happen to him.

In our second and third phrase, we are told that Peter was put in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers ('sixteen men. See below for the explanation') to keep him. Obviously, Herod was worried that the church would try to rescue Peter. But, since Herod was a lost man, he only considered physical men rescuing peter and never considered the possibility of God sending an angel to rescue Peter. And, according to our chapter, only part of the church went to the all-night prayer meeting. But those who did saw their prayers answered. When we consider what was going on in the Jerusalem Church, as reported in Acts, we seer that some saved church members were trusting in their religious traditions. They skipped the prayer meeting because Peter told the people to take a message to James (administrative head of the church) and others who were not at the prayer meeting. However, others were trusting in their own personal relationship with Jesus and they meet to pray all night and saw their prayers answered.

The Second Step tells us king Herod's future plan. And, since he could not do it, he had the soldiers killed. This shows how evil he was.

Please see the note for Philippians 3:12 about the word apprehended. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'pp. Taken; seized; arrested; conceived; understood; feared.'.

Please see the note for Matthew 4:12 about the word prison. The functional definition for this word is: 'The place of detainment and confiment used by a government'. Please also see the note for Philemon 1:1 about the word prisoner. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:3 about the word imprisonment.

Please see the note for Mark 9:31 about the word delivered. The functional definition for this word is: 'Freed; released; transferred or transmitted; passed from one to another; committed; yielded; surrendered; rescued; uttered; pronounced'.

The word quaternions is only found here within ght Bible. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'A detachment or division consisting of four men, Ac 12:4. the Romans detached a quarternion of four men for a night guard and divided the night into four watches, so that each soldier should in his turn be on guard three hours. (See HOURS.) When therefore Herod, who adopted the Roman customs, is said to have delivered Peter to four quaternions of soldiers, it is to be understood that he was guarded by four men at a time, namely, two in the prison with him, and two before the doors, and that they were relieved every three hours by four others; making in all sixteen men'.

Please see the note for Luke 3:14 about the word soldier. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Apart from the common application of this term (for which see ARMY, ARMOUR, etc.) it is used in the N.T. for the service of a Christian. Two things are said of the Christian soldier. He must "endure hardness," that is, share in the suffering incident to warfare; and he must not entangle "himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier": that is, be quite free to obey his Captain in all things. As explained by the centurion, "I say to this man Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh;" so the Christian servant is under authority, and unhesitating obedience is what should characterise the soldier of Jesus Christ: he must be prepared to endure hardships, and to suffer with his Captain. Mt 8:9; 2Ti 2:3-4'.

Please see the note for Matthew 28:3-4 about the word keeper. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'of anything. 1. One who retains in custody; one who has the care of a prison and the custody of prisoners. 2. One who has the care of a park or other inclosure, or the custody of beasts; as the keeper of a park, a pound, or of sheep. 3. One who has the care, custody or superintendence of anything. In Great Britain, the keeper of the great seal, is a lord by his office, and one of the privy council. All royal grants, commissions and charters pass through his hands. He is constituted lord-keeper by the delivery of the great seal. the keeper of the privy seal is also a lord by his office, and a member of the privy council.'. The word kept is the past-tense form of the word keep. Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:22 about the word keep. The functional definition for this word is: 'To hold; to retain in one's power or possession; not to lose or part with; as, to keep a house or a farm; to keep anything in the memory, mind or heart. 2. to have in custody for security or preservation'. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments.

Please see the note for Luke 14:28 about the word intend. The functional definition for this word is: ' Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.t. L. intendo; in and tendo, to stretch or strain, from teneo; Gr. to stretch. 1. to stretch; to strain; to extend; to distend. By this the lungs are intended or remitted. this literal sense is now uncommon. 2. to mean; to design; to purpose, that is, to stretch or set forward in mind. this is now the usual sense. forthey intended evil against thee. Ps.21. 3. to regard; to fix the mind on; to attend; to take care of. Having no children, she did with singular care and tenderness intend the education of Phillip. this use of the word is now obsolete. We now use tend and superintend or regard. 4. to enforce; to make intense'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C10S3 about the word intent.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'he put. Ac 4:3; 5:18; 8:3; Mt 24:9; Lu 21:12; 22:33; Joh 13:36-38; 21:18 delivered. Ac 16:23-24; Mt 27:64-66 intending. Ac 4:28; Es 3:6-7,13; Pr 19:21; 27:1; La 3:37; Mt 26:5 Easter. Rather, the Passover, to G3588 pascha G3957. General references. exp: Le 23:6; Nu 28:16.'.

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C12-S6 (Verse 5) What happened next.

Equivalent Section: What Herod had the soldiers do.

Peter therefore was kept in prison:

Equivalent Section: What saved people in the church did.

but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

Here we see two totally different responses to the arrest of Peter. And, in the next few sentences, we see an implied third response. Our First Equivalent Section tells us: Peter therefore was kept in prison with the word therefore telling us that this was a direct result of what our prior sentence told us. King Herod had delivered (Peter) to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him. And, as a result, they kept him in prison with two soldiers at the prison door and two soldiers chained to Peter. (See the definition of quaternion in the note above.) this, we see the government doing everything physically possible to make sure that Peter does not escape. However, our Second Equivalent Section starts with the word but and when the word but immediately follows a colon, the two Equivalent Sections are telling us polar opposite things. Where the First Equivalent Section relied on physical power, the Second Equivalent Section relied on spiritual power. We see this because prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. This, in this account, we see the power of corporate prayer. And, God proved that He is more powerful than any physical provision.

Please see the note for Romans intro about the word therefore. The functional definition is: 'what follows the therefore is a future result that is based upon what came before the therefore and result is only seen there'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 10:2 about the word cease. The functional definition for this word is: ' to stop moving, acting or speaking; to leave of; to give over; followed by from before a noun'. Please also see the note for Luke 9:30 about the word decease.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'prayer was made without ceasing, or, instant and earnest prayer was made. Ac 12:12; Isa 62:6-7; Mt 18:19; Lu 18:1; 1Co 12:26; 2Co 1:11; Eph 6:18-20; 1Th 5:17; Heb 13:3; Jas 5:16 General references. exp: Ac 5:18.'.

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C12-S7 (Verse 6) the physical provisions to keep Peter.

Equivalent Section: Peter was not worried about his future in spite of the king's plans.

And when Herod would have brought him forth,
the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers,
bound with two chains:.

Equivalent Section: the soldiers did all they could do, physically, to keep Peter in prison.

and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

In our sentence, we see the physical provisions, from king Herod, to make sure that Peter did not escape. We also see that Peter was not worried because he was sleeping. And, within the context, we see that God let the devil's representative do his best to keep Peter and God's angel had no problem overcoming those provisions.

Please see the note for John 11:10 about the word night. Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines this word as '(1) the time of distress (Isa 21:12). (2) Death, the time when life's day is over (Joh 9:4). (3) Children of night, i.e. dark deeds, filthiness, which shuns daylight (1Th 5:5). (4) the present life, compared with the believer's bright life to come (Ro 13:12)'. Please also see the note for Matthew 25:6 about the word midnight.

Please see the note for Mark 4:26-27 about the word sleep. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.i. pret. and pp. slept. 1. to take rest by a suspension of the voluntary exercise of the powers of the body and mind. the proper time to sleep in during the darkness of night. 2. to rest; to be unemployed; to be inactive or motionless; as, the sword sleeps in its sheath. 3. to rest; to lie or be still; not to be noticed or agitated. the question sleeps for the present. 4. to live thoughtlessly. We sleep over our happiness. 5. to be dead; to rest in the grave for a time. I thess. 4. 6. to be careless, inattentive or unconcerned; not be vigilant'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C11S34 about the phrase sleep is physically dead but spiritually alive.

Please also see the note for Luke 8:29 about the word bound. Please also see the note for Mark 3:27 about the word bind. The functional definition of the word bound is: 'Past-tense of bind. As a participle, made fast by a band, or by chains or fetters; obliged by moral ties; confined; restrained'. The functional definition of the word bind is: 'To tie together, or confine with a cord, or anything that is flexible; to fasten as with a band, fillet or ligature'.

Please see the note for Mark 5:2-4 about the word chain. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) A part of the insignia of office. A chain of gold was placed about Joseph's neck (Ge 41:42); and one was promised to Daniel (Da 5:7). It is used as a symbol of sovereignty (Eze 16:11). the breast-plate of the high-priest was fastened to the ephod by golden chains (Ex 39:17,21).
(2.) It was used as an ornament (Pr 1:9; Song 1:10). the Midianites adorned the necks of their camels with chains (Jg 8:21,26).
(3.) Chains were also used as fetters wherewith prisoners were bound (Jg 16:21; 2Sa 3:34; 2Ki 25:7; Jer 39:7). Paul was in this manner bound to a Roman soldier (Ac 28:20; Eph 6:20; 2Ti 1:16). Sometimes, for the sake of greater security, the prisoner was attached by two chains to two soldiers, as in the case of Peter (Ac 12:6)'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 12:6; Acts 12:7; Acts 21:33; Acts 28:20.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the same. Ge 22:14; De 32:26; 1Sa 23:26-27; Ps 3:5-6; 4:8; Isa 26:3-4; Php 4:6-7; Heb 13:6 bound. Ac 21:33; 28:20; Jer 40:4; Eph 6:20 (margin) 2Ti 1:16 exp: Jer 40:1; Mt 27:2. and the. Ac 5:23; Mt 28:4 General references. exp: Ac 5:18.'.

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C12-S8 (Verse 7) God's angel frees Peter.

Equivalent Section: the angel arrives.

And,
behold,
the angel of the Lord came upon him,
and a light shined in the prison:.

Equivalent Section: the angel wakes Peter.

and he smote Peter on the side,
and raised him up,
saying,
Arise up quickly.

Now think about this. These soldiers only had to stay awake for four hours. That was the length of their shift and their lives depended upon their doing so. As a result, if one fell asleep the others would wake him. But, the angel caused a light and smote Peter on the side, and raised him up and talked but neither of the guards on his sides noticed and neither did the guards at the door. So, apparently, they were put to sleep. And people can say things about the guards being innocent but they chose to work for an evil king, which meant they would be ordered to do evil things. Therefore, we need to be careful whom we work for.

Please see the notes for Romans C13S15; 2Corinthians 4:3-4 and Ephesians C5S6 about the word light. The functional definition for this word is: 'The spiritual gift from God that overcomes spiritual darkness from sin and Satan. Spiritual light allows us to see and understand things from God's view. Spiritual light allows us to see how to walk, work and live in this world in a Godly way'. Please also see the notes for John 1:9; Romans 13:12; John 8:12 and John 11:9-LJC about the phrase Jesus is our light. Please also see the notes for Light and Darkness in 1John; Romans C13S15 and Hebrews 12:18-24 about the phrase light and darkness. Please also see the note for John 9:5 about the phrase light of the world. Please also see the note for Luke 17:24 about the word lightning. Please also see the note for Hebrews 6:4 about the word enlightened.

Please see the note for Matthew 5:16 about the word shine. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to emit rays of light; to give light; to beam with steady radiance; to exhibit lightness or splendor; as, the sun shines by day; the moon shines by night. Shining differs from sparkling, glistening, glittering, as it usually implies a steady radiation or emission of light, whereas the latter words usually imply irregular or interrupted radiation. this distinction is not always not always observed, and we may say, the fixed stars shine, as well as they sparkle. But we never say the sun or the moon sparkles. 2. to be bright; to be lively and animated; to be brilliant. Let thine eyes shine forth in their full luster. Denham. 3. to be unclouded; as, the moon shines'.

The word smote is the past-tense of the word smite. Please see the note for John 18:23 about the word smite. The functional definition for this word is: 'To strike; to throw, drive or force against, as the fist or hand, a stone or a weapon; to reach with a blow or a weapon; as, to smite one with the fist; to smite with a rod or with a stone'.

Please see the note for Matthew 5:25 about the word quickly. The functional definition for this word is: 'Speedily; with haste or celerity. 2. Soon; without delay'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the angel. Ac 12:23; 5:19; 10:30; 27:23-24; 1Ki 19:5,7; Ps 34:7; 37:32-33; Isa 37:30; Da 6:22; Heb 1:14 and a. Ac 9:3; 2Sa 22:29; Eze 43:2; Mic 7:9; Hab 3:4,11; Re 18:1 Arise. Ge 19:15-16; Isa 60:1; Eph 5:14 General references. exp: Ac 5:18-19.'.

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C12-S9 (Verse 7) The angel freed Peter.
And his chains fell off from his hands

Does anyone challenge that this required supernatural power? Please see the Doctrinal Study called Significant New Testament Events about other miracles.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'And his. the two chains with which his hands were fastened to those of the two soldiers between whom he slept. this, it appears, was the Roman method of securing a prisoner, and seems to be what is intimated in Ac 12:6. Ac 12:6; 2:24; 16:26; Ps 105:18-20; 107:14; 116:16; 142:6-7; 146:7; Da 3:24-25 General references. exp: Ac 5:18-19.'.

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C12-S10 (Verse 8) the angel had to tell him to do simple things because Peter was not fully awake.

And the angel said unto him,
Gird thyself,
and bind on thy sandals.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. exp: Ac 5:19.'.

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C12-S11 (Verse 8) Peter obeyed.
And so he did

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. exp: Ac 5:19.'.

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C12-S12 (Verse 8) Peter is still half asleep and has to be told to do simple things.

And he saith unto him,
Cast thy garment about thee,
and follow me.

Please see the note for Luke 1:29 about the word cast. The functional definition for this word is: 'In general "to throw," with various degrees of violence; usually, with force, but not so necessarily, as e.g. in cast a net, cast lots.'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S19 about the phrase cast away. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:8-10 about the phrase cast down. Please also see the note for Mark 9:28 about the phrase cast out. Please also see the note for Romans C11S1 about the phrase God will not cast away his people.

Please see the note for Matthew 9:16 about the word garment. The functional definition for this word is: 'Several words are used both in the O.T. and in the N.T. for raiment, clothing, or apparel, without defining what particular garments are alluded to; and when a single garment is intended it is variously translated in the A.V. In the East few garments were needed, and they were probably much the same as those worn there at present by the natives'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C4S16 about the word follow. The functional definition for this word is: 'To go after or behind; to walk, ride or move behind, but in the same direction. Soldiers will usually follow a brave officer'. Please also see the note for Romans C14S25 about the phrase follow after. Please also see the note for Mark 2:14 about the phrase follow me.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. exp: Ac 5:19.'.

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C12-S13 (Verse 9) Peter thought he was dreaming.

First Step: Peter followed the angel.

And he went out,
and followed him;.

Second Step: Peter didn't know what was happening.

and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel;

Third Step: Peter thought he was dreaming.

but thought he saw a vision.

Peter expected God to protect him but he didn't expect to be freed from the prison in the night. And, he hadn't fully awakened while it happened. He didn't fully understand until he was left alone, as our next sentence says.

Please see the note for Luke 2:49 about the words wist / wit. The functional definition for this word is: 'knowledge gained from reasoning''.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word thought. The functional definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word think'. Please see the note for Philippians 3:4-6 about the word think. The functional definition for this word is: 'To have the mind occupied on some subject; to have ideas, or to revolve ideas in the mind. --For that I am I know, because I think. these are not matters to be slightly thought on. 2 to conceive; to imagine'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'he went. Ac 26:19; Ge 6:22; Joh 2:5; Heb 11:8 wist not. that is, he knew not; wist being the past tense of the obsolete verb to wis, from the Saxon wissan, in German wissen, and Dutch wysen, to think, imagine, know. Ac 10:3,17; 11:5; Ge 45:26; Ps 126:1; 2Co 12:1-3 General references. exp: Ac 5:19.'.

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C12-S14 (Verse 10) the angel finished making Peter free.

Equivalent Section: How they gout out of the prison.

First Step: they passed all inner gates.

When they were past the first and the second ward,
they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city;.

Second Step: the gate to the city opened without a touch.

which opened to them of his own accord:.

Equivalent Section: the angel left Peter after he was safely free.

First Step: the angel made sure that peter was away from the prison.

and they went out,
and passed on through one street;.

Second Step: the angel left.

and forthwith the angel departed from him.

The sentences in the report of this incident are clear and easily understood. But, there are several supernatural (miracles) reported in it. God wants His people to understand that there is nothing too hard for God. God may choose to not do what we request like with Paul's thorn in the flesh. However, God has a spiritual reason when that happens. So, God chooses if and when he acts but His inaction is not because something is beyond His ability.

Please see the note for Luke 13:23-24 about the word gate. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Beside the ordinary use of gates for the protection of a city, 'in the gate' was the place where many important things were transacted. When Boaz wanted the question settled respecting Ruth and the inheritance, he went up to the gate: the subject was debated with a nearer relative, then concluded, and witnessed by the elders. Ru 4:1-12; cf. Jos 20:4; 1Sa 4:18; 2Sa 15:2; Ac 14:13. to 'sit in the gate' was a place of honour: "they that sit in the gate speak against me." Ps 69:12. It should have been the place of true judgement and justice, but was not always so. Isa 29:21; Am 5:10,12; Zec 8:16. It was, at least at times, the king's chief place of audience. 2Sa 19:8; 1Ki 22:10; Job 29:7; La 5:14. from this it would be a symbol of power: thus the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church which Christ builds. Mt 16:18. the gates of cities were of wood cased with iron to strengthen them and prevent them being burnt with fire. cf. Jg 9:52. the prison at Jerusalem had an outer gate of iron, the only iron one we read of. Ac 12:10. Doubtless the gates of Solomon's temple were adorned to agree with the rest of the work. In the N.T. we read of thE BEAUTIFUL GATE of the temple, Ac 3:10; and Josephus relates that Herod made an outer gate of Corinthian brass, costing more than those adorned with gold and silver. the gates of the New Jerusalem are described as pearls: "every several gate was of one pearl," Re 21:12-25: the entrances must be in keeping with the rest of the city. the pearls represent the glories of Christ as seen in the church: cf. Mt 13:46. the gate is used symbolically as the entrance both to life and to destruction: the former is narrow and the way straitened, and alas, there are but few that find it; whereas for the latter the gate is wide and the way is broad, and many there are that enter through it. Mt 7:13-14'. Please also see the note for Matthew 16:18 about the phrase gates of hell.

Please see the note for Mark 13:11 about the word lead (verb). The functional definition for this word is: 'To go before and show the way'.

Please see the note for John 18:20 about the words open / openly. The functional definition for this word is: ' Unclosed; not shut; as, the gate is open; an open door or window; an open book; open eyes'.

Please see the note for Luke 10:10-11 about the word street. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The street called "Straight" at Damascus (Ac 9:11) is "a long broad street, running from east to west, about a mile in length, and forming the principal thoroughfare in the city." In Oriental towns streets are usually narrow and irregular and filthy (Ps 18:42; Isa 10:6). "It is remarkable," says Porter, "that all the important cities of Palestine and Syria Samaria, Caesarea, Gerasa, Bozrah, Damascus, Palmyra, had their 'straight streets' running through the centre of the city, and lined with stately rows of columns. the most perfect now remaining are those of Palmyra and Gerasa, where long ranges of the columns still stand.", through Samaria, etc.'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the first. Ac 12:4; Ge 40:3; 42:17; Nu 15:34; Isa 21:8 which. Ac 5:19; 16:26; Isa 45:1-2; Joh 20:19,26; Re 3:7 General references. exp: Ac 5:19.'.

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C12-S15 (Verse 11) Peter finally realized what had happened.

And when Peter was come to himself,
he said,
Now I know of a surety,
that the Lord hath sent his angel,
and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod,
and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

Here we see that Peter finally realized that the Lord had saved him from an evil king, who wanted to use him for political purpose. And, the Lord also delivered him from religious people who were pushing doctrines of devils even while they claimed to be the top representatives of God. God had many more things for Peter to do. Lots of people want miracles like this. However, they are not willing to suffer and die, like Peter did, in the service of God. Miracles are given to those people who will devote their life to the service of God.

Please see the notes for Romans C10S25; 1Corinthians C1S11; 2Corinthians C1S5; Galatians C3-S9; Colossians C1S3 and know in 1John about the word know. The word knew is the past-tense form of the word know. The functional definition is: 'A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact; and the perception of the connection and agreement, or disagreement between various truths and acts. Within the Biblical usage is the knowledge that comes only from personal intimate experience'. Please see the notes for 2Peter 1:2-LJC; 2Peter 2:20-LJC and Philippians 1:9-11 about the word knowledge. Please see the note for Romans 6:3 about the phrase Know ye not. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C16S17 about the word acknowledge. Please also see the note for Romans C11S4 about the word foreknow.

Please see the note for Hebrews 7:20-22 about the word surety. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'one who becomes responsible for another. Christ is the surety of the better covenant (Heb 7:22). In him we have the assurance that all its provisions will be fully and faithfully carried out. Solomon warns against incautiously becoming security for another (Pr 6:1-5; 11:15; 17:18; 20:16)'.

Please see the note for Romans C8S18 about the word expectation. The functional definition for this word is: 'The act of looking forward to a future event with at least some reason to believe the event will happen'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'was come. He was in an ecstasy; and it was only when the angel left him, that he was fully convinced that all was real. Lu 15:17 I know. Ge 15:13; 18:13; 26:9 that the. Ac 12:7; 5:19; 2Ch 16:9; Ps 34:7; Da 3:25,28; 6:22; Heb 1:14 and hath. 2Sa 22:1; Job 5:19; Ps 33:18; 34:22; 41:2; 97:10; 109:31; 2Co 1:8-10; 2Pe 2:9 all. Ac 23:12-30; 24:27; 25:3-5,9; Job 31:31 General references. exp: Ac 5:19.'.

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C12-S16 (Verse 12) Peter went to where people were praying for him to be delivered.

First Step: Peter thought about what he should do.

And when he had considered the thing,
he came to the house of Mary the mother of John,
whose surname was Mark;.

Second Step: Peter went to assure people who were praying.

where many were gathered together praying.

The report of this incident started in verse 3. We have a little bit more about Peter getting in the house, but then he went out of the region controlled by Herod. There are arguments about if missionaries should stay on the field or leave when the government turns against the Gospel and starts arresting and killing missionaries. And the truth is that only God can answer what should be done by each missionary in each circumstance.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 8:13-15 about the word gather. The functional definition for this word is: 'Collected; assembled; contracted; plaited; drawn by inference'.

Please see the note for Mark 1:30 about the word mother. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The law commanded that honour was to be paid to a mother as well as to a father. In nearly all cases the mothers of the kings of Israel are mentioned as well as the fathers. the wise woman who appealed to Joab as 'a mother in Israel,' was at once listened to. 2Sa 20:19. A mother has naturally great influence over her children, whether for good or evil, as Jochebed the mother of Moses, and Jezebel the mother of Athaliah. the children of the virtuous woman arise and call her blessed. Pr 31:28. Timothy had a faithful mother and grandmother. 2Ti 1:5. there are also 'mothers' in the church, who have the Lord's interests at heart in the welfare of the saints, as Paul called the mother of Rufus his own mother also. Ro 16:13'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'he came. Ac 4:23; 16:40 John. Ac 12:25; 13:5,13; 15:37-39; Col 4:10; 2Ti 4:11; Phm 1:24 where. Ac 12:5; Isa 65:24; Mt 18:19-20; 1Jo 5:14-15'.

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C12-S17 (Verse 13) What happened when Peter arrived at the prayer meeting.

And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate,
a damsel came to hearken,
named Rhoda.

We are toldThis woman's namebut commentators can't say anything othr than what her name was supposed to mean and to say what our chapter reports only using other words.

Please see the note for Luke 11:11 about the word knock. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Though Orientals are very jealous of their privacy, they never knock when about to enter your room, but walk in without warning or ceremony. It is nearly impossible to teach an Arab servant to knock at your door. they give warning at the outer gate either by calling or knocking. to stand and call is a very common and respectful mode. thus Moses commanded the holder of a pledge to stand without and call to the owner to come forth (De 24:10). this was to avoid the violent intrusion of cruel creditors. Peter stood knocking at the outer door (Ac 12:13,16), and the three men sent to Joppa by Cornelius made inquiry and 'stood before the gate' (Ac 10:17-18). the idea is that the guard over your privacy is to be placed at the entrance."
Knocking is used as a sign of importunity (Mt 7:7-8; Lu 13:25), and of the coming of Christ (Lu 12:36; Re 3:20)'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:12-13 about the word door. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word is: 'Besides the common use of the door as the means of entrance into a house, and of enclosing those within when shut, it is used in scripture symbolically for the way of entrance into blessing. the Lord said, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." Salvation is only by Him. He also said that as the true Shepherd He entered into the sheepfold by the door, that is, though Son of God, He entered as obedient by God's appointed means, being circumcised, presented in the temple, and baptized. Joh 10:1-9. God opened 'the door of faith' to the Gentiles by Paul and Barnabas. Ac 14:27. Opportunities for service are called opened doors. 1Co 16:9; 2Co 2:12; Col 4:3; Re 3:8. When the church is represented as in a Laodicean state the Lord is outside knocking for admission at the door of the assembly, so that the individual may hear, with a promise of blessing to those who open to Him. Re 3:20. Doors in the East are usually made of wood; but in the deserted cities of Bashan doors are found cut out of stone, with a projection top and bottom which served as pivots on which the door turned'.

Please see the note for Mark 5:40 about the word damsel. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'A young woman. formerly, a young man or woman of noble or genteel extraction; as Damsel Pepin; Damsel Richard, prince of Wales. It is now used only of young women, and is applied to any class of young unmarried women, unless to the most vulgar, and sometimes to country girls. With her train of damsels she was gone. Dryden. then Boaz said, whose damsel is this? Ruth ii. this word is rarely used in conversation, or even in prose writings of the present day; but it occurs frequently in the scriptures, and in poetry'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'knocked. Ac 12:16; Lu 13:25 hearken. or, ask who was there.'.

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C12-S18 (Verse 14) the woman reacted emotionally instead of thinking and letting Peter in.

And when she knew Peter's voice,
she opened not the gate for gladness,
but ran in,
and old how Peter stood before the gate.

Since our report says that others also refused to believe, she should not be picked on.

Please see the note for Hebrews 1:9 about the word glad. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'pleased; affected with pleasure or moderate joy; moderately happy. A wise son maketh a glad father. Prov.10. It is usually followed by of. I am glad of an opportunity to oblige my friend. It is sometimes followed by at. He that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. Prov.17. It is sometimes followed by with. the Trojan, glad with sight of hostile blood-- With, after glad, is unusual, and in this passage at would have been preferable. 2. Cheerful; joyous. they blessed the king, and went to their tents, joyful and glad of heart. 1 Kings 8. 3. Cheerful; wearing the appearance of joy; as a glad countenance. 4. Wearing a gay appearance; showy; bright. the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them. Is.35. Glad evening and glad mourn crown'd the fourth day. 5. Pleasing; exhilarating. Her conversation More glad to me than to a miser money is. 6. Expressing gladness or joy; exciting joy. Hark! a glad voice the lonely desert cheers. GLAD, v.t. the pret. and pp. gladed is not used. See Gladden. to make glad; to affect with pleasure; to cheer; to gladden; to exhilarate. Each drinks the juice that glads the heart of man'.

The word ran is the past-tense form of the word run. Please see the note for 1Peter 4:4 about the word run. The functional definition for this word is: 'To move or pass in almost any manner, as on the feet or on wheels. Men and other animals run on their feet; carriages run on wheels, and wheels run on their axle-trees'.

Please see the note for Matthew 18:31 about the words tell / told. The word told is the past-tense form of the word tell. The functional definition for this word is: 'to communicate to others'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'she opened. Mt 28:8; Lu 24:41'.

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C12-S19 (Verse 15) the people in the prayer meeting refused to believe and refused to verify her report.

And they said unto her,
Thou art mad.

Think about how often we may have missed out on something wonderful from God because of unbelief combined with refusal to verify a claim of God working a miracle.

Please see the note for John 10:20 about the word mad. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'This word is used in its proper sense in De 28:34; Joh 10:20; 1Co 14:23. It also denotes a reckless state of mind arising from various causes, as over-study (Ec 1:17; 2:12), blind rage (Lu 6:11), or a depraved temper (Ec 7:25; 9:3; 2Pe 2:16). David feigned madness (1Sa 21:13) at Gath because he "was sore afraid of Achish."'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Thou. Ac 26:24; Job 9:16; Mr 16:11,14; Lu 24:11 General references. exp: Lu 24:37.'.

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C12-S20 (Verse 15) Rodah kept assuring them that she was not mistaken.
But she constantly affirmed that it was even so

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'It is. Ge 48:16; Mt 18:10; Lu 24:37-38 General references. exp: Lu 24:37.'.

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C12-S21 (Verse 15) the listeners express a foolish opinion.

Then said they,
It is his angel.

This is probably where people get the mistaken opinion that saved people become angels when they go to Heaven. Jesus said that they are like angels, and not given in marriage nor have sex. However, people do not become angels.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: ''.

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C12-S22 (Verse 16) they find out the truth.

Equivalent Section: Peter kept trying to get someone to let him in.

But Peter continued knocking:

Equivalent Section: Someone finally opened the door and they reacted emotionally.

and when they had opened the door,
and saw him,
they were astonished.

There is nothing wrong with doubting an astonishing report. In fact, more people should do so. But, with the doubt, verify. One reason that the people were astonished is that they took so long to verify her report. Another reason is that while they prayed, they really did not expect God to answer prayers. We would find more prayers answered if we believed in God more.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:25-26 about the word continue. The functional definition for this word is: 'keep doinf what they were doing before. The dictionary does not make the distinction between the words continue and continueth. Webster's 1828 actually gives the Biblical definition of continueth for the word continue. In the Bible, the word continue is used for when the action stope at some point and uses the word continueth for when the action does not stop in this life'. Please also see the note for James 1:25 about the word continueth. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 7:5 about the word incontinent.

Please see the note for Mark 1:22 about the word astonished. The functional definition for this word is: 'mazed; confounded with fear, surprise, or admiration'.

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C12-S23 (Verse 17) Peter got the people to shut up and then declared the miracle by the Lord.

But he,
beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace,
declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison.

Everybody was excited and talking at the same time and demanding answers to their questions. But rather than shouting, Peter used hand signals (beckoning unto them with the hand) to get them to shut up (to hold their peace). Then, after they calmed down, Peter explained the miracles of his escape in detail (declared unto them). And, Peter made sure that the Lord received the glory. This is the most important response which is required if we want, or if we receive, a miracle. If God gives us a miracle, it is so that we will use it to point others to the Lord and have them put their trust in Him.

Remember that Peter was sleeping in the prison and half asleep all during his escape. There was no way that he could take credit for what happened. Bible deniers claim foolish things in order to explain away miracles. For example, they try to claim that the soldiers deliberately went to sleep while on guard even though they knew that it was a death penalty to do so. And, they try to deny all of the other security measures which our account details. As I have written before on this web site, I personally have had multiple medical professionals declare that I had 'undeniable multiple miracles' and do so more than once. If you do not believe in miracles then you do not believe in the true nature of the true God of the word of God.

Please see the note for Luke 5:7 about the word beckon. The functional definition for this word is: 'To make a significant sign to'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 12:17; Acts 13:16; Acts 19:33; Acts 21:40; Acts 24:10.

The word held is the past-tense form of the word hold. The functional definition for this word is: 'To stop; to confine; to restrain from escape; to keep fast; to retain'. Please see the note for Colossians 2:18-19 about the word hold. The functional definition for this word is: 'Stopping; confining; restraining; keeping; retaining; adhering; maintaining, etc'. Please also see the note for Luke 24:15 about the word holden. Please see the note for Luke 24:15 about the word holden.

Please see the notes for Romans C12S16; Galatians C1-S1 and Jude 1:1 about the word peace. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines peace as: 'n. L. pax, paco, to applease. 1. In a general sense, a state of quiet or tranquility; freedom from disturbance or agitation; applicable to society, to individuals, or to the temper of the mind. 2. Freedom from war with a foreign nation; public quiet. 3. Freedom from internal commotion or civil war. 4. Freedom from private quarrels, suits or disturbance. 5. Freedom from agitation or disturbance by the passions, as from fear, terror, anger, anxiety or the like; quietness of mind; tranquility; calmness; quiet of conscience. Great peace have they that love the law. Ps.119. 6. heavenly rest; the happiness of heaven. 7. Harmony; concord; a state of reconciliation between parties at variance. 8. Public tranquility; that quiet, order and security which is guaranteed by the laws; as, to keep the peace; to break the peace. This word is used in commanding silence or quiet; as, peace to this troubled soul. Peace, the lovers are asleep. Tobe at peace, to be reconciled; to live in harmony. Tomake peace, to reconcile, as parties at variance. Tohold the peace, to be silent; to suppress one's thoughts; not to speak.'. Please also see the notes for Philippians 4:7 and Colossians 3:15 about the phrase peace of God. Please also see the notes for Romans 10:15 and Hebrews 12:14-LJC about the phrase peace with God.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:11 about the word declare. The functional definition for this word is: 'to make clear'

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'beckoning. Ac 13:16; 19:33; 21:40; Lu 1:22; Joh 13:24 declared. Ps 66:16; 102:20-21; 107:21-22; 116:14-15; 146:7'.

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C12-S24 (Verse 17) Peter tells them to report the miracles to the rest of the believers in the church.

And he said,
Go shew these things unto James,
and to the brethren.

There is more than one James in the Bible but Peter is speaking about the half-brother of Jesus, who was the chief administrator of the Jerusalem Church.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'James. Ac 15:13; 21:18; 1Co 15:7; Ga 1:19; 2:9,12; Jas 1:1 exp: Mt 10:3; Ac 1:13'.

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C12-S25 (Verse 17) Peter went where the government could not accuse the church of hiding him.

And he departed,
and went into another place.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'And he. Ac 16:40; Mt 10:23; Joh 7:1; 8:59; 10:40; 11:54'.

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C12-S26 (Verse 18) the soldiers were upset about Peter's disappearance.

Now as soon as it was day,
there was no small stir among the soldiers,
what was become of Peter.

Imagine if you were one of the soldiers. Sixteen would be killed even though only four were actually on guard. In addition, there is no evidence of how Peter got out of the chains and through multiple gates of the prison which would also have been guarded and nobody saw anything. The obvious answer was God did am miracle. But, all of the soldiers and government reject the true God. Therefore, they had a situation which was impossible to explain but which would get people executed if they could not produce a satisfactory explanation.

Please see the note for 2Peter 1:13 about the word stir. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to move; to change place in any manner. My foot I had never yet in five days been able to stir. 2. to agitate; to bring into debate. Stir on the questions of jurisdiction. 3. to incite to action; to instigate; to prompt. An Ate stirring him to blood and strife. 4. to excite; to raise; to put into motion. And for her sake some mutiny will stir.
To stir up, 1. to incite; to animate; to instigate by inflaming passions; as, to stir up a nation to rebellion. the words of Judas were good and able to stir them up to valor. 2 Maccabees. 2. to excite; to put into action; to begin; as, to stir up a mutiny or insurrection; to stir up strife. 3. to quicken; to enliven; to make more lively or vigorous; as, to stir up the mind. 4. to disturb; as, to stir up the sediment of liquor''.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'there. Ac 5:22-25; 16:27; 19:23 General references. exp: Lu 4:30.'.

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C12-S27 (Verse 19) the soldiers were killed because of Peter's disappearance.

And when Herod had sought for him,
and found him not,
he examined the keepers,
and commanded that they should be put to death.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase And when Herod had sought for him means: 'The king looked forward to using Peter to increase his own political power. He was extremely upset when he found out that he would not receive the power he planned on receiving.'.
The phrase and found him not means: 'This is when and why he was upset'.
The phrase he examined the keepers means: 'The king demanded an explanation from the soldiers'.
The phrase and commanded that they should be put to death means: 'This is how the king expressed his anger'.

Like today, in those days, most men became soldiers because it was the best paying job available to unskilled men. However, it also carried the possibility of death, just like today. But, also like today, young men, especially those who become soldiers, are sure that they will be one of the men to escape death and dismemberment. Unfortunately for these men, they were proven wrong.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S6 about the word examine. The functional definition for this word is: 'o inspect carefully, with a view to discover truth or the real state of a thing; as, to examine a ship to know whether she is sea-worthy, or a house to know whether repairs are wanted'.

Please see the note for Romans 7:8 about the word commandment. The functional definition for this word is: 'a mandate; an order or injunction given by authority; charge'.. Please note that a commandment is not always written down and often comes through the human person that God has placed in authority over us. Please see the note for Psalms 119:4 for the use of the word commandment within this Psalm and considerations from several other places within the Bible. Please see the note for Romans C7S11 about the word commandment. Please see the Doctrinal Study on the use Ten Commandments for links to where they are dealt with in the word of God. Please use This link to see the 'Ten (10) Commandments' and references to them in the New Testament. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments.

Please see the notes for Romans C6S4; 2Corinthians 2:15; Philippians 1:19-20 and Colossians C1S4 about the words dead / death / die. The functional definition for this word is: 'Physical death is separation of soul and spirit from body and the second death is eternal separation from God'. Please also see the notes for Revelation 2:11; Revelation 20:6; Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8 about the phrase death, second.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'sought for him. 1Sa 23:14; Ps 37:32-33; Jer 36:26; Mt 2:13 he examined. Ac 12:4,6; Mt 28:11-15 commanded. Da 2:11-13; Mt 2:16; Joh 12:10-11'.

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C12-S28 (Verse 19) Peter left the jurisdiction of king Herod to avoid further problems for the church.

And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea,
and there abode.

The word abode is the past-tense form of the word abide. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C7S9 about the word abide. The functional definition for this word is: 'to be; to continue; to be; to dwell, rest, continue, stand firm, or be stationary for anytime indefinitely'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'he went. Ac 21:8; 25:13; 1Ki 20:43; Es 6:12'.

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C12-S29 (Verse 20) the start of the report of the next incident in this chapter.

Equivalent Section: the attitude of king Herod.

And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon:

Equivalent Section: What others tried to do about his attitude.

First Step: they took political action to make peace.

but they came with one accord to him,
and,
having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend,
desired peace;.

Second Step: Why.

because their country was nourished by the king's country.

Here we see typical politics by a self-centered sinful person. He threatens and hurts and kills people and other groups for perceived slights. He was mad at the people of these two cities. In order to make him pleased, and to get him to stop hurting their cities, someone said that he spoke with the voice of a god when he made a speech. He accepted the claim and God killed him for it.

Please see the note for Mark 7:24 about Tyre. The functional definition for this word is: 'a celebrated commercial city of Phoenicia, on the coast of the Mediterranean'. Tyre is found, in this book, in: Acts 12:20; Acts 21:3; Acts 21:7.

Please see the note for Luke 10:13 about Sidon / Zidon. The functional definition for this word is: 'Sidon was in Asher (Isa 23:2,4,12). An ancient mercantile city of Phoenicia, in the narrow plain between Lebanon and the Mediterranean, where the mountains recede two miles from the sea; 20 miles N. of Tyre.'. Sidon is found, in this book, in: Acts 12:20; Acts 27:3

Please see the note for John 3:29 about the word friend. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'Abraham is signally honored in being called "the friend of God," Isa 41:8; Jas 2:23. Christ granted a similar honor and blessing to his disciples, Joh 15:15. It is a different word, however, in Greek, by which he addressed Judas, Mt 26:50; the word there translated friend, means simply companion, and appears to have been used as a conversational term not implying friendship. the same word occurs in Mt 20:13; 22:12'.

Please see the notes for Romans C10S1; 2Corinthians 5:2-3 and Galatians 4:9; Philippians 1:23-24 about the word desire. The functional definition for this word is: 'An emotion or excitement of the mind, directed to the attainment or possession of an object from which pleasure, sensual, intellectual or spiritual, is expected; a passion excited by the love of an object, or uneasiness at the want of it, and directed to its attainment or possession. Desire is a wish to possess some gratification or source of happiness which is supposed to be obtainable'.

Please see the notes for Romans C12S16; Galatians C1-S1 and Jude 1:1 about the word peace. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines peace as: 'n. L. pax, paco, to applease. 1. In a general sense, a state of quiet or tranquility; freedom from disturbance or agitation; applicable to society, to individuals, or to the temper of the mind. 2. Freedom from war with a foreign nation; public quiet. 3. Freedom from internal commotion or civil war. 4. Freedom from private quarrels, suits or disturbance. 5. Freedom from agitation or disturbance by the passions, as from fear, terror, anger, anxiety or the like; quietness of mind; tranquility; calmness; quiet of conscience. Great peace have they that love the law. Ps.119. 6. heavenly rest; the happiness of heaven. 7. Harmony; concord; a state of reconciliation between parties at variance. 8. Public tranquility; that quiet, order and security which is guaranteed by the laws; as, to keep the peace; to break the peace. This word is used in commanding silence or quiet; as, peace to this troubled soul. Peace, the lovers are asleep. Tobe at peace, to be reconciled; to live in harmony. Tomake peace, to reconcile, as parties at variance. Tohold the peace, to be silent; to suppress one's thoughts; not to speak.'. Please also see the notes for Philippians 4:7 and Colossians 3:15 about the phrase peace of God. Please also see the notes for Romans 10:15 and Hebrews 12:14-LJC about the phrase peace with God.

Please see the note for Mark 12:1 about the word country. The functional definition for this word is: 'An area of land. It can be all the land controlled by a government or the land lying near a city'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'was highly displeased. or, bare an hostile mind intending war. Tyre. Ge 10:15,19; Jos 19:29; Isa 23:1-4; Mt 11:21-22 exp: Ac 21:3. but. Pr 17:14; 20:18; 25:8; Ec 10:4; Isa 27:4-5; Lu 14:31-32 exp: Pr 16:14. The king's chamberlain. Gr. that was over the king's bed-chamber. because. 1Ki 5:9-11; 2Ch 2:10,15; Ezr 3:7; Eze 27:17; Ho 2:8-9; Am 4:6-9; Hag 1:8-11; 2:16-17; Lu 16:8'.

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C12-S30 (Verse 21) Herod sought to impress everyone.

And upon a set day Herod,
arrayed in royal apparel,
sat upon his throne,
and made an oration unto them.

Herod got all dressed up to impress everyone with his wealth. He sat on his throne to impress everyone with his power. He gave a speech to impress everyone with his thinking. Our next sentence shows what men thought was demanded of them by his show. The sentence after that tells us what God thought about his show.

As mentioned in the chapter theme, our chapter is telling us that God supports right doctrine and punishes wrong doctrine. in this incident, king Herod wanted people to think that he was greater than other men (a god) and God proved him to be wrong. He was just like all other men.

Please see the note for Luke 12:27 about the word array. The functional definition for this word is: 'Set in order, or in lines; arranged in order for attack or defense; dressed; adorned by dress; impaneled, as a jury; enveloped'.

We find forms of the word royal occurring 29 times in 25 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Acts 12:21; James 2:8; 1Peter 2:9. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a. L. regalis, from rex, king. See Reck and Right. 1. Kingly; pertaining to a king; regal; as royal power or prerogative; a royal garden; royal domains; the royal family. 2. Becoming a king; magnificent; as royal state. 3. Noble; illustrious. How doth that royal merchant, good Antonio?
ROY'AL, n. 1. A large kind of paper. It is used as a noun or an adjective. 2. Among seamen, a small sail spread immediately above the top-gallant-sail; sometimes termed the top-gallant-royal. 3. One of the shoots of a stag's head. 4. In artillery, a small mortar. 5. In England, one of the soldiers of the first regiment of foot, called the royals, and supposed to be the oldest regular corps in Europe'.

Please see the note for Luke 7:25 about the word apparel. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'clothing'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 1:10; Acts 12:21; Acts 20:33.

Please see the note for Colossians C1S3 about the word throne. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'a royal chair or seat of dignity (De 17:18; 2Sa 7:13; Ps 45:6); an elevated seat with a canopy and hangings, which cover it. It denotes the seat of the high priest in 1Sa 1:9; 4:13, and of a provincial governor in Ne 3:7; Ps 122:5. the throne of Solomon is described at length in 1Ki 10:18-20'.

We find forms of the word oration in: Isaiah 3:3; Acts 12:21; Acts 24:1. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. L. oratio, from oro, to pray, to utter. 1. A speech or discourse composed according to the rules of oratory, and spoken in public. Orations may be reduced to three kinds; demonstrative, deliberative, and judicial. 2. In modern usage, an oration differs from a sermon, from an argument at the bar, and from a speech before a deliberative assembly. the word is now applied chiefly to discourses pronounced on special occasions, as a funeral oration, an oration on some anniversary, etc. and to academic declamations. 3. A harangue; a public speech or address'.

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C12-S31 (Verse 22) Here we see people willing to lie in order to achieve political favor.

And the people gave a shout,
saying,
It is the voice of a God,
and not of a man.

We find forms of the word shout occurring 67 times in 53 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Acts 12:22; 1Thessalonians 4:16. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.i. to utter a sudden and loud outcry, usually in joy, triumph or exultation, or to animate soldiers in an onset. It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery. Ex. 32. When ye hear th esound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout. Josh. 6. SHOUT, n. A loud burst of voice or voices; a vehement and sudden outcry, particularly of a multitude of men, expressing joy, triumph, exultation or animated courage. It is sometimes intended in derision. The Rhodi and seeing an enemy turn their backs, gave a great shout in derision. Knolles.
SHOUT, v.t. to treat with shouts or clamor.'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 14:10-13; Ps 12:2; Da 6:7; Jude 1:16; Re 13:4 exp: Ex 8:4; Ps 37:36.'.

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C12-S32 (Verse 23) God judged king Herod.

Equivalent Section: God used a miracle to kill king Herod.

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him,
because he gave not God the glory:.

Equivalent Section: God destroyed his memory.

and he was eaten of worms,
and gave up the ghost.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him means: 'God used a miracle to kill king Herod. Notice that it was immediately'.
The phrase because he gave not God the glory means: 'Here's why. When God works through us, or in us, and we refuse to give God the glory we are daring God to punish us'.
The phrase and he was eaten of worms means: 'Imagine being eaten alive from the inside out. imagine the effect that would have on people who saw it and remembered it. That was not what he wanted to be remembered for'.
The phrase and gave up the ghost means: 'He3 died'.

Please see the note for Mark 9:44 about the word worm. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as:: '(1.) Heb sas (Isa 51:8), denotes the caterpillar of the clothes-moth. (2.) the manna bred worms (tola'im), but on the Sabbath there was not any worm (rimmah) therein (Ex 16:20,24). Here these words refer to caterpillars or larvae, which feed on corrupting matter. these two Hebrew words appear to be interchangeable (Job 25:6; Isa 14:11). Tola'im in some places denotes the caterpillar (De 28:39; Jon 4:7), and rimmah, the larvae, as bred from putridity (Job 17:14; 21:26; 24:20). In Mic 7:17, where it is said, "They shall move out of their holes like worms," perhaps serpents or "creeping things," or as in the Revised Version, "crawling things," are meant. the word is used figuratively in Job 25:6; Ps 22:6; Isa 41:14; Mr 9:44,46,48; Isa 66:24'.

Please see the note for Mark 15:37 about the word ghost (lower-case). The functional definition for this word is: 'the spirit of a physical man'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the angel. Ex 12:12,23,29; 1Sa 25:38; 2Sa 24:17; 1Ch 21:14-18; 2Ch 32:21 exp: 2Sa 24:16; 2Ki 19:35; 1Ch 21:12; Isa 37:36; Ac 8:26; 12:7. because. Ac 10:25-26; 14:14-15; Ex 9:17; 10:3; Ps 115:1; Isa 37:23; Eze 28:2,9; Da 4:30-37; 5:18-24; Lu 12:47-48; 2Th 2:4 and he. 2Ch 21:18-19; Job 7:5; 19:26; Isa 14:11; 51:8; 66:24; Mr 9:44-48 General references. exp: Ex 8:4; 9:17; Ps 37:36.'.

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C12-S33 (Verse 24) the opposite spiritual result from a prideful king.
But the word of God grew and multiplied

Our sentence starts with the word but, which means it is continuing the same main subject as the prior sentence while changing directions. In face, this sentence goes in the opposite direction. Whenr the prior sentence told us abput a physical death because of spiritual corruption, this sentence tells us how to receive physical blessings due to the source of spiritual cleansing (the word of God).

The word grew is the past-tense form of the word grow. Please see the note for Mark 4:26-27 about the word grow. The functional definition for this word is: 'To enlarge in bulk or stature, by a natural, imperceptible addition of matter, through ducts and secreting organs, as animal and vegetable bodies; to vegetate as plants, or to be augmented by natural process, as animals'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word multiply. The functional definition for this word is: 'To increase in number with multiple additions'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 5:39; 6:7; 11:21; 19:20; Pr 28:28; Isa 41:10-13; 54:14-17; 55:10; Da 2:24,44; Mt 16:18; Col 1:6; 2Th 3:1'.

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C12-S34 (Verse 25) .

And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem,
when they had fulfilled their ministry,
and took with them John,
whose surname was Mark.

This sentence is a reference to the last sentence of the prior chapter. It also tells us why John Mark was at Antioch when Barnabas and Saul were sent as missionaries. He went as their servant.

John Mark wrote the Gospel of Mark. He was nephew to Barnabas and he went on the first missionary journey with them but left them part way through the journey because he was nor spiritually mature enough to handle the problems of the ministry. Later in his life, he achieved that spiritual maturity.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S8 about Barnabas. The functional definition for this word is: 'This man was a peace maker'.

Please see the note for Acts 1:12 about the word return. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.i. L. torno. 1. to come or go back to the same place. the gentleman goes from the country to London and returns, or the citizen of London rides into the country and returns. the blood propelled from the heart, passes through the arteries to the extremities of the body, and returns through the veins. Some servants are good to go on errands, but not good to return. 2. to come to the same state; as, to return from bondage to a state of freedom. 3. to answer. He said, and thus the queen of heaven return'd. 4. to come again; to revisit. Thou to mankind be good and friendly still, and oft return. 5. to appear or begin again after a periodical revolution. With the year seasons return, but not to me returns day - 6. to show fresh signs of mercy. Return, O Lord, deliver my soul. Ps. 6. Toreturn to God, to return from wickedness, to repent of sin or wandering from duty'. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:1 about the phrase Jesus Christ will return in glory.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S11 and Galatians C5-S15 about the word fulfill. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. A tautological compound of full and fill. 1. to accomplish; to perform; to complete; to answer in execution or event what has been foretold or promised; as, to fulfill a prophecy or prediction; to fulfill a promise. 2. to accomplish what was intended; to answer a design by execution. Here nature seems fulfilled in all her ends. 3. to accomplish or perform what was desired; to answer any desire by compliance or gratification. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him. Ps. 145. 4. to perform what is required; to answer a law by obedience. If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well. James 2. 5. to complete in time. Fulfill her week. Gen. 29. 6. In general, to accomplish; to complete; to carry into effect'. Please also see the note for Philippians 4:18 about the word full. Please also see the note for Colossians 2:9 about the word fullness.

Please see the notes for Proverbs 9 Study and Ephesians C4S7 about the word ministry. The functional definition for this word is: 'The god-given work to build the kingdom of God here on earth'. All of life is choices. The main purpose of a ministry for God is the help people understand the need to be wise and then help them to become wise. That starts with salvation but continues with sanctification. Then people had to learn how to make choices which will get theme the blessings of God.

There are several men named John in the Bible. This John was John Mark, the nephew of Barnabus and the author of the Gospel of Mark.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Barnabas. Ac 11:29-30; 13:1-3 exp: Ac 4:36; 9:27; Ga 2:1. ministry. or, charge. Took. Ac 13:5,13; 15:37 John. Ac 12:12; 1Pe 5:13 exp: Ac 13:5; 15:37.'.

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Acts Chapter 11

Chapter theme is: the Lord working to save Gentiles.

links to sentences in this chapter:

Chapter theme is: .

Acts Chapter 12

Chapter theme is: God supports right doctrine and punishes wrong doctrine.

links to sentences in this chapter:

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