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Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Utley - I HAVE FOUND DAVID the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MY HEART” This is not a direct quote from the OT but it seems to be a combination of Psalm 89:20 and 1 Samuel 13:14. It needs to be remembered that this sermon by Paul follows the basic pattern of Stephen’s historical rendition in chapter 7. That David can be called a man after God’s heart, when he was such a notorious sinner (cf. Ps. 32, 51; 2 Sam. 11), is a great encouragement to all believers. This combination quote implies several things. This was a standard practice with the rabbis, which explains many of the unusual OT quotes in the NT. This was already a part of Christian catechism. Paul often quotes from early Christian hymns and possibly other literature. This quote is unique to Paul and shows that Luke must have gotten his summary of this first recorded message of Paul in Acts from Paul himself. Charles Swindoll observes that "Paul’s short history of Israel highlighted three facts, each with an important implication: Fact 1: The Lord had been faithful to Israel despite the disobedience of the people. Implication: He would continue to be faithful to disobedient Jews. Fact 2: God’s form of government over Israel had evolved over time, usually in response to Israel’s disobedience. Implication: His administration of the nation would continue to evolve, and it was about to change again. Fact 3: The Lord had replaced a bad king, Saul, with a good king, David. Implication: The Lord was again about to present a new leader. (Swindoll's Living Insights New Testament Commentary – Acts) Gotquestions - Question: "How could David be considered a man after God’s own heart?" Answer: To understand why David was a man after God’s own heart, we need to see what characteristics he had to qualify for such an exalted description. In the book of Acts, the apostle Paul speaks of God’s feelings about King David: “After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do’” (Acts 13:22). The answer to why David was considered a man after God’s own heart is found right in the verse: David did whatever God wanted him to do. An obvious question is how could God still call David a man after His own heart when David committed such terrible sins, including adultery and murder? We learn much of David’s character in the book of Psalms as he opened up his life for all to examine. David’s life was a portrait of success and failure, and the biblical record highlights the fact that David was far from perfect. But what made David a cut above the rest was that his heart was pointed toward God. He had a deep desire to follow God’s will and do “everything” God wanted him to do. He was a man after God’s own heart. Let’s look at some characteristics of David’s life to discover what that entails: Part of why David is called a man after God’s own heart is that he had absolute faith in God. Nowhere in Scripture is this point better illustrated than in 1 Samuel 17 where David as a young shepherd boy fearlessly slew the Philistine, Goliath. Shortly before the duel, we see direct evidence of David’s faith when David says, “‘The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.’ And Saul said to David, ‘Go, and the LORD be with you!’” (verse 37). David was fully aware that God was in control of his life, and he had faith that God would deliver him from impending danger. How else would one venture into a potentially fatal situation with such calm and confidence? David knew early on in life that God was to be trusted and obeyed. As we see in Scripture, David’s faith pleased God, and God rewards David for his faithfulness. Another reason David was a man after God’s own heart is that he absolutely loved God’s Law. Of the 150 psalms in the Bible, David is credited for writing over half of them. Writing at various and often troubling times in his life, David repeatedly mentioned how much he loved God’s perfect Word. We find a beautiful example of this in Psalm 119:47–48: “For I delight in your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.” It is not hard to see his complete adoration for God’s Word. Also notice how David “meditates” on God’s statutes. God granted David understanding and wisdom through daily meditation. We would do well to not only read God’s Word but also think about it throughout the day, for God loves us to think about Him. “Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways” (Psalm 119:2–3). David was a man after God’s own heart in that he was truly thankful. “I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, O LORD, proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds” (Psalm 26:6–7). David’s life was marked by seasons of great peace and prosperity as well as times of fear and despair. But through all of the seasons in his life, he never forgot to thank the Lord for everything that he had. It is truly one of David’s finest characteristics. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” (Psalm 100:4, ESV). As followers of Jesus Christ, we would do well to follow David’s lead of offering praise through thanksgiving to our Lord. After he sinned, David was truly repentant. David’s sin with Bathsheba is recorded in 2 Samuel 11:2–5. The mighty fall hard, and David’s fall included adultery, lying, and murder. He had sinned against God, and he admits it in 2 Samuel 12:13: “David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.’” But admitting our sin and asking for forgiveness is only half of the equation. The other half is repentance, and David did that as well. Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of repentance to God: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!" (Psalm 51:1–2). In conclusion, David was a man after God’s own heart because he demonstrated his faith and was committed to following the Lord. Yes, his faith was tested on a grand scale, and he failed at times. But after his sin he sought and received the Lord’s forgiveness. In the final analysis, David loved God’s Law and sought to follow it exactly. As a man after God’s own heart, David is a role model for all of us. (Gotquestions - highly recommended site) Acts 13:22 The Heart Of The Matter By David C. Egner Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. —1 Samuel 16:7 How often are we guilty of leaving God out of our decision-making? Sometimes when we’re faced with a choice, the right answer may seem obvious to us and those around us. But if we fail to ask the Lord to help us get to the heart of the matter, we might jump to a wrong conclusion. That’s what Samuel did when he set out to anoint Israel’s next king. When he saw Eliab, Jesse’s oldest son, Samuel was sure he had his man. Wrong! In fact, God chose the least likely of Jesse’s sons, the youthful David. He was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), but Samuel saw only the outward appearance. Including God in decision-making is a vital principle for churches too. When seeking a new pastor or someone to lead a church ministry, we’re tempted to look only at externals. We’re concerned with such things as speaking skills, friendliness, and ability to inspire—and we should be. But if we haven’t asked God to get us past appearances to the heart, we haven’t looked deep enough. We can’t read hearts, but the Lord can. He knows when someone is closely following Him. As you make your decisions today, be sure to include God. Not mine—not mine the choice, In things both great and small, Be Thou my Guide, my Strength, My Wisdom, and my All. —Bonar If you don't want to end in failure, be sure to begin with God. David - Homiletic Monthly Acts 13:22-23 David is one of the grandest men in the Bible, and his character is more fully portrayed than that of any other with one exception. The sweet singer of Israel was royally dowered with charms of the person, with gifts of the mind, and with susceptibilities of the heart; and, from a youth up, he was as one who is well beloved, and therefore rightly named. He was great in all the faculties of his soul, and has not been placed higher in the esteem of the Church than his virtues have warranted. It has been questioned how he could be called a man after God's own heart, and his crimes have been sketched with nauseating fulness. But the Church no more defends them than he did or the Bible. I. WHY THEN ARE HIS SINS SO FULLY PRESENTED? 1. That we may see how full of infirmity are the best of men. 2. That we may see how efficacious grace is to overcome them. 3. That we may see how bitter is the sorrow of the truly penitent, and how wide is the door of mercy. II. WHY IS HE CALLED A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART? 1. David was chosen by God. 2. As thus chosen he would more strictly observe the revealed will of God. 3. David was a man of fervent piety, of swift repentance, and of the deepest spiritual aspirations. 4. He was large-hearted, true as a friend, affectionate as a father, and ever ready to be reconciled with his foes — to forgive and forget. In these attributes of a fatherly heart he resembled God. III. THREE INFERENCES FROM HIS HISTORY. 1. This life is not an encouragement to commit sin or to continue in sin, but an encouragement to those struggling to be delivered from their sins. 2. Any one may be called a man after God's own heart, if his life is marked by the same religious fervour, by the same sincere penitence, and by the same deep longings after God by day and by night. 3. We must seek after likeness to God in our moral nature — in our likes and dislikes. Acts 13:23 "From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, (NASB95) KJV Acts 13:23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: From the descendants of this man Acts 2:30; 2 Samuel 7:12; Ps 89:35-37; 132:11; Isaiah 7:13; 11:1,10; Jeremiah 23:5,6; Jeremiah 33:15-17; Amos 9:11; Matthew 1:1; 21:9; 22:42; Luke 1:31-33,69; John 7:42; Romans 1:3; Revelation 22:16 God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus Acts 2:32-36; Acts 3:26; 4:12; 5:30,31; Isaiah 43:11; 45:21; Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:10,11; John 4:42; Romans 11:26; Titus 1:4; 2:10-14; 3:3-6; 2 Peter 1:1,11; 2 Peter 2:20; 3:2,18; 1 John 4:14; Jude 1:25 Acts 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A GREATER KING IN LINE OF DAVID Barton - A large jump over Old Testament history occurred here, as Paul went from King David directly to one of his descendants, Jesus. (LAC)
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Utley has an interesting note that "This may be an idiom denoting someone who was to speak in the synagogue. Rabbis always taught while seated (cf. Matt. 5:1; Luke 4:20). The synagogues regularly allowed itinerant visitors speak if they wished (cf. v. 15)." Jack Arnold on Paul's first recorded sermon - Before we begin an analysis of Paul's sermon, several points should be brought out which are relevant to us today. First, Paul, when preaching evangelistically, taught doctrine. A quick scan of his message will show that the terms “Chose, savior, promise, repentance, purpose, forgiveness, justified, believe and perish” are all found in this sermon. Paul's message had biblical, doctrinal and theological content. His message was not some weak, emaciated evangelical appeal to come to Christ as one in need of a joy-giver, as we find so much of in the twentieth century. Paul does not present God as loving everybody and trying to save everybody but stymied because of man's unbelief. No, he preached a sovereign God who saves men through faith in Christ Jesus the Lord. Second, Paul did not adapt the gospel message to his age. All the doctrinal terms used in this message were terms found in the Old Testament. He did not use new terminology to meet the first century Greek and Roman mind but used biblical terminology which had been used for centuries by the Jews. There was no attempt to present the old message in new terms. Paul was quite unlike many evangelicals today, who refuse to use Old and New Testament terms like sin, justification, repentance, condemnation, election, and redemption, because they seem to have no meaning to the average person. The result is that a person may have changed his mind about Christ but not know he has repented, which means “to change one's mind.” When that person then goes to his Bible, he cannot understand it. Third, Paul did not dilute his message in any way. He was direct, right to the point and was honest with his audience. He confronted his age with sin, rebellion, guilt and condemnation. Paul's goal was to preach to man’s conscience and bring a sense of guilt so the sinner would repent and believe in Christ. Arousing guilt is an important part of preaching the gospel, and we must never allow modern day psychology to take guilt away from our vocabulary. There is guilt, and there is forgiveness for man's guilt. Paul's preaching was so different from the modern day evangelical who preaches to a man's emotions and will, neglecting almost totally his mind and conscience. (Paul's First Recorded Sermon) Acts 13:15 After the reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them, saying, "Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it." (NASB95) KJV Acts 13:15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. After the reading of the Law and the Prophets Acts 13:27; 15:21; Luke 4:16-18 the synagogue officials sent to them Acts 18:8,17; Mark 5:22 Brethren Acts 1:16; 2:29,37; 7:2; 15:7; 22:1 if you have any word of exhortation for the people Acts 2:4; 20:2; Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 14:3; Hebrews 13:22 Acts 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL AND BARNABAS INVITED TO GIVE A WORD OF EXHORTATION Little did these synagogue officials realize that this word of exhortation would turn the world upside down! Notice God's sovereignty (and providence) having His chosen men on the scene at the right place and the right time. After the reading of the Law and the Prophets - The Law and the Prophets refers to the entire Old Testament (cf. Mt. 5:17; 7:12; 11:13; 22:40; Lk 16:16; Acts 24:14; 28:23; Ro 3:21) A typical first-century synagogue service would have included (1) The Shema (See Schurer - History of the Jewish People) - Means "Hear" or "Listen and do". The Sh'ma was the Jewish declaration of faith dramatically begining with the call "Hear O Israel! The Lord our God; the Lord is One!" (See Dt 6:4–9; 11:13–21; cf. Nu 15:37–41), (2) The Shemoneh Esreh (Amidah) (“Eighteen Benedictions,” “Blessings,” or “Prayers”), a corporate prayer (3) Reading from the Torah or Law, first five books of Moses (following an annual cycle) (See Schurer - History of the Jewish People) A T
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Utley writes that "The grammatical construction is such that it is uncertain whether the five men listed were both prophets and teachers or if the first three are prophets and the last two are teachers." John
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Utley - LAYING ON OF HANDS IN THE BIBLE This gesture of personal involvement is used in several different ways in the Bible. 1. oath taking (i.e., hand under thigh [cf. Gen. 24:2,9; 47:29]) 2. passing on the family leadership (cf. Gen. 48:14,17,18) 3. identifying with the death of a sacrificial animal as a substitute a. priests (cf. Exod. 29:10,15,19; Lev. 16:21; Num. 8:12) b. laypersons (cf. Lev. 1:4; 3:2,8; 4:4,15,24; 2 Chr. 29:23) 4. setting persons aside to serve God in a special task or ministry (cf. Num. 8:10; 27:18,23; Deut. 34:9; Acts 6:6; 13:3; 1 Tim. 4:14; 5:22; 2 Tim. 1:6) 5. participating in the judicial stoning of a sinner (cf. Lev. 24:14) 6. the hand on one's mouth denotes silence or acquiescence (cf. Jdgs. 18:19; Job 21:5; 29:9; 40:4; Micah 7:16) 7. the hand on one's own head means sorrow/grief (2 Sam. 13:19) 8. receiving a blessing for health, happiness, and godliness (cf. Matt. 19:13,15; Mark 10:16) 9. relating to physical healing (cf. Matt. 8:3; 9:18,20; Mark 5:23; 6:5; 7:32; 8:23; 16:18; Luke 4:40; 13:13; Acts 9:17; 28:8) 10.receiving the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 8:17-19; 9:17; 19:6, note Deut. 34:9) There is a surprising lack of uniformity in the passages that have been historically used to support the ecclesiastical installation of leaders (i.e., ordination, see Special Topic: Ordination). 1. In Acts 6:6 it is the Apostles who lay hands on the seven for local ministry. 2. In Acts 13:3 it is the prophets and teachers who lay hands on Barnabas and Paul for missionary service. 3. In 1 Tim. 4:14 it is the local elders who were involved in Timothy's initial call and installation. 4. In 2 Tim. 1:6 it is Paul who lays hands on Timothy. This diversity and ambiguity illustrate the lack of organization in the first century church. The early church was much more dynamic and regularly used the spiritual gifts of believers (cf. 1 Corinthians 12; 14). The NT is simply not written to advocate or delineate a governmental model (see the variety in Acts 15) or ordinational procedure. Church organizational traditions are necessary but not biblical. The godliness of the leadership is far more important the form of the leadership (i.e., polity). TIME OUT Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. —Acts 13:3 A restaurant in Spain is so popular that customers must reserve a table 6 months in advance. But noted Spanish chef Ferran Adrià decided to close the doors of his award winning restaurant for 2 years so he and his staff could have time to think, plan and improve. Adrià told a magazine, “If we are winning all the prizes, why change? Working 15 hours a day leaves us very little time to create.” In the midst of great success, they took time out for what is most important to them. The first century church in Antioch experienced a time of exciting growth when “a great number believed and turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21). As a result Barnabas and Saul came to teach the new believers (vv.25-26). But along with the hard work, they took time to seek the Lord through prayer and fasting (13:2-3). Through this, God revealed His plan for taking the gospel into Asia. Few people can take 2 years off to think and plan. But all of us can build time into our schedule to talk to the Lord through prayer. As we open our hearts and minds to God, He will be faithful to reveal the steps of life and service He wants us to take to honour Him. PRAYER IS AS IMPORTANT AS BREATHING. James Smith - The Call of Barnabas and Saul After a missionary in China had been showing them the folly of idols, and had preached Jesus to them, one old man said—"Stop and tell us, for we cannot find the door." How sad to think of the multitudes who are groping in the dark for the door of eternal life and cannot find it. How shall they hear without a preacher, and how shall they preach except they be sent. The Holy Spirit is very desirous to thrust out laborers; pray you Him. The young Church at Antioch had grown in number and power. Among the notable converts was Manaen, who had been a companion of that Herod who ordered the death of John the Baptist, and who mocked the Lord Jesus Christ, "setting Him at naught." But by the grace of God he was plucked as a brand out of the fire. As the members of this Church "served and fasted," the Holy Spirit met their real need by pressing home to their hearts this message of definite direction, "Separate Me Barnabas and Saul." Perhaps they had been waiting on the Lord for special guidance, as to how they might further the cause of Christ when this unmistakable call came— 1. It was a Divine Call. "The Holy Spirit said," etc. (v. 2). They were as surely "called of God" as was Aaron. As all fitness for this service must come from Him, so also must the call. The Holy Spirit will never choose a man possessed by the spirit of the world as an ambassador of the Kingdom of Christ. 2. It was a Personal Call. "Barnabas and Saul." There was no room for questioning as to whom the Lord meant, neither was there any occasion for envy or jealousy. The Holy Spirit divides to every man severally as He will (1 Corinthians 12:11). Not everyone that says Lord, Lord, is fit for the service of God. "No man takes this honor unto Himself but he who is called of God" (Hebrews 5:4). 3. It was a Call to Separation. "Separate Me," etc. Barnabas and Saul were to be separated unto the Holy Spirit, that He might breathe the will of God through them, as He had done with the holy men of God in old time (2 Peter 1:21). To be used of the Holy Spirit we must be separated from the world, and entirely yielded unto Him, as vessels meet for His use. But we are not to suppose that those who remained in Antioch were not separated unto God. We can live the separated life anywhere by living for His glory. 4. It was a Call to Work. "For the work whereunto I have called them." Only those who are new creatures in Christ Jesus can have a hand in the work of this "new creation." We are not called to ease and idleness, but to be "workers together with Him," who has called us into this holy calling. Have we entered into this work whereunto God, the Spirit, has called us? Or are we idlers in His vineyard? 5. It was a Call which met the Approval of the Brethren. "They sent them away" (v. 3), but not without "fasting and prayer." It would be a great blessing to the Church and the world today if the Church was anything like so willing to recognize, and send forth, those who have been called of the Holy Spirit to do the work of an evangelist. By their fruit you shall know them. These holy men were "solemnly ordained," not with dinners and toasts! but with "fastings and prayer." There were no "hip, hip, hurrahs!" but there was a solemn doing of the will of God. Many modern ordinations are a scandal to the cause of Jesus Christ. 6. It was a Call, Followed by Mighty Deeds. How can we believe that we are called and empowered by God if "signs and wonders" worthy of God are not being done through us in His name? (vv. 5-12). Two wonders were wrought here by Barnabas and Saul (a) The overcoming of the sorcerer. This "child of the devil" and "enemy of all righteousness" was smitten with temporary blindness. The works of the devil were destroyed. (b) The conversion of the deputy (v. 12). The salvation of the governor of the island, and the silencing of Elymas, the enemy of God, were surely works worthy of the Holy Spirit, unto whom Barnabas and Saul had been separated. Brian Bill - Opportunities Come to Those Who Serve! And, Opposition Comes to Most Opportunities! The missionary call came when? When they were busy serving the Lord. Want God’s direction? Get busy serving, He’ll show you the next step Ob Portu - In ancient times before modern harbors, ships had to wait for the timing of the tide before they could make it safely to port. Thus "OB PORTU," described the ship waiting "FOR PORT," ready to seize the crucial moment when it could ride the tide into safe harbor. The captain knew that if he missed the passing tide, the ship would have to wait for another tide to come in. God gives each of us many "ob portu's", but we must be spiritually wise and Spirit filled in order to see and seize them. As Charles Swindoll said "We are all faced with a series of great opportunities (ob portu's) brilliantly disguised as impossible situations." The English word opportunity is derived from this original meaning. Shakespeare turned this background of the exact meaning of opportunity into one of his most famous passages. (Julius Caesar, Act 4, Scene 3) There is a tide in the affairs of men, Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat; And we must take the current when it serves, Or lose our ventures. Paul would later write "redeem the time (kairos)" - The idea is not to make best use of time as such, which is what we should do in the sense of not wasting it, but of taking advantage of the OPPORTUNITIES that present themselves." The time/opportunity for bringing forth fruit is the spring SEASON (kairos) in which the tree bears fruit, in contrast to late autumn, when there is no fruit. And so kairos is the time which God allots to each believer to bring forth for themselves "spiritual fruit." This truth calls for us to "Seize the Day" (Carpe diem) because "Time flies" (Tempus fugit). As Horace Mann put it "Lost yesterday, somewhere between sunrise and sunset, two golden hours, each set with sixty diamond minutes. No reward is offered, for they are gone forever." Kairos represents the best time to do something, the moment when circumstances are most suitable. Kairos can be a moment or a season, but always refers to specific times in which opportunity is "ripe", so that when the time passes, so does the opportunity - "Opportunity only knocks once." See discussion of the important topic Redeem the Time. Acts 13:4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus. (NASB95) KJV Acts 13:4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. being sent out by the Holy Spirit Acts 20:23 they sailed to Cyprus Acts 4:36; 11:19; 27:4 Acts 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Antioch > Seleucia > Salamis > Paphos SENT OUT BY THE SPIRIT So (oun) is most often translated "therefore" and thus functions as a term of conclusion. On the basis of all that transpired in Acts 13:1-3, the conclusion is that it is time to "move out." Being sent out by the Holy Spirit - Don't you love this description? Yes, they were sent (released) by the other prophet-teachers and the assembly of believers at Antioch, but ultimately they were sent out by the Holy Spirit! Talk about have a "holy wind" at your back (Spirit = "pneuma" = wind)! But the Spirit did not supernaturally transport (as He had in the OT with the prophet Ezekiel - Ezek 11:1, 24) them to Seleucia. The Spirit provided them supernatural power (God's sovereignty) but they had to carry out their part (human responsibility) (cf the vital principle of 100% Dependent and 100% Responsible"). THOUGHT -
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Utley adds that "There has been much discussion about the historicity of Luke’s accounts. Here is a good example of the accuracy of Luke the historian. He calls this man “a proconsul,” which meant Cyprus was a Roman Senatorial province. We learn this occurred in A.D. 22 by decree from Augustus. We also learn from a Latin inscription at Soloi that Sergius Paulus began his proconsulship in A.D. 53. The more information archaeology discovers from the Mediterranean world of the first century, the more Luke’s historical accuracy is corroborated." A T
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Utley adds "All that is like God, this man was against." Enemy (hostile) (2190)(echthros from échthos = hatred, enmity; noun = echthra = enmity, hostility) is an adjective which pertains to manifesting hostility or being at enmity with another, where enmity is a deep seated animosity or hatred which may be open or concealed or a "deep-rooted hatred." In the active sense echthros means to be hateful, hostile toward, at enmity with or adversary of someone. In the passive sense echthros pertains to being subjected to hostility, to be hated or to be regarded as an enemy. Echthros is one who has the extreme negative attitude that is the opposite of love and friendship. An enemy is one that is antagonistic to another; especially seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound the opponent. Scripture often uses echthros as a noun describing "the adversary", Satan! Like father like son! Luke's uses of echthros - Lk. 1:71; Lk. 1:74; Lk. 6:27; Lk. 6:35; Lk. 10:19; Lk. 19:27; Lk. 19:43; Lk. 20:43; Acts 2:35; Acts 13:10 While the missionaries were proclaiming the Righteous One in Whom all men might be righteous, Elymas was proclaiming the antithetical message, seeking to draw Sergius away from saving faith in Jesus. Righteousness (1343)(dikaiosune from dikaios = being proper or right in the sense of being fully justified being or in accordance with what God requires) is the quality of being upright. In its simplest sense dikaiosune conveys the idea of conformity to a standard or norm and in Biblical terms the "standard" is God and His perfect, holy character. In this sense righteousness is the opposite of hamartia (sin), which is defined as missing of the mark set by God. Dikaiosune is rightness of character before God and rightness of actions before men. Righteousness of God could be succinctly stated as all that God is, all that He commands, all that He demands, all that He approves, all that He provides through Christ (Click here to read Pastor Ray Pritchard's interesting analysis of righteousness in the Gospel of Matthew). Related Resources: What is righteousness? What does it mean to pursue righteousness? Bob Utley's lengthy discussion - Righteousness Will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways (hodos) of the Lord? - A rhetorical question which expects a "Yes" response. What are the straight ways of the Lord? Surely they are the truths of the Gospel, that are like a pathway to salvation in Christ and entree into the presence of the Father. Jesus is "the way" (hodos) (Jn 14:6) and He warned that "the way (hodos) is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it...and the way (hodos) is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Mt 7:13-14+). Merida comments "Paul is announcing the way of salvation (cf. Luke 3:4). Bar-Jesus is “perverting” the way of salvation. Instead of advocating real conversion, Bar-Jesus advocates spiritual perversion."
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Utley adds that Pisidian Antioch "literally means “Antioch towards Pisidia” because it was located in the ethnic area of Phrygia the Roman Province of Galatia." Pisidian Antioch was strategically located at the axis of Asia Minor's east-west traffic and thus was very cosmopolitan. Merrill Unger adds that "In bringing the gospel to Pisidian Antioch, Paul and Barnabas were planting Christianity in the communication nerve center and heart of Asia Minor.”
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Utley writes that Acts 13:23 "is parallel to Acts 7:52. It points back to all the OT promises. a redemption through the seed of a woman, Gen, 3:15 a ruler from Judah, Gen. 49:10 a coming leader like Moses, the Prophet, Deut. 18:15, 18 a leader from David, 2 Sam. 7; Ps. 132:11; Isa. 11:1, 10; Matt. 1:1 a suffering servant, Isa. 52:13–53:12 a savior, Luke 2:11; Matt. 1:21; John 1:29; 4:42; Acts 5:31 Acts 13:24 after John had proclaimed before His coming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. (NASB95) KJV Acts 13:24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. NET Acts 13:24 Before Jesus arrived, John had proclaimed a baptism for repentance to all the people of Israel. (Act 13:24 NET) Acts 1:22; 10:37; 19:3,4; Matthew 3:1-11; Mark 1:2-8; Luke 1:76; 3:2,3-20; John 1:6-8,15-18; 3:25-36; 5:33-36 Acts 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL CITES TESTIMONY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST John's testimony pointed to Jesus in the same manner as the OT prophets. Does your testimony point to Jesus? Warren
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Utley- Jealousy is attributed to Jewish leadership both in Jerusalem and the Diaspora. (cf. Mt. 27:18; Mk 15:10; Acts 17:5). Frederick Buechner - Envy is that consuming desire to have everybody else as unsuccessful as you are! F F Bruce makes an interesting suppositional comment - “Knowing (as we unfortunately do) how pious Christian pew-holders can manifest quite un-Christian indignation when they arrive at church on a Sunday morning to find their places occupied by rank outsiders who have come to hear a popular visiting preacher, we can readily appreciate the annoyance of the Jewish community at finding their synagogue practically taken over by a Gentile congregation on this occasion. (NINCT - Acts) Barton - When we see others succeeding where we haven’t or receiving the affirmation we crave, it is hard to rejoice with them. In fact, jealousy is a more common reaction. But how tragic it is when our own jealous feelings cause us to try to stop God’s work. If a work is God’s work, and lives are being impacted for Christ, rejoice—no matter who is in the spotlight. (LAC) Jealousy (2205)(zelos from zeo = to be hot, fervent) can describe a positive emotion like zeal (Jn 2:17, Ro 10:2) or a negative emotion of jealousy as in this passage (Acts 5:17+, Acts 13:45, Ro 13:13, 1 Cor 3:3+), Gal 5:20, et al) The old "green eyed monster" of envy had laid hold of the hearts of these Jews! As Shakespeare said in Othello "O! beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” A T
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Utley adds that "As these Jews defended their traditions and attacked Paul’s preaching, they themselves were guilty of blasphemy. There is no middle ground here. Either Judaism or Christianity is a true reflection of God’s will. They are exclusive!" THOUGHT - Mark it down that the servant of the Lord can expect rejection and opposition, just as he can expect openness and reception to the Gospel. Jesus had warned His followers Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. (Jn 15:20). But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy (Acts 13:45). Envy and jealousy are feelings of discontent and resentment aroused by thinking about another person's desirable qualities or possessions and wanting them for ourselves. Here are some classic examples: Rachel envied Leah because she bore children (Gen. 30:1); Joseph's brothers resented him for his dreams (Gen. 37:11); Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and two hundred fifty princes envied Moses (Num. 16:1-3); Saul was jealous of David because the women praised him (1 Sam. 18:7-9); and in Acts 13:45, the Jews opposed Paul's preaching for the same reason—envy. Any advantage held by another—intelligence, good looks, a slim figure, popularity, a good job, or even a person's spiritual insight—may trigger this feeling. The most devout Christian is not immune to its subtle attack. When F. B. Meyer first held meetings at Northfield, Massachusetts, large crowds thronged to hear his stirring messages. Then the great British Bible teacher G. Campbell Morgan came to Northfield, and the people flocked to hear his brilliant expositions of Scripture. Meyer confessed that at first he was envious. He said, "The only way I can conquer my feeling is to pray for Morgan daily—which I do." A negative reaction toward anyone who possesses what we lack quenches the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts. That's why we must root out all envy and jealousy from our lives. We know we are gaining victory when we desire good for the one we envy. —R. W. De Haan A FEW QUOTES ON ENVY AND JEALOUSY He that looks through a green glass sees no other colour. Thomas Adams Envy eats nothing but its own heart. Anon. A person is truly great when he is not envious of his rival’s success. Anon. Envy never enriched any man. Anon. Envy provides the mud that failure throws at success. Anon. Don’t envy the man who has everything: he probably has an ulcer too. Anon. Every time you turn green with envy you are ripe for trouble. Anon. If envy were a fever, all the world would be ill. Anon. Jealousy is a blister on the heels of friendship. Anon. Jealousy is the raw material of murder. Anon. A jealous man’s horns hang in his eyes. Anon Love is blind; jealousy sees too much. JEWISH PROVERB Jealousy sees too much. Anon. Many lovely things pass out of life when jealousy comes in. Anon. As rust corrupts iron, so envy corrupts man. Antisthenes If there is any sin more deadly than envy, it is being pleased at being envied. Richard Armour Envy is a coal that comes hissing hot from hell. Philip James Baily Love looks through a telescope, envy through a microscope. John Billings An envious man is a squinty-eyed fool. H. C. Bohn Envy, it tortures the affections, it vexes the mind, it inflames the blood, it corrupts the heart, it wastes the spirits; and so it becomes man’s tormentor and man’s executioner at once. Thomas Brooks Jealousy never thinks itself strong enough. John Bunyan Envy is a denial of providence. Stephen Charnock As a moth gnaws a garment, so doth envy consume a man. Chrysostom Envy is the sign of a nature that is altogether evil. Demosthenes Envy is the greatest of all diseases among men. Euripides Envy shoots at others and wounds herself. Thomas Fuller It is as hard to keep our hearts and envy asunder as it is to hinder two lovers from meeting together. William Gurnall If we love our neighbour we shall be so far from envying his welfare, or being displeased with it, that we shall share in it and rejoice at it. Matthew Henry The prosperity of those to whom we wish well can never grieve us; and the mind which is bent on doing good to all can never wish ill to any. Matthew Henry Envy is its own punishment. William Jenkyn Too many Christians envy the sinners their pleasure and the saints their joy because they don’t have either one. Martin Luther Envy is a rebellion against God himself, and the liberty and pleasure of his dispensations. Thomas Manton Envy is a settled, crooked malice. Thomas Manton There are two sins which were Christ’s sorest enemies, covetousness and envy. Covetousness sold Christ and envy delivered him. Thomas Manton The envious man is an enemy to himself, for his mind is always spontaneously occupied with his own unhappy thoughts. Menander Envy of another man’s calling can work havoc in our own. Watchman Nee The jealous are troublesome to others; a torment to themselves. William Penn Envy always implies inferiority, wherever it resides. Pliny There is no worse passion than envy. William S. Plumer There is not a passion so strongly rooted in the human heart as envy. Richard Brinsley Sheridan Envy and malice are quicksighted. Richard Sibbes In spiritual things there is no envy. Richard Sibbes The cure for envy lies in living under a constant sense of the divine presence, worshipping God and communing with him all the day long, however long the day may seem. C. H. Spurgeon Envy does nothing with reason. John Trapp Envy is a self-murder, a fretting canker. Thomas Watson Acts 13:46 Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. (NASB95) KJV Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly Acts 4:13,29-31; Proverbs 28:1; Romans 10:20; Ephesians 6:19,20; Philippians 1:14; Hebrews 11:34 It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first Acts 13:26; 3:26; 18:5; 26:20; Matthew 10:6; Luke 24:47; John 4:22; Romans 1:16; 2:10; Romans 9:4,5 since you repudiate it Acts 7:51; Exodus 32:9,10; Deuteronomy 32:21; Isaiah 49:5-8; Matthew 10:13-15; 21:43; 22:6-10; Luke 14:16-24; John 1:11; Romans 10:19-21; 11:11-13 we are turning to the Gentiles Acts 18:6; 28:28; Isaiah 55:5 Acts 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL AND BARNABAS ACCEPT THE RABBIS CHALLENGE! Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly - NET = "replied courageously." Now Barnabas joins Paul in addressing the opposition. The fact that they spoke out boldly indicates that they were both filled with the Spirit (cf Acts 4:31+, Acts 14:3+, cf Paul in Acts 9:17+ and Acts 9:27-28+). They responded just as the Spirit filled saints (Acts 4:23) had in Jerusalem declaring "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:29-30+). Spoke out boldly (3955)(parrhesiazomai from parrhesia = freedom or frankness in speaking or confident in spirit and demeanor <> pas = all + rhesis = speech) means literally speaking out every word and conveys the idea idea of freedom to say all and thus means to speak freely, openly, boldly, fearlessly, without constraint. The Greeks used this word for speaking in a democratic assembly. Parrhesiazomai is fearless and frank speaking with the freedom to speak openly even in the face of opposition. Rogers adds that this verb "also suggests abnormal eloquence and emotion." (cf Acts 9:27+) All 9 uses of parrhesiazomai in the NT - Acts 9:27; Acts 9:28; Acts 13:46; Acts 14:3; Acts 18:26; Acts 19:8; Acts 26:26; Eph. 6:20; 1 Th 2:2
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Utley - Only the Holy Spirit can give joy amidst persecution (cf. James 1:2ff; 1 Peter 4:12ff). Adam