Atos 19
Steven Cole · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 19
Cole - But since they were disciples of John the Baptist, and since John clearly taught that the Messiah would baptize His followers with the Holy Spirit (Lu 3:16+), probably they meant that they had not heard that the Holy Spirit had been given in the sense that John had predicted.....These men believed in the message of John the Baptist, but they had not heard how Jesus had fulfilled John’s preaching. Even though Luke calls them “disciples” (Acts 19:1), it is clear that they were not disciples of Jesus. (COLE AGREES WITH MACARTHUR ABOVE) In a similar way, there are many in evangelical churches today who believe in God, and perhaps even believe in Jesus in some general sort of way, but who are not truly saved. If you asked them, “Are you a Christian?” they would answer, “Of course I am! I’m not a Hindu or an atheist!” But in spite of their answer, they are not truly saved. How can you tell? One way is to look for signs of spiritual life. We are not told why Paul asked them whether they received the Holy Spirit when they believed, but probably he sensed that something didn’t quite seem right. Maybe they didn’t understand spiritual truth as he talked about it (1 Cor. 2:14+). Maybe the fruit of the Spirit was not evident in their attitudes and behavior (Gal. 5:22-23+). But Paul sensed something that led him to ask a diagnostic question to determine where these men were really at spiritually: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” (The KJV translation, “since you believed,” is in error.) Sometimes you will be talking with someone who claims to believe in Christ and who has been in the church for years, but you sense that something isn’t right. The two diagnostic questions that Evangelism Explosion uses are excellent tools to determine where the person is at spiritually: “Do you know for sure that when you die you will be with God in heaven?” And, “If God were to ask you, ‘Why should I let you into My heaven?’ what would you say?” Their answers will reveal what they are trusting in for eternal life. A person must believe that Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully man, paid the penalty for sin that we deserve when He died on the cross. And that person must personally receive God’s gift of eternal life by trusting in what Christ did for him on the cross. Any trust in human goodness, even if coupled with faith in Christ, reveals that the person does not understand the gospel and has not trusted in Christ alone for salvation. (Evangelizing, Empowering, and Equipping Acts 19:1-10) Jack Arnold introduces his sermon on Acts 19 - Every Christian has, or will, come into contact with so-called charismatic Christians who teach that it is possible to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation at one point of one’s Christian experience and then, at a later point in one's Christian experience, it is possible to receive the Holy Spirit for sanctification. The people who hold this kind of theology are called Pentecostals, Holiness or Charismatics. They claim that sometime after initial salvation one must have an experience with the Holy Spirit to have power to live the Christian life. This experience after conversion is sometimes referred to as the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the second blessing or the second work of grace, and for most, this experience is accompanied by the manifestation of the charismatic gifts with special emphasis upon the speaking in tongues, which for them are unknown, heavenly languages of praise to God. They believe that this second experience with the Holy Spirit comes when one is fully surrendered and totally yielded to God. It is grossly unfair on my part to try to classify charismatics, for they range all the way from snake handlers to the most dignified and cultured Christians. Among charismatics themselves, there is a wide difference of opinion as to what the Bible teaches on this encounter with the Holy Spirit and the speaking in tongues. Some think that one must speak in tongues to evidence salvation, for it is tongues that proves one has the Holy Spirit. Still others would not go so far but they would say that speaking in tongues is necessary to evidence one is truly Spirit-filled. Still others, who are more biblical, see tongues as just one of the spiritual gifts in the church and some have the gift of tongues and some do not. Charismatics, as a whole, are very difficult to talk to once they have had the so-called tongues experience, for once one has experienced something subjectively, it is difficult to be objective. What we must do with our charismatic brethren is to bring their experience of tongues and their theology surrounding this experience to the touchstone of Scripture. Charismatics, for the most parts are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our task is not to berate, mock or shun them but to love them and help to examine the Scriptures on tongues so as to get biblical perspective on this subject. Once a charismatic sees what the Bible teaches, then his fanaticism over tongues will leave (even though he may not give up the use of the gift as he understands it) and he will become balanced, more biblical, and more loving and understanding towards the rest of the body of Christ who have not experienced what he thinks is the biblical gift of tongues. (Saved But Lacking - Acts 19:1-7) Acts 19:3 And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" And they said, "Into John's baptism." NET Acts 19:3 So Paul said, "Into what then were you baptized?" "Into John's baptism," they replied. GNT Acts 19:3 εἶπέν τε, Εἰς τί οὖν ἐβαπτίσθητε; οἱ δὲ εἶπαν, Εἰς τὸ Ἰωάννου βάπτισμα. NLT Acts 19:3 "Then what baptism did you experience?" he asked.And they replied, "The baptism of John." KJV Acts 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. ESV Acts 19:3 And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptism." ASV Acts 19:3 And he said, Into what then were ye baptized? And they said, Into John's baptism. CSB Acts 19:3 "Then what baptism were you baptized with?" he asked them. "With John's baptism," they replied. NIV Acts 19:3 So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. NKJ Acts 19:3 And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism." NRS Acts 19:3 Then he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They answered, "Into John's baptism." YLT Acts 19:3 and he said unto them, 'To what, then, were ye baptized?' and they said, 'To John's baptism.' Into what: Mt 28:19 1Co 12:13 Into John's: Ac 18:25 Mt 3:1-17 Lu 3:1-38 Acts 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JOHN'S BAPTISM And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" - "Then what baptism did you experience?" (NLT) And they said, "Into John's baptism." - This simply affirms that they were disciples of John the Baptist, which is fascinating for John had been beheaded almost 25 years earlier. As an aside this is the last mention of John the Baptist in the NT. John's baptism was one of preparation for Jesus' coming as Bock describes in more detail below. They had progressed no further than the ministry of John the Baptist. In that sense they were similar to Apollos for Luke had recorded he was "acquainted only with the baptism of John." (Acts 18:25+). Swindoll - Like Apollos, they had responded to the repentance invitation of John the Baptizer (Acts 19:3), and they anticipated the Messiah as John had indicated; but while Apollos had been instructed in “the Way” (Acts 18:25; cf. Acts 9:2), these people knew nothing about Jesus Christ. Whereas Apollos was “teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus” (Acts 18:25) and then was instructed “more accurately” (Acts 18:26), Paul introduced Christ to these disciples for the first time. (Ibid) Darrell Bock on John's baptism - John’s baptism is unique to him and is grounded in his prophetic office. It is a call to commitment and includes a recognition that God is coming. It is neither the washing of a separated covenant community (Qumran) nor an initiatory rite (Gentile proselytes). Unlike traditional Judaism, it is not a religious act related to bringing sacrifices. Rather, it is an affirmation, a washing that looks with hope for God’s (Ed: Messiah's) coming and lives in light of one’s relationship to Him (regarding this future looking and living see Bock's note below on meaning of forgiveness of sins associated with John's baptism as recorded in Luke 3:3+). This attitude is much like the NT emphasis on a life of faith. (Baker Exegetical Commentary - Luke). (See more detailed explanation in Bock's note below). Baptized (907)(baptizo from bapto = cover wholly with a fluid; stain or dip as with dye; used of the smith tempering the red-hot steel, used of dyeing the hair; of a ship that "dipped" = sank) has a literal and a figurative meaning in the NT. The literal meaning is to submerge, to dip or immerse as in water. Baptism (908)(baptisma from bapto = dip as in dye to color) is the result of the act of dipping, plunging, immersing, washing. something or someone. The suffix -ma indicates the result of dipping or sinking or baptizing while baptismos is the act of baptizing. Related Resource: What are the seven baptisms mentioned in the Bible, and what do they mean? Question: "What was the meaning and importance of the baptism of John the Baptist?" Answer: Though today the word baptism generally evokes thoughts of identifying with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, baptism did not begin with Christians. For years before Christ, the Jews had used baptism in ritual cleansing ceremonies of Gentile proselytes. John the Baptist took baptism and applied it to the Jews themselves—it wasn’t just the Gentiles who needed (SPIRITUAL) cleansing. Many believed John’s message and were baptized by him (Matthew 3:5–6+). The baptisms John performed had a specific purpose. In Matthew 3:11+, John the Baptist mentions the purpose of his baptisms: “I baptize you with water for repentance.” Paul affirms this in Acts 19:4: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” John’s baptism had to do with repentance—it was a symbolic representation of changing one’s mind and going a new direction. “Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River” (Matthew 3:6+). Being baptized by John demonstrated a recognition of one’s sin, a desire for spiritual cleansing, and a commitment to follow God’s law in anticipation of the Messiah’s arrival. There were some, like the Pharisees, who came to the Jordan to observe John’s ministry but who had no desire to step into the water themselves. John rebuked them sternly: “When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance’” (Matthew 3:7–8+). Even the religious leaders needed to repent of their sin, although they saw no need of it. Christian baptism today also symbolizes repentance, cleansing, and commitment, but Jesus has given it a different emphasis. Christian baptism is a mark of one’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. It is representative of a cleansing that is complete and a commitment that is the natural response of one who has been made new. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross completely washes away our sins, and we are raised to new life empowered by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Romans 6:1–11). With John’s baptism, a person repented of sin and was therefore ready to place his faith in Jesus Christ. John’s baptism foreshadowed what Jesus would accomplish, much as the Old Testament sacrificial system did (ED: Think of all the OT sacrifices, festivals, Day of Atonement, furnishings in the Tabernacle as like a "Divine Index Finger" pointing the Jews to the coming Messiah). John prepared the way for Christ by calling people to acknowledge their sin and their need for salvation. His baptism was a purification ceremony meant to ready the peoples’ hearts to receive their Savior. (from Gotquestions.org, a trustworthy site for sound doctrine) Matt Slick has an interesting thought regarding why Jesus received the baptism of John asking "Have you ever wondered why Jesus was baptized into John's baptism of repentance? Some say it was to identify with us; there is much truth in that. Others say it was to be an example; there is also much truth there, too. Probably the main reason that Jesus was baptized was because it was at His baptism that He began His ministry and entered into the Melchizedek priesthood so He could become the High Priest and be the Holy Sacrifice. Amos 3:7 "Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets." Exodus 29:1,4-7 "This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so they may serve me as priests:... (after offering a blood sacrifice) 4 Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. 5 Take the garments and dress Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself and the breast piece. Fasten the ephod on him by its skillfully woven waistband. 6 Put the turban on his head and attach the sacred diadem to the turban. 7 Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head" (NIV). Numbers 4:3 "Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work in the Tent of Meeting" (NIV). So Jesus was probably 30 years old when He began His ministry (ED: Lk 3:23+) . (Carm.org Reference) Related Resources: Why was Jesus baptized? Why was Jesus' baptism important? Is baptism necessary for salvation? Does 1 Peter 3:21 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? Does Galatians 3:27 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? Does the Bible teach believer's baptism/credobaptism? Does John 3:5 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? What does the Bible say about infant baptism / paedobaptism? Does Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? Acts 19:4 Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus." NET Acts 19:4 Paul said, "John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus." GNT Acts 19:4 εἶπεν δὲ Παῦλος, Ἰωάννης ἐβάπτισεν βάπτισμα μετανοίας τῷ λαῷ λέγων εἰς τὸν ἐρχόμενον μετ᾽ αὐτὸν ἵνα πιστεύσωσιν, τοῦτ᾽ ἔστιν εἰς τὸν Ἰησοῦν. NLT Acts 19:4 Paul said, "John's baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus." KJV Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. ESV Acts 19:4 And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus." ASV Acts 19:4 And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on him that should come after him, that is, on Jesus. CSB Acts 19:4 Paul said, "John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the One who would come after him, that is, in Jesus." NIV Acts 19:4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." NKJ Acts 19:4 Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." NRS Acts 19:4 Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus." YLT Acts 19:4 And Paul said, 'John, indeed, did baptize with a baptism of reformation, saying to the people that in him who is coming after him they should believe -- that is, in the Christ -- Jesus;' John baptized: Ac 1:5 Acts 11:16 Acts 13:23-25 Mt 3:11,12 11:3-5 21:25-32 Mk 1:1-12 Lu 1:76-79 3:16-18 Joh 1:15,27,29-34 3:28-36 5:33-35 Acts 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JOHN'S BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE Luke has mentioned the baptism of John three times in earlier chapters... Acts 1:5+ for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Acts 11:16+ “And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ Acts 13:23-25+ “From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, 24 after John had proclaimed before His coming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 “And while John was completing his course, he kept saying, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not He. But behold, one is coming after me the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’ Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance - As noted John's baptism was as a forerunner to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. John's "baptism" was like an index finger pointing to the coming of Messiah. Luke records that John was "To give to His people the knowledge of salvation By the forgiveness of their sins." (Lk 1:77+). Repentance (3341)(metanoia from meta = after + noéo = to understand) literally means "afterthought" or "to think after" and implies a change of mind. From the NT uses, it is clear that metanoia means much more than merely a change of mind but also includes a complete change of heart attitude and a result a full "about face" change in direction of one's life. This is Mark's only use of metanoia, but he has 2 uses of the verb metanoeo (Mk 1:15+, Mk 6:12+). While John's baptism of repentance does not necessarily indicate that all who were baptized also genuinely believed in the Messiah, clearly metanoia is part of conversion for Jesus' teaches I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (metanoeo), than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance (metanoia). (Luke 15:7+) Bishop Ryle offers this descriptive definition of repentance - Repentance is a thorough change of man's natural heart, upon the subject of sin. We are all born in sin. We naturally love sin. We take to sin, as soon as we can act and think—just as the bird takes to flying, and the fish takes to swimming. There never was a child that required schooling or education in order to learn deceitfulness, selfishness, passion, self-will, gluttony, pride, and foolishness. These things are not picked up from bad companions, or gradually learned by a long course of tedious instruction. They spring up of themselves, even when boys and girls are brought up alone. The seeds of them are evidently the natural product of the heart. The aptitude of all children to these evil things is an unanswerable proof of the corruption and fall of man. Now when this heart of ours is changed by the Holy Spirit, when this natural love of sin is cast out, then takes place that change which the Word of God calls "repentance." The man in whom the change is wrought is said to "repent." (Repentance) One of the best illustrations of genuine repentance is found in Paul's description of the saints at Thessalonica… For they themselves (other believers in Macedonia and Achaia) report about us (Paul, Silvanus and Timothy) what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come. (1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1:10-See notes 1Th 1:9; 1:10) In Acts 20:21+ Paul declares that he was "solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. C H
Atos 19
Cole adds "While sometimes God uses miracles to bring unbelievers to faith (Ac 13:6-12), that is not the general rule. The gospel is the power of God for salvation to all who believe (Ro 1:16). God uses the foolishness of the preaching of the cross to save souls (1Co 1:18). We should stay focused on God’s Word and the gospel, rather than get distracted by signs and wonders. Acts 19:18 Many also of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices NICNT Many of those who believed also came and made confession, divulging their spells. NET Acts 19:18 Many of those who had believed came forward, confessing and making their deeds known. GNT Acts 19:18 πολλοί τε τῶν πεπιστευκότων ἤρχοντο ἐξομολογούμενοι καὶ ἀναγγέλλοντες τὰς πράξεις αὐτῶν. NLT Acts 19:18 Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. KJV Acts 19:18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. ESV Acts 19:18 Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. ASV Acts 19:18 Many also of them that had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds. CSB Acts 19:18 And many who had become believers came confessing and disclosing their practices, NIV Acts 19:18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. NKJ Acts 19:18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. NRS Acts 19:18 Also many of those who became believers confessed and disclosed their practices. YLT Acts 19:18 many also of those who did believe were coming, confessing and declaring their acts, confessing: Lev 16:21 26:40 Job 33:27,28 Ps 32:5 Pr 28:13 Jer 3:13 Eze 16:63 36:31 Mt 3:6 Ro 10:10 1Jn 1:9 Acts 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE RESULT OF THE NAME OF JESUS BEING MAGNIFIED A reverential fear in the believers as a result of the powerful Name of Jesus caused them to realize the nothingness of their superstitious magical arts and objects. Conviction of their consciences resulted in them coming and confessing.
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Cole - I have never been caught in the midst of a riot, much less been the target of one. But I have read of Hudson and Maria Taylor’s harrowing experience in Yangchow, China, when an angry, drunk mob attacked their house and tried to set fire to it, and it doesn’t sound enjoyable (see Roger Steer, J. Hudson Taylor [OMF], pp. 217-224)! Somehow God miraculously spared them and their children from permanent injury and death, although Maria, who was six months pregnant, had to jump out of a second story window to escape. If you’ve never read the story of Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission, you are lacking a profound spiritual experience! Related Resources: Audio of Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret(10 youtube videos) Book - Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret (Another source) Cole concludes by asking some probing questions - Have we burned our idols and cut off our ties with our old life of sin? Surveys show that those who profess to be evangelical Christians watch the same amount of TV and the same TV shows as the population at large. What if all who profess to know Christ stopped watching the filthy TV shows and spent the time studying their Bibles? What if Christians refused to go to or rent questionable movies or videos? Would Hollywood feel the loss of business? What if Christian young people kept themselves morally pure until marriage? What if Christians who were married kept their marriage vows and worked through their problems rather than get divorced? (There is currently no difference in divorce statistics between Christians and the general public.) What if Christians stopped squandering their wealth on frivolous toys and luxurious living and started living and giving sacrificially toward world missions?Would these things impact our culture? Would unbelievers begin to see the effects of the gospel in our lives and be convicted of their sins? Would the Way of Jesus Christ begin to cause no small disturbance in the United States? Jack Arnold introduces his sermon on this section of Acts describing pagan persecution of the powerful effects of the Gospel - How have our lives changed the world we live in? God in His providence has caused each one of us to live in the western culture, and the American culture in particular. How have we changed our culture? We know that Christ not only changes lives, but Christ also changes culture. When Christ saves a man or woman, a person begins to develop a Christian world-life viewpoint, and this Christian philosophy begins to make an impact upon our atheistic, materialistic and humanistic society. Since Christ lives in us, how have we affected the world we live in? Christ changes culture so as to make a culture face Christ realistically. Christ changes culture by first changing men on the inside who begin to live for Christ and operate on. a biblical morality based on absolutes. Men and women, with Christ in their lives, begin to affect society in the area of politics, law, economics, music, morality, art and even religion. Christ's philosophy is in opposition to the world’s philosophy and there is often open conflict between the forces of darkness and the forces of light. Christianity is revolutionary and it is a very dangerous faith. If you do not think so, you have not yet begun to live it. Someone has said that a Christian is one who is completely fearless, continually cheerful and constantly in trouble. Let us remember it is Christ’s desire that Christians should shape, mold and make an impact on culture, and that godless, humanistic culture should not mold Christians. (Sermon) Acts 19:24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business to the craftsmen; NET Acts 19:24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought a great deal of business to the craftsmen. GNT Acts 19:24 Δημήτριος γάρ τις ὀνόματι, ἀργυροκόπος, ποιῶν ναοὺς ἀργυροῦς Ἀρτέμιδος παρείχετο τοῖς τεχνίταις οὐκ ὀλίγην ἐργασίαν, NLT Acts 19:24 It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. He kept many craftsmen busy. KJV Acts 19:24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; ESV Acts 19:24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. ASV Acts 19:24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no little business unto the craftsmen; CSB Acts 19:24 For a person named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided a great deal of business for the craftsmen. NIV Acts 19:24 A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in no little business for the craftsmen. NKJ Acts 19:24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. NRS Acts 19:24 A man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the artisans. YLT Acts 19:24 for a certain one, Demetrius by name, a worker in silver, making silver sanctuaries of Artemis, was bringing to the artificers gain not a little, who made silver shrines of Artemis (Diana) - Ac 19:27,28,34,35 was bringing no little business to the craftsmen - Ac 16:16 Isa 56:11,12 1Ti 6:9,10 Acts 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries IDOLATRY WAS BIG BUSINESS IN EPHESUS For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis - In other words, Demetrius was a maker of idols (cf 1 Co 10:19-20, Dt 32:31). Luke's use of naos (below) indicates these "shrines" likely included replicas of the huge temple just outside the city of Ephesus, where the statue of Artemis was situated. As Demetrius was a common name there is little likelihood that this was the same man mentioned by John whose character seems to be the antithesis of this Ephesian idol maker - "Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true." (3 John 12) Shrines (3485)(naos) in the Greek culture denoted the "abode of the gods" and was used to refer to a literal structure or building associated with, dedicated to and set apart to be a dwelling place for a deity. either pagan gods like Artemis (cf Acts 17:24) which are counterfeits of the true God (Mt 23:16). Naos describes the place where a deity was worshipped (cp Zacharias ministering to God in Lk 1:9). So you can picture the pagans carrying around these little shrines and placing them in their homes and offering them as votive (think "vow") offerings in her Temple. Things have not changed much -- we have many today who practice "religion" through use us religious shrines and rituals. How sad when the writer of Hebrews says that we don't need shrines, we simply need to enter boldly by faith into the sanctuary! Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, (Hebrews 10:19-20+) And Paul affirms our access to the Holy of holies... Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. (Ro 5:1-2+) Artemis -
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Cole - People oppose the gospel because Satan has blinded them and the gospel confronts their sin; but God rules over all. When the church effectively spreads the gospel, Satan will arouse opposition.
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Cole writes "I could not find the exact quote, but T. W. Manson once said something like, “These early disciples were completely fearless, outrageously happy, and constantly in trouble.” This story makes me ask, “Am I doing anything significant enough on behalf of God’s kingdom to stir up the enemy’s opposition?” I realize that God sometimes grants the church times of peace (Ac 9:31). I also realize that the freedom of religion in our country assures us a certain amount of protection from persecution. But I also think that we should ponder G. Campbell Morgan’s words (below in bold font). G Campbell