Atos 5
Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 5
Utley - Luke often used summary statements of the growth of the church (cf. Acts 2:47; 5:14; 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20). Were constantly added to their number - Added is in the imperfect tense describing the addition of new believers as ongoing (over and over, again and again). Added is in the passive voice which in this context is the divine passive, signifying this was not just folks joining a physical church but souls being saved and added to the Body of Christ by God Himself. Recall that the divine passive signifies God (unexpressed) is the subject carrying out the action. Constantly added (4369)(prostithemi from from prós = to or besides + títhēmi = to put) means to put to and so to add to a number already present. Luke had used this same verb in Acts 2:41 describing that "there were added about three thousand souls" and again in Acts 2:47 where "the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved." (Both of these uses are also "divine passives.") Acts 5:15 to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any one of them. KJV Acts 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. they even carried the sick out into the streets Acts 19:11,12; Mt 9:21; 14:36; John 14:12 Acts 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries To such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets - Who is they? In context Acts 5:14 describes believers who were added to the church, so here the pronoun "they" would refer to believers. They obviously had confidence that the sick could be healed. Gilbrant suggests "They believed the Lord would honor Peter's faith and theirs even if Peter was not able to stop and lay hands on each one of them." Carried out (1627)(ekphero from ek = out + phero = carry, bear) means literally to bear or carry out (Acts 5:6, 9, 10, 5:15). Bring out, lead (Mk 8:23). Bring forth, in the sense of growth, as the ground or earth "bears out" plants (Heb 6:8, Ge 1:12). This verb is used 4 times in Acts 5 - Acts 5:6; Acts 5:9; Acts 5:10; Acts 5:15 in situations that were striking contrasts - Acts 5:6, 9, 10 referring to carrying out the corpses of A&S and here of course carrying out the sick. Sick (772)(asthenes) describes those who were without strength and powerless to help themselves. So that (hina) - Term of purpose
Atos 5
Utley adds that "these miracle signs were given to (1) show the compassion of God, (2) show the truth of the Gospel and (3) show who were the God-called leaders. These signs were given in a particular culture, for a specific purpose. Because God did it there, it does not automatically mean that He will do the same in every period of history in every culture. Not that God is not active in every age nor less compassionate, but that the people of God must walk by faith and not by sight! Miracles continue, but salvation of sinners must be the greatest goal, not physical healing for those who will still die! It seems to me that God has not changed. His character, power, compassion, and desire for all to be saved remains the same, but looking at history theologically, there are two major periods of intense, supernatural signs, both from God and from Satan -- (1)surrounding the time of the incarnation and development of the early church and (2) preceding the end-time events when believers will be under terrible persecution. When Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any one of them - Note that Luke does not say specifically that they were healed by Peter's shadow, but the implication is that they were (cf Acts 5:16 - all being healed). How they were healed is not stated by Luke the physician. If a touch of Jesus' clothing healed a woman (Lk 8:44), nothing prohibits God from using a shadow to heal. God can do whatever He pleases even when it defies human logic (Jer 32:27). The practice of placing the sick in Peter's may have been a superstition, because one source says "In the ancient world many people believed that a person’s shadow could possess magical healing powers." (Nelson Study Bible). Barrett is correct in pointing out that "It is not the effect of Peter’s shadow but of the presence and power of God which Peter represented." Might fall (1982)(episkiazo from epi = upon + skia = shadow) "literally, as darkening by partially blocking out a source of light" (Friberg) and so to throw a shadow, here to throw a shadow upon the sick. This rare verb is used in Mt 17:5, Mk 9:7 and Lk 9:34 of the transfiguration in which the cloud overshadowed the Peter, John and James. In Lk 1:35 episkiazo describes "the Most High" overshadowing Mary when the Spirit came upon her with power. John Stott writes "“It may be significant that the verb episkiazo, which Luke chooses, meaning ‘to overshadow’, he has used twice in his Gospel of the overshadowing of God’s presence.”
Atos 5
Utley - The NT affirms that the Father raised Jesus (cf. Acts 2:24, 32; 3:15, 26; 4:10; 5:30; 10:40; 13:30, 33, 34, 37; 27:31; Ro 6:4, 9) to confirm the truth of Jesus’ life and teachings. This is a major aspect of the kerugma (cf. 1 Cor. 15:1-8ff). Raised up (1453)(egeiro) means to rouse a sleeping person. Peter used this verb to describe raising the lame man (Acts 3:7). Of course in this context it means to raise the dead body of Jesus to life. Peter has already used egeiro twice in similar contexts... “But you (MEN OF ISRAEL GATHERING AROUND THEM IN THE PORTICO OF SOLOMON) disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are (present tense = continually) witnesses (martus/martys used in Acts 5:31). (Acts 3:14-15+) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people, 9 if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead–by this name this man stands here before you in good health. (Acts 4:8-10+) Whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross (literally "a tree" - xulon) - The NAS marginal note has "on Whom you had laid violent hands." (cf 1 Peter 2:24+) "Hang on a tree" is by the time of the first century an idiom for crucifixion)" (NET) Longenecker on cross (tree) - “While xylon [tree] was used in antiquity and in the lxx variously for ‘a tree,’ ‘wood’ of any kind, ‘a pole,’ and various objects made of wood, including ‘a gallows,’ it is also used in the NT for the cross of Jesus.” (Expositor's Bible Commentary) John
Atos 5
Utley adds that Savior (Soter) "was used in the first century Greco-Roman world of Caesar. He claimed to be the savior of culture and peace. Another term which the Caesars claimed for themselves, but Christians used uniquely for Jesus, was Lord ( kurios). Another aspect of the term “Savior” is that it was an OT term for YHWH (cf. 2 Sa 22:3; Ps. 106:21; Isa. 43:4, 11; 45:15, 21; 49:26; 60:16; 63:8). NT writers often assert the deity of Jesus by attributing to Him OT titles of YHWH. Notice how Paul in his letter to Titus does this - Titus 1:3, “God our Savior”, Titus 1:4, “Christ Jesus our Savior”, Titus 2:10, “God our Savior”, Titus 2:13, “our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus”, Titus 3:4, “God our Savior”, Titus 3:6, “Jesus Christ our Savior. ” Exalted (lifted up) (5312)(hupsoo) from hupsos = height, elevation) means to lift up spatially, to raise high. This is a "dual use" verb for in one context it refers to lifted up to die on the Cross (Jn 3:14, 8:28, 12:32, 34) but in the present context lifted up to Heaven. His crucifixion paved the way for His exaltation. Peter had used jup Acts 2:33 “Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. Is this next statement not a manifestation of God's longsuffering. This would be one of the last chances for the Sanhedrin to reverse its rejection of Jesus for as Peter says in the next versus they are now dealing with the Holy Spirit. To grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins - What is Peter describing? The way of salvation. Jesus had claimed the authority to grant forgiveness of sins in Luke 5 Seeing their faith (CONTEXT = Lk 5:17-19), He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” 22 But Jesus, aware of their reasonings, answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23 “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24 “But, so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,”–He said to the paralytic–“I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.” (Luke 5:20-24+) To grant repentance to Israel - Peter is not restricting this offer to Israel, but uses it because the ones to who he is speaking are "Israel." Of course they did not believe that they were in need of repentance. They were like those described in Mt 3:7-8 "But when he (JOHN THE BAPTIST) saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8“Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance." Is repentance a component of salvation? Peter clearly thinks so, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit! Notice the word "grant." What does that suggest about repentance? In other words is repentance something we can just decide to do in our own strength? Clearly that is not the picture Peter paints. Instead he is teaching that repentance is a gift from God (cf 2 Ti 2:25+, Ro 2:4+). Of course, we still need to respond to this gift and repent! This is the mystery of God's sovereignty and man's free will. Frank Stagg, New Testament Theology, p. 119 says "Men cannot achieve but only receive repentance, yet they must receive it. By faith a man receives Christ into his innermost person; and Christ, as a transforming presence reverses the course of that life from self-trust to trust in God, from self-assertion to self-denial. This conversion is the reversal of the Fall, in which man sought to find the whole meaning of his existence within himself.”" (Quoted by Bob Utley)
Atos 5
Utley - Obedience is a lifestyle choice! We must obey by believing the gospel. We must continue in obedience to enjoy its fruits (cf. Luke 6:46)(= ED: “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do [present tense = as your lifestyle or habitual practice] what I say?"). Obey (3980)(peitharcheo from peitho = to obey + arche = rule, authority) means to obey one in authority. In Acts 27:21 Paul reminds the shipwrecked mariners that they should have given heed to or obeyed his counsel. Peter uses this verb twice in his speech both times referring to obedience to God (Acts 5:29, 32). The only other NT use is Titus 3:1+ where Paul instructs Titus to "Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, (present tense) to be ready for every good deed."
Atos 5
Utley - It is surprising to modern Bible readers that religious leaders could plan murder. Remember these were Sadducees committed to the writings of Moses, which commanded that a blasphemer must be stoned to death. These leaders thought they were acting on God’s behalf and in conformity to His word (cf. Lev. 24:10–16). Acts 5:34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. KJV Acts 5:34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; But a Pharisee Acts 23:7-9; Ps 76:10; John 7:50-53 a teacher of the Law Luke 2:46; 5:17 gave orders to put the men outside for a short time Acts 4:15 Acts 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DIVINE DELIVERANCE BY A MAN What is happening in this section (Acts 5:35-39) where the Spirit is allowing an unregenerate man to give a lengthy speech? Let's ask it this way -- what was the likely fate of the 12 apostles, those men who had seen Jesus alive after His resurrection? Death, probably death by stoning or death at the hands of the Romans, but either way an event that would bring a sudden end to the infant church as all the leaders were snuffed out! So what does the sovereign, in control God do? He raises up a "Cyrus like" figure (who allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the Holy Temple - Ezra 1:1-2ff), a "King Artaxeres like" figure (who allowed Nehemiah to return and rebuild the wall around the Holy City - Neh 2:1-7,8), a man named Gamaliel who did not believe in Jesus. God used this man to deliver His apostles from almost certain execution. Why? Because God was not finished with them! He would use them to build His Church and when their job was accomplished, He would call them home (See David Guzik's summary of how the apostles died as recorded in secular writings). And beloved, God will use you to build His Church until your work is accomplished. That may mean He sends a "Gamaliel" in your life to deliver you, for our God is able to do whatever He desires in order to fulfill His good and acceptable and perfect will! Remember that our God is always behind the scenes and always controls the scenes He is behind. Life Application Bible Commentary adds that "God used Gamaliel, a Pharisee and respected member of the Jewish community, to help free the apostles. This has always been a fascinating strategy of God. He often has used the most unlikely sources to help his people or to get his message across. For Joseph, he used Pharaoh; with Nehemiah, he used Artaxerxes; with Daniel, God used Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, and Darius; for the Jews to return to their homeland, he used Cyrus of Persia. Proverbs 21:1 says, "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases" (niv). Elsewhere, the Old Testament records God using rebels, adulterers, thieves, and even a donkey to get his message across. (Life Application Bible Commentary – Acts) But - This term of contrast is no "minor" but, but a but that serves to buttress (so to speak) the lives and ministry of the apostles! The last two words in the preceding Greek text are "anelein autous" translated "to kill them!" BUT...God's will and way and power trumped and triumphed over men's menacing machinations! It always does beloved. Dear follower of Jesus, be encouraged that regardless of whatever "Sinister Sanhedrin" comes against you seeking to oppress, depress or destroy you, remember that God allowed it and God is able to deliver you from it! Amen and amen! Be encouraged as you meditate on this truth and listen to Chris Tomlin's song "Our God is Greater!" Water You turned into wine Opened the eyes of the blind There's no one like you None like you Into the darkness You shine Out of the ashes we rise There`s No one like you None like you Our God is greater, our God is stronger God You are higher than any other Our God is Healer, awesome in power Our God, Our God A Pharisee named Gamaliel - This is interesting because the high priests were Sadducees and many if not most of the members of the Sanhedrin were Sadducees. Pharisees and Sadducees did not usually get along, but here there clearly was an exception, presumably because Gamaliel was so highly respected. It is also fascinating that here God uses a Pharisee named Gamaliel to save His apostles, whereas in Acts 9:1 (Acts 22:4) He allowed a Pharisee named Saul to slaughter the saints! And the further irony is that this same Saul was educated under this same Gamaliel! (Acts 22:3) God's ways are higher than our ways! (Isa 55:9). The Mishnah helps us understand why Gamaliel standing and speaking would exert such persuasive power on the hard hearts of the stiff-necked Sanhedrin... “Since Rabban Gamaliel the elder died there has been no more reverence for the law; and purity and abstinence died out at the same time.” (Sotah 9:15) Related Resources: Who was Gamaliel in the Bible? Gamaliel - Wikipedia Pharisee (5330)(pharisaios) is transliterated from the Hebrew parash (06567 - to separate) from Aramaic word peras (06537) ("Peres" in Da 5:28-note), signifying to separate, owing to a different manner of life from that of the general public. (See more detailed notes from William Barclay) (See also Utley's note below) Teacher of the Law (3547)(nomodidaskalos from nomos = law + didaskalos = teacher) literally meant a teacher of the Jewish law. The nomodidaskalos is equal to lawyers (nomikós 3544), and scribes (grammateús), the very term Luke uses to describe these men in Lk 5:21 indicating they were interchangeable terms. Used 3 times in Scripture - Lk. 5:17; Acts 5:34 ("Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law"). Paul's use of nomodidaskalos in 1 Ti 1:7 describes men who were not concerned about truly learning the law, or knowing God but were corrupting the doctrine of the church by illegitimately using the Law of Moses. In other words they desired the kind of prestige accorded rabbis in Judaism, only they sought this prestige within the church. They were like the Pharisees denounced by Jesus, describing those who desired to be "called Rabbi by men."(Mt 23:7). Bock adds that "They functioned like religious parliamentarians for the sect and were Pharisees themselves. The Pharisees were a strict movement that had little popular appeal, but they held much influence in key places." MacArthur on nomodidaskalos, teacher of the law. - Also called lawyers (Lk 7:30; 10:25; 11:45, 46, 52; 14:3; Matt. 22:35) and most commonly scribes (sixty-three times in the New Testament), they were professional scholars specializing in the interpretation and application of the law. They were commonly, but not exclusively, Pharisees (though distinguished from them by being mentioned separately; Lk 5:21, 30; 6:7; 11:53; 15:2; Matt. 5:20; 12:38; 15:1; 23:2, 13, 14, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29; Mark 7:1, 5; John 8:3; Mark 2:16 refers to “the scribes of the Pharisees,” and Acts 23:9 to “the scribes of the Pharisaic party”). Such scribes were also honored by being called rabbis (“great ones”), though others who taught the Word of God might also receive that title (cf. John 1:38, 49; 3:2; 6:25, where it is given to Jesus). (Ibid) Respected by all the people - People is laos which gives us our words lay people (those not belonging to the clergy) and laity. Respected (5093)(timios literally speaks of things which are costly, precious or valuable (Re 17:4-note) or of persons who are "precious" and thus are highly regarded, esteemed or honored (Acts 5:34, 17:34). Stood up in the Council - He stood up to speak to the Council (sunedrion). And gave orders to put the men outside for a short time - This reminds us of when the jury retires for deliberations on a murder case, in this case the defendants were also the potential victims of the verdict. But as is often the case in jury panels, there is a foreman, but there is also often a person who is very persuasive who tries to convince the jury members one direction or the other. Gamaliel was that person in this deliberation. Gave orders (Commanded) (2753)(keleuo) means to set in motion, urge on. In the NT, used generally with the meaning of to command, order something to be done. Louw-Nida - "to state with force and/or authority what others must do."
Atos 5
Utley - This was not the same as the Roman flogging (mastix, cf. Acts 22:24–25), which Jesus endured. This referred to the Jewish beating with rods (cf. Deut. 25:3; i.e. derō, Luke 12:47–48; 20:10–11; 22:63). It was very painful, but not life-threatening. Moody Bible Commentary - Jewish flogging was done with leather whips (see pix) . They gave 13 lashes on the chest and 26 on the back for a total of 39 lashes (40 minus one).
Atos 5
Utley on suffering - Jesus plainly said that His followers would suffer. Please read Matt. 5:10–12; Jn 15:18–21; 16:1–2; 17:14; Acts 14:22; Ro 5:3–4; 8:17; 2 Cor. 4:16–18; Phil. 1:29; 1 Th 3:3; 2 Tim. 3:12; Jas 1:2–4. Also notice how in First Peter Jesus’ suffering (cf. 1 Peter 1:11; 2:21, 23; 3:18; 4:1, 13; 5:1) is to be emulated by His followers (cf. 1 Peter 1:6–7; 2:19; 3:13–17; 4:1, 12–19; 5:9–10). Related Resource: What does the Bible say about suffering? Is suffering for Christ always going to be a part of being a follower of Christ? What does the Bible say about affliction? PRAISE GOD FOR PERSECUTION - Have you ever thought of persecution as a blessing, as something worth rejoicing about? This beating suffered by Peter and John was the first time any of the apostles had been physically abused for their faith. These men knew how Jesus had suffered, and they praised God that he had allowed them to be persecuted like their Lord. If you are mocked or persecuted for your faith, it isn't because you're doing something wrong but because God has counted you "worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name." So don't resent opposition, but regard it as a sign that you have been faithful to Christ. (Life Application Bible Commentary – Acts) THE PRIVILEGE OF SUFFERING It is an honor and a privilege to suffer with Christ and be treated by the world the way it treated Him. "The fellowship of His sufferings" is a gift from God (Phil. 1:29; 3:10). Not every believer grows to the point where God can trust him with this kind of experience, so we ought to rejoice when the privilege comes to us (Acts 5:41). Christ is with us in the furnace of persecution. When the three Hebrew children were cast into the fiery furnace, they discovered they were not alone (Dan. 3:23-25). The Lord was with Paul in all of his trials, and He promises to be with us "to the very end of the age" (Matt. 28:20). In fact, when sinners persecute us, they are really persecuting Jesus Christ (Acts 9:4). "Suffering" and "glory" are twin truths that are woven into the fabric of Peter's letter. The world believes that the absence of suffering means glory, but a Christian's outlook is different. The trial of our faith today is the assurance of glory when Jesus returns (1 Peter 1:7-8). This was the experience of our Lord (5:1), and it shall also be our experience. (BORROW Pause for Power - Warren Wiersbe) The Joy of Suffering for Christ - Guy de Brez, a French minister, was prisoner in the Castle of Tournay, in Belgium. A lady who visited him said she wondered how he could eat, or drink, or sleep in quiet. "Madam," said he, "my chains neither terrify me nor break my sleep; on the contrary, I glory and take delight therein, esteeming them at a higher rate than chains and rings of gold, or jewels of any price whatever. The rattling of my chains is like the effect of an instrument of music in my ears — not that such an effect comes merely from my chains, but it is because I am bound therewith for maintaining the truth of the gospel." Bridges Of Grace Read: Acts 5:33-42 They departed . . . , rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. —Acts 5:41 Imagine for a moment that you are driving through the desert in Southern California and you see the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge spanning the dried-up bed of “Three Frogs Creek” on the outskirts of “Turtle Soup Junction.” What a ridiculous sight that would be! So too, the Lord never displays His power and grace at an inappropriate time or place, but He always provides according to the difficulty of the hour. He does not impart strength until it is needed. We shudder when we think of what some of God’s children are enduring because of their faithfulness to the Savior. Many have chosen the path of intense suffering rather than following the line of least resistance. I wonder, would we do the same? Of course, the Lord does not ask us to make such a commitment before it is necessary. And we can be sure that when we “suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29), He will provide whatever we need to endure the pain. As servants of Christ, we can take one step at a time and be confident that whether we come to a dried-up gulch or a surging river, the Lord’s bridges of grace will be just right to allow us safe passage to the other side. Each day God sends His loving aid To strengthen you and me; We need to use today's supply And let tomorrow be. —Anon. God gives enough grace for each trial we face. Unpopular Cause - Those first believers turned to Christ with the full understanding that they were espousing an unpopular cause that could cost them everything. Shortly after Pentecost some were jailed, many lost all their earthly goods, a few were slain, hundreds were ‘scattered abroad.’ They could have escaped all this by the simple expedient of denying their faith and turning back to the world. This they steadfastly refused to do. To make converts, we are tempted to play down the difficulties and play up the peace of mind and worldly success enjoyed by those who accept Christ. We will never be completely honest with our hearers until we tell them the blunt truth that, as members of a race of moral rebels, they are in a serious jam, and one they will not get out of easily. If they refuse to repent and believe on Christ, they will most surely perish. If they do turn to Him, the same enemies that crucified Him will try to crucify them. (A. W. Tozer) Counted Worthy This weighty burden thou dost bear, This heavy cross, It is a gift the Lord bestows, And not a loss; It is a trust that He commits Unto thy care, A precious lesson He has deigned With thee to share. Rejoice that He so honors thee And so esteems Of highest worth; the crown of thorns With Him to wear, And all the suffering of that crown With Him to bear, That by and by His glory, too, With Him thou’lt share. - Annie Johnson Flint Acts 5:42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. KJV Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. And every day Acts 5:20,21; 2:46; 3:1,2-10; Luke 21:37; 22:53; 2 Timothy 4:2 in the temple and from house to house Acts 20:20 they kept right on Acts 4:20,29; 2 Samuel 6:22; Ro 1:15,16; Gal 6:14 teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ Acts 8:5,35; 9:20; 17:3; 1 Cor 2:2; Eph 4:20,21 Acts 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TESTIFYING EVERY DAY IN EVERY PLACE JESUS IS THE MESSIAH This is an interesting description because it is the very same activity that the Sanhedrin had ordered them to cease and it the same activity for which the Sanhedrin had them arrested. But here the Sanhedrin do not have them arrested! Why not? I am not sure, but ultimately I believe God's sovereign plan was to grow His Church through the apostles teaching and preaching and it follows that they would have experienced His hand of blessing and protection. Indeed, we see the fruit of their labors in Acts 6:7+ because "the number of the disciples (BELIEVERS) continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith." The heat had been turned up against the apostles witnessing for Jesus, but the result was that it was only "spreading the fire!" And every day - "Day after day" (NIV). NAB paraphrases it "all day long." This speaks of zeal and perseverance. The apostles redeemed the time! When time on earth is finite and eternity is forever, saints created for eternity must redeem their short time on earth! Are you living each day for Jesus, living it with the solemnity that it could be your last. Jonathan Edwards America's greatest theologian understood the brevity of time in view of eternity and even as a young man wrote "Resolved: Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can. Resolved: to live with all my might while I do live." Beloved, time that is past you can never recall, Of time to come, you are not sure at all; Only the present is now in your power, Therefore, redeem and improve every hour.