Interpretive Study of Acts 15-16

Book theme is: How God Started the Church.

Chapter links: Outline, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28; God.

Acts Chapter 15

Chapter theme is: Devil Motivated Contention.

links to sentences in this chapter:

C15-S1 (Verse 1), C15-S2 (Verse 2), C15-S3 (Verse 3), C15-S4 (Verse 4), C15-S5 (Verse 5), C15-S6 (Verse 6), C15-S7 (Verse 7), C15-S8 (Verse 8-9), C15-S9 (Verse 10), C15-S10 (Verse 11), C15-S11 (Verse 12), C15-S12 (Verse 13-14), C15-S13 (Verse 15-17), C15-S14 (Verse 18), C15-S15 (Verse 19-20), C15-S16 (Verse 21), C15-S17 (Verse 22-26), C15-S18 (Verse 27), C15-S19 (Verse 28-29), C15-S20 (Verse 29), C15-S21 (Verse 30-31), C15-S22 (Verse 32), C15-S23 (Verse 33), C15-S24 (Verse 34), C15-S25 (Verse 35), C15-S26 (Verse 36), C15-S27 (Verse 37), C15-S28 (Verse 38), C15-S29 (Verse 39-40), C15-S30 (Verse 41)'.

15:1 tells us that devil-motivated men went to Antioch and taught doctrinal error.

15:2 tells us that Paul and Barnabas disputed their error and forced the doctrinal fight to go the mother (Jerusalem) Church.

15:3-4 tells us that saved people who heard about Gentiles being saved praised God for His work.

15:5 tells us certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, that it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. Since these Gentiles were, obviously, already saved and had spiritual gifts, it is not clear what basis they used for their claim.

15:6-11 tells us about the dispute in the Jerusalem Church.

15:12 tells us about the Jews listening to Paul and Barnabas testifying about God working among the Gentiles.

15:13-21 tells us the summary of the church.

15:22-31 tells us about the church sending Paul, Barnabas and two others back to Antioch with their conclusions.

15:32-35 tells us about Silas staying at Antioch while Judas returned to Jerusalem.

15:36-41 tells us about Paul and Barnabas splitting over the second missionary trip. It is important to consider all of these sentences together in order to avoid misunderstanding.

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C15-S1 (Verse 1) Doctrinal error was taught at Antioch.

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren,
and said,
Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses,
ye cannot be saved.

Our sentence starts with the word and, which means it is adding to the prior chapter. As noted in the chapter summary, the prior two chapters told us about the first missionary trip and ended with Paul and Barnabas homeans safe. they had been persecuted, Paul had been stoned and left for dead, and they had suffered many physical hardships. Yet, they had triumphed spiritually and started many churches.

So, our sentence starts with the word and, because we have a continuation of thereport on the spiritual war between devils and God. And, since God's ministers could not be stopped physically, not even with death, Satan is now trying corruption. This is the exact spiritual error which Jude wrote his epistle to warn us against. As Jude warns, these people were motivated by things of the flesh. In the case of these men, it was their stand ing among their peers in the Jerusalem church. And, as Jude also warns, they taught a system of corrupt morals and ignoring our personal responsibilities to our Lord Jesus Christ, so long as you do the physical religious acts which they taught.

Our sentence only mentions circumcision for salvation. However, they were from the saved Pharisees (Acts 15:5), which Paul had been a leader among (Acts 23:6). they were known to excuse any type of moral sin so long as people submitted to their religious rules. Thus, while our sentence only mentions circumcision for salvation, Paul knew that they were trying to introduce an entire system of corrupt doctrine. And, we see throughout all of Paul's epistles that he had an ongoing spiritual war against this particular form of corruption.

As mentioned before, we no longer read about the Jerusalem Church seeing souls saved. That ended when the church leaders gave peter a hard time for obeying God and taking the Gospel of salvation to Gentiles. From here through the end of this book, we read about Paul and others leading people to salvation and starting churches. However, we only read about people from the Jerusalem Church trying to corrupt the doctrine of those churches by trying to force them to submit to this corrupt doctrine.

Please see the note for John 7:3 about the words Jewry / Judaea / Judea / Judah. The New Testament definition is: 'the area of land generally associated with the Southe rn Kingdom and religious control by Jewish rulers but which varies in size from one reference to another'. Please also see the note for Revelation 2:9 about the word Jew.

Please see the note for Matthew 2:11 about the word down. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'In a descending direction; tending from a higher to a lower place'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:8-10 about the phrase cast down. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to cause the destruction of the thing that is cast away'. Please also see the note for Luke 21:5-6 about the phrase thrown down. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'having a structure completely taken apart as a means of destruction and the parts disposed of as useless'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 10:5 about the phrase pull down. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'destroy'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 2:13 about the word teach and the word taught. The New Testament definition, of word teach, is: 'Giving of knowledge and understanding'. The New Testament definition, of word teacheth, is: 'A life-style teaching'. The New Testament definition, of word taught, is: 'the past-tense form of teach'. Please also see the note for John 3:2 about the word teacher. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'A person who teaches'. Please also see the Doctrinal Study on False about false teachers. Please also see the message called Called to be Saints; Fellowship in the Gospel; Pass it on and Follow Me As I Follow Christ about how we are to teach new believers to mature spiritually.

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

Please see the note for Matthew 9:18 about the word spake. Please also see the note for Matthew 1:22 about the word spoken. The New Testament definition, for both words, is: 'the past-tense form of the word speak, although the gramaritical rules differ for each word'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:12-14 about the word speak. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to utter words or articulate sounds, as human beings; to express thoughts by words'. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:15 about the word unspeakable. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'That which cannot be spoken'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:12-14 about the word speech. Please see the note for Revelation 1:8 and the Concordance for all references to the word saith. Please see the note for Ephesians C4S15 about the phrase evil speaking. Please see the note for Romans 11:1 about the phrase I say. 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). The words speaketh and saith mean that the person 'keeps on keeping on doing the saying'.

Please see the note for John 6:44 about the word except. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to take or leave out of any number specified; to exclude; as, of the thirty persons present and concerned in a riot, we must except two. 2. to take or leave out any particular or particulars, from a general description. When he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted who did put all things under him. 1 Cor.14'.

Please see the note for Galatians C2-S3 about the word circumcised. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word circumcise'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:59 about the word circumcise. The New Testament definition is 'to cut off the foreskin of males. A physical ceremony which shows spiritual agreement to cut away of the fleshly parts of our heart and soul'. Please also see the note for John 7:22 about the word circumcision. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the word circumcise. Genesis 17:10 tells us that circumcision was given as an outward sign of a spiritual covenant. It is used symbolically, by the word of God, for all who rely on keeping religious rules to make them right with God'. The word circumcising is only found in the Old Testament. Please also see the note for Romans C4S13 about the word uncircumcision. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'What Jewish believers called Gentile believers in the early church'. Please also see the Study called gospel of the uncircumcision. Please also see the Study called gospel of the circumcision. Please also see the note for Acts 7:51 about the word uncircumcised. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Physically this describes a male who has not been physically circumcised. It is used symbolically, by the word of God, for who rely on faith to make them right with God'.

Please see the note for 1Peter C1S4 about the word manner (singular). The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the method or way of performing or executing'. That definition is different from the word manners (plural), even though it is derived from the singular. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C15S30 about the word manners (plural).

Please see the note for Hebrews 3:1 about Moses. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'While this name is often used for the physical man, it is also used in the Bible to refer to the Law that God gave to His people through the man. In the New Testament, the Law for the saved comes from the Lord Jesus Christ'.

Please see the note for Matthew 1:21 about the word save. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to preserve from injury or destruction. Spiritually, it is to preserve from everlasting in the lake of fire'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S30 about the phrase all Israel shall be saved. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:19-20 about the word salvation. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'God's life in us. This word is used for being spiritually excluded from the damnation which we each earned by our sin'. As we see in the Bible and in this epistle, our continuing spiritual growth, and our sanctification is part of true Biblical salvation. Please also see the documents found on the Salvation Menu. Please also see the Word Study on Saviour and the Verses in the Lord Jesus Christ Study about the word Saviour. Please also see the Gospel of Your Salvation in the Word Study on Gospel. Please see the Word Study on Salvation. Please also see the note for 2Thessalonians 2:13 about the phrase salvation through sanctification. Please also see the note for James 1:21 about the phrase save your soul.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'certain. Ac 21:20; Ga 2:4,12-13 the brethren. Ac 15:23 Except. Ac 15:5; Ro 4:8-12; Ga 5:1-4; Php 3:2-3; Col 2:8,11-12,16 after. Ge 17:10-27; Le 12:3; Joh 7:22 ye. Ac 15:24; 1Co 7:18-19; Ga 2:1,3; 5:6; 6:13-16'.

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C15-S2 (Verse 2) how they determined to resolve the dispute.

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them,
they determined that Paul and Barnabas,
and certain other of them,
should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

They all went to the mother (Jerusalem) Church for a doctrine to be accepted by all. The Jews were willing to have Paul and others submit to their doctrine if they prevailed. However, they refused to do the same, even though they agreed to do so. That proved them to be lying hypocrites who pushed a doctrine from a devil.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them means: 'This is when and why they went to mother (Jerusalem) Church for a doctrine to be accepted by all saved'.
The phrase they determined that Paul and Barnabas means: 'these were the two main people who disputed with these Jews who taught doctrinal error'.
The phrase and certain other of them means: 'This included Titus'. Galatians 2:1-3 says: then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also...But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. Thus, they took people who constituted absolute proof that God did not require circumcision in order to be saved.
The phrase should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question means: 'they went to the highest human authority in the church to gat a resolution which was to be imposed upon all saved'.

Please notice that they had people there, like Titus, who were obviously saved and were also, obviously, not circumcised. Therefore, these people were insisting that their own personal opinion was a greater authority than the evidence of God working in this world . they refused to be reasonable. And, when people refuse to be reasonable and insist upon denying evidence from God which is shown to them, they identify themselves as a religious fanatic who serves doctrines of devils.

Please see the note for Romans intro about the word therefore. The New Testament 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 1:12 about the name of Paul. Please also see the note for Colossians C1S6 for links to every place where the phrase I Paul is used. The New Testament definition, for Paul is: 'the was a Pharisee before he was saved. God changed his name from Saul to Paul. He started more churches and wrote mote of the New Testament than any other man'. 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 C9S8 about Barnabas. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'This man was a peace maker'.

We find forms of the word dissension only in: Acts 15:2; Acts 23:7; Acts 23:10. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. L., to think. Disagreement in opinion, usually a disagreement which is violent, producing warm debates or angry words; contention in words; strife; discord; quarrel; breach of friendship and union. Debates, dissensions, uproars are thy joy. Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension with them. Acts 15. We see dissensions in church and state, in towns, parishes, and families, and the word is sometimes applied to differences which produce war; as the dissensions between the houses of York and Lancaster in England'.

Please see the note for Romans 14:1 about the word disputation. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the word dispute'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 1:20 about the word disputer. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'a person who disputes'. The word dispute is only found in the Old Testament in: Job 23:7. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'a contested subject; opposed by words or arguments or litigated'. Please also see the note for Acts 6:9 about the word disputing. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word dispute'. Please also see the note for Acts 9:29 about the word disputed. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word dispute'.

Please see the note for Acts 3:13 about the word determined. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word determine'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C2S2 about the word determine. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to end a matter; to make a conclusion. Having a firm or fixed purpose'. Please also see the note for Acts 2:22-24 about the word determinate. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'what has been settled and is no longer in question'.

Please see the note for Galatians C1-S12 about Jerusalem. The New Testament definition, for Jerusalem, is: 'the central place of worship of the true God. In the Bible, this phrase isused only for Jerusalem or the New Jerusalem'. Please also see the note for Matthew 4:5 about the phrase holy city.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:1 about the word elder. The New Testament 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 Mark 1:27 about the word question. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the act of asking; an interrogatory; as, to examine by question and answer'. Forms of this word are also used, in this book, in: Acts 18:15; Acts 19:40; Acts 23:6; Acts 23:29; Acts 24:21; Acts 25:19; Acts 25:20; Acts 26:3.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Paul. Ac 15:7; Ga 1:6-10; 2:5; Jude 1:3 they determined. Ac 15:25; Ex 18:23; Ga 2:1-2 certain. Ac 15:22,27; 10:23; 11:12 should. Ac 15:4,22-23; 1Sa 8:7; 1Co 9:19-23; Ga 2:2; Phm 1:8-9 the apostles. Ac 15:6,23; 21:18; 1Co 1:1; 2Co 11:5'.

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C15-S3 (Verse 3) What happened on the way to Jerusalem.

Equivalent Section: Paul and Barnabas testified to believers outside of Jerusalem.

And being brought on their way by the church,
they passed through Phenice and Samaria,
declaring the conversion of the Gentiles:.

Equivalent Section: the non-Jerusalem believers had joy when hearing about the salvation of Gentiles.

and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

15:3-4 tells us that saved people who heard about Gentiles being saved praised God for His work.

in this sentence, we read that the saved, who were not at Jerusalem, praised God for saving Gentiles. Only the Jews in Jerusalem were caught up in the belief that the Pharisees had greater spiritual authority than the testimony of how God's Holy Ghost worked in the lives of believers.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C4S17 about the word way. The New Testament definition of this word is: 'How we get from where we are at to our destination. Used in the Word of God for how we end up in Heaven or Hell'. 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 use This link to see the 'Minor Titles of the Son of God' found within the Bible along with links to where the Bible uses those titles. The title in this sentence is way. We are to follow our Lord Jesus Christ and no other way.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 11:22 about the word church. The New Testament 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 Acts 9:31 about the phrase churches (plural). The New Testament definition for this word is: 'many local assemblies as opposed to the claim of one universal church on Earth'. Please also see the note for 2Thessalonians 1:4 about the phrase church(es) of God. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'churches which truly belong to God and serve God instead of religion'.

Please see the note for Matthew 9:1 about the word passed. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word pass'. Please also see the note for Luke 4:30 about the word passing. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word pass'. Please also see the note for Luke 18:37 about the word passeth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word pass'. Please also see the note for Matthew 5:18 about the word pass. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to move, in almost any manner, from one place to another'. The word passest only occurs in the Old Testament. Please also see the note for John 2:13 about the phrase passover. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'when God spared anyone who obeyed His command'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:17 about the phrase passed away. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'dead'.

Please see the note for John 4:4 about the word Samaria. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the DISTRICT OF SAMARIA is often alluded to in then.T. It occupied about the same territory as that of Ephraim and Manasseh's portion in the west. It had the district of Galilee on the north, and Judaea on the south. Lu 17:11; Joh 4:4; Ac 1:8; 8:1-14; 9:31; 15:3'. Please also see the note for Matthew 10:5-6 about the word Samaritan.

We find the word declaring in: our current sentence; Acts 15:12 and 1Corinthians 2:1. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word declare'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:1 the word declaration. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the word declare'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 3:13 the word declare. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to make something clearly known'. Please also see the note for Luke 8:47 the word declared. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word declare'. The word declareth is only found in the Old Testament.

We find forms of the word conversion only in this sentence. The conversion defines this word as: 'This is from the phrase to turn to. It is in scripture the real effect that accompanies the new birth, a turning to God. It is beautifully expressed in the case of the Thessalonians, showing how they "turned to the same word God from idols, to serve the living and true God." 1Th 1:9. Paul and Barnabas were able to make known to the saints the 'conversion of the Gentiles.' Ac 15:3. In Peter's address to the Jews he said, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out." Ac 3:19. Without being converted they could not enter the kingdom of heaven. Mt 18:3. the word is used in a somewhat different sense in respect to Peter himself. the Lord, knowing that he would fall under the sifting of Satan, said, "When thou art converted strengthen thy brethren;" that is, when he had returned in contrition, or been restored. In the O.T. the Hebrew words signify the same, 'to be turned,' 'to turn back.' Ps 51:13; Isa 6:10; 60:5: cf. Isa 1:27, margin'.

Please see the note for Romans C15S13 about the word Gentile. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'In the scriptures, a non-Jew'. Please see the note for Luke 2:32 for links to where The word of God prophesies that God would bring the Gospel to the Gentiles Please also see the Word Study on Gospel about the gospel to the Gentiles.

Please see the note for John 11:37 about the word caused. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word cause'. Please also see the note for Matthew 5:22 about the word cause. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: '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 2Corinthians 2:14 about the word causeth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word cause'. Please also see the note for Acts 26:21 about the word causes. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the plural form of the word cause'. 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 note for 1John C1S2 about the word joy. The New Testament 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 also see the note for 1Timothy 6:17-19 about the word enjoy. Please also see the note for Galatians C4-S24 for the word rejoice. The acrostic of 'Jesus, others, You' tells us the priorities we must keep within our life if we are to experience true joy.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'brought. Ac 21:5; 28:15; Ro 15:24; 1Co 16:6,11; Tit 3:13; 3Jo 1:6-8 passed. Ac 8:14; 11:19 declaring. Ac 15:12; 14:27; 21:19-20 they caused. Ac 11:18; 13:48,52; Isa 60:4-5; 66:12-14; Lu 15:5-10,23-24,32'.

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C15-S4 (Verse 4) Paul and Barnabas testified to the Jerusalem Church.

And when they were come to Jerusalem,
they were received of the church,
and of the apostles and elders,
and they declared all things that God had done with them.

15:3-4 tells us that saved people who heard about Gentiles being saved praised God for His work.

Notice that they declared all things that God had done with them. they did not testify their own religious opinion, which could be disputed. they testified what God did, which could not be disputed.

Please see the note for Romans C14S1 about the word receive. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to take. In order to truly receive a person, we must receive their character as our own. In order to truly receive Jesus, we must take His character as our own. Couples who have truly received each other become like each other'. In addition, please also 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 word receiveth is: 'A life-style receiving. That is, something which is received and never lost'.

Please see the note for Luke 8:47 the word declared. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word declare'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 3:13 the word declare. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to make something clearly known'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:1 the word declaration. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the word declare'. Please also see the note for Acts 15:3 the word declaring. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word declare'. The word declareth is only found in the Old Testament.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'received. Ac 18:27; 21:17; Mt 10:40; Ro 15:7; Col 4:10; 2Jo 1:10; 3Jo 1:8-10 all. Ac 15:3,12; 14:27; 21:19; Ro 15:18; 1Co 15:10; 2Co 5:19; 6:1'.

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C15-S5 (Verse 5) Saved people in the church insisted that the church submit to doctrinal error.

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed,
saying,
that it was needful to circumcise them,
and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

This sentence tells us certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, that it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. Since these Gentiles were, obviously, already saved and had spiritual gifts, it is not clear what basis they used for their claim.

These were the sect who demanded Jesus to be crucified because He disagreed with their doctrinal error. This sect also demanded that the apostles be arrested and beat when the church started. they were also who sent out Paul to arrest and kill saved people before he was saved. And, they were known for justifying sins of the flesh and other moral sins so long as people kept their religious rules. So, now that some of them are saved, they still push the same religious doctrines of justifying any sin so long as people keep their religious rules. And, their ongoing influence in the Jerusalem Church is what led to God destroying the Temple and destroying that church.

Notice that they said: that it was needful to circumcise the . A need is not optional. Paul and Barnabas had Titus, and other Gentiles, with them who had obvious evidences of being saved even while they were not circumcised. Therefore, the evidence before the Jerusalem Church was that this claim was a lie. It was not needful. And, as a lie, they should have recognized it as coming from a devil. However, because of the influence of this sect, the church failed to recognize these truths.

Also, notice that our last phrase says: and to command them to keep the law of Moses. This was a claim that it was needful for them to keep the law of Moses in order to be blessed. However, the evidence before the church, was that the Jerusalem Church had stopped winning souls and starting churches. Instead, they were concentrating on this doctrinal dispute and God had stopped blessing them. At the same time, the Gentiles were winning souls, were starting new churches, and were being blessed by God as Paul and Barnabas had testified and as was reported in Acts 15:4. Therefore, this sect was claiming that it was needful for the Gentiles to stop doing what God was blessing and switch to doing what God had proven would cause Him to remove His blessings. And, like religious people all throughout all ages, they weren't bothered by things like The testimony of the Lord and the commandment from The word of God.

Please see the note for Mark 10:50 about the word rose. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'As a verb, it is the past-tense of the word rise. As a noun, it is a class of flower'. Please also see the note for Matthew 5:45 about the word rise. The word risest is only found in the Old Testament. Please also see the note for John 13:4 about the word riseth. Please also see the note for Mark 1:35 about the word rising. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to move to pass upward in any manner'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C15S32 about the word raise. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to lift from a low or reclining posture. In the word of God, it is most often used for resurrection'. The difference between the words rise and rise is that rise is done by self while raise is done by an external force. Please also see the note for Mark 2:9 about the word arise. Please also see the note for Matthew 2:14 about the word arose. Please also see the note for Matthew 13:21 about the word ariseth. Please also see the note for John 20:2-LJC about the phrase risen Jesus is Lord. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C15S32 about the word resurrection. Please also see the note for Romans C8S11 about the 'resurrection of Christ' and about the 'resurrection of Jesus'.

Please see the note for Acts 5:17 about the word sect. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: '"A chosen manner of life," or a "a religious party,". It also came to be used in a bad sense, of those holding pernicious error, divergent forms of belief'.

Please see the note for John 3:1 about the word Pharisee. The New Testament definition, for his name, is: 'A sect of Jews at the time of Jesus. they kept the most strident religious laws but were condemned by Jesus for ignoring the moral law and their personal relationship with God'.

Please see the note for Romans C10S15 about the word believe. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'What you are convinced is true and that belief causes action. 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'. Please also see the note for John 3:16 about the word believeth. The word believeth is a 'lifestyle belief'. Please see the note for John 6:40 about the phrase believe on. Please also see the note for John 12:42 which also has links to every place, in this Gospel, where we find the phrase believe in and the difference in definitions between believe in and believe on. Please also see the note for Romans 3:26-LJC about the phrase believe in Jesus / Christ. Please also see the note for John 12:40 about the phrases believe on / believe in. Please also see the note for John 8:30 about the phrase belief, non-saving. Please also see the note for 2Thessalonians 2:13 about the word belief. 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 note for Romans C4S21 about the phrase belief (true) requires us to do. Please see the note for Romans C3S5 about the word unbelief. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A failure to believe. What is called a head belief (a thought only in the head), is truly unbelief because it does not motivate the person to act upon truer belief'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 6:6 about the word unbeliever. Please also see the note for 2Corinthian 6:15 about the word infidel.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:10 about the word judge. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to compare facts or ideas, and perceive their agreement or disagreement, and thus to distinguish truth from falsehood'. Please see the note for Philippians 1:9 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 C14S16 and 2Corinthians 5:10 about the judgment Seat of Christ Please also see the note for Matthew 32-33 about the phrase Judge of all the earth. Please also see the note for 2Thessalonians 1:9-LJC about the phrase judgment without mercy. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C4S5 about the phrase we are to judge. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 4:5 about the phrase judge nothing. Please also see the note for Romans 8:1-LJC about the phrase judged by works. Please also see the note for Ephesians C5S6 about the phrase judgment by us. The New Testament definition is: 'to compare facts or ideas, and perceive their agreement or disagreement, and thus to distinguish truth from falsehood'. Please also see the Section called: 'Minor Titles of the Son of God' in the Doctrinal Study called: Significant Gospel Events with the title of: Judge.

Please see the note for Philippians 4:19 about the word need. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to compel, to lack; to require, as supply or relief'. Please also see the note for Romans C13S8 about the phrase must needs.

Please see the note for Luke 1:59 about the word circumcise. The New Testament definition is 'to cut off the foreskin of males. A physical ceremony which shows spiritual agreement to cut away of the fleshly parts of our heart and soul'. Please also see the note for Galatians C2-S3 about the word circumcised. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word circumcise'. Please also see the note for John 7:22 about the word circumcision. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the word circumcise. Genesis 17:10 tells us that circumcision was given as an outward sign of a spiritual covenant. It is used symbolically, by the word of God, for all who rely on keeping religious rules to make them right with God'. The word circumcising is only found in the Old Testament. Please also see the note for Romans C4S13 about the word uncircumcision. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'What Jewish believers called Gentile believers in the early church'. Please also see the Study called gospel of the uncircumcision. Please also see the Study called gospel of the circumcision. Please also see the note for Acts 7:51 about the word uncircumcised. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Physically this describes a male who has not been physically circumcised. It is used symbolically, by the word of God, for who rely on faith to make them right with God'.

Please see the note for Matthew 19:7 about the word command. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to order; to direct; to charge; implying authority, and power to control, and to require obedience'. Please also see the note for Matthew 11:1 about the word Commanding. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word command'. Please also see the note for Acts 17:30 about the word commandeth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of a life-style form of the word command'. Please also see the note for Romans C7S11 about the word commandment. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A mandate; an order or injunction given by authority; charge; precept'. Please see the Doctrinal Study on the use Ten Commandments for links to where they are dealt with in the word of God. Please use This link to see the 'Ten (10) Commandments' and references to them in the New Testament. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments. Please also see the note for Acts 23:3 about the word commandest. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb form of a life-style form of the word command'. Please also see the note for Matthew 8:4 about the word commanded. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word command'.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:22 about the word keep. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to hold; to retain in one's power or possession; not to lose or part with'. Please also see the note for Matthew 8:33 about the word kept. The word kept is the past-tense form of the word keep. The word keepeth is 'life-style keeping'. Please also see the note for Matthew 28:3-4 about the word keeper. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'One who retains anything or anyone in custody'. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments.

Please see the Doctrinal Study called God's Laws for the New Testament about the word law. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the set of written or commonly understood rules for unacceptable 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 law. Please also see the note for Psalms 119 about the phrase law of The Lord. 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 Romans 13:8 about the phrase law and love. Please also see the note for John 1:45 about the phrase law and The prophets. Please also see the note for Luke 14:3 about the word lawyer. 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 Ephesians 4:7-LJC about the phrase righteousness of The Law.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'rose up certain. or, rose up, said they, certain. The sect. Ac 21:20; 26:5-6; Php 3:5-8 exp: Ac 24:5. That it. Ac 15:1,24; Ga 5:1-3 '.

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C15-S6 (Verse 6) the church leaders considered the dispute.
And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter

15:6-11 tells us about the dispute in the Jerusalem Church.

Please see the note for John 11:49-50 about the word consider. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to fix the mind on, with a view to a careful examination; to think on with care; to ponder; to study; to meditate on'. Please also see the note for Mark 6:52 about the word considered. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word consider'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 13:7 about the word considering. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word consider'. Please also see the note for Matthew 7:3 about the word considerest. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb form of the life-style form of the word consider'. The word considereth only appears in the Old Testament.

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 New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Anything which can be sensed'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 15:25; 6:2; 21:18; Pr 15:22; Mt 18:20; Heb 13:7,17'.

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C15-S7 (Verse 7) After much dispute, Peter reminded them of the testimony of the Lord.

And when there had been much disputing,
Peter rose up,
and said unto them,
Men and brethren,
ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us,
that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel,
and believe.

15:6-11 tells us about the dispute in the Jerusalem Church.

Our sentence starts with the word and, which means it is added to the prior sentence. there was much disputing among the church leaders with some taking sides with religious traditions and others taking sides with obvious signs that the uncircumsized Gentiles were, in fact, saved. This shows us that, when it comes to religion, many people ignore facts.

Next, our sentence tells us that Peter rose up and got them to listen when he reminded them of what God did (ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us). The Pharisees didn't like it then and gave Petera hard time but, as he said then,what was I, that I could withstand God? (Acts 11:17).

After Peter reminded them that it was God Who made the choice, he also reminded them that God chose to save Gentiles in spite of their religious traditions which claimed that Gentiles could not be saved. The historical truth was that the saved Pharisees tried to say that everyone, including God, had to submit to their religious beliefs and that God proved them wrong. Now, they were trying to, again, enforce an argument which they already lost against God.

Peter continues his argument with the next sentence also starting with the word and. then,in the second next sentence, he tells them what they are truly doing what he follows his argument with Now therefore why tempt ye God?. As the Jews know from their own history, that is a good way to receive punishment from God. Therefore, they were not arguing some religious intellectual belief, they were arguing against the proven will of God.

The outline of Peter's message is noted as being:

God made choice among us (Acts 15:7). Salvation is God's choice, not religion's or ours.
should hear the word of the gospel (Acts 15:7): See Romans 10:17.
and believe (Acts 15:7) Please see the notes for Acts 13:47; Acts 13:48; Acts 13:49 and Acts 14:3 where the doctrinal difference between The word of God and The [word/doctrine] of the Lord was covered.
And God, which knoweth the hearts (Acts 15:8): salvation is by God judging our hearts.
bare them witness (Acts 15:8): God gives evidence of true Biblical salvation.
giving them the Holy Ghost (Acts 15:8): this is true evidence of Biblical salvation. Our doing a religious act like saying a prayer is not.
And put no difference between us and them (Acts 15:9): there is not difference in how people get saved.
purifying their hearts (Acts 15:9): true Biblical salvation will purify our hearts.
by faith (Acts 15:9) : true Biblical salvation will result in ongoing acts of faith.
why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples (Acts 15:10) adding religious rules that yoke...the disciples is tempting God and will bring judgment.
The only thing that should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples is The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 15:11).

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

Please see the note for Galatians C2-S6 about the word Peter. The New Testament definition, for his name, is: 'Pebble or little rock. Also, the head apostle and example of Christ'. Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:12 for links to every place that the Bible uses Cephas and the explanation that Cephas was the name given to him by his parents at birth while Peter was given to him by Jesus. Simon is another name for Peter. Please see the note for 2Peter 1:1 about Simon. Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:12 for links to every place that the Bible uses Cephas and the explanation that Cephas was the name given to him by his parents at birth while Peter was given to him by Jesus. Simon is another name for Peter. Please see the note for 2Peter 1:1 about Simon. Please also see the first half of the book called SbS-Preacher Missionaries about how God used Peter to show us how He trains a pastor / missionary.

Please see the note note for know in 1John about the word know. The New Testament 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'. The th, in the word knoweth, makes it a 'life-style knowing'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:9-11 about the word knowledge. Please see the note for Matthew 1:25 about the word knew. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Past tense form of know. Also used for intimate knowledge as Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived'. The New Testament definition, for the word knewest is: 'A life-style past tense form of know'. Please see the note for Galatians 1:22 about the word unknown. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'not known'. Please see the note for Romans C6S5 about the phrase Know ye not. The New Testament definition, for this phrase, is asking the question: 'How could you not know something that is so obvious?'. Please see the note for Romans C11S4 about the word foreknow. Please see the note for Galatians 1:22 about the word unknown. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C16S17 about the word acknowledge. True Biblical knowledge includes the most intimate and personal type of knowledge which comes from personal experience.

Please see the note for Romans C7S16 about the word good. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'In the Bible, only what comes from God is called good. therefore, the Biblical definition of good does not match what men think it should be'. 'Original Sin' was eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3). Since then men have thought they could define good, but their definitions have been wrong and have been sin (Matthew 7:23; Luke 13:27). Therefore, the Biblical definition of good does not match what men think it should be. Please also see the note for Romans C11S26 about the word goodness. Please also see the note for Mark 14:14 about the word goodman. Please also see the note for Mark 2:28-LJC about the phrase Good Friday.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 2:4 about the words chosen. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Past-tense form of choose; to make choice of. the man the Lord doth choose shall be holy. Num. 16'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:64 about the word mouth. The New Testament definition is: 'the mouth consists of the lips, the gums, the insides of the cheeks, the palate, the saliva glands, the uvula and tonsils. It is sometimes used in Scripture for speaker'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 2:17 about the word speak.

Please see the note for Galatians C3-S7 about the word hear. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Perceiving by the ear. This word is often used symbolically for hearing the spiritual message of the word of God and obeying that message'. The New Testament definition, for the word heard is: 'the past-tense form of hear'. 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. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to listen closely'. Please also see the note for Mark 4:9 about the phrase He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Please also see the note for Matthew 13:17 about the phrase have not heard. Please also see the note for Mark 4:9 about the phrase ears to hear. Please also see the note for Romans 2:13 about the word hearer. The New Testament definition, for the word hearer is: 'One who attends to what is orally delivered by another'.

Please see the note for Colossians 2:4 about the word word. The New Testament definition, of this word is: 'the expression of a thought'. The Bible makes a major distinction between the words of men and the word of God. Please see the note for Romans C10S22 about the phrase word of God. The word of God is the holy scriptures and in the English language, it is only the KJV-1611. In addition, the capitalized Word is a title for our Lord Jesus Christ. When Word is capitalized, it is The word of God and another formal name for the Son of God just like Jesus, Christ and other names. Please use This link to see the 'Minor Titles of the Son of God' found within the Bible along with links to where the Bible uses those titles. Please see the note for 1Thessalonians 1:8 about the phrase word of the Lord. Please note that the word of the Lord is a sub-set of the word of God. The word of God contains all of God's written truth including recording the lies of Satan. The word of the Lord is that part of the word of God which will be used to judge us. The lies from Satan are not included within the word of the Lord but are part of the word of God Every part of the word of the Lord is part of God's law. The Bible also tells us: man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live (Deuteronomy 8:3; Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 4:4; Matthew 18:16; Luke 4:4). Further, the note for Colossians 3:16 explains the difference between word of the LORD and word of Christ.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'much. Ac 15:2,39; Php 2:14 ye know. Ac 10:5-6,20,32-48; 11:12-18; Mt 16:18-19 God. Ac 1:24; 9:15; 13:2; 1Ch 28:4-5; Joh 3:27; 15:16; Ga 2:7-9 exp: Ac 7:25. by my. Ac 1:16; 3:18; 4:25; Ex 4:12; Jer 1:9; Ro 10:17-18'.

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C15-S8 (Verse 8-9) the proven testimony of God.

First Step: what God did.

And God,
which knoweth the hearts,
bare them witness,
giving them the Holy Ghost,
even as he did unto us;.

Second Step: What God proved was His attitude about what they claimed was a major spiritual consideration.

And put no difference between us and them,
purifying their hearts by faith.

15:6-11 tells us about the dispute in the Jerusalem Church.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase And God means: 'In addition to how God worked through Peter, God worked directly on the hearts of the lost Gentiles'. This is not an argument about religious beliefs. God is greater than all and there is no religious argument that is greater than what God did.
The phrase which knoweth the hearts means: 'God acted based upon their hearts'. The Pharisees lost their argument against Jesus when they claimed that outward religious acts spiritually defiled and purified while He said that spiritual defilement and spiritual purification are based upon the attitudes of the heart (Matthew 15:8-18; Mark 7:15-23). Salvation is the ultimate purification, and as Jesus said, God bases it on the heart.
The phrase bare them witness means: 'God Himself directly saw and reported His judgment of their hearts by doing the next phrase'.
The phrase giving them the Holy Ghost means: 'During the 'Church Age', this is the ultimate evidence of true salvation'.
The phrase even as he did unto us means: 'the saved Jews could not argue against their own evidence of salvation'.
The phrase And put no difference between us and them means: 'Men make differences in men based upon physical attributes but God does not'. Please see the note for Romans C10S13 about no difference in people. Please also see the note for Romans 2:11 about the phrase no respecter of persons.
The phrase purifying their hearts by faith means: 'God made their hearts pure. It was not an act done by men'.

Our sentence is added to the prior sentence by starting with the word and. Our next sentence must also be considered, for contextual reasons, because, in it, Peter warns the leaders of the Jerusalem Church of the possible consequences if they continue to argue against the proven will of God.

These saved Pharisees kept insisting that there was a major difference between Jews and Gentiles, in all matters, especially in spiritual matters. But, as Peter said: God put no difference between us and them. Anyone who tries to justify religious prejudices of any type is pushing a doctrine from devils.

Please see the note for Colossians 2:1 about the word heart. The New Testament definition is: 'Our heart controls the same things as our soul only where the soul deals with the long term the heart deals with the short term and we control our heart directly while the soul is the accumulated actions of our heart. Both are the way we think (mind), the way we emotionally respond to circumstances (emotions) and the method we use to make decisions (will)'. Please also see the note for Romans C10S6 about the word heart. Each of the verses within Romans has to do with our having righteousness or unrighteousness because of our decisions, our attitudes, our thoughts and our actions are determined by our heart. Please also seeThe note for Galatians C6-S6 for 'The LORD looketh on the heart'. Please also see the note for Ephesians C4-S8 about a 'wicked heart'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about an 'evil heart'.

Please see the note for John 12:17 about the word bare. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to expose completely with no cover nor obscuring of view'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 11:4 about the word witness. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Someone who is qualified to testify in court and is available to do so if the court requests. With the exception of an 'expert witness', the person must have first- person knowledge about what they testify'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 13:1 about the phrase two or three witnesses. This is a Biblical requirement for something to be a doctrine that all saved must believe. Please also see the note for John 5:1 about the phrase witnesses given by Jesus to show that He is God. Please also see the note for Luke 1:2 about the word eyewitness. Please also see the note for Matthew 15:19 about the phrase false witnesses. Please also see the note for Acts 7:44 about the phrase tabernacle of witness.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:5 about the word give. The New Testament definition is: 'ppr. Bestowing; confering; imparting; granting; delivering. GIV'ING, n. the act of confering'. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the words gave and given. The New Testament definition for the words gave and given are: 'the past-tense form of the word give'. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:7 about the word giving. The New Testament definition of giving is: 'the ongoing form of the word give'. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:7 about the word giveth. The New Testament definition of giveth is: 'a life-style of giving'. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:7 about the word giver. The New Testament definition of the word giver is: 'the person who gives'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C14S19 about the phrase giving of thanks.

Please see the note for Romans 7:12 about the word holy. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Properly, whole, entire or perfect, in a moral sense. Hence, pure in heart, temper or dispositions; free from sin and sinful affections'. Please see the note for Luke 1:67-75 about the word holiness. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the state of being holy; purity or integrity of moral character; freedom from sin; sanctity. Applied to the Supreme Being, holiness denotes perfect purity or integrity of moral character, one of his essential attributes'. Please also see the Word Study on the Word Study on Holy Ghost. Basically, since we have the indwelling Holy Spirit, He is trying to make us holy by teaching us how to act like God acts. Please also see the note for John 7:39 about the phrase indwelling Holy Spirit. Please also see the note for 1John 2:20 about the phrase Holy One. Please also see the Minor Titles of the Son of God about this title. Please also see the note for Matthew 4:5 about the phrase holy city. there is a Biblical doctrinal difference between the use of the phrase Holy Ghost and God's Holy Spirit, with the Bible using Holy Ghost when He affects this physical world and the Bible using Holy Spirit when he affects spiritual things like our spirit. Both are identifiers of the third Person within the Trinity. The phrase Holy Ghost only occurs within the New Testament.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 7:34 about the word difference. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'he noun form of the word differ'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 12:5 about the word differences. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the plural form of the word difference'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 4:7 about the word differ. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to disagree'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 15:41 about the word differeth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the lifestyle form of the word differ'. Please also see the note for Romans 12:6-8 about differing The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word differ'.

Please see the note for Luke 2:22-24 about the words purify / purification. The New Testament 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. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 15:9; Acts 20:26; Acts 21:24; Acts 21:26; Acts 24:18.

Please see the Word Study on Faith about the word faith. The New Testament 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 note for the Word Study on Faith about the word faithful. The New Testament 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: 'which. Ac 1:24; 1Sa 16:7; 1Ki 8:39; 1Ch 28:9; 29:17; Ps 44:21; 139:1-2; Jer 11:20; 17:10; 20:12; Joh 2:24-25; 21:17; Heb 4:13; Re 2:23 bare. Ac 14:3; Joh 5:37; Heb 2:4 giving. Ac 2:4; 4:31; 10:44-45; 11:15-17 General references. exp: Ac 10:47.
put. Ac 14:1,27; Ro 3:9,22,29-30; 4:11-12; 9:24; 10:11-13; 1Co 7:18; Ga 3:28; 5:6; Eph 2:14-22; 3:6; Col 3:11 purifying. Ac 10:15,28,43-44; 1Co 1:2; Heb 9:13-14; 1Pe 1:22 General references. exp: Ac 10:47'.

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C15-S9 (Verse 10) Why are you each personally daring God to punish you?

Now therefore why tempt ye God,
to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples,
which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?.

15:6-11 tells us about the dispute in the Jerusalem Church.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase Now therefore means: 'After you understand what was just explained about the historical consequences of what you are considering doing'. God does not change and the Jewish history was full of examples of God punishing His people for going against the revealed will of God.
The phrase why tempt ye God means: 'Why are each and everyone of you personally daring God to punish you and your families?'.
The phrase to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples means: 'You are trying to force God's disciples to obey you instead of obeying God'.
The phrase which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? means: 'What you are demand ing they do none of the Jewish fathers were able to do'.

In the prior two sentences Peter reminded the church leaders how God acted in the immediately prior time sequence and how God acted historically when the Jews went against the revealed will of God. Peter is now asking them why they are considering such a foolish thing to do.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C10S6 about the word tempt. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'to incite or solicit to an evil act; to entice to something wrong by presenting arguments that are plausible or convincing, or by the offer of some pleasure or apparent advantage as the inducement'. Please also see the note for Galatians C4-S11 about the word temptation. Please also see the note for Luke 4:12 about the phrase tempt God. 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 'do not tempt God'.

Please see the note for Galatians 5:1 about the word yoke. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A piece of timber, formed to allow two beasts, or people, to be connected for drawing. It was frequently used metaphorically for subjection'.

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 isnot 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 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 Hebrews 1:5 about the word father. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'God or the man who passes his character to the son'.

Please see the note for Acts 6:10 about the word able. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Having physical power or strength to perform'.

Please see the note for Romans C15S1 about the word bear (verb). The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to carry a load over a period of time'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Why. Ex 17:2; Isa 7:12; Mt 4:7; Heb 3:9 exp: Ga 2:14. put. Mt 11:28-30; 23:4; Ga 5:1 which. Ga 4:1-5,9; Heb 9:9 General references. exp: Mt 23:4'.

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C15-S10 (Verse 11) the true source of salvation.

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved,
even as they .

15:6-11 tells us about the dispute in the Jerusalem Church.

Our sentence starts with the word but, which means it is continuing the main subject of the prior sentence while providing a contrast with what was said there. In the prior sentence, Peter said that each and every one of the saved Pharisees (ye) were personally claiming that salvation and blessings from God were dependent upon doing certain religious acts. In this sentence, Peter says that doing religious acts does not provide true Biblical salvation. True Biblical salvation came only from The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and ongoing salvation and blessings for the saved are only through. ('entering into and staying in') The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Please use the link in the sentence outline, above, to see links to other places where The word of God uses the phrase through Lord Jesus Christ).

This is the third usage (in Acts) of all three roles of the Son of God (Lord Jesus Christ) and it is again by Peter and again in relation to salvation. Specifically, at the Council of Jerusalem which was convened to dispute the doctrinal requirements of salvation. Notice that Peter doesn't say they shall be saved, even as we but puts it in the opposite order (we shall be saved, even as they ). God is subtly dealing with religiously righteous people that want to look down on the salvation of others. It is all done by God and we have no basis for pride (Ephesians 2:8-10). God is providing a doctrinal statement in the book of Acts by making the three most important events about the doctrine of salvation all recognize that it takes each and every role of the Son of God and that true Bible salvation is not found in one role at the exclusion of any other. This doctrine has been covered in many notes within this study and those notes can be easily found by looking at the verses which use all three roles of the Son of God (Lord Jesus Christ). Therefore, it will not be repeated in this note. However, a couple of other items of doctrine need to be covered.

This chapter started with certain men...from who taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved (Acts 15:1). This erroneous doctrine has been well covered in the notes for Galatians; Romans 5 and Romans 6; Ephesians 1:6; Ephesians 2:8-10 and other places. The doctrine of salvation without works is so well understood that many people go too far with it. While it is definite that our works have no part of salvation, it is doctrinally wrong to say that there are NO works. Ephesians 2:10 tells us For we are his workmanship and the fact is that we have many people who 'saying a prayer to Jesus' more than once. The word For means here's why and if God doesn't receive the right to do a work in and through our lives then He will not agree to the covenant (spiritual contract) relationship known as salvation.

If you write a contract for someone to do work for you and then refuse to pay them, that is fraud. We will not fool God into entering a contract when we plan upon being fraudulent. The truth is that it isn't our praying but God's answering that matters and He will not answer the prayer without a sincere heart meant permission for Him to work in and through our lives. Those who want salvation but are not willing to let God work in their lives have their prayers answered with a NO!! from God.

Romans 10:10 tells us For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness. If there is no resulting righteousness from God working through the person's life then they have not believed unto righteousnesswith the heart. While it is a Biblical doctrinal certainty that there is none of our works involved in true Biblical salvation, it is also true that there must be God's work and those who teach no works have gone into doctrinal error which is one of the causes of multiple professions.

We also see this in the conclusion from this disagreement that God put into the Bible to settle this matter. In Romans 15:20 and Romans 15:29 we are told ...they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. Notice that all of these things are part of the Moral Law. Hebrews 9 makes it clear that the New Testament replaced the Old Testament but that Genesis through Malachi was not replaced. In deed, the multiple of Old Testament quotes found in the new Testament (as evidenced by the multitude of Old Testament references in this study) make it impossible to throw away all of Genesis through Malachi. However, Hebrews 9 makes it clear that only the religious part of the Mosaic Law was replaced. (Please see the notes associated with Hebrews 9 and Romans 4 and Galatians 5). God has always told us to obey the law of the land that we are in and, therefore, the 'Civil / government' part of the Mosaic Law does not directly apply to us being replaced by the Civil Law of the country that we live in. In addition, Acts 15:20 and Acts 15:29 make it clear that the Moral part of the Mosaic Law does still apply. The 'Moral' part of the Mosaic Law is about our personal relationship with God and all of the examples given in these verses (idols...fornication'strangled...blood) are all things that we (normally) do in private and that no one except God and ourselves know when we do them. further, Galatians 3:15-18 makes it clear that the Law. cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. Everything in the 'Moral' part of the Mosaic Law only clarifies what God had already established before giving the Law to Moses. Thus we see that salvation is not about outward religious things (circumcision, baptism, prayer, etc) but is about spiritual (inward / heart) relationship with God.

This verse clearly says that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved. As has been shown in many other notes and explained (in a not-detail manner) above, The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is when He applies His spiritual work to our salvation. If that truly happens, we will be a new creature (2Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15) and act differently including recognizing our personal spiritual responsibility to keep the Moral section of the Mosaic Law which is represented by the examples found in Acts 15:20 and Acts 15:29. And, since God said it twice here, this is the basis for doctrine to all who claim Biblical salvation.

Please see the note for Romans C4S5 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. In addition, the New Testament definition of the word gracious is: 'Favorable; kind; friendly; as,the envoy met with a gracious reception'. Please see the note for Galatians C5S4 about the phrase fallen from grace. Please see the note for Galatians C6S18 about the phrase grace through Christ. Please see the note for 11:5 about the phrase election of grace.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'that . Ro 3:24; 5:20-21; 6:23; 1Co 16:23; 2Co 8:9; 13:14; Ga 1:6; 2:16; Eph 1:6-7; 2:7-9; Tit 2:11; 3:4-7; Re 5:9'.

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C15-S11 (Verse 12) they finally shut up and listened to the testimony of God.

then all the multitude kept silence,
and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul,
declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

This sentence tells us about the Jews listening to Paul and Barnabas testifying about God working among the Gentiles.

Before this time, everyone was busy arguing their religious opinion. As I tell Bible School students: 'You have two ears and only one mouth and they don't work at the same time. God's design is that we listen twice as much as we speak'. Proverbs 29:11 says: A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. Paul and Barnabas kept silent while they argued. However, when Peter finally got them to act wise (shut their mouths and listen), then Paul and Barnabas did not express a religious opinion. Instead, as our sentence says, they declared what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. Yes, God worked through them but they made sure to give God the glory and to clearly tell their listeners that it was God doing the work and not them. Therefore, anyone who wanted to argue against what was accomplished proved to everyone that they were arguing against the work of God. Since none of them were willing to do that, this, effectively, ended the arguing (the much disputing).

Please see the note for John 6:2 about the word multitude. The New Testament definition is: 'the state of being many; a great number'.

Please see the note for Matthew 22:34 about the word silence. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'In a general sense, stillness, or entire absence of sound or noise'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: our curtrent sentence; Acts 21:40; Acts 22:2.

The word gave is: 'the past-tense form of the word give' along with the word given. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about this words and the many forms of the word give.

Please see the note for Luke 7:1 about the word audience. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'present and listening'.

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

Please see the note for Acts 15:3 the word declaring. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word declare'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:1 the word declaration. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the word declare'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 3:13 the word declare. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to make something clearly known'. Please also see the note for Luke 8:47 the word declared. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word declare'. The word declareth is only found in the Old Testament.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians 12:28 about the word miracle. It has links to every place where this word is used in the word of God and important notes about miracles which lead to doctrinal errors if people do not understand these things. Please also see the tables in the Miracles in Gospels; miracles in OT and the Miracles section of the Significant Events in the New Testament for links to various miracles reported in the word of God. Please also see the Section called Jesus and Devils in the Significant Gospel Events Study for links to various miracles repoered in the word of God.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 12:12 about the word wonder. The New Testament definition, of this word is: 'That emotion which is excited by novelty, something new, unusual, strange, great, extraordinary, or not well understood'. Please also see the note for Matthew 7:22 about the word wonderful. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Adapted to excite wonder or admiration; exciting surprise; strange; astonishing'. Please see the Minor Titles of the Son of God Section, of the Significant Gospel Events Study, for links to this name and other titles for Jesus.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:5 about the word wrought. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Formed by work or labor'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'declaring. Ac 15:4; 14:27; 21:19 exp: Ac 15:3. General references. exp: Ac 19:11'.

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C15-S12 (Verse 13-14) James summarizes themeeting.

Equivalent Section: James got their attention.

And after they had held their peace,
James answered,
saying,
Men and brethren,
hearken unto me:.

Equivalent Section: James reminded them of peter's winning comment.

Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles,
to take out of them a people for his name.

15:13-21 tells us the summary of the church.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase And after they had held their peace means: 'the finally had nothing to say against the testimony of the working of God'.
The phrase James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me means: 'James was the administrator of the church. Therefore, he summarized the discussion'.
The phrase Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles means: 'Peter reminded them of how God had already saved uncircumsized Gentiles'.
The phrase to take out of them a people for his name means: 'God did it to have people who served His name'.

There is more than one James in the Bible. there is reason to believe this James was the chief administrator of the Jerusalem church, and the author of the book of James; and the brother of the book of Jude and half brother to Jesus However, there is enough ambiguity that others can disagree with this assessment.

Regardless of which James spoke, he is summarizing themeeting.

This sentence is part of the conclusion of the Jerusalem Council and the summary by James. His summary has points of:

(Acts 15:13) James gives the summary
(Acts 15:14) Simeon (Peter) has testified how God demonstrated His decision.
(Acts 15:15-17) the testimony from Simeon (Peter) agree the words of the prophets.
(Acts 15:18) God's works are known unto God...from the beginning of the world :they do not change and God does not change His mind.
(Acts 15:19-20) Don't lay any religious rules on the Gentiles other than keeping the Moral section of the Mosaic Law.
the rest of the Mosaic Law is read in the synagogues every Sabbath day. That is, they can go to The synagogues in every city if they feel the need to keep the rest of the Mosaic Law.

The word held is the past-tense form of the word hold. The New Testament definition, for this word, is:: 'to stop; to confine; to restrain from escape; to keep fast; to retain. It rarely or never signifies the first act of seizing or falling on, but the act of retaining a thing when seized or confined'. Please see the note for Colossians 2:18-19 about the word hold. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Stopping; confining; restraining; keeping; retaining; adhering; maintaining, etc'. Please also see the note for Luke 24:15 about the word holden. Please see the note for Luke 24:15 about the word holden.

Please see the note for Romans C12S16 about the word peace. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'In a general sense, a state of quiet or tranquility; freedom from disturbance or agitation; applicable to society, to individuals, or to the temper of the mind'. Paul usually offers peace, from God, to those who obey the commands of his epistle. The note for Hebrews 7:2 explains that our Lord Jesus Christ is the King of peace. The note for Galatians points out that peace is a fruit of the Spirit. 6:16 tells us that only those saved people who walk according to this rule will have peace. The New Testament definition is: 'a general sense, a state of quiet or tranquility; freedom from disturbance or agitation; applicable to society, to individuals, or to the temper of the mind'. Please see the note for Philippians 4:7 about the phrase peace of God. Please see the note for Romans 10:15 about the phrase peace with God. Please also see the Doctrinal Study called Significant Events in the New Testament about promises made in the New Testament outside of the Gospels. Those promises include peace. Please also see the Word Study about the gospel of peace.

Please see the note for Matthew 4:4 about the word answered. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of answer'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:12 about the word answer. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to speak in return to a call or question, or to a speech, declaration or argument of another person'. Please also see the note for Mark 8:29 about the word answereth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of a life-style form of an answer'. Please also see the note for Matthew 4:4 about the word answered. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word answer'.

He used the name of Simon to identify Peter. Please see the note for Galatians C2-S6 about Peter. The New Testament definition, for his name, is: 'Pebble or little rock. Also, the head apostle and example of Christ'. Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:12 for links to every place that the Bible uses Cephas and the explanation that Cephas was the name given to him by his parents at birth while Peter was given to him by Jesus. Simon is another name for Peter. Please see the note for 2Peter 1:1 about Simon. Please also see the first half of the book called SbS-Preacher Missionaries about how God used Peter to show us how He trains a pastor / missionary. Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:12 for links to every place that the Bible uses Cephas and the explanation that Cephas was the name given to him by his parents at birth while Peter was given to him by Jesus. Simon is another name for Peter. Please see the note for 2Peter 1:1 about Simon. Please also see the first half of the book called SbS-Preacher Missionaries about how God used Peter to show us how He trains a pastor / missionary.

Please see the note for Luke 2:25 about the word Simeon. The New Testament definition, for this name is: 'There is more than one Simeon named in the Bible starting with a son of Jacob. This name is different from Simon, which was Peter's original name'. While I could speculate, I cannot doctrinally say why this sentence uses Simeon for Peter qhen his name was Simon.

Please see the note for Luke 1:67 about the word visit. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Waited on; attended; inspected; subjected to sufferings; favored with relief or mercy'.

Please see the note for Revelation 5:9 about the word people. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the body of persons who compose a community, town, city or nation'. Please also see the note for Concordance about the word man. Please also see the note for Galatians C4-S2 about the word woman. Please also see the note for Galatians C4-S1 about the word child. Please also see the note for Romans C11S1 about the phrase God will not cast away his people. Please also see the note for Romans C10S13 about the phrase no difference in people. Please also see the note for Romans 2:11 about the phrase no respect of persons with God. Please also see the note for Romans C10S13 about no difference in people.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word name. The New Testament definition is: 'How a person is identified including their power and authority'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C1S4 about the phrase The name. Please also see the note for Acts 1:23 about the word surname. The New Testament definition is: 'In scripture this means an additional or added name, not a family name, as the word now implies'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:14-LJC about the phrase name of Christ. Please also see the note for Luke 13:35 about the phrase name of the Lord. Please also see the Lord Jesus Christ Overview for the doctrine of the names/roles of the Son of God.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'after. 1Co 14:30-33; Jas 1:19 James. Ac 12:17; 21:18; Mr 15:40; Ga 1:19; 2:9,12; Jas 1:1 exp: Mt 10:3; Mr 3:18; Lu 6:15; Ac 1:13. Men. Ac 2:14,22,29; 7:2; 22:1 exp: Ac 1:16.
Simeon. 2Pe 1:1 (Gr) declared. Ac 15:7-9; Lu 1:68,78; 2:31-32 to take. Isa 43:21; 55:11-13; Ro 1:5; 11:36; 1Pe 2:9-10'.

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C15-S13 (Verse 15-17) What God sais that He will do.

Equivalent Section: God will restore what sin has utterly destroyed.

First Step: the scripture supports this claim.

and to this agree the words of the prophets;

Second Step: Specificscriptire identified.

as it is written,
After this I will return,
and will build again the tabernacle of David,
which is fallen down;.

THird Step: God will repair what sin has ruined.

and I will build again the ruins thereof,
and I will set it up:.

Equivalent Section: Why.

that theresidue of men might seek after the Lord,
and all the Gentiles,
upon whom my name is called,
saith the Lord,
who doeth all these things.

15:13-21 tells us the summary of the church.

The First Equivalent Section tells us what God will do based upon scripture. In it is a quote of Amos 9:11-12 mixed with a sectionial quote (that theresidue of men might seek after the Lord) of Isaiah 51:1.Both quotes have been slightly altered by James in this sentence to include all Gentiles. In both cases, we, again, see section of an Old Testament chapter quoted and the message of the entire chapter included.

In Amos 9 God is saying that he will bring judgment upon the religious Jews and that He will sift the house of Israel among all nations (Amos 9:9). We have seen the judgment of God upon the Jews and how He has killed many of them, especially those who think their religion allows them to live for Hell and go to Heaven. Amos 9 ends with God blessing those that remain (those who live righteously). It is this summary (blessing of the righteous) that James quotes. Isaiah 51 starts with Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD and gives instructions to those who have a personal relationship (as opposed to a religious one) on how to live righteously. So the combination of these two quotes is a message on living righteously based upon salvation, which is a personal relationship with God, and James exp ands it to include all men.

The Second Equivalent Section tells us why God will do these things. God will do them so that men turn to God for true Biblical salvation. People must call upon the name ('trust in the power and authority represented by the name') of the Lord ('they must agree to obey') if they want true salvation. However, God is working with the Gentiles because the Jews spent centuries refusing to do the job. And, even at the time of the Jerusalem Council, the Jews had stopped winning souls and starting churches while the Gentiles were doing the job. At least, that is thereport we read in the book of Acts.

Please see the note for Matthew 5:25 about the word agree. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'concord; harmony; conformity'. Please also see the note for Matthew 20:2 about the word agreed. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of agree'. Please also see the note for Mark 14:70 about the word agreeth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'agreeing as a life-style'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:16 about the word agreement. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'union of opinions or sentiments'.

Please see the note for Romans C16S33 about the word prophet. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'One who prophesies'. Please note that the word of God does name true prophetesses in spite of what religion claims. In addition, anyone who claims to tell exactly how an unfulfilled prophecy will be fulfilled, or when, is proven to be a liar because God always hides critical details, and when, until after he fulfills a prophecy. further, please note that 1Corinthians 14:3 tells us: But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. This is what the word of God tells us is the true purpose of a true prophet of God. It is not 'foretelling the future'. Please also see the Study of Jude about false prophets. Please also see the note for Romans C12S5 about the words prophecy / prophesy. Please also see the note for John 1:45 about the phrase law and the prophets. Please also see the Prophecies and Prophecy Fulfilled Sections of the Significant Gospel Events Study and the Prophecies and Prophecy Fulfilled Sections of the Significant New Testament Events Study for references to true Biblical prophecies.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:15-17 about the word will. Please also seethis Concordance entry for links to every place that the word of God uses this word. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'That faculty of the mind by which we determine either to do or forbear an action; the faculty which is exercised in deciding, among two or more objects, which we shall embrace or pursue'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 2:15 about the phrase will of God. It has links to every place that the word of God uses this phrase along with a short note explaining each usage. Please also see the note for Titus 1:7 about the word selfwill. Please also see the message called The Will of God for the application of these verses in the life of the believer. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 8:3-4 about the word willing. Please see the note for John 6:21 about the word willingly.

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 they ear seasons return, but not to me returns day - 6. to show fresh signs of mercy. Return, O Lord, deliver my soul. Ps. 6. Toreturn to God, to return from wickedness, to repent of sin or wandering from duty'. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:1 about the phrase Jesus Christ will return in glory.

Please see the note for Acts 17:25 about the word build. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to framed and raise something; to construct'. Please also see the note for Luke 17:28 about the word builded. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense of the word build'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 3:10 about the word buildeth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of a life-style form of the word build'. Please also see the note for Matthew 27:40 about the word buildest. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb form of a life-style form of the word build'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 3:9 about the word building. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb form is an ongoing form of the word build. The noun form is what has been built'. Please also see the note for Matthew 7:24-25 about the word built. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense of the word build'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 2:7-8 about the word builders. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the plural form of the word builder'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 2:7-8 about the word builders. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the plural form of the word builder'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 2:7-8 about the word builder. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the person who builds'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word tabernacle. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'A tent or other movable building'.

Please see the note for Matthew 1:1 about the name of David. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'recognized by God and by Jews as the greatest king, short of Christ, of the Jewish nation'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:26-27 about the phrase house of David. Please also see the note for Verses in The New Testament about the phrase Son of David.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 3:6 about the word fall. The New Testament 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: 'to drop from a higher place. Rain falls from the clouds; a man falls from his horse. Apostasy: unexpectedly moving from a high spiritual position to a low spiritual position. I beheld Satan as lightning fall from Heaven. Luke 10'. The word fell. is the past-tense form of the word fall.

Please see the note for Luke 6:49 about the word ruin. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Destruction; defeat; what makes something, or someone, unfit for use'.

We find forms of the word residue occurring 34 times in 33 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Mark 16:13; Acts 15:17. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'which remains after a part is taken, separated, removed or designated. The locusts shall eat theresidue of that which has escaped. Ex. 10. theresidue of them will I deliver to the sword. Jer. 15. 2. the balance or remainder of a debt or account'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S9 about the word remnant.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word might. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Having great physical, spiritual, mental or financial power. This word is also used for "if possible"'. Please also see the note for Revelation 4:8-LJC about the word Almighty.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C10S24 about the word seek. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to go in search or quest of; to search for by going from place to place'. The word sought is the past tense form of the word seek. Please also see the note for Matthew 2:20 about the word sought. Please also see the note for Acts 17:24-28 about the phrase seek The Lord. Please also seeThe S and P's of 2Timothy 1.

Please see the note for Matthew 1:16 about the word called. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word call'. Please also see the note for Matthew 11:16 about the word calling. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word call'. Please also see the note for Matthew 27:47 about the word calleth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of a a life-style form of the word call'. The word callest is only found in the Old Testament. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 1:9 about the word call. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to command another to help or to cry for help, hence to pray'. Please also see the note for Romans 10:13 about the phrase call upon The Lord. The New Testament definition, for this phrase, is: 'This phrase is not 'Say a prayer to Jesus' but is switching sides in a spiritual war'. Please also see the note for Romans 10:13 about the phrase call and Lord. The New Testament definition, for this phrase, is: 'where the two words are used together in the same verse'.

Please see the note for Revelation 1:8 and the Concordance for all references to the word saith. Please also see the Concordancefor the related words of said and say. Please also see the note for Romans 11:1 about the phrase I say. The New Testament definition is: 'This phrase expressesa personal opinion, which usually follows the phrase'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:1 about the word sayings (plural). Please also see the note for 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 note for Ephesians C4S15 about the phrase evil speaking. The words speaketh and saith mean that the person 'keeps on keeping on doing the saying'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 13:47; Ro 15:8-12
This . Am 9:11-12 build again the tabernacle. 2Sa 7:11-16; 1Ki 12:16; Ps 89:35-49; Isa 9:6-7; Jer 33:24-26; Eze 17:22-24; Zec 13:8; Mt 1:20-25; Lu 1:31-33,69-70
theresidue. Ge 22:18; 49:10; Ps 22:26-27; 67:1-3; 72:17-19; Isa 2:2-3; 11:10; 19:23-25; 24:15-16; 49:6-7; 66:18-21; Jer 16:19; Ho 2:23; Joe 2:32; Mic 4:1-2; 5:7; Zec 2:11; 8:20-23; Mal 1:11 the Gentiles. Ge 48:16; Nu 6:27; Isa 43:7; 65:1 exp: Isa 60:3. who. Nu 24:23; Isa 45:7-8; Da 4:35'.

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C15-S14 (Verse 18) Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world

15:13-21 tells us the summary of the church.

This sentence is stating a clear truth. Please see the note from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, below, for related Bible references.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 3:14 about the word work. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to move, or to labor. Our everlasting rewards are according to the works which we do for God's kingdom while in this physical life'. The word worketh is: 'A luife-style work'. Please also see the note for Romans 8:1-LJC about the phrase judged by works. Please also see the note for Matthew 16:27 about the phrase according to his works. Please also see the note for Romans 3:27 about the phrase law of works. Please also see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men. Please see the note for Matthew 10:9-10 about the word workman. The New Testament definition, of this word is: 'Any man employed in labor, whether in tillage or manufactures'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:1 about the word workers. Please also see the note for Philippians 3:2 about the phrase evil workers. Please see the note for James 2:14 for links to every verse in the New Testament where the words faith and works contained within the same verse.

Please see the note for John 1:1 about the word beginning. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word begin'. Please also see the note for Matthew 24:49 about the word begin. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to have an original or first existence'. Please also see the note for Matthew 4:17 about the word began. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word begin'. Please also see the note for Mark 1:1 about the word beginnings. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the plural form of the word beginning'. The word beginnest is only found in the Old Testament. Please also see the Significant Gospel Events Study for the Minor Titles of the Son of God.

Please see the note for Romans C16S33 about the word world. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'all of the people on the Earth as a group'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 9:1 about the word worldly. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'of this world'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 1:2 about the word worlds. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the plural form of the word world'. Please also see the notes on world in 1John. Please also see the Study called End of The World. Please also see the note for John 9:5 about the phrase light of The world. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C1S19 about the phrase wisdom of the world.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 17:26; Nu 23:19; Isa 41:22-23; 44:7; 46:9-10; Mt 13:35; 25:34; Eph 1:4,11; 3:9; 2Th 2:13; 1Pe 1:20; Re 13:8; 17:8 exp: Job 28:23'.

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C15-S15 (Verse 19-20) Summary of therequirements for Gentiles.

Equivalent Section: Don't lay any religious requirements on the Gentiles.

Wherefore my sentence is,
that we trouble not them,
which from among the Gentiles are turned to God :.

Equivalent Section: Require them to maintain their moral relationship to God.

But that we write unto them,
that they abstain from pollutions of idols,
and from fornication,
and from things strangled,
and from blood.

15:13-21 tells us the summary of the church.

The message of our First Equivalent Section is clear: don't lay any religious requirements on the Gentiles. In addition, the message of our Second Equivalent Section is clear. Every sin mentioned in it is directly, or symbolically, related to our relationship with God.

It should be obvious that pollutions of idols is directly related to our relationship with God. What most people of today ignore is that the Roman Catholic religion, and most Protestant religions, have metals of saints and other things which are actually idols. Therefore, that sin is more prevalent than what most people think.

Fornication is: 'A violation of any covenant relationship including salvation and marriage. It includes all wrongful sex which includes the emotional and mental aspects. However, it also goes beyond sex since giving worship to anyone other than God is spiritual fornication. Thus, while all sexual sin is fornication, fornication is not limited to sexual sin but also includes other violations of a sanctified relationship'. Fornication is most prevalent in violating a marriage relationship, butt he marriage relationship is symbolic of the relationship between Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:32). Therefore, this sin is also, symbolically, related to our relationship with God.

I can no say why they included strangled because almost every reference, in the Bible, to the word strangled, is also a reference to this command.

Leviticus 17:11 says: For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. Also, Jesus Christ shed His blood to pay for our sins and His blood is what is used in heaven to blot out therecord of our sins. there is much more about the doctrine of the blood, which is why all man-written perverted bibles remove references to the blood. It is directly, symbolically, related to our salvation and our sanctification and it is only through the blood that we have a relationship with God.

Please see the note for Galatians C5-S10 about the word trouble. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to agitate; to disturb; to put into confused motion'. The word troubleth is defined as: 'Life-style trouble'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: our current sentence; Acts 15:24; Acts 16:20; Acts 17:8; Acts 20:10.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 1:13-14 about the word write. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to make a lasting message. To form by a pen on paper or other material, or by a graver on wood or stone'. Please also see the note for Mark 10:5 about the word wrote. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of write'. Please also see the note for Romans 4:23-25 about the word written. The New Testament definition, for the word written, is: 'the past-tense form of write'. The phrase it is written, within the word of God, always gives us a reference to the word of God. Please also see the note for Luke 6:3 about the phrases have ye not read and it is written'. Please see the note for Mark 10:5 about the word wrote. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the words wrote and written are both past-tense forms of the word write. The word wrote is the prior action and the word written is the result of that action'. Please see the note for Romans 4:23-25 about the word written. The phrase it is written, within the word of God, always gives us a reference to the word of God. Please also see the note for Luke 6:3 about the phrases have ye not read and it is written'. The main Biblical purpose of writing something is so there is an accurate record to be used when disputes arise. Religion is the main source of wars and fighting's (James 4:1-2). That is why our Bible teaches us to search the scripture when we have a dispute. We find this word, within this book, in: our current sentence; Acts 25:26 and Acts 25:26.

Please see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:22 about the word abstain. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'In a general sense, to forbear, or refrain from, voluntarily; but used chiefly to denote a restraint upon the passions or appetites; to refrain from indulgence. Abstain from meats offered to idols. Acts, xv. to abstain from the use of ardent spirits; to abstain from luxuries'.

We find forms of the word pollute occurring 56 times in 55 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Acts 15:20; Acts 21:28; 2Peter 2:20. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to make foul or unclean; in a general sense. But appropriately, among the Jews, to make unclean or impure, in a legal or ceremonial sense, so as to disqualify a person for sacred services, or to render things unfit for sacred uses. Num.18. Ex.20. 2 Kings 23. 2 Chron.36. 2. to taint with guilt. Ye pollute yourselves with all your idols. Ezek.20. 3. to profane; to use for carnal or idolatrous purposes. My sabbaths they greatly polluted. Ezek.20. 4. to corrupt or impair by mixture of ill, moral or physical. Envy you my praise, and would destroy With grief my pleasures, and pollute my joy? 5. to violate by illegal sexual commerce.
POLLU'TE, a. Polluted; defiled'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C8S1 about the word idol. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'An idol is anything which we give a greater value than our ongoing personal relationship with God'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 5:9-10 about idolaters. Please also see the note for Galatians C5S20 about idolatry. 1Corinthians 8, deals with idols and how they affect our testimony and influence of other men. 1Corinthians 10 deals with how idols affect our relationship with God. 1Corinthians 12 deals with how idols demonstrate a lack of true knowledge from God.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C5S1 about the word fornication. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A violation of any covenant relationship including salvation and marriage. It includes all wrongful sex which includes the emotional and mental aspects. However, it also goes beyond sex since giving worship to anyone other than God is spiritual fornication. Thus, while all sexual sin is fornication, fornication is not limited to sexual sin but also includes other violations of a sanctified relationship'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 15:20; Acts 15:29; Acts 21:25.

Please see the note for Colossians C1S3 about the word blood. The New Testament 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.

Please see the note for Romans intro about the word wherefore. The New Testament 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: 'that . Ac 15:10,24,28; Ga 1:7-10; 2:4; 5:11-12 turned. Ac 26:20; Isa 55:7; Ho 14:2; 1Th 1:9 exp: Ac 9:35; 11:21.
from pollutions. Ac 15:29; Ge 35:2; Ex 20:3-5,23; 34:15-16; Nu 25:2; Ps 106:37-39; Eze 20:30-31; 1Co 8:1,4-13; 10:20-22,28; Re 2:14,20; 9:20; 10:2,8 fornication. 1Co 5:11; 6:9,13,18; 7:2; 2Co 12:21; Ga 5:19; Eph 5:3; Col 3:5; 1Th 4:3; Heb 12:16; 13:4; 1Pe 4:3 exp: 1Co 5:1. Things. Ac 21:25; Ge 9:4; Le 3:17; 7:23-27; 17:10-14; De 12:16,23-25; 14:21; 15:23; 1Sa 14:32; Eze 4:14; 33:25; 1Ti 4:4-5'.

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C15-S16 (Verse 21) Why the Gentiles don't need to keep Jewish traditions.

For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him,
being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day.

15:13-21 tells us the summary of the church.

The Jews already have places to teach their traditions and God does not require the traditions from Gentiles.

Please see the note for Mark 11:19 about the word city. The New Testament 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 also see the note for Mark 8:23 about the word town.

Please see the notes for Romans C16S33 about the word preach. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to pronounce a public discourse on a subject from a text of Scripture. True preaching is telling people what The word of God says, not what their religion says, and encourages them to obey'. 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 also see the book called SbS-Preacher Missionaries about how God uses a pastor / missionary to build the ministry.

Please see the note for Revelation 1:3 about the word read. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Getting the meaning of what was written into the mind. This can be done orally or silently'. Please also see the note for Luke 6:3 about the phrase have ye not read. Please alsoconsider the notes for the word written as anything which is read must first be written.

Please see the note for John 6:59 about the word synagogue. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'A place used to worship. In the history of Jews, they appear to have arisen during the exile, in the abeyance of the temple-worship'.

Please see the note for Colossians 2:16-17 about the word sabbath. The New Testament definition is: The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'This is another word with much doctrinal error taught about it. there are fifty (50) high sabbaths in addition to Saturday, which are ignored by religions which insist that we worship on Saturday. The Lord of Sabbath did away with Sabbath worship because of all the additional religious rules that the Jews added to word of God for Sabbath. It is part of the religious part of the Mosaic Law which was replaced by the New Testament'. That note has several doctrinal considerations about Sabbaths including how Jesus dealt with the Sabbath in the Gospels.

Please see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word day. The New Testament definition, of the word day is: 'the time when the sun provides light to a part of the Earth. The Jews reckoned the day from sunset to sunset (Le 23:32)'. The New Testament definition, of the word days is: 'the plural form of the word day'. The New Testament definition, of the phrase last day is: '(end of the) Church Age or the end of our physical life'. Please see the Sections on Minor Titles of the Son of God in the Doctrinal Study called Significant Gospel Events for the titles of day star and the dayspring. Please see the note for Hebrews 3:13 about the word today. The New Testament definition is: 'the current day'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:55 about the word daily. The New Testament definition is: 'something happens every day'. Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:6-LJC and 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of. The New Testament definition is: 'the day belongs to'. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of the Lord. The New Testament definition is: 'the day that belongs to the Lord'. There are many days which have special meanings within the Bible and many people, including preachers, confuse them. the notes provided lists various days and their meanings within the Bible. Please also see the note for John 20:1 about the phrase first day of the week. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Sunday'. Please see the note for Hebrews 3:13 about the phrase to day. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. to and day. The present day'. Please see the note for Acts 26:13 about the word midday. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'noon'. Please see the note for Hebrews 13:8 about the word yesterday. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the day before today'. Please also see the note for Mark 2:28-LJC about the phrase Good Friday. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'this is doctrinal error taught by many religions'. Please also see the note for Galatians C4-S17 about the words birth / birthright / birthday. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the yearly dat for remembering a birth'. Please see the note for John 20:19 about the phrase evening. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the period from sunset till night'. Please see the note for Mark 4:35 about the phrase The even. Today, the phrase The even, would be called 'sunset' and would be considered to be a particular part of evening. This was naturally the closing of the day, for God called the light 'day'. Please also seeMark 11:11 about the word eventide. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'The time of evening; evening. '. Please also see the note for John 11:10 about night. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'that part of the natural day when the sun is beneath the horizon, or the time from sunset to sunrise.'. Please also see the note for Matthew 25:6 about the word midnight. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the middle of the night; twelve o'clock at night'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'sabbath. Ac 13:15,27; Ne 8:1-12; Lu 4:16 General references. exp: Le 23:3'.

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C15-S17 (Verse 22-26) the response sent to Gentiles from the Jerusalem Church.

Equivalent Section: This letter is the official response from the Jerusalem Church.

First Step: they sent their own official representatives.

then pleased it the apostles and elders,
with the whole church,
to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas;.

Second Step: Who they were.

namely,
Judas surnamed Barsabas,
and Silas,
chief men among the brethren:.

Equivalent Section: they included a written letter.

And they wrote letters by them after this manner;
The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:.

Equivalent Section: they identified the cause of the letter.

Forasmuch as we have heard,
that certainwhich went out from us have troubled you with words,
subverting your souls,
saying,
Ye must be circumcised,
and keep the law:.

Equivalent Section: the prior people had no authority from the church.

to whom we gave no such commandment:

Equivalent Section: the following men have official church authority.

It seemed good unto us,
being assembled with one accord,
to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ .

15:22-31 tells us about the church sending Paul, Barnabas and two others back to Antioch with their conclusions.

The common theme of each section of this sentence is the message from the Jerusalem Church about the doctrine of salvation. Several sections specify who was and who was not sent from the Church of Jerusalem and one section says that the message was put into writing so that there can be no furtherargument about what their message was and one section of the message identifies the wrong doctrine that they are correcting. This sentence tells us what we should do when others misrepresent our words and doctrine.

This sentence states that the Jerusalem Church specifically chose men who had hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ as the messengerrs of the truth while also stating that they did not send men who preached a salvation which denied the ministry of any (Lord / Christ) of the roles of the Son of God. they deliberately chose to specify each and every role of the Son of God to distinguish them from the men who had taught error and tried to exclude some of the roles of the Son of God.

Philippians 3 calls these men The enemies of the cross of Christ. these men were apparently saved but had turned their back on the ongoing personal relationship that the Son of God has through His role as Christ. they then became The enemies of the cross of Christ (antichrists in 1John 2:18; 1John 2:22; 1John 4:3; 2John 1:7) when they taught that there was another way (keeping the Law) to sanctification other than the ongoing ministry of Christ.

further, 2Peter 3 warns us about scoffers who challenge the prophecies of coming judgment and deny The commandment of...the Lord and Saviour. This is only one of the many places that we have seen that God the Son s our Saviour within His role as Lord. In deed, 1Thessalonians and 2Thessalonians both emphasized the role of our Lord in salvation and earlier within Acts we saw that the difference whether someone was saved or not was related to is they heard The word of God or accepted it as The [word/doctrine] of the Lord. We also see Romans and 1John and other books deal with those who deny or distort the ministry of Jesus as related to salvation. However, that is not emphasized here because this particular doctrinal error does not dent the ministry of Jesus. It only denies the ministry of the Lord and the ministry of Christ.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 2:4 about the word please. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to excite agreeable sensations or emotions in; to gratify; as, to please the taste; to please the mind'. As explained in the note for Galatians 1:10-LJC, if we seek to please men then we will not be the servant of Christ. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C10S2 about the phrase well pleased. Please also see the note for Matthew 21:15 about the word displeased. Please also see the note for Luke 8:14 about the word pleasure.

Please see the note for Mark 10:52 about the word whole. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'All; total; containing the total amount or number, or the entire thing'. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:3 about the word wholesome. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Tending to promote health; favoring health'.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 2:4 about the words chosen. The New Testament definition forit is: 'Past-tense form of choose'. Please see the note for Philippians 1:22 about the word choose. The New Testament definition forit is: 'to pick out; to select; to take by way of preference from two or more things offered; to make choice of'.

Please see the note for Acts 1:7 about the word own. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'Belonging to; possessed; peculiar; usually expressing property with emphasis, or in express exclusion of others'. Please also see the note for Acts 27:11 about the word owner.

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

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

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

Judas surnamed Barsabas was one of the two men considered by the church to replace Judas Iscariot. Therefore, he was a leader in the Jerusalem Church.

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

We find Silas mentioned in: our current sentence; Acts 15:27; Acts 15:32; Acts 15:34; Acts 15:40; Acts 16:19; Acts 16:25; Acts 16:29; Acts 17:4; Acts 17:10; Acts 17:14; Acts 17:15; Acts 18:5. He is: 'Paul's partner on his second missionary trip'. He is also called Silvanus. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 1:19 about the name of Silvanus.

Thompson Chain Topics provides links to where the Bible uses the name Silas as: '(or Silvanus, accompanied Paul on his Second Missionary Journey): Ac 15:22,40; 16:19; 17:4; 2Co 1:19; 1Th 1:1'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides links to where the Bible uses the name Silas as: 'the short form of the name): Also called SILVANUS (the long form of the name). Sent to Paul, in Antioch (of Syria), from Jerusalem: Ac 15:22-34. Becomes Paul's companion: Ac 15:40-41; 2Co 1:19; 1Th 1:1; 2Th 1:1. Imprisoned with Paul in Philippi: Ac 16:19-40. Driven, with Paul, from Thessalonica: Ac 17:4-10. Left by Paul at Berea: Ac 17:14. Rejoins Paul at Corinth: Ac 17:15; 18:5. Carries Peter's letter to Asia Minor: 1Pe 5:12'.

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

Please see the note for Mark 10:5 about the word wrote. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the words wrote and written are both past-tense forms of the word write. The word wrote is the prior action and the word written is the result of that action'. Please see the note for Romans 4:23-25 about the word written. The phrase it is written, within the word of God, always gives us a reference to the word of God. Please also see the note for Luke 6:3 about the phrases have ye not read and it is written'. The main Biblical purpose of writing something is so there is an accurate record to be used when disputes arise. Religion is the main source of wars and fighting's (James 4:1-2). That is why our Bible teaches us to search the scripture when we have a dispute. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 1:13-14 about the word write. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to make a lasting message. To form by a pen on paper or other material, or by a graver on wood or stone'.

Please see the note for Romans C7S6 about the word letter. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the detailed portions of the law'.

Please see the note for Luke 20:45-47 about the word greetings. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Addressing with kind wishes or expressions of joy'. Please see the note for Philippians 4:21 about the word greet. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to salute in kindness and respect'.

Please see the note for Galatians 1:21-23 about Syria. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'Originally included Mesopotamia. More properly the country around Damascus'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: our current sentence; Acts 15:41; Acts 18:18; Acts 20:3; Acts 21:3.

Please see the note for Galatians 1:21-23 about the place of Cilicia. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'This is the area surrounding Paul's home city of Tarsus'. (Every mention of Tarsus in the Bible is related to Paul.) the people from Cilicia were among those disputing with Stephen, when he was martyred. Thus, Paul was with the people from his home region when he was there to participate in the martyrdom of Stephen. there are no links provided by others beyond the verses already mentioned but the commentators have some trivia that might interest some people.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 2:14 about the word subvert. The New Testament definition is: 'to corrupt; to confound; to pervert the mind, and turn it from the truth'.

Please see the note for Psalms 119:20 about the word soul. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the way you think, the way that you react emotionally to the circumstances of life and how you make decisions of the will; all long term'. Please also see the note for Psalms about the difference between our heart and our soul. Please also see the note for James 1:21 about the phrase save your soul.

Please see the note for Romans C13S8 about must. The New Testament definition is: 'Absolutely required, not optional'. Please also see the note for Romans C13S8 about the phrase must needs. The New Testament definition, for this phrase, is: 'A need which cannot be denied'.

The word gave is: 'the past-tense form of the word give' along with the word given. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about this words and the many forms of the word give.

Please see the note for Romans C7S11 about the word commandment. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A mandate; an order or injunction given by authority; charge; precept'. Please see the Doctrinal Study on the use Ten Commandments for links to where they are dealt with in the word of God. Please use This link to see the 'Ten (10) Commandments' and references to them in the New Testament. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments. Please also see the note for Acts 23:3 about the word commandest. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb form of a life-style form of the word command'. Please also see the note for Matthew 8:4 about the word commanded. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word command'. Please also see the note for Matthew 19:7 about the word command. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to order; to direct; to charge; implying authority, and power to control, and to require obedience'. Please also see the note for Matthew 11:1 about the word Commanding. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word command'. Please also see the note for Acts 17:30 about the word commandeth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of a life-style form of the word command'.

Please see the note for Mark 14:53 about the word assembled. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'collected into a body; congregated'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 10:23-25 about the word assembly. Please also see the note for Acts 19:32 about the word assembly. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'a congregation or religious society convened'. The word assemble, and the word assemblies, arer only found in the Old Testament. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'pp. collected into a body; congregated'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:1 about the word accord. The New Testament definition is: 'Agreeing; harmonizing; when two notes are in a music chord, they move together, up or down'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:20 about the word according. The New Testament definition is: 'the ongoing action of accord'. Please also see the note for Matthew 16:27 about the phrase according to his works. Please also see the messages called Reward According and Reward According to His Own Labour for the application of these verses in the life of the believer.

Please see the Doctrinal Study on Love about the word beloved and the phrase beloved Son. Often, that phrase is applied to Jesus. The New Testament definition, of the word beloved, is: 'be and loved, from love. Greatly loved; dear to the heart'. Please see also the Doctrinal Study on Love about the word love. The New Testament definition, of the word love, is: 'True Biblical love is an attribute of God. It is doing what is necessary for the other person to received good, especially spiritual cleansing and everlasting reward. This is done without any consideration of cost to self and not consideration of any response by the other and requires a willingness to even bring short-term pain, to self, if that is what is required in order to bring the ultimate long-tern good. the world calls lust love'. Many people preach, and teach, the doctrinal error that true Biblical charity is actually true Biblical love. Please see the note for 1John C3S26 about the phrase love one another. Please see the note for Matthew 19:19 about the phrase love thy neighbour. Please also see the note for Romans 13:8 about the phrase law and love. Please see the note for 1John C4S13 about the phrase perfect love.

Please see the Doctrine of Life about the words life, live, alive and lively. The New Testament definition, for the word the word life, is: 'the cause of all movement, both physically and spiritually. Physical life ends (is mortal). Spiritual life is immortal'. The New Testament definition, for the word the word live, is: 'the verb form of life'. The New Testament definition, for the word the word alive, is: 'Having life'. The New Testament definition, for the word the word lively, is: 'Living and energetic'. In addition, the New Testament definition, for the phrase everlasting life. is: 'Spiritual life which has a beginning but no end'. Please also see the message called Labor for Everlasting Life. Please see the note for 3:25 about the word live that note has links to several other places where the doctrine of this word is discussed. Please see the note for Romans C10S15 about the phrase belief changes life. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16. Please also see the note for about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by life-style sins. Please also see the note for Revelation 13:8-LJC about the phrase book of life. Please see the note for Romans C9S28 about live / walk by faith. Please see the note for Romans C11S6 about The just shall live by his faith. Please see the note for Colossians C3S4 about Christ lives through us. Please use This link to see other, less important, 'Minor Titles of the Son of God' found within the Bible along with links to where the Bible uses those titles. This title is eternal life.

This sentence is the only place where the Biblew uses the word hazard. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'pp. Put at risk or in danger; ventured'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'pleased. Ac 15:23,25; 6:4-5; 2Sa 3:36; 2Ch 30:4,12 to send. Ac 15:27; 8:14; 11:22 exp: Ac 15:25. Barsabas. Ac 1:23 Silas. Ac 15:27,32,40; 16:19,25,29; 17:4,10,14; 18:5; 1Th 1:1; 2Th 1:1; 1Pe 5:12 Silvanus.
The apostles. Ac 15:4,22 exp: Ac 15:2. greeting. Ac 23:26; Ro 16:3-16; Jas 1:1; 2Jo 1:3,13; 3Jo 1:14 brethren. Ac 11:18; 14:27; 21:25 exp: Ac 6:3. Syria. Ac 15:41; 18:18; 21:3; Ga 1:21 exp: Mt 4:24.
that certain. Jer 23:16; Ga 2:4; 5:4,12; 2Ti 2:14; Tit 1:10-11; 1Jo 2:19 Ye must. Ac 15:1,9-10; Ga 2:3-4; 6:12-13 General references. exp: Ga 2:3.
seemed. Ac 15:28; Mt 11:26; Lu 1:3 being. Ac 15:6; 1:14; 2:1,46; 1Co 1:10 to send. Ac 15:22,27 our. Ro 16:12; Eph 6:21; Col 4:7,9; Phm 1:16; 2Pe 3:15 Barnabas. Ac 15:2,35; Ga 2:9 exp: Ac 9:27; Ga 2:1. General references. exp: Ac 15:6.
hazarded. Ac 13:50; 14:19; Jg 5:18; 1Co 15:30; 2Co 11:23-27; Php 2:29-30'.

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C15-S18 (Verse 27) Why they sent men as messengers.

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas,
who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

15:22-31 tells us about the church sending Paul, Barnabas and two others back to Antioch with their conclusions. they sent letters and messengers so that there would be no mistake in what their true message was. the receiving churches could verify the message between the messengerrs and the written letters. God put His word into writing so that we could verify what people claim that The word of God says. In addition, several places in The word of God tell us that God preserved 'kept the same as the original') His word beyond our generation. Therefore, anyone who claims that we cannot trust the KJV-1611 is a lying minister of Satan. And, while I could go no, the simple truth is that Jesus said verily (Matthew 16:28) many times as reported throughout all of the Gospels. This is a command to verify what people claim comes from The word of God. Therefore, to accept a doctrine as coming from God, without verifying that claim, is a sin of disobedience.

Please see the note for Acts 15:22 about the name of Silas. The New Testament definition is: 'Paul's partner on his second missionary trip'. He is also called Silvanus. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 1:19 about the name of Silvanus.

Judas surnamed Barsabas was one of the two men considered by the church to replace Judas Iscariot. Therefore, he was a leader in the Jerusalem Church.

Please see the note for Matthew 18:31 about the words tell / told. The New Testament definition for the word tell is: 'to communicate to others'. The New Testament definition for the word told is: 'the past tense form of the word tell'. Please also see the note for Matthew 22:15 about the word talk. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'to converse familiarly; to speak, as in familiar discourse, when two or more persons interchange thoughts'. Please also see the Concordancefor the related words of said and say. Please also see the note for Romans 11:1 about the phrase I say. The New Testament definition is: 'This phrase expressesa personal opinion, which usually follows the phrase'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:1 about the word sayings (plural). Please also see the note for 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 note for Ephesians C4S15 about the phrase evil speaking. The words speaketh and saith mean that the person 'keeps on keeping on doing the saying'. We find the word saith in: our current sentence and 6:17-18. Please also see the note for Revelation 1:8 and the Concordance for all references to the word saith.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Judas. Ac 15:22 who. 2Jo 1:12; 3Jo 1:13 mouth. Gr. word'.

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C15-S19 (Verse 28-29) A second summary of what the Jerusalem Council determined.

Equivalent Section: What was commanded and what was not commanded.

First Step: What they are not doing.

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost,
and to us,
to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;.

Second Step: What they are requiring.

that ye abstain from meats offered to idols,
and from blood,
and from things strangled,
and from fornication:.

Equivalent Section: the results which they can expect from obeying this sentence.

from which if ye keep yourselves,
ye shall do well.

15:22-31 tells us about the church sending Paul, Barnabas and two others back to Antioch with their conclusions. Please see the note for C15-S15; which has the first summary statement of what the council determined.

Our sentence starts with the word for, and tells us why they wrote the prior sentences. Notice that they start out with: it seemed good to the Holy Ghost. they are clearly writing that they are not just giving their own religious opinion but that these commandments come directly from God.

Next, they write: and to us, which means that they agree with God's Holy Ghost that these instructions are good for the truly saved to obey.

Next, they write: to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things, which means: 'It is a good thing to not add personal religious opinions to what is literally written in The word of God'. they are only telling them to do the necessary things ('nonoptional things'). Those necessary things are specified in the rest of the sentence.

Next, they write: ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication, Each and every one of them personally (ye) were to abstain from sins which affected their personal relationship with God and their testimony in this world . (the details of this Second Step were covered in the note for Acts 15:19-20.)

Finally, they wrote the results which they can expect from obeying this sentence. The phrase ye shall do well means: 'each and every one of you personally will be obeying the command from God and can expect blessings from God as a result'.

Please see the note for Matthew 6:19 about the word lay. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'literally, to throw down'. Please also see the note for Mark 7:8 about the word laying. Please also see the note for Luke 12:21 about the word layeth. Please also see the note for Mark 5:23 about the word lieth. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:17-19 about the phrase lay hold. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:17-19 about the phrase lay up. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. The saved are commanded to lay up treasure in Heaven before they leave this world. Please see the note for Matthew 3:10 about the word laid. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word lay'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hand.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:4 and Galatians 6:2 about the word burden. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) A load of any kind (Ex 23:5). (2.) A severe task (Ex 2:11). (3.) A difficult duty, requiring effort (Ex 18:22). (4.) A prophecy of a calamitous or disastrous nature (Isa 13:1; 17:1; Hab 1:1, etc.)'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 12:22 about the word necessary. The New Testament definition is: 'that must be; that cannot be otherwise; indispensably requisite'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C6S19 about the word meats. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the substance of food. In The word of God This includes vegetable matter. It is also used, symbolically, for the substance of religion such as religious rules controlling behavior'. Please note that the usage of the plural word is not the same as the usage of the singular, even though the plural and the singular have the same basic definition. The New Testament usage of the word meats (plural) is: 'This word is used symbolically for spiritual food'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 13:9; which provides links to every place in the Bible where the literal word meats (plural) is used along with a short note on the doctrine of each usage.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 8:1 about the word offer. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'pp. Presented for acceptance or rejection; presented in worship or devotion; immolated; bid; presented to the eye or the mind'. In addition, since offer is used in relationship to worship, in the Bible, please also see the Word Study on worship.

I can no say why they included strangled because almost every reference, in the Bible, to the word strangled, is also a reference to this command.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C5S1 about the word fornication. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A violation of a sanctified relationship. It includes all wrongful sex which includes the emotional and mental aspects. However, it also goes beyond sex since giving worship to anyone other than God is spiritual fornication thus, while all sexual sin is fornication, fornication is not limited to sexual sin but also includes other violations of a sanctified relationship'. Fornication is most prevalent in violating a marriage relationship, butt he marriage relationship is symbolic of the relationship between Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:32). Therefore, this sin is also, symbolically, related to our relationship with God.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'it. Joh 16:13; 1Co 7:25,40; 14:37; 1Th 4:8; 1Pe 1:12 greater. Mt 11:30; 23:4; Re 2:24 General references. exp: Mt 23:4.
ye abstain. Ac 15:20; 21:25; Le 17:14; Ro 14:14-15,20-21; 1Co 10:18-20; Re 2:14,20 if ye. 2Co 11:9; 1Ti 5:22; Jas 1:27; 1Jo 5:21; Jude 1:20-21,24 General references. exp: De 12:16'.

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C15-S20 (Verse 29) Final blessing.
Fare ye well

15:22-31 tells us about the church sending Paul, Barnabas and two others back to Antioch with their conclusions.

This is their wish for the saved Gentiles to be blessed by God.

Please see the note for Luke 16:19-21 about the word fare. The New Testament definition is: 'to be in any state, good or bad; to be attended with any circumstances or train of events, fortunate or unfortunate'. Please also see the note for Luke 9:61 about the word farewell.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Fare. Ac 18:21; 23:30; Lu 9:61; 2Co 13:11 General references. exp: De 12:16'.

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C15-S21 (Verse 30-31) the messengerrs did their job.

Equivalent Section: they took their journey.

So when they were dismissed,
they came to Antioch:.

Equivalent Section: they made sure that everyone received themessage.

and when they had gathered the multitude together,
they delivered the epistle:.

Equivalent Section: Everyone in the church rejoiced because of the comfort (consolation) sent in the epistle.

Which when they had read,
they rejoiced for the consolation.

15:22-31 tells us about the church sending Paul, Barnabas and two others back to Antioch with their conclusions.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase So when they were dismissed means: 'the messengerrs made sure that everything was concluded before they left for Antioch'.
The phrase they came to Antioch means: 'they arrived at the place where they were sent'.
The phrase and when they had gathered the multitude together means: 'they waited until everyone was there before they delivered their message. the message was to every member and not just to the leaders or some other select group within the church'.
The phrase they delivered the epistle: Which when they had read means: 'they read the epistle to everyone and answered any question that anyone might have had about the epistle'.
The phrase they rejoiced for the consolation means: 'Everyone in the church rejoiced because of the comfort (consolation) sent in the epistle'.

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

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 8:13-15 about the word gather. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Collected; assembled; contracted; plaited; drawn by inference'. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Collected; assembled; contracted; plaited; drawn by inference'. The New Testament definition for the word gathered is: 'the past-tense of the word gather'. The New Testament definition for the word gathereth is: 'A life-style of gathering'. The New Testament definition for the word gathering is: 'Ongoing action of gather'. Please also see the parable of the 'Parable of the Wheat and Tares' (Matthew 13:24-30), which uses this word.

Please see the note for John 6:2 about the word multitude. The New Testament definition is: 'the state of being many; a great number'.

Please see the note for Mark 9:31 about the word delivered. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word deliver'. Please see the note for Matthew 25:20 about the word deliveredst. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb form of the life-style form of worddeliver'. Please also see the note for Luke 21:12 about the word delivering. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word deliver'. Please also see the note for Matthew 5:25 about the word deliver. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to make free; to release; to pass from one to another'. Please also see the note for Luke 4:18 about the word the word deliverance. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'release from captivity, slavery, oppression, or any restraint; rescue from danger or any evil'. Please also see the note for Acts 7:53 about the word the word deliverer. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'one who delivers; one who releases or rescues'. The word the word deliverest is only found in the Old Testament.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C5S8 about the word epistle. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A written message which contains several words which are combined to deliver the thoughts from one person to another person when those words are not spoken'.

Please see the note for Galatians C4-S24 about the word rejoice. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to have joy again. To experience joy and gladness in a high degree; to be exhilarated with lively and pleasurable sensations; to exult'. The word rejoiceth is: 'A life-style rejoicing'. Please also see the note for Romans C12S8 which which tells us to be rejoicing in hope. The acrostic of 'Jesus, others, You' tells us the priorities we must keep within our life if we are to experience true Biblical joy. Please also see the notes for John 1:4 lists 16 attributes of joy. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 7:4 about the word joyful. Please also see the note for Hebrews 12:11 about the word joyous. Please also see the note for Hebrews 10:34 about the word joyfully. Please also see the note for Colossians 1:11 about the word joyfulness. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:17-19 about the word enjoy. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 13:4-7 for links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge about when we should rejoice and when we should rejoice not. Please also see the notes for John 1:4 lists 16 attributes of joy; John 15:11; Romans C14S23 and 1John C1S2 about the word joy. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:17-19 about the word enjoy. Please also see the note for Galatians C4-S24 for the word rejoice. The acrostic of 'Jesus, others, You' tells us the priorities we must keep within our life if we are to experience true joy.

Please see the note for Romans C15S5 about the word consolation. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Comfort; alleviation of misery, or distress of mind; refreshment of mind or spirits'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'and. Ac 6:2; 21:22 delivered. Ac 16:4; 23:33
they rejoiced. Ac 15:1,10; 16:5; Ga 2:4-5; 5:1; Php 3:3 consolation. or, exhortation'.

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C15-S22 (Verse 32) the messengerrs from the Jerusalem Church confirmed the words of the epistle and added furtherdoctrine which supported the message of the epistle.

And Judas and Silas,
being prophets also themselves,
exhorted the brethren with many words,
and confirmed them.

15:32-35 tells us about Silas staying at Antioch while Judas returned to Jerusalem.

Judas surnamed Barsabas was one of the two men considered by the church to replace Judas Iscariot. Therefore, he was a leader in the Jerusalem Church.

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

Please see the note for Galatians C3-S16 about the word confirmed. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word confirm'. Please also see the note for Romans 15:8 about the word confirm. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'that which gives new strength or assurance; provides additional evidence; proof; convincing testimony'. Please also see the note for Mark 16:20 about the word confirming. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word confirm'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 6:16 about the word confirmation. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the word confirm'. The word confirmeth is only found in the Old Testament.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'being. Ac 2:17-18; 11:23,27; 13:1; Mt 23:34; Lu 11:49; Ro 12:6; 1Co 12:28-29; 14:3,29,32; Eph 3:5; 4:11; 1Th 5:20 exhorted. Ac 2:40; 11:23; 14:22; 18:23; 20:2; Ro 12:8; 1Th 2:11; 4:1; 5:14; 2Th 3:12; 1Ti 2:1; 2Ti 4:2; Tit 2:6-15; 1Pe 5:1,12 confirmed. Ac 15:41; Isa 35:3-4; Da 11:1; 1Co 1:8; Eph 4:12-13; 1Th 3:2; 1Pe 5:10'.

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C15-S23 (Verse 33) the messengerrs waited until everyone in the church was comfortable with the message they delivered.

And after they had tarried there a space,
they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles .

15:32-35 tells us about Silas staying at Antioch while Judas returned to Jerusalem.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 11:33 about the words tarry and tarried. The New Testament definition, for the words tarry, is: 'to stay waiting for something'. The New Testament definition, for the words tarried, is: 'the past-tense of tarry'.

Please see the note for Revelation 2:21 about the word space. The New Testament definition is: 'Room; extension. Space in the abstract, is mere extension. Pure space is capable neither of resistance nor motion'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they were. Ac 16:36; Ge 26:29; Ex 4:18; 1Co 16:11; Heb 11:31; 2Jo 1:10'.

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C15-S24 (Verse 34) Silas decided to stay in Antioch.
notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still

15:32-35 tells us about Silas staying at Antioch while Judas returned to Jerusalem.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:18 about the word notwithstanding. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'there is nothing (not) that will hold back (withstand ing)' God's truth. That is: 'there is nothing in the prior arguments that can stand against God's truth and win an argument'.

Please see the note for John 1:32 about the word abode. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word abide'. The word abodest is only found in the Old Testament. The Bible definition for this word is: 'the verb form of the life-changing form of the word abode'. Please also see the note for John 3:36 about the word abideth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the life-changing form of the word abide'. Please also see the note for Acts 16:12 about the word abiding. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word abide'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C7S9 about the word abide. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to continue; to be; to dwell, rest, continue, stand firm, or be stationary for anytime indefinitely'.

Please see the note for Matthew 20:32 about the word still. The New Testament definition, for the word still is: 'to stop, as motion or agitation; to check or restrain'. The words stillest, stilleth, and stilled, are only found in the Old Testament.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'it pleased. Ac 11:25-26; 18:27; 1Co 16:12'.

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C15-S25 (Verse 35) the people at Antioch received The word of the Lord.

Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch,
teaching and preaching the word of the Lord,
with many others also.

15:32-35 tells us about Silas staying at Antioch while Judas returned to Jerusalem.

Please notice that they were teaching and preaching The word of the Lord. It is different than The word of God, which includes things like the lies of Satan, and doctrinal errors taught by religious people, which we are to not obey. The word of the Lord is a subset of The word of God. It is the part of The word of God which everyone is to obey and which will be used when each person is judged by God.

Our entire chapter, before this, was taken up with doctrinal error which religious people claimed came from The word of God, but which was not part of The word of the Lord and, therefore, was not to be obeyed.

Please also notice the phrase with many others also. The teaching and preaching was done by more than Paul and Barnabas, but all of it was limited to what God commanded to be obeyed (The word of the Lord).

Here, Paul and Barnabas continued to teach what the Lord had said was Law which included judgment, as opposed to what religious heritage demanded. (Please see the note for Acts 4:36 under Son for details of every place that Acts talks about Barnabas.) the Council at Jerusalem confirmed that the word of the Lord was to be taken above religious heritage when the two are in conflict. Again, we see the Son of God use His role as Lord for power and authority. The word of the Lord is the God given Law that we are to obey, without question, if we are to be saved and that the saved person is to continue to obey for the rest of their life, if they want to be right with God and avoid judgment for disobeying God's law.

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

Please see the note for Luke 6:12 about the word continued. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word continue'. Please also see the note for Matthew 7:3 about the word continueth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word continue'. Please also see the note for Acts 2:46 about the word continuing. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word continue'. Please also see the note for Luke 24:53 about the word continually. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the never ending form of the word continue'. Please also see the note for Matthew 15:32 about the word continue. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to remain in a state, or place; to abide for any time indefinitely'.

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

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'continued. Ac 13:1; 14:28 teaching. Ac 28:31; Mt 28:19-20; Col 1:28; 1Ti 2:7; 2Ti 4:2 General references. exp: Ac 14:28'.

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C15-S26 (Verse 36) Paul was concerned about the spiritual welfare of the mission churches.

And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas,
Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord,
and see how they do.

15:36-41 tells us about Paul and Barnabas splitting over the second missionary trip. It is important to consider all of these sentences together in order to avoid misunderstanding.

Since there were others qualified to teach and preach the word of the Lord in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas could leave without harming the church. That is why Paul made this suggestion. The churches, which they had started, did not have as many qualified men to teach and preach the word of the Lord. Thus, Paul was concerned about their spiritual needs.

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

Please see the note for Luke 1:67 about the word visit. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Waited on; attended; inspected; subjected to sufferings; favored with relief or mercy'.

Please see the note for Romans C16S33 about the word preach. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to pronounce a public discourse on a subject from a text of Scripture. True preaching is telling people what The word of God says, not what their religion says, and encourages them to obey'. 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 also see the book called SbS-Preacher Missionaries about how God uses a pastor / missionary to build the ministry.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:17 about the words see / seen / sight / seeth / saw. The New Testament definition, for the word see, is: 'the verb form of a physical sense which conveys information about the physical world to the brain. This word is also used, symbolically, to convey information about the spiritual reality'. The New Testament definition, for the words seen, and saw, are: 'the past-tense form of the verb see'. Although the word saw is also used for 'an instrument for cutting'. The New Testament definition, for the word sight, is: 'the noun form of the same verb'. Please also see the note for John 6:40-LJC about the phrase see the Son. Please also see the note for Colossians C2S8 about the word shew. 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 also see the note for Ephesioans 6:6 about the word eyeservice. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'n. Service performed only under inspection or the eye of an employer'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Cir. A.M. 4058. A.D. 54. Let. Ac 7:23; Ex 4:18; Jer 23:2; Mt 25:36,43 exp: Joh 11:7. In every. Ac 13:4,13-14,51; 14:1,6,21,24-25 and see. Ro 1:11; 2Co 11:28; Php 1:27; 1Th 2:17-18; 3:6,10-11; 2Ti 1:4 exp: Ex 4:18'.

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C15-S27 (Verse 37) Barnabas wanted to take his nephew.

And Barnabas determined to take with them John,
whose surname was Mark.

15:36-41 tells us about Paul and Barnabas splitting over the second missionary trip. It is important to consider all of these sentences together in order to avoid misunderstanding.

John Mark was nephew to Barnabas. However, he had left the mission team at the first sign of trouble on the first missionary trip. Paul was concerned about everything related to the mission trip, including the possible discouragement to John Mark if he left the mission team a second time. Later, John Mark would be spiritually mature enough to help Paul. But, at this time, Paul thought he wasn't mature enough and that division of opinion caused Paul and Barnabas to split. And, we never read about Barnabas again. Therefore, we need to be conscious not only of ourselves but also for our influence upon others.

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

Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about name. The New Testament definition is: 'How a person is identified including their power and authority'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C1S4 about the phrase The name. Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:14-LJC about the phrase name of Christ. Please also see the note for Luke 13:35 about the phrase name of the Lord. Please also see the Lord Jesus Christ Overview for the doctrine of the names/roles of the Son of God.

Please see the note for 2Timothy 4:11 about the person named Mark, in the Bible. there are several men named John in the Bible. This John was John Mark, the nephew of Barnabus and the author of the Gospel of Mark.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'John. Ac 12:12,25; 13:5,13; Col 4:10; 2Ti 4:11; Phm 1:24'.

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C15-S28 (Verse 38) Paul disagreed.

But Paul thought not good to take him with them,
who departed from them from Pamphylia,
and went not with them to the work.

15:36-41 tells us about Paul and Barnabas splitting over the second missionary trip. It is important to consider all of these sentences together in order to avoid misunderstanding.

Our sentence starts with the word but, which it is continuing the subject of taking John Mark from the prior sentence while providing a change in direction. Barnabas thought it good while Paul thought it not good. Our sentence also tells us why Paul thought this way. He, apparently, did not agree that John Mark had spiritually matures enough to handle the problems and temptations of the mission trip.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word thought. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Primarily the passive participle of think'. Please also see the note for Philippians 3:4-6 about the word think. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to have the mind occupied on some subject; to have ideas, or to revolve ideas in the mind'. The th, of the word thinketh, makes it: 'Life-style thinking'.

Please see the note for Matthew 2:9 about the word departed. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word depart'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 12:8 about the word depart. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to go or move from'. Please also see the note for Mark 6:33 about the word departing. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word depart'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'who. Ac 13:13; Ps 78:9; Pr 25:19; Lu 9:61; 14:27-34; Jas 1:8'.

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C15-S29 (Verse 39-40) the results of the contention.

Equivalent Section: the main result.

And the contention was so sharp between them,
that they departed asunder one from the other:.

Equivalent Section: What each did.

First Step: What Barnabas did.

and so Barnabas took Mark,
and sailed unto Cyprus;.

Second Step: What Paul did.

And Paul choose Silas,
and departed,
being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God .

15:36-41 tells us about Paul and Barnabas splitting over the second missionary trip. It is important to consider all of these sentences together in order to avoid misunderstanding.

What Barnabas failed to understand is what most pastors of sending churches also fail to understand. In the home church, Barnabas was in charge as the local pastor. However, on the mission field, the missionary pastor is in charge. He knows the local environment including doctrinal problems and temptations which do not exist in their home culture. Several mission efforts have been destroyed by a home pastor or a mission board trying to dictate to the mission pastor when they do not understand how what they order will be received differently in a different culture.

Since this was a mission trip, Barnabas was supposed to submit to Paul. However, Barnabas did not understand this because he was the local pastor of the sending church and this was only the second mission trip ever done.

Please notice that our last phrase says: being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. This means: 'Paul had the blessing of the church for his trip'. However, we are not told that Barnabas received the same.

We find the word contention in: Nehemiah 13:11; Nehemiah 13:17; Nehemiah 13:25; Job 31:13; Isaiah 41:12 and our current sentence. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the word contend'. Please also see the note for Jude 1:3 about the word contended. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word contend'. Please also see the note for Jude 1:9 about the word contending. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word contend'. The words contendest and contendeth are only used in the Old Testament. Please also see the note for Jude 1:9 about the word contending. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word contend'. The words contendest and contendeth are only used in the Old Testament. Please also see the note for Jude 1:9 about the word contention. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the word contend'. The word contendeth and the word contendest are only found in the Old Testament. The following words are similar in structure but have an opposite meaning. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:8 about the word content. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'quiet; not disturbed; having a mind at peace'. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:6 about the word contentment. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'a satisfaction of mind without disquiet'.

Webster's 1828 dictionary defines contention as: 'n. L. See Contend. 1. Strife; struggle; a violent effort to obtain something, or to resist a person, claim or injury; contest; quarrel. Multitudes lost their lives in a tumult raised by contention among the partiz and of the several colors. 2. Strife in words or debate; quarrel; angry contest; controversy. Avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law. Titus 3. A fools lips enter into contention. Proverbs 18. 3. Strife or endeavor to excel; emulation. 4. Eagerness; zeal; ardor; vehemence of endeavor. This is an end worthy of our utmost contention to obtain'. The New Testament definition forthese words is: 'A violent effort to obtain something, or to resist a person, claim or injury; contest; quarrel'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word contention as: 'Contentious Woman: Pr 19:13; 21:9; 25:24; 27:15. The Contentious Spirit: Ps 120:7; 140:2; Pr 15:18; 17:19; 18:6; 26:21; Hab 1:3. Causes of: Hatred: Pr 10:12. Pride: Pr 13:10. Contentious Spirit: Pr 26:21. Anger: Pr 29:22. Foolish questions: 1Ti 6:4; Jas 3:16. Forbidden: Pr 3:30; 17:14; 20:3; 25:8; 26:17; Php 2:3; 2Ti 2:14,24; Jas 3:14. In the Church.: 1Co 1:11; 3:3; 6:6; 2Co 12:20; Php 4:2. In the Family: Ge 21:10; Pr 18:19; 19:13; 21:9,19; 27:15. General Examples of: Ge 13:7; 26:20; De 1:12; 2Sa 19:43; Ac 23:9. Civil.: (general references to): 2Ch 15:6; Jer 51:46; Mr 13:7; Lu 21:10-11'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word contention as: 'General scriptures concerning: Ge 13:8; 45:24; De 1:12; Ps 31:20; 55:9; 80:6; Pr 3:20; 6:12-14,16-19; 10:12; 13:10; 15:18; 16:28; 17:1,14,19; 18:6,19; 19:13; 20:3; 21:19; 22:10; 23:29-30; 25:8,24; 26:17,20-21; 27:15; 28:25; 29:22; 30:33; Isa 41:11-12; 58:4; Hab 1:3; Mt 5:25,39-41; 10:34-36; 12:25; 18:15-17; Mr 3:24-25; Lu 11:17; 12:51-53,58-59; Ro 2:8; 12:18; 13:13; 14:1,19,21; 16:17-18; 1Co 1:10-13; 3:1,3-4; 4:6-7; 6:1-7; 11:16-19; 2Co 12:20; Ga 5:10,15,19-21; Php 1:15-16; 2:3,14-15; 1Ti 1:5-7; 2:8; 3:2-3; 6:3-5,20-21; 2Ti 2:14,23-25; Tit 3:1-3,9; Jas 3:14-16; 4:1-2. See ANGER. See ENVY. See JEALOUSY. See MALICE. In STANCES OF: Between Abraham and Lot's herdsmen: Ge 13:6-7. Abimelech's: Ge 21:25. Isaac's and those of Gerar: Ge 26:20-22. Laban and Jacob: Ge 31:36. Israelites: De 1:12. Jephthah and his brothers: Jg 11:2. Jephthah and the Ephraimites: Jg 12:1-6. Israel and Judah, about David: 2Sa 19:41-43. Disciples, over who could be the greatest: Mr 9:34; Lu 22:24. Jews, concerning Jesus: Joh 10:19. Christians at Antioch (in Syria), about circumcision: Ac 15:2. Paul and Barnabas, about Mark: Ac 15:38-39. Pharisees and Sadducees, concerning the general resurrection: Ac 23:7-10. The Corinthian Christians: 1Co 1:11-12; 6:6'.

We find forms of the word sharp in: Exodus 4:25; Joshua 5:2-3; 1Samuel 14:4; Job 41:30; Psalms 45:5; Psalms 52:2; Psalms 57:4; Psalms 120:4; Proverbs 5:4; Proverbs 25:18; Isaiah 5:28; Isaiah 41:15; Isaiah 49:2; Ezekiel 5:1; our current sentence; Revelation 1:16; Revelation 2:12; Revelation 14:14; Revelation 14:17; Revelation 14:18; Revelation 19:15. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'Having a very thin edge or a fine point; keen; acute; not blunt'.

Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a. 1. Having a very thin edge or a fine point; keen; acute; not blunt. thus we may say, a sharp knife, or a sharp needle. A sharp edge easily severs a substance; a sharp point is easily made to penetrate,it. 2. Terminating in a point or edge; not obtuse; as, a hills terminates in a sharp peak, or a sharp ridge. 3. forming an acute or too small angle at the ridge; as a sharp roof. 4. Acute of mind; quick to discern or distinguish; penetrating; ready at invention; witty; ingenious. Nothing makes men sharper than want. Addison. Many other things belong to the material world, wherein the sharpest philosophers have not yet obtained clear ideas. Watts. 5. Being of quick or nice perception; applied to the senses or org and of perception; as a sharp eye; sharp sight. 6. Affecting the org and of taste like fine points; piercing; penetrating; shrill; as sharp vinegar; sharp tasted citrons. 7. Affecting the org and of hearing like sharp points; poercing; penetrating; shrill; as a sharp sound or voice; a sharp not or tone; opposed to a flat note or sound. 8. Severe; harsh; biting; sarcastic; as sharp words; sharp rebuke. -Be thy words severe'.

Please see the note for Mark 5:2-4 about the word asunder. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Apart; into parts; separately; in a divided state. the Lord hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked. Ps. 129'.

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

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

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

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

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'The contention. Ac 15:2; 6:1; Ps 106:33; 119:96; Ec 7:20; Ro 7:18-21; Jas 3:2 and sailed. Ac 4:36; 11:20; 13:4-12; 27:4
chose. Ac 15:22,32; 16:1-3 being. Ac 13:3; 14:26; 20:32; 1Co 15:10; 2Co 13:14; 2Ti 4:22; Tit 3:15; 2Jo 1:10-11'.

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C15-S30 (Verse 41) Where Paul started his mission trip and what he was doing.

And he went through Syria and Cilicia,
confirming the churches.

15:36-41 tells us about Paul and Barnabas splitting over the second missionary trip. It is important to consider all of these sentences together in order to avoid misunderstanding.

Please see the note for Galatians 1:21-23 about Syria. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'Originally included Mesopotamia. More properly the country around Damascus'.

Please see the note for Galatians 1:21-23 about the place of Cilicia. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'This is the area surrounding Paul's home city of Tarsus. (Every mention of Tarsus in the Bible is related to Paul.) Paul was with the people from his home region when he was there to participate in the martyrdom of Stephen'.

Please see the note for Galatians C3-S16 about the word confirm. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'that which gives new strength or assurance; additional evidence; proof; convincing testimony'.

Please see the note for Acts 9:31 about the phrase churches (plural). The New Testament definition for this word is: 'many local assemblies as opposed to the claim of one universal church on Earth'. Please also see the note for 2Thessalonians 1:4 about the phrase church(es) of God. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'churches which truly belong to God and serve God instead of religion'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 11:18 about the word church. The New Testament 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'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'through. Ac 15:23; 18:18; 21:3; Ga 1:21 confirming. Ac 15:32; 16:4-5 exp: Ac 14:22'.

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Acts Chapter 16

Chapter theme is: the Start of the Second Mission Trip.

links to sentences in this chapter:

C16-S1 (Verse 1-2), C16-S2 (Verse 3), C16-S3 (Verse 4), C16-S4 (Verse 5), C16-S5 (Verse 6-7), C16-S6 (Verse 8), C16-S7 (Verse 9), C16-S8 (Verse 10), C16-S9 (Verse 11-12), C16-S10 (Verse 13), C16-S11 (Verse 14), C16-S12 (Verse 15), C16-S13 (Verse 15), C16-S14 (Verse 16-17), C16-S15 (Verse 18), C16-S16 (Verse 18), C16-S17 (Verse 18), C16-S18 (Verse 19-21), C16-S19 (Verse 22), C16-S20 (Verse 23-24), C16-S21 (Verse 25), C16-S22 (Verse 26), C16-S23 (Verse 27), C16-S24 (Verse 28), C16-S25 (Verse 29-30), C16-S26 (Verse 31), C16-S27 (Verse 32), C16-S28 (Verse 33), C16-S29 (Verse 34), C16-S30 (Verse 35), C16-S31 (Verse 36), C16-S32 (Verse 37), C16-S33 (Verse 37), C16-S34 (Verse 38), C16-S35 (Verse 39), C16-S36 (Verse 40)'.

In Acts 16:1-3; Paul met Timothy and added him to the missionary team.

In Acts 16:4-5; they confirmed established churches and helped them to increase in number daily.

In Acts 16:6-9; they tried to go several places but were forbidden of the Holy Ghost. then Paul had his Macedonian vision and they went there.

In Acts 16:10-15; we read about their arrival in Philippi where they met Lydia and she had them stay at her house after she was baptized.

In Acts 16:16-24; we read about Paul casting a devil out of a girl who was trying to interfere with their giving the Gospel. (the devil had her crying and: saying, these men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. The devil was trying to cause people that a devil was the power behind the Gospel.) After Paul cast out the devil, her masters had Paul and Silas beat and thrown in prison.

In Acts 16:25-34; we read that at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God. As a result, the jailer, and his household, were saved.

In Acts 16:35-40; we read that the government officials tried to set them free in secret. That is when Paul let them know that they had beat and imprisoned Roman citizens when they were not charged with breaking a law. Such actions could get the government officials in trouble and possibly killed. Paul and his team left that city shortly after but Paul's dealing with the government officials assured that they would not persecute the new church in Philippi.

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C16-S1 (Verse 1-2) Paul meets Timothy.

Equivalent Section: Where they met.

then came he to Derbe and Lystra:

Equivalent Section: Whom Paul and his team met.

First Step: Timothy identified.

and,
behold,
a certain disciple was there,
named Timotheus,
The Son of a certain woman,
which was a Jewess,
and believed;.

Second Step: the problem with adding him to the mission team.

but his father was a Greek:.

Equivalent Section: Timothy's reputation among the saved.

Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

In Acts 16:1-3; Paul met Timothy and added him to the missionary team.

The Timotheus, in this sentence, is whom Paul had take over his ministry when he was beheaded. 1Timothy and 2Timothy were written by Paul to him as instructions to all pastors and as warning of what Timothy can expect to encounter in his ministry.

This sentence tells us about Paul meeting Timotheus and that while he was a Gentile, his mother was a believing Jewess. We also see By this verse saying that Timotheus was the son of his mother, and not the son of his father, that he had the character and faith of his mother. We also see this in 2Timothy 1:5 which says When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. This shows us the importance of being faithful even after we mess up so much that we have permanent consequences.

This Jewess had married a Greek, which was forbidden to the Jews. God did not set aside this marriage and she lived with it the rest of her life. Even so, God still used her because she became faithful. these verses also show us the importance of grand parents and the results of remaining faithful even if you are married to an unbeliever.

Please notice that this chapter continues telling us about Timotheus in Acts 16:3. Paul wanted Timotheus to join the missionary group. In order to do this, Paul took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters. Notice that it says that Timotheus had to go through this very painful and embarrassing procedure (especially for an adult man), not because God required it but because of the Jews. We see here, and other places, that saved people have to do things, which are not wrong, but which are required in order to avoid problems which will interfere with our service to God.

Paul taught about circumcision and uncircumcision in Romans 2; Romans 3; Romans 4; 1Corinthians 7:18-19; Galatians 5; 6; Philippians 3:3-7; Colossians 2; Colossians 3. He certainly knew the truth especially since he was one of the main people involved in the dispute over circumcision which led the to Jerusalem Council back in Acts Acts 15. We are also taught that true spiritual circumcision is of the heart and not of the outward flesh. Given the lessons of Acts 15 and what we find taught by Paul else where the only possible true lesson here was that Paul knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God did not directly require circumcision. However, just as Jesus was baptized to fulfil all righteousness (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22) and just as we are taught about things offered unto idols (1Corinthians 8), there are times when we have to suffer in the flesh in order to not offend the spiritually immature beliefs of others.

The Jews which were in those quarters would have been offended if Timotheus was not physically circumcised even though it made no direct spiritual difference. The difference was indirect in avoiding offense being brought upon the gospel. there are times that God lets His ministers suffer in order to prove to other men the sincerity of their claims of the gospel and how it is more important than considerations of this world . After this suffering, none of these Jews could claim that Timotheus was insincere when he presented the gospel and old people that they had to be willing to suffer loss in the flesh in order to receive eternal rewards from God.

Please notice that our last phrase tells us that Timothy: was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Remember that the prior chapter ended with Paul and Barnabas splitting from each other because Paul refused to take John Mark on another mission trip at that time. Our phrase explains why Timothy was accepted while John Mark was rejected. Our ability to be effective in the ministry is far more important than our human connections when it comes to the service of God.

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

Please see the note for Romans C16S27 about Timothy / Timotheus. The New Testament 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'. He is mentioned, in this book, in: Acts 16:1; Acts 17:14; Acts 17:15; Acts 18:5; Acts 19:22; Acts 20:4.

Please see the note for Galatians C4-S2 about the words woman. The word women is: 'the plural form of the word woman'. The New Testament definition, of the word woman, is: 'the female of the human race, grown to adult years. She was originally created by God to be a helpmeet to her husband'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:15 about the word womb. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the uterus or matrix of a female; that part where the young of an animal is conceived and nourished till its birth'. Please also see the note for Romans C9S19 about the phrase What is man.

Please see the note for Revelation 2:9 about the word Jew. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'the name borne by the Hebrews among foreign nations, especially after the return from Babylon; from Judah their ancestor'. Please also see the note for John 7:3 about the words Jewry / Judaea / Judea / Judah. Please see the note for John 18:33-LJC about the phrase King of the Jews.

Please see the note for Hebrews 1:5 about the word father. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'God or the man who passes his character to the son'.

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 Hebrews 11:2 about the word report. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to make a statement of facs'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 11:2 about the word report. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to make a statement of facts'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'to Derbe. Ac 14:6,21; 2Ti 3:11 named. Ac 17:14; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4-5; Ro 16:21; 1Co 4:17; Php 1:1; 2:19; Col 1:1; 1Th 1:1; 3:2; 2Th 1:1; 1Ti 1:2; 2Ti 1:2; Heb 13:23 which. 2Ti 1:5; 3:15-16 but. Ac 14:1; Ezr 9:2; 1Co 7:14
was. Ac 6:3; 1Ti 3:7; 5:10,25; 2Ti 3:15; Heb 11:2 Iconium. Ac 14:21; 2Ti 3:11 exp: Ac 13:51'.

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C16-S2 (Verse 3) What Paul did to Timothy so that he could join the mission team.

Equivalent Section: Paul selected Timothy to add to the team.

First Step: Paul determined to add Timothy.

Him would Paul have to go forth with him;

Second Step: What Paul did to make Timothy acceptable.

and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters:.

Equivalent Section: Why.

for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

In Acts 16:1-3; Paul met Timothy and added him to the missionary team.

What we see here is Paul doing what was necessary in order to make Timothy acceptable to the people that they were trying to reach with the Gospel. This type of thing is often required of missionaries and anyone who cannot accept such requirements needs to stay home.

Many places in the New Testament tell us that physical circumcision does nothing spiritually for the person. Yes, God blesses certain physical activities, such as being baptized. However, the blessing is not for doing the physical act but for having a heart of obedience which is willing to be a testimony for God by doing the act in obedience to God.

In our First Equivalent Section, we read that Paul selected Timothy to add to the mission team. And, in order to do this, Paul took two Steps. First, he verified the character and testimony of Timothy to verify that he was saved, and serving God, and spiritually mature enough to handle the problems of the mission field, and other character traits. And, no, our phrase does not tell us that but the many other places where we read about Timothy tell us these things. Paul did not want to leave Timothy home like he did with John Mark.

Our second phrase tells us that Paul found out what would cause a problem with them giving out the Gospel and eliminated the problem. We see here that if someone has the right heart attitude and character, then other problems can, and should, be overcome. And, the problem was because of the Jews which were in those quarters. they sincerely believed that a man had to be physically circumcised in order to be saved. That was wrong, but arguing with the Jews would not change their minds and Paul had learned on his first mission trip that the Jews were willing to persecute the mission team from town to town and even do murder to anyone who disagreed with them. In addition, even if they left that area, they would meet Jews in other places who would have the same attitude. Therefore, Paul did the wise thing and took and circumcised him. No, it was not required spiritually. However, a truth that most people do not realize is that the missionary must accommodate local customs which do not go against the Bible if it gets the locals to listen. A simple example is the missionary to China wearing the local Chinese clothing because that is what it took to get people to listen to the Gospel.

Our last phrase tells us why this was necessary when it says: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. The Jews who did not know him, but who knew that father was a Greek, and that he was not circumcised would cause them to assume that he was an idol worshipping heathen. However, if they knew that his mother was a Jewess, and that he was circumcised, then they would not let their prejudice cause them to dismiss him as an idol worshipping heathen before they even talked to him.

The bottom line is that the missionary needs to do anything required in order to get people to listen to the Gospel. The only exceptions are things which go against our moral relationship with God or things that The word of God specifically forbid or anything which would hurt the testimony of the person or of the church.

Please see the note for Romans C1S10 about the word because. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'provides an effect where the cause is in the past. It is a combination of the words be and cause'. Please also see the Concordance for all Bible references to the word be. Please also see the note for Matthew 5:22 about the word cause. Please also see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of the truth. Please also see the note for John 15:25 about the phrase without cause.

Please see the note for Mark 1:45 about the word quarter. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'One part out of four'.

Please see the notenote for know in 1John about the word know. The New Testament 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'. The th, in the word knoweth, makes it a 'life-style knowing'. Please see the note for Philippians 1:9-11 about the word knowledge. Please see the note for Matthew 1:25 about the word knew. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Past tense form of know. Also used for intimate knowledge as Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived'. The New Testament definition, for the word knewest is: 'A life-style past tense form of know'. Please see the note for Galatians 1:22 about the word unknown. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'not known'. Please see the note for Romans C6S5 about the phrase Know ye not. The New Testament definition, for this phrase, is asking the question: 'How could you not know something that is so obvious?'. Please see the note for Romans C11S4 about the word foreknow. Please see the note for Galatians 1:22 about the word unknown. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C16S17 about the word acknowledge. True Biblical knowledge includes the most intimate and personal type of knowledge which comes from personal experience.

Please see the note for Hebrews 1:5 about the word father. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'God or the man who passes his character to the son'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'would. Ac 15:37,40 and took. Ac 15:20; 1Co 7:19; 9:20; Ga 2:3,8; 5:1-3,6 General references. exp: Ga 2:3'.

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C16-S3 (Verse 4) the mission team told all churches the decrees which were ordained at Jerusalem.

And as they went through the cities,
they delivered them the decrees for to keep,
that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

In Acts 16:4-5; they confirmed established churches and helped them to increase in number daily.

They went to established churches first, and did this duty, before starting new churches.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 7:37 about the word decree. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to determine judicially; to resolve by sentence; as, the court decreed that the property should be restored; or they decreed a restoration of the property. 2. to determine or resolve legislatively; to fix or appoint; to set or constitute by edict or in purpose. thou shalt decree a thing, and it shall be established. Job xxii. Let us not be solicitous to know what God has decreed concerning us'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C7S20 about the words ordain / ordinance. The New Testament definition, for the word ordain is: 'to give a person a ministerial function'.the New Testament definition, the word ordinance is: 'A rule established by authority; a permanent rule of action. An ordinance may be a law or statute of sovereign power. In this sense it is often used in the Scriptures'. The sentence in Romans 7:10 literally says that an ordinance is a commandment from God which was ordained to life.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they delivered. Ac 15:6,28-29'.

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C16-S4 (Verse 5) they helped existing churches.

And so were the churches established in the faith,
and increased in number daily.

In Acts 16:4-5; they confirmed established churches and helped them to increase in number daily.

Please see the note for Matthew 18:16 about the word establish. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to fix; to settle in a state for permanence; to make firm'.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S10 about the word increase. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to become greater in bulk or quantity; to grow; to augment'.

Please see the note for Matthew 10:30 about the word number. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Used to count things Also used symbolically in the Bible'. That note is extensive and includes 'Numbers are used as Symbols' from the Morrish Bible Dictionary. Be very careful about the use of this information. Much doctrinal error and division has been caused in God's church by preachers claiming that the symbolicl meaning of numbers provided the single interpretation of The word of God and that the symbolic meaning actually corrected The word of God. All symbolic meanings provide the many applications, must be understood within the context where they are found, and can vary from one application to another. Be careful to not use these symbol beyond their God-given purpose. In addition, we need to be careful to appoint a symbolic meaning when the numeric valueis an actual count without a symbolic meaning. Be careful to not use these symbols beyond their God-given purpose.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'so. Ac 15:41; 2Ch 20:20; Isa 7:9; Ro 16:25; 1Co 15:58; Ga 5:1; Eph 4:13-16; Col 2:6; 1Th 3:2,13; 2Th 2:16; Heb 13:9,20-21; 1Pe 5:10 increased. Ac 2:47; 4:4; 5:14; 6:7; 9:31; 11:21; 12:24; 13:48-49; 19:18-21'.

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C16-S5 (Verse 6-7) God's Holy Ghost directly guided where the mission team went.

Equivalent Section: God's Holy Ghost used things in this world to prevent the team from going the wrong way.

Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia,
and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
After they were come to Mysia,
they assayed to go into Bithynia:.

Equivalent Section: God's Holy Spirit dealt with their spirits to prevent them going to the wrong place.

but the Spirit suffered them not.

In Acts 16:6-9; they tried to go several places but were forbidden of the Holy Ghost. then Paul had his Macedonian vision and they went there.

This sentence says that the mission team were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia. Thus, the third Person of the Trinity did the same thing three different ways. First, God's Holy Ghost used things in this world to prevent the team from going into Asia. then,God's Holy Spirit dealt with their spirits to prevent them from going in another wrong way. This second time they were more sensitive to the leading of God's Holy Spirit and He didn't have to use things in this world to prevent them from going in the wrong way. then,as the third way, we read, in the second next sentence, that Paul had his Macedonian vision. Thus, we see God's Holy Spirit directly leading this mission team.

I'm not positive why they were prevented from going to Bithynia but the saved Jews from Asia caused non-stop problems for Paul. they were leading in preaching that everyone had to keep Jewish religious traditions. they were also leading in the saved Jews who caused a riot while Paul prayed quietly in the Temple and had Paul arrested so that he ended up in Rome. Thus, we see that God's Holy Spirit was keeping them from problems that it was not the time for them to deal with. And, any tile that God's Holy Spirit denies what we want to do for God, we must accept, by faith, that He is preventing us from problems that we are not ready to face.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:14-16 about the word region. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines region as: 'A tract of land or space of indefinite extent, usually a tract of considerable extent. It is sometimes nearly synonymous with country; as all the region of Argob. Deut. 3. He had dominion over all the region on this side the river. 1Kings 4. So we speak of the airy region, the ethe rial regions, the upper regions, the lower regions. 2. the inhabitants of a region or district of country. Matt. 3. 3. A part of the body; as the region of the heart or liver. 4. Place; rank'.

Please see the note for Matthew 19:14 about the word forbid. The New Testament definition is: 'to prohibit; to interdict; to command to forbear or not to do'. Please also see the note for Galatians C3S25 about the phrase God forbid.

The New Testament 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 C2-S9 for links to other places where this region is mentioned.

Please see the note for Acts 9:26 about the word assayed. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'pp. Examined; tested; proved by experiment'. Basically, they tried several times and different ways, but God's Holy Ghost stopped them each time.

Please see the note for Romans C8S17 about the word suffer. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Bearing injuries or provocation for a long time; patient; not easily provoked'. The th, int the word suffeteth, makes it a 'life-style suffering'. Please see the note for Romans 9:22 about the word longsuffering. Galatians 5:22 tells us that this is a fruit of the Spirit. Romans 2:4 tells us that it is a trait of God and associates it with forbearance. Please also see the notes in the Sections called Harmony, Prophecies and Prophecies Fulfilled, in the Study called Significant Gospel Events and for Mark 8:31-LJC about the phrase suffering of Jesus Christ. We are told to suffer with him (Christ). Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:12-13 which is a detailed sentence that explains how our suffering in this life is to be expected and is actually the basis of everlasting rewards.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Phrygia. Ac 2:10; 18:23 region. Ac 18:23; 1Co 16:1; Ga 1:2; 3:1; 2Ti 4:10; 1Pe 1:1 forbidden. Ac 16:7; 10:19; 11:12; 13:2-4; 20:28; 2Ch 6:7-9; Isa 30:21; Am 8:11-12; 1Co 12:11; Heb 11:8 Asia. Ac 19:10,26-27; 20:4,16; 2Co 1:8; 2Ti 1:15; 1Pe 1:1; Re 1:4,11 exp: Ac 2:9; 6:9. General references. exp: Ac 8:29.
Bithynia. 1Pe 1:1 General references. exp: Ac 8:29'.

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C16-S6 (Verse 8) Where they went next.
And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas

In Acts 16:6-9; they tried to go several places but were forbidden of the Holy Ghost. then Paul had his Macedonian vision and they went there.

Please see the note for Luke 4:30 about the word passing. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word pass'. Please also see the note for Luke 18:37 about the word passeth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word pass'. Please also see the note for Matthew 5:18 about the word pass. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to move, in almost any manner, from one place to another'. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:1 about the word passed. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word pass'. The word passest only occurs in the Old Testament. Please also see the note for John 2:13 about the phrase passover. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'when God spared anyone who obeyed His command'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:17 about the phrase passed away. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'dead'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:12-13 for links to every place in the Bible where we find mention of Troas. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A city of Mysia, S. of ancient Troy, opposite the island Tenedos'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Troas. Ac 16:11; 20:5; 2Co 2:12; 2Ti 4:13'.

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C16-S7 (Verse 9) Paul received his Macedonian vision.

First Step: God gave Paul a vision in the night.

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night;

Second Step: the vision explained.

there stood a man of Macedonia,
and prayed him,
saying,
Come over into Macedonia,
and help us.

In Acts 16:6-9; they tried to go several places but were forbidden of the Holy Ghost. then Paul had his Macedonian vision and they went there. Sometimes people emphasize this vision while excluding the prior sentences. Paul and his team were trying to do the work of God but were forbidden of the Holy Ghost. Now, when they seem to be stopped everywhere they tried to go, they did not stop but kept trying to do the will of God. Paul received this vision after he and his team had proven their faith by continuing to try and do God's will even when it appeared as if they were stopped each time that they tried. The lesson is: 'Don't give up'. God always puts His people through a trial before He blesses them. So, when you are going through a trial, keep going with the absolute assurance that God will bless after the trial is over. However, that is with the provision that you are checking with God's Holy Spirit to be sure that you're attitudes and actions are within the will of God.

Please see the note for Luke 1:22 about the word vision. The New Testament definition is: 'the sense of the eye but often used in the Bible for a spiritual meaning'.

Please see the note for Matthew 1:20 about the word appeared. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word appear'. Please also see the note for Matthew 2:13 about the word appeareth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word appear'. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:14 about the word appearing. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word appear'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:10 about the word appear. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to come or be in sight; to be in view; to be visible'. Please also see the Appearances of Jesus Christ After the resurrection.

Please see the note for Matthew 25:6 about the word midnight. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'In the middle of the night'. This was naturally the closing of the day, for God called the light 'day'. Please see the note for Matthew 25:6 about the word midnight. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'In the middle of the night'. This was naturally the closing of the day, for God called the light 'day'. Please also see the note for John 11:10 about the word night. The New Testament definition is: 'the time of darkness within a day'. That note also lists various symbolic usages of this word. Please also see the note for John 20:19 about the word evening. Please also seeMark 11:11 about the word eventide. Please also seeMark 4:35 about the phrase The even. Please also see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word day. The New Testament 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. While a year deals with a physical year, in the Bible, a Biblical day can be symbolic for a much longer time. 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 also see the note for John 21:4 about the word morning. Please also see the note for Mark 2:28-LJC about the phrase Good Friday. Please also see the note for Galatians C4-S17 about the words birth / birthright / birthday. Please see the note for John 20:19 about the phrase evening. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the period from sunset till night'. Please see the note for Mark 4:35 about the phrase The even. Today, the phrase The even, would be called 'sunset' and would be considered to be a particular part of evening.

Please use the link in the sentence outline, above, to see what the Bible says about Macedonia.

Please see the Doctrinal Study called Pray about the word pray. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'In a general sense, the act of asking for a favor, and particularly with earnestness. In worship, a solemn address to the Supreme Being, consisting of adoration, or an expression of our sense of God's glorious perfections, confession of our sins, supplication for mercy and forgiveness, intercession for blessings on others, and thanksgiving, or an expression of gratitude to God for his mercies and benefits'. The word prayer is the noun form of the verb he word pray.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S24 about the word help. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to aid; to assist, especially in spiritual matters'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 1:11 about the word helping. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word help'. Please see the note for Acts 18:27 about the word helped. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word help'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 16:16 about the word helpeth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word help'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:54-55 about the word holpen. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'an antique form of the word helped'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 8:23 about the word fellowhelper. Please also see the note for Luke 1:54-55` about the word holpen. This word is used, in this book, in: our current sentenceActs 21:28 and Acts 26:22.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'a vision. Ac 2:17-18; 9:10-12; 10:3,10-17,30; 11:5-12; 18:9-10; 22:17-21; 27:23-24; 2Co 12:1-4,7 Macedonia. Ac 18:5; 19:21; Ro 15:26; 2Co 7:5; 8:1; 9:2; 11:9; 1Th 1:7-8; 4:10 exp: Ac 19:22. Come. Ac 8:26-31; 9:38; 10:32-33; 11:13-14; Ro 10:14-15'.

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C16-S8 (Verse 10) they obeyed the vision immediately.

And after he had seen the vision,
immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia,
assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

In Acts 16:10-15; we read about their arrival in Philippi where they met Lydia and she had them stay at her house after she was baptized.

Notice that they responded immediately. Lots of people miss out on blessings because they do not respond immediately to the call of God.

Please see the note for Luke 1:22 about the word vision. The New Testament definition is: 'the sense of the eye but often used in the Bible for a spiritual meaning'.

Please see the note for Mark 1:42 about the word immediate. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Instant; present; without the intervention of time or any other thing'.

Please see the note for 1Thessalonians 2:17 about the words endeavour / endeavor. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. endev'or. An effort; an essay; an attempt; an exertion of physical strength, or the intellectual powers, towards the attainment of an object. the bold and sufficient pursue their game with more passion, endeavor and application, and therefore often succeed. Imitation is the endeavor of a later poet to write like one who has written before him on the same subject. Labor is a continued endeavor, or a succession of endeavors.
ENDEAV'OR, v.i. endev'or. to exert physical strength or intellectual power, for the accomplishment of an object; to try; to essay; to attempt. In a race, each man endeavors to outstrip his antagonist. A poet may endeavor to rival Homer, but without success. It is followed by after before a noun; as, the christian endeavors after more strict conformity to the example of Christ. 1. v.t. to attempt to gain; to try to effect. It is our duty to endeavor therecovery of these beneficial subjects'.

Please see the note for Acts 2:36 about the words assuredly. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. Certainly; indubitably. Assuredly thy son Solomon shall reign. 1Kings 1'. Please also see the note for Colossians C2S1 about the word assurance. Please also see the message called Assurance, True Biblical. Please also see the note for 1John 3:19 about the words assure. Please also see the note for Acts 2:36 about the words assured.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'immediately. Ac 10:29; 26:13; Ps 119:60; Pr 3:27-28; 2Co 2:12-13'.

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C16-S9 (Verse 11-12) how they arrived at Philippi.

Equivalent Section: the path they took.

First Step: the few cities they arrived at.

therefore losing from Troas,
we came with a straight course to Samothracia,
and the next day to Neapolis;.

Second Step: Where they ended up.

And from thenceto Philippi,
which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia,
and a colony:.

Equivalent Section: What they did after arriving.

and we were in that city abiding certain days.

In Acts 16:10-15; we read about their arrival in Philippi where they met Lydia and she had them stay at her house after she was baptized.

This city is very important in the history of the early church. It was the first city in Europe where a church was established. The epistle, from Paul, to the church in this city is the only epistle with no rebuke of any kind. The theme of that epistle is: 'Keep on keeping on' and they are an example for all churches, especially in missions efforts.

Please see the note for Mark 1:7 about the word loose. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to untie or unbind; to free from any fastening'. The word unloose has the same meaning.

Please see the note for Matthew 20:11-12 about the word heat. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'JHeat, as a sensation, is the effect produced on the sentient org and of animals, by the passage of caloric, disengaged from surrounding bodies, to the organs. When we touch or approach a hot body, the caloric or heat passes from that body to our org and of feeling, and gives the sensation of heat'.

Please see the note for Mark 1:18 about the word straight / straightway. The New Testament definition, for the word straight, is: 'the word straight is used for direct or right'. The New Testament definition, for the word straightway, is: 'the shortest distance between two points is a straight line'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:23-24 about the word strait. The New Testament definition, for the word strait, is: 'Narrow'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:23-24 about the word straiten. The New Testament definition, for the word straighten, is: 'make follow a straight order'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word course. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A set way for someone or something to move from an existing position in order to reach a goal'. Our sentence tells us that before they set sail, they had a planned way to reach their goal.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:1 about the city of Philippi. The New Testament definition, for this city, is: 'City in the east of Macedonia'. Please also see the note for John 6:5 about the name Philip. The New Testament definition, for his name, is: 'there are several men mentioned with this name and the readerneeds to be sure which man is named in each instance. The dictionary definitions, and references from other commentators, should help the readerbut I do not guarentee their accuracy'.

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

We find forms of the word colony only in this sentence. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'the city of Philippi was a Roman colony (Ac 16:12), i.e., a military settlement of Roman soldiers and citizens, planted there to keep in subjection a newly-conquered district. A colony was Rome in miniature, under Roman municipal law, but governed by military officers (praetors and lictors), not by proconsuls. It had an independent internal government, the jus Italicum; i.e., the privileges of Italian citizens'.

We find the word abiding in: Numbers 24:2; Judges 16:9; Judges 16:12; 1Samuel 26:19; 1Chronicles 29:15; Luke 2:8; John 5:38; our current sentence; 1John 3:15. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word abide'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C7S9 about the word abide. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to continue; to be; to dwell, rest, continue, stand firm, or be stationary for anytime indefinitely'. Please also see the note for John 3:36 about the word abideth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the life-changing form of the word abide'. Please also see the note for John 1:32 about the word abode. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word abide'. The word abodest is only found in the Old Testament. The Bible definition for this word is: 'the verb form of the life-changing form of the word abode'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Philippi. Ac 20:6; Php 1:1; 1Th 2:2 the chief. or, the first. a colony. Ac 16:21'.

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C16-S10 (Verse 13) the mission team went to where believers met.

First Step: Where and when they met the believers.

And on the Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side,
where prayer was wont to be made;.

Second Step: they preached the Gospel to them.

and we sat down,
and spake unto the women which resorted thither.

In Acts 16:10-15; we read about their arrival in Philippi where they met Lydia and she had them stay at her house after she was baptized.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word And means: 'This sentence is added to the prior. they were in that city abiding certain days before they met the believers. Since there is no mention of them going to a synagogue, as was their reported habit, there possibly was not one in that city. However, since Paul's team was persecuted every time that they went to the synagogue, they mat have decided to skip it and go where they were likely to meet true believers. Therefore, they had to find out where the Jewish believers met before they could go to themeeting'.
The phrase on the Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side means: 'This is when and where they went'.
The phrase where prayer was wont to be made means: 'This is why they went there'.
The phrase and we sat down means: 'This is how they indicated to the people meeting there that they were teachers of The word of God. This action was accepted in cultures of that time to indicate a teacher'.
The phrase and spake unto the women which resorted thither means: 'they told them the truth of the Gospel'.

Notice that they first went to where there were potential believers. It is important, when starting a mission work, to get local believers to help. The missionary is usually a stranger and given little trust. However, a local person is known and, usually, trusted more that a stranger. In addition, we see Paul and his team always trying to win the leaders of a local community first because a local leader has more influence in the local community. This is not so that they personally can become influential but so that The word of God has a better chance of being influential.

Please see the note for Revelation 8:10 about the word river. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A long passage of water. the three principal rivers referred to in scripture are the Nile, the Jordan, and the Euphrates'. Please also see the note for John 7:38 about the phrase rivers of living water.

Please see the note for Luke 22:39 about the word wont. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'WONT, n. Custom; habit; use.
WONT, v.i. to be accustomed or habituated; to be used. A yearly solemn feast she wont to make. Wherewith he wont to soar s high'.

Please see the note for John 10:41 about the word resort. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'v.i. s as z. 1. to have recourse; to apply; to betake. the king thought it time to resort to other counsels. 2. to go; to repair. the people resort to him again. Mark 10. John 18. 3. to fall back. the inheritance of the son never resorted to the mother'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'on. Ac 13:14,42; 17:2; 18:4; 20:7 sabbath. Gr. sabbath-day. where. Lu 13:10 exp: Ac 17:1. and we. Ac 16:6; 21:5; Mt 5:1-2; 13:2; Lu 4:20-21; Joh 8:2 spake. Mr 16:15; Ga 3:28; Col 1:23'.

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C16-S11 (Verse 14) the testimony of the salvation of Lydia.

Equivalent Section: Who she was and what she did for a living and her relationship with God.

And a certain woman named Lydia,
a seller of purple,
of the city of thyatira,
which worshiped God,
heard us :.

Equivalent Section: .

whose heart the Lord opened,
that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

In Acts 16:10-15; we read about their arrival in Philippi where they met Lydia and she had them stay at her house after she was baptized.

Please see the noteon next sentence (below) which is tied to this sentence by starting with the word and. In addition, the link in the sentence outline, above, goes to the Word Study on worship. As explained there, 'Worship is a personal act that often requires personal sacrifice'. That Study also provides links to other places where The word of God teaches this truth.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase a seller of purple means: 'What she did for a living. She sold cloth to royalty because, at that time, only royalty were allowed to wear the color of purple'. This would have made her wealthy and a highly influential person in that area.
The phrase of the city of thyatira means: 'the church in that city, which was started in the home of Lydia, is one of the churches identified in Revelation 1:16; Revelation 1:18-34 '.
The phrase which worshiped God means: As explained in the Detailed Note, 'Worship is a personal act that often requires personal sacrifice'.
The phrase heard us means: 'She had spiritual ears to hear the spiritual message which resulted in her personal salvation'.
The phrase whose heart the Lord opened means: 'The Lord caused her to truly believe the Gospel'.
The phrase that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul means: 'She paid close attention and considered what Paul said'.

Back in Acts 15:36 Paul said that he wanted to visit the churches that the Lord had started by using Paul. All of the sentences since them have been connected with connection words such as the and which starts this sentence and the next. Within this account of Paul's journey we find that Luke is using they through Acts 16:8 and when Paul and company leave, Luke switches to we (Acts 16:11). This indicates that Luke joined Paul's company at this time. While this is not of doctrinal consequence, it is something that some people find interesting. Hidden within sentences such as these we find hints of several people who join Paul's group and help him and many are not preachers but are missionaries.

Within this account, Paul's group reached Philippi in Acts 16:12. In many cities that Paul went to, he went into the synagogue first and tried to reach the Jews there. This often caused him trouble and he was often beat and cast out of the city. Acts16:13 tells us and on the Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. Some people claim that there was no synagogue there but that doesn't make sense because Acts 16:12 tells us that Philippiis the chief city of that section of Macedonia, and a colony. Such a place would certainly have attracted enough Jews to have a synagogue.

Regardless of why Paul changed his habit here, he reached Jewish women who were trying to serve the Lord (whose heart the Lord opened) and was able to establish a church in her home without the opposition of Jewish religious leaders as he usually had. We also see this difference in liberty explained in 2Corinthians 3:12-18 which also tells us that the vail is taken away from people's minds when they turn to the Lord. We also see this difference in the claim by many preachers that this church at Philippi is the only one that Paul wrote a letter to and didn't have to correct heresy. they started on a better basis (attitude towards the Lord and the gospel), which resulted in a better service.

While Paul avoided problems with the Jewish religious leaders, Satan wasn't going to be put off and sent a possessed girl to torment Paul and Barnabas (Acts 16:16-18). Satan then used this as a way to have lost men complain about losing money. As we read the account in the rest of the chapter, we find that men are certainly willing to break the law for money but are far less willing to be flagrant about it and Paul was able to put some limits upon the interference with the gospel that he was not able to get when dealing with religious fanatics.

We see Lord used in this sentence because it was the Lord who opened her heart that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. Soul winners often don't realize (or ignore) the fact that Christ doesn't deal with people until after they are saved. Jesus is our Saviour, but so is God the father and God the Son as Lord and as Christ because there are different aspects to our salvation that are handled by each of these roles. We've seen in this study where lost people sought salvation from Jesus and were not saved but have seen several places that say whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Psalms 116:4; Zechariah 13:9; Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13; please see the note for Acts 2:21 for furtherreferences).

We have also seen that there is a doctrinal difference between The word of God and The [word/doctrine] of the Lord. (Please see the notes for Acts 13:47; Acts 13:48; Acts 13:49 and Acts 14:3.) In each of these places and more we have seen the difference is that the Lord has the power to deliver the lost from the control of Satan and sin but the Lord requires us to swear allegiance to Him and to submit and to trust and obey. Jesus is the weak human role of the Son of God and people don't mind turning to Jesus for salvation, when they would refuse to call on the name of the Lord because they believe that they can argue doctrine with Jesus. That is the difference and those who will not submit and obey without question are not saved.

Where Jews in the synagogues argued doctrine with Paul, Lydia had a heart that The Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. Because she was willing to submit to and obey the Lord from her heart, she was saved.

Please see the note for John 19:2 about the word purple. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A color often mentioned in connection with the tabernacle. It is a combination of blue and scarlet. Often used as the color of royalty'.

Please see above about Thyatira.

Please see the note for John 18:20 about the words open / openly. The New Testament definition, for the word open, is: 'Not shut. Unsealed; as an open letter'. The New Testament definition, for the word openly, is: 'Publicly; not in private; without secrecy; as, to avow our sins and follies openly'.

We find the word attended in: Job 32:12; Psalms 66:19 and our current sentence. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word attend'. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 4:13 about the word attendance. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the word attend. The act of waiting on, or serving'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 7:35 about the word attend. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to be present and paying attention'.

Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'pp. Accompanied; having attendants; served; waited on'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Lydia. Ac 16:40 thyatira. Re 1:11; 2:18-24 worshiped. Ac 8:27; 10:2; 18:7; Joh 12:20 whose. Ac 11:21; Ps 110:3; Song 5:4; Isa 50:5; Lu 24:45; Joh 6:44-45; Ro 9:16; 1Co 3:6-7; 2Co 3:14-16; 4:4-6; Eph 1:17-18; Php 2:13; Jas 1:16-17; Re 3:7,20 General references. exp: Lu 24:29,45'.

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C16-S12 (Verse 15) the church was started in her home.

And when she was baptized,
and her household,
she besought us,
saying,
If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord,
come into my house,
and abide there.

In Acts 16:10-15; we read about their arrival in Philippi where they met Lydia and she had them stay at her house after she was baptized. This sentence starts with the word and, which adds it to the prior verse. (Please see the note above about that sentence.) In addition, the next sentence also starts with the word and. Therefore, all of these sentences need to be considered together in order to fulfill therequirements of context.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word And means: 'This sentence is added to the prior sentence. there, we read about her salvation. Here we read about her using her physical possessions to serve the Lord. This is the example for people to follow when they are truly saved'.
The phrase when she was baptized means: 'She was identified with our Lord Jesus Christ'. Her life displayed the change which only He can cause.
The phrase and her household means: 'She made sure that everyone in her household also believed and had a changed lifestyle'.
The phrase she besought us, saying means: 'She begged for the opportunity to do more to serve the Lord'.
The phrase If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord means: 'This was the basis for her request'. Many people want blessings without first paying the price. The price which she paid was being faithful to the Lord.
The phrase come into my house means: 'Use her house for the place that the church would meet'.
The phrase and abide there means: 'Continue to live there and continue to have the church meet there'. As mentioned for the prior sentence, this church is one of the seven mentioned in Revelation.

Here, Lydia challenged Paul with If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord. She had to leave her religious (Jewish) traditions and prefer the commandments of her Lord above those traditions, and provide visible evidence, before she could make this challenge. This is totally different from what we see from many professing Christians today who feel that they are very spiritual because they attend church regularly. That was what Lydia was doing before she was saved. If it was no crime to be religious but was a crime to display the true Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9), she would be found guilty, unlike most professing Christians of today.

Notice that she had to prove that she was faithful to the Lord before she was allowed to do any great work for the Lord such as help start a ministry. However, after she proved to be faithful to the Lord, then she was allowed. Notice that I say 'allowed'. This sentence says and she constrained us. Having a church in your house is very inconvenient, and expensive and imposing and other things. It didn't matter if she was sick or wanted to tae a vacation. It didn't matter how much the 'snotty nosed bus kids' made a mess. It obviously didn't matter about any of these things because she constrained us.

Notice that she did not challenge Paul until after she was baptized. She had to first prove that she was submissive to God's doctrines. In addition, she also made sure that her household was also saved and baptized. This showed that she had her household under control. If a church is associated with people serving a devil, as we see Satan tried to do later in this chapter, then the testimony of the church is damaged and their effectiveness for the kingdom of God is greatly reduced.

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 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word house. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word house. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'In a general sense, a building or shed intended or used as the habitation of man, but also used, symbolically, for the descendants of a person'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:26-27 about the phrase house of David. The New Testament definition, the house of David, is: 'the descendants of king David, one of whom was promised to be God's Christ'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:32-33 about the phrase house of Jacob. The New Testament definition, for the house of Jacob, is: 'all Jews from a physical perspective'. Please also see the note for Matthew 10:6 about the phrase house of Israel. The New Testament definition, for the house of Israel, is: 'all Jews from a spiritual perspective'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:17 about the phrase house of God. The New Testament definition, for the house of God is: 'heaven, the temple, a church and the bodies of saved people'. Please see the note for Matthew 10:25 about the word Household. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Those who dwell in a house under one head, including the wife and children, and embracing servants'. Please see the note for Matthew 10:25 about the word Householder. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the master or chief of a family; one who keeps house with his family'. Please see the note for Mark 5:19 about the word home. The New Testament definition, for the word home, is: 'One's own habitation; as in the phrases, go home, come home, bring home, carry home'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 12:8 about the word besought. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word beseech'. Please also see the note for Romans C12S1 about the word beseech. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to entreat; to supplicate; to implore; to ask or pray with urgency'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'when. Ac 16:33; 8:12,38; 11:14; 18:8; 1Co 1:13-16 If. Eph 1:1; Php 1:7; Phm 1:17; 1Pe 5:12; 3Jo 1:5 come. Ge 18:4-5; Jg 19:19-20; Mt 10:41; Lu 9:4-5; 10:5-7; Ro 16:23; Ga 6:10; Heb 13:2; 2Jo 1:10; 3Jo 1:8 General references. exp: Mr 6:10; Lu 9:4; Php 1:5'.

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C16-S13 (Verse 15) And she constrained us

Webster's1828 defines constrained as 'Urged irresistibly or powerfully; compelled; forced; restrained; confined; bound; imprisoned; necessitated'. When we honestly consider the great impositions and problems to her life in this world, and consider the effort that she went to in order to get those problems, it should be easy to accept that she believed that the Lord would give her great rewards for eternity that she would not receive any other way. This type of understanding only comes to those who experience the rewards of being faithful to the Lord.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'And she. Ge 19:3; 33:11; Jg 19:21; 1Sa 28:23; 2Ki 4:8; Lu 14:23; 24:29; 2Co 5:14; 12:11; Heb 13:2 General references. exp: Mr 6:10; Lu 9:4; Php 1:5'.

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C16-S14 (Verse 16-17) the spiritual attack Satan added to the new mission church.

Equivalent Section: the devil caused the girl to seek Paul and company.

And it came to pass,
as we went to prayer,
a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us,
which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:.

Equivalent Section: the devil caused the girl to harass Paul and company.

The same followed Paul and us,
and cried,
saying,
these men are the servants of the most high God,
which shew unto us the way of salvation.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word And means: 'This is added to the prior sentences and report'. Our sentence would seem to start a totally new report. And, on a physical level, that is true. However, by starting with the word and we see that it is a continuation of the prior report in this chapter. That is true on a spiritual level where we see God's Holy Ghost using men to expand God's kingdom through true salvation and starting new churches, such as we just read about. And, in response to the new church, on a spiritual le4vel, Satan added this spiritual attack to try and stop, or at least discourage, God's ministers. And, in this attack, Satan is trying to corrupt their message by causing people to believe that the power of God is really just the power of another devil.
The phrase it came to pass means: 'This happened after the church moved to the house of Lydia, but we are not told how long after'.
The phrase as we went to prayer means: 'Satan not only had her causing long-term problems but Satan wanted to interfere with their prayer life and their support from God for immediate problems'.
The phrase a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us means: 'the lower-case word spirit, along with what he was doing, let us know that this was a devil'. By providing divination, This devil supported the wrong worship of Diana.
The phrase which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying means: 'This was their reward for encouraging the worship of a false god'.
The phrase The same followed Paul and us means: 'the devil made her follow and constantly harass Paul and others on the mission team'. Please see the note, with the use of the word us, we can know that Luke had joined the mission team at this time.
The phrase and cried, saying means: 'the devil made sure that everyone heard her message'.
The phrase these men are the servants of the most high God means: 'She told a truth but made it seem as if The most high God was just another god and no better than Diana'.
The phrase which shew unto us the way of salvation means: 'This is another truth which was said in a way to discourage people from listening or to at least discount its importance'.

Please see the note for Matthew 5:18 about the word pass. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to move, in almost any manner, from one place to another'. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:1 about the word passed. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word pass'. Please also see the note for Luke 4:30 about the word passing. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word pass'. Please also see the note for Luke 18:37 about the word passeth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word pass'. The word passest only occurs in the Old Testament. Please also see the note for John 2:13 about the phrase passover. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'when God spared anyone who obeyed His command'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:17 about the phrase passed away. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'dead'.

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

Please see the section called Jesus and Devils; in the Study called Significant Gospel Events, for links to every place where Jesus dealt with devils and separates the references according to how He dealt with them. Please note that there are no 'daemons' within the Bible. That word is doctrinal error deliberately taught by devil-motivated men to cause God's children to ignore or think less about the true danger that true devils are. Please also see the note for 12:9 about the word devil. Please also see the Word Study on Spirit for links to every place in the Bible where we find 'other Spirits', which are devils. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 2:10-11 about Satan.

Please see the note for Mark 1:32 about the word possess. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to have the just and legal title, ownership or property of a thing; to own; to hold the title of, as the rightful proprietor, or to hold both the title and the thing'. Please also see the note for Acts 2:44-45 about the word possession. Our word means that the devils had taken control of the people and acted like they had a legal right to control the people.

We find the word divination in: Numbers 22:7; Numbers 23:23; Deuteronomy 18:10; 2Kings 17:17; Jeremiah 14:14; Ezekiel 12:24; Ezekiel 13:6-7; Ezekiel 21:21-23 and our current sentence. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'claiming to receive an answer from a spirit who can be God or a devil'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 9:1 about the word divine. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'pertaining to the true God; as the divine nature; divine perfections'. The words divineth, diviners and divining are only found in the Old Testament.

Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'the act of divining; a foretelling future events, or discovering things secret or obscure, by the aid of superior beings, or by other than human means. the ancient heathen philosophers divided divination into two kinds, natural and artificial. Natural divination was supposed to be effected by a kind of inspiration or divine afflatus; artificial divination was effected by certain rites, experiments or observations, as by sacrifices, cakes, flour, wine, observation of entrails, flight of birds, lots, verses, omens, position of the stars. 2. Conjectural presage; prediction'. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'of false prophets (De 18:10,14; Mic 3:6-7,11), of necromancers (1Sa 28:8), of the Philistine priests and diviners (1Sa 6:2), of Balaam (Jos 13:22). three kinds of divination are mentioned in Eze 21:21, by arrows, consulting with images (the teraphim), and by examining the entrails of animals sacrificed. the practice of this art seems to have been encouraged in ancient Egypt. Diviners also abounded among the aborigines of Canaan and the Philistines (Isa 2:6; 1Sa 28). At a later period multitudes of magicians poured from Chaldea and Arabia into the land of Israel, and pursued their occupations (Isa 8:19; 2Ki 21:6; 2Ch 33:6). This superstition widely spread, and in the time of the apostles there were "vagabond Jews, exorcists" (Ac 19:13), and men like Simon Magus (Ac 8:9), Bar-jesus (Ac 13:6,8), and other jugglers and impostors (Ac 19:19; 2Ti 3:13). Every species and degree of this superstition was strictly forbidden by the law of Moses (Ex 22:18; Le 19:26,31; 20:27; De 18:10-11).
But beyond these various forms of superstition, there are instances of divination on record in the Scriptures by which God was pleased to make known his will.
(1.) there was divination by lot, by which, when resorted to in matters of moment, and with solemnity, God intimated his will (Jos 7:13). the land of Canaan was divided by lot (Nu 26:55-56); Achan's guilt was detected (Jos 7:16-19), Saul was elected king (1Sa 10:20-21), and Matthias chosen to the apostleship, by the solem lot (Ac 1:26). It was thus also that the scape-goat was determined (Le 16:8-10).
(2.) there was divination by dreams (Ge 20:6; De 13:1,3; Jg 7:13,15; Mt 1:20; 2:12-13,19,22). This is illustrated in the history of Joseph (Ge 41:25-32) and of Daniel (Da 2:27; 4:19-28).
(3.) By divine appointment there was also divination by the Urim and thummim (Nu 27:21), and by the ephod.
(4.) God was pleased sometimes to vouch-safe direct vocal communications to men (De 34:10; Ex 3:4; 4:3; De 4:14-15; 1Ki 19:12). He also commused with men from above themercy-seat (Ex 25:22), and at the door of the tabernacle (Ex 29:42-43).
(5.) through his prophets God revealed himself, and gave intimations of his will (2Ki 13:17; Jer 51:63-64)'.

Please see the note for 1Peter 2:18 about the word master. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A man who rules, governs or directs either men or business. This word is also used to identify a teacher'. Please also see the note for Galatians C3S28 about the word schoolmaster. Please also see the note for John 15:20 about the phrase servant and lord / master. Please also see the note for Ephesians 5:5 about the word whoremonger. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 9:25 about the word mastery. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Achieve a professional level at any skill'. Please also see the Minor Titles of the Son of God Section, of the Significant Gospel Events Study, for links to related Bible references to the name of: Master. The capitalized Master is only used as a title of Jesus Christ. We also find forms of this word, within this book, in: Acts 16:19; Acts 27:11.

We find forms of the word soothsaying only in this sentence. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. the foretelling of future events by persons without divine aid or authority, and thus distinguished form prophecy'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C4S16 about the word follow. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to go after or behind; to walk, ride or move behind, but in the same direction. Soldiers will usually follow a brave officer'. Please also see the note for Romans C14S25 about the phrase follow after. Please also see the note for Mark 2:14 about the phrase follow me. Please also see the message called Follow Me As I Follow Christ for the application of these verses in the life of the believer. Please see the note for Matthew 3:11 about the phrase come after me. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'follow me to do things the same way as I do'.

Please see the note for Matthew 8:29 about the word cried. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word cry'. Please also see the note for Matthew 12:19 about the word cry. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to utter a loud voice; to speak, call or exclaim with vehemence; in a very general sense'. Please also see the note for Mark 1:3 about the word crying. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word cry'. Please also see the note for Matthew 8:23 about the word crieth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word cry'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:17 about the word service. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'in a general sense, labor of body or of body and mind, performed at the command of a superior, or the pursuance of duty, or for the benefit of another'. Please also see the note for Ephesioans 6:6 about the word eyeservice. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'n. Service performed only under inspection or the eye of an employer'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:29 about the word fellowservant. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'a servant with the same master as another servant. Used only for people in the ministry'. Please also see the note for Luke 2:37 about the word served. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word serve'. Please also see the note for Romans 14:18 for links to every place in the Bible where we find the word serveth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word serve'. Please also see the note for Acts 20:19 for links to every place in the Bible where we find the word serving The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word serve'. Please also see the note for Matthew 4:10 about the word serve. The New Testament 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 1Corinthians C7S27 about the word servant. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to work for; to bestow the labor of body and mind in the employment of another. God uses devils but does not call them His servants. All true servants of God are saved'. The word servants is: 'the plural form of the word servant'. Please also see the note for John 15:20 about the phrase servant and lord / master.

Please see the note for Mark 5:7 about Most High. The New Testament definition is: 'More powerful than any other so-called god' Please also see the note for Luke 1:32 about the name Highest, which recognizes the same thing. Please see the note for Matthew 4:8 about the word high. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'extending a great distance above the surface of the earth or the position of another thing'. The New Testament definition is: 'another phrase for the word highesrt'. Please also see the note for Luke 14:10 about the word higher. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'having more height than another object'. Please also see the note for Luke 1:28 about the word highly. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to a great height or to a great degree'. Please also see the note on Romans 11:20 aboutthe word highminded. Please also see the note on Mark 10:46 aboutthe word highway. Please also see the note for Mark 14:63 about the phrase high priest. The word highness is only found in the Old Testament.

Please see the note for Colossians C2S8 about the word shew. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'This word is usually taught to be: the Biblical spelling for the word 'show'. However, the true meaning is far more important. Every place where this word is used, there is a spiritual message, within the context of the word, and what is shewn is a physical sign of the spiritual message'. The New Testament definition, for the word sheweth is: 'A permanent spiritual change which has signs in this world . An example is true Biblical salvation'. The New Testament definition, for the word shewed is: 'the past-tense form of the word shew'. Please also see the note for Matthew 12:4 about the word shewbread.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C4S17 about the word way. The New Testament definition of this word is: 'How we get from where we are at to our destination. Used in the Word of God for how we end up in Heaven or Hell' 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 use This link to see the 'Minor Titles of the Son of God' found within the Bible along with links to where the Bible uses those titles. The title in this sentence is way. We are to follow our Lord Jesus Christ and no other way.

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 New Testament 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 note for for 2Thessalonians 2:13 about the phrase salvation through sanctification. Please also see the note for John 8:30 about the phrase non-saving belief Please also seeverses in the New Testament. Summary on the name / role of Saviour. Please also see the note for James 1:21 about the phrase save your soul.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'as. Ac 16:13 possessed. Ac 16:18; 8:9-11; Ex 7:11-12; De 13:1-3; 18:9-11; 1Sa 28:7; 1Ch 10:13; Isa 8:19; Ga 5:20; 2Ti 3:8 divination. or, Python. which. Ac 19:24; 1Ti 6:10; 2Pe 2:3; Re 18:11-13 General references. exp: Ex 22:18; Le 19:31.
these.Ac 19:13; Mt 8:29; Mr 1:24; Lu 4:34,41 the servants. Da 3:26,28; 6:16,20; Jon 1:9; 1Pe 2:16 the most. Ge 14:18-22; Ps 57:2; 78:35; Da 4:2; 5:18,21; Mic 6:6; Mr 5:7; Lu 8:28 exp: Heb 7:1. The way. Ac 16:30-31; 18:26; Mt 7:13-14; 22:16; Mr 12:14; Lu 1:77,79; 20:21; Joh 14:6; Heb 10:19-22 General references. exp: Ex 22:18; Le 19:31; Ac 19:15'.

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C16-S15 (Verse 18) And this did she many days

This was a non-stop harassment by the devil.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. exp: Ex 22:18; Le 19:31; Mr 3:12; 5:8; Ac 19:11,15'.

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C16-S16 (Verse 18) Paul ordered the devil out of her.

But Paul,
being grieved,
turned and said to the Spirit,
I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.

Paul uses Jesus Christ as the combination of the ministry of Jesus and of Christ which is evidence of true Biblical salvation. This verse also uses Jesus Christ to identify the true most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. As explained below, the message that this devil possessed girl was giving could be misconstrued into a false profession which made people believe they were saved when they were not.

Notice that this verse starts with And, which adds it to the prior verse. there, we are told that she continued to follow Paul and others crying these men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. Now many people would think that this is a wonderful thing. And in fact, this tells us (doctrinally) that lost and/or possessed people, and devils, can tell the gospel. However, when such people do they discredit the truth and ultimately mix sin with truth which leads to the damnable heresy of easy believism. True Biblical salvation isn't just following the form (doing a religious deed) but requires a personal relationship with the Son of God. Notice that she said they are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. If you show me the way to New York, I don't have to join you but can go my own way by following your directions. Religion claims that salvation is possible without joining God and the church. Religion claims that salvation is achieved by following the way of God (religious acts) without needing the relationship.

True Biblical salvation also isn't just 'saying a prayer to Jesus' with no evidence of the ministry of Christ (personal spiritual growth after profession). It also isn't a claimed relationship with Christ (religious conversion) that denies that the man Jesus had to die for personal sins. True Biblical salvation shows evidence of both ministries in the life of the believer. further, we have seen consistently since the beginning of Acts 13 that there is a difference in salvation due to the difference between hearing The word of God and accepting The [word/doctrine] of the Lord. A person who truly calls on the name of the Lord (Psalms 116:4; Zechariah 13:9; Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13; please see the note for Acts 2:21 for furtherreferences) agrees to submit to the Lord and accept His judgment of the deeds of this life. Notice that this devil possessed girl didn't say tat they served the Lord but served The most high God. Many religions claim to serve The most high God who have not submitted to the Lord and actually serve a devil who is claiming to be The most high God. The devil in this possessed girl was promising salvation without submission to the Lord because a devil has not (yet) submitted to the Lord.

In addition, as noted for Acts 16:15; Paul and Silas had avoided the religious persecution from Jewish fanatics. By using this girl to follow them and cry this message, the devil was hoping to stir up these religious fanatics against Paul and Silas. Remember, they were not going to the synagogue but to a church that met in a woman's house. This devil possessed girl was 'rubbing the Jews' noses' in the fact tat they did not have The way of salvation. Doing such a thing is usually a good way to get a fanatical reaction. All in all, this devil possessed girl was not helping but was trying to stop Paul and Silas and Paul had good reason to be grieved.

Note: Paul did as we saw that Jesus did in the Gospels. In Acts 19:13-17; we read about some Jews who tried to do the same but could not because they did not have the right to do so. Only those saved people who receive this right from Jesus Christ can cast out devils.

Please see the note for 1Peter 2:19 about the word greif. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the pain of mind produced by loss, misfortune, injury or evils of any kind; sorrow; regret. We experience grief when we lose a friend, when we incur loss, when we consider ourselves injured, and by sympathy, we feel grief at the misfortunes of others'. Please see the note for Romans 14:15 about the word grieve. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to give pain of mind to; to afflict; to wound the feelings. Nothing grieves a parent like the conduct of a profligate child'. Please see the note for Philippians 3:1 about the word grievous. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: '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'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'being. Ac 14:13-15; Mr 1:25-26,34 I command. Ac 3:6; 9:34; 19:12-17; Mr 9:25-26; 16:17; Lu 9:1; 10:17-19; Col 2:15 General references. exp: Ex 22:18; Le 19:31; Mr 3:12; 5:8; Ac 19:11,15'.

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C16-S17 (Verse 18) the devil left the damsel.
And he came out the same hour

Please see the note for John 2:4 about the word hour. The New Testament 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'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. exp: Ex 22:18; Le 19:31; Mr 3:12; 5:8; Ac 19:11,15'.

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C16-S18 (Verse 19-21) the masters lied in order to get Paul, and others, beat and put into prison.

And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone,
they caught Paul and Silas,
and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
And brought them to the magistrates,
saying,
these men,
being Jews,
do exceedingly trouble our city,
And teach customs,
which are not lawful for us to receive,
neither to observe,
being Romans.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word and means: 'This sentence is added to the prior sentences. All sentences in this sub-group need to be considered together for context requirements. This sentence tells us the reaction by lost men to Paul casting the devil out of the damsel'.
The phrase And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone means: 'they were motivated by money. Please see the notethat they didn't care what the devil did to the damsel so long as they made money'.
The phrase they caught Paul and Silas means: 'This was not all of the mission team but the leaders. Remember that we already saw that Timothy and Luke were also part of the team at this time'.
The phrase and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers means: 'This was where government business was conducted'.
The phrase And brought them to the magistrates, saying means: 'these men lied to the magistrates and they believed the local important men without verifying the claims. Devils will motivate men to do these types of things to try and get God' people to not do the will of God'.
The phrase these men, being Jews means: 'Their claim is based upon prejudice. Both Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, as we see reported at the end of the chapter'.
The phrase do exceedingly trouble our city means: 'Lie. they troubled the money making of these men which was dependent upon a devil possessing a damsel. they were not exceedingly troubling our city'.
The phrase And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe means: 'Lie. Since Paul and Silas were both Roman citizens, it should have been obvious that it was lawful for us to receive and to observe the Gospel. Devils have no problem with motivating lost people to lie if that is required to stop the spread of the Gospel'.
The phrase being Romans means: 'Lie. Since Paul and Silas were both Roman citizens, it should have been obvious that being Romans had nothing to do with their complain. However, the magistrates failed to verify the lies of local important people'.

People need to realize that these types of lies are still used by devils today in order to try and stop the spread of the Gospel.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:17 about the words see / seen / sight / seeth / saw. The New Testament definition, for the word see, is: 'the verb form of a physical sense which conveys information about the physical world to the brain. This word is also used, symbolically, to convey information about the spiritual reality'. The New Testament definition, for the words seen, and saw, is: 'the past-tense form of the verb see'. Although the word saw is also used for 'an instrument for cutting'. The New Testament definition, for the word sight, is: 'the noun form of the same verb'. The New Testament definition, for the word seeth, is: 'A life-style seeing. This is often used symbolically for life-style understanding'. Please also see the note for John 6:40-LJC about the phrase see the Son. Please also see the note for Colossians C2S8 about the word shew. 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 also see the note for Ephesioans 6:6 about the word eyeservice. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'n. Service performed only under inspection or the eye of an employer'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C13S10 about the word hope. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'An action word based upon the person. It is similar to faith in that it requires action but where true faith is based upon a promise in The word of God, hope is based upon the character of God'. Please also see the note for Romans C4S18 which discusses how Abraham acted in hope with the Biblical links. The Bible teaches that our acting on hope brings a greater reward than our acting on faith. Many believe the doctrinal error that we are saved by faith. However, according to the word of God, we are only saved by grace or hope. The word of God says that we are saved through faith.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:21 about the word gain. The New Testament 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 New Testament 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 Matthew 14:31 about the word caught. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word catch'. Please also see the note for Luke 5:10 about the word catch. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to seize or lay hold on with the hand; carrying the sense of pursuit, thrusting forward the hand, or rushing on'. Please also see the note for Matthew 13:19 about the word catcheth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word catch'.

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 New Testament 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 Luke 7:32 about the word marketplace. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Any place of public resort, and hence a public place or broad street. Often larger than just a market'. Please also see the note for Mark 7:4 about the word market.

Please see the note for John 7:26 about the word ruler. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'One that governs'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 10:14-16 about the word rule. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Government; control; supreme command or authority'. The word ruleth means: 'Ongoing, never stopping, ruling'.

Please see the note for Titus 3:1 about the word magistrate. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A subordinate civil officer, invested with the executive government of some branch of it'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 16:20; Acts 16:22; Acts 16:35; Acts 16:36; Acts 16:38.

Please see the note for Ephesians C2S2 about the word exceed. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'ppr. Going beyond; surpassing; excelling; outdoing. 1. Great in extent, quantity or duration; very extensive. Cities were built an exceeding space of time before the flood. This sense is unusual. 2. adv. In a very great degree; unusually; as exceeding rich. the Genoese were exceeding powerful by sea. I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Gen.15.
EXCEE'DING, n. Excess; superfluity'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 7:20; Acts 16:20; Acts 26:11; Acts 27:18.

Please see the note for Romans C13S10 about the word custom. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Frequent or common use, or practice; a frequent repetition of the same act; hence, way; established manner; habitual practice'.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:21 about the word observe. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the sense is to hold in view, or to keep the eyes on. 1. To see or behold with some attention'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'The hope. Ac 19:24-27; 1Ti 6:10 they . Ac 9:16; 14:5,19; 15:26; 18:12-13; 21:30; Mt 10:16-18; 24:9; Mr 13:9; 2Co 6:5 exp: Da 6:12; Ac 19:28. market-place. or, court. General references. exp: Ex 22:18.
being. Ac 18:2; 19:34; Ezr 4:12-15; Es 3:8-9 do. Ac 17:6-8; 28:22; 1Ki 18:17-18; Mt 2:3; Joh 15:18-20; Ro 12:2; Jas 4:4
General references. Ac 26:3; Jer 10:3'.

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C16-S19 (Verse 22) Abuse of judicial power

Equivalent Section: the masters got a multitude to show up and threaten a riot.

And the multitude rose up together against them:

Equivalent Section: the magistrates did not investigate but commanded punishment.

and the magistrates rent off their clothes,
and commanded to beat them.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The phrase And the multitude rose up together against them means: 'the lying masters had a multitude show up to support their lies and to threaten the government people with a riot'.
The phrase and the magistrates rent off their clothes means: 'the magistrates demonstrated extreme stress at the threat from the multitude'.
The phrase and commanded to beat them means: 'the magistrates did not investigate the truth because they were more concerned about the multitude causing a riot'.

Please see the note for John 6:2 about the word multitude. The New Testament definition is: 'the state of being many; a great number'.

Please see the note for Matthew 26:65 about the words rend / rent. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'pp. of rend. Torn asunder; split or burst by violence; torn'.

Please see the note for Matthew 21:7 about the word clothes. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the plural form of the word cloth'. Please also see the note for Matthew 7:15 about the word clothing. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word clothe'. Please also see the note for Matthew 6:31 about the word clothed. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word clothe'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:2-3 about the word cloth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'a manufactured item formed by weaving of threads, and used for garments or other covering and for various other purpose'. Please also see the note for John 11:44 about the word graveclothes. Please also see the note for Matthew 6:30 about the word clothe. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb that describes covering something with a cloth'. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:4 about the word unclothed. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'not covered by cloth'.

Please see the note for Matthew 8:4 about the word commanded. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word command'. Please also see the note for Matthew 19:7 about the word command. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to order; to direct; to charge; implying authority, and power to control, and to require obedience'. Please also see the note for Matthew 11:1 about the word Commanding. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word command'. Please also see the note for Acts 17:30 about the word commandeth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of a life-style form of the word command'. Please also see the note for Romans C7S11 about the word commandment. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A mandate; an order or injunction given by authority; charge; precept'. Please also see the note for Acts 23:3 about the word commandest. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the verb form of a life-style form of the word command'. Please see the Doctrinal Study on the use Ten Commandments for links to where they are dealt with in the word of God. Please use This link to see the 'Ten (10) Commandments' and references to them in the New Testament. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments.

Please see the note for Mark 12:3 about the word beat. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to strike repeatedly for any cause'. Please also see the note for Mark 13:9 about the word beaten. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word beat'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 9:26 about the word beateth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the word beat'. Please also see the note for Mark 12:5 about the word beating. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word beat'. The word beatest is only used in the Old Testament. We find this word, within this book, in: our current sentence; Acts 18:17; andActs 22:19.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'The multitude. Ac 17:5; 18:12; 19:28-41; 21:30-31; 22:22-23 the magistrates. Ac 16:37; 5:40; 22:24-26; Mt 10:17; 27:26; 2Co 6:5; 11:23-25; 1Th 2:2; Heb 11:36; 1Pe 2:24 General references. exp: De 25:2'.

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C16-S20 (Verse 23-24) What was done to Paul and Silas.

Equivalent Section: What the magistrates ordered done to them.

And when they had laid many stripes upon them,
they cast them into prison,
charging the jailer to keep them safely:.

Equivalent Section: What the prison keeper ordered done to them.

Who,
having received such a charge,
thrust them into the inner prison,
and made their feet fast in the stocks.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word and means: 'This sentence is added to the prior sentences'. Here, we are told what was done to Paul and Silas because of the lies and devil motivations reported in prior sentences.
The phrase when they had laid many stripes upon them means: 'they were beat severely, the word stripes means there were red lines which would also be bleeding'.
The phrase they cast them into prison means: 'they were kept for furtherpunishment'.
The phrase charging the jailer to keep them safely means: 'the jailer was threatened to take their punishment if they escaped'.
The phrase Who, having received such a charge means: 'the jailer responded to the real threat'.
The phrase thrust them into the inner prison means: 'the put them in the most secure part of the prison'.
The phrase and made their feet fast in the stocks. means: 'the chained them to the wall within the inner prison'.

Please see the note for Matthew 3:10 about the word laid. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word lay'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hand. Please also see the note for Matthew 6:19 about the word lay. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'literally, to throw down'. Please also see the note for Mark 7:8 about the word laying. Please also see the note for Luke 12:21 about the word layeth. Please also see the note for Mark 5:23 about the word lieth. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:17-19 about the phrase lay hold. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 6:17-19 about the phrase lay up. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. The saved are commanded to lay up treasure in Heaven before they leave this world.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 6:3 about the word stripe. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'A line or long narrow division of anything, of a different color from the ground. Symbolically, this word is used for the matks left from torture'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:29 about the word cast. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'in general to throw, with various degrees of violence; usually, with force'. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'forcibly remove from an exalted position and placed under foot'. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:34 about the word casteth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word cast'. Please also see the note for Matthew 4:18 about the word casting. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word cast'. The word castest is only found in the Old Testament. Please see the note for Romans C11S19 about the phrase cast away. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'get rid of something in a violent way'. Please also seethat same note about the phrase God will not cast away his people. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:8-10 about the phrase cast down. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Forcibly remove from an exalted position and placed under foot'. Please also see the note for Mark 9:28 about the phrase cast out. The New Testament definition, for this pohrase, is: 'is not destroyed but is completely removed from the area under consideration and treated as trash'. Please also see the note for 1Timothy 5:12 about the phrase cast off. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to discard'.

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

Please see the note for 1Timothy 1:3-4 about the word charge. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'a superior authority gives a formal and legal command to a subordinate which includes the necessary rights and responsibilities to accomplish the assigned task'. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:30 about the word charged. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word charge'. Please also see the note for Acts 16:23 about the word charging. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word charge'. Please also see the note for Mark 6:25 about the word charger. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'a bowl or deep dish'. Please also see the note for Luke 21:34 about the word overcharge. The word chargest is only found in the Old Testament. Please see the message called A Pastor's Charge.

We find forms of the word jailor only in this sentence. he was 'the man in charge of the prison'.

Please see the note for Philippians 3:1 about the word safe. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Free from danger of any kind'.

Please see the note for Luke 4:28-29 about the word thrust. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to push or drive with force'.

Please see the note for Matthew 4:5 about the word foot. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the end of the leg which people walk on. This word is often used symbolically for how the foot is used'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase trodden under foot. 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. The word feet is: 'the end of the leg which people walk on. This word is often used symbolically for how the foot is used'.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:27-28 about the word fast. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Literally, set, stopped, fixed, or pressed close. Hence, close; tight; as, make fast the door; take fast hold. When people stop eating that tine is also called a fast'. Please also see the note for Luke 15:22-24 about the word fasten. Please also see the note for Galatians C5S1 about the phrase stand fast. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C15S54 about the word stedfast.

Please see the note for Philippians 3:5 about the word stock. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the trunk of a tree or an instrumentv of torture consisting of two beams, the upper one movable, with grooves between them large enough to receive the ankles of the prisoner. Also used symbolically for a reproachful name for the idol and for a family tree'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they cast. Ac 5:18; 8:3; 9:2; 12:4; Lu 21:12; Eph 3:1; 4:1; 2Ti 2:9; Phm 1:9; Re 1:9; 2:10 to keep. Ac 5:23; 12:18; 1Sa 23:22-23; Mt 26:48; 27:63-66 General references. exp: De 25:2; Ac 5:18.
The inner. 1Ki 22:27; Jer 37:15-16; 38:26; La 3:53-55 and made. 2Ch 16:10 (Heb) Job 13:27; 33:11; Ps 105:18; Jer 20:2; 29:26 General references. exp: De 25:2; La 3:55; Ac 5:18'.

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C16-S21 (Verse 25) What Paul and Silas did in prison.

Equivalent Section: When and how they acted.

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed,
and sang praises unto God :.

Equivalent Section: the testimony to God.

and the prisoners heard them.

In Acts 16:25-34; we read that at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God. As a result, the jailer, and his household, were saved.

Our sentence starts with the word and. That means: 'This sentence is added to the prior sentences. All sentences in this sub-group need to be considered together for context requirements. This sentence tells us how Paul and Silas reacted to being beat and cast into the inner prison'.

They would have been beat during daylight so that all of the people in the city could see it. In that part of the world, sunset is always within an hour of 6PM. Therefore, midnight would have been about six hours later. We can believe that it took them that long to recover enough from the beating to pray and sing sang praises unto God. That is why we are told that they acted at midnight.

Our Second Equivalent Section tells us that The prisoners heard them. they were loud enough to be heard all through the prison. they were not quietly doing this but were deliberately being a testimony. they made it clear to everyone that they trusted God to control their future. I'm sure that they remembered the answer of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to the king, in Daniel 3; who said: we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Like them, Paul and Silas were making a public proclamation that they did not fear what men would do to them, nor were they assured of physical deliverance. However, they had faith for spiritual deliverance from the devils who motivated all of the men who had acted against them.

They prayed, and sang praises unto God As their public response to the devils. A lot of people want to have a testimony like that but few are willing to endure what came before their testimony. And, without them enduring what came before their reaction, the effect of their publically praying, and singing praises unto God would not have caused the same effect.

We find the word sang in: Exodus 15:1; Numbers 21:17; Judges 5:1; 1Samuel 29:5; 2Chronicles 29:28; 2Chronicles 29:30; Ezra 3:11; Nehemiah 12:42; Job 38:7; Psalms 7:1; Psalms 106:12 and our current sentence. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word sing'. Please see the note for Romans 15:9 about the word sing. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to utter sounds with various inflections of melodious modulations of voice, as fancy may dictate, or according to the notes of a song or tune'. Please also see the note for Ephesians 5:19 about the word singing. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the ongoing form of the word sing'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:30 about the word sung. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word sing'. Please also see the note for Revelation 5:9 about the word song. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'in general, that which is sung or uttered with musical modulations of the voice, whether of the human voice or that of a bird'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C11S2 about the word praise. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Commendation bestowed on a person for his personal virtues or worthy actions, on meritorious actions themselves, or on anything valuable; expressed in words or song. True praise recognizes what a being has actually done or their personal character. Falsepraise attributes to them what is not theirs to possess'. Please also see the note for Romans C15S9 about the phrase praise the Lord.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'at midnight. Job 35:10; Ps 22:2; 42:8; 77:6; 119:55,62; Isa 30:29 prayed. Ps 50:15; 77:2; 91:15; Mt 26:38-39; Lu 22:44; Heb 5:7; Jas 5:13 sang. Ac 5:41; Ps 34:1; Mt 5:10-11; Lu 6:22-23; Ro 5:3; 12:12; 2Co 4:8-9,16,17; 6:10; Php 2:17; 4:4-7; Col 1:24; 3:15-17; 1Th 5:16-18; Jas 1:2; 1Pe 1:6-8; 4:14 and the . Ezr 3:12-13; Ps 71:7; Zec 3:8 General references. exp: La 3:55; Ac 5:18'.

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C16-S22 (Verse 26) the miracle response from God.

Equivalent Section: What happened to the prison.

And suddenly there was a great earthquake,
so that the foundations of the prison were shaken:.

Equivalent Section: What happened to the prisoners.

and immediately all the doors were opened,
and every one's bands were loosed.

In Acts 16:25-34; we read that at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God. As a result, the jailer, and his household, were saved. Please be sure to consider all of the sentences in this section together for contextual requirements.

This was, obviously, a miracle. God deniers try to explain away reports of miracles and, when all else fails, they call The word of God a lie. Now, they can explain away most of this sentence as the result of the great earthquake. However, even a great earthquake. would not cause every one's bands to be loosed.

Please see 1Corinthians 3:11-LJC; in the Lord Jesus Christ Study, for details on our Lord Jesus Christ being our foundation. In that sentence we are told that our foundation is the person of Jesus Christ. Very much related to foundation, by the Bible, is the word Rock. The note for John 1:42; in the Lord Jesus Christ Study, gives links to every verse in the Bible which uses Rock and shows that the Bible uses Rock for a type of Jesus Christ. Thus, Rock and foundation teach the same truth but bring out different aspects of this truth. Symbolically, God was showing them that He could, and would, destroy the very foundation of their religion and their government because they fought against God Himself and not just against His messengers. Remember that every place that we see a miracle reported in the New Testament, it is a physical example to the doctrine that it is in context with. In this chapter, men beat and imprisoned God's messengers and, in response, God did this miracle.

Not only were The foundations...shaken, but immediately all the doors were opened. John 10:7-9 tell us: I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. Their prison doors could not keep Jesus from making them free. In addition, our sentence tells us that every one's bands were loosed. Jesus will free saved people from their associations with sin, sinners and a society which compels them to live in sin.

Please see the note Acts 2:2 about the words sudden / suddenly. The New Testament definition is: 'Happening without previous notice; coming unexpectedly'.

Please see the note for Luke 21:10-11 about the word earthquake. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'a shaking of the Earth'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word earthly. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'of this world'. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word Earth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the physical planet we reside on, also soil or ground. At times, the application of this word, will focus on only part of the whole'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:7 about the word earthen. Please see the note for Revelation 10:11-LJC about the kings of the Earth. Please also see the note for Matthew 32-33 about the phrase Judge of all the Earth. Please also see the note for Matthew 5:13 about the phrase salt of the Earth. Please also see the note for Matthew 27:51-53 about the word quake.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C3S12 about the word foundation. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the basis of an edifice; that part of a building which lies on the ground; usually a wall of stone which supports the edifice. Also, the basis or ground work, or any thing; that on which any thing stands, and by which it is supported. the basis of true Christian life is the relationship with Christ'. In this sentence, the application is: 'the basis of the prison, and the ability to keep prisoners bound, was proved inadequate to challenge the power of God'.

The word shaken is the past-tense form of the word shake. The word shaken is the past-tense form of the word shake. Please see the note for Luke 6:47-48 about the word shake. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'Cause to move with quick vibrations; to move rapidly one way and the other'.

Please see the note for Mark 1:42 about the word immediate. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Instant; present; without the intervention of time or any other thing'.

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

Please see the note for Mark 15:16 about the word band. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to unite; to associate; to confederate for some common purpose. This is also used for men united for a purpose'. Please also see the note for Luke 8:29 about the word bands. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the plural form of the word band'. Please also see the note for Acts 23:12 about the word banded. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word band'.

Please see the note for Mark 1:7 about the word loose. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to untie or unbind; to free from any fastening'. The word unloose has the same meaning.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'suddenly. Ac 4:31; 5:19; 12:7,10; Mt 28:2; Re 6:12; 11:13 exp: Ac 2:2. and every. Ps 79:11; 102:20; 146:7; Isa 42:7; 61:1; Zec 9:11-12 General references. exp: Job 37:1; La 3:55; Ac 5:18-19'.

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C16-S23 (Verse 27) the Jailer almost committed suicide.

And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep,
and seeing the prison doors open,
he drew out his sword,
and would have killed himself,
supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

In Acts 16:25-34; we read that at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God. As a result, the jailer, and his household, were saved.

Think about this sentence. Many of the prisoners faces harsh punishment and even possible death. All were free, their bands off, the prison doors open, and yet God kept them there. Please see the Doctrinal Studies called Miracles in Gospels; miracles in OT and the Miracles section of the Significant Events in the New Testament.

Please see the note for Matthew 28:3-4 about the word keeper. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'One who retains anything or anyone in custody'. The word kept is the past-tense form of the word keep. The word keepeth is 'life-style keeping'. Please see the note for 1Timothy 5:22 about the word keep. The New Testament 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 thememory, mind or heart. 2. to have in custody for security or preservation'. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments.

The word awaking is only used oin this sentence. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing action of awake'. We sometimes awake quickly and sometimes it takes a longer time. This word is used for the physical and for the spiritual. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C15S31 about the word awake. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to cease to sleep; to come from a state of sleep'. The words awakest and awaketh are only found in the Old Testament.

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 the ss. 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. The word deadness is only found in Romans 4:19 and is used to describe Sarah's womb after she went through the change of life. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:15 about the phrase death unto death. This phrase means: 'death approaching death'.That is not possible, and the word of God is wrong if death is a one-time event. Please also see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of The truth. Please also see the note for Matthew 22:31 about various forms of the phrase from the dead and the phrase of the dead. The word sleepeth is: 'A life-style of sleeping', which is speaking about the spiritual sleep. Please also see the note for Matthew 25:5 about the word slumber. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to sleep lightly; to doze. This word is almost always used for spiritual sleep in the Bible'.

Please see the note for Romans C8S37 about the word sword. The New Testament definition, for this word is: 'An offensive weapon worn at the side, and used by hand either for thrusting or cutting. 2. Figuratively, destruction by war and enforcement of the law'. In the Bible the sword is used for 'the symbol of, and the actual enforcement of law'. Even when man's law is against obeying God, that law, and it's sword, shall (never) separate us from the love of Christ. Please see Ephesians 6:17, which equates sword to the word of God. Please see Ephesians 6:17, which equates sword to the word of God.

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

Please see the note for Luke 24:37 about the word suppose. The New Testament definition is: 'to lay down or state as a proposition or fact that may exist or be true, though not known or believed to be true or to exist; or to imagine or admit to exist, for the sake of argument or illustration'.

Please see the note for Luke 8:34 about the words flee / fled. The New Testament definition, of the word fled, is: 'the past- tense form of flee'. The New Testament definition, of the word flee, is: 'to run with rapidity, as from danger; to attempt to escape; to hasten from danger or expected evil. Also, To avoid; to keep at a distance from such as "Flee fornication"'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'The keeper. Ac 16:23-24 he drew. Jg 9:54; 1Sa 31:4-5; 2Sa 17:23; 1Ki 16:18; Mt 27:5 General references. exp: Ge 8:16; La 3:55; Ac 5:18'.

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C16-S24 (Verse 28) Paul stopped the jailer from killing himself.

Equivalent Section: Paul commanded him to not act.

But Paul cried with a loud voice,
saying,
Do thyself no harm:.

Equivalent Section: Why.

for we are all here.

In Acts 16:25-34; we read that at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God. As a result, the jailer, and his household, were saved.

Think about this . He preferred death to what would happen to him if everyone escaped and it did not matter if he could not have prevented the earthquake. Also, realize that it took the power of God to keep everyone there after they were set free.

We should believe that the jailer understood why Paul and Silas were to be locked up like they were. He had to know that there was an argument over gods and their power which caused Paul and Silas to be beat and arrested. Now, he probably stayed out of the arguments, until this miracle happened. Think about what he said as reported in the next sentence (Sirs, what must I do to be saved?). He would not have been thinking about salvation without first understanding that Paul and Silas served a God that he did not know and Who had more power than he had ever seen any god demonstrate. He also understood that God would hurt him for eternity if he did not get truly saved.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C14S11 about the word voice. The New Testament 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. Significant 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 1Peter 3:13 about the word harm. The New Testament definition for word harlot is: 'Injury; hurt; damage; detriment. Do thyself no harm. Acts.16. He shall make amends for the harm he hath done in the holy thing. Lev.5. Symbolically used for Moral wrong; evil; mischief; wickedness'. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:14-16 about the word harmless. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Acts 16:28; Acts 27:21; Acts 28:5; Acts 28:6; Acts 28:21.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'cried. Le 19:18; Ps 7:4; 35:14; Pr 24:11-12; Mt 5:44; Lu 6:27-28; 10:32-37; 22:51; 23:34; 1Th 5:15 Do. Ex 20:13; Pr 8:36; Ec 7:17 General references. exp: Ge 8:16; La 3:55'.

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C16-S25 (Verse 29-30) the jailer understood that this was a spiritual display of power and that he did not serve the God Who displayed this power.

then he called for a light,
and sprang in,
and came trembling,
and fell down before Paul and Silas,
And brought them out,
and said,
Sirs,
what must I do to be saved?.

In Acts 16:25-34; we read that at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God. As a result, the jailer, and his household, were saved.

Our sentence starts with the word then. This means 'after he understood that what happened was beyond the power of nature'. An earthquake might have opened all of the doors, but there was no way that it would have freed everyone's bands sand then kept them in the prison. Forthat to happen, there had to be the power of a God beyond any that he ever heard of before. That is why he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas. He recognized that Paul and Silas represented a God Who had power far beyond any that he had ever heard of before.

Next, we are told that the jailer brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?. He brought them out because he recognized that they were wrongly imprisoned. He also said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? because he recognized that they represented the true God of the universe and he personally needed salvation because of his own personal sins against that true God.

Please see the Doctrinal Study called Light And Darkness about the words Light, dark, lightning, darkness, and the phrase light and darkness. The New Testament definition, for the word Light, is: 'According to the science of physics, this physical reality is composed of matter and energy with most things being either matter or energy. Light is unique in that it is both matter and energy. Symbolically, that means that light represents this physical reality (matter), and the spiritual reality (energy). Both are affected by God's light'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 6:4 about the word enlightened. Please see the note for Psalms 119:16 about the word delight. True delight is one of the effects of God's light. Please also see the note for John 11:9-LJC about the phrase Jesus is our light.

Please see the note for Luke 8:7 about the word sprang. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past- tense form of spring'. Please also see the note for Mark 4:26-27 about the word spring. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to rise out of the ground; to begin to appear; as vegetables'. Please also see the note for Luke 8:6 about the word sprung. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past- tense form of spring'.

Please see the note for Mark 5:33 about the word tremble. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to shake involuntarily, as with fear, cold or weakness; to quake; to quiver; to shiver; to shudder'.

The words fell and fallen are the past-tense forms of the word fall. Please see the note for 1Timothy 3:6 about the word fall. The New Testament 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: 'to drop from a higher place. Rain falls from the clouds; a man falls from his horse. Apostasy: unexpectedly moving from a high spiritual position to a low spiritual position. I beheld Satan as lightning fall from Heaven. Luke 10'.

Please see the note for Matthew 21:30 about the word sir. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A term of respect'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'and came. Ac 9:5-6; 24:25; Ps 99:1; 119:120; Isa 66:2,5; Jer 5:22; 10:10; Da 6:26 and fell. Isa 60:14; Re 3:9 General references. exp: 2Ki 5:9; Job 37:1.
brought. Ac 16:24; Job 34:32; Isa 1:16-17; 58:6,9; Mt 3:8; 5:7; Jas 2:13 Sirs. Ac 14:15 what. Ac 16:17; 2:37; 9:6; 22:10; Job 25:4; Lu 3:10; Joh 6:27-29 exp: Mt 19:16; Mr 10:17; Lu 12:17; 18:18. General references. exp: 2Ki 5:9'.

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C16-S26 (Verse 31) This sentence is often preached wrong for salvation.

And they said,
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and thou shalt be saved,
and thy house.

In Acts 16:25-34; we read that at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God. As a result, the jailer, and his household, were saved.

This sentence is used by many soul winners to tell people how to get saved. However, many of those soul winners don't consider the context. Yes, they recognize that Paul and Silas were in jail and talking to the Philippians' jailer. What many don't recognize is that they were there because a devil-possessed girl had followed them around and old the truth. She had cried these men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

As stated in the note for Acts 15:26; the testimony of the messengerr makes a difference in the perceived truthfulness of themessage. As also explained in the note for Acts 16:18; this message from this devil possessed girl could be misconstrued into a false profession. Therefore, this devil-possessed girl was telling the truth, but interfering with the true salvation message being accepted. Because of the interference, Paul cast out her devil and she couldn't prophesy any more. As a result of that, her masters had Paul and Silas beat and thrown in jail. then God had an earthquake destroy the foundations of the jail, open all of the doors and, beyond the power of an earthquake, loosed the bands of all of the prisoners.

Understand that the true context of this sentence was a spiritual war between God having Paul and Silas tell the truth and Satan having his people tell a perverted message. The true doctrinal dispute was over perversion of God's message and many soul winners of today still pervert God's message without realizing it.

The jailer had enough sense to recognize a spiritual power beyond any he had ever met before and knew that he did not serve God and needed to be saved. Paul and Silas told the jailer how to be saved, and this sentence is part of their message. However, the next sentence was also part of their message and cannot be ignored. Doing so is using the way of Satan to ignore context. As explained in the note for the Lord Jesus Christ Study, the emphasis of their message is on the role of Lord, and not Jesus. Many people quote this verse, leave out the next verse, and then tell people 'Ask Jesus to be your Saviour'. But, that is perverting the message that we read here.

In addition to what this sentence says, as our next sentence tells us that they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and not just The word of God. Changing what is said here, for salvation, from Lord to Jesus, is a perversion of Satan. People think that they can say this 'magic prayer' and go on living a life of sin and they can ignore the commands of Jesus because 'He's just another man'. However, when they accept the Son of God as their personal Lord, then they also understand that they have to obey Him. Yes, there are people who truly get saved when they 'Ask Jesus to be their Saviour', but God judges the heart and such people, in their heart, agree to obey. Such people are truly saved while the person next to them, who says the exact same prayer, is not saved because the intent of their heart is different.

The emphasis of this sentence, and of the next sentence which is added to this sentence, is on the role of Lord. When God shook the jail and set everyone free, the jailer had no problem believing in the power of the Lord and did not want to challenge Him. When the prisoners didn't escape when they could, the jailer had no problem believing in a life changing Christ. As a jailer, he understood the substitutionary ministry of Jesus, especially since he would personally have to be a substitute for any escaped prisoner. But mainly, this jailer would understand the role of the Lord.

As the jailer, he was in charge of a prison and part of the government which dealt with people who challenged the authority and power of his government. Part of his job was to correct these wrong perceptions. He would have had to deal with many wrong perceptions and would understand what was wrong with each. Therefore, when he believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, he understood that he had to submit, trust and obey and that this was an ongoing relationship that he couldn't walk away from after swearing an oath.

Paul used each role of the Son of God in this doctrinal verse for salvation, and the jailer understood each role, the difference between each role and how each role was required for true salvation. We can be positive of this because Paul added the little phrase of and thy house. Paul was sure that this man understood well enough that he not only would believe for himself but would be able to explain it to everyone in his house and would do so. A rebel would not last long in the house of a jailer in Paul's day.

Please also consider the note for the next sentence, which is added to this sentence by starting with the word and.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Believe. Ac 2:38-39; 4:12; 8:37; 11:13-14; 13:38-39; 15:11; Isa 45:22; Hab 2:4; Mr 16:16; Joh 1:12; 3:15-16,36; 6:40,47; 7:37-38; 11:25-26; 20:31; Ro 5:1-2; 10:9-10; Ga 3:22,26; Eph 2:7-8; 1Jo 5:10-13 and thy. Ac 16:15,32; 2:39; 18:8; Ge 17:7; 18:19; Jer 32:39; Ro 11:16; Ga 3:14'.

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C16-S27 (Verse 32) .

And they spake unto him the word of the Lord,
and to all that were in his house.

In Acts 16:25-34; we read that at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God. As a result, the jailer, and his household, were saved.

Our sentence is added to the prior sentence and the note above also applies to this sentence. In addition, please also see the notes for 13:46-49 and Acts 14:3-LJC where the doctrinal difference between The word of God and The [word/doctrine] of the Lord was covered. Please also see the note above for the prior sentence, which this sentence is added onto.

The word of the Lord is the God given Law that we are to obey, without question, if we are to be saved and if the saved person is to be right with God. As a jailer, the person that Paul was preaching to would understand the principals of law and understand what Paul meant by Lord. further, those who were in his house would also understand this principal because he would not have advanced to be the head of the jail unless he lived By this principal, which means he would also live by it in his own home. In addition, he also understood that the Lord kept all of the prisoners in an open prison and that was enough to make this jailer understand that he was dealing with the power of God. Once he understood Whom he was dealing with, he joined the winning side. Would that more people did the same instead of telling a lie about receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and then keeping serving the world, their flesh and devils.

Understand, the word of God contains everything that God said to us, including when He revealed the lies of Satan. We are to not obey the lies of Satan. At the same time, the word of the Lord is a sub-set of the word of God. It contains all that we are commanded to obey. Satan deliberately has people confused about this distinction and has people causing other to be likewise confused so that he can teach a perversion of the word of the Lord.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they . Ac 10:33-43; Mr 16:15; Eph 3:8; Col 1:27-28; 1Th 2:8; 1Ti 1:13-16 to all. Ro 1:14,16'.

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C16-S28 (Verse 33) the Jailer dealt with the needs of the preachers.

First Step: First He took care of their physical needs.

And he took them the same hour of the night,
and washed their stripes;.

Second Step: Next, they took care of his spiritual needs.

and was baptized,
he and all his,
straightway.

In Acts 16:25-34; we read that at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God. As a result, the jailer, and his household, were saved.

This is a process which many churches do backwards today. they have a preacher come in and give them a message and then pay him based upon how well they like his message. That strongly discourages him from correcting any spiritual errors in the church. We are to provide for the needs of the true man of God first because that is what God commands. God blesses us for supporting His ministers. It also encourages the preacher to deliver the message that God truly gives him instead of delivering an acceptable message in order to be well paid.

Notice that when this jailer did things in proper order, not only was he saved but all in his household were also saved.

Please see the note for John 11:10 about night. The New Testament definition is: 'the time of darkness within a day'. That note also lists various symbolic usages of this word. Please also see the note for Matthew 25:6 about the word midnight. This was naturally the closing of the day, for God called the light 'day'. Please also see the note for John 20:19 about the word evening. Please also seeMark 4:35 about the phrase The even. Please also seeMark 11:11 about the word eventide. Please also see the note for Matthew 25:6 about the word midnight. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. Please see the note for John 20:19 about the phrase evening. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the period from sunset till night'. Please see the note for Mark 4:35 about the phrase The even. Today, the phrase The even, would be called 'sunset' and would be considered to be a particular part of evening. Please also see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word day. Please also see the note for John 21:4 about the word morning.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word wash. The New Testament definition, of the word wash is: 'the act of cleansing with water. It is also the spiritual removal of sin and the influence of sin by Jesus Christ'. The word unwashen means: 'Not yet washed'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'washed. Ac 16:23; Pr 16:7; Isa 11:6-9; Mt 25:35-40; Lu 10:33-34; Ga 5:6,13 and was. Ac 16:15; Lu 19:9; 1Co 1:16'.

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C16-S29 (Verse 34) the jailer took care of them the best way that he could.

And when he had brought them into his house,
he set meat before them,
and rejoiced,
believing in God with all his house.

In Acts 16:25-34; we read that at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God. As a result, the jailer, and his household, were saved.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

The word and means: 'This sentence is added to the prior sentence. The two sentences tell us about the changed behavior of the jailer after he was saved. True salvation results in a changed life'.
The phrase And when he had brought them into his house means: 'the took them out of the inner prison and took them to his own home as the best accommodations which he could give them'.
The phrase he set meat before them means: 'the fed them. they would not have been fed since before they were arrested'.
The phrase and rejoiced means: 'the jailer, his household, Paul and Silas all rejoiced at spiritual salvation even though Paul and Silas would still be hurting physically'.
The phrase believing in God with all his house means: 'This was what they were rejoicing about'.

He could not let them go but he did the best he could for them. Obviously, he was no longer worried about their escaping. In fact, as the rest of this chapter says, they refused to go when they were first told that they could go.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'when. Lu 5:29; 19:6; Php 4:17; 1Th 4:9-10; Phm 1:7; Jas 2:14-17; 1Jo 3:18 and rejoiced. Ac 16:27-29; 2:46; 8:39; Isa 12:1-3; 55:12; 57:17-18; 58:7-11; 61:10; Lu 15:22-25,32; Ro 5:2,11; 15:13; Ga 5:22; Php 4:4; 1Pe 1:6-8'.

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C16-S30 (Verse 35) What the government officials did the next day.

And when it was day,
The magistrates sent the serjeants,
saying,
Let those men go.

This sentence through the end of the chapter report a single incident and all of the sentences need to be considered together for contextual reasons. Notice that they sent minor government officials (serjeants) to deliver their message in secret. they had beat Paul and Silas publically in order to satisfy important local people. Now, they are trying to let Paul and Silas go, in secret, so that they don't have more problems with the important local people. However, as we read in the remainder of this chapter, there were more important people than the locals who could do more to hurt them than the locals could. In fact, Paul and Silas could have them removed from office and punished and even, possibly, be killed for what they did.

What we see here is typical around the world and throughout all time. When a group of people become insular, not interacting with larger groups of people, you often have one, or more, people who become more powerful in their local group. And, when that happens, they can become abusive of their local power. However, when someone from a greater authority comes around, that greater authority can stop the abuse. God allowed Paul and Silas to be abused here so that, in the follow up, the local government officials would be afraid of what could happen to them. As a result, the government officials would prevent the locals from abusing the new church furtherbecause they would be afraid of what could happen to them if Paul and Silas complained to higher officials. And, what we see here is that, sometimes, God lets the leaders suffer so that the followers are protected.

We find forms of the word serjeant only in this sentence and in Acts 16:38. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'This was literally 'one who carried a rod:' an inferior Roman officer who attended the magistrates to execute their orders, otherwise called a LICTOR. Ac 16:35,38. they carried a bundle of rods, in the centre of which was an axe'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'General references. Ac 4:21; 5:40; Ps 76:10; Jer 5:22'.

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C16-S31 (Verse 36) the message was passed to Paul and Silas.

Equivalent Section: the Jailer passed on themessage.

And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul,
The magistrates have sent to let you go:.

Equivalent Section: the Jailer told them that they could go.

now therefore depart,
and go in peace.

Most likely, the magistrates thought they were being magnamous. However, they were looking at things from a physical perspective, and even then from only a local perspective. However, Paul understood the spiritual perspective. In addition, he had experience, from his first missionary trip, of being chased and persecuted from city to city. Therefore, he acted in a way to assure that the locals did not want any furtherfight with Paul and his mission team.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'and go. Ac 15:33; Ex 4:18; Jg 18:6; 1Sa 1:17; 20:42; 25:35; 29:7; 2Ki 5:19; Mr 5:34; Joh 14:27'.

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C16-S32 (Verse 37) the response from Paul.

First Step: What they did.

But Paul said unto them,
they have beaten us openly uncondemned,
being Romans,
and have cast us into prison;.

Second Step: What they want to do.

and now do they thrust us out privily?.

The phrases in our sentence can be explained as:

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 phrase Paul said unto them means: 'the magistrates instead of speaking for themselves. In contrast, Paul spoke for himself'.
The phrase they have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans means: 'Paul accused them of violating Roman law in a way which could get them beaten and inprisoned and even, possible, executed'.
The phrase and have cast us into prison means: 'This is a second illegal act which the magistrates did'.
The phrase and now do they thrust us out privily? means: 'Paul is accusing them of violating the law in public and then trying to hide their actions'.

Here we see Paul telling them what they did illegally. And, implied, is a threat to go to a higher government official and complain about the abuse of power. Our next sentence tell us what Paul required them to do if they wanted to avoid his doing that .

Please see the note for Mark 13:9 about the word beaten. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the past-tense form of the word beat'. Please see the note for Mark 12:3 about the word beat. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to strike repeatedly for any cause'. The word beatest is only found in the Old Testament. Please also see the note for Mark 12:5 about the word beating. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word beat'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 9:26 about the word beateth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word beat'. The word beatest is only used in the Old Testament.

The word uncondemn means; 'not condemned'. Please see the note for Romans C8S1 about the word condemn. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the judicial act of declaring one guilty, and dooming him to punishment'. Please also see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase condemnation of fools.

Please see the note for Luke 4:28-29 about the word thrust. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to push or drive with force'.

We find forms of the word privily in: Judges 9:31; 1Samuel 24:4; Psalms 10:8; Psalms 11:2; Psalms 31:4; Psalms 64:5; Psalms 101:5; Psalms 142:3; Proverbs 1:11; Proverbs 1:18; Matthew 1:19; Matthew 2:7; our ccurrent senternce; Galatians 2:4; 2Peter 2:1. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. from privy. Privately; secretly. --False teachers among you, who shall privily bring in damnable heresies. 2 Pet.2'. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Privately; secretly'. Please also see the note for Acts 5:1 about the word privy. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'Private; pertaining to some person exclusively; assigned to private uses; not public. Secret; clandestine; not open or public; as a privy attempt to kill one'. Please also see the note for Mark 13:3-4 about the word privately. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'In a secret manner; not openly or publicly'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they have. Ac 16:20-24; 22:25-28; Ps 58:1-2; 82:1-2; 94:20; Pr 28:1 General references. exp: Ge 8:16; 2Ki 5:9'.

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C16-S33 (Verse 37) the response from Paul.

First Step: Paul refuses their offer.

nay verily;

Second Step: Paul demands they act differently.

but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

Here we see Paul demand that they openly acknowledge treating him and Silas wrongly. This response includes an implied threat to complain to a higher authority if they refuse his demand. It also is a warning to the government officials that Paul will also do that complain if they do anything against the new church in the future. they acted wrongly at the demand of local people who served devils. In this threat, Paul is ending the ability of local devil serving people to use the government to harm the new church.

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 'the 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 see the note for Matthew 16:28 about the word verily. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'In truth; in fact; certainly. This has been verified but you personally need to also verify it because you will be judged by God for your belief of what is verified'. The phrase of: Verily, verily is only found in the Gospel of John. (See the note for John 1:51. When we see the word verily used twice in a row the sentence is fulfilling the legal requirement which is necessary to present something which everyone must believe. Thus, every place, where we see the phrase verily, verily, is a precept and is something which God will use as His law when He judges us. We find this forms of word, within this book, in: our current sentence; Acts 19:4; Acts 22:3; Acts 26:9.

We find forms of the word fetch occurring in 50 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Acts 16:37; Acts 28:13. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.t. 1. to go and bring, or simply to bring, that is, to bear a thing towards or to a person. We will take men to fetch victuals for the people. Judges 20. Go to the flock, and fetch me from thencetwo kids of the goats. Gen. 27. In the latter passage, fetch signifies only to bring. 2. to derive; to draw, as from a source. On you noblest English, whose blood is fetched from fathers of war-proof. In this sense, the use is neither common nor elegant. 3. to strike at a distance. Not used. The conditions and improvements of weapons are the fetching afar off. 4. to bring back; to recall; to bring to any state. Not used or vulgar. In smells we see their great and sudden effect in fetching men again, when they swoon. 5. to bring or draw; as, to fetch a thing within a certain compass. 6. to make; to perform; as, to fetch a turn; to fetch a leap or bound. Fetch a compass behind them. 2Sam. 5. 7. to draw; to heave; as, to fetch a sigh. 8. to reach; to attain or come to; to arrive at. We fetched the syren's isle. 9. to bring; to obtain its price. Wheat fetches only 75 cents the bushel. A commodity is worth what it will fetch. Tofetch out, to bring or draw out; to cause to appear. Tofetch to, to restore, to revive, as from a swoon. Tofetch up, to bring up; to cause to come up or forth. Tofetch a pump, to pour water into it to make it draw water.
FETCH, v.i. to move or turn; as, to fetch about.
FETCH, n. A stratagem, by which a thing is indirectly brought to pass, or by which one thing seems intended and another is done; a trick; an artifice; as a fetch of wit. Straight cast about to over-reach th' unwary conqueror with a fetch'. The New Testament definition is: 'to go and bring, or simply to bring, that is, to bear a thing towards or to a person. We will take men to fetch victuals for the people. Judges 20'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'let. Da 3:25-26; 6:18-19; Mt 10:16 General references. exp: Ge 8:16; 2Ki 5:9'.

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C16-S34 (Verse 38) Paul assured the government officials would leave the new church alone

Equivalent Section: the minor government officials delivered thereply from Paul.

And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates:

Equivalent Section: the government officials responded with fear.

and they feared,
when they heard that they were Romans.

We find forms of the word serjeant only in this sentence and in Acts 16:35. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'This was literally 'one who carried a rod:' an inferior Roman officer who attended the magistrates to execute their orders, otherwise called a LICTOR. Ac 16:35,38. they carried a bundle of rods, in the centre of which was an axe'.

Please see the note for Matthew 14:5 about the word feared. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of fear'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S25 about the word fear. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'A painful emotion or passion excited by an expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger'. Please also see the note for Mark 5:33 about the word fearing. Please also see the Study called Fear the Lord. Please also see the note for Matthew 10:26 about the phrase `fear not . Please also see the note for Matthew 8:26 about the word fearful. Please also see the note for John 6:19 about the word afraid.

There is an extremely popular doctrinal error which claims that the fear of the lord means 'deep abiding respect'. The true Biblical definition is: 'the absolute assurance that God will hurt us more than we can imagine if we continue in sin'. This doctrinal error causes many of God's children to suffer the wrath of God in this life and to lose many everlasting rewards. Please also seeColossians 3:8 about children of wrath.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'and they . Ac 22:29; Mt 14:5; 21:46 General references. exp: Ge 8:16; 2Ki 5:9'.

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C16-S35 (Verse 39) the magistrates did as Paul demanded.

And they came and besought them,
and brought them out,
and desired them to depart out of the city.

Please see the note for Matthew 12:46 about the word desiring. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word desire'. Please also see the note for Luke 5:39 about the word desired. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word desire'. Please also see the note for Romans C10S1 about the word desire. The New Testament 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'. Please also see the note for Matthew 13:17 about the word desireeth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word desire'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'came. Ex 11:8; Isa 45:14; 49:23; 60:14; Mic 7:9-10; Re 3:9 and brought. Da 6:16,23 and desired. Mt 8:34; Mr 5:17 General references. exp: Ge 8:16; 2Ki 5:9; Pr 14:19; Mr 5:17'.

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C16-S36 (Verse 40) Paul and company comforted the church and then left.

And they went out of the prison,
and entered into the house of Lydia and when they had seen the brethren,
they comforted them,
and departed.

Please see Matthew 8:5 about the word entered. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the past-tense form of the word enter'. Please also seeJohn 10:9 about the word enter. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'to leave one place and go into another place'. Please also seeMatthew 23:13 about the word entering. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the ongoing form of the word enter'. Please also seeMatthew 15:17 about the word entereth. The New Testament definition, for this word, is: 'the noun form of the life-style form of the word enter'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:1 about the word comfort. The New Testament 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: 'and entered. Ac 16:14; 4:23; 12:12-17 they comforted. Ac 14:22; 2Co 1:3-7; 4:8-12,16-18; 1Th 3:2-3'.

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Book theme is: How God Started the Church.

Acts Chapter 15

Chapter theme is: Devil Motivated Contention.

links to sentences in this chapter:

Acts Chapter 16

Chapter theme is: the Start of the Second Mission Trip.

links to sentences in this chapter:

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