Old Testament - In 1 Kings 20 today we read about King Ahab's battles with King Ben-hadad of Aram. Verse 11 today was sharp! "The king of Israel sent back this answer: "A warrior still dressing for battle should not boast like a warrior who has already won."" Not a bad little saying from Ahab to Ben-hadad! Sounds sort of like a Proverb. Actually, this really sounds like our modern day saying of: "Don't count your chickens before they hatch!" :)
Alas, even though King Ahab was given victories by God's grace in today's readings, he goofs things up by letting King Ben-hadad of Aram go free. Then, as we get into First Kings chapter 21 today, things go from bad to worse for Ahab in terms of his relationship with God. Chapter 21 is a sad story of Naboth and his vineyard... Would it be safe to say that King Ahab was coveting Naboth's vineyard? Would Ahab be breaking a commandment in the Mosaic Law here in this image...?
I couldn't quite remember why Jezebel was cast in such a bad light in our readings a few days ago. Today I remember why... It is great to see Elijah show up on the scene and say to Ahab in verse 20 - "I have come because you have sold yourself to what is evil in the LORD's sight." How sad. Do you think people today can still sell themselves to what is evil in God's sight? Below is an image of Elijah denouncing Ahab for the evil that transpired over Naboth's vineyard in today's readings.
Bible.org's commentary on today's 1 Kings readings titled "Israel's Deliverance" is at this link and "Ahab Buys the Farm or Payday Someday" is at this link.
New Testament - Wow. It is fun to read about Paul's first missionary journey! A very cool thing to note about today's readings is that Paul started his missionary journey not after an extensive planning session / retreat / etc. (all our modern day stuff of what we have to do before embarking on something...) No! Paul started his missionary journey after a time of worship & fasting and being filled with the Holy Spirit! The Spirit moved and thus Paul moved! It was that simple. Think we can learn something from this in our lives today? Are you listening to the Spirit's prompting in your life today? What is the Spirit prompting you to do? Will you do it? Check out Acts 13 verses 2 and 3 that show all it took for Paul to begin his missionary journey: "One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work I have for them." So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way."
I am a huge fan of Paul's epistles, and greatly enjoyed verses 9 through 11, which are Paul's first words that we've read in Acts since his conversion on the road to Damascus - "Then Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked the sorcerer in the eye and said, "You son of the Devil, full of every sort of trickery and villainy, enemy of all that is good, will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? And now the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be stricken awhile with blindness."" Paul was no joke! Below is a map of Paul's first missionary journey:
I love the way today's Acts readings finish up in verses 14 & 15 - "Barnabas and Paul traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia. On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services. After the usual readings from the books of Moses and from the Prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for us, come and give it!" Uh-oh! Think the folks in charge of the service are ready for a word from Paul and Barnabas? :) Stay tuned for the word of encouragement from Paul in tomorrow's readings! Below is an image of Barnabas:
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Acts titled "What a Way to Go" is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 137 is a Psalm reflecting upon the Israelites exile in Babylon and about how much Jerusalem was missed. We also read about a call to punish Edom for their rejoicing in the fall of Jerusalem. Later this year we will read prophesies against Edom in the book of the prophet Obadiah. Below is an image of ancient Jerusalem - the tower of David - that this Psalmist missed greatly:
Proverbs - Proverb 17 verse 16 is interesting to consider: "It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool who has no heart for wisdom." This is a great question for each of us to ask ourselves. Today in your life - do you have a heart for wisdom? What type of "tuition" are you paying to gain wisdom / to be educated? Are you paying the "tuition" of time invested in studying the Bible each day? Are you paying the "tuition" of joining a Bible study at your church? What other types of "tuition" are you paying to gain wisdom? Will you pray to God today for a heart for wisdom?
Worship Video: Today's readings in Acts about Paul's missionary journey reminds me of the Britt Nicole song "The Lost Get Found:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:"But the word of God continued to increase and spread." Acts 12:24 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that the Word of God continues to increase and spread in our world today. Pray that you are part of helping the Word of God increase and spread.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 - I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
I Kings 20:1-21:29
Today’s reading gives proof that the goodness, blessings and mercies of God fall on the just and the unjust. Ahab, an ungodly king is given godly wisdom and favor. God’s mercies reign down on him to show him for a second time that God is indeed God over all the false gods that he and his wife, Jezebel, look to for guidance and protection.
Even when Ahab keeps alive Ben-hadad, whom he should have killed, even after acquiring Naboth’s Vineyard by giving his wife free reign to do as she pleases, the mercy of God (not getting what one truly deserves) the judgment called upon him by Elijah is stayed because Ahab humbles himself. However, the judgment is not really stayed only delayed until the next generation.
Someone must serve our choices, our decisions because we live in a cause and effect world. If we truly care for future generations, we will temper our choices and decisions with the Wisdom of God. For better or worse, they will suffer the consequences, good or bad, of the choices we make.
Acts 12:24-13:15
Matthew 6 24 No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be against the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions, or whatever is trusted in). AMP
Opposition to the gospel when really looked at is all about money and how to gain possession of more. Paul states in his letter to Timothy (I Timothy 6:10), For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
Although we screw this up and say money is the root, it really is the love of money. Elymas, the sorcerer was about to loose his meal ticket so his opposition to the Gospel centered on his appetite for recognition and the wealth his status would bring him. Little did he know there are greater riches to be had. These riches are not measured by human standards but God’s standards. The God, who created all things, including the gold, silver and diamonds man seeks after, gives us Himself. He is that Pearl of Great Price.
Psalm 137:1-9
For Christians our Jerusalem is carried in our hearts. Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" according to the Hebrew Lexicon. Jesus said in the fourteenth chapter of John, 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Since Jesus gave us peace then our Jerusalem is within us, in our hearts. So unlike the exiles who were captives in Babylon, no matter our circumstances, no matter our longitude or latitude we can always sing praises to our God. We are without excuse.
Mike, I am going to do a ‘teeny, tiny” bit of rebuking if you don’t mind. Concerning your comment about the reading in Proverbs, you are off base just a little.
Your comment, “I'm glad my parents didn't pay too much heed to today's Proverb 17 verse 16... :) - "It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool who has no heart for wisdom."
O.K. This may appear to be humorous and self-effacing but we do know that when we go against any of God’s laws and principles the end is always failure and death. Therefore, your parents did not violate this rule when they paid for your education; there is a BIG difference between knowledge and wisdom. True wisdom cannot be had outside of Jesus Christ who is the Wisdom of God (I Corinthians 1:24; 30).
If you did not have the heart for wisdom, true Wisdom, you would not be a Christian seeking to know Christ in a deeper way this WEB site is the proof that you are knocking, asking and seeking to grow closer to Christ.
Maybe this verse in the Amplified translation becomes clearer:
16 O what use is money in the hand of a [self-confident] fool to buy skillful and godly Wisdom--when he has no understanding or heart for it?
The issue really is about how we gain godly wisdom not the kind of knowledge gained from attending institutes of higher learning. Fools, as defined in Proverbs, will not come into the knowledge of God because they refuse to seek truth. God and Truth is synonymous.
All my love, as well as Grace and Peace, Ramona
====
It seems God still tries to woo Israel over inspite of her disobedience and idolatry...Ahab wasn't really seeking God's opinion before going into battle yet God gave him victory...and showed him mercy.... As I read the NT reading,I realised something....the word of God spread and increased because the church wasn't just a place people met when they needed prayers,a word....or just something to do...worshipping and fasting was a great part of their life..I pray that those with a similar longing in their hearts come together....like iron sharpens iron,let them sharpen each other.... God bless you all Anka
====
Did anyone notice the way God raised up leaders from the Antioch church? In Acts 11:19 we saw how a few of the believers broke out of their Jewish ethnocentricity to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. A wonderful work of God was done there. "the power of the Lord was upon them, and large numbers of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord." acts 11:20-21 But then we see how they mature through Saul and Barnabas' efforts over the period of a year. You can't microwave growth. It has to be intentional. These converts were cared for and discipled and brought to a level of maturity that we see in Acts 13. i say all this to say when we get to Acts 13 we have leaders emerging out of the Antiochian church. Already in this young faith community the gifts of prophet and teacher and apostle and teacher were being utilized. I think we can learn a lot more from these chapters in Acts then the latest church growth books.
Luch
====
Proverbs hit home to me. My parents paid for my tuition during school. However, I came to the point where I was dropping classes left and right and then withdrawing from school -- wasting my parents money.
What happened? My parents said, "If you want to go to college you will pay for it. When you finish the course and can show us your grade (it had to be a C or above) we will reimburse you for the expenses."
Well, I finished my education only when I made up my mind that I was going to do it. The best thing is that because I had to work for it -- I took more ownership of the education. It goes back to Nehemiah 4:6 -- I finally had a *mind to work*.
Johnnie
====
What struck me is God's mercy in delivering the Aramens into the hand of Isreal through Ahab whose heart is far away from God. The lesson that I learn here is that God can use anybody to deliver His people and prove Himself mighty in the lives of those who are so boastful. I may be wrong or right please I need comments on this.
Again, It worries me that God was angry that Ahab did not kill Ben-Hadad but showed mercy and refer to him as a brother. Are we not expected to show love to our enemies? I was thinking that just as God forgives any repentant offender, we should do the same also. I need further help on this.
May the Holy spirit help us to have good understanding as we study the scriptures, Amen.
Blessing
====
Oh do we get weighed down and caught up in the affairs of the world! But Jesus said "you will have troubles. Not may! But I have overcome the world! " John 16:33. Thinking of.the charleston massacre right now hurts my heart. Not only mine but grieves the Father! Luke 21:12-19. " People will hate you because of me. But you will gain life" We will be face persecution for Our Fathers sake. Stand firm, keep your eyes on the Father! God wants us on our knees. Not seeking praise from man but from God.
Jane
====
1st Kings 20-21:29 Kimg Ahab-learn Jehovah was true God. Both Ben-hadad of Aram and King Ahab from Israel both lost due to compromise.
We hear from Elijah again! Yay. Poor Naboth dies! Gets stoned. On lies that was orchestrated by Ahabs wife Jezebel. Elijah gives a message from God on what will happen to Ahab and his wife and entire family. However, Ahab repents and humbles himself and God postponed the punishment to his children / descendents
Acts 12:24-13:15 Will of Lord always wise and good, right to pray. Keep knocking , asking, seeking Dedicated Barnabus and Saul today..went to Island of Paphos..filled with Holy Spirit, John Mark went with them as asst. Saul became known as Paul Went to Antioch
Psalm 137: 1-9 Out of Israel's exile in babylon
Prov 17:16 It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool-who has no heart to listen
Dee
====
Point of Transition
There is a reason that the church thrived in Antioch.
My first group Bible Study as a Christian was Acts, but I came in on the 16th? chapter. I had read quickly through the first 15 chapters to catch up and I missed the transition in chapter 12.
Bob summed it up very well in his "Conclusions" to yesterday's commentary. For those that did not get a chance, or choose not to read bob's work - enclosed are some excerpts below with a link back to yesterday's commentary.
["The first lesson to understand from our passage, and its broader context, is that this is a clear point of transition. Acts 12 is the end of one era, and chapter 13 is the beginning of another. Acts 12 is the account of the passing of Peter. Not that Peter passes from the scene by virtue of his death, but he passes from the scene by virtue of his absence. Chapter 12, in large measure, is a farewell to Peter, as chapter 13 is the commencement of a strong emphasis on Paul’s ministry.
But it is not merely the passing from the scene of one leader (Peter) and the rise to prominence of another (Paul). This change in personalities is but a signal, a pointer, to a much larger change—the transition from the Jews to the Gentiles, and from Jerusalem to Antioch. From here on out, the churches that are founded and that grow are predominantly Gentile in makeup. The Jewish church in Jerusalem and those saints who gathered in synagogues around the world of that day faded away, much like Peter. The reason is explained by Paul in Romans 9-11. The times of the Gentiles have begun, and the time of Israel’s hardening has come as well. Many Gentiles will be saved, but few Jews. Because of this, the church will become predominantly Gentile for centuries to come, until the return of our Lord which is yet future.
The arrest of Peter, and the intent of Herod and the Jews to kill him, is a very significant and final element in the judicial hardening of the Jews by God and in the conversion of many Gentiles. Up to this point in time, the gospel continued to be proclaimed in Israel. God’s arms were opened wide, and the Jews were urged to turn to Jesus as God’s Messiah. But now, virtually all Israel has heard the good news, and all Israel (with the exception of those saved) has rejected the gospel. The final rebellion and rejection of Israel is reported here, in Acts 12, just prior to the sending out of Barnabas and Saul from Antioch. God’s evangelistic thrust to the Gentiles in chapter 13, Luke is saying, is the result of Israel’s rejection of Jesus as the Christ (and of His church)....
....Now, in Acts 12, we see the final opposition movement in Jerusalem and Judea, before the destruction of that city by the Roman armies in 70 AD. It is not the leaders of the Jews who oppose the church here, but Herod and the Jewish people at large. Herod, not due to the pressure of the Jewish religious leaders, but by his own initiative, goes after the apostles and seeks to destroy the church. And the masses of the Jewish people love it, spurring him on. This is the last straw, for now virtually every segment of the society of Jerusalem has rejected Jesus and His church. Will God commence the conversion of Gentiles en masse? It is because Israel, en masse, has rejected the gospel. Now the gospel will go to the Gentiles. Thus, the actions of Herod and of the Jewish people become the basis for God’s turning His back upon this people and this place for many years to come, even to the present day. There will be a remnant saved, but only a small segment of the Jews, during this time of the Gentiles. This is the rejection foreseen by our Lord at His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, with its subsequent judgment. No wonder our Lord wept over this city and its fate. The day of salvation for Israel as a nation has passed."]
Interesting thought from a footnote in Bob's commentary:
Iain Provan makes a very interesting observation at this point. He points out that the expression “vegetable garden” occurs only one other time in the Bible, in Deuteronomy 11:10. Here, God contrasts the land of Israel with Egypt, which was like a “vegetable garden.” There, you merely had to dig a little trench with your foot to water your “vegetable garden” by means of irrigation. But the land of Israel was dependent upon God to send the rains which were required to grow any crops. Naboth’s property was a vineyard. Israel was likened to God’s vineyard (cf. Isaiah 5:1-7). One does get the impression that Ahab, once again, was out of step with God. God wanted to take Israel from dwelling in a “vegetable garden” and to “plant” them where they would be His “vineyard.” Ahab wanted to acquire a “vineyard,” and turn it into a “vegetable garden.” I think Provan has something here. Iain W. Provan, 1 and 2 Kings (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1995), pp. 157-158.
When Ahab could not get it he sulked. He is always sullen, sulking, or pouting when he does not get his way - just like a child. No wonder Jezebel had him wrapped around her finger.
This seemed entirely characteristic of Ahab. He seemed to be a spineless, pouting man who reacted this way when he met any kind of adversity.... "So the scene is a vivid picture of peevish Ahab turning his face to the wall and refusing to eat. He was like a sulking child who could not get his own way." (Dilday)
Scapegoat and perhaps whole family killed.
Proclaim a fast: The idea was that some evil or calamity came upon Israel, and a scapegoat had to be found for the evil. Jezebel intended that Naboth be revealed as the scapegoat.
2 Kings 9:26 indicates that the crime was even worse than this, connecting the murder of Naboth with the blood of his sons. It is likely that the entire family of Naboth was murdered, so no heirs were left to claim his property. - David guzik
Elijah shows up
"To the widow of Zarephath Elijah was an angel of light; whilst to Ahab he was an enemy . . . What you are, determines whether Elijah will be your friend or your enemy." (Meyer)
Instead of sulking at the prophecy Ahab repents, or does he?
"But this humiliation or repentance of Ahab's was only external and superficial, arising from the terror of God's judgments; and not sincere and serious, proceeding from the love of God, or a true sense of his sin, or a solemn purpose of amendment of his life, as appears, because all the particulars of his repentance here, are external and ritual only; nor is there the least intimation of any one sign or fruit of his true repentance, as that he restored Naboth's land, or reproved his infamous wife; but in the very next chapter you find him returning to his former vomit." (Poole)
John
====
Acts 13
Ministry in Paphos
So often Paul ministers in strongholds of other gods..
Paphos: This city was known for its immorality: “Paphos was infamous for its worship of Venus, the goddess of [sexual] love” (Barclay). We will see in Paphos a familiar combination: Immorality connected with spiritual darkness.
venus was said to have originated here - coming ashore on her seashell onto the beaches of the island.
Seems they had their own da Vinci code going on back then: Bar-Jesus translated "son of Jesus."
Elymas' sin is compounded by deceiving the pro-consul regarding Christ.
If you want to commit spiritual suicide, that’s one thing. But how dare you bring others down with you? If you want to give up on the things of God and grow bitter in your heart against Him, that’s your choice. But it is a heavy sin to draw anyone else away with you, either with your words or your example. - David Guzik
The interesting thing to me, is the pro-consul was amazed at the teaching (Greek also translated "doctrine") about the Lord. Kind of reinforces that idea of signs and wonders being secondary. The blindness of Elymas may have got his attention, but it was Jesus' message that amazed the pro-consul and he had "faith".
Going to keep track here, but it does seem that Paul often stops first in the synagogues before going "out in town". I wonder if this is to reach people like Cornelius - "God-fearing" - visitors to synagogue. Paul going to the most fertile gorund first - to establish a beachhead????
John
Comments
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I Kings 20:1-21:29
Today’s reading gives proof that the goodness, blessings and mercies of God fall on the just and the unjust. Ahab, an ungodly king is given godly wisdom and favor. God’s mercies reign down on him to show him for a second time that God is indeed God over all the false gods that he and his wife, Jezebel, look to for guidance and protection.
Even when Ahab keeps alive Ben-hadad, whom he should have killed, even after acquiring Naboth’s Vineyard by giving his wife free reign to do as she pleases, the mercy of God (not getting what one truly deserves) the judgment called upon him by Elijah is stayed because Ahab humbles himself. However, the judgment is not really stayed only delayed until the next generation.
Someone must serve our choices, our decisions because we live in a cause and effect world. If we truly care for future generations, we will temper our choices and decisions with the Wisdom of God. For better or worse, they will suffer the consequences, good or bad, of the choices we make.
Acts 12:24-13:15
Matthew 6
24 No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be against the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions, or whatever is trusted in). AMP
Opposition to the gospel when really looked at is all about money and how to gain possession of more. Paul states in his letter to Timothy (I Timothy 6:10), For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
Although we screw this up and say money is the root, it really is the love of money. Elymas, the sorcerer was about to loose his meal ticket so his opposition to the Gospel centered on his appetite for recognition and the wealth his status would bring him. Little did he know there are greater riches to be had. These riches are not measured by human standards but God’s standards. The God, who created all things, including the gold, silver and diamonds man seeks after, gives us Himself. He is that Pearl of Great Price.
Psalm 137:1-9
For Christians our Jerusalem is carried in our hearts. Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" according to the Hebrew Lexicon. Jesus said in the fourteenth chapter of John,
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Since Jesus gave us peace then our Jerusalem is within us, in our hearts. So unlike the exiles who were captives in Babylon, no matter our circumstances, no matter our longitude or latitude we can always sing praises to our God. We are without excuse.
Mike, I am going to do a ‘teeny, tiny” bit of rebuking if you don’t mind. Concerning your comment about the reading in Proverbs, you are off base just a little.
Your comment, “I'm glad my parents didn't pay too much heed to today's Proverb 17 verse 16... :) - "It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool who has no heart for wisdom."
O.K. This may appear to be humorous and self-effacing but we do know that when we go against any of God’s laws and principles the end is always failure and death. Therefore, your parents did not violate this rule when they paid for your education; there is a BIG difference between knowledge and wisdom. True wisdom cannot be had outside of Jesus Christ who is the Wisdom of God (I Corinthians 1:24; 30).
If you did not have the heart for wisdom, true Wisdom, you would not be a Christian seeking to know Christ in a deeper way this WEB site is the proof that you are knocking, asking and seeking to grow closer to Christ.
Maybe this verse in the Amplified translation becomes clearer:
16 O what use is money in the hand of a [self-confident] fool to buy skillful and godly Wisdom--when he has no understanding or heart for it?
The issue really is about how we gain godly wisdom not the kind of knowledge gained from attending institutes of higher learning. Fools, as defined in Proverbs, will not come into the knowledge of God because they refuse to seek truth. God and Truth is synonymous.
All my love, as well as Grace and Peace,
Ramona
====
It seems God still tries to woo Israel over inspite of her disobedience and idolatry...Ahab wasn't really seeking God's opinion before going into battle yet God gave him victory...and showed him mercy....
As I read the NT reading,I realised something....the word of God spread and increased because the church wasn't just a place people met when they needed prayers,a word....or just something to do...worshipping and fasting was a great part of their life..I pray that those with a similar longing in their hearts come together....like iron sharpens iron,let them sharpen each other....
God bless you all
Anka
====
Did anyone notice the way God raised up leaders from the Antioch church? In Acts 11:19 we saw how a few of the believers broke out of their Jewish ethnocentricity to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. A wonderful work of God was done there. "the power of the Lord was upon them, and large numbers of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord." acts 11:20-21 But then we see how they mature through Saul and Barnabas' efforts over the period of a year. You can't microwave growth. It has to be intentional. These converts were cared for and discipled and brought to a level of maturity that we see in Acts 13. i say all this to say when we get to Acts 13 we have leaders emerging out of the Antiochian church. Already in this young faith community the gifts of prophet and teacher and apostle and teacher were being utilized. I think we can learn a lot more from these chapters in Acts then the latest church growth books.
Luch
====
Proverbs hit home to me. My parents paid for my tuition during school. However, I came to the point where I was dropping classes left and right and then withdrawing from school -- wasting my parents money.
What happened? My parents said, "If you want to go to college you will pay for it. When you finish the course and can show us your grade (it had to be a C or above) we will reimburse you for the expenses."
Well, I finished my education only when I made up my mind that I was going to do it. The best thing is that because I had to work for it -- I took more ownership of the education. It goes back to Nehemiah 4:6 -- I finally had a *mind to work*.
Johnnie
====
What struck me is God's mercy in delivering the Aramens into the hand of Isreal through Ahab whose heart is far away from God. The lesson that I learn here is that God can use anybody to deliver His people and prove Himself mighty in the lives of those who are so boastful. I may be wrong or right please I need comments on this.
Again, It worries me that God was angry that Ahab did not kill Ben-Hadad but showed mercy and refer to him as a brother. Are we not expected to show love to our enemies? I was thinking that just as God forgives any repentant offender, we should do the same also. I need further help on this.
May the Holy spirit help us to have good understanding as we study the scriptures, Amen.
Blessing
====
Oh do we get weighed down and caught up in the affairs of the world! But Jesus said "you will have troubles. Not may! But I have overcome the world! " John 16:33. Thinking of.the charleston massacre right now hurts my heart. Not only mine but grieves the Father! Luke 21:12-19. " People will hate you because of me. But you will gain life" We will be face persecution for Our Fathers sake. Stand firm, keep your eyes on the Father! God wants us on our knees. Not seeking praise from man but from God.
Jane
====
1st Kings 20-21:29
Kimg Ahab-learn Jehovah was true God. Both Ben-hadad of Aram and King Ahab from Israel both lost due to compromise.
We hear from Elijah again! Yay. Poor Naboth dies! Gets stoned. On lies that was orchestrated by Ahabs wife Jezebel.
Elijah gives a message from God on what will happen to Ahab and his wife and entire family. However, Ahab repents and humbles himself and God postponed the punishment to his children / descendents
Acts 12:24-13:15
Will of Lord always wise and good, right to pray. Keep knocking , asking, seeking
Dedicated Barnabus and Saul today..went to Island of Paphos..filled with Holy Spirit, John Mark went with them as asst.
Saul became known as Paul
Went to Antioch
Psalm 137: 1-9
Out of Israel's exile in babylon
Prov 17:16
It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool-who has no heart to listen
Dee
====
Point of Transition
There is a reason that the church thrived in Antioch.
My first group Bible Study as a Christian was Acts, but I came in on the 16th? chapter. I had read quickly through the first 15 chapters to catch up and I missed the transition in chapter 12.
Bob summed it up very well in his "Conclusions" to yesterday's commentary. For those that did not get a chance, or choose not to read bob's work - enclosed are some excerpts below with a link back to yesterday's commentary.
["The first lesson to understand from our passage, and its broader context, is that this is a clear point of transition. Acts 12 is the end of one era, and chapter 13 is the beginning of another. Acts 12 is the account of the passing of Peter. Not that Peter passes from the scene by virtue of his death, but he passes from the scene by virtue of his absence. Chapter 12, in large measure, is a farewell to Peter, as chapter 13 is the commencement of a strong emphasis on Paul’s ministry.
But it is not merely the passing from the scene of one leader (Peter) and the rise to prominence of another (Paul). This change in personalities is but a signal, a pointer, to a much larger change—the transition from the Jews to the Gentiles, and from Jerusalem to Antioch. From here on out, the churches that are founded and that grow are predominantly Gentile in makeup. The Jewish church in Jerusalem and those saints who gathered in synagogues around the world of that day faded away, much like Peter. The reason is explained by Paul in Romans 9-11. The times of the Gentiles have begun, and the time of Israel’s hardening has come as well. Many Gentiles will be saved, but few Jews. Because of this, the church will become predominantly Gentile for centuries to come, until the return of our Lord which is yet future.
The arrest of Peter, and the intent of Herod and the Jews to kill him, is a very significant and final element in the judicial hardening of the Jews by God and in the conversion of many Gentiles. Up to this point in time, the gospel continued to be proclaimed in Israel. God’s arms were opened wide, and the Jews were urged to turn to Jesus as God’s Messiah. But now, virtually all Israel has heard the good news, and all Israel (with the exception of those saved) has rejected the gospel. The final rebellion and rejection of Israel is reported here, in Acts 12, just prior to the sending out of Barnabas and Saul from Antioch. God’s evangelistic thrust to the Gentiles in chapter 13, Luke is saying, is the result of Israel’s rejection of Jesus as the Christ (and of His church)....
....Now, in Acts 12, we see the final opposition movement in Jerusalem and Judea, before the destruction of that city by the Roman armies in 70 AD. It is not the leaders of the Jews who oppose the church here, but Herod and the Jewish people at large. Herod, not due to the pressure of the Jewish religious leaders, but by his own initiative, goes after the apostles and seeks to destroy the church. And the masses of the Jewish people love it, spurring him on. This is the last straw, for now virtually every segment of the society of Jerusalem has rejected Jesus and His church. Will God commence the conversion of Gentiles en masse? It is because Israel, en masse, has rejected the gospel. Now the gospel will go to the Gentiles. Thus, the actions of Herod and of the Jewish people become the basis for God’s turning His back upon this people and this place for many years to come, even to the present day. There will be a remnant saved, but only a small segment of the Jews, during this time of the Gentiles. This is the rejection foreseen by our Lord at His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, with its subsequent judgment. No wonder our Lord wept over this city and its fate. The day of salvation for Israel as a nation has passed."]
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=2141
John
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1Kings21
Vineyard into a vegetable garden.
Interesting thought from a footnote in Bob's commentary:
Iain Provan makes a very interesting observation at this point. He points out that the expression “vegetable garden” occurs only one other time in the Bible, in Deuteronomy 11:10. Here, God contrasts the land of Israel with Egypt, which was like a “vegetable garden.” There, you merely had to dig a little trench with your foot to water your “vegetable garden” by means of irrigation. But the land of Israel was dependent upon God to send the rains which were required to grow any crops. Naboth’s property was a vineyard. Israel was likened to God’s vineyard (cf. Isaiah 5:1-7). One does get the impression that Ahab, once again, was out of step with God. God wanted to take Israel from dwelling in a “vegetable garden” and to “plant” them where they would be His “vineyard.” Ahab wanted to acquire a “vineyard,” and turn it into a “vegetable garden.” I think Provan has something here. Iain W. Provan, 1 and 2 Kings (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1995), pp. 157-158.
When Ahab could not get it he sulked. He is always sullen, sulking, or pouting when he does not get his way - just like a child. No wonder Jezebel had him wrapped around her finger.
This seemed entirely characteristic of Ahab. He seemed to be a spineless, pouting man who reacted this way when he met any kind of adversity.... "So the scene is a vivid picture of peevish Ahab turning his face to the wall and refusing to eat. He was like a sulking child who could not get his own way." (Dilday)
Scapegoat and perhaps whole family killed.
Proclaim a fast: The idea was that some evil or calamity came upon Israel, and a scapegoat had to be found for the evil. Jezebel intended that Naboth be revealed as the scapegoat.
2 Kings 9:26 indicates that the crime was even worse than this, connecting the murder of Naboth with the blood of his sons. It is likely that the entire family of Naboth was murdered, so no heirs were left to claim his property. - David guzik
Elijah shows up
"To the widow of Zarephath Elijah was an angel of light; whilst to Ahab he was an enemy . . . What you are, determines whether Elijah will be your friend or your enemy." (Meyer)
Instead of sulking at the prophecy Ahab repents, or does he?
"But this humiliation or repentance of Ahab's was only external and superficial, arising from the terror of God's judgments; and not sincere and serious, proceeding from the love of God, or a true sense of his sin, or a solemn purpose of amendment of his life, as appears, because all the particulars of his repentance here, are external and ritual only; nor is there the least intimation of any one sign or fruit of his true repentance, as that he restored Naboth's land, or reproved his infamous wife; but in the very next chapter you find him returning to his former vomit." (Poole)
John
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Acts 13
Ministry in Paphos
So often Paul ministers in strongholds of other gods..
Paphos: This city was known for its immorality: “Paphos was infamous for its worship of Venus, the goddess of [sexual] love” (Barclay). We will see in Paphos a familiar combination: Immorality connected with spiritual darkness.
venus was said to have originated here - coming ashore on her seashell onto the beaches of the island.
Seems they had their own da Vinci code going on back then:
Bar-Jesus translated "son of Jesus."
Elymas' sin is compounded by deceiving the pro-consul regarding Christ.
If you want to commit spiritual suicide, that’s one thing. But how dare you bring others down with you? If you want to give up on the things of God and grow bitter in your heart against Him, that’s your choice. But it is a heavy sin to draw anyone else away with you, either with your words or your example. - David Guzik
The interesting thing to me, is the pro-consul was amazed at the teaching (Greek also translated "doctrine") about the Lord. Kind of reinforces that idea of signs and wonders being secondary. The blindness of Elymas may have got his attention, but it was Jesus' message that amazed the pro-consul and he had "faith".
Going to keep track here, but it does seem that Paul often stops first in the synagogues before going "out in town". I wonder if this is to reach people like Cornelius - "God-fearing" - visitors to synagogue. Paul going to the most fertile gorund first - to establish a beachhead????
John