2 Samuel 20:14-21:22 + Acts 1:1-26 + Psalm 121:1-8 + Proverbs 16:18
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Old Testament - Well... Sheba's grand rebellion against David doesn't last very long! And Sheba's own clan doesn't treat him well at all... Below are 2 images from today's readings. First image is from a 13th Century Maciejowski Bible showing Joab and his men besieging the city of Abel. Next image is of Sheba's head being thrown over the wall to Joab. Rebellion over.
Second Samuel chapter 21 begins 4 chapters that are thought to essentially be an "appendix" to First and Second Samuel. These 4 chapters contain additional information about David's reign, without regard to chronology of events. The first event we read about in today's readings about David handing over 7 of Saul's relatives to the Gibeonites is believed to have taken place after David extended his kindness initially to Mephibosheth in chapter 9 and before Absalom's rebellion. The triumphs over 4 Philistine giants is at unknown times / chronology, although verse 15 seems to indicate to me that these took place perhaps later in David's life when he was older: "And when David and his men were in the thick of battle, David became weak and exhausted." Somehow I can't imagine a young David becoming weak and exhausted in battle... These 4 episodes are thought to have been included to show the heroics of David's men. Below is an image of David and his "Mighty Men" at a victory over their enemies:
Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings titled "Promise Breakers and Promise Keepers" is at this link.
New Testament - Today we begin the book of Acts! I am sad to be leaving the Gospels behind, but am definitely looking forward to reading Luke’s writings in Acts. (And there is always early next year to read the Gospels again! Hint... hint... :) We’ll soon be introduced to Paul in Acts, and his Epistles will be coming up in the months ahead. It is always so exciting to read about the early church and its genesis. I hope you are ready for Acts! Let's go!
Author: Luke
Date: A.D. 65-70
Content: The book of Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke where Luke intends to show that what Jesus began on earth, he continues to do in the life of the church. The book begins with the apostles being filled with the power of God and preaching to great effect, three thousand being saved in one day (Acts 2:41). The life of the church in Jerusalem, the spread of the gospel to Samaria, the activities of the apostle Peter, and the persecution of the early Christians are then described. The focus then shifts to the apostle Paul and his missionary activity in Gentile territory. His three missionary journeys are treated in some detail, ending with Paul’s trip to Rome where the book ends. Some scholars suggest that Luke intended to write a third volume that would have described Paul’s release, further travels, arrest, and death.
Theme: Acts was written to show the spread of the gospel from Jewish to Gentile territory (Acts 1:8). The good news that Jesus dies and rose again could not be confined to one corner of the world, but was intended by God for all. To that end God empowered his people so that they could accomplish their task. The Holy Spirit is that empowering agent. The sovereign control of God over all things is seen in the triumph of the gospel over paganism and persecution; and although it may cost many their very lives (even Peter and Paul, whose lives are described in Acts), ultimate victory is assured through Jesus our Lord. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 23) More commentary on Acts is at these 2 links – https://bible.org/seriespage/preface-acts & https://bible.org/article/introduction-book-acts
It's intriguing to note that Luke begins Acts 1:1 with "Dear Theophilus." You will recall from Luke's Gospel in chapter 1 verses 3 & 4 Luke addresses the Gospel to Theophilus as well: "Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught." So, just who is Theophilus? There is a lot of speculation on this question, and not a lot of certainty. Theophilus' name means "one who loves God." Not a bad name, eh? Some speculate that Theolphilus was someone of high position and wealth, and perhaps even a Roman official. Some speculate Theophilus was actually Luke's publisher, funding his writings distribution! In whatever case, it appears that both Acts and Luke were written for Theophilus' own instruction, as well as the instruction of those whom these writings would be distributed, which includes you and me! Let us simply thank God for the unknown man Theophilus to whom Luke felt compelled to write the books of instructions for us in Acts & Luke! Below is a painting titled "Saint Luke" from the year 1360 by Master Theodoric:
Verse 8 from Jesus is basically a Cliff Notes version of the book of Acts: "But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." In chapters 1 through 7 the apostles will be witnesses in Jerusalem. Judea & Samarian in chapters 8 & 9. And then to the ends of the earth in chapters 10 through 28. Well, ends of the earth in terms of Caesarea, Rome, Greece, Antioch and Asia Minor. But, they wouldn't begin this witnessing until they are equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit in chapter 2. Below is a map of Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria at the time of Acts:
In verse 9 today we read about the ascension of Jesus into heaven! "It was not long after Jesus said this that he was taken up into the sky while they were watching, and he disappeared into a cloud." Below is Rembrandt's painting of the Ascension from the early 17th century:
Bible.org's commentary on today's Acts readings titled "Getting Ahead of God" is at this link.
Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of the book of Luke!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIb_dCIxzr0
Psalms - Psalm 121 is the second in this series of 15 Psalms of ascent that were likely written for religious festivals when people were making their pilgrimages to Israel. I love verses 3 & 4 today - "He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps." How about that! God does not sleep! This reminds me of other parts of the Bible where it talks about God being pure light and having no shadows. God is also so perfect that he does not sleep! I like that... Allows me to sleep better at night.
And the closing verse 8... wow... "The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever." Do you believe this is true? Do you believe that God watches over you - always?
Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 16 verse 18 we read this convicting proverb: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” I don’t know about you, but I struggle with pride. Honestly, I have a hunch that most of us do to some degree. It is part of our human condition I’m afraid. I do believe that Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God can save us of our pride. But, we have to really be willing to give it up to them – to let it go. I honestly do not think I have let go of my pride. The thing I’ve noticed that I’ve been doing lately – which I think is a symptom of pride – is judging others. I really have been judging others harshly. And it’s a horrible thing to do. I caught myself saying something horrible to a friend recently about another group of acquaintances. And I felt so horrible after saying it – but I realized that indeed what I said is exactly what I had been thinking. I had been judging others! I had been prideful! And that is a scary thing. . . if this proverb is true. And I know that it is true. Pride goes before destruction. A haughty spirit before a fall. I realize I’m on a bad course right now of judging others and being prideful. I am thankful that God has shown to me this is a sin I need to repent of. I am praying constantly now for healing and redemption from it. I am confident it will come. But, I am also wise enough to realize that I will need to be diligent and continually pray for healing in this area in my life – judging others and pride. I am afraid that I will struggle with this my whole life. But, that’s okay. It makes me realize I cannot do this life on my own. I need God. I need Jesus. I need the Holy Spirit. Otherwise – without them – I would be a prideful & judgmental person. And I would surely fall. . . How about you? Do you struggle with pride? Do you judge others? (really, think about this one. . . it was scary for me to realize that not only do I judge others – but I do it constantly. . .) If so, will you join me in repentance and prayer in these areas? Will you give these sins over to Jesus and pray constantly for redemption and healing in these areas? He will heal you. Surely he will. No one else can. We cannot heal ourselves of pride & judging others on our own.
Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of Seph Schlueter's song "Counting my Blessings:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er5XPKdpqHQ
Are you Counting your Blessings? Click here to be Blessed!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you have received power from the Holy Spirit coming upon you! Pray that you are a witness for Jesus in your own hometown, in your country, and all over the world!
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: What are some ways you have dealt with pride in your life in the past? Have you been able to overcome issues of judging others? Have you been able to overcome thinking you are "all that"? How did you overcome these pride issues? Also, 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
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
2 Samuel 20:14-21:22
I find the story of the Gibeonites very interesting. Way back in the book of Joshua, in chapter nine, Israel made a treaty with them promising not only peace but also protection. Israel was ordered to make no alliances with the people living in Canaan; however, it seems God wants us to be people of our word even when our word is a covenant or contract with those He has forbidden. How often do I make a decision without first asking God for direction then ask God to bless the mess I just made, or ask Him to get me out of something I got into by way of my mouth?
This dilemma causes me to think about how my choices and decisions not only affect me, and those around me, but also effects future generations. Ugh! I am wondering if what I’ve read in chapter 21 of 2nd Samuel is causing me to question something the Disciples/Apostles did in today’s reading of Acts.
Acts 1:1-26
But before I get to what is bothering me in this book, I’m thinking that the disciples staring and straining their eyes to see Jesus after he disappeared into a cloud is akin to what we do when we either have sensed the Presence of God in a place or maybe just heard about it. Jesus has given them and us what we call the Great Commission to go into the entire world. As long as they stood looking up into heaven, they definitely could not go. I’m not sure if this is what Jesus spoke about to those He had called to “Follow” Him; however, they responded to the call by taking care of other things before they would follow Jesus. (Luke 9:57-62).
Those who “rubber neck” accidents slow up traffic, impeding those who have a destination to get too, or they themselves cause other accidents.
Now when Peter suggested, and the other apostles agreed, to replace Judas by picking out two men without first asking God, then invite God to chose between the two and instead of asking to hear from God first, is that really part of God’s perfect plan? . Then they decide to “cast lots” to determine God’s choice. What is up with that? Is that why there is no mention of these men, Barsabbas or Justus again? I am just asking rhetorically.
Psalm 121:1-8
This Psalm is sung in the style of a contemporary Gospel song and I love to hear it sung that way. When I hear it, it usually stops me in my tracks. Mike I see something in the last verse that hints of our existence in eternity, I think.
The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go,
Both now and forever.
If our existence is only in the “here and now,” why would the LORD have to watch over us in the forever? Again I am just asking a rhetorically question.
Proverbs 16:18
I’ve heard it said that the antidote for pride is embarrassment and that God always deals with us in Private before He takes it into the Public. Note how God dealt with David when he sinned with Bathsheba behind closed doors. The rebellion he experienced in his household was all done in public.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
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Proverbs 16:18
Mike, you ask us to consider “pride” in our lives and how it relates to Proverbs 16:18. The problems in discussing a word like “pride,” at least in English, specifically American English is that there are many shades to this one word. Pride can be a good thing and it can be destructive. Pride, self-pride, can keep one from falling into sin and yet, pride can push you over the cliff into a sea of sin.
The American Heritage Dictionary describes the historically usage of the word Pride as:
1) A sense of one's own proper dignity or value; self-respect.
2) Pleasure or satisfaction taken in an achievement, possession, or association: parental pride.
3) Arrogant or disdainful conduct or treatment; haughtiness.
4)
a. A cause or source of pleasure or satisfaction; the best of a group or class: These soldiers were their country's pride.
b. The most successful or thriving condition; prime: the pride of youth.
5) An excessively high opinion of oneself; conceit.
There is a problem when we discuss the usage of a word if not everyone is on the same footing of how it is being used.
I went looking for the intent of the writer of this passage in Proverbs by going to the Hebrew to find what was meant or intended—to the best of my ability.
According to Strong’s dictionary the Hebrew word used is:
גּאוה
ga'ăvâh (gah-av-aw')
; arrogance or majesty; by implication (concretely) ornament: - excellency, haughtiness, highness, pride, proudly, swelling.
Now this word has a root and it is, גּאה gâ'âh (gaw-aw'), which means to mount up; to rise.
The following passage is from the Book of Ezekiel and there is a consensus amounts many scholars and theologians that this “King of Tyre” is the one we oft call, Satan, the devil—the accuser of the brethren and in reading this we can cleary see how this “King” mounted up.
Ezekiel 28:
12"Son of man, weep for the king of Tyre. Give him this message from the Sovereign LORD: You were the perfection of wisdom and beauty. 13You were in Eden, the garden of God. Your clothing was adorned with every precious stone[a]--red carnelian, chrysolite, white moonstone, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald--all beautifully crafted for you and set in the finest gold. They were given to you on the day you were created. 14I ordained and anointed you as the mighty angelic guardian.[b] You had access to the holy mountain of God and walked among the stones of fire.
15"You were blameless in all you did from the day you were created until the day evil was found in you. 16Your great wealth filled you with violence, and you sinned. So I banished you from the mountain of God. I expelled you, O mighty guardian, from your place among the stones of fire. 17Your heart was filled with pride because of all your beauty. You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth and exposed you to the curious gaze of kings. 18You defiled your sanctuaries with your many sins and your dishonest trade. So I brought fire from within you, and it consumed you. I let it burn you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. 19All who knew you are appalled at your fate. You have come to a terrible end, and you are no more."
I believe the Pride that is talked about in Proverbs 16:18 is the pride that is seen in this description of the “King of Tyre” and his fall. This is the standard we need to measure ourselves by to determine if “pride” has entered our hearts.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
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Wise women...the woman who spoke to Joab seemed to have some degree of authority...don't think all the city would be taking orders from a young woman but that's just speculation.In days when women didn't really have that much of a say,one wise woman saved a city.
Another woman through her love for her sons moved the kings heart to give not only her sons but Saul and Jonathan's bones a proper burial...Love and wisdom are pretty powerful!I pray for more of both in my life.
I am doing a study of the Holy Spirit currently on www.blbi.org and I really find a lot of sense in their commentary on the last chapter in John vs acts.When we as unbelievers come to Christ,the Holy spirit come to dwell in us.When Jesus said receive ye the Holy Spirit...they received an "indwelling of the Holy Spirit"...the Holy Spirit which dwells in us works to confrom us into the image of Christ.
In acts the disciples were given the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit"which gave them power for service.That's when they began preach and had signs and wonders accompany them.Jesus was said by John to be the one who will baptise with the Holy Spirit.I think it's safe to say that many believers are not baptised with the Holy Spirit but have an indwelling of the Holy Spirit.It was after Peter was baptised with the Holy Spirit that he spoke and the Holy Spirit convicted 3000.
On pride..Mike,I know just what you mean because I'm going through it myself.Unfortunately sometimes getting all the knowledge from God can lead to "puffing up" and trying to show others they are wrong..A few months,I had a less hectic schedule at work so I dived into the word.I got alot of knowledge and began to find fault in everything others tried to teach me back in church.I realised wrong doctrines are rampant mostly due to ignorance and I wanted to avoid that...but I got to an extreme where I became really judgemental.I recently read a book called pain,perplexity and promotion by Bob Sorge.It showed me what it meant to hear the word...and what it meant to know the word.How we can get so puffed and the quickly be deflated when trials come.I sure will join you in repentance and pray God helps me be more like Jesus.
God bless you all
Anka
PS.sorry for the long post,this month I may be entering a hectic phase in at work so I'm making up for that now:)
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SO glad to hear others suffer from pride (and arrogance its sister!), as well, as I actually (like Mike) had a shock the day I came face to face with that as one of my sins too. I've suffered most as Anka pointed out, since I've learnt the most - and ended up constantly feeling like I know better than most other Christians around me, because I sometimes spend 5-8 hours a day listening to sermons and the spoken Word etc, as well as to various expositions and radio shows, so I figure I'm learning a LOT. But my bigger pride issue came when I started questioning whether or not I had sin to confess in any given day - as I was then told, that in itself is a sin as Paul pointed out too, and it was really only after that, that I truly repented and sat down to analyse my problems in this area. I've repented daily since of both those sins, as I now see myself often committing both in any given day BUT bit by bit, I know I'm also now being made aware BEFORE I say something that I may be about to commit one or other, esp in the area of Christian doctrine. I consider myself fairly fundamental now in my beliefs and 'proud' of it but have slowly recognised that regardless of whether I believe my views are right, it doesn't give me the right to not be humble in allowing others to equally stand on theirs. Although that in turn then makes me think that if everyone was like me, nobody would EVER become a Christian, because we'd all be too busy capitulating to the views of others :(. Think I need to do a lot of reading yet and being cautious and discerning as well as more intuitive about when to stand, and when to walk away. I actually feel a bit like Sissy Sue - I question everything too, and sometimes end up going round in circles, trying to determine the right course or viewpoint, but that's the best way I feel, as at least ultimately whichever one you stick with, will be the one you've really had to work to find - make sense?
Romayne
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I was intrigued with the animal looking over Luke's shoulder (in the painting), and wondered what it was. It sort of looks like a mouflon. So I surfed off on a tangent. It's supposed to be an ox, the symbol of Luke since the early days of the church. What I found on the internet is that Luke was associated with this symbol because the ox (or bull) was the symbol of sacrifice and Luke emphasizes that aspect of Christ. The ox is also a beast of burdern, and Christ bore our sins. This was another possible reason. Also, Lukes' gospel starts off with the account of the priest Zechariah sacrificing in the temple.
Each of the 4 gospel writers had/have their symbols, perhaps taken from Ezek 1:14 and the vision heavely creatures with 4 faces: the 4 evangelists showing 4 sides of Christ, as it were.
By the way, in modern Greek, Theophilos means God's friend, and it is still a commonly used name in Cyprus and Greece. Also Theodoros, God's gift.
Becky
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Ha ha ha how cute! The sheep! I like that saying "If you can't sleep, don't count the sheep ... talk to the Shepherd". I used to be someone that could worry all night. Terrible! I couldn't sleep, and all I did was worrying about the finances, my work, my husbands work etc. Now I know I can talk to the Shepherd and it workd perfectly well! He's always there to listen, He's always there to comfort me ... it's great to have such a wonderful Father!
What are some ways you have dealt with pride in your life in the past? Have you been able to overcome issues of judging others? ~ Ugh ... I used to be terrible! Absolutely terrible! I had a huge pride, bigger than the Grand Canyon! I'd be judging people, which was a lot better than to look at myself in the mirror! ha ha ha I was always laughing a other people and judging them ... I never wanted to stop the laughter, cause I knew the never ending crying would start! Well ... God created a lot of people around me who are 'my mirrors' now. People who talk about me, people who judge me, people who make my toes curl!!! And everytime when I think "Why don't they just stop minding my business and just go on with their lives" .... I instantly think "Hey! I used to be like that!". Admitting that, makes it easier for me to handle them. Does that sound weird?
Mae
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re: PRIDE.... Oh, Mike, I really can relate to your comments about juding others (one of pride's ugly outlets). After 40+ years of having a relationship with the Lord, He made me become aware that this was a serious problem in my life. Since it was a "normal" reaction to me, it has been an enormous sin to overcome. One thing I found is a little game I play, but it's working: when I mentally "judge" someone, I immediately ask the Lord to give "that" person "my" blessing I found that faced with the realization that I am losing my blessings, I have gotten MUCH better at refusing to judge/criticise someone in my spirit! Sounds silly, but it is working for me! PTL, because HE is good and His mercies endure forever!
Ford
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I like how you say in your comments "Will you give these sins over to Jesus and pray constantly for redemption and healing in these areas?" - the key word in this for me is CONSTANTLY! you are not alone in this ! Not that it's a good place to be because it's not - I hate it about myself so much! I know God is healing me, and I am (because of HIS help) getting much better...but wow, what a long way to go! So yes, I will join you and agree with you in praying for healing and redemption. HE can and will do it for all of us!
I've always thought the book of Acts was a difficult book to understand so I'm really glad to be going through it with you all! :0)
Blessings!
Gina
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Ha! More heads in the OT, this time they are being thrown over walls. David has quite a collection by this time! I just am loving these chapters, I'm not too familiar with them, havennt heard too many studies on them, so i'm readiing them in my study bible so i can read the commentary and it makes it all click!
I loved John!!! But i'm thrilled to move on to Acts! thats another chapter i havent studied in years and we recently started it on sunday nights at my church, so i'm really learning stuff, really trying to absorb this chapter. Its funny cause I really wanted to get in Acts, it was on my heart that i should study that book and like the next day my pastor announced we would be in Acts now.
Acts was the first church, our example! As to wat churches should do. I know some churches do weird things, imo weird. I say if its not found in Acts, i wouldnt do it...or if it is, i would. Like slaying in the spirit?? not in the bible! we just finished ch. 15 last night!!
So I'm thrilled to be in Acts on here too!
"This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." v. 11...i love this!!! one of the best promises ever!!
I like Ps v 1-2, a great Kutless tune! I Lift My Eyes Up.
I love this: v. 5 "The LORD is your keeper"...short verse but says so much! He truly is!
i love vs. 7-8, sooo comforting!
"The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore"
Definitely one of my memorized Prov. I had a big problem with pride. I had instances where i literally fell down hard right after haughty thoughts. ha, i immediately thought of his.
Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before a fall.
I had a discussion with a believer and he was saying how he defeated pride. He was relaying there was only one pride, I mean there is spiritual pride before we come to Christ, but doesnt mean its not an ongoing battle. Of course it is! but he insisted he had no pride...I guess the thought of that hurt his pride too much, haha.
Pride comes cause we think too high of ourselves or we arent willing to submit simply bcos we love ourselves too much!
Jenny
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Thanks for your insight on today's readings. This is my second year through the Bible with this blog and it has been awesome. I've never commented here on the sight but I've gained much encouragement and help from your posts along the way.
I am especially encouraged by the promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). We have no chance of being able to live the Christian life - a life of faith - without God's Spirit living in and through us.
Thanks again, Mike.
Price
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After daily readings I always look forward to Mike's post and discussions. Thanks a lot for taking the time to do this everyday; thanks also for bringing the music videos back to the post! Its very good to be able to read your posts and have a worship song that goes along.
Susan
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I regret to say that I too am judgemental. Even when I manage to keep control of my tongue I am highly critical of others in my head. I am aware of it and work hard to to be different. Father God, please forgive me and make me as you want me to be. Amen
Stuart
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me too... I also get judgmental or critical of how somebody else behaves to me many times. Not realizing I could have been wrong so many other ways too, were someone else might not approve of my behavior. So who am I to judge others??? I pray GOD will give me, and all who seek from HIM the strength to overcome this behavior and accept people as they are. Since No One person is perfect, we are all flawed!
Arielle
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Pride certainly is rampant in today's society, even in the Church. I fear pride. We know the Word of the Lord is true. I see often at work, in the church, community, national and international media how 'puffing up' after individual successes leads to false understandings of human ability. Individuals take credit for seeminly our accomplishments rather than rightly giving credit to the Lord for his grace and mercy manifested in gifting human beings with certain abilities to honor Him and give Him glory. I don't want to sound critical but, to me, pride is disdain for the Lord and His blessings. We forget about the One and Only Creator and selfishly take some degree of credit for His mercies and blessings gifted to us. Pride always leads us to act selfishly and contrary to the will of God. It is terribly destructive and sadly, it is often one of the least or last sins that we recognize in ourselves and therefore one of the least that we are on guard against. It is terribly deceptive and i believe truly encouraged in us by the father of all lies and the great deciever.
Briggs
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I came here to comment about the same thing Ramona just did. I think maybe Peter was acting in his old impulsive way when he suggested they needed to pick someone to take Judas' place so there would be 12 Apostles, instead of waiting for God's guidance and to see what God would do in His own good time. Sort of reminds me of how Abraham and Sarah thought too much time had gone by and Sarah couldn't possibly bear a son to fulfill God's promise to Abraham, so they took matters into their own hands by Sarah giving her maidservant Hagar to Abraham so he could get her pregnant in Sarah's place. She had Ishmael, but he wasn't the real son of the promise. Later, when God acted and Sarah bore Isaac, Ishmael complicated the situation. We never hear again of Matthias, the one chosen by lot when the Apostles basically said "God, which one of these two men do you want us to install as an Apostle?" Maybe they asked the wrong question of God as they rushed the issue at Peter's urging. They should've asked if God wanted them to choose another. Later we hear the story of how Saul was converted when Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus, becoming Paul, how he became "The apostle to the Gentiles," and of all the work he did spreading the Gospel under God's direction. I believe God meant for him to be the new Apostle who replaced Judas. But we don't usually think of Paul as one of the Twelve Apostles. It's hard not to take matters into our own hands when we don't see God acting as quickly as we think He should, or in the way we think He should. Like Peter, we can often find Scriptures that seem to justify our opinions, and feel we've been guided by God to make the decision we've already made on our own and think we're doing His will when we're doing ours. Of course, I could be wrong about this, and Peter could have been acting under the guidance of the Spirit to do exactly what God wanted him to do. But later events suggest to me that Paul was intended to be the real replacement Apostle.
John
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Thank you for the insight that judging others is a symptom of pride. I realized that I do this too. And even constantly. I was thinking of the incredible mercy God has shown me. That should make me merciful and compassionate towards others, with the help of the Holy Spirit. I am praying that I will become this kind of person, with the Lord's help. I needed that insight today.
Lori
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When I read your comment on Theophilus and the meaning of his name, "one who loves God" it made me wonder, was he really writing to one person, or was the word "theophilus" used as a greeting, like we would use, "To whom it may concern"?
Carla
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Acts 1:1-26. To become a follower of Jesus one must become a witness and give an account of the life death and resurrection of Christ. I like to look at how imperfect some of these 12 were when we look at the Disciple’s Characteristics by Pete Scazzero (Emotionally Healthy Spirituality).
1. Peter (leader) big mouth and contradictory
2. Andrew(brother) quiet behind the scenes
3. James (one of the sons of Thunder) aggressive, hot headed
4. John (the other son of Thunder) ambitious and intolerant
5. Philip (feeding the 5000) skeptical and negative
6. Bartholomew prejudice and opinionated
7. Mathew (tax collector) hated because he abused people
8. Thomas (doubting) melancholy, depressive and pessimistic
9. James (Alphaeus) nobody – Bible says nothing
10. Judas (James) nobody – Bibles says nothing
11. Simon (Zealot) freedom fighter, terrorist
12. Judas (treasurer) thief and loner. Untrustworthy
13. Mathhias (replaced Judas) Acts 1:26
Bob
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The proper burial of Saul and Jonathon today and a saving of a city all in a day. Wow..
The book of Acts..I enjoy milestones and surpassing former sections and staying on top of reading the Word. Makes me feel more complete and purposeful.
I put my hope in the Lord! He is my strength amd my rock. Loving these later PSALMS 💕
Proverbs 16:18. Pride cometh before a fall. Hard one and yes that is a big one that many( including myself) struggle with. Let's pray for each other in this situation! 🙏
Dee