ACTS 20 17-38

Luke wrote “of the things fulfilled among us” paraphrased  [ ] ref  { } thots

     Book of the Acts of the First Believers

17 - When they stopped at Miletus Paul went ashore and sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church, 18 and when they came, he said to them, “You know how I lived among you the whole time [for three years] from the first day I set foot in Asia. 19 By serving the Lord in humility, with sorrows and trials that happened to me through the plots of the {political, supposed to be spiritual} leaders. 20 But I didn’t shrink from proclaiming to you anything that was of benefit. Teaching you both in public, and from house to house. 21 I testified to both Hebrews and Greeks, the repentance [metanoia - a change of mind, change in the inner person, repentance] toward God, and of faith in our Lord Jesus.”

     22 “And now, I’m going to Jerusalem, bound by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except the Holy Spirit has testified to me in every city that imprisonment and affliction awaits me. 24 But! I don’t account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course, the mission I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify and proclaim the gospel of the grace of God.”

     25 “And now I know that none of you to whom I have gone about testifying of the kingdom, will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all. 27 I didn’t shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God, 28 so pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Take care of the church of God, which he obtained with his own sufferings. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 And also, from among you yourselves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away disciples, into following them.

     31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years, with all my heart, I didn’t cease night and day to teach and warn each one of you. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and give you the inheritance - among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands worked for my necessities and of those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

     36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them. 37 And there was much weeping on the part of everyone. And they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 being sorrowful most of all because he had said they wouldn’t see him again. And they accompanied him back to the ship.

Next - 21:1-25

 Luke wrote “of the things fulfilled among us” paraphrased  [ ] ref  { } thots

                                  𓂃 ོ✝︎𓂃

     Book of the Acts of the First Believers

(For a brief summary of Paul’s journeys thus far, scroll down.)

     1 - When the uproar (in Ephesis) was over, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and left for Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through there and given much encouragement, he came to Greece. 3 There he spent three months, and as he was about to set sail for Syria, he heard a plot was made against him, so he decided to return through Macedonia instead.

     4 Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him. Also Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius and Timothy of Derbe, and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These went on ahead of us, and were waiting for us at Troas (Luke, the author, with them, like in most of chapter 16) 6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread. [The two days, and the whole week, were referred to as both Passover and Unleavened Bread.]

     {Easter Lesson, I tried to be brief, but clear - Each day - Passover and Unleavened Bread Day(s) and the whole week was referred to as both Passover and Unleavened Bread. This is why how-very-perfectly Jesus’ 1st brief advent fulfilled the ancient Spring holy days (of Leviticus 23) is often overlooked.

     Another reason is, there are three Sabbaths (no work days) of the week, so there’s also three preparation days for them. And each new day begins at sunset, rather than midnight.

     Passover is a moveable - as to the day of the week - holy day, 1st Unleavened Bread Day is the day after Passover. Nisan 14 and 15, full moon days of the first (Hebrew calenar) month.

     Jesus was executed on Passover. Then as the sun was setting - Passover was ending, and Unleavened Bread Day was beginning - he was put “into the grave” where, as he had said, he was for “three days and nights”. (2Pet.2:5 answers 1Pet.3:19, plus Logic, root word Logos. And Eccles.9:5,10.)

     And so he rose exactly 3 evenings later, as the sun was setting. The regular weekly Sabbath was ending. And 1st day of the week, Sunday, and the 3rd holy day, called Firstfruits, was beginning. Firstfruits is not moveable as to the day of the week. It always follows the regular weekly Sabbath of that week.

     Summary - (1)Jesus, the “First/Proto” (surely THE prototype) is the only straight out from God one, so close to the Father, both administer God’s Spirit/Presence, same as will saturate and “seal” all creation and humanity. Creation as total ant farm versus total ‘herd’ immunity? To straying/imperfection/entropy, the worm in our ‘apple’.)

     (Jesus) was the Passover Sacrificial Lamb/Christ Crucified, strong enough to appease every conscience and psyche. (2)He was in the grave on Unleavened Bread (1st day of). And (3)rose on Firstfruits. (On Firstfruits at barley harvest a sheaf of grain was waved unto God as thanks to the giver, and it represented the entire harvest.) 

     All three holy days were fulfilled perfectly as though an outline. And prophecy. ..What should we then think of the Fall holy days? Leviticus 23. They span about two thirds of a month. Pentecost is in between the Soring and Fall days, 7 weeks after Firstfruits. It is when God’s (energizing) Spirit was “poured out” to the small band of believers, soon called Christians. [Luke was Greek, not Hebrew.]

     In five days we arrived at Troas, and we stayed for seven days. 7 Then on the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul was conversing, intending to depart the next day, and was speaking until midnight.

     8 We had lit many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9 And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead! 10 But Paul went down, bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “It’s okay! His life is in him.” 11 And when Paul had gone back up and we had broken bread and eaten, he conversed still a long while, until daybreak, and then we left. 12 And they took the youth away alive, and were greatly encouraged.

     13 We went ahead to the ship, and set sail for Assos, but Paul had decided to go by land. 14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. 15 And from there, the following day, we sailed opposite Chios. The next day we touched at Samos, and the day after that we went down to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus (only stopping to briefly meet with the Ephesian believers on shore) so he wouldn’t spend time in Asia, for he was hoping to be in Jerusalem, if possible, by day of Pentecost.

Next - 20:17-38

• Paul’s travels thus far:

On the way to Damascus to arrest Christians he’s blinded by the radiance of Jesus.. He therefor converts, and after a while starts preaching Jesus’ message, and about his death and resurrection, mostly in synagogues. He and Barnabas are sent on a - spread the Good News journey - from Antioch, north of Jerusalem. (At Antioch is where the believers were first called Christians).

     They went up around the Mediterranean spending time in some towns north of it. Then after returning through each town the way they had come, they sailed back to Antioch, first “missionary journey” finished.

     Soon they went down to Jerusalem to counsel about non Hebrew believers, should they follow Torah/Old Testament Way as if Judean/Israeli? Jesus summed up the ten commandments as Love God. Love fellow person. And that pretty much became the agreed upon answer, diet and days were not required. {Keeping the Sabbath and, or the original holy days of God, as in the Scripture can be a wonderful thing. They’re an outline, for one thing. But Romans 14:5 says - “Let each be persuaded in their own mind”. And to not throw stumblingblocks in front of each other (vs.13). All are saved by grace alone when God gives the faith, “each in their own order” 1Cor.15:22-28 w/ Mt.13:33, key word 3; three harvests, barley, wheat and grape.}

   Paul goes on a second journey, this time with Silas.. they go up around the Mediterranean and through the regions north of it, but going further this time, passing through Asia and then over water to Macedonia, north of Greece. Through those regions they are pursued and harassed, beaten/flogged and thrown in jail but while singing the chains break and doors opened.. resulting in believers.. They’re followed and persecuted as they go along, so Paul goes as far as Athens and teaches in Corinth for a year and a half.

   After returning to Caesaria (second “missionary journey” completed) and then Jerusalem, he again, in a third journey, rounded north of the Mediterranean, through Asia to Ephesus, teaching for two years at the Hall of Tyrannus.. A two hour riot was inspired by the guild of Artemis idol makers, with many not knowing why, but yelling one thing and others another..

03-27 - Eph-4 Lk-11

N.Testament & Prophecy Advanced CU Study, verses paraphrased  [ ] references { } thots

 • Ephesians 4:1-10  Luke 11:1-4

            ☀️ Ephesians 4:1-10

1 - Therefore I (Paul) in shackles because of the faith of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you’ve been called. 2 With humility and gentleness, and patience and forbearance with one another, with love.

     3 Be sincere and eager to maintain the bond of peace, in the unity of God’s Spirit {his presence with}.

     4 For there is one body. One Spirit. {As there is one humanity with all its beautiful branches.} And we are all called to the one hope [elpís - from elpō - anticipation, a welcome expectation of what is sure and certain}. The hope {happy expectation} that belongs to the calling.

     5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. 7 But grace is given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 That is why it says, “When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive! And he gave gifts.”

     9 And in saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower part of the earth. {The grave, 2Pet.2:5 answers 1Pet.3:19, prison as locked into what was coming, Eccles.9:5,10.}

     10 And He is the, one, who then ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all. [Pas - every, all, the whole.]

            🌙 Luke 11:1-4

1 - Jesus was in a quiet place praying, and afterwards, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples to pray.”

     2 So he said, “When you pray, pray like this, ‘Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed [hagiazó - sacred, holy, set apart] is your name. Your kingdom come, and your will be done upon Earth, as it is in heaven. 3 Give us this day our daily bread, 4 and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And let us not be led into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’”

     {A 2025 note.. My Father in heaven, blessed and honored be your name.. Please let your kingdom come that it be upon earth as it is in heaven, saturated and full of your Spirit. Give me today all grace and spiritual bread I need.. And forgive my faults and flaws as I overlook other’s. And please don’t let me be led into any evil or temptation, or delusion! (2026)

   But keep me in your Presence. Keep us all in your Presence, Father, amen. …“yesterday I was in the grip of a foul spirit, today let me praise and give thinks..” ..What I call an inner bad, angry mood.}

           

Tomorrows verses, 03/28 

Ephesians 4:11-16  Luke 11:5-13

Start the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150)

Jesus said he “will draw all” Jn.12:32.

have a great day! ☀️🕊️

ACTS 19 21-41

Luke wrote “of the things fulfilled among us” paraphrased  [ ] ref  { } thots

     Book of the Acts of the First Believers

21 - Now after all these things (for a Paul’s journeys thus far, brief summary scroll down) Paul decided in the Spirit to pass again through Macedonia and Achaia (Greece) and go to Jerusalem, thinking, “After I’ve been there, I must go on to Rome.”

     22 He sent two of his brothers (in the faith) Timothy and Erastus who were traveling with him, into Macedonia and he stayed on in Asia at Ephesus for a while.

     23 At about that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith by trade, who made silver shrines of Artemis [Greek Artemis, Roman Diana) brought a lot of business to the craftsmen. 25 So he gathered them together, with other workmen of the same trade, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods! 27 So there is danger that this trade of ours may come into disrepute. And also the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be abandoned! And so she may even be deposed from her magnificence! She whom all Asia and the world worship!”

     28 When they heard this, they were stirred up and became enraged, and began to cry out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 Soon the city was filled with confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel. 30 But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples wouldn’t let him. 31 And even some of Asia, who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not to go into the theater.

     32 Some were crying out one thing, and some another. For the gathered crowd and assembly were in confusion, and most didn’t know why they had come together!

     33 Some of the crowd put forward Alexander, whom the Jews (Hebrews) had prompted, so motioning with his hand, he sought to present a defense to the crowd. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

     35 Finally, when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, who is there who doesn’t know that the city of the Ephesians is keeper of the temple of the great Artemis, and of her sacred stone that fell from the sky? 36 Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to quiet down and not do anything rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who have not been sacrilegious, nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against them there. 39 For if you seek anything further, it should be settled in the regular assembly. 40 For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting, as there is no cause that we can give to justify this great commotion.”

     41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly and the crowd, and sent them out of the theater. {How fitting, a dispute of ‘gods’ taking place in a theater.. The gospel rode forth “conquering and to conquer” and was “openly victorious over powers and principalities”.}

Next - 20:1-16

Paul’s travels thus far:

On the way to Damascus to arrest Christians he’s blinded by the radiance of Jesus.. He converts, and after a while starts preaching Jesus’ message, and about his death and resurrection, mostly in synagogues. He and Barnabas are sent on a spread the Good News journey, from Antioch, north of Jerusalem. They went up around the Mediterranean spending time in some towns north of it. Then after returning through each town the way they had come, they sailed back to Antioch.

     Soon they went down to Jerusalem to counsel about non Hebrew believers, should they follow Torah/Old Testament Way as if Judean/Israeli? Jesus summed up the ten commandments as Love God. Love fellow person. And that pretty much became the agreed upon answer, diet and days were not required. {Keeping the Sabbath and, or the original holy days of God, as in the Scripture can be a wonderful thing. They’re an outline, for one thing. But Romans 14:5 says - “Let each be persuaded in their own mind”. And to not throw stumblingblocks in front of each other (vs.13). All are saved by grace alone when God gives the faith, “each in their own order” 1Cor.15:22-28 w/ Mt.13:33, key word 3.}

   Paul goes on a second journey, this time with Silas.. they go up around the Mediterranean and through the regions north of it, but going further this time, passing through Asia and then over water to Macedonia, north of Greece. Through those regions they are pursued and harassed, beaten/flogged and thrown in jail but while singing the chains break and the doors opened.. resulting in believers.. They’re followed and persecuted as they go along, so Paul goes as far as Athens and teaches in Corinth for a year and a half.

   After returning to Caesaria and then Jerusalem, he again, in a third journey, rounded north of the Mediterranean, through Asia to Ephesus on the  shore, teaching for two years at the Hall of Tyrannus..

ACTS 19:1-20

 Luke wrote “of the things fulfilled among us” paraphrased  [ ] ref  { } thots

     Book of the Acts of the First Believers

1 - And so it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the northern country of Asia and came to Ephesus. (During his second “missionary journey”.) There he found some disciples, 2 and he asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit{/Presence of God} when you believed?”

     And they said, “No, we’ve not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” 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, and that one is Jesus.”

     5 Upon hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 Then Paul laid hands on them (while praying to God) and the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began speaking in tongues {another earthly language or the spiritual prayer language for quieting the heart} and they prophesied. 7 There were twelve men in all. [Not all speak in tongues. Paul wrote “do all heal? Do all prophecy? Do all speak in tongues?” 1Cor.12:30.]

    8 Then he went to the synagogue and for three months he spoke openly and freely there, reasoning and persuading about the kingdom of God.

     9 But then some who continued to resist the message, became agitated, and began to slander and insult the way to the people of the synagogue. So he stayed away from there, as did the disciples with him. And so he reasoned and taught daily in the hall of Tyrannus instead.

     10 This continued for two years, so all who lived in Asia heard the message [logos] of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. 11 And God was doing extraordinary works by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or cloths used for aprons which had touched him, were carried back to the sick, and their diseases left them, and evil spirits were cast out.

     13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 The seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this, 15 but the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know. And I know who Paul is. But who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped upon them, mastered and overpowered them, so they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

     17 This became known to all the people of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And amazement fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was praised and made all the more known.

     18 And many who were now believers came, confessing secret practices, 19 and magic arts brought their books together and burned them in public. And they counted the value and found it came to about fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. {The white horse rider! Going forth conquering and to conquer, openly victorious over powers and principalities! First and main element of the age of our Lord, CE. But “the seals”/elements of Revelation are described at the beginning of the vision, as a blend of their first aNd last effects, effectively veiling what they are. See how the 2nd Seal is response to the first, is given a long sword.. and also see Seal 6 (the long sword! rev.6:12-17) and then 7:1,3.. where we still are for now..}

Next - 19:21-41

12-14 - 1 Corinthians 16 8-14

N.T. in a year reading & study, verses R paraphrased [  ] references {  } thots

☀️ 8 - I (Paul) plan to stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened, but there are many adversaries. 10 When Timothy comes, be sure to put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord along with me here. 11 So let no one disregard him (because of his youth). Help him on his way in peace, that he may return here to Ephesus, for I’m expecting him with the brothers.

     12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it wasn’t at all his will to come at this time. But he’ll come when he has opportunity.

     13 Be watchful! Stand firm in the faith! Be men, be strong! 14 And, let all that you do, be done in love.

     {Love, and we cannot be overly sensitive in this world. Nor concerning history. Beware division? Sowed and spurred on by “the accuser/slanderer”. Even of God himself, judging God’s actions and ways in the Old Testament. Pre flood was hands off? And think how bAd things can get. Imperfect is not only entropy, but it’s an abyss of potential. But death - more merciful! - to God is like transplanting as into an untilled garden awaiting resurrection into GWT judgment and discernment ‘day’ an “aionion kolasin” / eonian korrection / age of correction, Mt.25:46 - I think after initial inner conditions have run course (portrayed in the rich man & Lazarus parable, and in the outside of the vision narrative of Rev.22) many will thank God for not letting them do more evil! Later, yes, was the wanted total weeding out of the Canaanites - who in their rites would beat a drum to drown out the screams of babies, and children as they burned them alive to Baal-Molech  ..🤔 A name for the original gone rogue one? His dream. His fantasy after all has been that notorious fire.. first told in that so ancient and primordial spiritual propaganda myth.. And enchantment. …Do you know there’s a verse that talks about God winning when he is judged during his day in court? Ro.3:4. ..I’ve felt the moment.. one of universal utter and complete awe struck and profound silence. Then a wave, a crescendo of universal praise..}

Tomorrows verses - 1 Corinthians 16:15-24

Start the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150)

have a great day! ☀️🕊️

ACTS 20 17-38

         WeekLy BooK oF Acts 

17 - When they stopped at Miletus Paul went ashore and sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church, 18 and when they came, he said to them, “You know how I lived among you the whole time [for three years] from the first day I set foot in Asia. 19 By serving the Lord in humility, with tears and trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jewish/Hebrew leaders. 20 But how I didn’t shrink from proclaiming to you anything that was of benefit. And teaching you both in public and from house to house, 21 I testified to both Hebrews and Greeks, the repentance [metanoia - a change of mind, change in the inner person, repentance] toward God, and of faith in our Lord Jesus. 22 And now, I’m going to Jerusalem, bound by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except the Holy Spirit has testified to me in every city that imprisonment and affliction awaits me. 24 But! I don’t account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course, the mission I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify and proclaim the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now I know that none of you to whom I have gone about testifying of the kingdom, will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all. [Ezekiel 3:18 - If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood/death.] 27 I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God, 28 so pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Take care of the church of God, which he obtained with his own sufferings. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 And also, from among you yourselves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away disciples, into following them.

     31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I didn’t cease night or day to teach and warn each one with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and give you the inheritance - among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands worked for my necessities and of those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

     36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them. 37 And there was much weeping on the part of everyone. And they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 being sorrowful most of all because he had said they wouldn’t see him again. And they accompanied him back to the ship.

 🗝️ [  ] - word/language insights, facts, cross references, etc.

      {  } - thots

By Necessity Paraphrased

Weekly ‘Enter the Story’ Reading & Study

1 Corinthians 16 8-14

  12/14 ~ From New Testament Letters

    🕊️ (In the Order Believed Written)

8 - I plan to stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened, but there are many adversaries. 10 When Timothy comes, be sure to put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord along with me here. 11 So let no one disregard him {because of his youth}. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return here to Ephesus, for I’m expecting him with the brothers.

     12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come at this time. But he will come when he has opportunity.

     13 Be watchful! Stand firm in the faith! Be men, be strong! 14 And, let all that you do be done in love. {…Love, and we cannot be overly sensitive in this world. Nor concerning history. Which some do, misinterpreting Father God’s actions and ways in the Old Testament. Think! Think how bAd it can get. Imperfect is not only entropy, but it’s an abyss of potential. I have a new word, cannibaalism. I believe those God took out - and transplanted as into an untilled garden awaiting resurrection into GWT judgment and discernment ‘day’ an “aionion kolasin / eonian korrection / age of correction - will thank God for not letting them do more evil. So the flood, the wanted genocide of the Canaanites - who in their rites would beat a drum to drown out the screams of babies, and children? as they burned them alive to Baal-Molech  ..🤔 Is that the original gone rogue one? His dream, his fantasy after all has been that notorious fire.. first told in that so ancient and primordial spiritual propaganda myth.. Do you know there’s a verse that talks about God winning when he is judged during his day in court? ..I’ve felt the moment.. one of universal utter and complete awe struck and profound silence ..then a wave, a crescendo of universal praise..}

                          ~ * ~

🗝️ [  ] - word/language insights, usually from biblehub dot com, and facts, cross references, etc.

      {  } - thots

Tomorrows verses - 1 Corinthians 16:15-24

By Necessity Paraphrased

Annual Daily Reading & Study

WeekLy BooK oF Acts 20 17-38

  a paraphrased study

17 - When they briefly harbored at Miletus Paul sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they did, he said to them, “You know very well how I lived among you the whole time from the first day I set foot in Asia. 19 How I served the Lord with all humility and even tears, and during trials and troubles because of the plots of the Jewish leaders. 20 How I didn’t shrink from declaring to you all that was profitable, and taught in public and from house to house, 21 testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus. 22 And now, I’m going to Jerusalem, impelled by the Spirit, and not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I don’t account my life of importance nor precious, if only I may finish my course, and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify of the gospel of the grace and favor of God. 25 And now, I know that none of you among whom I proclaimed the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood (ruin) of any, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose and counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves. And to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers (Mt.25:45-51, though verse 51 is horrendously translated and should read “at his return, will separate him/her from the believers and their part” - at that time, Mt.13:30! - “will be with the hypocrites”. Hebrews were not focused on an afterlife.) So care for the church of God, which the Lord obtained with his own blood. 29 For I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 And from among your own selves will arise men speaking *twisted* things, to draw away the disciples after theirselves. 31 Therefore be alert (and KNOW the message, the whole counsel of God) remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to instruct and urge every one, even with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the message and proclamation of his grace, which is able to build you up, and is able to give you the *inheritance* among those who are dedicated and sanctified (separated to change, hallowed, made holy/whole/sacred). 33 I coveted no one's silver, gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands worked for my own necessities and of those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” 36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them. 37 And there was much weeping on the part of all. They embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 and were sorrowful most of all because of how he had said that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him back to the ship.

                         ~*~

     Very Brief Outline of Acts:

Jesus returns to where he was with the Father before his advent/visit (his brief first one).

The Holy Spirit/Presence of God is poured out on the believers who were in Jerusalem on the late Spring holy day of Pentecost. Peter speaks, there are 3000 new believers that day.

The good news message spreads, Peter is invited and goes to a Roman’s house and all believe. The first record of non Hebrew believers (besides likely some on Pentecost).

     Persecution breaks out.. jail. stoning. Pharisee Saul leads the persecution, but on his way to Damascus with papers for arrests, Jesus makes himself seen but is so bright Paul falls to the ground and is blinded. After two days he is healed and is a believer, and soon is called Paul. He wrote many (to most) of the New Testament letters, but spent a few years (it seems to me) exclusively listening to the Lord. He established many ‘churches’ in what’s called three missionary journeys, and met and worked with Mark and Luke, and quite a few others. (Luke wrote this Book of Acts.) His fourth journey is to Rome to trial as a prisoner. There’s a shipwreck on the way.. He wrote many of his letters while in prison and under ‘house’ arrest. ..And yes he was executed because of what he taught, as were all the original disciples turned apostles, except for probably John, who in his later years wrote three short letters and the vision and book of Revelation.

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WeekLy BooK oF Acts 19 21-41

   a paraphrased study

21 - Now after all this, Paul thought in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go on to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must go also to Rome.” 22 And after sending into Macedonia two helpers, Timothy (well known to us) and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while longer. 23 And at about that time there arose a contention and disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith by trade, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought a lot of business to the craftsmen. 25 He gathered together the craftsmen, and some other workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know it is from this business that we gain our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods we make with our hands are not gods! 27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be thought to be nothing, and she may even lose the reputation of her magnificence. She whom all Asia and the world worship!” 28 And when they heard this they were enraged and started loudly chanting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city became filled with confusion, and they rushed into the theater of Ephesus, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who they knew traveled with Paul. 30 But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples wouldn’t let him. 31 And even some friends from the town and region, sent word to him urging him not to venture into the theater. 32 Now some in the crowd were crying out one thing, and some were crying out something else altogether. The whole assembly was in confusion. Most didn’t even know why they had come together. 33 Some of the crowd sent forward Alexander, to talk to the crowd, because he was a well known Hebrew among them. So Alexander, motioning with his hand, tried to calm the crowd. 34 But when they recognized he was Jewish, for about two hours they cried out as with one voice, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

     35 But when the town clerk had finally quieted them, he said, “Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis!? And of the sacred stone that fell from the sky? 36 Seeing that these things are well known and and accepted by all, you should quiet down now and not do anything rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are not proven to be sacrilegious nor to have blasphemed our goddess. 38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges. 39 And if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. 40 For today we are in danger of being charged with rioting, for there is no reason we can give to justify this commotion.” 41 After he said these things, the crowd dispersed.

                         ~*~

     Very Brief Outline of Acts:

Jesus returns to where he was with the Father before his advent/visit (his brief first one).

The Holy Spirit/Presence of God is poured out on the believers who were in Jerusalem on the late Spring holy day of Pentecost. Peter speaks, there are 3000 new believers that day.

The good news message spreads, Peter is invited and goes to a Roman’s house and all believe. The first record of non Hebrew believers (besides likely some on Pentecost).

     Persecution breaks out.. jail. stoning. Pharisee Saul leads the persecution, but on his way to Damascus with papers for arrests, Jesus makes himself seen but is so bright Paul falls to the ground and is blinded. After two days he is healed and is a believer, and soon is called Paul. He wrote many (to most) of the New Testament letters, but spent a few years (it seems to me) exclusively listening to the Lord. He established many ‘churches’ in what’s called three missionary journeys, and met and worked with Mark and Luke, and quite a few others. (Luke wrote this Book of Acts.) His fourth journey is to Rome to trial as a prisoner. There’s a shipwreck on the way.. He wrote many of his letters while in prison and under ‘house’ arrest. ..And yes he was executed because of what he taught, as were all the original disciples turned apostles, except for probably John, who in his later years wrote three short letters and the vision and book of Revelation.

                            🍃

WeekLy BooK oF Acts 19 1-20

   a paraphrased study

1 - While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul went through the inland country and came to Ephesus. And there he came across some disciples. 2 He asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They said, “No, we’ve not heard anything about a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he asked, “What then were you baptized into?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” 4 So Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, and told the people to believe in the one who was coming, that is, Jesus.” 5 And upon hearing this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul lay his hands on them (with prayer) the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began speaking in unknown tongues and prophesying. 7 There were twelve men in all. 8 Then Paul entered the synagogue, boldly reasoning and persuading about the kingdom of God for about three months. 9 But when some became contentious in their disbelief, speaking abusively of the Way before the gathering, he left off from them and took the disciples with him. And then he reasoned daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all in the region of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

     11 And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul. [Extraordinary - tygxánō - hit, hit upon, meet, happen, to strike, hit the mark, i.e. "spot on," "hit the bullseye”, therefore opposite to hamartánō/hamartia - to miss the mark - (which is translated “sin”). (What!? What a word riddle. Opposite of missing the mark ..A perfection of God is as healer!)] 12 Even handkerchiefs and aprons Paul had touched were taken to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. 13 Then some itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon theirselves to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over some who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 And seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I recognize Paul, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped upon them, and overpowered and beat them so they fled out of the house naked and wounded. 17 And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And awe fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus became even better known. 18 Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing their magic arts. 19 And many brought their books together and burned them in the city square. When they counted the value of them, they found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 And so the word of the Lord continued to increase and to prevail mightily.

                         ~*~

     Very Brief Outline of Acts:

Jesus returns to where he was with the Father before his advent/visit (his brief first one).

The Holy Spirit/Presence of God is poured out on the believers who were in Jerusalem on the late Spring holy day of Pentecost. Peter speaks, there are 3000 new believers that day.

The good news message spreads, Peter is invited and goes to a Roman’s house and all believe. The first record of non Hebrew believers (besides likely some on Pentecost).

     Persecution breaks out.. jail. stoning. Pharisee Saul leads the persecution, but on his way to Damascus with papers for arrests, Jesus makes himself seen but is so bright Paul falls to the ground and is blinded. After two days he is healed and is a believer, and soon is called Paul. He wrote many (to most) of the New Testament letters, but spent a few years (it seems to me) exclusively listening to the Lord. He established many ‘churches’ in what’s called three missionary journeys, and met and worked with Mark and Luke, and quite a few others. (Luke wrote this Book of Acts.) His fourth journey is to Rome to trial as a prisoner. There’s a shipwreck on the way.. He wrote many of his letters while in prison and under ‘house’ arrest. ..And yes he was executed because of what he taught, as were all the original disciples turned apostles, except for probably John, who in his later years wrote three short letters and the vision and book of Revelation.

                            🍃