Lord Jesus Christ in the 1611KJV
Bible   Books   Doctrines   Words   Lord Jesus Christ   Messages   Hermey   Salvation   Humm   Site   Help  
 search tips advanced search


Chapter links:  12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728, God.


Acts Chapter 19

Chapter theme is: Chapter theme is: Paul's ministry at Ephesus and in Asia.

links to sentences in this chapter: 
C19-S1 (Verse 1-2), C19-S2 (Verse 2), C19-S3 (Verse 3), C19-S4 (Verse 3), C19-S5 (Verse 4), C19-S6 (Verse 5), C19-S7 (Verse 6), C19-S8 (Verse 7), C19-S9 (Verse 8), C19-S10 (Verse 9), C19-S11 (Verse 10), C19-S12 (Verse 11-12), C19-S13 (Verse 13), C19-S14 (Verse 14), C19-S15 (Verse 15), C19-S16 (Verse 16), C19-S17 (Verse 17), C19-S18 (Verse 18), C19-S19 (Verse 19), C19-S20 (Verse 20), C19-S21 (Verse 21), C19-S22 (Verse 22), C19-S23 (Verse 23), C19-S24 (Verse 24-25), C19-S25 (Verse 26-27), C19-S26 (Verse 28), C19-S27 (Verse 29), C19-S28 (Verse 30), C19-S29 (Verse 31), C19-S30 (Verse 32), C19-S31 (Verse 33), C19-S32 (Verse 33), C19-S33 (Verse 34), C19-S34 (Verse 35), C19-S35 (Verse 36), C19-S36 (Verse 37), C19-S37 (Verse 38), C19-S38 (Verse 39), C19-S39 (Verse 40), C19-S40 (Verse 41)'.

Acts 19:1-7 Tell us that Paul met people who believe in John's baptism but were not saved.  The believe in true repentance,  but they did not have an ongoing personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.  That was why they were not saved and when Paul told them that John the Baptist preached that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus,  then they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus  and they were saved.

Acts 19:8 Paul preached to the Jews in the synagogue at Ephesus.

Acts 19:9 says: But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.  God commands His people from hardened  unbelievers because witnessing to them is a waste of effort.

Acts 19:10-12 tells us about the ministry of Paul in all Asia.

Acts 19:13-19 Tells us about certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists,  who thought they could use the power of our Lord Jesus Christ  without an ongoing personal relationship with Him as a personal God.  That is the philosophy of the movies 'Star Wars' and of many Eastern religions.  They claim that God is just a power that anyone can access, it they know the right 'magic' way.  However, these certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists,  found out differently when the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?   And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

Acts 19:17-20 tells us that And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus.  As a result, Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men  and many people turned from the many forms of occult beliefs to a true personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.  Our sub-section ends with: So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.


Start of Chapter
C19-S1 (Verse 1-2) Paul started his ministry at Ephesus. 
  1. Equivalent Section:  Paul arrived at Ephesus.
    1. And it came to pass,
    2. that,
    3. while Apollos was at Corinth,
    4. Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus:.
  2. Equivalent Section:  Paul checked the truth of salvation for certain disciples.
    1. and finding certain disciples,
    2. He said unto them,
    3. Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?.

Acts 19:1-7 Tell us that Paul met people who believe in John's baptism but were not saved.  The believe in true repentance,  but they did not have an ongoing personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.  That was why they were not saved and when Paul told them that John the Baptist preached that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus,  then they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus  and they were saved.

The note for this sentence, in the Word Study on Holy Ghost (use the link in the sentence outline, above), tells us that our sentence uses Holy Ghost  and not Holy Spirit.  The Bible uses Holy Ghost  when He affects things in this world.  The Bible uses Holy Spirit  when He deals with our spirit for spiritual matters.  Our sentence uses Holy Ghost  because if we are truly saved, then He is to change how we act in this physical world.  Paul asked them this question because they did not have the evidence of true salvation, even though they believed unto John's baptism.  Someone who is truly saved should have the changed life which is the true evidence of true spiritual salvation.

In addition to telling us what happened when Paul arrived at Ephesus, it tells us that he arrived there and this chapter deals with his ministry there and almost throughout all Asia.


Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:12 about Apollos.  He became a powerful preacher of God's truth after his doctrine was corrected by Aquila and Priscilla.  It has links to every place where he is mentioned.

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.

Please see the note for Mark 5:17 about the word coast.  The King James Bible Companion defines this word as: 'Border; region/country; land by water. Ex 10:14'.

Please see the note for Romans C1S10 and Galatians C2-S16 about the words righteous / righteousness.  The functional definition for this word is: 'doing the right thing, as defined by God, the right way and at the right time with the right purpose'.  Please also see the note for Ephesians 4:7-LJC about the phrase righteousness of the Law.  Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:9-11; James 3:18 about the phrase fruit of righteousness.  Please also see the note for Romans C4S7 about the phrase imputeth righteousness.  Please also see the notes for Romans 3:5 and Romans C1S16 about the word unrighteousness.  Please also see the note for Romans C2S5 about the phrase obeying unrighteousness.

Please see the note for Ephesians 1:1 about Ephesus.  The functional definition for this word is: 'the capital of proconsular Asia, which was the western part of Asia Minor. It was colonized principally from Athens. In the time of the Romans it bore the title of "the first and greatest metropolis of Asia'.  That note has much more about this city.  Not only do we have the epistle to the Ephesians, But the church there is mentioned several times in the New Testament, including being one of the churches written to in Revelation.  There, the Lord Jesus Christ  accused them of thou hast left thy first love.  As explained in my Book Study on Ephesians, they did this because they mixed Bible truth with doctrinal error.

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 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 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 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 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.  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.  Please also see the notes for Romans C4S21 about the word unbelief.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'that. Ac 18:24-28; 1Co 1:12; 3:4-7; 16:12  Paul. Ac 18:23  came. Ac 18:19-21
Have ye. Ac 19:5; 2:17,38-39; 8:15-17; 10:44; 11:15-17; Ro 1:11
'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S2 (Verse 2)   they denied knowledge of the Holy Ghost  and of true salvation.
  1. And they said unto him,
  2. We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost .

Acts 19:1-7 Tell us that Paul met people who believe in John's baptism but were not saved.  The believe in true repentance,  but they did not have an ongoing personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.  That was why they were not saved and when Paul told them that John the Baptist preached that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus,  then they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus  and they were saved.

Their answer was a lack of critical knowledge.  Unfortunately, there are many people today who assume that they are saved but they also have a lack of critical knowledge and can not give any true Biblical basis for their belief.  Yes, they may have a religious basis, like these men had.  But, as our report tells us, ytthat is not enough to get into Heaven.


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 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 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 Matthew 9:5 about the word whether.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Which of two'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'We have. 1Sa 3:7; Joh 7:39; 1Co 6:19; 12:1-11; Ga 3:5'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S3 (Verse 3)   Paul questioned them closely about the basis of their belief.
  1. And he said unto them,
  2. Unto what then were ye baptized ?.

Acts 19:1-7 Tell us that Paul met people who believe in John's baptism but were not saved.  The believe in true repentance,  but they did not have an ongoing personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.  That was why they were not saved and when Paul told them that John the Baptist preached that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus,  then they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus  and they were saved.


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'.

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).

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Unto what. Mt 28:19; 1Co 12:13  General references. exp: Ac 13:24.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S4 (Verse 3)   their answer to the question in the prior sentence.
  1. And they said,
  2. Unto John's baptism .

Acts 19:1-7 Tell us that Paul met people who believe in John's baptism but were not saved.  The believe in true repentance,  but they did not have an ongoing personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.  That was why they were not saved and when Paul told them that John the Baptist preached that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus,  then they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus  and they were saved.

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).

in this sentence, Paul is asking them what religious doctrine, or person (Unto what),  they were 'identified with' then were ye baptized.  Many people believe their religious doctrine or their religious act gets them saved just like these mend did.  However, as we read in this report, such things do not save us.  We must do exactly what the word of God  says and call upon the name  ('put your personal trust in the power and authority represented by the name') of the Lord.  Every place where the New Testament says shall be saved  directly or indirectly tells us to put our trust in God as our Lord,  Whom we must obey in a personal way.  Thus, they were not truly saved because they believed in repentance and obedience but did not have a personal relationship with the Lord  as their personal Lord.  Notice that, in our sub-section, Paul tells them that they must believe on him which should come after him (John the Baptist), that is, on Christ Jesus  and they proved that they accepted Him as their Lord  when they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  And, after that, they displayed the evidence of true salvation.  Thus, we must do what the Bible truly tells us the do and not just trust in obeying a religious doctrine.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Unto John's. Ac 18:25; Mt 3; Lu 3  General references. exp: Ac 13:24.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S5 (Verse 4)   Paul explained what they understood correctly and what they were missing.
  1. Then said Paul,
  2. John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance,
  3. saying unto the people,
  4. that they should believe on him which should come after him,
  5. that is,
  6. on Christ Jesus .

Acts 19:1-7 Tell us that Paul met people who believe in John's baptism but were not saved.  The believe in true repentance,  but they did not have an ongoing personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.  That was why they were not saved and when Paul told them that John the Baptist preached that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus,  then they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus  and they were saved.

These Jews were disciples (Acts 19:1) but had not received the Holy Ghost (Acts 19:2).  Therefore, they were not saved (1John 4:13).  There is more in the note for the next sentence, but this note is limited to the use of Christ Jesus  in this sentence.

Notice that when Paul found unsaved disciples  (Acts 19:1-2) he preached Christ Jesus.  However, in Acts 8:25; Acts 11:20; Acts 15:35-36; we see that the Lord  was preached to Jews who were not disciples.  When people want to argue religion, we need to point them to the Lord  who will judge us all.  Religious people need to understand the consequences of following religious which opposes the way of the Lord.  However, when someone is a disciple,  they aren't opposed the way of the Lord.  Therefore, they don't need that message.

Now, our current sub-section is teaching us that true salvation is not just repenting (John's baptism)  and keeping rules (they were disciples)  but it is an ongoing personal relationship with the Son of God which starts with believing that Jesus  died to get us out of Hell and into Heaven (Romans 3:26) and that Christ  provides the ongoing personal relationship.  This sentence uses Christ Jesus  instead of Jesus Christ  to emphasize the ongoing personal relationship and that our sanctification comes through that relationship and not through keeping a bunch of religious rules, like they had been taught.

As we see in Acts 19:6, the Holy Ghost came on them,  but not until Paul had laid his hands upon them.  Baptism (Acts 19:5) did not do it.  (So much for 'baptismal regeneration'.)  Some religions try to claim that salvation requires 'laying on of hands', but other sentences show that is not true.  However, in this case, the 'laying on of hands' emphasizes the personal nature of salvation and shows that it is not just some physical religious act (baptism, keeping rules, being a disciple,  etc).  The Jews very much believed in signs.  Therefore, they needed Paul to lay his hands upon them,  for them to believe that they truly received God's Holy Ghost.  However, we do not need that sign.  {The thief on the cross was never touched but he was saved.}  We see this truth not just in the 'laying on of hands' but also in the title of Christ Jesus  being used which emphasizes the ongoing personal relationship which requires us to spiritually mature after being saved.  (Please see the note below about the word baptism.)

This study has found that Jesus Christ  and Christ Jesus  are the most common references to the Son of God because the Biblically saved relate personally to the Son of God through both roles of the Son of God.  As shown in this sentence, Biblical salvation is not available any other way.  The doctrinal difference between the use of Jesus Christ  and Christ Jesus  is that Christ Jesus  is used when the emphasis is on spiritual growth after salvation.  Christ  is used by itself if only some saved receive the blessing after spiritual growth.  Christ Jesus  is used when all saved are expected to grow spiritually after profession and the blessing is received only after the growth.  Jesus Christ  is used for blessings to all saved get at the start of their salvation, before spiritual growth, but which increase with spiritual growth.

Christ  is also used for the personal relationship with the Son of God after salvation.  Philippians 3 warns about saved people who were the enemies of the cross of Christ  (based upon their walk  [Philippians 3:18-19 ]) because they were trusting in religious fleshly works (legalism) instead of a personal walk that is directed by Christ  through the Spirit of God.

in this sentence, Paul told them that that they should believe on...Christ Jesus.  He uses believe  as an action verb.  As noted for Acts 19:5, these Jews understood that they were making a legal spiritual covenant.  Paul used Jesus  to clarify that they were making a covenant with the Son of God who had become flesh as the man Jesus.  Paul used Christ  to clarify that their covenant involved a personal relationship with the Son of God that would result in their personal spiritual growth and would not be them just doing legal religious acts.  They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus  (Acts 19:5) in recognition that they were making a legal covenant that would be enforced by the court of God and that they would suffer consequences if they made a fraudulent oath.  They understood that as Lord, the Lord Jesus  had the right to tell them what to do, to judge their obedience and reward or punish their obedience of disobedience.  The use of the different titles in these sentences (19:4-5) is doctrinally important to salvation because it makes the difference in whether or not these people (and others) had the Holy Ghost  and salvation.


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 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.

One thing that I keep emphasizing to Bible School students is the need to verify anything that someone tells you is in the Bible.  The world is full of liars and religious liars are the worse.  In addition, most Bible liars are people who claim to be some Bible authority and are repeating some lie which they heard, and liked in their natural sinful self, and started repeating without bothering to verify what they were told.  The word verily,  in the Gospels, means: 'verify'.  Every time that Jesus  said verily,  He meant that 'He had verified what he said and that we are commanded to verify the same'.  Every time that Jesus  said verily, verily,  in the Gospel of John, He was speaking as the Son of God  and telling us a doctrine that is part of God's law and that we will be judged for how well we obeyed that law.  (When something is said, literally, two or more times in the word of God,  it is part of the law of God that will be used to judge men.)

Please use the link in the sentence outline, above, to access the Study on John the Baptist.

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 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 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.  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.  Please also see the notes for Romans C4S21 about the word unbelief.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'John. Ac 1:5; 11:16; 13:23-25; Mt 3:11-12; 11:3-5; 21:25-32; Mr 1:1-12; Lu 1:76-79; 3:16-18; Joh 1:15,27,29-34; 3:28-36; 5:33-35 exp: Mt 3:1.  General references. exp: Ac 13:24.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S6 (Verse 5)   the men responded properly to the truth of the word of God.
  1. When they heard  this,
  2. they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus .

Acts 19:1-7 Tell us that Paul met people who believe in John's baptism but were not saved.  The believe in true repentance,  but they did not have an ongoing personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.  That was why they were not saved and when Paul told them that John the Baptist preached that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus,  then they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus  and they were saved.

Lord Jesus  is used without including Christ  32 times of which 13 are in Acts.  That's over 40%.  Those usages are in: Luke 24:3; Acts 1:21; Acts 4:33; Acts 7:59; Acts 8:16; Acts 9:29; Acts 11:20; Acts 19:5, Acts 19:10, Acts 19:13, Acts 19:17; Acts 20:24, Acts 20:35; Acts 21:13; Romans 10:9; 5:5; 1Corinthians 6:11; 11:23; 2Corinthians 1:14; 2Corinthians 4:10, 2Corinthians 4:14; Galatians 6:17; Ephesians 1:15; Philippians 2:19; Colossians 3:17; 1Thessalonians 2:15; 1Thessalonians 4:1, 1Thessalonians 4:2; 2Thessalonians 1:7; Philemon 1:5; Hebrews 13:20; Revelation 22:20.  As has been pointed out elsewhere, Jesus  is not called Lord Jesus  until after the resurrection.  That is explained in the note for Acts 2:36.  Basically, most of the usages in Acts are where the apostles are dealing with Jews who wanted to deny that Jesus  is 'God in human flesh' and needed to be reminded that they will be judged By this Lord  Whose authority they were challenging.

The context and report of these non-saved disciples  is explained in the note for 19:4.  While they had repented and were trying to serve God the Father, they had not turned to a personal relationship to Christ Jesus.  With their background as Jews who had more training than most, which made them disciples, they understood from Paul that the Holy Ghost would be given so that they could have a personal relationship with the Son of God that fits within the Biblical use of Christ Jesus.  However, receiving that relationship required them to accept, and publicly acknowledge, that Lord Jesus  was their personal Lord  and God in addition to God the Father.  That's why they were baptized ('identified with') in the name of the Lord Jesus.


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.

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 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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they. Ac 2:38; 8:12,16; Ro 6:3-4; 1Co 1:13-15; 10:2'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S7 (Verse 6)   they had signs of true salvation.
  1. First Step:  Paul gave them the sign that Jews required in order to truly believe.
    1. And when Paul had laid  his hands upon them,
    2. the Holy Ghost came on them;.
  2. Second Step:  they received the sign of true salvation.
    1. and they spake with tongues,
    2. and prophesied.

Acts 19:1-7 Tell us that Paul met people who believe in John's baptism but were not saved.  The believe in true repentance,  but they did not have an ongoing personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.  That was why they were not saved and when Paul told them that John the Baptist preached that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus,  then they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus  and they were saved.

Once more, we see that the Bible uses Holy Ghost  when He affects things in this world.  Our sentence tells us that they spake with tongues1Corinthians 1:22 says: For the Jews require a sign.  The Jews very much believed in signs.  Therefore, they needed Paul to lay his hands upon them,  for them to believe that they truly received God's Holy Ghost.  However, we do not need that sign.  {The thief on the cross was never touched but he was saved.}  We see this truth not just in the 'laying on of hands' but also in the title of Christ Jesus  being used which emphasizes the ongoing personal relationship which requires us to spiritually mature after being saved.  Our verse emphasizes that when we are truly saved and receive God's Holy Ghost,  He changes our life in this physical world.


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.

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 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 notes for 1Corinthians C12S8; 1Corinthians 14:2 and Philippians 2:9-11 about the word tongue.  The functional definition for this word is: 'a human language'.  Also see   language  in Acts 2:6.

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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'laid. Ac 6:6; 8:17-19; 9:17; 1Ti 5:22; 2Ti 1:6  the Holy Ghost. Ac 2:4; 10:45-46; 13:2; 1Co 12:8-11,28-30 exp: Ac 10:44; 11:15.  and prophesied. 1Co 14:1-25  General references. exp: 1Th 5:20.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S8 (Verse 7)   How many men were saved.
And all the men were about twelve.

Acts 19:1-7 Tell us that Paul met people who believe in John's baptism but were not saved.  The believe in true repentance,  but they did not have an ongoing personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.  That was why they were not saved and when Paul told them that John the Baptist preached that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus,  then they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus  and they were saved.

Please see the note for Romans C1S10 and Galatians C2-S16 about the words righteous / righteousness.  The functional definition for this word is: 'doing the right thing, as defined by God, the right way and at the right time with the right purpose'.  Please also see the note for Ephesians 4:7-LJC about the phrase righteousness of the Law.  Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:9-11; James 3:18 about the phrase fruit of righteousness.  Please also see the note for Romans C4S7 about the phrase imputeth righteousness.  Please also see the notes for Romans 3:5 and Romans C1S16 about the word unrighteousness.  Please also see the note for Romans C2S5 about the phrase obeying unrighteousness.

Please see the note for Luke 24:42 about the word twelve.  The functional definition for this word is: 'The sum of two and ten; twice six; a dozen. Twelve men compose a petty jury'.  Please also see the note for John 6:67 about the phrase twelve disciples / apostles.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S9 (Verse 8)   Paul tried to persuade the Jews to believe scripture over their religious traditions.
  1. And he went into the synagogue,
  2. and spake boldly for the space of three months,
  3. disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God .

Acts 19:8 Paul preached to the Jews in the synagogue at Ephesus.

in this sentence, we are told that Paul was disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.  Paul did this in the synagogue,  which means that he was talking with Jews who were sure that they knew and understood scripture.  However, as we read throughout all of the epistles of Paul and throughout all of the Gospels, the Jews were positive that they were going to heaven and receiving all of the blessings that God promises simply because they were born Jews.  However, as we see throughout all of this study, the true meaning of the kingdom of God  is: 'God's character in you'.  But the Jews were positive that they did not have to accept a God-caused change in their life because of the doctrinal errors taught to them from when they were babies.  Therefore, Paul was truly trying to get them to see that their religious traditions were wrong and trying to get them to accept the truth that is found in the word of God.


Please see the note for John 6:59 about the word synagogue.  The functional definition for this word is: 'The word synagogue (sunagoge), which means a "congregation," is used in the New Testament to signify a recognized place of worship. A knowledge of the history and worship of the synagogues is of great importance, since they are the characteristic institution of the later phase of Judaism. they appear to have arisen during the exile, in the abeyance of the temple-worship, and to have received their full development on the return of the Jews from captivity. the whole history of Ezra presupposes the habit of solemn, probably of periodic, meetings.'.

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 Romans C15S13 about the word bold.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Daring; courageous; brave; intrepid; fearless; applied to men or other animals. Requiring courage in the execution'.

Please see the notes for Mark 9:33; Romans C14S1 and Philippians 2:14-16 about the word dispute.  The functional definition for this word is: 'ontested; opposed by words or arguments; litigated'.

Please see the note for Romans C8S40 about the word persuade.  Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines for this word as: 'influence by argument, advice, intreaty or expostulation; to draw or incline the will to a determination by presenting motives to the mind.  I should be glad, if I could persuade him to write such another critick on anything of mine.  Almost thou persuadest me to be a christian. Acts.26.  2. to convince by argument, or reasons offered; or to convince by reasons suggested by reflection or deliberation, or by evidence presented in any manner to the mind.  Beloved, we are persuaded better things of you. Heb.6.  3. to inculcate by argument or expostulation. Little used.  4. to treat by persuasion. Not in use'.

Please see the note for Romans 1:1 about the word concern.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Pertaining to; regarding; having relation to'.

The kingdom of Heaven  is the kingdom  that 'belongs to' Heaven  and is applied to beings, and things, which reside in Heaven.  The kingdom of God  is 'God's character in us' because a king  puts his chartacter on his kingdom and the kingdom of God  is given in this life.  In addition, we know that every kingdom  has a king.  Please see verses on king in the New Testament and the Summary on king.  Please also see the note for Revelation 10:11-LJC about the phrase kings of the earth.  Please also see the note for John 18:33-LJC about the phrase King of the Jews.  Please also see the note for Revelation 14:14-LJC about the phrase King of kings.  Please also see the note for John 18:33-LJC about the phrase King of the Jews.  Please see the notes1Corinthians C4S20; 1Corinthians C15S46; Galatians C5S20 and the Doctrinal Study for about the phrase The kingdom of God.  The functional definition is: 'God's character in us'.  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 Ephesians 5:5; 2Timohy 4:1 and 2Peter 1:11 for about the phrase kingdom of Christ.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'went. Ac 13:14,46; 14:1; 26:22-23 exp: Ac 17:2.  disputing. Ac 19:9; 1:3; 9:20-22; 17:1-3,17; 18:4,19; 28:23; Jude 1:3  General references. exp: Ac 28:24.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S10 (Verse 9)   Paul separated true believers from religious unbelievers.
  1. But when divers were hardened,
  2. and believed not,
  3. but spake evil of that way before the multitude,
  4. he departed from them,
  5. and separated the disciples,
  6. disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

Acts 19:9 says: But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.  God commands His people from hardened  unbelievers because witnessing to them is a waste of effort.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

  1. The word But  means: 'This sentence is contrasted with the prior sentence.  We see the two sentences connected with the prior sentence telling us what Paul trued to do and this sentence telling us what he did when his message was rejected'.
  2. The phrase But when divers were hardened  means: 'This is when Paul changed his actions.  The devils is who hardens  the heart of men like he did with Pharaoh.  When that happens, it is useless to try and persuade such men.  Therefore, like Paul did in this sentence, we need to leave them to their judgment by God and move on to people who are willing to hear the truth'.
  3. The phrase and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude  means: 'Notice that they not only believed not  but they also spake evil of that way  and they did it before the multitude.  There are people who will disagree, but I personally believe this constituted blasphemy against the Holy Ghost  because it is God's Holy Ghost  who truly speaks through a God called man who is delivering God's message instead of his own opinions or the claims of popular religion'.
  4. The phrase he departed from them, and separated the disciples  means: 'Paul left the unbelieving and hardened  Jews and took those who would listen elsewhere.  It does no good to let people see you arguing with a person who has a closed mind.  If you do, then you lower yourself to doing the equivalent of arguing against an animal who makes angry noises back at you'.
  5. The phrase disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus  means: 'Here is where Paul took those who would listen and He used scripture to answer all of their objections and questions'.  It is one thing to dispute  with someone who will truly consider what you say.  However, if is foolishness to try and do the same with someone who has closed their mind.  As the saying goes: 'There are none so deaf as those who will not hear.  There are none so blind as those who will not see'.


Please see the note for Hebrews 1:1 about the word divers.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Different; various'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 3:13 about the word harden.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To confirm in wickedness, opposition or enmity; to make obdurate. God is said to harden the heart, when he withdraws the influences of his spirit from men, and leaves them to pursue their own corrupt inclinations'.  The Biblical usage of this word is almost always applied to our heart.  Please also see the note for John 6:60 about the word hard.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Firm; solid; compact; not easily penetrated, or separated into parts; not yielding to pressure; applied to material bodies, and opposed to soft; as hard wood; hard flesh; a hard apple. 2. Difficult; not easy to the intellect. In which are some things hard to be understood. 2 Pet.3'.

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.  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.  Please also see the notes for Romans C4S21 about the word unbelief.

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 Romans 7:19 about the word evil.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Both the source and consequence of things which people consider to be really really bad. the source and / or result can be natural or spiritual or any combination thereof. However, even what seems to be a natural source can actually be caused by a devil, especially when the recipient is a child of God. In all cases the result is deliberately intended and caused, which is what separates evil from the accidental'.  Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:15 about the word evildoer.  Please also see the notes for Ephesians C4S15 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase evil speaking.  Please also see the note for Philippians 3:2 about the phrase evil workers.  Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about the phrase evil heart.  Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about the phrase evil heart.

Please see the notes for John 14:6; 1Corinthians C4S17 and Psalms 119 about the word way.  The functional definition for this word is: 'How we get from our present condition/place in life to the time that we face the judgment of God upon our life'.  Please also see the note for Mark 1:3 about the phrase way of the Lord.  Please also see the note for Matthew 13:4 about the phrase way side.

Please see the note for John 6:2 about the word multitude.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'the state of being many; a great number. 2. A number collectively; the sum of many. 3. A great number, indefinitely. It is a fault in a multitude of preachers, that they utterly neglect method in their harangues. 4. A crowd or throng; the populace; applied to the populace when assembled in great numbers, and to the mass of men without reference to an assemblage. He the vast hissing multitude admires. the multitude have always been credulous, and the few artful'.

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 Romans 1:1 about the word separate.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'To disunite; to divide; to sever; to part, in almost any manner, either things naturally or casually joined. the parts of a solid substance may be separated by breaking, cutting or splitting, or by fusion, decomposition or natural dissolution. A compound body may be separated into its constituent parts. Friends may be separated by necessity, and must be separated by death. the prism separates the several kinds of colored rays. A riddle separates the chaff from the grain'. the water of separation was: 'Used for purification in cases of ceremonial defilement, without the re-application of blood. Nu 19:9-21'. the functional definition of the word separated is: 'Divided; parted; disunited; disconnected'.

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 notes for Mark 9:33; Romans C14S1 and Philippians 2:14-16 about the word dispute.  The functional definition for this word is: 'ontested; opposed by words or arguments; litigated'.

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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Cir. A.M. 4061. A.D. 57.  divers. Ac 7:51; 13:45-46; 18:6; 2Ki 17:14; 2Ch 30:8; 36:16; Ne 9:16-17,29; Ps 95:8; Isa 8:14; Jer 7:26; 19:15; Joh 12:40; Ro 9:18; 11:7 (margin) Heb 3:13  but spake. Ac 19:23; 9:2; 22:4; 24:21; 28:22; 2Ti 1:15; 2Pe 2:2,12; Jude 1:10  he departed. Ac 14:4; 17:4; 18:7-8; Mt 15:14; 16:4; Lu 12:51-53; 1Ti 6:5; 2Ti 3:5  daily. Ac 20:31; Pr 8:34; Mt 26:55; 2Ti 4:2  General references. exp: Ac 28:24.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S11 (Verse 10)   the word of the Lord Jesus  was spread for two years throughout Asia.
  1. First Step:  How long it went on.
    1. And this continued by the space of two years;
  2. Second Step:  the results achieved.
    1. so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus,
    2. both Jews and Greeks.

Acts 19:10-12 tells us about the ministry of Paul in all Asia.

This happened after Paul separated the believers from the unbelieving Jews who had closed minds and spake evil of that way before the multitude.  What we see here is that there are times that we need to let people go to Hell, if that is what they are determined to do.  It is far better to spend our time with believers where we can encourage each other.


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 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 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.

The functional definition for the word Asia  is: 'An area of the world where Paul started churches.  While these people in Asia were saved through the ministry of Paul, they were willing to forsake him and choose religion which excused their sin'.

The Jews of Asia are frequently mentioned as causing trouble for the church.  On Paul's first missionary trip, he was forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia  (Acts 16:6).  They were also involved in causing the arrest of Paul by telling lies about his teaching in the Jerusalem Church.  Even today, people in this region are involved in never-ending religious wars.  Please see the note for 2Timothy C1S9 about Asia.  It has linke to every place where the Bible mentions Asia.  along with a short note about each reference.

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 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 Godthe 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: 'this. Ac 18:11; 20:18,31; Ro 10:18  Asia. Ac 16:6; 2Ti 1:15; 1Pe 1:1; Re 1:4,11 exp: Ac 2:9; 6:9.  both. Ac 18:4; 20:20-21; Ro 1:16; 10:12; 1Co 1:22-24; Ga 3:28; Col 3:11'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S12 (Verse 11-12)   the miracles done through Paul to show God's approval on Paul's message.
  1. Equivalent Section:  It was God doing the miracles.
    1. And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
  2. Equivalent Section: The types of miracles which God did.
    1. So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons,
    2. and the diseases departed from them,
    3. and the evil spirits went out of them.

Acts 19:10-12 tells us about the ministry of Paul in all Asia.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

  1. The word And  means: 'This sentence is added to the prior sentences in this report.  Here, we read about God adding signs of His approval to the messages which Paul taught'.  Starting in the next sentence, we have a related report about unbelieving Jews trying to use the power which was displayed through Paul even though they did not have the required personal relationship with God not did they have the permission to call upon the power of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  2. The phrase And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul  means: 'God showed His approval on Paul's message with signs which the Jews trusted in'.
  3. The phrase So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons  means: 'By allowing this indirect method of healing, God was showing them that a physical touch was not required.  They only had to have a true belief in God Who worked through Paul'.
  4. The phrase and the diseases departed from them  means: 'This was the displayed result which people received when they had true belief in God Who worked through Paul'.
  5. The phrase and the evil spirits went out of them.  means: 'God also cast out devils to prove that He is more powerful than any devil'.

Please note that since these were special miracles,  we can not expect to see them many other places and times.

The note for this sentence, in the Word Study on Spirit, tells us: this verse is found under other Spirits for the point titled 'God has power over these unclean spirits  and can give that power to His disciples.  These are references to being possessed by devils'.  This sentence tells us that God did these miracles through Paul to confirm that Paul taught the true message from God and that the unbelieving Jews, who spake evil of that way before the multitude,  were liars telling doctrines of devils.  Please see the Doctrinal Study called Significant Events in the New Testament for links to other miracles reported in the New Testament).  This sentence tells us that God did this, before the New Testament was written, so that people would know who preached the truth of God and who was a lying representative of devils.  In addition, the next sentence starts another sub-topic but it is related to this sentence by telling us about devils.  It is also related by starting with the word Then,  which means: 'after these things happened'.  Please also see the note below and the related note in the Word Study on Spirit.


Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:5 about the word wrought.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Worked; formed by work or labor; as wrought iron. 2. Effected; performed. She hath wrought a good work upon me. Matthew 26. 3. Effected; produced. He wrought the public safety. A great change was wrought in his mind. this wrought the greatest confusion in the unbelieving Jews. 4. Used in labor. the elders of that city shall take a heifer that hath not been wrought with. Deuteronomy 21. 5. Worked; driven; as infection wrought out of the body. Not used. 6. Actuated. Vain Morat, by his own rashness wrought-- 7. Worked; used; labored in. the mine is still wrought. 8. formed; fitted. He that hath wrought us for the self-same thing is God. 2 Corinthi and 5. 9. Guided; managed. Not used. 10. Agitated; disturbed. My dull brain was wrought with things forgot. Wrought on or upon, influenced; prevailed on. His mind was wrought upon by divine grace. Wrought to or up to, excited; inflamed. their minds were wrought up to a violent passion. She was wrought up to the tenderest emotion of pity'.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:8 about the words especially / specially.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. 1. Particularly; in a manner beyond what is common, or out of the ordinary course. Every signal deliverance form danger ought to be specially noticed as a divine interposition. 2. fora particular purpose. A meeting of the legislature is specially summoned. 3. Chiefly; specially'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S28; Matthew 14:16-LJC; Luke 4:41-LJC about the word miracle.  The functional definition for this word is: 'An action in the physical world which is not possible within the laws of nature and required spiritual power to override the laws of nature'.  Please also see the Doctrinal Studies called Miracles in Gospelsmiracles in OT and the Miracles section of the Significant Events in the New Testament.

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 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.

Please see the notes for Romans C7S30; 1Corinthians C6S20; Ephesians 4:5-LJC and Colossians C1S4 about the word body.  The functional definition for this word is: 'The frame of an animal; the material substance of an animal, in distinction from the living principle of beasts, and the soul of man. Be not anxious for your body'.  Please also see the notesw for Ephesians C3S1 and Colossians C1S6 about the phrase body of Christ.

Please see the note for Acts 5:15 about the word sick.  Please see the note for 1Corinthians C11S34 about the word sickly.  Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this word is: 'a. Qu.Gr. squeamish, lothing.  1. Affected with nausea; inclined to vomit; as, sick at the stomach. this is probably the primary sense of the word. Hence,  2. Disgusted; having a strong dislike to; with of; as, to be sick of flattery; to be sick of a country life.  He was not so sick of his master as of his work. L'Estrange.  3. Affected with a disease of any kind; not in health; followed by of; as to be sick of a fever.  4. Corrupted. Not in use nor proper.  5. the sick, the person or persons affected with the disease. the sick are healed.'.

We find forms of the word handkerchief  only in this sentence.  However, as the dictionary explains, there are other English words which were translated from the orriginal Greek.  That shows the difference that context makes in proper interpretation.  Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Only once in Authorized Version (Ac 19:12). the Greek word (sudarion) so rendered means properly "a sweat-cloth." It is rendered "napkin" in Joh 11:44; 20:7; Lu 19'.

We find forms of the word apron  only in Genesis 3:7 and this sentence.  Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'found in the Authorized Version in Ge 3:7, of the bands of fig-leaves made by our first parents. In Ac 19:12, it denotes the belt or half-girdle worn by artis and and servants round the waist for the purpose of preserving the clothing from injury. In marg. of Authorized Version, Ru 3:15, correctly rendered instead of "vail." (R.V., "mantle.")'.  Please note that our sentence says; handkerchiefs or aprons.  Therefore, the particular type of cloth, or object, did not matter.

Please see the note for John 6:2 about the word disease.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'In its primary sense, pain, uneasiness, distress, and so used by Spenser; but in this sense, obsolete. 2. the cause of pain or uneasiness; distemper; malady; sickness; disorder; any state of a living body in which the natural functions of the org and are interrupted or disturbed, either by defective or preternatural action, without a disrupture of parts by violence, which is called a wound. the first effect of disease is uneasiness or pain, and the ultimate effect is death. A disease may affect the whole body, or a particular limb or part of the body. We say a diseased limb; a disease in the head or stomach; and such partial affection of the body is called a local or topical disease. the word is also applied to the disorders of other animals, as well as to those of man; and to any derangement of the vegetative functions of plants. the shafts of disease shoot across our path in such a variety of courses, that the atmosphere of human life is darkened by their number, and the escape of an individual becomes almost miraculous. 3. A disordered state of the mind or intellect, by which the reason is impaired. 4. In society, vice; corrupt state of morals. Vices are called moral diseases. A wise man converses with the wicked, as a physician with the sick, not to catch the disease, but to cure it. 5. Political or civil disorder, or vices in a state; any practice which tends to disturb the peace of society, or impede or prevent the regular administration of government. the instability, injustice and confusion introduced into the public councils have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have every where perished.
DISEASE, v.t. dizeze. 1. to interrupt or impair any or all the natural and regular functions of the several org and of a living body; to afflict with pain or sickness to make morbid; used chiefly in the passive participle, as a diseased body, a diseased stomach; but diseased may here be considered as an adjective. 2. to interrupt or render imperfect the regular functions of the brain, or of the intellect; to disorder; to derange. 3. to infect; to communicate disease to, by contagion. 4. to pain; to make uneasy'.
'.

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 Romans 7:19 about the word evil.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Both the source and consequence of things which people consider to be really really bad. the source and / or result can be natural or spiritual or any combination thereof. However, even what seems to be a natural source can actually be caused by a devil, especially when the recipient is a child of God. In all cases the result is deliberately intended and caused, which is what separates evil from the accidental'.  Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:15 about the word evildoer.  Please also see the notes for Ephesians C4S15 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase evil speaking.  Please also see the note for Philippians 3:2 about the phrase evil workers.  Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about the phrase evil heart.  Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about the phrase evil heart.

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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 5:12; 14:3; 15:12; 16:18; Mr 16:17-20; Joh 14:12; Ro 15:18-19; Ga 3:5; Heb 2:4
General references. Ac 5:15; 2Ki 4:29-31; 13:20-21
'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S13 (Verse 13)   Unbelieving and lying Jews tried to use the power of Lord Jesus  When He had not approved their doing so.
  1. Then certain of the vagabond Jews,
  2. exorcists,
  3. took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus,
  4. saying,
  5. We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

Acts 19:13-19 Tells us about certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists,  who thought they could use the power of our Lord Jesus Christ  without an ongoing personal relationship with Him as a personal God.  That is the philosophy of the movies 'Star Wars' and of many Eastern religions.  They claim that God is just a power that anyone can access, it they know the right 'magic' way.  However, these certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists,  found out differently when the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?   And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

  1. The word Then  means: 'After what is reported for the prior incident'.
  2. The phrase certain of the vagabond Jews  the word vagabond.  This was the curse that God put on Cain because he murdered his brother.  Therefore, this phrase identifies these Jews as: 'Religious people who would murder the spirits and souls by causing them to believe lies from devils which will sent them to Hell'.  This is easier to understand when we consider the next word, which also describes.
  3. The phrase exorcists  means: 'They cast our devils.  But, since they were lost and representing devils to men, they did it with the cooperation of the devils so that people would believe the lies from devils and die lost and go to hell'.
  4. The phrase took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus  means: 'They tried to use the power of (the name)  of the Lord Jesus.  But He did not cooperate with them like devils did.  They were lost and did not have a relationship with Him nor did they have authority to call upon His name'.  Like many religions, they regarded God as some unthinking power which they could command if they said the right 'magic words'.
  5. The phrase saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth  means: 'They did not personally know Jesus.  Therefore, they said whom Paul preacheth'.

As our note for this sentence, in the Word Study on Spirit, says: this sentence is found under other Spirits for the point titled 'Both God and other (devils, unclean spirits,  etc) spirits can take control of us but while other spirits will take away our free will, God will not.  This reference is to a man who was possessed by a devil'.  in this verse, we read about certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists  Who tried to use the power Jesus whom Paul preacheth  when they did not have a personal relationship with Jesus  nor did they have the authority to use His power to overcome any devil.  Because they were lost exorcists,  they had cooperation with certain devils for those devils to come out when they commanded so that people would believe the false religion which they preached and end up in Hell.  But they were not dealing with a devil that they had an agreement with.  And, they refused to acknowledge that God is a person Whom we need a personal relationship with.  Like many false religions, they regarded Jesus whom Paul preacheth  as some impersonal force that they could command if they said the right 'magic words'.  As the full report tells us, they learned otherwise through a painful personal experience.

Each reference to Lord Jesus  in this chapter is related to every other reference and the notes on each should all be considered to get the proper doctrine of this name in this chapter.  As with every other reference in this chapter, Lord Jesus  is used to emphasize the distinction from God the Father as Lord.

Each of these accounts teaches a different doctrinal principal.  The first account taught that just doing religious activities, such as repenting and getting baptized, won't get you saved.  Salvation is a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  The second account taught that we need to make clear what Lord  we are talking about and need to include all that is in the word of God.  Certainly no false god can save anyone, but in the second account we see that even going to God the Father won't work.  They must go to the Lord Jesus.  Now in this third account, we see that using the name of the Lord Jesus  isn't some religious magic words.  And, in fact, it can be very dangerous to claim a relationship that you don't have.  We also see here that these fools didn't understand the difference between the names Lord Jesus  and Jesus.  They knew that Paul and the people in the church that had power were using the name Lord JesusActs 19:11-12 says And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:.  The word And, in that verse,   means that it was added onto their doing what was necessary to make all they which dwelt in  heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks  (Acts 19:10).

The vagabond Jews  of this verse weren't saved and weren't involved in the work that God was rewarding with miracles.  There was no way that they were submitted to the Lord Jesus  and yet they presumed to call upon His power without His permission.  We know that they were relying upon their religion because this verse calls them vagabond Jews  and Acts 19:14 says they were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests.  Since Paul was run out of the synagogue, Sceva  would have been one of the main people to do that, since he was chief of the priests.  His sons  would have the same character and belief as him, since the Bible only uses sons  for such a relationship.  As their father believed, they thought their religion gave them the power to order God around.

Religion often believes that doing some physical religious act somehow/magically forces God to sit up and do tricks that they demand.  As in this account, they saw others getting miracles from God.  They denied the requirement of an ongoing personal relationship and insisted that their religious activities was all that was required.I may provide for the needs of some family member but that doesn't mean that some stranger and enemy of my family has the right to make demands of me.  The same is true about God.  When these vagabond Jews  presumed upon the power of the Lord Jesus, that they had no right to, the Lord Jesus  gave these devils freedom to do as they wish to these vagabond Jews.

When these vagabond Jews  said We adjure you by Jesus, they did as many religious people do and refused to acknowledge the difference between Jesus  and Lord Jesus.  A lot of saved people try to call on the name of Jesus  and don't get their prayers answered because they don't understand that it is through the role of Lord, and not through the role of Jesus, that the Son of God displays His power.  Look at the notes on the book of Revelation.  The emphasis of the whole book is that Jesus Christ  is Lord  and that power is exercised through the role of Lord.As seen in this verse, these Jews understood the distinction that was being made between Lord Jesus  and God the Father as Lord.  What they didn't understand was that Lord Jesus  was equal to God the Father as Lord.  They would never dare try this trick using the name of God the Father as Lord  since the Jews had learned to respect the power of God the Father.  Apparently, they also learned better than to treat the name of Lord Jesus  so causally.  Unfortunately, too many people today have to experience almost the same thing before they learn this lesson instead of learning it from the Bible.

Please also notice that they use the word adjure.  That means that they were trying to use a legal authority which they did not have.


We find forms of the word vagabond  only in: Genesis 4:12; Genesis 4:14; Psalms 109:10; Acts 19:13.  TheMorrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'A term not used opprobriously in scripture, but as signifying a 'wanderer': from the Latin vagabundus. Ge 4:12,14; Ps 109:10. In Ac 19:13 the R.V. has 'strolling.''.

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'.

We find forms of the word exorcist  unly in this sentence and some dictionaries have wrong definitions for this word.  So be careful what you believe.  As explained in the note for this sentence, in the Word Study on Spirits, these Jews might have had an agreement with a devil to appear to cast out the devil in order to deceive people into bekieving lies from devils and send them to Hell.  The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'From a Greek word signifying to conjure, to use the name of God or certain magical ceremonies with design to expel devils from places or bodies which they possess. the apostles were enabled to cast out evil spirits in Christ's name, Mt 10:1; Mr 16:17; Lu 10:17; and designing men, both before and after the Savior's death, pretended to exercise the same power, Mt 12:27; Mr 9:38; Lu 9:49-50; Ac 19:13-17. Exorcists were thought to have gained this power by secret studies respecting the nature of demons, and the powers of certain herbs, drugs, and stones, and were accustomed to use various forms of adjuration and incantation in their unlawful art; but the whole was delusion and imposture, and strictly forbidden. See DIVINATION'.

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.

Please see the note for Romans 7:19 about the word evil.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Both the source and consequence of things which people consider to be really really bad. the source and / or result can be natural or spiritual or any combination thereof. However, even what seems to be a natural source can actually be caused by a devil, especially when the recipient is a child of God. In all cases the result is deliberately intended and caused, which is what separates evil from the accidental'.  Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:15 about the word evildoer.  Please also see the notes for Ephesians C4S15 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase evil speaking.  Please also see the note for Philippians 3:2 about the phrase evil workers.  Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about the phrase evil heart.  Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about the phrase evil heart.

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.

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 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 Mark 5:7 about the word adjure.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To bind by oath, solemnly entreat, conjure; from Lat. adjurare'.

Please see the note for Romans C1S10 and Galatians C2-S16 about the words righteous / righteousness.  The functional definition for this word is: 'doing the right thing, as defined by God, the right way and at the right time with the right purpose'.  Please also see the note for Ephesians 4:7-LJC about the phrase righteousness of the Law.  Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:9-11; James 3:18 about the phrase fruit of righteousness.  Please also see the note for Romans C4S7 about the phrase imputeth righteousness.  Please also see the notes for Romans 3:5 and Romans C1S16 about the word unrighteousness.  Please also see the note for Romans C2S5 about the phrase obeying unrighteousness.

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 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.

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: 'vagabond. Ge 4:12,14; Ps 109:10  exorcists. Mt 12:27; Lu 11:19  took. Ac 8:18-19; Mr 9:38; Lu 9:49  adjure. Jos 6:26; 1Sa 14:24; 1Ki 22:16; Mt 26:63; Mr 5:7'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S14 (Verse 14)   Who the fools in this account were.
  1. And there were seven sons of  one Sceva,
  2. a Jew,
  3.  and chief of the priests,
  4. which did so.

Acts 19:13-19 Tells us about certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists,  who thought they could use the power of our Lord Jesus Christ  without an ongoing personal relationship with Him as a personal God.  That is the philosophy of the movies 'Star Wars' and of many Eastern religions.  They claim that God is just a power that anyone can access, it they know the right 'magic' way.  However, these certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists,  found out differently when the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?   And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

When I looked up Sceva,  all of the dictionaries, and commentaries, which I accessed said, basically, the same thing as this sentence with a few more words.  They all said something about the organization of the priesthood, at that time, but added nothing to the information about the man.  In other words, they made it seem as if they knew something more but really didn't.

So, he was a Jew  and a chief of the priests  and had seven (foolish) sons.  Given the Jewish society which is reported to have exited in that day, they probably grew up being treated as privileged.  However, when adults, they would be expected to stand on their own and not rely on their father.  That is probably what motivated them to become exorcists.  But, like pretty everything else claimed about them, which is beyond this report, this is speculation.


Please see the note for Matthew 15:34 about the word seven.  Part of the Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word is: 'Spiritual completeness, generally in good but occasionally in evil. It is the compound of three and four, and the highest single indivisible number'.  Please also see the note for Luke 10:1 about the phrase seventy.

These sons  were all physical descendants of Sceva.  But, since he raised them all to act foolish, he was also, probably, foolish.  And, that would fit with the Biblical definition of son.

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 note for 2Corinthians 11:5 about the word chief.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Highest in office or rank; principal; as a chief priest; the chief butler.'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 4:14 about the word priest.  The functional definition for this word is: 'One who represents men before God'.  Please also see the note for Mark 14:63 about the phrase high priest.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S15 (Verse 15)   the devil answered them.
  1. First Step:  the devil acknowledged who had authority over him.
    1. And the evil Spirit answered and said,
    2. Jesus I know,
    3. and Paul I know;.
  2. Second Step:  the devil rejected their claim to have authority over him.
    1. but who are ye?.

Acts 19:13-19 Tells us about certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists,  who thought they could use the power of our Lord Jesus Christ  without an ongoing personal relationship with Him as a personal God.  That is the philosophy of the movies 'Star Wars' and of many Eastern religions.  They claim that God is just a power that anyone can access, it they know the right 'magic' way.  However, these certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists,  found out differently when the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?   And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

in this account, some religious Jews presumed to claim the power of Paul, simply because they (assumed that they) had the same religion (Judaism).  Please also see note on Acts 19:13 about this account, along with the related notes in the Bo0ok Study.  As explained there, these Jews didn't understand that Jesus  was 'God in human flesh' and assumed that Jesus  was just a man and that they could claim the power from Lord Jesus  without making Him their personal Lord.  However, that devil knew the difference and devils today know the difference.  They know that God will do nothing to protect those that claim the name of Jesus  but do not have the right to do so because they lack a personal relationship with Him.

Notice that in this verse, we are told that the evil spirit  called the Son of God Jesus  and not Lord Jesus.  An evil spirit  will not recognize the Son of God as Lord  until it has to.  when this evil spirit  identified the Son of God as just Jesus  (not as Lord Jesus)  it was denying His Lordship just like these vagabond Jews  were.  Most people who use the name of Jesus  while denying His Lordship don't realize that they are acting like an evil spirit  even if they are saved.  Please consider that the Book of Acts uses Saviour  only twice but uses Lord  110 times in 102 verses.  The main theme of this book is not about Jesus  being our Saviour  but His being Lord.

Since Jesus  rose from the grave, He has been Lord Jesus  (Acts 2:36).  One of the reasons that Acts emphasizes Lord  more than any other New Testament book (with the possible exception of Revelation) is that the early church had to learn and teach others that Jesus  was no longer just Jesus  but is now Lord Jesus  and we will suffer consequences from denying His Lordship.

The note for this sentence, in the Word Study on Spirit, is found under other Spirits for the point titled 'Both God and other (devils, unclean spirits,  etc) spirits can take control of us but while other spirits will take away our free will, God will not.  This reference is to a man who was possessed by a devil'.  The report goes on to tell us how this devil beat up these seven unbelieving Jews who though they could use the power of God which Jesus  gave to Paul.  Their doctrinal mistake is one preached by almost all Eastern religions and other religions which believe in spiritual power but not a personal God.  They like to say: 'May the force be with you'.  Please also see the note below as that verse is added to this verse.

What our sentence clearly tells us is that these vagabond Jews  tried to claim a legal authority which they did not have and suffered for it as explained in the next sentence.


Please see the note for Romans 7:19 about the word evil.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Both the source and consequence of things which people consider to be really really bad. the source and / or result can be natural or spiritual or any combination thereof. However, even what seems to be a natural source can actually be caused by a devil, especially when the recipient is a child of God. In all cases the result is deliberately intended and caused, which is what separates evil from the accidental'.  Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:15 about the word evildoer.  Please also see the notes for Ephesians C4S15 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase evil speaking.  Please also see the note for Philippians 3:2 about the phrase evil workers.  Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about the phrase evil heart.  Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about the phrase evil heart.

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.

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 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 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 Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 16:17-18; Ge 3:1-5; 1Ki 22:21-23; Mt 8:29-31; Mr 1:24,34; 5:9-13; Lu 4:33-35; 8:28-32 exp: Mt 8:33.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S16 (Verse 16)   What the devil did to them.
  1. And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them,
  2. and overcame them,
  3. and prevailed against them,
  4. so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

Acts 19:13-19 Tells us about certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists,  who thought they could use the power of our Lord Jesus Christ  without an ongoing personal relationship with Him as a personal God.  That is the philosophy of the movies 'Star Wars' and of many Eastern religions.  They claim that God is just a power that anyone can access, it they know the right 'magic' way.  However, these certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists,  found out differently when the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?   And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

This sentence is added to the prior by starting with the word and.  Here, we see what the devil did to them and it clearly shows that the devil rejected their claim to have the legal authority to tell the devil what to do.  Please see all of the notes for the sentence in the report of this incident in order to fully understand the doctrine involved.  Please also use the link in the sentence outline, above, the see the note for this sentence in the Word Study on Spirit.


Please see the note for Romans 7:19 about the word evil.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Both the source and consequence of things which people consider to be really really bad. the source and / or result can be natural or spiritual or any combination thereof. However, even what seems to be a natural source can actually be caused by a devil, especially when the recipient is a child of God. In all cases the result is deliberately intended and caused, which is what separates evil from the accidental'.  Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:15 about the word evildoer.  Please also see the notes for Ephesians C4S15 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase evil speaking.  Please also see the note for Philippians 3:2 about the phrase evil workers.  Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about the phrase evil heart.  Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about the phrase evil heart.

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.

Please see the note for Luke 1:41-42 about the word leap.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to spring or rise from the ground with both feet, as man, or with all the feet, as other animals; to jump; to vault; as, a man leaps over a fence, or leaps upon a horse. A man leapeth better with weights in his hands than without. 2. to spring or move suddenly; as, to leap from a horse. 3. to rush with violence. And the man in whom the evil spirit was, leaped on them and overcame them - Acts 19. 4. to spring; to bound; to skip; as, to leap for joy. 5. to fly; to start. Job. 41. He parted frowning from me, as if ruin leaped from his eyes. Our common people retain the Saxon aspirate of this word in the phrase, to clip it, to run fast. LEAP, v.t. 1. to pass over by leaping; to spring or bound from one side to the other; as, to leap a wall, a gate or a gulf; to leap a stream. But the phrase is elliptical, and over is understood. 2. to compress; as the male of certain beasts.
LEAP, n. 1. A jump; a spring; a bound; act of leaping. 2. Space passed by leaping. 3. A sudden transition of passing. 4. the space that may be passed at a bound. 'Tis the convenient leap I mean to try. 5. Embrace of animals. 6. Hazard, or effect of leaping
'.

the word overcame  is the past-tense form of the word overcome.  Please see the note for 2Peter 2:19 about the word overcome.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to conquer; to vanquish; to subdue; as, to overcome enemies in battle. 2. to surmount; to get the better of; as, to overcome difficulties or obstacles'.

Please see the note for John 12:19 about the word prevail.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To overcome; to gain the victory or superiority'.

Please see the note for Luke 8:34 about the words flee / fled.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to run with rapidity, as from danger; to attempt to escape; to hasten from danger or expected evil. the enemy fled at the first fire. Arise, take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt. Matt. 2. 2. to depart; to leave; to hasten away. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4. 3. to avoid; to keep at a distance from. Flee fornication; flee from idolatry. 1Cor. 6:10. to flee the question or from the question, in legislation, is said of a legislator who, when a question is to be put to the house, leaves his seat to avoid the dilemma of voting against his conscience, or giving an unpopular vote. In the phrases in which this verb appears to be transitive, there is really an ellipsis'.

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 Romans C8S37 about the word nakedness.  The functional definition for this word is: 'n. 1. Want of covering or clothing; nudity; bareness. 2. Want of means of defense. Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land are ye come. Gen 42. 3. Plainness; openness to view. to uncover nakedness, in Scripture, is to have incestuous or unlawful commerce with a female'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 8:12 about the word wound.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.t. to hurt by violence; as, to wound the head or the arm; to wound a tree. He was wounded for our transgressions. Isaiah 53'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Mr 5:3-4,15; Lu 8:29,35 exp: Mt 8:33.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S17 (Verse 17)   Knowledge of the truth made people seek the protection of the Lord Jesus.
  1. First Step:  Everybody in the city knew what happened.
    1. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus;
  2. Second Step:  People feared  and realized that only the Lord Jesus  could protect them from devils.
    1. and fear fell on them all,
    2. and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

Acts 19:17-20 tells us that And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus.  As a result, Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men  and many people turned from the many forms of occult beliefs to a true personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.  Our sub-section ends with: So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

  1. The word And  means: 'This sentence is added to the prior sentences in this report.  Here, we read the results of those vagabond Jews  trying to claim a legal authority which they did not have'.
  2. The phrase And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus  means: 'Everybody in the city knew what happened'.
  3. The phrase and fear fell on them all  means: 'People feared  and realized that only the Lord Jesus  could protect them from devils'.  They had relied of those fake exorcists,  but realized that they were lying cheats who could not protect them.
  4. The phrase and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified  means: 'People 'lifted up' (magnifiedthe name of the Lord Jesus  because they realized that only He could protect them from devils'.  They accepted that the literal physical man named Jesus  was truly 'God in human flesh' (Lord)  and, therefore, that He could overpower devils and truly protect them.

This sentence is the start of the summary on the results from the incident just reported prior to this sentence.  in this summary, people were turning from witchcraft and other curious arts  (devil powers) to submit to the Lord Jesus.  As with most other references in Acts, this verse tells us that people, especially those that are Biblically saved, recognized that Jesus  has the power and position of Lord (God).  Notice that the next verse (Acts 19:18) says And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.  Today people refuse to confess  the Lord Jesus  and many want His power and protection while refusing to have deeds  which prove that He is truly their Lord.  In addition, many refuse to stop their sinning or accept financial loss like Acts 19:19 says people did.  The Bible clearly teaches that the results that we get are directly related to our obedience in: Job 4:8; Psalms 126:5; Proverbs 22:8; Hosea 10:12; John 4:36-37; 2Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 6:7-8.  However, When they were showed that the difference in result is due to a difference in their deeds  they refuse to accept the truth from God's Word.


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 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 note for Colossians 3:9-11 about the word Greek.  Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Found only in the New Testament, where a distinction is observed between "Greek" and "Grecian" (q.v.). the former is (1) a Greek by race (Ac 16:1-3; 18:17; Ro 1:14), or (2) a Gentile as opposed to a Jew (Ro 2:9-10). the latter, meaning properly "one who speaks Greek," is a foreign Jew opposed to a home Jew who dwelt in Palestine'.

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 Ephesians 1:1 about Ephesus.  The functional definition for this word is: 'the capital of proconsular Asia, which was the western part of Asia Minor. It was colonized principally from Athens. In the time of the Romans it bore the title of "the first and greatest metropolis of Asia'.  That note has much more about this city.  Not only do we have the epistle to the Ephesians, But the church there is mentioned several times in the New Testament, including being one of the churches written to in Revelation.  There, the Lord Jesus Christ  accused them of thou hast left thy first love.  As explained in my Book Study on Ephesians, they did this because they mixed Bible truth with doctrinal error.

Please see the note for John 6:19 about the word afraid.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Impressed with fear or apprehension; fearful. this word expresses a less degree of fear than terrified or frightened. It is followed by of before the object of fear; as, to be afraid of death. Joseph was afraid to sin against God'.  Please see the notes for Romans C11S25 and Philippians 1:12-14 about the word fear.  The functional definition for this word is: 'A painful emotion or passion excited by an expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger. Fear expresses less apprehension than dread, and dread less than terror and fright. the force of this passion, beginning with the most moderate degree, may be thus expressed, fear, dread, terror, fright. Fear is accompanied with a desire to avoid or ward off the expected evil. Fear is an uneasiness of mind, upon the thought of future evil likely to befall us'.  Please also see the Study called Fear the Lord.  Please also see the note for Matthew 10:26 about the phrase fear not.

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'.

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 Philippians 1:19-20 about the word magnified.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: ': 'v.t. L. magnifico; magnus, great, and facio, to make. 1. to make great or greater; to increase the apparent dimensions of a body. A convex lens magnifies the bulk of a body to the eye. 2. to make great in representation; to extol; to exalt in description or praise. the embassador magnified the king and queen. 3. to extol; to exalt; to elevate; to raise in estimation. thee that day thy thunders magnified. the Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly. 1 Chron. 29. to magnify one's self, to raise in pride and pretensions. He shall magnify in his heart. Dan.8'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'all. Ac 19:10  and fear. Ac 2:43; 5:5,11,13; 13:12; Le 10:3; 1Sa 6:20; 2Sa 6:9; Ps 64:9; Lu 1:65; 7:16  the name. Php 1:20; 2:9-11; 2Th 1:12; 3:1; Heb 2:8-9; Re 5:12-14  General references. exp: Mt 8:33; Ac 5:11.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S18 (Verse 18)   People showed true evidence of true repentance.
  1. And many that believed came,
  2. and confessed,
  3. and shewed their deeds.

Acts 19:17-20 tells us that And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus.  As a result, Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men  and many people turned from the many forms of occult beliefs to a true personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.  Our sub-section ends with: So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

This is something that is, basically, never seen today.  People openly and publically confessing and shewed their deeds.  As a result, it is far easier for people to fall back into old sinful habits and lifestyles.


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.  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.  Please also see the notes for Romans C4S21 about the word unbelief.

Please see the note for 2John C1S7 about the word confess.  The functional definition for this word is: 'a lifestyle which proves the faith that a person claims to have  In the Bible confess  includes the testimony that you live'.  Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:13-16 about the word confession.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Confession is acknowledging something with a lifestyle. There are two applications of This word, one of which is apt to be overlooked. The one is the confession of sin. This was enjoined by the law, and if accompanied with a sacrifice it led to forgiveness. Le 5:5; Nu 5:7. The other application of the term is a changed lifestyle due to the Lord Jesus'.  Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 19:18; Acts 23:8; Acts 24:14.

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 note for 2Corinthians 12:12 about the word deed.  The functional definition for this word is: 'That which is done, acted or effected; an act; a fact; a word of extensive application, including whatever is done, good or bad, great or small'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'confessed. Le 16:21; 26:40; Job 33:27-28; Ps 32:5; Pr 28:13; Jer 3:13; Eze 16:63; 36:31; Mt 3:6; Ro 10:10; 1Jo 1:9'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S19 (Verse 19)   People destroyed a lot of occult books which were worth a lot of money.
  1. Equivalent Section:  They burned their books so that others could not use them.
    1. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together,
    2. and burned them before all  men :.
  2. Equivalent Section:  the books were worth a lot of money.
    1. and they counted the price of them,
    2. and found it fifty thousand  pieces of silver.

Acts 19:17-20 tells us that And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus.  As a result, Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men  and many people turned from the many forms of occult beliefs to a true personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.  Our sub-section ends with: So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

The curious arts  were ways which were supposed to get devils to respond to their wishes.  These were books on witchcraft, voodoo, dr5ug making and similar things which God condemns.  That is why they burned them before all men.  They were making a public statement of true repentance and turning from those things to truly trusting the Lord Jesus  for their protection, needs and directions in how to live.  And, as our next sentence says, So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

The value of fifty thousand pieces of silver  is computed by different people to be lots of different amounts.  Part of that difference is due to the value of silver being different at different times and some people use the value reported by someone who live a long time ago.  And, there are other factors involved.  But, what the basic meaning is a whole lot of money.  One person computed it to be millions or multiple millions of dollars in today's money.  And, for those people who doubt that amount, please remember that books, at that time, were hand copied.  Thus, they were as lot more expensive than what they are today.

The bottom line is, they destroyed what cost a lot of money because they didn't want anyone else being caught up in what they were involved in when they were going the opposite direction from what the Lord Jesus  commanded them to go.  That is a true demonstration of a changed life.


Please see the note for Luke 3:4 about the word book.  The functional definition for this word is: 'A general name of every literary composition which is printed; but appropriately, a printed composition bound; a volume. the name is given also to any number of written sheets when bound or sewed together, and to a volume of blank paper, intended for any species of writing, as for memorandums, for accounts, or receipts. 1. A particular part of a literary composition; a division of a subject in the same volume. 2. A volume or collection of sheets in which accounts are kept; a register of debts and credits, receipts and expenditures'.Please also see the note for Galatians 3:10 about the phrase book of the law.  Please also see the note for Revelation 13:8-LJC about the phrase book of the life.

Please see the note for Luke 24:32 about the word burn.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To consume with fire; to reduce to ashes by the action of heat or fire; frequently with up; as, to burn up wood'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C7S30 about the word price.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. L. pretium. See Praise. 1. the sum or amount of money at which a thing is valued, or the value which a seller sets on his goods in market. A man often sets a price on goods which he cannot obtain, and often takes less than the price set. 2. the sum or equivalent given for an article sold; as the price paid for a house, an ox or a watch. 3. the current value or rate paid for any species of goods; as the market price of wheat. 4. Value; estimation; excellence; worth. Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Prov.31. 5. Reward; recompense. that vice may merit; 'tis the price of toil; the knave deserves it when he tills the soil. the price of redemption, is the atonement of Jesus Christ. 1 Cor.6. A price in the hands of a fool, the valuable offers of salvation, which he neglects. Prov.17.'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C3S13 about the word silver.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word is: 'A metal of a white color and lively brilliancy. It has neither taste nor smell; its specific gravity is 10.552, according to Bergman, but according to Kirwan it is less. A cubic foot weighs about 660 lbs. Its ductility is little inferior to that of gold. It is harder and more elastic that tin of iron. It is found native in thin plates or leaves, or in fine threads, or it is found mineralized by various substances. Great quantities of the metal are furnished by the mines of South America, and it is found in small quantities in Norway, Germany, Spain, the United State, etc. 2. Money; coin made of silver. 3. anything of soft splendor. Pallas-piteous of her plaintive cries, In slumber clos'd her silver-streamaining eyes. SIL'VER, a. 1. Made of silver; as a silver cup. 2. White like silver; as silver hair. Others on silver lakes and rivers bath'd their downy breast. 3. White, or pale; of a pale luster; as the silver moon. 4. Soft; as a silver voice or sound'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'used. Ac 8:9-11; 13:6,8; Ex 7:11,22; De 18:10-12; 1Sa 28:7-9; 1Ch 10:13; 2Ch 33:6; Isa 8:19; 47:12-13; Da 2:2  curious. Periergos G4021, curious, that is, magical arts, in which sense the word is used in the Greek writers. the study of magic was prosecuted with such zeal at Ephesus, that Ephesios G2180 gramma G1121, the Ephesian letters, certain charms, or words used in incantation, became much celebrated in antiquity.  and burned. Ge 35:4; Ex 32:20; De 7:25-26; Isa 2:20-21; 30:22; Mt 5:29-30; Lu 14:33; Heb 10:34  fifty. Probably Attic drachms; which at 7.½d. each, would amount to 1,562£. 10s. or at, 9d. each, to 1,875£.  General references. exp: Ex 22:18; Le 19:31.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S20 (Verse 20)   the word of God  overcame the works of devils.
So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

Acts 19:17-20 tells us that And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus.  As a result, Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men  and many people turned from the many forms of occult beliefs to a true personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.  Our sub-section ends with: So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

Our sentence starts with the word so  and tells us the results of the prior sentences.  This is the end result of God having the devil beat up the false exorcists  and making sure that everyone dwelling at Ephesus  knew about it.  Many believed and trusted the word of God  and it prevailed  over the books on curious arts.


Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word might.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Having great power and able to accomplish things which most people can not do'.  Please also see the note for Revelation 4:8-LJC about the word Almighty.

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 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 Godthe 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.

Please see the note for John 12:19 about the word prevail.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To overcome; to gain the victory or superiority'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 6:7; 12:24; Isa 55:11; 2Th 3:1 exp: Le 19:31.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S21 (Verse 21)   Paul made pl and for future travels.
  1. After these things were ended,
  2. Paul purposed in the spirit,
  3. when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia,
  4. to go to Jerusalem,
  5. saying,
  6. After I have been there,
  7. I must also see Rome.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.

The note for this sentence, in the Word Study on Spirit, tells us: this sentence is found under Man's Spirit for the point titled 'We can be in the spirit,  which is so set upon doing our purpose  that not even Godly men can turn us from our purpose'.  God gave each of us a free will.  James 4:15 says: For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.  Here, Paul said that he planned to go to Rome.  Which he did.  But he did not go to see Rome  but went as a prisoner and ended up being beheaded there.  Thus, as James tells us, we always need to recognize God's right to override our plans.


Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:15 about the word end.  Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'in Heb 13:7, is the rendering of the unusual Greek word ekbasin, meaning "outcome", i.e., death. It occurs only elsewhere in 1Co 10:13, where it is rendered "escape."'.

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'.

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.

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 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 Romans C13S8 about the phrase must needs.  The functional definition for this word is: 'This choice is not optional'.

Please see the note for Acts 2:10 about Rome.  Smith's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'the famous capital of the ancient world, is situated on the Tiber at a distance of about 15 miles from its mouth. the "seven hills,"
Re 17:9:  which formed the nucleus of the ancient city stand on the left bank. On the opposite side of the river rises the far higher side of the Janiculum. Here from very early times was a fortress with a suburb beneath it extending to the river. Modern Rome lies to the north of the ancient city, covering with its principal portion the plain to the north of the seven hills, once known as the Campus Martius, and on the opposite bank extending over the low ground beneath the Vatican to the north of the ancient Janiculum. Rome is not mentioned in the Bible except in the books of Maccabees and in three books of the New Testament, viz., the Acts, the Epistle to the Romans and the Second Epistle to Timothy.
1. Jewish inhabitants. the conquests of Pompey seem to have given rise to the first settlement of Jews at Rome. the Jewish king Aristobulus and his son formed part of Pompey's triumph, and many Jewish captives and immigrants were brought to Rome at that time. A special district was assigned to them, not on the site of the modern Ghetto, between the Capitol and the island of the Tiber, but across the Tiber. Many of these Jews were made freedmen. Julius Caesar showed them some kindness; they were favored also by Augustus, and by Tiberius during the latter part of his reign. It is chiefly in connection with St. Paul's history that Rome comes before us in the Bible. In illustration of that history it may be useful to give some account of Rome in the time of Nero, the "Caesar" to whom St. Paul appealed, and in whose reign he suffered martyrdom.
2. the city in Paul's time. --The city at that time must be imagined as a large and irregular mass of buildings unprotected by an outer wall. It had long outgrown the old Servian wall; but the limits of the suburbs cannot be exactly defined. Neither the nature of the buildings nor the configuration of the ground was such as to give a striking appearance to the city viewed from without. "Ancient Rome had neither cupola nor camyanile," and the hills, never lofty or imposing, would present, when covered with the buildings and streets of a huge city, a confused appearance like the hills of modern London, to which they have sometimes been compared. the visit of St. Paul lies between two famous epochs in the history of the city, viz, its restoration by Augustus and its restoration by Nero. the boast of Augustus is well known, "that he found the city of brick, and left it of marble." Some parts of the city, especially the forum and Campus Martius, must have presented a magnificent appearance, of which Niebur's "Lectures on Roman History," ii. 177, will give a general idea; but many of the principal buildings which attract the attention of modern travellers in ancient Rome were not yet built. the streets were generally narrow and winding, flanked by densely crowded lodging-houses (insulae) of enormous height. Augustus found it necessary to limit their height to 70 feet. St, Paul's first visit to Rome took place before the Neronian conflagration but even after the restoration of the city which followed upon that event, many of the old evils continued. the population of the city has been variously estimated. Probably Gibbon's estimate of 1,200,000 is nearest to the truth. One half of the population consisted, in all probability, of slaves. the larger part of the remainder consisted of pauper citizens supported in idleness by the miserable system of public gratuities. there appears to have been no middle class, and no free industrial population. Side by side with the wretched classes just mentioned was the comparatively small body of the wealthy nobility, of whose luxury and profligacy we learn so much from the heathen writers of the time, Such was the population which St. Paul would find at Rome at the time of his visit. We learn from the Acts of the Apostles that he was detained at Rome for "two whole years," "dwelling in his own hired house with a soldier that kept him,"
Ac 28:16,30:  to whom apparently, according to Roman custom, he was hound with a chain.
Ac 28:20; Eph 6:20; Phm 1:13:  Here he preached to all that came to him, no man forbidding him.
Ac 28:30-31:  It is generally believed that on his "appeal to Caesar" he was acquitted, and after some time spent in freedom, was a second time imprisoned at Rome. Five of his epistles, viz., those to the Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, that to Philemon, and the Second Epistle to Timothy, were in all probability written from Rome, the latter shortly before his death
2Ti 4:6:  the others during his first imprisonment. It is universally believed that he suffered martyrdom at Rome.
3. the localities in and about Rome especially connected with the life of Paul are-- (1) the Appian Way, by which he approached Rome.
Ac 28:15
(2) "The palace," Or "Caesar's court" (praetorium,)
Phm 1:13:  this may mean either the great camp of the Praetorian guards which Tiberius established outside the walls on the northeast of the city, or, as seems more probable, a barrack attached to the imperial residence on the Palatine. there is no sufficient proof that the word "praetorium" was ever used to designate the emperors palace, though it is used for the official residence of a Roman governor.
Joh 18:28; Ac 23:35:  the mention of "Caesar's household,"
Phm 1:25:  confirms the notion that St. Paul's residence was in the immediate neighborhood of the emperor's house on the Palatine. (3) the connection of other localities at home with St. Paul's name rests only on traditions of more or less probability. We may mention especially-- (4) the Mamertine prison, of Tullianum, built by Ancus Martius near the forum. It still exists beneath the church of St. Giuseppe dei Falegnami. It is said that St. Peter and St. Paul were fellow prisoners here for nine months. this is not the place to discuss the question whether St. Peter was ever at Rome. It may be sufficient to state that though there is no evidence of such a visit in the New Testament, unless Babylon in
1Pe 5:13:  is a mystical name for Rome yet early testimony and the universal belief of the early Church seems sufficient to establish the fact of his having suffered martyrdom there. [PETER] the story, however, of the imprisonment in the Mamertine prison seems inconsistent with
See Peter :  2Ti 4:11
(5) the chapel on the Ostian road which marks the spot where the two apostles are said to, have separated on their way to martyrdom. (6)The supposed scene of St. Paul's martyrdom, viz., the church of St. Paolo alle tre fontane on the Ostian road. to these may be added -- (7) the supposed scene of St. Peter's martyrdom, viz., the church of St. Pietro in Montorio, on the Janiculum. (8) the chapel Domine que Vadis, on the Aypian road,the scene of the beautiful legend of our Lord's appearance to St. Peter as he was escaping from martyrdom. (9) the places where the bodies of the two apostles, after having been deposited first in the catacombs, are supposed to have been finally buried --that of St. Paul by the Ostian road, that of St. Peter beneath the dome of the famous Basilica which bears his name. We may add, as sites unquestionably connected with the Roman Christians of the apostolic age-- (10) the gardens of Nero in the Vatican. Not far from the spot where St. Peter's now stands. Here Christians, wrapped in the skins of beasts, were torn to pieces by dogs, or, clothed in inflammable robes, were burnt to serve as torches during the midnight games. Others were crucified. (11) the Catacombs. these subterranean galleries, commonly from 8 to 10 feet in height and from 4 to 6 in width, and extending for miles, especially in the neighborhood of the old Appian and Nomentan Ways, were unquestionably used as places of refuge, of worship and of burial by the early Christians. the earliest dated inscription in the catacombs is A.D. 71. Nothing is known of the first founder of the Christian Church at Rome. Christianity may, perhaps, have been introduced into the city not long after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost by the "strangers of Rome, who were then at Jerusalem,
Ac 2:10:  It is clear that there were many Christians at Rome before St. Paul visited the city.
Ro 1:8,13,15; 15:20:  the names of twenty-four Christians at Rome are given in the salutations at the end of the Epistle to the Romans. Linus, who is mentioned
2Ti 4:21:  and Clement, Phil 4:3 are supposed to have succeeded St. Peter as bishops of Rome
'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Cir. A.M. 4063. A.D. 59.  These. Ro 15:25-28; Ga 2:1  purposed. Ac 16:6-10; 18:21; 20:22; La 3:37; Ro 1:13; 2Co 1:15-18  when. Ac 20:1-6 exp: Ac 27:1; 1Co 16:5.  Togo. Ac 20:16,22; 21:4,11-15,17; 24:17-18; Ro 15:25-26 exp: Ac 20:1.  I must. Ac 18:21; 23:11; 25:10-12; 27:1,24; 28:16,30-31; Ro 1:15; 15:23-29; Php 1:12-14  General references. exp: Ro 15:25.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S22 (Verse 22)   What Paul actually did to start his trip.
  1. First Step:  Paul sent these two to prepare for his visit.
    1. So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him,
    2. Timotheus and Erastus;.
  2. Second Step:  Paul delayed.
    1. but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.

The rest of this chapter tells us what happened in Ephesus while Paul delayed his leaving.  The first sentence of the next chapter tells about his actually leaving and going to Macedonia.


Please see the notes for Romans C13S6; 1Corinthians C3S5 and 2Corinthians 3:3 about the word minister.  The functional definition for this word is: 'The act of performing service as a subordinate agent; agency; intervention for aid or service. --Because their widows were neglected in the daily ministrations. Acts.6. 1. Office of a minister; service; ecclesiastical function. As soon as the days of his ministration were ended. Luke 1'.  Please also see the note for Luke 1:23 about the word ministration.    Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C12S5 about the word administration.

Please see the notes for Romans C16S27 and Philippians 2:19 about Timothy / Timotheus.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Timotheus  (Timothy) was Paul's main disciple. He is one of only three (Timothy, Titus and Onesimus) that Paul called son  because he had the same character in the ministry as Paul had'.

The functional definition for the word Asia  is: 'An area of the world where Paul started churches.  While these people in Asia were saved through the ministry of Paul, they were willing to forsake him and choose religion which excused their sin'.

The Jews of Asia are frequently mentioned as causing trouble for the church.  On Paul's first missionary trip, he was forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia  (Acts 16:6).  They were also involved in causing the arrest of Paul by telling lies about his teaching in the Jerusalem Church.  Even today, people in this region are involved in never-ending religious wars.  Please see the note for 2Timothy C1S9 about Asia.  It has linke to every place where the Bible mentions Asia.  along with a short note about each reference.

Please see the note for Mark 12:2 about the word season.  The functional definition for this word is: 'A fit or suitable time; the convenient time; the usual or appointed time; as, the messenger arrived in season; in good season'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Macedonia. Ac 16:9-10; 18:5; 20:1; 2Co 1:16; 2:13; 8:1; 11:9; 1Th 1:8  that ministered. Ac 13:5; 16:3  Erastus. Ro 16:23; 2Ti 4:20'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S23 (Verse 23)   What happened while Paul delayed leaving.
And the same time there arose no small stir about that way

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.


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'
'.

Please see the notes for John 14:6; 1Corinthians C4S17 and Psalms 119 about the word way.  The functional definition for this word is: 'How we get from our present condition/place in life to the time that we face the judgment of God upon our life'.  Please also see the note for Mark 1:3 about the phrase way of the Lord.  Please also see the note for Matthew 13:4 about the phrase way side.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'there. 2Co 1:8-10; 6:9 exp: Ac 12:18.  That. Ac 19:9; 9:2; 18:26; 22:4; 24:14,22'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S24 (Verse 24-25)   Who started the civil disturbance and why.
  1. First Step:  Who started it and the cause of his concern.
    1. For a certain  man named Demetrius,
    2. a silversmith,
    3. which made silver shrines for Diana,
    4. brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;.
  2. Second Step:  Who he got to help him.
    1. Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation,
    2. and said,
    3. Sirs,
    4. ye know that By this craft we have our wealth.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.

As we see in the word study, below, lost men occupy their time gaining physical wealth,  which they will leave to another person when they die.  But, at this time, Demetrius was upset because saved people did not buy his idols and he was loosing business.  Now, he made the uproar sound as if it was about religion, but it was actually about wealth,  and the townclerk  figured that out and dismissed the crowd.  He told them: Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then also told them that when they had an assembly, make it lawful.  Thus, we see that God used the townclerk  to stop the work of devils to stop there being a church in Ephesus.


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 1Corinthians C3S13 about the word silver.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word is: 'A metal of a white color and lively brilliancy. It has neither taste nor smell; its specific gravity is 10.552, according to Bergman, but according to Kirwan it is less. A cubic foot weighs about 660 lbs. Its ductility is little inferior to that of gold. It is harder and more elastic that tin of iron. It is found native in thin plates or leaves, or in fine threads, or it is found mineralized by various substances. Great quantities of the metal are furnished by the mines of South America, and it is found in small quantities in Norway, Germany, Spain, the United State, etc. 2. Money; coin made of silver. 3. anything of soft splendor. Pallas-piteous of her plaintive cries, In slumber clos'd her silver-streamaining eyes. SIL'VER, a. 1. Made of silver; as a silver cup. 2. White like silver; as silver hair. Others on silver lakes and rivers bath'd their downy breast. 3. White, or pale; of a pale luster; as the silver moon. 4. Soft; as a silver voice or sound'.

Please also see the note for Philippians 1:21 about the word gain.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To obtain by industry or the employment of capital; to get as profit or advantage; to acquire'.  Please also see the note for Romans C10S28 about the word gainsaying.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To contradict; to oppose in words; to deny or declare not to be true what another says; to controvert; to dispute; applied to persons, or to propositions, declarations or facts. I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. Luke.21'.

Please see the note for Acts 18:3 about the word craft.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Ability to make something'.  Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C3S21 about the word crafty.  Please also see the note for Galatians C5S20 about the word witchcraft.

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.

Please see the notes for Romans C9S8; 1Corinthians C3S13; 2Corinthians 4:8-12; Galatians C2-S10 and Philippians 1:1 about the word works.  The functional definition for this word is: ' In a general sense, to move, or to move one way and the other; to perform'.  Please also see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men.  Please also see the note for Psalms 119:23 about the phrase according to works.  Please also see the note for Philippians 3:2 about the phrase evil workers.  Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about the phrase evil heart.  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 note for Romans C3S27 about the phrase law of works.  Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:1 about the word workers.  Please also see the note for Matthew 10:9-10 about the word workman.

We find forms of the word occupation  in: Genesis 46:33; Genesis 47:3; Jonah 1:8; Acts 18:3; Acts 19:25.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. L. occupatio.  1. the act of taking possession.  2. Possession; a holding or keeping; tenure; use; as lands in the occupation of AB.  3. that which engages the time and attention; employment; business. He devotes to study all the time that his other occupations will permit.  4. the principal business of one's life; vocation; calling; trade; the business which a man follows to procure a living or obtain wealth. Agriculture, manufactures and commerce furnish the most general occupations of life. Painting, statuary, music, are agreeable occupations. Men not engaged in some useful occupation commonly fall into vicious courses'.  Please also see the note for Luke 19:13 about the word occupy.

Please see the note for Matthew 21:30 about the word sir.  The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'In Ge 43:20 the word is adon, often translated 'Lord.' In the Acts (except in Ac 16:30), 'man,' and is used as a term of respect. In all other places in the N.T. the word is commonly translated 'Lord': in these cases the context determines how it should be rendered'.

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.

We find forms of the word wealth  in: Genesis 34:29; Deuteronomy 8:17-18; Ruth 2:1; 1Samuel 2:32; 2Kings 15:20; 2Chronicles 1:11-12; Ezra 9:12; Esther 10:3; Job 21:13; Job 31:25; Psalms 44:12; Psalms 49:6; Psalms 49:10; Psalms 112:3; Proverbs 5:10; Proverbs 10:15; Proverbs 13:11; Proverbs 13:22; Proverbs 18:11; Proverbs 19:4; Ecclesiastes 5:19; Ecclesiastes 6:2; Zechariah 14:14; Acts 19:25; 1Corinthians 10:24.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n.  1. Prosperity; external happiness.  2. Riches; large possessions of money, goods or land; that abundance of worldly estate which exceeds the estate of the greater part of the community; affluence; opulence.  Each day new wealth without their care provides'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'shrines. Naus, temples, probably portable silver models of the temple of Diana, and small images of the goddess, somewhat like the Santa Casa purchased by pilgrims at Loretto.  Diana. Ac 19:27-28,34-35  brought. Ac 16:16; Isa 56:11-12; 1Ti 6:9-10  General references. exp: Ge 34:23.
ye know. Ac 16:19; Ho 4:8; 12:7-8; 2Pe 2:3; Re 18:3,11-19  General references. exp: Ge 34:23.
'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S25 (Verse 26-27)   the exagerated claims of total disaster.
  1. Equivalent Section:  His complaint against the spread to God's Gospel.
    1. Moreover ye see and hear,
    2. that not alone at Ephesus,
    3. but almost throughout all Asia,
    4. This Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people,
    5. saying that they be no gods,
    6. which are made with hands:.
  2. Equivalent Section:  His true complaint.  He was worried about the loss of income.
    1. First Step:  their craft might be done away with.
      1. So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought;
    2. Second Step:  the worship of false gods might be done away with.
      1. but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised,
      2. and her magnificence should be destroyed,
      3. whom all Asia and the world worshippeth .

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.

There is a story, that I probably remember wrong, but which has this moral.  A character called 'chicken little' had a nut fall from a tree and hit her in the head.  As a result, she went around crying ', the sky is falling!'.  Likewise, Demetrius claimed that their craft was in danger to be set at nought.  There are still silversmiths  today and probably will be until God destroys this Earth.  His real problem was that head to find other things to make in silver which people would buy.  He was too lazy to do true market research in order to find what would sell to people who wanted things in silver.

The First Equivalent Section, of our sentence, tells us how effective the preaching of Paul was.  Not only was the Gospel not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia.  In order for it to be that wide spread, others had to be trained by Paul and were taking the Gospel to other places in Asia.

The Second Equivalent Section, of our sentence, tells us what he feared would be lost in this world.  And, yes, eventually, the temple of the goddess Diana was despised  and allowed to decay, but not right away.  And, again, we read that he exaggerated, again, when he claimed that all Asia and the world worshippeth (Diana).  There would not have been so many Roman and Greek gods if that was true throughout the Roman empire, much less in other parts of the world.


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 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 Ephesians 1:1 about Ephesus.  The functional definition for this word is: 'the capital of proconsular Asia, which was the western part of Asia Minor. It was colonized principally from Athens. In the time of the Romans it bore the title of "the first and greatest metropolis of Asia'.  That note has much more about this city.  Not only do we have the epistle to the Ephesians, But the church there is mentioned several times in the New Testament, including being one of the churches written to in Revelation.  There, the Lord Jesus Christ  accused them of thou hast left thy first love.  As explained in my Book Study on Ephesians, they did this because they mixed Bible truth with doctrinal error.

The functional definition for the word Asia  is: 'An area of the world where Paul started churches.  While these people in Asia were saved through the ministry of Paul, they were willing to forsake him and choose religion which excused their sin'.

The Jews of Asia are frequently mentioned as causing trouble for the church.  On Paul's first missionary trip, he was forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia  (Acts 16:6).  They were also involved in causing the arrest of Paul by telling lies about his teaching in the Jerusalem Church.  Even today, people in this region are involved in never-ending religious wars.  Please see the note for 2Timothy C1S9 about Asia.  It has linke to every place where the Bible mentions Asia.  along with a short note about each reference.

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.

Please see the note for Romans C8S40 about the word persuade.  Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines for this word as: 'influence by argument, advice, intreaty or expostulation; to draw or incline the will to a determination by presenting motives to the mind.  I should be glad, if I could persuade him to write such another critick on anything of mine.  Almost thou persuadest me to be a christian. Acts.26.  2. to convince by argument, or reasons offered; or to convince by reasons suggested by reflection or deliberation, or by evidence presented in any manner to the mind.  Beloved, we are persuaded better things of you. Heb.6.  3. to inculcate by argument or expostulation. Little used.  4. to treat by persuasion. Not in use'.

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 7:40 about the word gods (lower-case).  The functional definition for this word is: 'devils who claim to be the most powerful being that exists and who want worship'.

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 Acts 18:3 about the word craft.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Ability to make something'.  Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C3S21 about the word crafty.  Please also see the note for Galatians C5S20 about the word witchcraft.

Please see the note for Matthew 5:21 about the word danger.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. Peril; risk; hazard; exposure to injury, loss, pain or other evil. Our craft is in danger to be set at nought. Acts xix. It is easy to boast of despising death, when there is no danger.
DANGER, v.t. to put in hazard; to expose to loss or injury
'.

Please see the note for Romans C14S15 about the word nought.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. Nothing. Doth Job serve God for naught? Job 1. thou sellest thy people for naught. Psalm 44. to set at naught, to slight, to disregard or despise. Ye have set at naught all my counsel. Proverbs 1.
NAUGHT, adv. In no degree. to wealth or sovereign power he naught applied.
NAUGHT, a. Bad; worthless; of no value or account. things naught and things indifferent. It is naught, it is naught, says the buyer. Proverbs 20
'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 3:16 about the word temple.  Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'first used of the tabernacle, which is called "the temple of the Lord" (1Sa 1:9). In the New Testament the word is used figuratively of Christ's human body (Joh 2:19,21). Believers are called "the temple of God" (1Co 3:16-17). the Church is designated "an holy temple in the Lord" (Eph 2:21). Heaven is also called a temple (Re 7:5). We read also of the heathen "temple of the great goddess Diana" (Ac 19:27).
This word is generally used in Scripture of the sacred house erected on the summit of Mount Moriah for the worship of God. It is called "the temple" (1Ki 6:17); "the temple [R.V., 'house'] of the Lord" (2Ki 11:10); "thy holy temple" (Ps 79:1); "the house of the Lord" (2Ch 23:5,12); "the house of the God of Jacob" (Isa 2:3); "the house of my glory" (Isa 60:7); an "house of prayer" (Isa 56:7; Mt 21:13); "an house of sacrifice" (2Ch 7:12); "the house of their sanctuary" (2Ch 36:17); "the mountain of the Lord's house" (Isa 2:2); "our holy and our beautiful house" (Isa 64:11); "the holy mount" (Isa 27:13); "the palace for the Lord God" (1Ch 29:1); "the tabernacle of witness" (2Ch 24:6); "Zion" (Ps 74:2; 84:7). Christ calls it "my Father's house" (Joh 2:16)'.
The main purpose of a temple is to worship the God of the temple
'.  Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the phrase temple of the Lord.  Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the phrase temple of God.

Please see the note for Romans C2S4 about the word despise.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to contemn; to scorn; to disdain; to have the lowest opinion of. Fools despise wisdom and instruction. Prov. 1. Else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Matt. 6. 2. to abhor'.

We find forms of the word magnificence  only in this asentence.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. L.magnificentia. Grandeur of appearance; greatness and splendor of show or state; as the magnificence of a palace or of a procession; the magnificence of a Roman triumph.'.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S22 and 1Corinthians C3S17 about the word destroy.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines as: 'v.t. L. to pile, to build. 1. to demolish; to pull down; to separate the parts of an edifice, the union of which is necessary to constitute the thing; as, to destroy a house or temple; to destroy a fortification. 2. to ruin; to annihilate a thing by demolishing or by burning; as, to destroy a city. 3. to ruin; to bring to naught; to annihilate; as, to destroy a theory or scheme; to destroy a government; to destroy influence. 4. to lay waste; to make desolate. Go up against this land, and destroy it. Is. 36. 5. to kill; to slay; to extirpate; applied to men or other animals. Ye shall destroy all this people. Num. 32. All the wicked will he destroy. Ps. 145. 6. to take away; to cause to cease; to put an end to; as, pain destroys happiness. that the body of sin might be destroyed. Rom 6. 7. to kill; to eat; to devour; to consume. Birds destroy insects. Hawks destroy chickens. 8. In general, to put an end to; to annihilate a thing or the form in which it exists. An army is destroyed by slaughter, capture or dispersion; a forest, by the ax, or by fire; towns, by fire or inundation, etc. 9. In chimistry, to resolve a body into its parts or elements'.  Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 10:10 about the word destroyer.

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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'that not. Ac 19:10,18-20; 1Co 16:8-9; 1Th 1:9  that they. Ac 14:15; 17:29; Ps 115:4-8; 135:15-18; Isa 44:10-20; 46:5-8; Jer 10:3-5,11,14-15; Ho 8:6; 1Co 8:4; 10:19-20; 12:2; Ga 4:8  made. Ac 19:35 exp: Da 3:1.  General references. exp: Ge 34:23; Ex 34:17; Isa 44:10; Jer 16:20.
that not. Ac 19:21; Zep 2:11; Mt 23:14; 1Ti 6:5  whom. 1Jo 5:19; Re 13:3,8
'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S26 (Verse 28)   they reacted emotionally.
  1. And when they heard  these sayings,
  2. they were full of wrath,
  3. and cried out,
  4. saying,
  5. Great  is Diana of the Ephesians.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.

People can get themselves all worked up, especially when they are part of mob emoting.  They aren't really thinking, they are just going along with the mob and that is a good way to get dragged into doing something foolish and wrong.  This Demetrius deliberately got others to go along with a thought-less feeling to go hurt someone else.


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 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 notes for Romans C4S16; Galatians C5S20; Ephesians 4:26-27 and Colossians C3S6 about the word wrath.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Violent anger; vehement exasperation; indignation'.  Please also see the note for Colossians 3:8 about the phrase children of wrath.

Please see the note for Mark 1:3 about the word cry.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Loud notorious exclamation as a crying sin or warning'.  The word cried  is the past-tense form of the word cry.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they. Ac 7:54; 16:19-24; 21:28-31; Ps 2:2; Re 12:12 exp: Mt 22:34.  and cried. Ac 19:34-35; 1Sa 5:3-5; 1Ki 18:26-29; Isa 41:5-7; Jer 50:38; Re 13:4; 17:13'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S27 (Verse 29)   they grabbed the wrong men and rushed to get judgment and punishment.
  1. Equivalent Section:  Nobody knew exactly what was going on.
    1. And the whole city was filled with confusion:
  2. Equivalent Section:  thet silversmiths grabbed the wrong men to punish.
    1. and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus,
    2. men of Macedonia,
    3. Paul's companions in travel,
    4. they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.

Here we see the results of mob thinking.  This is like prejudice.  They were mad and grabbed the wrong men but didn't care so long as they could hurt someone.  They rushed with one accord into the theatre  because they believed that they would then be given permission to hurt these innocent men.


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 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 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 note for 1Corinthians C14S35 about the word confusion.  The functional definition is: 'In a general sense, a mixture of several things promiscuously; hence, disorder; irregularity; as the confusion of tongues at Babel. 2. Tumult; want of order in society'.

The word caught  is the past-tense form of the word catch.  Please see the note for Luke 5:10 about the word catch.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to seize or lay hold on with the hand; carrying the sense of pursuit, thrusting forward the hand, or rushing on. And they came upon him and caught him. Acts 6. 2. to seize, in a general sense; as, to catch a ball; to catch hold of a bough. 3. to seize, as in a snare or trap; to ensnare; to entangle. they sent certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. Mark 12. 4. to seize in pursuit; hence simply to overtake; a popular use of the word. He ran, but could not catch him companion. 5. to take hold; to communicate to. the fire caught the adjoining building. 6. to seize the affections; to engage and attach to; as, to catch the fair. 7. to take or receive by contagion or infection; as, to catch the measles or small pox. 8. to snatch; to take suddenly; as, to catch a book out of the hand. 9. to receive something passing. the swelling sails no more catch the soft airs and wanton in the sky. Trumbull. to catch at, to endeavor to seize suddenly. to catch at all opportunities of subverting the state. to catch up, to snatch; to take up suddenly.'.

We read about Aristarchus  in: Acts 19:29; Acts 20:4; Acts 27:2; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24.  We read about Gaius  Acts 19:29; Acts 20:4; Romans 16:23; 1Corinthians 1:14; 3John 1:1.  Of the two, Aristarchus  is called a Macedonian of thessalonica  While Gaius  is identified as: of Derbe  and Derbe  is in Lycaonia  therefore, I personally believe the man spoken of here is Aristarchus,  who is also identified as a non-preacher and a fellowlabourer  along with Lucas.

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.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:25 about the word companion.  The functional definition for this word is: 'One who keeps company with another'.  Please also see the note for John 6:5 about the word company.

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 2:2 about the word rush.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.i.  1. to move or drive forward with impetuosity, violence and tumultuous rapidity; as, armies rush to battle; waters rush down a precipice; winds rush through the forest. We ought never to rush into company, much less into a religious assembly.  2. to enter with undue eagerness, or without due deliberation and preparation; as, to rush into business or speculation; to rush into the ministry'.

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.

We find forms of the word theater  only in: Acts 19:29 and Acts 19:31.  Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'only mentioned in Ac 19:29,31. the ruins of this theatre at Ephesus still exist, and they show that it was a magnificent structure, capable of accommodating some 56,700 persons. It was the largest structure of the kind that ever existed. theatres, as places of amusement, were unknown to the Jews'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the whole. Ac 19:32; 17:8; 21:30,38  Gaius. Ro 16:23; 1Co 1:14  Aristarchus. Ac 20:4; 27:2; Col 4:10; Phm 1:24  Macedonia. Macedonia, an extensive province of Greece, was bounded on the north by the mountains of Haemus, on the south by Epirus and Achaia, on the east by the Aegean sea and thrace, and on the west by the Adriatic sea; celebrated in all histories as being the third kingdom which, under Alexander the Great, obtained the empire of the world, and had under it 150 nations.  The theatre. 1Co 4:9 (Gr)'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S28 (Verse 30)   Paul was prevented from getting involved.
  1. And when Paul would have entered in unto the people,
  2. the disciples suffered him not.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.


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.

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 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 notes for Romans C8S17 and 1Corinthians C4S13 about the word suffer.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To feel or bear what is painful, disagreeable or distressing, either to the body or mind'.  Please also see the note for Romans 9:22 about the word longsuffering.  Please also see the note for Mark 8:31-LJC about the phrase suffering of Jesus Christ.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Paul. Ac 14:14-18; 17:22-31; 21:39  the disciples. 2Sa 18:2-3; 21:17  General references. exp: Ac 21:37.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S29 (Verse 31)   these agreed that Paul not get involved.
  1. And certain of the chief of Asia,
  2. which were his friends,
  3. sent unto him,
  4. desiring  him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.


Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:5 about the word chief.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Highest in office or rank; principal; as a chief priest; the chief butler.'.

Please see the note for 2Timothy C1S9 about Asia.  It has linke to every place where the Bible mentions Asia.  along with a short note about each reference.

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'.

We find forms of the word adventure  only in: Deuteronomy 28:56; Judges 9:17; Acts 19:31.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. See Advent.  1. Hazard; risk; chance; that of which one has no direction; as, at all adventures, that is, at all hazards. See Venture.  2. An enterprize of hazard; a bold undertaking, in which hazards are to be encountered, and the issue is staked upon unforeseen events.  3. that which is put to hazard; a sense in popular use with seamen, and usually pronounced venture. Something which a seaman is permitted to carry abroad, with a view to sell for profit.  A bill of adventure, is a writing signed by a person, who takes goods on board of his ship, wholly at the risk of the owner.
ADVENT'URE, v.t. to risk, or hazard; to put in the power of unforeseen events; as, to adventure one's life. See Venture
'.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To risk, or hazard; to put in the power of unforeseen events'.

We find forms of the word theater  only in: Acts 19:29 and Acts 19:31.  Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'only mentioned in Ac 19:29,31. the ruins of this theatre at Ephesus still exist, and they show that it was a magnificent structure, capable of accommodating some 56,700 persons. It was the largest structure of the kind that ever existed. theatres, as places of amusement, were unknown to the Jews'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the chief. Ac 19:10; 16:6; Pr 16:7  desiring. Ac 21:12'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S30 (Verse 32)   Everyone was confused.
  1. Equivalent Section:  the cause of confusion.
    1. Some therefore cried one thing,
    2. and some another:.
  2. Equivalent Section:  Why.
    1. First Step:  People were confused why they were assembled.
      1. for the assembly was confused;
    2. Second Step:  Most were drawn to the crowd without understanding why they assembled.
      1. and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.

This is the danger of joining a crows without understanding why they gathered.


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 Mark 1:3 about the word cry.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Loud notorious exclamation as a crying sin or warning'.  The word cried  is the past-tense form of the word cry.

Please see the note for Hebrews 10:23-25 about the word assembly.  The functional definition for this word is: 'collected into a body; congregated'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C14S35 about the word confusion.  The functional definition is: 'In a general sense, a mixture of several things promiscuously; hence, disorder; irregularity; as the confusion of tongues at Babel. 2. Tumult; want of order in society'.

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 Romans intro about the word wherefore.  The functional definition for this word is: 'what follows the wherefore is a future result that is based upon what came before the wherefore and seen wherever you look'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'cried. Ac 19:29; 21:34  and the. Ac 19:40; Mt 11:7-9; Lu 7:24-26'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S31 (Verse 33)   the unbelieving Jews took advantage of the confusion to attack Paul's companion.
  1. And they drew Alexander out of the multitude,
  2. the Jews putting him forward.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.

Our sentence starts wit the word and,  which means it is added to the prior sentences.  In the immediately prior sentence, we read that the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.  This assembly was started by Demetrius and a bunch of silversmiths who got a bunch of people riled up about religion but then lost control of the crowd that was drawn into the theater.  They lost control, but the unbelieving Jews took advantage of it to attack Paul's companion.  And, instead of just attacking him, and avoiding being charged with the attack, they tried to get the mob to kill him.  This is what the unbelieving Jews had done in prior cities.

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'.

Please see the note for John 6:2 about the word multitude.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'the state of being many; a great number. 2. A number collectively; the sum of many. 3. A great number, indefinitely. It is a fault in a multitude of preachers, that they utterly neglect method in their harangues. 4. A crowd or throng; the populace; applied to the populace when assembled in great numbers, and to the mass of men without reference to an assemblage. He the vast hissing multitude admires. the multitude have always been credulous, and the few artful'.

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'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Alexander. 1Ti 1:20; 2Ti 4:14  beckoned. Ac 12:17; 13:16; 21:40; 24:10; Lu 1:22  his. Ac 22:1; 26:1-2; Php 1:7'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S32 (Verse 33)   Alexander tried to defend himself.
  1. And Alexander beckoned with the hand,
  2. and would have made his defense unto the people.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.

Our next sentence starts with the word but  and tells us why this did not happen.


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'.

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 Philippians 1:3-7 about the words defense / defence.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. 1. anything that opposes attack, violence, danger or injury; anything that secures the person, the rights or the possessions of men; fortification; guard; protection; security. A wall, a parapet, a ditch, or a garrison, is the defense of a city or fortress. the Almighty is the defense of the righteous. Ps. 1ix. 2. Vindication; justification; apology; that which repels or disproves a charge or accusation. Men, brethren, fathers, hear ye my defense. Acts xxii. 3. In law, the defendants reply to the plaintiffs declaration, demands or charges. 4. Prohibition. 5. Resistance; opposition. 6. the science of defending against enemies; military skill. 7. In fortification, a work that flanks another.
DEFENSE, v.t. to defend by fortification.'
'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Alexander. 1Ti 1:20; 2Ti 4:14  beckoned. Ac 12:17; 13:16; 21:40; 24:10; Lu 1:22  his. Ac 22:1; 26:1-2; Php 1:7'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S33 (Verse 34)   Why Alexander coud not defend himself.
  1. But when they knew that he was a Jew,
  2. all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out,
  3. Great  is Diana of the Ephesians.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.

We read here the common reaction to Jews.  They were supposed to be God's representatives to mankind.  Instead of representing God, they looked down their noses at others and declared that all Jews would go to Heaven, because of their birth, and that everyone else would go to Hell, because of their birth.  They failed to understand that they were to let God change their character and show God's love to others.  Instead, their prejudices caused them to be universally hated.


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 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 John 2:4 about the word hour.  The functional definition for this word is: 'a short period of time relative to the perspective.  Thus, a thousand years can be considered to be an hour / short period of time from the perspective of eternity'.

Please see the note for Mark 1:3 about the word cry.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Loud notorious exclamation as a crying sin or warning'.  The word cried  is the past-tense form of the word cry.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they knew. Ac 19:26; 16:20; Ro 2:22  all. 1Ki 18:26; Mt 6:7  Great. Ac 19:28; Re 13:4'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S34 (Verse 35)   the townclerk reasoned with the mob.
  1. And when the townclerk had appeased the people,
  2. he said,
  3.  Ye men of Ephesus,
  4. what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana,
  5. and of the  image which fell down from Jupiter?.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.

The majority of the people in Ephesus, at that time, had income directly or indirectly related to people coming to visit the temple to Diana or their theater,  or other tourist attractions.  Even the local farmers sold more crops because all of the visitors needed some thing to eat.  Therefore, regardless of what they may have truly thought about the goddess, they would be supportive for the industry of the city, which was centered on her worship.

The note for our sentence, in the Word Study on Worship, says: this verse is in the Worship-Applications under 'Worship can be given to things/beings other than God.  This ALWAYS results in punishment and often the punishment is put upon the children and followers of those who worship any being other than the God of the Bible'.  This verse is part of the same story as the prior.  Here we see a typical politician.  He agrees with an obvious lie in order to appease the crowd and then tells them that rioting will only get the Roman Army to come down on the town and then tells them to let the lawyers argue the legal matters.  All that he really cares about is avoiding trouble.  Thus we see that liars get lied to and have to accept it or get their own lie exposed.  Here we see that false worship  leads to lots of other problems.


We find forms of the word appease  only in: Genesis 32:20; Esther 2:1; Proverbs 15:18; Acts 19:35.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.t. s as z. L. pax. See Peace.  Tomake quiet; to calm; to reduce to a state of peace; to still; to pacify; as, to appease the tumult of the ocean or of the passions; to appease hunger or thirst.  This word is of a general application to every thing in a disturbed, ruffled or agitated state'.

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 Ephesians 1:1 about Ephesus.  The functional definition for this word is: 'the capital of proconsular Asia, which was the western part of Asia Minor. It was colonized principally from Athens. In the time of the Romans it bore the title of "the first and greatest metropolis of Asia'.  That note has much more about this city.  Not only do we have the epistle to the Ephesians, But the church there is mentioned several times in the New Testament, including being one of the churches written to in Revelation.  There, the Lord Jesus Christ  accused them of thou hast left thy first love.  As explained in my Book Study on Ephesians, they did this because they mixed Bible truth with doctrinal error.


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 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 note for 2Corinthians 4:3-4 about the word image.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A representation or similitude of any person or thing, formed of a material substance; as an image wrought out of stone, wood or wax. Whose is this image and superscription? Matt.22. 2. A statue. 3. An idol; the representation of any person or thing, that is an object of worship. the second commandment forbids the worship of images. 4. the likeness of anything on canvas; a picture; a resemblance painted. 5. Any copy, representation or likeness. the child is the image of its mother. 6. Semblance; show; appearance. the face of things a frightful image bears. 7. An idea; a representation of anything to the mind; a conception; a picture drawn by fancy. Can we conceive Image of aught delightful, soft or great? 8. In rhetoric, a lively description of anything in discourse, which presents a kind of picture to the mind. 9. In optics, the figure of any object, made by rays of light proceeding from the several points of it. thus, a mirror reflects the image of a person standing before it, as does water in a vessel or stream, when undisturbed.
IM'AGE, v.t. to imagine; to copy by the imagination; to form a likeness in the mind by the fancy or recollection. And image charms he must behold no more
'.

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: 'Ye men. Eph 2:12  a worshipper. Gr. the temple-keeper.  and of. Ac 19:26; 2Th 2:10-11; 1Ti 4:2  Jupiter. Ac 14:12-13'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S35 (Verse 36)   He claimed that no one could question their religion.
  1. Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against,
  2. ye ought to be quiet,
  3. and to do nothing rashly.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

  1. The phrase Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against  means: 'He is telling them that they have nothing to get upset about'.
  2. The phrase ye ought to be quiet  means: 'Here he appeals to them to each personally (ye)  act like rational law abiding citizens'.
  3. The phrase and to do nothing rashly  means: 'Here he appeals to them to not cause trouble'.


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 1Timothy 2:1-2 about the word quiet.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 dictionary defines quiet as: '1. Still; being in a state of rest; now moving. Judges 16. 2. Still; free from alarm or disturbance; unmolested; as a quiet life. In his days the land was quiet ten years. 2Chron. 14. 3. Peaceable; not turbulent; not giving offense; not exciting controversy, disorder or trouble; mild; meek; contented. the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. 1Peter 3. 1Thess. 4. 4. Calm; not agitated by wind; as a quiet sea or atmosphere. 5. Smooth; unruffled. 6. Undisturbed; unmolested; as the quiet possession or enjoyment of an estate. 7. Not crying; not restless; as a quiet child.
QUI'ET, n. L. quiets. 1. Rest; repose; stillness; the state of a thing not in motion. 2. Tranquility; freedom from disturbance or alarm; civil or political repose. Our country enjoys quiet. 3. Peace; security. Judges 18.
QUI'ET, v.t. 1. to stop motion; to still; to reduce to a state of rest; as, to quiet corporeal motion. 2. to calm; to appease; to pacify; to lull; to tranquilize; as, to quiet the soul when agitated; to quiet the passions; to quiet the clamors of a nation; to quiet the disorders of a city or town. 3. to allay; to suppress; as, to quiet pain or grief.
'  God tells us to be quiet  so that we can hear Him.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'ye ought. Ac 5:35-39; Pr 14:29; 25:8'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S36 (Verse 37)   He told them that they had no reason to be upset with the companions of Paul..
  1. For ye have brought hither these men,
  2. which are neither robbers of churches,
  3. nor yet blasphemers of your goddess .

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.

Please see the note for Matthew 8:29 about the word hither.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. 1. to this place; used with verbs signifying motion; as, to come hither; to proceed hither; to bring hither. 2. Hither and thither, to this place and that. 3. to this point; to this argument or topic; to this end. Little used and not to be encouraged. Hither we refer whatever belongs to the highest perfection of man.
HITH'ER, a. Nearest; towards the person speaking; as on the hither side of a hill; the hither end of the building
'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:5-8 about the words rob / robbery.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. 1. In law, the forcible and felonious taking from the person of another any money or goods, putting him in fear, that is, by violence or by menaces of death or personal injury. Robbery differs from theft, as it is a violent felonious taking from the person or presence of another; whereas theft is a felonious taking of goods privately from the person, dwelling, etc. of another. these words should not be confounded. 2. A plundering; a pillaging; a taking away by violence, wrong or oppression'.

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 notes for Mark 2:6-7 about the word blasphemy.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Speaking evil of God'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'which. Ac 25:8; 1Co 10:32; 2Co 6:3'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S37 (Verse 38)   the townclerk gave them the right solution.
  1. Equivalent Section:  He identified the true original source of the problem.
    1. Wherefore if Demetrius,
    2. and the craftsmen which are with him,
    3. have a matter against any man,
    4. the law is open,
    5. and there are deputies:.
  2. Equivalent Section:  He told them that Demetrius and the others could sue at law.
    1. let them implead one another.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.

Here, the townclerk told the people that they did not need to get into trouble because Demetrius decided to try and start a riot instead of sueing in courtlike was lawful.  The townclerk is telling them something which we should all be careful about.  They almost got their entire town in trouble, and almost had the Roman army coming in to bust heads, because someone else had a problem which he did not want to deal with lawfully and proper.  Therefore, we all need to be careful about getting involved in someone else's problem because we can end up paying more that we want to for something which will be no loss to us.


Please see the note for Romans intro about the word wherefore.  The functional definition for this word is: 'what follows the wherefore is a future result that is based upon what came before the wherefore and seen wherever you look'.

Please see the note for Acts 18:3 about the word craft.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Ability to make something'.  Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C3S21 about the word crafty.  Please also see the note for Galatians C5S20 about the word witchcraft.

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 notes for 1Corinthians C6S1; Galatians C2-S10 and Psalms 119 about the word law.  The functional definition for this word is: 'the set of written or commonly understood rules for acceptable behavior and which can be used by a legal system for punishing offenders'.  Please also see the note for Galatians 3:10 about the phrase book of the law.  Please also see the note for Revelation 13:8-LJC about the phrase book of the life.  Please also see the notes for Romans C3S31 and 1Corinthians 9:21-LJC about the phrase kinds of laws that apply to us tday.  Please also see the note for Romans C3S27 about the phrase law of works.  Please also see the note for Romans C3S25 about the phrase law and faith.  Please also see the note for Galatians C3S22 about the phrase Mosaic Law added.  Please also see the note for Hebrews 10:28-29 about the phrase New Testament replaces only the religious part of the Mosaic Law.  Please also see the note for Hebrews 19:29-LJC about the phrase religious part of Mosaic Law.  Please also see the note for Ephesians 4:7-LJC about the phrase righteousness of the Law.

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 Acts 13:7 about the word deputy.  The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'In the O.T. governor of a district. 1Ki 22:47; Es 8:9; 9:3. In the N.T. proconsul, one who acted as governor of a Roman province with consular power. Ac 13:7-8,12; 18:12; 19:38.'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Demetrius. Ac 19:24  have. Ac 18:14; De 17:8; 1Co 6:1  the law is open. or, the court-days are kept'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S38 (Verse 39)   they must do things lawfully.
  1. But if ye inquire anything concerning other matters,
  2. it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.

Our next sentence tells us why he is instructing them like he is.  If they continue as they are, there is a good chance that the Roman Army will be sent in to bust heads and nobody wanted that.  Therefore, after giving them that reason in the next sentence, and having given them the instructions in this and prior sentences, the last sentence in our chapter tells us that he dismissed them.


Please see the note for 2Corinthians 8:23 about the word inquire.  The functional definition for this word is: ' to ask a question; to seek for truth or information by asking questions. We will call the damsel and inquire at her mouth. Gen.24'.

Please see the note for Romans 1:1 about the word concern.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Pertaining to; regarding; having relation to'.

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 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 notes for 1Corinthians C6S1; Galatians C2-S10 and Psalms 119 about the word law.  The functional definition for this word is: 'the set of written or commonly understood rules for acceptable behavior and which can be used by a legal system for punishing offenders'.  Please also see the note for Galatians 3:10 about the phrase book of the law.  Please also see the note for Revelation 13:8-LJC about the phrase book of the life.  Please also see the notes for Romans C3S31 and 1Corinthians 9:21-LJC about the phrase kinds of laws that apply to us tday.  Please also see the note for Romans C3S27 about the phrase law of works.  Please also see the note for Romans C3S25 about the phrase law and faith.  Please also see the note for Galatians C3S22 about the phrase Mosaic Law added.  Please also see the note for Hebrews 10:28-29 about the phrase New Testament replaces only the religious part of the Mosaic Law.  Please also see the note for Hebrews 19:29-LJC about the phrase religious part of Mosaic Law.  Please also see the note for Ephesians 4:7-LJC about the phrase righteousness of the Law.

Please see the note for Hebrews 10:23-25 about the word assembly.  The functional definition for this word is: 'collected into a body; congregated'.  Please see the note for Mark 14:53 about the word assembled.  The functional definition for this word is: 'collected into a body; congregated'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'lawful. or, ordinary. Ac 19:39'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S39 (Verse 40)   Why they need to be quietly dismissed.
  1. For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar,
  2. there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

  1. The word For  means: 'This is why the instructions in the prior sentences need to be obeyed'.
  2. The phrase For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar  means: 'He is warning them that the higher officials in the Roman Government will come in demanding answers.  And the townclerk, nor any other official, will take the fall for them.  Therefore, Demetrius, the silversmiths and the unbelieving Jews might find themselves beat and jailed or even killed if they do not quietly dismiss'.
  3. The phrase there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse  means: 'There was no legal excuse for the uproar.  Therefore, there would surely be punishments given out if they did not dismiss'.


Please see the note for Matthew 5:21 about the word danger.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. Peril; risk; hazard; exposure to injury, loss, pain or other evil. Our craft is in danger to be set at nought. Acts xix. It is easy to boast of despising death, when there is no danger.
DANGER, v.t. to put in hazard; to expose to loss or injury
'.

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.

Please see the note for Mark 1:27 about the word question.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 defines this word as: '1. the act of asking; an interrogatory; as, to examine by question and answer. 2. that which is asked; something proposed which is to be solved by answer. What is the question? 3. Inquiry; disquisition; discussion. It is to be put to question, whether it is lawful for christian princes to make an invasive war, simply for the propagation of the faith. 4. Dispute or subject of debate. there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews, about purifying. John 3. 5. Doubt; controversy; dispute. the story is true beyond all question. this does not bring their truth in question. 6. Trial; examination; judicial trial or inquiry. Of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. Acts 23. Acts 24. 7. Examination by torture. 8. Endeavor; effort; act of seeking. Not in use. 9. In logic, a proposition stated by way of interrogation. In question, in debate; in the course of examination or discussion; as, the matter or point in question'.

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 note for Mark 14:2 about the word uproar.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Great tumult; violent disturbance and noise; bustle and clamor. the Jews who believed not - set all the city in an uproar. Act. 17. Horror thus prevail'd, and wild uproar'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians C2S5 about the word cause.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Basically, the source of a result.  It can also be an action in court, or any legal process whereby someone demands his supposed right'.  Please also see the note for Romans C1S10 about the word because.  Please also see the note for John 15:25 about the phrase without cause.  In John 15:25, we read that the prophecy was fulfilled about Jesus  that: They hated me without a cause.  Please also see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of the truth.

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 note for 1Corinthians C4S1 about the word account.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A sum stated on paper; a registry of a debt or credit; of debts and credits, or charges; an entry in a book or on paper of things bought or sold, of payments, services etc., including the names of the parties to the transaction, date, and price or value of the thing. Account signifies a single entry or charge, or a statement of a number of particular debts and credits, in a book or on a separate paper; and in the plural, is used for the books containing such entries. 2. A computation of debts and credits, or a general statement of particular sums. 3. A computation or mode of reckoning; applied to other things, than money or trade; as the Julian account of time. 4. Narrative; relation; statement of facts; recital of particular transactions and events, verbal or written; as an account of the revolution in France. Hence, 5. An assignment of reasons; explanation by a recital of particular transactions, given by a person in an employment, or to a superior, often implying responsibility. Give an account of thy stewardship. Luke, 16. Without responsibility or obligation. He giveth not account of his matters. Job, 33. 6. Reason or consideration, as a motive; as on all accounts, on every account. 7. Value; importance; estimation; that is, such a state of persons or things, as renders them worthy of more or less estimation; as men of account of him. Ps. 144. 8. Profit; advantage; that is, a result or production worthy of estimation. to find our account in a pursuit; to turn to account. 9. Regard; behalf; sake; a sense deduced from charges on book; as on account of public affairs. Put that to mine account. Philem. 18. to make account, that is, to have a pervious opinion or expectation, is a sense now obsolete. A writ of account, in law, is a writ which the plaintiff brings demanding that the defendant should render his just account, or show good cause to the contrary; call also an action of account'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'we are. Ac 17:5-8  uproar. Ac 20:1; 21:31,38; 1Ki 1:41; Mt 26:5'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C19-S40 (Verse 41)   He told them to go homeans they went.
  1. And when he had thus spoken,
  2. he dismissed the assembly.

Acts 19:21-41 tells us that Paul purposed in the spirit further travels in the mission field and he sent Timotheus and Erastus  ahead where he planned to go but he himself stayed in Asia for a seasonAnd the same time there arose no small stir about that way  because a silversmith felt he was losing money by not being able to sell idols of the false god Diana.  They got everybody upset and dragged a believer to the townclerk.  But he told them that their religious dispute was not a civil matter and that if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  He then told them that the higher Roman authority would come down on them for their illegal actions and dismissed them.


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'.

We find forms of the word dismissed  only in: 2Chronicles 23:8; Acts 15:30; Acts 19:41.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'pp. Sent away; permitted to depart; removed from office or employment'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 10:23-25 about the word assembly.  The functional definition for this word is: 'collected into a body; congregated'.  Please see the note for Mark 14:53 about the word assembled.  The functional definition for this word is: 'collected into a body; congregated'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'when. Pr 15:1-2; Ec 9:17  he dismissed. Ps 65:7; 2Co 1:8-10'.


HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary

Acts Chapter 20

Chapter theme is: the End of Paul's Mission Trips.

links to sentences in this chapter: 
C20-S1 (Verse 1), C20-S2 (Verse 2-3), C20-S3 (Verse 3), C20-S4 (Verse 4), C20-S5 (Verse 5), C20-S6 (Verse 6), C20-S7 (Verse 7), C20-S8 (Verse 8), C20-S9 (Verse 9), C20-S10 (Verse 10), C20-S11 (Verse 11), C20-S12 (Verse 12), C20-S13 (Verse 13), C20-S14 (Verse 14), C20-S15 (Verse 15), C20-S16 (Verse 16), C20-S17 (Verse 17), C20-S18 (Verse 18-21), C20-S19 (Verse 22-23), C20-S20 (Verse 24), C20-S21 (Verse 25), C20-S22 (Verse 26), C20-S23 (Verse 27), C20-S24 (Verse 28), C20-S25 (Verse 29), C20-S26 (Verse 30), C20-S27 (Verse 31), C20-S28 (Verse 32), C20-S29 (Verse 33), C20-S30 (Verse 34), C20-S31 (Verse 35), C20-S32 (Verse 36), C20-S33 (Verse 37-38), C20-S34 (Verse 38)'.

Acts 20:1-6 tells us Paul left Ephesus and went to Macedonia and exhorted the brethren.  Then he went to Greece for three months.  And when the Jews laid wait for him...he purposed to return through Macedonia.  And, Paul had others traveling with him.  Then he, and others, traveled to Troas and stayed five days.

Acts 20:7-12 tells about Paul preaching a long time and a young man falling asleep and then falling from a window to his death.  (Don't fall asleep in church!)  Paul raised him from the dead and they continued to talk till day.

Acts 20:13-21 tells us Paul's travels back to Jerusalem to be there on the day of Pentecost.

Acts 20:22-38 tells us that at Ephesus Paul told the elders And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Paul continued his message through the end of the chapter.  He expected to never return to Ephesus.

Start of Chapter
C20-S1 (Verse 1)   Paul left for Macedonia after the uproar was ceased.
  1. And after the uproar was ceased,
  2. Paul called unto  him the disciples,
  3. and embraced  them,
  4. and departed for to go into Macedonia .

Acts 20:1-6 tells us Paul left Ephesus and went to Macedonia and exhorted the brethren.  Then he went to Greece for three months.  And when the Jews laid wait for him...he purposed to return through Macedonia.  And, Paul had others traveling with him.  Then he, and others, traveled to Troas and stayed five days.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

  1. The word And  means: 'This sentence is added to the prior sentences in the prior chapter.  This chapter continues the report of Paul's mission trip and ends with him determined to go to Jerusalem, which was when and where he was arrested'.
  2. The phrase after the uproar was ceased  means: 'This was when Paul decided to move on'.
  3. The phrase Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them  means: 'Paul expressed his love for the brethren before leaving'.
  4. The phrase and departed for to go into Macedonia  means: 'This was where he planned to go next.  He may or may not have had any idea, but this was his good-by trip visiting the churches that he started'.


Please see the note for Mark 14:2 about the word uproar.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Great tumult; violent disturbance and noise; bustle and clamor. the Jews who believed not - set all the city in an uproar. Act. 17. Horror thus prevail'd, and wild uproar'.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 Hebrews 11:13 about the word embrace.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To seize eagerly; to lay hold on; to receive or take with willingness that which is offered'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'after. Ac 19:23-41  embraced. Ac 20:10,37; 21:5-6; Ge 48:10; 1Sa 20:41-42; Ro 16:16; 1Co 16:20; 2Co 13:12; 1Th 5:26  to go. Ac 19:21; 1Co 16:5; 2Co 7:5; 1Ti 1:3'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S2 (Verse 2-3)   Paul exhorted the people in Macedonia and then moved to Greece.
  1. And when he had gone over those parts,
  2. and had given them much exhortation,
  3. he came into Greece,
  4. And  there abode three months.

Acts 20:1-6 tells us Paul left Ephesus and went to Macedonia and exhorted the brethren.  Then he went to Greece for three months.  And when the Jews laid wait for him...he purposed to return through Macedonia.  And, Paul had others traveling with him.  Then he, and others, traveled to Troas and stayed five days.

All throughout this chapter, we read that Paul is exhorting the brethren everywhere he goes.  That is what he wanted to be remembered for.


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.

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 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'.

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: 'Cir. A.M. 4064. A.D. 60.  Those. Ac 20:6; 16:12; 17:1,10  given. Ac 20:7,11; 2:40; 14:22; 15:41; Col 1:28; 1Th 2:3,11; 4:1  Greece. that is Greece properly so called, bounded on the west by Epirus, on the east by the Aegean sea, on the north by Macedonia, and on the south by the Peloponnesus. In its largest acceptation it also comprehended all Macedonia, thessaly, Epirus, Peloponnesus, and the near by islands. Zec 9:13'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S3 (Verse 3)   Paul found out that the unbelieving Jews planned to attack him.  Therefore, he changed the route that he took to Jerusalem.
  1. And when the Jews laid wait for him,
  2. as he was about to sail into Syria,
  3. he purposed to return through Macedonia .

Acts 20:1-6 tells us Paul left Ephesus and went to Macedonia and exhorted the brethren.  Then he went to Greece for three months.  And when the Jews laid wait for him...he purposed to return through Macedonia.  And, Paul had others traveling with him.  Then he, and others, traveled to Troas and stayed five days.


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 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 Acts 1:1 about the word wait.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'The sense is to stop, or to continue. 1. to stay or rest in expectation; to stop or remain stationary, till the arrival of some person or event. thus we say, I went to the place of meeting, and there waited an hour for the moderator or chairman. I will go to the hotel, and there wait till you come. We will wait for the mail. 2. to stay proceedings, or suspend any business, in expectation of some person, event, or the arrival of some hour. the court was obliged to wait for a witness. 3. to rest in expectation and patience. All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Job 14. 4. to stay; not to depart. Haste, my dear father, tis no time to wait. 5. to stay; to continue by reason of hindrance. 6. to lie in ambush, as an enemy.
Such ambush waited to intercept thy way. to wait on or upon, to attend, as a servant; to perform menial services for; as, to wait on a gentleman; to wait on the table. to wait on, 1. to attend; to go to see; to visit on business or for ceremony. Tell the gentleman I will wait on him at ten oclock. 2. to pay servile or submissive attendance. 3. to follow, as a consequence; as the ruin that waits on such a supine temper. Instead of this, we use await. 4. to look watchfully. It is a point of cunning to wait on him with whom you speak, with your eye. Unusual. 5. to attend to; to perform. Aaron and his sons shall wait on their priests office. Numbers 3, 8. Romans 12. 6. to be ready to serve; to obey. Psalm 25. Proverbs 20. to wait at, to attend in service; to perform service at. 1 Corinthians 9. to wait for, to watch, as an enemy. Job 15
'.  Please also see the note for Luke 2:25 about the word waiting.

Please see the note for Luke 8:23 about the word sail.  The functional definition for this word is: 'pp. Passed in ships or other water craft'.

Please see the note for Galatians 1:21-23 about Syria.  The functional definition for this word is: '(The highlands lying between the Euphrates River and the Mediterranean Sea) Called ARAM, from the son of Shem: Ge 10:22-23; Nu 23:7; 1Ch 1:17; 2:23; During the time of Abraham it seems to have embraced the region between the Tigris River and the Euphrates River'.

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'.

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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the Jews. Ac 20:19; 9:23-24; 23:12-15; 25:3; Ezr 8:31; Pr 1:11; Jer 5:26; 2Co 7:5; 11:26  sail. Ac 18:18; 21:3; Ga 1:21  he purposed. Ac 19:21; 2Co 1:15'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S4 (Verse 4)   this sentence lists several of the companions of Paul, at this time.
  1. First Step:  the companions from Berea.
    1. And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea;
  2. Second Step: The companions from thessalonica.
    1. and of the thessalonians,
    2. Aristarchus and Secundus;.
  3. Third Step:  the companions from Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia.
    1. and Gaius of Derbe,
    2. and Timotheus;.
  4. Fourth Step: The companions from Asia.
    1. and of Asia,
    2. Tychicus and Trophimus.

Acts 20:1-6 tells us Paul left Ephesus and went to Macedonia and exhorted the brethren.  Then he went to Greece for three months.  And when the Jews laid wait for him...he purposed to return through Macedonia.  And, Paul had others traveling with him.  Then he, and others, traveled to Troas and stayed five days.

Although Luke does not mention himself in this list, our next sentence uses the word us.  Therefore, he was part of this group.  We need to be careful about believing that lists, found in the Bible, are exhaustive.  Some are, but most are not.

Please notice that most of the major places where Paul started a church have representatives with him on this trip.  This assured that the churches had some connection with each other after Paul was gone.


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.

The functional definition for the word Asia  is: 'An area of the world where Paul started churches.  While these people in Asia were saved through the ministry of Paul, they were willing to forsake him and choose religion which excused their sin'.

The Jews of Asia are frequently mentioned as causing trouble for the church.  On Paul's first missionary trip, he was forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia  (Acts 16:6).  They were also involved in causing the arrest of Paul by telling lies about his teaching in the Jerusalem Church.  Even today, people in this region are involved in never-ending religious wars.  Please see the note for 2Timothy C1S9 about Asia.  It has linke to every place where the Bible mentions Asia.  along with a short note about each reference.

The Thessalonians  were from the church in thessalonica.  Please see the note for Philippians 4:16 about this church.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 8:18-21 about Gaius.  Amont other things, 3John was written to him.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 4:12 about Tychicus.  We find Tychicus  mentioned in: Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7; Colossians 4:18; our current sentence and Titus 3:12.  He was a preacher trained and used by Paul but was not one of the three whom Paul called son.  Therefore, he did not have the same character as Paul.

Please see the notes for Romans C16S27 and Philippians 2:19 about Timothy / Timotheus.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Timotheus  (Timothy) was Paul's main disciple. He is one of only three (Timothy, Titus and Onesimus) that Paul called son  because he had the same character in the ministry as Paul had'.

Please also see the references provided by the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, below, for more information about people and places which I did mot mention above.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Sopater. Ro 16:21 Sosipater.  Berea. Ac 17:10-12  Aristarchus. Ac 19:29; 27:2; Col 4:10; Phm 1:24  Gaius. Ro 16:23; 3Jo 1:1  Derbe. Ac 14:6,20; 2Co 8:23-24  Timotheus. Ac 16:1; 2Co 1:1,19; Php 2:19; 1Ti 1:1; 2Ti 1:2 exp: Ro 16:21; 1Th 1:1.  Tychicus. Eph 6:21; Col 4:7; 2Ti 4:12; Tit 3:12  Trophimus. Ac 21:29; 2Ti 4:20'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S5 (Verse 5)   Some went ahead of others.These going before tarried for us at Troas.

Acts 20:1-6 tells us Paul left Ephesus and went to Macedonia and exhorted the brethren.  Then he went to Greece for three months.  And when the Jews laid wait for him...he purposed to return through Macedonia.  And, Paul had others traveling with him.  Then he, and others, traveled to Troas and stayed five days.

The people mentioned in the prior sentence went to Troas before Paul and others.  Please notice the use of the word us.  Luke was also traveling with Paul, at this time, and there may very well have been others.


Please see the note for 1Corinthians 11:33 about the word tarry.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to stay; to abide; to continue; to lodge. Tarry all night and wash your feet. Gen.19. 2. to stay behind. Ex.12. 3. to stay in expectation; to wait. Tarry ye here for us, till we come again to you. Ex.24. 4. to delay; to put off going or coming; to defer. Come down to me, tarry not. Gen.45. 5. to remain; to stay. He that telleth lies, shall not tarry in my sight. Ps.101. TAR'RY, v.t. to wait for. I cannot tarry dinner. Not in use'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:12-13 for links to every place in the Bible where we find mention of Troas.  Fausset's Bible Dictionary writes about Troas  as: 'Alexandria Troas, now Eshki Stamboul, "old Constantinople." A city of Mysia, S. of ancient Troy, opposite the island Tenedos. the country was called the Troad. Antigonus built and Lysimachus enlarged. Troas. It was the chief port between Macedonia and Asia Minor. the roads to the interior were good. Suetonius says Julius Caesar designed to establish there the seat of his empire (Caesar, 79); Augustus and Constantine meditated the same project. Roman sentiment attracted them to Troas, the alleged seat from whence Aeueas, the fabled progenitor of Rome's founder, originally migrated. the rains are large, and the harbour still traceable, a basin 400 ft. by 200 ft. Here on his second missionary tour Paul saw the vision of the man of Macedon praying, "come over and help us" (Ac 16:8-12).
During his next missionary tour Paul rested a while in his northward journey from Ephesus, hoping to meet Titus (2Co 2:12-13). On his return from this his first gospel preaching in Europe, he met at Troas those who went before him front Philippi; he stayed at T. seven days, and here restored to life Eutychus who had fallen from the third loft, being overwhelmed with sleep during Paul's long sermon: a reproof of carelessness and drowsiness in church on the one hand, and of long and late preaching on the other (Ac 20:5-13). Here after his first imprisonment he left his cloak, books, and parchments in Carpus' house (2Ti 4:13). Troas had then the jus Italicum. Beautiful coins of Troas are extant, the oldest bearing the head of Apollo Sminthius. the walls enclose a rectangle, one mile from E. to W. and one mile from N. to S.
'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Troas. Troas was a maritime city and country of Phrygia, in Asia Minor, anciently called Dardania, lying on the Hellespont, west of Mysia Ac 16:8,11; 2Co 2:12; 2Ti 4:13'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S6 (Verse 6)   the next phase of travel.
  1. First Step:  When they went to Troas.
    1. And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread,
    2. and came unto them to Troas in five days;.
  2. Second Step:  How long they stayed.
    1. where we abode seven days.

Acts 20:1-6 tells us Paul left Ephesus and went to Macedonia and exhorted the brethren.  Then he went to Greece for three months.  And when the Jews laid wait for him...he purposed to return through Macedonia.  And, Paul had others traveling with him.  Then he, and others, traveled to Troas and stayed five days.

The days of unleavened bread  were the God ordained feast of Passover.  Apparently, they celebrated the feast at Greece then moved to Philippi, where they caught a ship Troas.


Please see the note for Luke 8:23 about the word sail.  The functional definition for this word is: 'pp. Passed in ships or other water craft'.

Please see the note for James 1:10 about the word away.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Absent; at a distance; as, the master is away from home. Have me away, for I am wounded. 2Chron. 35. 2. It is much used with words signifying moving or going from; as, go away, send away, run away, etc.; all signifying departure, or separation to a distance. Sometimes without the verb; as, whither away so fast. Love hath wings and will away. 3. As an exclamation, it is a command or invitation to depart; away, that is, be gone, or let us go. "Away with him." Take him away. 4. With verbs, it serves to modify their sense and form peculiar phrases; as, to throw away, to cast from, to give up, dissipate or foolishly destroy. to trifle away, to lose or expend in trifles, or in idleness. to drink away, to squander away, etc., to dissipate in drinking or extravagance. to make away, is to kill or destroy. 5. Away with has a peculiar signification in the phrase, "I cannot away with it." Isa. 1. the sense is, "I cannot bear or endure it."'.  Please also see the note for Romans C11S19 about the phrase cast away.  Please also see the note for Romans C11S1 about the phrase God will not cast away his people.  Please also see the note for John 6:67 about the phrase go away.  Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:17 about the phrase passed away.  Please also see the note for Matthew 19:3 about the phrase put away.

Please see the note for Philippians 4:15 about Philippi.  The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this city as: 'City in the east of Macedonia. It was founded by Philip the father of Alexander the Great, from whom it derived its name. It was the first European city visited by Paul. His preaching was blessed to the conversion of Lydia and others. On his casting out a spirit of divination from the young woman who followed him, a tumult was raised, and Paul and Silas were scourged and cast into prison; but this happily led to the conversion of the jailer and his household. Ac 16:12-40. Paul visited the place for a short time afterwards. Ac 20:6. to the church gathered there the Epistle to the Philippians was written. Php 1:1; 1Th 2:2. Extensive ruins are all that are left of the ancient city, now called Kavalla. It was the chief city, not of all Macedonia, but of that part of it'.

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 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.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word bread.  The functional definition for this word is: 'The word signifies food in general, or that which is eaten'.  Please also see the Minor Titles of the Son of God Section, of the Significant Gospel Events Study, for links to this word is used symbolically for a title for Jesus.  Please also see the note for Matthew 12:4 about the word shewbread.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:12-13 for links to every place in the Bible where we find mention of Troas.  Fausset's Bible Dictionary writes about Troas  as: 'Alexandria Troas, now Eshki Stamboul, "old Constantinople." A city of Mysia, S. of ancient Troy, opposite the island Tenedos. the country was called the Troad. Antigonus built and Lysimachus enlarged. Troas. It was the chief port between Macedonia and Asia Minor. the roads to the interior were good. Suetonius says Julius Caesar designed to establish there the seat of his empire (Caesar, 79); Augustus and Constantine meditated the same project. Roman sentiment attracted them to Troas, the alleged seat from whence Aeueas, the fabled progenitor of Rome's founder, originally migrated. the rains are large, and the harbour still traceable, a basin 400 ft. by 200 ft. Here on his second missionary tour Paul saw the vision of the man of Macedon praying, "come over and help us" (Ac 16:8-12).
During his next missionary tour Paul rested a while in his northward journey from Ephesus, hoping to meet Titus (2Co 2:12-13). On his return from this his first gospel preaching in Europe, he met at Troas those who went before him front Philippi; he stayed at T. seven days, and here restored to life Eutychus who had fallen from the third loft, being overwhelmed with sleep during Paul's long sermon: a reproof of carelessness and drowsiness in church on the one hand, and of long and late preaching on the other (Ac 20:5-13). Here after his first imprisonment he left his cloak, books, and parchments in Carpus' house (2Ti 4:13). Troas had then the jus Italicum. Beautiful coins of Troas are extant, the oldest bearing the head of Apollo Sminthius. the walls enclose a rectangle, one mile from E. to W. and one mile from N. to S.
'.

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: 'Philippi. Ac 16:12; Php 1:1; 1Th 2:2  the days. Ac 12:3; Ex 12:14-15,18-20; 13:6-7; 23:15; 34:18; 1Co 5:7-8  came. 2Ti 4:13  seven. Ac 21:4,8; 28:14'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S7 (Verse 7)   What happened at Troas.
  1. First Step:  Paul preached most of the night because he was leaving the next day and would not return.
    1. And upon the first  day of the week,
    2. when the disciples came together to break bread,
    3. Paul preached unto them,
    4. ready to depart on the morrow;.
  2. Second Step: How long he was preaching.
    1. and continued his speech until midnight.

Acts 20:7-12 tells about Paul preaching a long time and a young man falling asleep and then falling from a window to his death.  (Don't fall asleep in church!)  Paul raised him from the dead and they continued to talk till day.

A foolish boy fell asleep in a window during the preaching, fell out and died, and Paul revived him.

The prior written, most people, of today, who claim to be saved would have gotten up and left.  Please realize that our sentence says that Paul preached from when the disciples came together to break bread  until midnight.  Some would be blatant and some would pretend to go to the bathroom and not return.  So, people can criticize this young man,  but many would have done something similar.


Please see the note for John 20:1 about the phrase first day of the week.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Sunday'.

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 Matthew 5:19 about the words break / brake / broke.  The functional definition for this word is: ' to part or divide by force and violence, as a solid substance; to rend apart; as, to break a band; to break a thread or a cable'.  Please also see the note for Luke 12:39 about the word broken.  Please also see the note for Romans C11S21 about the phrase broken off.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word bread.  The functional definition for this word is: 'The word signifies food in general, or that which is eaten'.  Please also see the Minor Titles of the Son of God Section, of the Significant Gospel Events Study, for links to this word is used symbolically for a title for Jesus.  Please also see the note for Matthew 12:4 about the word shewbread.

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.

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'.

Please see the note for Acts 17:11 about the words readiness / ready.  Webster's 1828 defines the word ready  as: 'a. red'y. Eng. to rid; redo, ready; rida, to ride; bereda, to prepare. Gr. easy. the primary sense is to go, move, or advance forward, and it seems to be clear that ready, ride, read, riddle, are all of one family, and probably from the root of L. gradior. See Read and Red.  1. Quick; prompt; not hesitating; as ready wit; a ready consent.  2. Quick to receive or comprehend; not slow or dull; as a ready apprehension.  3. Quick in action or execution; dextrous; as an artist ready in his business; a ready writer. Ps. 45.  4. Prompt; not delayed present in hand. He makes ready payment; he pays ready money for every thing he buys.  5. Prepared; fitted; furnished with what is necessary, or disposed in a manner suited to the purpose; as a ship ready for sea.  My oxen and fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Matt 22.  6. Willing; free; cheerful to do or suffer; not backward or reluctant; as a prince always ready to grant the reasonable requests of his subjects.  The spirit is ready, but the flesh is weak. Mark 14.  I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 21.  7. Willing; disposed. Men are generally ready to impute blame to others. they are more ready to give than to take reproof.  8. Being at the point; near; not distant; about to do or suffer.  A Syrian ready to perish was my father. Deut. 26. Job 29. Ps. 88.  9. Being nearest or at hand.  A sapling pine he wrench'd from out the ground, the readiest weapon that his fury found.  10. Easy; facile; opportune; short; near, or most convenient; the Greek sense.  Sometimes the readiest way which a wise man has to conquer, is to flee.  Through the wild desert, not the readiest way.  The ready way to be thought mad, is to contend you are not so.  1. to make ready, to prepare; to provide and put in order.  2. An elliptical phrase, for make things ready; to make preparations; to prepare.  READY, adv. red'y. In a state of preparation, so as to need no delay.  We ourselves will go ready armed before the house of Israel. Num. 32.
READY, n. red'y. forready money.  Lord Strut was not flush in ready, either to go to law, or to clear old debts. A low word.
'.  Webster's 1828 defines the word readiness  as: 'n. red'iness. from ready.  1. Quickness; promptness; promptitude; facility; freedom from hinderance or obstruction; as readiness of speech; readiness of thought; readiness of mind in suggesting an answer; readiness of reply.  2. Promptitude; cheerfulness; willingness; alacrity; freedom from reluctance; as, to grant a request or assistance with readiness.  They received the word with all readiness of mind. Acts 17.  3. A state of preparation; fitness of condition. the troops are in readiness'.

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 Mark 11:12-13 about the word morrow.  The functional definition for this word is: 'The day next after the present'.

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.

The word speechless  means: 'not able to make a speech, not able to say anything'.  Please see the note for 2Corinthians 3:12-14 about the word speech.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'the faculty of uttering articulate sounds or words, as in human beings; the faculty of expressing thoughts by words or articulate sounds. Speech was given to man by his Creator for the noblest purposes. 2. Language; words as expressing ideas. the acts of God to human ears cannot without process of speech be told. 3. A particular language, as distinct form others. Ps. 19. 4. that which is spoken; words uttered in connection and expressing thoughts. You smile at my speech. 5. Talk; mention; common saying. the duke did of me demand, what was the speech among the londoners concerning the French journey. 6. formal discourse in public; oration; harangue. the member has made his first speech in the legislature. 7. Any declaration of thoughts. I, with leave of speech implor'd, repli'd. SPEECH, v.i. to make a speech; to harangue. Little used'.

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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the first. Joh 20:1,19,26; 1Co 16:2; Re 1:10 exp: Mr 16:9.  The disciples. 1Co 11:17-21,33-34  to break. Ac 20:11; 2:42,46; Lu 22:19; 24:35; 1Co 10:16; 11:20-34  and continued. Ac 20:9,11,31; 28:23; Ne 8:3; 9:3; 1Co 15:10; 2Ti 4:2  General references. exp: Ex 20:11.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S8 (Verse 8)   the conditions where Paul preached.
  1. And there were many lights in the upper chamber,
  2. where they were gathered together.

Acts 20:7-12 tells about Paul preaching a long time and a young man falling asleep and then falling from a window to his death.  (Don't fall asleep in church!)  Paul raised him from the dead and they continued to talk till day.

People in the center of the room would have found it easier to stay awake due to the many lights in the upper chamber.


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 24:26 about the word chamber.  The functional definition for this word is: 'A room'.  Please also see the note for Romans 13:13 about the word chambering.

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'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'in. Ac 1:13; Lu 22:12'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S9 (Verse 9)   the accident.
  1. Equivalent Section:  the conditions of the accident.
    1. And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus,
    2. being fallen into a deep sleep:.
  2. Equivalent Section: Why the accident happened.
    1. and as Paul was long preaching,
    2. he sunk down with sleep,
    3. and fell down from the third loft,
    4. and was taken up dead.

Acts 20:7-12 tells about Paul preaching a long time and a young man falling asleep and then falling from a window to his death.  (Don't fall asleep in church!)  Paul raised him from the dead and they continued to talk till day.  Please see the New Testament Significant Events Study for links to other miracles reported in the New Testament outside of the Gospels.


Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:33 about the word window.  Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'properly only an opening in a house for the admission of light and air, covered with lattice-work, which might be opened or closed (2Ki 1:2; Ac 20:9). the spies in Jericho and Paul at Damascus were let down from the windows of houses abutting on the town wall (Jos 2:15; 2Co 11:33). the clouds are metaphorically called the "windows of heaven" (Ge 7:11; Mal 3:10). the word thus rendered in Isa 54:12 ought rather to be rendered "battlements" (LXX., "bulwarks;" R.V., "pinnacles"), or as Gesenius renders it, "notched battlements, i.e., suns or rays of the sun"= having a radiated appearance like the sun'.

Please see the note for Luke 15:11-12 about the word young.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Not having been long born; being in the first part of life; not old; used of animals; as a young child; a young man; a young fawn. 2. Being in the first part of growth; as a young plant; a young tree. 3. Ignorant; weak; or rather, having little experience. Come, elder brother, thourt too young in this. YOUNG, n. the offspring of animals, either a single animal, or offspring collectively. the cow will take care of her young, as will the hen. Animals make provision for their young'.  Please also see the note for Romans 9:10-12 about the word younger.  Please also see the note for Mark 10:20 about the word youth.

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.

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'.

Please see the notes for Luke 5:4 and Matthew 13:22 about the word deep.  Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Ro 10:7, "who shall descend into the deep?" A proverb for impossibility: "say not in thine heart, I wish one could bring Christ up from the dead, but it is impossible." Nay, salvation "is nigh thee," only "believe" in the Lord Jesus raised from the dead, "and thou shalt be saved." Greek abyss (Lu 8:31), literally, the bottomless place. Translated in Re 9:1-2,11; 11:7,17, "bottomless pit." the demons in the Gadarene besought not to be cast into the abyss, i.e. before their time, the day of final judgment. 2Pe 2:4; they are "delivered into chains of darkness, and reserved unto judgment."
They are free to hurt meanwhile, like a chained beast, only to the length of their chain (Jg 1:6). the "darkness of this present world," the "air" (Eph 2:2), is their peculiar element; they look forward with agonizing fear to their final torment in the bottomless pit (Re 20:10). Language is used as though the abyss were in the lowest depth of our earth. We do not know whether this is literal, or an accommodation to human conceptions, to express the farthest removal from the heavenly light
'.

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 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.

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 word sunk  is the past-tense form of the word sink.  Please see the note for Luke 5:7 about the word sink.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To fall by the force of greater gravity, in a medium or substance of less specific gravity; to subside'.

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: 'being. Jon 1:5-6; Mt 26:40-41; Mr 13:36  the third. 1Ki 17:19  and was. Ac 14:19; Mr 9:26'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S10 (Verse 10)   Paul revived the young man.
  1. First Step:  Paul revived him.
    1. And Paul went down,
    2. and fell on him,
    3. and embracing  him said,
    4. Trouble not yourselves;.
  2. Second Step:  Paul assured them that he was alive.
    1. for his life is in him.

Acts 20:7-12 tells about Paul preaching a long time and a young man falling asleep and then falling from a window to his death.  (Don't fall asleep in church!)  Paul raised him from the dead and they continued to talk till day.


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 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'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 11:13 about the word embrace.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To seize eagerly; to lay hold on; to receive or take with willingness that which is offered'.

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 Galatians C5-S10 about the word trouble.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Disturbance of mind; agitation; commotion of spirits; perplexity; a word of very extensive application. 1. Affliction; calamity'.

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: 'and fell. 1Ki 17:21-22; 2Ki 4:34-35  Trouble. Mt 9:24; Mr 5:39; Lu 7:13; Joh 11:11,40  General references. exp: 2Ki 4:34.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S11 (Verse 11)   What they did after the young man was revived.
  1. When he therefore was come up again,
  2. and had broken bread,
  3. and eaten,
  4. and talked a long while,
  5. even till break of day,
  6. so he departed.

Acts 20:7-12 tells about Paul preaching a long time and a young man falling asleep and then falling from a window to his death.  (Don't fall asleep in church!)  Paul raised him from the dead and they continued to talk till day.

The incident just reported probably happened just after midnight.  And, our sentence is telling us that they ate and had fellowship until the break of day.  That is when Paul departed.


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 Matthew 5:19 about the words break / brake / broke.  The functional definition for this word is: ' to part or divide by force and violence, as a solid substance; to rend apart; as, to break a band; to break a thread or a cable'.  Please also see the note for Luke 12:39 about the word broken.  Please also see the note for Romans C11S21 about the phrase broken off.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word bread.  The functional definition for this word is: 'The word signifies food in general, or that which is eaten'.  Please also see the Minor Titles of the Son of God Section, of the Significant Gospel Events Study, for links to this word is used symbolically for a title for Jesus.  Please also see the note for Matthew 12:4 about the word shewbread.

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'.

Please see the note for Matthew 22:15 about the word talk.  The functional definition for this word is: 'o converse familiarly; to speak, as in familiar discourse, when two or more persons interchange thoughts'.

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 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 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'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'and had. Ac 20:7  even. Ac 20:7,9'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S12 (Verse 12)   the church members were vastly relieved by the revival of the Young man.
  1. And they brought the young man alive,
  2. and were not a little comforted.

Acts 20:7-12 tells about Paul preaching a long time and a young man falling asleep and then falling from a window to his death.  (Don't fall asleep in church!)  Paul raised him from the dead and they continued to talk till day.

They had Paul visiting for the last time.  If it had resulted in a death, that church would not have remembered Paul, and his ministry, the way that God wanted.  That is probably God did this miracle.  Any time that a miracle is reported in the Bible, we need to look at the doctrine by it.  Reported miracles are physical examples of the doctrine which is in context with the report of the miracle.  in this case, God wanted those church members to remember the physical revival in order to also remind them of the spiritual revival which they received through Paul's preaching.

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 15:11-12 about the word young.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Not having been long born; being in the first part of life; not old; used of animals; as a young child; a young man; a young fawn. 2. Being in the first part of growth; as a young plant; a young tree. 3. Ignorant; weak; or rather, having little experience. Come, elder brother, thourt too young in this. YOUNG, n. the offspring of animals, either a single animal, or offspring collectively. the cow will take care of her young, as will the hen. Animals make provision for their young'.  Please also see the note for Romans 9:10-12 about the word younger.  Please also see the note for Mark 10:20 about the word youth.

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.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:1 about the word comfort.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To strengthen; to invigorate; to cheer or enliven'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they. Ac 20:10  were. Isa 40:1; 2Co 1:4; Eph 6:22; 1Th 3:2; 4:18; 5:11,14; 2Th 2:16'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S13 (Verse 13)   How they traveled to Assos.
  1. Equivalent Section: The others went by ship.
    1. And we went before to ship,
    2. and sailed unto Assos,
    3. there intending to take in Paul:.
  2. Equivalent Section:  Paul walked.
    1. for so had he appointed,
    2. minding himself to go afoot.

Acts 20:13-21 tells us Paul's travels back to Jerusalem to be there on the day of Pentecost.

Apparently, Paul wanted to spend time alone or only with God.


Please see the note for John 6:16-17 about the word ship.  The functional definition for this word is: 'For the most part, in the Bible, these are now called fishing boats'.  Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 20:13; Acts 20:38; Acts 21:2; Acts 21:3; Acts 21:6; Acts 27:2; Acts 27:6; Acts 27:10; Acts 27:11; Acts 27:15; Acts 27:17; Acts 27:18-19; Acts 27:22; Acts 27:30-31; Acts 27:37; Acts 27:38; Acts 27:39; Acts 27:41; Acts 27:44; Acts 28:11.

Please see the note for Luke 8:23 about the word sail.  The functional definition for this word is: 'pp. Passed in ships or other water craft'.

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.

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.

Please see the note for Luke 3:13 about the word appoint.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to fix; to settle; to establish; to make fast. When he appointed the foundations of the earth. Prov. 8. 2. to constitute, ordain, or fix by decree, order or decision. Let Pharoah appoint officers over the land. Gen. 41. He hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world. Act. 17. 3. to allot, assign or designate. Aaron and his sons shall appoint every one to his service. Num 4. these cities were appointed for all the children of Israel. Josh. 20. 4. to purpose or resolve; to fix the intention. forso he had appointed. Acts 20. 5. to ordain, command or order. thy servants are ready to do whatever my Lord the King shall appoint. 2Sam. 15. 6. to settle; to fix, name or determine by agreement; as, they appointed a time and place for the meeting'.

Please see the notes for Romans C11-S37; Romans C12-S2 and 2Corinthians C1S9 about the word mind.  The functional definition for this word is: 'the thinking process and conclusion of that process'.  Please also see the notes for Romans 11:20; 1Timothy 6:17 and 2Timothy 3:4 about the woed highminded.  Please also see the note for Romans 15:5-6 about the word likeminded.  Please also see the note for Philippians 2:5-8 about the phrase mind Jesus.  Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 2:16 about the phrase mind of Christ.

Please see the note for Matthew 4:5 about the word foot.  The functional definition for this word is: 'The orientals used to wash the feet of strangers who came off a journey, because they commonly walked with their legs bare, and their feet defended only by sandals, Ge 24:32; 43:24. So Abraham washed the feet of the three angels, Ge 18:4. this office was usually performed by servants and slaves; and hence Abigail answers David, who sought her in marriage, that she should think it an honor to wash the feet of the king's servants, 1Sa 25:41'.  Please also see the note for Hebrews 1:13 about the word footstool.  Please also see the note for Luke 1:76 about the word feet.

We find forms of the word afoot  in this sentence and in Mark 6:33.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'On foot; borne by the feet; opposed to riding.  2. In action; in a state of being planned for execution; as, a design is afoot, or on foot'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'minding. Mr 1:35; 6:31-33,46 '.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S14 (Verse 14)   Paul traveled with the rest to Mitylene.
  1. And when he met with us at Assos,
  2. we took him in,
  3. and came to Mitylene.

Acts 20:13-21 tells us Paul's travels back to Jerusalem to be there on the day of Pentecost.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Miletus. Ac 20:17; 2Ti 4:20 Miletum'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S15 (Verse 15)   three stops before Miletus.
  1. First Step:  Sailed to Chios.
    1. And we sailed thence,
    2. and came the next  day over against Chios;.
  2. Second Step: Sailed to Samos and stayed at Trogyllium.
    1. and the next  day we arrived at Samos,
    2. and tarried at Trogyllium;.
  3. Third Step:  Arrived at Miletus.
    1. and the next  day we came to Miletus.

Acts 20:13-21 tells us Paul's travels back to Jerusalem to be there on the day of Pentecost.

There are maps which show all of Paul's travels, if that is of interest to the reader. Our next sentence tells us that they went thos way in order to pass by Ephesus and not spend time in Asia.


Please see the note for Luke 8:23 about the word sail.  The functional definition for this word is: 'pp. Passed in ships or other water craft'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 11:33 about the word tarry.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to stay; to abide; to continue; to lodge. Tarry all night and wash your feet. Gen.19. 2. to stay behind. Ex.12. 3. to stay in expectation; to wait. Tarry ye here for us, till we come again to you. Ex.24. 4. to delay; to put off going or coming; to defer. Come down to me, tarry not. Gen.45. 5. to remain; to stay. He that telleth lies, shall not tarry in my sight. Ps.101. TAR'RY, v.t. to wait for. I cannot tarry dinner. Not in use'.

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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Miletus. Ac 20:17; 2Ti 4:20 Miletum'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S16 (Verse 16)   Why Paul chose the route in the prior sentence.
  1. Equivalent Section:  Why they traveled the direction which they followed.
    1. For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus,
    2. because he would not spend the time in Asia:.
  2. Equivalent Section: .Why he skipped Ephesus.
    1. for he hasted,
    2. if it were possible for him,
    3. to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

Acts 20:13-21 tells us Paul's travels back to Jerusalem to be there on the day of Pentecost.


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.

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 Luke 8:23 about the word sail.  The functional definition for this word is: 'pp. Passed in ships or other water craft'.

Please see the note for Ephesians 1:1 about Ephesus.  The functional definition for this word is: 'the capital of proconsular Asia, which was the western part of Asia Minor. It was colonized principally from Athens. In the time of the Romans it bore the title of "the first and greatest metropolis of Asia'.  That note has much more about this city.  Not only do we have the epistle to the Ephesians, But the church there is mentioned several times in the New Testament, including being one of the churches written to in Revelation.  There, the Lord Jesus Christ  accused them of thou hast left thy first love.  As explained in my Book Study on Ephesians, they did this because they mixed Bible truth with doctrinal error.

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.

The functional definition for the word Asia  is: 'An area of the world where Paul started churches.  While these people in Asia were saved through the ministry of Paul, they were willing to forsake him and choose religion which excused their sin'.

The Jews of Asia are frequently mentioned as causing trouble for the church.  On Paul's first missionary trip, he was forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia  (Acts 16:6).  They were also involved in causing the arrest of Paul by telling lies about his teaching in the Jerusalem Church.  Even today, people in this region are involved in never-ending religious wars.  Please see the note for 2Timothy C1S9 about Asia.  It has linke to every place where the Bible mentions Asia.  along with a short note about each reference.

Please see the note for John 11:31 about the words haste / hastily.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Celerity of motion; speed; swiftness; dispatch; expedition; applied only to voluntary beings, as men and other animals; never to other bodies. We never say, a ball flies with haste. the king's business required haste. l Sam.21. 2. Sudden excitement of passion; quickness; precipitance; vehemence. I said in my haste, all men are liars. Ps.116. 3. the state of being urged or pressed by business; as, I am in great haste'.

Please see the note for Mark 10:27 about the word possible.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'That may be or exist; that may be now, or may happen or come to pass; that may be done; not contrary to the nature of things. It is possible that the Greeks and Turks may now be engaged in battle. It is possible that peace of Europe may continue a century. It is not physically possible that a stream should ascend a mountain, but it is possible that the Supreme Being may suspend a law of nature, that is, his usual course of proceeding. It is not possible that 2 and 3 should be 7, or that the same action should be morally right and morally wrong'.  Please also see the note for Mark 10:27 about the word impossible.  Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 2:24; Acts 20:16; Acts 27:39.

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 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 note for Acts 2:1 about the word Pentecost.  Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'i.e., "fiftieth", found only in the New Testament (Ac 2:1; 20:16; 1Co 16:8). the festival so named is first spoken of in Ex 23:16 as "the feast of harvest," and again in Ex 34:22 as "the day of the firstfruits" (Nu 28:26). From the sixteenth of the month of Nisan (the second day of the Passover), seven complete weeks, i.e., forty-nine days, were to be reckoned, and this feast was held on the fiftieth day. the manner in which it was to be kept is described in Le 23:15-19; Nu 28:27-29. Besides the sacrifices prescribed for the occasion, every one was to bring to the Lord his "tribute of a free-will offering" (De 16:9-11). the purpose of this feast was to commemorate the completion of the grain harvest. Its distinguishing feature was the offering of "two leavened loaves" made from the new corn of the completed harvest, which, with two lambs, were waved before the Lord as a thank offering.
The day of Pentecost is noted in the Christian Church as the day on which the Spirit descended upon the apostles, and on which, under Peter's preaching, so many thousands were converted in Jerusalem (Ac 2)
'.  Smith's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'that is, the fiftieth day (from a Greek word meaning fiftieth), or Harvest Feast, or Feast of Weeks, may be regarded as a supplement to the Passover. It lasted for but one day. From the sixteenth of Nisan seven weeks were reckoned inclusively, and the next or fiftieth day was the day of Pentecost, which fell on the sixth of Sivan (about the end of May).
Ex 23:16; 34:22; Le 23:15,22; Nu 28  See Jewish calendar at the end of this volume. the Pentecost was the Jewish harvest-home, and the people were especially exhorted to rejoice before Jehovah with their families their servants, the Levite within their gates, the stranger, the fatherless and the widow in the place chosen by God for his name, as they brought a free-will offering of their hand to Jehovah their God.
De 16:10-11  the great feature of the celebration was the presentation of the two loaves made from the first-fruits of the wheat harvest. With the loaves two lambs were offered as a peace offering and all were waved before Jehovah and given to the priests; the leaves being leavened, could not be offered on the altar. the other sacrifices were, a burnt offering of a young bullock, two, rams and seven lambs with a meat and drink offering, and a kid for a sin offering.
Le 23:18-19  Till the pentecostal leaves were offered, the produce of the harvest might not be eaten, nor could any other firstfruits be offered. the whole ceremony was the completion of that dedication of the harvest to God as its giver, and to whom both the land and the people were holy, which was begun by the offering of the wave-sheaf at the Passover. the interval is still regarded as a religious season. the Pentecost is the only one of the three great feasts which is not mentioned as the memorial of events in the history of the Jews; but such a significance has been found in the fact that the law was given from Sinai on the fiftieth day after the deliverance from Egypt. Comp. Exod 12 and 19. In the exodus the people were offered to God as living first fruits; at Sinai their consecration to him as a nation was completed. the typical significance of the Pentecost is made clear from the events of the day recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 2. Just as the appearance of God on Sinai was the birthday of the Jewish nation, so was the Pentecost the birthday of the Christian Church
'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'had. Ac 20:13; 18:21; 19:21; 21:4; 12:13; 24:17; Ro 15:24-28  the day. Ac 2:1; Ex 34:22; 1Co 16:8  General references. exp: Ro 15:25'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S17 (Verse 17)   Paul called the elders of Ephesus to him.
  1. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus,
  2. and called the elders of the church.

Acts 20:13-21 tells us Paul's travels back to Jerusalem to be there on the day of Pentecost.

Notice that Paul had them come to him.  That way, he did not have to spend tile fellowshipping with all of the members.  He could also keep the visit short and focused on doctrine and the future of the church at Ephesus.


Please see the note for Ephesians 1:1 about Ephesus.  The functional definition for this word is: 'the capital of proconsular Asia, which was the western part of Asia Minor. It was colonized principally from Athens. In the time of the Romans it bore the title of "the first and greatest metropolis of Asia'.  That note has much more about this city.  Not only do we have the epistle to the Ephesians, But the church there is mentioned several times in the New Testament, including being one of the churches written to in Revelation.  There, the Lord Jesus Christ  accused them of thou hast left thy first love.  As explained in my Book Study on Ephesians, they did this because they mixed Bible truth with doctrinal error.

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.

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 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'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the elders. Ac 20:28; 11:30; 14:23; 15:4,6,23; 16:4; 1Ti 5:17; Tit 1:5; Jas 5:14; 1Pe 5:1; 2Jo 1:1; 3Jo 1:1'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S18 (Verse 18-21)   Paul's testimony.
  1. Equivalent Section:  Paul's testimony in actions.
    1. And when they were come to him,
    2. he said unto them,
    3. Ye know,
    4. from the first day that I came into Asia,
    5. after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
    6. Serving the Lord with all humility of mind,
    7. and with many tears,
    8. and temptations,
    9. which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:.
  2. Equivalent Section: Paul's testimony in doctrine.
    1.  And how I kept back nothing that was profitable  unto you,
    2. but have shewed you,
    3. and have taught you publickly,
    4. and from house to house,
    5. Testifying both to the Jews,
    6. and also to the Greeks,
    7. repentance toward God,
    8. and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ .

Acts 20:13-21 tells us Paul's travels back to Jerusalem to be there on the day of Pentecost.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

  1. The word And  means: 'This sentence is added to the prior sentence which told us that Paul sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.  This sentence gives us the testimony of Paul which he called on them to verify'.
  2. The phrase when they were come to him, he said unto them  means: 'He told them his testimony and had them agree with it'.
  3. The phrase Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia  means: 'This was when his testimony started and it continued from then to be the same as long as they knew Paul'.
  4. The phrase after what manner I have been with you at all seasons  means: 'They knew how he had acted, how he cared and how he sacrificed for them'.
  5. The phrase Serving the Lord with all humility of mind  means: 'He avoided pride in spite of many revelations and understandings beyond what other men had.  His main goal of all of his study was to Serve the Lord'.
  6. The phrase and with many tears, and temptations  means: 'They knew his trials, temptations and how he cried for the souls of others'.
  7. The phrase which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews  means: 'This happened in every city where he preached.  Yet, he continued to preach and try to lead Jews and Gentiles to salvation'.
  8. The phrase And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you  means: 'He did not make them dependent upon him, like many preachers did and still do.  He did all that he could to help them become spiritually mature and able to get guidance from God directly'.
  9. The phrase but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly  means: 'He preached and taught in public meetings'.
  10. The phrase and from house to house  means: 'He taught in private sessions when it was profitable for the other person'.
  11. The phrase Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks  means: 'He got rid of the Jewish cultural prejudices against Gentiles and treated men of all cultures the same'.
  12. The phrase repentance toward God  means: 'He preached repentance so that people could receive mercy and grace'.
  13. The phrase and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ  means: 'He taught them faith which produces obedience and results in our Lord Jesus Christ  making them righteous'.

Paul called the elders of Ephesus  to agree with the testimony of his life that would be presented at the Judgment Seat of Christ  (Romans 14:10; 2Corinthians 5:10-11).  We will all be judged either at the Great White throne judgment (Revelation 20:11) or at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10; 2Corinthians 5:10-11).  Since Paul recognized that he might not see them face-to-face again, he was making sure that everything was clear between him and them before he faced judgment.  This is wise and obeys Matthew 5:21-26.

This sentence is part of Paul's last face-to-face message to the elders at Ephesus, which is found in Acts 20:17-38.

In the First Equivalent Section of this sentence, Paul tells of the conditions that he preached under, and how his life backed his preaching.  Paul uses Lord,  in this Equivalent Section of the sentence, as the God who has authority to order us to do anything, including giving our life for Him.

Many people claim that Paul went to Jerusalem against the wishes of God and that Paul would have preached at Rome, without giving his life, if he hadn't gone to Jerusalem.  However, the sections of the Bible that talk about this trip can just as easily be interpreted that Paul was completely in the will of God and that the Holy Ghost was warning everyone of what Paul faced to prove Paul's dedication and obedience to his personal Lord  even when faced with repeated warnings about what he would suffer.  The Lord  told Ananias For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake,  in Acts 9:16 and at Paul's initial salvation.  Therefore, these prophecies, of what Paul is going to suffer, can be considered to be confirmations of the earlier prophecy.

Regardless of each person's opinion of if Paul was or was not in the perfect will of God when he went to Jerusalem, his testimony, as stated here, was that he served his personal Lord  without question (with all humility of mind)  and without consideration of what it might personally cost him (and with many tears, and temptations).  This is the attitude that all true Christians should have towards our personal Lord.

There have been many people who have been intimidated into disobeying the Lord  and not testifying or living for Him because of threats that were far less than what Paul faced.  Remember Acts 16 where Paul was stopped by the Holy Spirit.  The verses that people use to say that Paul shouldn't have gone to Jerusalem all say that people told him to not go and that God said that he would suffer but they do not say that Paul was stopped by the Holy Spirit.  Romans 14 teaches us about judgment and Romans 14:10 tells us But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand and before the judgment seat of Christ.  It is popular with many to judge Paul's decision to go to Jerusalem, but that is disobeying the teaching of Romans 14.  Many saved people also judge  decisions by people they know when things seem to go wrong for them.  Unless you are personally affected, the best thing to do is keep your nose out of what God is doing in the life of another person.

This sentence says that Paul served the Lord  and knew that he would be judged by his Lord  for how well he obeyed.  Before he went to that judgment, he made sure that these elders of this church had nothing against him that he might have to answer for.  We should do likewise.

In the Second Equivalent Section, of this sentence, we read that Paul preached repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.  He is deliberately using God  to represent God the Father and using our Lord Jesus Christ  to represent the Son of God and Paul is telling us that we have different responsibilities to each.  In addition, Paul is saying that he preached faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.  This is different than the faith of the Son of God.  Some people have started preaching about our needing His faith so much that they are almost denying our needing our own faith.  In truth, we need both.

We find faith  in the same verse as Lord  and Jesus  and Christ  in:

  1. Acts 20:21 says that we are to have faith  toward our Lord Jesus Christ  added to (and)  our repentance toward God.
  2. Romans 5:1 says that we are justified  by our own faith  (see Romans 4 and associated notes).  Because of our faith  we have peace with God  through our Lord Jesus Christ  and have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand  and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
  3. Ephesians 6:23 says that we can wish Peace be to the brethren  from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ  when we have (our own) love with faith.
  4. 1Timothy 1:2-4 tells us that our election of God  is based upon our work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
  5. 1Timothy 1:14 tells us that the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is inChrist Jesus.  That is, when we are in Christ Jesus  and responding with our own faith and love  to God's faith and love  that is given to those who are in Christ Jesus  (but not given to those who are not in Christ Jesus),  we find that we also have exceeding abundant grace of our Lord.
  6. Titus 1:4 says that Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour  are available to those who are mineown son after the common faith.  It should be obvious that the common faith  is the faith  of men.  We have seen that the Bible consistently uses son  for a person who has the same character and spirit as the father.  Therefore, this promise is limited to those who display the common faith  the same way as Paul did.
  7. James 2:1 tells us how to handle the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory

Out of these seven verses, 1Timothy 1:14 talks about our faith  in the Lord Jesus Christ  responding to God's faith  in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Only James talks about the faith from our Lord Jesus Christ.  All of the other verses are talking about our faith.  Since the Bible puts the most emphasis upon our faith, preaching about the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ  to the point of almost denying our own faith  is not teaching what God put into the Bible.  In addition, we could do an analysis of the difference in how the Bible attaches faith  to Lord  versus Jesus  versus Christ.  However, that has already been covered in other notes of this study.  There are differences due to the differences between the roles of the Son of God.  That is, faith  is the same in every case but the expression of that faith  varies depending upon which role of the Son of God we are dealing with.

Moving on, we see that Paul mentions several other things that were part of his testimony and demonstrated his Serving the Lord  and his repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ

  1. He served with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations  (20:19).
  2. He served in spite of the lying in wait of the Jews  (20:19).
  3. He kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house  (20:20).
  4. He testified to all men that we need repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ  (20:20).
  5. He followed the Holy Spirit even when he didn't know what would happen other than that it would be bad for the flesh (20:22-24).
  6. He left those he loved to go to strangers and preach the  kingdomGod  (20:25).
  7. He made sure that he was pure from the blood of all men  (20:26).
  8. Paul could say I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God  (20:27).
  9. Paul trained his replacements (20:28).
  10. Paul warned of deceivers (20:29-31).
  11. Paul commend [us] to God, and to the word of his grace, not to religious doctrine or anything else (20:32).
  12. Paul could say that he coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel  (20:33-34).
  13. Paul showed and taught giving (20:35).

Paul started out this section calling these elders of the church  at Ephesus  (20:17) as his witnesses.  They could not witness what they had not seen.  Therefore, our testimony can be seen and witnessed to by others.  Further, as we have seen here, true faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ  is our faith.  It can't be toward  if it is from (of)  Him.


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 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 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.

The functional definition for the word Asia  is: 'An area of the world where Paul started churches.  While these people in Asia were saved through the ministry of Paul, they were willing to forsake him and choose religion which excused their sin'.

The Jews of Asia are frequently mentioned as causing trouble for the church.  On Paul's first missionary trip, he was forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia  (Acts 16:6).  They were also involved in causing the arrest of Paul by telling lies about his teaching in the Jerusalem Church.  Even today, people in this region are involved in never-ending religious wars.  Please see the note for 2Timothy C1S9 about Asia.  It has linke to every place where the Bible mentions Asia.  along with a short note about each reference.

Please see the note for 1Peter C1S4 about the word manner (singular).  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word is: 'form; method; way of performing or executing. Find thou the manner, and the means prepare. 2. Custom; habitual practice. Show them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. this will be the manner of the king. 1 Sam.8. Paul, as his manner was--Acts 17. 3. Sort; kind. Ye tithe mint and rue, and all manner of herbs. Luke 11. they shall say all manner of evil against you falsely--Matt.5. in this application, manner has the sense of a plural word; all sorts or kinds. 4. Certain degree or measure. It is in a manner done already. the bread is in a manner common. 1 Sam.21. this use may also be sometimes defined by sort or fashion; as we say, a thing is done after a sort or fashion, that is, not well, fully or perfectly. Augustinus does in a manner confess the charge. 5. Mien; cast of look; mode. Air and manner are more expressive than words. 6. Peculiar way or carriage; distinct mode. It can hardly be imagined how great a difference was in the humor, disposition and manner of the army under Essex and that under Waller. A man's company may be known by his manner of expressing himself. 7. Way; mode; of things. the temptations of prosperity insinuate themselves after a gentle, but very powerful manner. 8. Way of service or worship. the nations which thou hast removed and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the god of the land--2 Kings 7. 9. In painting, the particular habit of a painter in managing colors, lights and shades'.

Please see the note for Mark 12:2 about the word season.  The functional definition for this word is: 'A fit or suitable time; the convenient time; the usual or appointed time; as, the messenger arrived in season; in good season'.

Please see the notes for Romans C16S21 and 2Timothy C1-S2 about the word serve.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To work for; to bestow the labor of body and mind in the employment of another'.Please also see the note for Philippians 2:17 about the word service.  Please also see the notes for Romans C14S4; 1Corinthians C7S27 and Ephesians C6S4 about the word servant.  The functional definition is: 'To command another to help or to cry for help, hence to pray (Ge 4:26)'.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S10 about the word humility.  Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this word as: '(1) In theology, humility consists in lowliness of mind; a deep sense of one's own unworthiness in the sight of God, self-abasement, penitence for sin, and submission to the divine will. (2) Act of submission'.

Please see the notes for Romans C11-S37; Romans C12-S2 and 2Corinthians C1S9 about the word mind.  The functional definition for this word is: 'the thinking process and conclusion of that process'.  Please also see the notes for Romans 11:20; 1Timothy 6:17 and 2Timothy 3:4 about the woed highminded.  Please also see the note for Romans 15:5-6 about the word likeminded.  Please also see the note for Philippians 2:5-8 about the phrase mind Jesus.  Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 2:16 about the phrase mind of Christ.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians C2S4 about the word tears.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Tears are the limpid fluid secreted by the lacrymal gland, and appearing in the eyes, or flowing from them. A tear, in the singular, is a drop or a small quantity of that fluid. Tears are excited by passions, particularly by grief. this fluid is also called forth by any injury done to the eye. It serves to moisten the cornea and preserve its transparency, and to remove any dust or fine substance that enters the eye and gives pain'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C10S6 about the word tempt.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Trial; a being put to the test. thus, God tempted [Ge 22:1; R.V., 'did prove'] Abraham; and afflictions are said to tempt, i.e., to try, men (Jas 1:2,12; comp. De 8:2), putting their faith and patience to the test'.  Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 3:5 about the word tempter.  Please also see the note for Luke 4:12 about the phrase tempt God.  Please also see the note for Galatians C4-S11 about the word temptation.

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'.

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 Matthew 28:3-4 about the word keeper.  Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S3 and 2Timothy C3S10 about the word profit.  The note for 2Timothy deals with spiritual profit.  The functional definition for this word is: 'v.t. 1. to benefit; to advantage; applied to one's self, to derive some pecuniary interest or some accession of good from anything; as, to profit one's self by a commercial undertaking, or by reading or instruction. in this sense, the verb is generally used intransitively. Applied to others, to communicate good to; to advance the interest of. Brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you? 1 Cor.14. Whereto might the strength of their hands profit me? Job.30. 2. to improve; to advance. It is a great means of profiting yourself, to copy diligently excellent pieces and beautiful designs'.  Please also see the note for Matthew 25:30 about the word unprofitable.

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 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'.

Please see the note for Acts 18:28 about the words public / publick.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a. L.publicus, from the root of populus, people; that is, people-like.  1. Pertaining to a nation, state or community; extending to a whole people; as a public law, which binds the people of a nation or state, as opposed to a private statute or resolve, which respects an individual or a corporation only. thus we say, public welfare, public good, public calamity, public service, public property.  2. Common to many; current or circulated among people of all classes; general; as public report; public scandal.  3. Open; notorious; exposed to all persons without restriction.  Joseph her husband being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. Matt.1.  4. Regarding the community; directed to the interest of a nation, state or community; as public spirit; public mindedness; opposed to private or selfish.  5. Open for general entertainment; as a public house.  6. Open to common use; as a public road.  7. In general, public expresses something common to mankind at large, to a nation, state, city or town, and is opposed to private, which denotes what belongs to an individual, to a family, to a company or corporation.  Public law, is often synonymous with the law of nations.
PUB'LIC, n. the general body of mankind or of a nation, state or community; the people, indefinitely.  The public is more disposed to censure than to praise.  in this passage, public is followed by a verb in the singular number; but being a noun of multitude, it is more generally followed by a plural verb; the public are.  In public, in open view; before the people at large; not in private or secrecy.  In private grieve, but with a careless scorn,  In public seem to triumph, not to mourn.
'.  Please also see the note for Mark 2:15 about the word publican.

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 Galatians 5:3 about the word testify.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To make a statement which is intended to be used in a court of law if necessary'.  Please also see the note forPsalms 119 about the words testimony / testimonies.  Please also see the Message called Testimony of God.

Please see the note for Colossians 3:9-11 about the word Greek.  Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Found only in the New Testament, where a distinction is observed between "Greek" and "Grecian" (q.v.). the former is (1) a Greek by race (Ac 16:1-3; 18:17; Ro 1:14), or (2) a Gentile as opposed to a Jew (Ro 2:9-10). the latter, meaning properly "one who speaks Greek," is a foreign Jew opposed to a home Jew who dwelt in Palestine'.

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 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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'from. Ac 18:19; 19:1,10  after. 2Co 1:12; 6:3-11; 1Th 1:5-6; 2:1-10; 2Th 3:7-9; 2Ti 3:10  General references. exp: 1Co 2:3.
Serving. Ac 27:23; Joh 12:26; Ro 1:1,9; 12:11; Ga 1:10; Eph 6:7; Col 3:24; 1Th 1:9; 2Pe 1:1; Re 7:15  with all. 1Co 15:9-10; 2Co 3:5; 7:5; 12:7-10; Ga 4:13-14  many. Ac 20:31; Ps 119:136; Jer 9:1; 13:17; Lu 19:41; 2Co 2:4; Php 3:18; 2Ti 1:4  temptations. 1Co 4:9-13; 2Co 4:7-11; 11:23-30; Jas 1:2; 1Pe 1:6  by the. Ac 20:3; 9:23-25; 13:50-51; 14:5-6,19-20; 17:5,13; 2Co 11:26  General references. exp: 1Co 2:3.
I kept. Ac 20:27,31; 5:2; De 4:5; Ps 40:9-10; Eze 33:7-9; 1Co 15:3; Col 1:28  profitable. 1Co 12:7; 14:6; Php 3:1; 2Ti 3:16-17  and have. Ac 20:31; 2:46; 5:42; Mr 4:34; 2Ti 4:2  General references. exp: De 1:18; 2Sa 7:17.
to the Jews. Ac 18:4; 19:17; Ro 1:14; 1Co 1:22  repentance. Ac 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 26:20; Eze 18:30-32; Mt 3:2; 4:17; 21:31-32; Mr 1:15; 6:12; Lu 13:3,5; 15:7,10; 24:47; Ro 2:4; 2Co 7:10; 2Ti 2:25-26 exp: Heb 6:1.  faith. Ac 10:43; 13:38-39; 16:31; Joh 3:15-18,36; 20:31; Ro 1:16; 3:22-26; 4:24; 5:1; 10:9; Ga 2:16,20; 3:22; 1Jo 5:1,5,11-13 exp: Heb 11:1.  General references. exp: Le 11:9; Pr 14:25; Lu 5:32
'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S19 (Verse 22-23)   Paul tells them that he is going to Jerusalem.
  1. Equivalent Section:  Paul must go.
    1. And now,
    2. behold,
    3. I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem,
    4. not knowing the things that shall befall me there:.
  2. Equivalent Section:  Paul says the witness that he receives everywhere.
    1. Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city,
    2. saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

Acts 20:22-38 tells us that at Ephesus Paul told the elders And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Paul continued his message through the end of the chapter.  He expected to never return to Ephesus.

Notice that Paul says that he is bound in the spirit.  He had no choice of going if he was to be obedient to our Lord Jesus Christ.  People criticize him for going, knowing what he did.  However, God's Holy Ghost  was using Paul as an example of the level of obedience which God expects from all of His children.


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 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 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.

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 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 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.

Please see the note for Hebrews 11:4 about the word witness.  The functional definition for this word is: 'someone who is qualified to testify in court and is available to do so if the court requests'.  In addition, we have the definition, as it applies to the Bible, of: 'Basically, if the Bible literally says something in at least two places, that is a law that will be enforced by the court of God and is something that all must accept and obey'.  Please also see the notes for John 8:17; 2Corinthians 13:1 and Colossians C3S13 about the phrase witnesses, two or the.  Please also see the note for John 5:1 about the phrase witnesses given by Jesus to show that He is God.

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 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 2Peter 2:19 about the word bondage.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. Slavery or involuntary servitude; captivity; imprisonment; restraint of a person's liberty by compulsion. In ancient English law, villenage. 1. Obligation; tie of duty. He must resolve not to be brought under the bondage of observing oaths. 2. In scripture, spiritual subjection to sin and corrupt passions, or to the yoke of the ceremonial law; servile fear. Heb.2. Gal.2. Rom.8.'.  Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C7S16 about the word bond.

Please see the notes for 2Timothy C4S3 and Philippians 1:15-17 about the word afflictions.  The functional definition for this word is: ' the cause of continued pain of body or mind, as sickness, losses, calamity, adversity, persecution'.

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: 'I go. Ac 19:21; 21:11-14; Lu 9:51; 12:50; 2Co 5:14  not. Lu 18:31-33; Joh 13:1; 18:4; Jas 4:14; 2Pe 1:14  General references. exp: Ac 8:29; Ro 15:25.
the Holy Ghost. Ac 9:16; 14:22; 21:4,11; Joh 16:33; 1Th 3:3; 2Ti 2:12  abide me. or, wait for me.  General references. exp: Eze 3:25; Mt 16:25; Lu 9:24; Ac 8:29; Php 1:13.
'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S20 (Verse 24)   Nothing would deter Paul from obeying God.
  1. But none of these things move me,
  2. neither count I my life dear unto myself,
  3. so that I might finish my course with joy,
  4. and the ministry,
  5. which I have received of the Lord Jesus,
  6. to testify the gospel of the grace of God .

Acts 20:22-38 tells us that at Ephesus Paul told the elders And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Paul continued his message through the end of the chapter.  He expected to never return to Ephesus.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

  1. The word but  means: 'This sentence is continuing the main subject as the prior sentence while providing a contrast to what was said prior.  The prior sentence told of the many testimonies that Paul was heading for bonds and afflictions,  which would cause most people to disobey God and not go.  This sentence is providing a contrast and has Paul's testimony that nothing will make him disobey God'.
  2. The phrase none of these things move me  means: 'Nothing would make Paul disobey God'.
  3. The phrase neither count I my life dear unto myself  means: 'He did not value his physical life over his obedience and related everlasting rewards'.
  4. The phrase so that I might finish my course with joy  means: 'Paul wanted to end his life with joy  due to his always obeying God'.  John 1:4 lists 16 attributes of joyJohn 15:11 has links to everywhere where the New Testament mentions joyJoy  is different from happinessJoy  is 'a spiritually based sense that we will be blessed by God for enduring current circumstances in a way that brings God glory'.
  5. The phrase and the ministry  means: 'Paul also expected to finish his ministry with joy'.
  6. The phrase which I have received of the Lord Jesus  means: 'The Lord Jesus  is Who gave him his ministry and is Who will judge him (Lord)  for how well he obeys in his flesh (Jesus)'.
  7. The phrase to testify the gospel of the grace of God  means: 'This was the basic ministry that Paul received from the Lord Jesus'.

This sentence starts with the word But,  which connects it to prior sentences and goes in a different direction.  The prior sentence tells of the warning that Paul received about how he would suffer if he went to Jerusalem.  Paul's answer to that warning is this verse.  While much could be argued about this subject and verse, this study will limit statements to the use of Lord Jesus  in this verse.  Here, Paul uses Lord Jesus  as a combination of Lord  and Jesus.

It is the Lord  who appoints men to positions, especially to ministry positions within the church.  We see this in Paul's statement is so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus.  He expected his Lord  to reward him for obedience in spite of all that he would suffer as he served his Lord.

However, it was Jesus  Who personally trained Paul like He trained all of the other Apostles (Galatians 1:15-19).  In addition, it is Jesus  Who shows us how to live in this world to please God in his flesh.  (Please see the study called What Did Jesus Do?.)

While we are to have joy  in this life, we will not keep it if we do not finish [our] course  which we receive from the Lord Jesus.  In addition, the prior sentence told us that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  This sentence tells us that we are to have joy  while facing bonds and afflictionsJohn 1:4 lists 16 attributes of joyJohn 15:11 has links to everywhere where the New Testament mentions joyJoy  is different from happinessJoy  is 'a spiritually based sense that we will be blessed by God for enduring current circumstances in a way that brings God glory'.

Luke 1:44 tells us the babe leaped in my womb for joy  and the context of other verses show that joy  is an emotional response.  One problem that we have is that people started teaching that the emotional response proved the spiritual source and others responded by denying all emotional response.  The fact is that we can have emotional responses from causes other than spiritual but denying the spiritual source of emotions is wrong.  In addition, all honest people would admit that we can have conflicting emotions when different sources are causing different emotional responses.  Paul could have joy  in the face of sure bonds and afflictions  because he truly understood and believed 1Corinthians 2:9.  Yes, bonds and afflictions  would cause negative emotions like fear, but God's promised rewards caused greater joy  which over-rode the fear.  This is only possible when we truly value the promised rewards of eternity above the things of this life.

The ministry that Paul received came from both roles of the Son of God.  As Lord,  the Son of God gave Paul his course  and ministry  and promised rewards for successful completion.  As Jesus  the Son of God gave the example for us to follow.  When faced with bonds and afflictions, I believe Paul thought the actions of Jesus  Who knew the prophecies of His own suffering, betrayal and death..  Our sentence tells us that Paul made the only focus of his life to be accomplishing what God had set as his life career and jobs to do.


Please see the note for 1Corinthians C4S1 about the word account.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A sum stated on paper; a registry of a debt or credit; of debts and credits, or charges; an entry in a book or on paper of things bought or sold, of payments, services etc., including the names of the parties to the transaction, date, and price or value of the thing. Account signifies a single entry or charge, or a statement of a number of particular debts and credits, in a book or on a separate paper; and in the plural, is used for the books containing such entries. 2. A computation of debts and credits, or a general statement of particular sums. 3. A computation or mode of reckoning; applied to other things, than money or trade; as the Julian account of time. 4. Narrative; relation; statement of facts; recital of particular transactions and events, verbal or written; as an account of the revolution in France. Hence, 5. An assignment of reasons; explanation by a recital of particular transactions, given by a person in an employment, or to a superior, often implying responsibility. Give an account of thy stewardship. Luke, 16. Without responsibility or obligation. He giveth not account of his matters. Job, 33. 6. Reason or consideration, as a motive; as on all accounts, on every account. 7. Value; importance; estimation; that is, such a state of persons or things, as renders them worthy of more or less estimation; as men of account of him. Ps. 144. 8. Profit; advantage; that is, a result or production worthy of estimation. to find our account in a pursuit; to turn to account. 9. Regard; behalf; sake; a sense deduced from charges on book; as on account of public affairs. Put that to mine account. Philem. 18. to make account, that is, to have a pervious opinion or expectation, is a sense now obsolete. A writ of account, in law, is a writ which the plaintiff brings demanding that the defendant should render his just account, or show good cause to the contrary; call also an action of account'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word might.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Having great power and able to accomplish things which most people can not do'.  Please also see the note for Revelation 4:8-LJC about the word Almighty.


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.

Please see the note for Galatians 5:3 about the word testify.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To make a statement which is intended to be used in a court of law if necessary'.  Please also see the note forPsalms 119 about the words testimony / testimonies.  Please also see the Message called Testimony of God.

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.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 7:1 about the word dear.  Wright's Bible Word-Book defines this word as: 'adj. (from A. S. deóre, G. theuer), like the Latin word carus, has two meanings, 'costly or precious,' and 'beloved or endeared.' In the former sense it is used in the Prayer-Book version of Ps 116:13; 72:14, where it is not meant that the death or blood of the saints is well-pleasing to God, but that He accounts it precious, and will not let it go for nought. So in Shakespeare (All's Well, ii. I. 182): thy life is dear, for all that life can rate Worth name of life, in thee hath estimate. Compare Ac 20:24'.

Please see the note for Matthew 19:1 about the word finish.  Webster's 1828 defines this word às: 'complete; as, to finish a house; to finish a journey. thus the heavens and the earth were finished. Gen. 2. 2. to make perfect. Episodes, taken separately, finish nothing. 3. to bring to an end; to end; to put an end to. Seventy weeks are determined on thy people, and on thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and make an end of sins. Dan. 9. 4. to perfect; to accomplish; to polish to the degree of excellence intended. in this sense it is frequently used in the participle of the perfect tense as an adjective. It is a finished performance. He is a finished scholar'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word course.  The functional definition for this word is: 'A set way for someone or something to move from an existing position in order to reach a goal'.

Please also see the notes for John 1:4 lists 16 attributes of joyJohn 15:11; Romans C14S23 and 1John C1S2 about the word joy.  The functional definition for this word is: 'a spiritually based sense that we will be blessed by God for enduring current circumstances in a way that brings God glory'.  Please see the notes for Romans C12S8; Galatians C4-S24 and Philippians 4:4-LJC about the word rejoice.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To experience joy and gladness in a high degree; to be exhilarated with lively and pleasurable sensations; to exult'.  Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:17-19 about the word enjoy.

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.

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 use the link in the sentence outline, above, to access the Word Study on the gospel of God.

Please see the note for Galatians 5:3 about the word testify.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To make a statement which is intended to be used in a court of law if necessary'.  Please also see the note forPsalms 119 about the words testimony / testimonies.  Please also see the Message called Testimony of God.

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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'none. Ac 21:13; Ro 8:35-39; 1Co 15:58; 2Co 4:1,8-9,16-18; 6:4-10; 7:4; 12:10; Eph 3:13; 1Th 2:2; 3:3; 2Ti 1:12; 3:11; 4:17; Heb 10:34; 12:1-3  neither. 2Co 5:8; Php 1:20-23; 2:17; Col 1:24; 1Jo 3:16; Re 12:11  I might. Joh 17:4; 1Co 9:24-27; Php 3:13-15; 2Ti 4:6-8  and the. Ac 1:17; 9:15; 22:21; 26:17-18; 1Co 9:17-18; 2Co 4:1; Ga 1:1; Tit 1:3  to testify. Ac 20:21; Joh 15:27; Heb 2:3-4  the gospel. Ac 14:3; Lu 2:10-11; Ro 3:24-26; 4:4; 5:20-21; 11:6; Eph 1:6; 2:4-10; Tit 2:11; 3:4-7; 1Pe 5:12 exp: Ro 1:1; 2Co 10:14; 1Th 2:9.  General references. exp: Mt 16:25; Lu 9:24; Php 1:13.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S21 (Verse 25)   Paul is prophesying here.
  1. And now,
  2. behold,
  3. I know that ye all,
  4. among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God,
  5. shall see my face no more.

Acts 20:22-38 tells us that at Ephesus Paul told the elders And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Paul continued his message through the end of the chapter.  He expected to never return to Ephesus.

Please also see the links for Prophecies in the New Testament Significant Events Study for links to other prophecies found in the New Testament outside of the Gospels.

The note for our sentence, in the Word Study on the kingdom of God,  says: this sentence is part of Paul's testimony to the elders of the church at Ephesus.  He called them to go where he was because he had limited time to fellowship with the people at that church.  In his testimony, Paul definitely spoke about his personally changed life due to 'God's character in him'.  His testimony was about how he preached, taught and lived an example of this changed life.  His testimony is a true detailed example of the definition of the kingdom of God.

This is a prophecy and Paul knew this truth because of all the people whom God's Holy Ghost  used to tell him what would happen to him at Jerusalem.  He understood, even if he denied it some times, that he would end up dead, somehow, because of his going to Jerusalem in obedience to His Lord Jesus.


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 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.

The kingdom of Heaven  is the kingdom  that 'belongs to' Heaven  and is applied to beings, and things, which reside in Heaven.  The kingdom of God  is 'God's character in us' because a king  puts his chartacter on his kingdom and the kingdom of God  is given in this life.  In addition, we know that every kingdom  has a king.  Please see verses on king in the New Testament and the Summary on king.  Please also see the note for Revelation 10:11-LJC about the phrase kings of the earth.  Please also see the note for John 18:33-LJC about the phrase King of the Jews.  Please also see the note for Revelation 14:14-LJC about the phrase King of kings.  Please also see the note for John 18:33-LJC about the phrase King of the Jews.  Please see the notes1Corinthians C4S20; 1Corinthians C15S46; Galatians C5S20 and the Doctrinal Study for about the phrase The kingdom of God.  The functional definition is: 'God's character in us'.  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 Ephesians 5:5; 2Timohy 4:1 and 2Peter 1:11 for about the phrase kingdom of Christ.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 4:6 about the word face.  The functional definition for this word is: 'The power, position, authority and presence of the being that is presented to us'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I know. Ac 20:38; Ro 15:23  preaching. Ac 8:12; 28:31; Mt 4:17,23; 10:7; 13:19,52; Lu 9:60; 16:16 exp: Mr 1:14.  see. Ga 1:22; Col 2:1'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S22 (Verse 26)   Paul was telling them that God in Heaven was recording that they were Paul's witnesses to the claim in this sentence.
  1. Wherefore I take you to record this day,
  2. that I  am pure from the blood of all  men.

Acts 20:22-38 tells us that at Ephesus Paul told the elders And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Paul continued his message through the end of the chapter.  He expected to never return to Ephesus.

This is a doctrine that appears to be totally ignored today.  Paul said: I am pure from the blood of all men  because he had done everything that he could to preach the gospel to everyone.  However, if God tells us to go witness to someone, and we don't, and they die lost, their blood will be on our hands in eternity until Hell is cast into the lake of fire  at the great white throne  judgment.


Please see the note for Romans intro about the word wherefore.  The functional definition for this word is: 'what follows the wherefore is a future result that is based upon what came before the wherefore and seen wherever you look'.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 1:23 and Philippians 1:8 about the word record.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to call to mind, to remember, from re and cor, cordis, the heart or mind. 1. to register; to enroll; to write or enter in a book or on parchment, for the purpose of preserving authentic or correct evidence of a thing; as, to record the proceedings of a court; to record a deed or lease; to record historical events. 2. to imprint deeply on the mind or memory; as, to record the sayings of another in the heart. 3. to cause to be remembered'.

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 note for Luke 2:22-24 about the words purify / purification.  The functional definition for this word is: 'the process by which a person unclean, according to the Levitical law, and thereby cut off from the sanctuary and the festivals, was restored to the enjoyment of all these privileges'.  Please also see the note for Romans C14S27 about the word pure.

Please see the note for Colossians C1S3 about the word blood.  The functional definition for this word is: 'The fluid which circulates through the arteries and veins of the human body, and of other animals, which is essential to the preservation of life'.  Please also see the note for Matthew 26:28 about the phrase blood of Christ.  Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 10:16-LJC about the phrase Christ and blood.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I take. Job 16:19; Joh 12:17; 19:35; Ro 10:2; 2Co 1:23; 8:3; 1Th 2:10-12  that. Ac 18:6; 2Sa 3:28; Eze 3:18-21; 33:2-9; 2Co 7:2; 1Ti 5:22 exp: Ac 4:29.  General references. exp: Pr 14:25.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S23 (Verse 27)   Why Paul can make the claim in the prior sentence.
For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God .

Acts 20:22-38 tells us that at Ephesus Paul told the elders And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Paul continued his message through the end of the chapter.  He expected to never return to Ephesus.

Here Paul is making another claim which is ignored by most preachers.  Many are good at preaching 'milk doctrine' but not 'meat doctrine'.  The evidence is the level of spiritual maturity found in the people that he ministers to.  in this sentence, Paul claims that he preached it all.  Galatians 4:16 says: Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?.  Paul risked people leaving him.  He was physically and verbally attacked by 5the lost religious Jews everywhere because he proved their religious doctrines to be wrong.  Few preachers are willing to take similar risks.


Please see the note for 2Timothy 2:16 about the word shun.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to avoid; to keep clear of; not to fall on or come in contact with; as, to shun rocks and shoals in navigation. In shunning Scylla, take care to avoid to avoid Charybdis. 2. to avoid; not to mix or associate with; as, to shun evil company. 3. to avoid; not to practice; as, to shun vice. 4. to avoid; to escape; as, to shun a blow. 5. to avoid; to decline; to neglect. I have not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God. Acts 20'.

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

Please see the note for John 11:53 about the word counsel.  The functional definition for this word is: 'advice; opinion, or instruction, given upon request or otherwise, for directing the judgment or conduct of another; opinion given upon deliberation or consultation. Every purpose is established by counsel. Proverbs 20'.  Please also see the note for Romans C11S38 about the phrase counseller.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I have. Ac 20:20,35; 26:22-23; 2Co 4:2; Ga 1:7-10; 4:16; 1Th 2:4 exp: Jer 42:21.  all. Ac 2:23; Ps 32:11; Isa 46:10-11; Jer 23:22; Mt 28:20; Lu 7:30; Joh 15:15; 1Co 11:23; Eph 1:11  General references. exp: Ex 7:2; Le 10:11; Nu 29:40; De 1:18; 4:5; 31:30; 2Sa 7:17; Pr 14:25; Jer 34:6; Mr 4:22.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S24 (Verse 28)   Paul's final warning.  It continues for the next three sentences.
  1. Take heed therefore unto yourselves,
  2. and to all the flock,
  3. over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers,
  4. to feed the church of God,
  5. which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Acts 20:22-38 tells us that at Ephesus Paul told the elders And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Paul continued his message through the end of the chapter.  He expected to never return to Ephesus.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

  1. The phrase Take heed therefore unto yourselves  means: 'Pay close attention to any minor sign of carelessness in doctrine or testimony'.
  2. The phrase and to all the flock  means: 'Do the same for church members, especially the spiritually young'.
  3. The phrase over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers  means: 'Most preachers will have a fit over this phrase and sentence because it is said to the elders  and not to pastors'.
  4. The phrase to feed the church of God  means: 'The elders  are to do this by preaching and teaching the testimony of the Lord.  That is: they are to teach what they have experienced which the younger people are about to experience and tell them, based on experience, what will bring blessings from God and what will bring cursing's'.
  5. The phrase which he hath purchased with his own blood  means: 'We are to always remember the pain and suffering that Jesus Christ  paid to save us'.

The note for this sentence, in the Word Study on Holy Ghost, tells us: here we see that positions in the church are given by God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ  working through God's Holy Ghost.  Once more, we see that the word of God  uses Holy Ghost  for when He affects this physical reality.  It is also worth while to look at that Study and go to the top to see all of the references in it, and the divisions by application, and which Bible reference is in the same application as our current sentence.


Please see the note for 1Timothy 4:16 about the word heed.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Pay close attention; watch out. Ge 31:24'.

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 1Corinthians C9S11 about the word flock.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. L. floccus. It is the same radically as flake, and applied to wool or hair, we write it lock. See Flake. 1. A company or collection; applied to sheep and other small animals. A flock of sheep answers to a herd of larger cattle. But the word may sometimes perhaps be applied to larger beasts, and in the plural, flocks may include all kinds of domesticated animals. 2. A company or collection of fowls of any kind, and when applied to birds on the wing, a flight; as a flock of wild-geese; a flock of ducks; a flock of blackbirds. in the United States, flocks of wild-pigeons sometimes darken the air. 3. A body or crowd of people. little used. Gr. a troop. 4. A lock of wool or hair. Hence, a flockbed. FLOCK, v.i. to gather in companies or crowds; applied to men or other animals. People flock together. they flock to the play-house. Friends daily flock'.

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 also use this link God to access the table of every place where   is used in this book.

Please see the note for Ephesians 1:14 about the word purchase.  The functional definition for this word is: 'In law, the act of obtaining or acquiring the title to lands and tenements by money, deed, gift or any means, except by descent'.

Please see the note for Colossians C1S3 about the word blood.  The functional definition for this word is: 'The fluid which circulates through the arteries and veins of the human body, and of other animals, which is essential to the preservation of life'.  Please also see the note for Matthew 26:28 about the phrase blood of Christ.  Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 10:16-LJC about the phrase Christ and blood.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Take. 2Ch 19:6-7; Mr 13:9; Lu 21:34; 1Co 9:26-27; Col 4:17; 1Ti 4:16; Heb 12:15 exp: Jer 17:21.  all. Ac 20:29; Song 1:7-8; Isa 40:11; 63:11; Jer 13:17,20; 31:10; Eze 34:31; Mic 7:14; Lu 12:32; 1Pe 5:2-3  over. Ac 13:2; 14:23; 1Co 12:8-11,28-31; 1Ti 4:14  overseers. Php 1:1; 1Ti 3:2; 5:17; Tit 1:7; Heb 13:17; 1Pe 2:25 Greek.  Tofeed. Ps 78:70-72; Pr 10:21; Isa 40:11; Jer 3:15; Eze 34:3; Mic 5:4; 7:14; Zec 11:4; Mt 2:6 (Gr) Joh 21:15-17; 1Pe 5:2-3  the church. 1Co 1:2; 10:32; 11:22; 15:9; Ga 1:13; 1Ti 3:5,15-16  which he. Ps 74:2; Isa 53:10-12; Eph 1:7,14; Col 1:14; Heb 9:12-14; 1Pe 1:18-19; 2:9; Re 5:9'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S25 (Verse 29)   Paul prophesies agents of devils entering the church to spiritually cripple and destroy.
  1. For I know this,
  2. that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you,
  3. not sparing the flock.

Acts 20:22-38 tells us that at Ephesus Paul told the elders And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Paul continued his message through the end of the chapter.  He expected to never return to Ephesus.

Please also see the links for Prophecies in the New Testament Significant Events Study for links to other prophecies found in the New Testament outside of the Gospels.

This prophecy says that people who believe differently than the Bible and than we are told to believe, by our Lord Jesus Christ,  will pretend to believe the truth.  Then they will seek out those who are weak in their faith and try to sway them into wrong thinking just like Satan used the serpent to do to Eve.


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 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 Philippians 3:1 about the word grievous.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'a. from grieve, or grief. Heavy; oppressive; burdensome; as a grievous load of taxes. 1. Afflictive; painful; hard to be borne. Correction is grievous to him that forsaketh the way. Prov.15. 2. Causing grief or sorrow. the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight, because of his son. Gen.21. 3. Distressing. the famine was very grievous in the land. Gen.12. 4. Great; atrocious. Because their sin is very grievous. Gen.18. 5. Expressing great uneasiness; as a grievous complaint. 6. Provoking; offensive; tending to irritate; as grievous words. Prov.15. 7. Hurtful; destructive; causing mischief; as grievous wolves. Acts.20'.

Please see the note for Luke 10:3 about the word wolf / wolves.  The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The well-known animal, described in scripture as 'ravening,' and seeking its prey in the evening. they are very destructive among the sheep, worrying and destroying more than they can eat. this makes the wolf a fit emblem of the wicked, who molest the sheep and lambs of God's flock, and even creep in among them. How great will be the change in the millennium is denoted, among other things, by the wolf and the lamb dwelling together. Ge 49:27; Isa 11:6; 65:25; Jer 5:6; Eze 22:27; Hab 1:8; Zep 3:3; Mt 7:15; 10:16; Lu 10:3; Joh 10:12; Ac 20:29. the Hebrew is zeeb, Arabic dhib, the common Canis lupus'.

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 Romans C11S25 about the word spare.  Webster's 1828 dictionary for this word as: 'pp. Dispensed with; saved; forborne'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S11 about the word flock.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. L. floccus. It is the same radically as flake, and applied to wool or hair, we write it lock. See Flake. 1. A company or collection; applied to sheep and other small animals. A flock of sheep answers to a herd of larger cattle. But the word may sometimes perhaps be applied to larger beasts, and in the plural, flocks may include all kinds of domesticated animals. 2. A company or collection of fowls of any kind, and when applied to birds on the wing, a flight; as a flock of wild-geese; a flock of ducks; a flock of blackbirds. in the United States, flocks of wild-pigeons sometimes darken the air. 3. A body or crowd of people. little used. Gr. a troop. 4. A lock of wool or hair. Hence, a flockbed. FLOCK, v.i. to gather in companies or crowds; applied to men or other animals. People flock together. they flock to the play-house. Friends daily flock'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'wolves. Zep 3:3; Mt 7:15; 10:16; Lu 10:3; Joh 10:12; 2Pe 2:1  not. Jer 13:20; 23:1; Eze 34:2-3; Zec 11:17  General references. exp: Php 1:24.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S26 (Verse 30)   this second source of corrupt doctrine is added to that mentioned in the prior sentence.
  1. Also of your own selves shall men arise,
  2. speaking perverse things,
  3. to draw away disciples after them.

Acts 20:22-38 tells us that at Ephesus Paul told the elders And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Paul continued his message through the end of the chapter.  He expected to never return to Ephesus.

Please also see the links for Prophecies in the New Testament Significant Events Study for links to other prophecies found in the New Testament outside of the Gospels.

This sentence adds the danger of pride causing saved people to pervert the word of GodTitus 3:10-11 says: A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself2Thessalonians 3:14-15 says: And if any man obey not our word By this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.  The prior two references tell us to separate ourselves from such saved people in order to avoid their perverted influence.  In addition, 2Timothy 2:23-26 says: But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.  Anyone who can not fulfill these requirements needs to be watched closely, if not removed from a leadership position.  And, these are just a few of the instructions given to pastors in order for them to avoid this prophecy from coming true in their own ministry.


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 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 Philippians 2:14-16 about the word perverse.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'a. pervers'. L. perversus. See Pervert. 1. Literally, turned aside; hence, distorted from the right. 2. Obstinate in the wrong; disposed to be contrary; stubborn; untractable. to so perverse a sex all grace is vain. 3. Cross; petulant; peevish; disposed to cross and vex. I'll frown and be perverse, and say thee nay'.

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'.

Please see the note for James 1:10 about the word away.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Absent; at a distance; as, the master is away from home. Have me away, for I am wounded. 2Chron. 35. 2. It is much used with words signifying moving or going from; as, go away, send away, run away, etc.; all signifying departure, or separation to a distance. Sometimes without the verb; as, whither away so fast. Love hath wings and will away. 3. As an exclamation, it is a command or invitation to depart; away, that is, be gone, or let us go. "Away with him." Take him away. 4. With verbs, it serves to modify their sense and form peculiar phrases; as, to throw away, to cast from, to give up, dissipate or foolishly destroy. to trifle away, to lose or expend in trifles, or in idleness. to drink away, to squander away, etc., to dissipate in drinking or extravagance. to make away, is to kill or destroy. 5. Away with has a peculiar signification in the phrase, "I cannot away with it." Isa. 1. the sense is, "I cannot bear or endure it."'.  Please also see the note for Romans C11S19 about the phrase cast away.  Please also see the note for Romans C11S1 about the phrase God will not cast away his people.  Please also see the note for John 6:67 about the phrase go away.  Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:17 about the phrase passed away.  Please also see the note for Matthew 19:3 about the phrase put away.

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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'of your. Mt 26:21-25; 1Ti 1:19-20; 2Ti 2:17-18; 4:3-4; 2Pe 2:1-3; 1Jo 2:19; 2Jo 1:7; Jude 1:4-16; Re 2:6  speaking. Pr 19:1; 23:33; Isa 59:3; 1Ti 5:13; 6:5; 2Pe 2:18; Jude 1:15-16  to draw. Ac 5:36-37; 21:38; Mt 23:15; 1Co 1:12-15; Ga 6:12-13  General references. exp: Mt 24:11; Php 1:24.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S27 (Verse 31)   Paul's conclusion of prophetic warning.
  1. Therefore watch,
  2. and remember,
  3. that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Acts 20:22-38 tells us that at Ephesus Paul told the elders And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Paul continued his message through the end of the chapter.  He expected to never return to Ephesus.

in this sentence, Paul reminds them of his own preaching and teaching.  He also reminds them that he did it with tears  because he knew the physical and spiritual punishment that God gives to his true children who refuse to truly repent.  Paul was crying for their future punishment and not for himself.

In addition, Paul reminds them that he ceased not to warn every one night and day.  Churches end up with these prophesied problems when they stop warning their people of the consequences to disobedience.  And, many people actively fight against this type of warning.  I've seen God bring a punishment of physical death four times, of spiritual death by His removing pastors from the pastorate three times and God bringing lesser, but serious, punishments at least three times.  The warning in the prior sentence and this sentence are critical to take heed to if a pastor wants his ministry to survive.


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 Colossians C4S2 about the word watch.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'forbearance of sleep. 2. Attendance without sleep. All the long night their mournful watch they keep. 3. Attention; close observation. Keep watch of the suspicious man. 4. Guard; vigilance for keeping or protecting against danger. He kept both watch and ward. 5. A watchman, or watchmen; men set for a guard, either one person or more, set to espy the approach of an enemy or other danger, and to give an alarm or notice of such danger; a sentinel; a guard. He kept a watch at the gate. Ye have a watch; go your way, make it as sure as ye can. Matthew 27. 6. the place where a guard is kept. He upbraids I ago, that he made him brave me upon the watch. 7. Post or office of a watchman. As I did stand my watch upon the hill-- 8. A period of the night, in which one person or one set of persons stand as sentinels; or the time from one relief of sentinels to another. this period among the Israelites, seems to have been originally four hours, but was afterwards three hours, and there were four watches during the night. Hence we read in Scripture of the mourning watch, and of the second, third and fourth watch; the evening watch commencing at six oclock, the second at nine, the third at twelve, and the fourth at three in the mourning. Exodus 14. Matthew 14. Luke 12. 9. A small time piece or chronometer, to be carried in the pocket or about the person, in which the machinery is moved by a spring. 10. At sea, the space of time during which one set or division of the crew remain on deck to perform the necessary duties. this is different in different nations. to be on the watch, to be looking steadily for some event.'.

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'.

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 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.

Please see the note for Colossians C1S6 about the word warn.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'to give notice of approaching or probable danger or evil, that it may be avoided; to caution against anything that may prove injurious. Juturna warns the Daunian chief of Lausus danger-- being warned of God in a dream, that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. Matthew 2. 2. to caution against evil practices. 1 thessaloni and 5. 3. to admonish of any duty. Cornelius--was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee. Acts 10. 4. to inform previously; to give notice to. --Warned of th ensuing fight. 5. to notify by authority; to summon; as, to warn the citizens to meet on a certain day; to warn soldiers to appear on parade. 6. to ward off. Not in use'.  Please also see the note for Luke 12:5 about the word forewarn.

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 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 note for 2Corinthians C2S4 about the word tears.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Tears are the limpid fluid secreted by the lacrymal gland, and appearing in the eyes, or flowing from them. A tear, in the singular, is a drop or a small quantity of that fluid. Tears are excited by passions, particularly by grief. this fluid is also called forth by any injury done to the eye. It serves to moisten the cornea and preserve its transparency, and to remove any dust or fine substance that enters the eye and gives pain'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'watch. Mt 13:25; Mr 13:34-37; Lu 21:36; 2Ti 4:5; Heb 13:17; Re 16:15 exp: 1Th 5:6.  by. Ac 19:8,10  warn. Eze 3:17-20; Mt 3:7; 1Co 4:14; Col 1:28; 1Th 5:14  night. Ac 20:7,11; 1Th 2:9-10; 2Th 3:8  with. Ac 20:19  General references. exp: Mt 25:13; Php 1:24'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S28 (Verse 32)   Paul commends  them to God.
  1. And now,
  2. brethren,
  3. I commend you to God,
  4. and to the word of his grace,
  5. which is able to build you up,
  6. and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Acts 20:22-38 tells us that at Ephesus Paul told the elders And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Paul continued his message through the end of the chapter.  He expected to never return to Ephesus.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

  1. The word And  means: 'This sentence is added to the prior sentence which told us that Paul's prophecy for future corruption of the church at Ephesus.  And, that prophecy actually fits all New Testament churches.  With that in mind, Paul adds this sentence.  He commends  them to God with the hope that God will preserve them.'.
  2. The word now  means: 'After you understand what came prior to this sentence.  The prior sentences were warnings which they had to take heed  to if they were to put off the corruption which Paul prophesied would happen'.
  3. The phrase brethren  means: 'Paul is talking to the elders  and not to the preachers'.  Baptists claim that there are only two ordained  offices in the church, pastors and deacons.  Acts 14:23;
  4. Acts 16:4 and Titus 1:5 all tell us that they ordained elders  in the early church.
  5. The word commend  is defined as: 'To represent as worthy of notice, regard, or kindness; to speak in favor of; to recommend'.  phrase I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace  means: 'Paul recommended that God find these elders, and the church that they lead, as worthy of blessing and doing the work of God.  Paul did this in his prayer life'.  Please notice that Paul added and to the word of his grace  to I commend you to God.  We will not receive God's grace  unless we are obeying God's word.
  6. The phrase which is able to build you up  means: 'God is able to make you stronger and more able to do His work'.
  7. The phrase and to give you an inheritance  means: 'This is the promise of everlasting rewards in Heaven'.
  8. The phrase among all them which are sanctified  means: 'One of the major lies being pushed by devils, in God's churches, is that everyone will receive the same reward with apostles and martyrs only receiving an inconsequential additional reward for their life of service.  Too many people believe 'There are no tears in Heaven.  All saved will be in eternal bliss as soon as they die.  All saved will get a mansion.  All saved will return to rule this world regardless how they live now.  And other related lies from devils.  Our phrase clearly says that these promises are limited to them which are sanctified.  Saved people who are not sanctified  and who do not serve in this life do not have these promises.''.

Please pay close attention to the comments made above because they prove some well-loved lies from devils to be false.


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 notes for Romans C16S1; 2Corinthians 3:1 about the word commend.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To represent as worthy of notice, regard, or kindness; to speak in favor of; to recommend'.

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 Godthe 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.

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 Acts 6:10 about the word able.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Having physical power or strength to perform'.

Please see the note for Matthew 7:24-25 about the words build / built.  The functional definition for this word is: 'pp. Framed and raised; constructed.
BUILT, n. bilt. form; shape; general figure of a structure; as the built of a ship. Species of building
'.  Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C3S10 and 1Peter 2:7-8 about the word builder.  Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C3S9 about the word building.

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 note for Galatians C3-S20 about the word inheritance.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. An estate derived from an ancestor to an heir by succession or in course of law; or an estate which the law casts on a child or other person, as the representative of the deceased ancestor. 1. the reception of an estate by hereditary right, or the descent by which an estate or title is cast on the heir; as, the heir received the estate by inheritance. 2. the estate or possession which may descend to an heir, though it has not descended. And Rachel and Leah answered and said, is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house? Gen.31. 3. An estate given or possessed by donation or divine appropriation. Num.26. 4. that which is possessed or enjoyed. Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance. Ps.2'.  Please also see the note for Luke 10:25 about the word inherit.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To take by descent from an ancestor; to take by succession, as the representative of the former possessor; to receive, as a right or title descendible by law from an ancestor at his decease'.

Please see the note for Jude 1:1 about the word sanctified.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Made holy; consecrated; set apart for sacred service'.  Please also see the note for 2Thessalonians 2:13-LJC and Hebrews 12:2-LJC about the phrase salvation through sanctification.  Please see the Book Study on 2Timothy and then use the browser FIND function to find the usage of the word sanctified.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I commend. Ac 14:23,26; 15:40; Ge 50:24; Jer 49:11; Jude 1:24-25  and to the. Ac 20:24; Heb 13:9  to build. Ac 9:31; Joh 15:3; 17:17; 1Co 3:9-10; Eph 2:20-22; 4:12,16; Col 2:7; Jude 1:20  and to give. Ac 26:18; Jer 3:19; Eph 1:18; Col 1:12; 3:24; Heb 9:15; 1Pe 1:4-5  which are. 1Co 1:2; 6:11; Heb 2:11; 10:14; Jude 1:1'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S29 (Verse 33)   Paul's testimony of seeking the things of this world.  The next sentence adds clarifying details to this sentence.
  1. I have coveted no man's silver,
  2. or gold,
  3. or apparel.

Acts 20:22-38 tells us that at Ephesus Paul told the elders And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Paul continued his message through the end of the chapter.  He expected to never return to Ephesus.

A very clear and simple statement of testimony.


Please see the note for Romans C13S12 about the word covet.  The functional definition for this word is: 'To desire earnestly to obtain or possess. This can be in a good sense. But it also can be a desire which it is unlawful, which makes it in a bad sense'.  Please also see the note for Romans C1S16 about the word covetousness.  Please also see Gospel Significant Events Study about Jesus and the Ten Commandments.  This commandment is clearly still in effect in the New Testament times.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C3S13 about the word gold.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word is: 'A precious metal of a bright yellow color, and the most ductile and malleable of all the metals. It is the heaviest metal except platina; and being a very dense, fixed substance, and not liable to be injured by air, it is well fitted to be used as coin, or a representative of commodities in commerce. Its ductility and malleability render it the most suitable metal for gilding. It is often found native in solid masses, as in Hungary and Peru; though generally in combination with silver, copper or iron. 2. Money. forme, the gold of France did not seduce-- 3. Something pleasing or valuable; as a heart of gold. 4. A bright yellow color; as a flower edged with gold. 5. Riches; wealth. Gold of pleasure, a plant of the genus Myagrum. GOLD, a. Made of gold; consisting of gold; as a gold chain'.  Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:6; Acts 17:29; Acts 20:33.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C3S13 about the word silver.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word is: 'A metal of a white color and lively brilliancy. It has neither taste nor smell; its specific gravity is 10.552, according to Bergman, but according to Kirwan it is less. A cubic foot weighs about 660 lbs. Its ductility is little inferior to that of gold. It is harder and more elastic that tin of iron. It is found native in thin plates or leaves, or in fine threads, or it is found mineralized by various substances. Great quantities of the metal are furnished by the mines of South America, and it is found in small quantities in Norway, Germany, Spain, the United State, etc. 2. Money; coin made of silver. 3. anything of soft splendor. Pallas-piteous of her plaintive cries, In slumber clos'd her silver-streamaining eyes. SIL'VER, a. 1. Made of silver; as a silver cup. 2. White like silver; as silver hair. Others on silver lakes and rivers bath'd their downy breast. 3. White, or pale; of a pale luster; as the silver moon. 4. Soft; as a silver voice or sound'.  Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 3:6; Acts 17:29; Acts 19:19; Acts 19:24; Acts 20:33.

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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Nu 16:15; 1Sa 12:3-5; 1Co 9:12,15,18; 2Co 7:2; 11:9; 12:14,17; 1Pe 5:2 exp: 1Th 2:3.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S30 (Verse 34)   this sentence adds clarifying details to the prior sentence.  There, Paul gave his testimony of seeking the things of this world.
  1. Yea,
  2. ye yourselves know,
  3. that these hands have ministered unto my necessities,
  4. and to them that were with me.

Acts 20:22-38 tells us that at Ephesus Paul told the elders And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Paul continued his message through the end of the chapter.  He expected to never return to Ephesus.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

  1. The word Yea  means: 'Yes with more emphasis on the truth than a simple yes provided'.  Thus sentence is giving a very positive evidence of the claim in the prior sentence.
  2. The phrase ye yourselves know  means: 'Each and every one of them personally knew this truth'.
  3. The phrase that these hands have ministered unto my necessities  means: 'Paul worked and financially supported himself even while he was a missionary in their city'.
  4. The phrase and to them that were with me  means: 'Paul worked and financially supported those who were with him.  He refused to be a financial burden to the new mission work'.


Please see the notes for Philippians 2:17 and Luke 24:22-23 about the word yea.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Yes; a word that expresses affirmation or assent. Yea is used only in the sacred and solemn style. It affirms much more strongly than a simple Yes'.

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 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 notes for Romans C13S6; 1Corinthians C3S5 and 2Corinthians 3:3 about the word minister.  The functional definition for this word is: 'The act of performing service as a subordinate agent; agency; intervention for aid or service. --Because their widows were neglected in the daily ministrations. Acts.6. 1. Office of a minister; service; ecclesiastical function. As soon as the days of his ministration were ended. Luke 1'.  Please also see the note for Luke 1:23 about the word ministration.    Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C12S5 about the word administration.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 12:22 about the word necessary.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'a. 1. that must be; that cannot be otherwise; indispensably requisite. It is necessary that every effect should have a cause. 2. Indispensable; requisite; essential; that cannot be otherwise without preventing the purpose intended. Air is necessary to support animal life; food is necessary to nourish the body; holiness is a necessary qualification for happiness; health is necessary to the enjoyment of pleasure; subjection to law is necessary to the safety of persons and property. 3. Unavoidable; as a necessary inference or consequence from facts or arguments. 4. Acting from necessity or compulsion; opposed to free. Whether man is a necessary or a free agent is a question much discussed'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'that these. Ac 18:3; 1Co 4:12; 1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:8-9  General references. exp: 1Th 2:'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S31 (Verse 35)   Paul taught them all of the doctrines from the Bible.  He did not preach only what was popular nor did he preach only 'milk doctrine'.
  1. I have shewed you all things,
  2. how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak,
  3. and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus,
  4. how he said,
  5. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Acts 20:22-38 tells us that at Ephesus Paul told the elders And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Paul continued his message through the end of the chapter.  He expected to never return to Ephesus.

Lots of people like to preach the last phrase of this sentence as if it were independent of the context.  That type of preaching leads to doctrinal error and people believing doctrines of devils  (1Timothy 4:1).  No, what is preached is not necessarily wrong.  However, it makes people believe that they can take parts of the word of God  out of context unless the preacher makes it clear that he is preaching a precept  ('''a truth that never changes for any circumstance').

Here Paul uses Lord Jesus  as our ultimate human leader Who is 'God in human flesh restored to power and authority'.  This commandment comes with all of the power and authority of our Lord,  Who is also God.  However, it also comes with the understanding of human weakness provided by Jesus.  He knows and understands our weakness and fleshly desire to provide for the flesh through covetousness.  He also understands that God made Biblical Law called 'sowing and reaping' that is more reliable than the laws of nature.  Because of the faith required to overcome the weakness of the flesh, especially when it comes to giving and receiving, God provides extra blessings to those that obey their Lord Jesus  in this area.

The first thing that Paul reminds us of is that he shewed you all thing.  The preacher is to live as an example to the people in his ministry.  (John 13:15; 1Timothy 4:12; James 5:19; 1Peter 2:21).

Next, Paul reminds us that we are to labour...to support the weak.  God does not bless a lazy person and the main subject of this sentence is how to get God's blessings.

Next, Paul reminds us of is the instructions to support the weak.  In Romans 14:1 we are told Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.  Paul provides further clarifications in Romans 14 including Romans 14:19 which tells us Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.  That and  is important.  We all know how babies and little children will throw fits to have things their way.  The same is true for spiritual children.  Too many people give into spiritual infants in order to have peace, which is only allowing the infants to have things their way in direct disobedience to our Lord Jesus.

Next, we are told to remember the words of the Lord Jesus.  These are His teaching and commands.  We will not be blessed but will lose blessings, if not be punished, if we disobey His teaching and commands.  Remember that God does not change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8) and all throughout the word of God  we see that God blesses obedience but punishes ongoing disobedience.  John 5:39 says: Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.  Any doctrine which claims to be Biblical, and preaches another Jesus,  who does not match these character traits, is from a devil.

One of the biggest problems with the way that this sentence is typically preached is that preachers tend to leave out, or at least not emphasize, that these commands come from our Lord Jesus.  Thus, his listeners are left with the impression that this teaching is based upon his authority as a preacher / pastor.  But, such men do not have the authority of our Lord Jesus.  Therefore. it is in ignorance or pride which causes preachers to lower the level of authority, for this teaching, from God to the level of man.

Romans 14 started out saying but not to doubtful disputations.  Our Lord Jesus  requires us to live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38).  Therefore, there is a clear limit on what we are to allow in order to have peace.  Please consider the main sin mentioned in 1Corinthians and Paul's instructions to the church on how to deal with it.

The spiritual immature person is going to doubt that the things of faith work and will want to dispute them.  We are to tell them that these things are spiritual laws from our Lord Jesus  and they do not have the authority, nor power, to dispute laws from the Lord Jesus.  We are to warn them of the law of 'sowing and reaping' (Job 4:8; Psalms 126:5; Proverbs 22:8; Hosea 10:12; John 4:36-37; 2Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 6:7-8).  That is where the and  of Romans 14:19 comes in.  Giving into fits by spiritually immature may produce some peace, but it does not meet the second requirement of things wherewith one may edify another.

When the immature throw fits, we are to turn them over to our Lord Jesus  for correction believing that He knows the best way to correct them.  When they finally learn that the Law of 'sowing and reaping' is absolute, then we can show them that they are reaping what they sowed in spiritual immaturity and can show them how to sow in faith that they might reap the good things of God.

Our sentence also teaches us this truth about teaching the weaker brother taught in 1Corinthians 8 and 1Corinthians 8:11 warns us that it is possible for the weak brother [to] perish  and that sometimes we have to give up things that are not harmful to us because they are harmful to our weak brother.

This brings us to the last section of Paul's reminders which is that It is more blessed to give than to receive.  In Matthew 6:19-34 and Luke 16:10-13 our Lord Jesus  summarized the Bible's teaching about money and giving and receiving when He said No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.  Ye cannot serve God and mammon.  Money is only a tool that we are to use to bring others to the truth of God.  When we do that we will be blessed by God, which is why Paul said It is more blessed to give than to receive.  All of this is based upon the instruction to remember the words of the Lord Jesus.  Too many of us base our life upon the religious interpretation of those words by other men.  However, no matter how good those men are, they make errors and errors in doctrine hurt us.  Therefore, we are supposed to take all teaching of men and compare them to the words of the Lord Jesus  (found in the Bible) and hold to those which actually match the words of the Lord Jesus.  His words are to be our final authority and not the interpretation of His words by other men.


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 note for 1Corinthians C3S9 and 1Corinthians C4S13 about the word labour.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Exertion of muscular strength, or bodily exertion which occasions weariness; particularly, the exertion of the limbs in occupations by which subsistence is obtained, as in agriculture and manufactures'.  .  The main application, within the Bible, is:'work of God's ministr'.  Please also see the note for Luke 10:2 about the word labourer.  Please also see the note for Philippians 4:3 about the word fellowlabourers.

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'.

We find forms of the word support  only in: Acts 20:35; 1Thessalonians 5:14.  both sentences tell us the exact same command.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 't. L. supporto; sub and porto, to carry.  1. to bear; to sustain; to uphold; as, a prop or pillar supports a structure; an abutment supports an arch; the stem of a tree supports the branches. Every edifice must have a foundation to support it; a rope or cord supports a weight.  2. to endure without being overcome; as, to support pain, distress or misfortunes.  This fierce demeanor and his insolence,  the patience of a God could not support.  3. to bear; to endure; as, to support fatigues or hardships; to support violent exertions. the eye will not support the light of the sun's disk.  4. to sustain; to keep from fainting or sinking; as, to support the courage or spirits.  5. to sustain; to act or represent well; as, to support the character or king Lear; to support the part assigned.  6. to bear; to supply funds for or the means of continuing; as, to support the annual expenses of government.  7. to sustain; to carry on; as, to support a war or a contest; to support an argument or debate.  8. to maintain with provisions and the necessary means of living; as, to support a family; to support a son in college; to support the ministers of the gospel.  9. to maintain; to sustain; to keep from failing; as, to support life; to support the strength by nourishment.  10. to sustain without change or dissolution; as, clay supports an intense heat.  11. to bear; to keep from sinking; as, water supports ships and other bodies; air supports a balloon.  12. to bear without being exhausted; to be able to pay; as, to support taxes or contributions.  13. to sustain; to maintain; as, to support a good character.  14. to maintain; to verify; to make good; to substantiate. the testimony is not sufficient to support the charges; the evidence will not support the statements or allegations; the impeachment is well supported by evidence.  15. to uphold by aid or countenance; as, to support a friend or a party.  16. to vindicate; to maintain; to defend successfully; as, to be able to support one's own cause.
SUPPORT, n. the act or operation of upholding or sustaining.  1. that which upholds, sustains or keeps from falling, as a prop, a pillar, a foundation of any kind.  2. that which maintains life; as, food is the support of life, of the body, of strength. Oxygen or vital air has been supposed to be the support of respiration and of heat in the blood.  3. Maintenance; subsistence; as an income sufficient for the support of a family; or revenue for the support of the army and navy.  4. Maintenance; an upholding; continuance in any state, or preservation from falling, sinking or failing; as taxes necessary for the support of public credit; a revenue for the support of government.  5. In general, the maintenance or sustaining of anything without suffering it to fail, decline or languish; as the support of health, spirits, strength or courage; the support of reputation, credit, etc.  6. that which upholds or relieves; aid; help; succor; assistance
'.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S2 and 1Corinthians C4S12 about the word weak.  The functional definition is: 'The primary sense of the root is to yield, fail, give way, recede, or to be soft'.

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'.

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 Godthe 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.

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 notes for Galatians C3-S10 about the word bless.  The functional definition for this word is: 'receiving, or wishing another to receive, the spiritual good from God which produces spiritual joy even while it might make us less happy in the flesh'.

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 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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'shewed. Ac 20:20,27  how that. Isa 35:3; Ro 15:1; 1Co 9:12; 2Co 11:9,12; 12:13; Eph 4:28; 1Th 4:11; 5:14; Heb 12:12-13; 13:3  It is. Ps 41:1-3; 112:5-9; Pr 19:17; Isa 32:8; 58:7-12; Mt 10:8; 25:34-40; Lu 14:12-14; 2Co 8:9; 9:6-12; Php 4:17-20; Heb 13:16  General references. exp: Php 2:5.'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S32 (Verse 36)   Paul prayed for God's blessings on them.
  1. And when he had thus spoken,
  2. he kneeled down,
  3. and prayed with them all.

Acts 20:22-38 tells us that at Ephesus Paul told the elders And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Paul continued his message through the end of the chapter.  He expected to never return to Ephesus.

Paul kneeled  to display a humble attitude towards our Lord Jesus.  Unlike how many preachers treat His commands and teachings, Paul always presented himself as a lower power and lower authority.


Please see the note for Mark 1:40 about the word kneeling.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Falling on the knees'.

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.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'he kneeled. Ac 7:60; 21:5; 2Ch 6:13; Da 6:10; Lu 22:41; Eph 3:14; Php 4:6'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S33 (Verse 37-38)   the main reason why the elders of Ephesus were upset.
  1. And they all wept sore,
  2. and fell on Paul's neck,
  3. and kissed him,
  4. Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake,
  5. that they should see his face no more.

Acts 20:22-38 tells us that at Ephesus Paul told the elders And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Paul continued his message through the end of the chapter.  He expected to never return to Ephesus.

This sentence tells us their reaction to Paul's words.  And, it puts the emphasis on the phrase of: that they should see his face no more.  This is the reaction when people realize how much someone helped them in the past and that they will not receive further help.  This type of reaction often accompanies the death of a loved person.  And, that is, effectively, what Paul declared to them would be their lack of a future relationship.

There are people whom we help and they never appreciate us, nor our help, until we are gone.  We need to truly consider who actually helps us and show our appreciation while they are alive.


The word wept  is the past-tense form of the word weep. Please see the note for John 20:11-12 about the word weep.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to express sorrow, grief or anguish by outcry. this is the original sense. But in present usage, to manifest and express grief by outcry or by shedding tears. they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him. Acts 20. Phocion was rarely seen to weep or to laugh. 2. to shed tears from any passion. Persons sometimes weep for joy. 3. to lament; to complain. Numbers 11.
WEEP, v.t. 1. to lament; to bewail; to bemoan. We wandring go through dreary wastes, and weep each others woe. 2. to shed moisture; as, to weep tears of joy. Groves whose rich trees wept odrous gum and balm. 3. to drop; as the weeping amber. 4. to abound with wet; as weeping grounds
'.

Please see the note for Mark 14:33-34 about the word sore.  The functional definition for this word is: 'Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. 1. A place in an animal body where the skin and flesh are ruptured or bruised, so as to be pained with the slightest pressure. 2. An ulcer; a boil. 3. In Scriptures, grief; affliction. 2 Chron. 6.
SORE, a. 1. Tender and susceptible of pain from pressure; as, a boil, ulcer or abscess is very sore; a wounded place is sore; inflammation renders a part sore. 2. Tender, as the mind; easily pained, grieved or vexed; very susceptible of irritation from anything that crosses the inclination. Malice and hatred are very fretting, and apt to make our minds sore and uneasy. 3. Affected with inflammation; as sore eyes. 4. Violent with pain; severe; afflictive; distressing; as a sore disease; sore evil or calamity; a sore night. 5. Severe; violent; as a sore conflict. 6. Criminal; evil.
SORE, adv. 1. With painful violence; intensely; severely; grievously. they hand presseth me sore. 2. Greatly; violently; deeply. He was sorely afflicted at the loss of his son. Sore sigh'd the knight, who this long sermon heard
'.

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'.

Please see the note for Luke 17:2 about the word neck.  Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'This word is properly the nape or vertebrae of the neck behind, and is so rendered in other languages, L. that is a knob or mass. 1. the part of an animals body which is between the head and the trunk, and connects them. In man and many other animals, this part is more slender than the trunk; hence, 2. A long narrow tract of land projecting from the main body, or a narrow tract connecting two larger tracts; as the neck of land between Boston and Roxbury. 3. the long slender part of a vessel,, as a retort; or of a plant, as a gourd; or of any instrument, as a guitar. A stiff neck, in Scripture, denotes obstinacy in sin. On the neck , immediately after; following closely. First by committing one sin on the neck of another. this phrase is not much used. We more frequently say, on the heels. to break the neck of an affair, to hinder, or to do the principal thing to prevent. to harden the neck, to grow obstinate; to be more and more perverse and rebellious. Nehemiah 9'.

Please see the note for Romans C16S18 about the word kiss.  The functional definition for this word is: 'v.t. 1. to salute with the lips. 2. to treat with fondness; to caress. the hearts of princes kiss obedience. 3. to touch gently. When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees. KISS, n. A salute given with the lips; a common token of affection'.  In the Bible, the word kiss.  is only used to show affection and is not used is a sexual manner.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:27 about the word sorrow.  Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. the uneasiness or pain of mind which is produced by the loss of any good. or of frustrated hopes of good, or expected loss of happiness; to grieve; to be sad. I rejoice not that ye were made sorry, but the ye sorrowed to repentance. I Cor. 7. Sorrowing most of all for the words which be spoke, that they should see his face no more. Acts 20'.

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 Godthe 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.

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 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 2Corinthians 4:6 about the word face.  The functional definition for this word is:"c19s12 'The power, position, authority and presence of the being that is presented to us'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'wept. 1Sa 20:41; 2Sa 15:30; 2Ki 20:3; Ezr 10:1; Job 2:12; Ps 126:5; 2Ti 1:4; Re 7:17; 21:4  fell. Ge 45:14; 46:29  kissed. Ro 16:16; 1Co 16:20; 2Co 13:12; 1Th 5:26 exp: Ge 29:13; Ex 18:7.
that. Ac 20:25  and. Ac 15:3; 21:5,16; 1Co 16:11
'.

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary


C20-S34 (Verse 38)   Paul delayed his further travels long enough to meet the elders from Ephesus.
And they accompanied him unto the ship

Acts 20:22-38 tells us that at Ephesus Paul told the elders And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  Paul continued his message through the end of the chapter.  He expected to never return to Ephesus.


Please see the note for John 6:16-17 about the word ship.  The functional definition for this word is: 'For the most part, in the Bible, these are now called fishing boats'.

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

HomeStart Web PageStart of Chapter   Chapter Summary

Contact:  Webmaster@LJC1611KJV.com.  Member of Tower Road Baptist Church, Abq., NM, U.S.A., 87121.  Copyright 2009 Lord Jesus Christ in the 1611KJV.  All rights reserved. Revised: 02/27/24.