Showing posts with label book of acts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book of acts. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

ACTS 12 1-25

 Luke wrote “of the things fulfilled among us” paraphrased due to ©‘s [ ] ref  { } thots

     Book of the Acts of the First Believers

 1 - At about that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who were believers/followers. [This is Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great who had killed all the Bethlehem children trying to destroy Jesus at birth, Rev.12:4] 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the leaders of the nation, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the annual days of Unleavened Bread.

     4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, and put four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after Passover to bring him out to the councils. [The whole week was referred to as either Passover or Unleavened Bread, and the two days, Passover and 1st Day of Unleavened Bread, were also called interchangeably. This hides how veRy perfectly the lord’s 1st brief advent fulfilled the Spring holy days. Holy means set apart.] 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the rest of the believers were earnestly praying to God for him.

    6 Now on the very night before Herod was planning to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound to them with two chains. And sentries were guarding the door of the prison.

     7 When suddenly, a light shone in the cell, and an angel of the Lord was there. He struck Peter on his side to wake him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off.

     8 The angel said, “Dress and put on your sandals.” And then he said, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”

     9 And so they went out. But Peter didn’t realize it was really happening (literal), but thought he was in a vision. 10 When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city, and it opened for them. They went out and were going along the street, when the angel left him.

     11 And when Peter realized it, he said, “Now I’m sure the Lord has sent his angel and has rescued me from the hand of Herod and all he had planned!” {Yet he had been soundly sleeping.. I read that in commentaries when reading to be sure I had the “chained - to - the guards right. It was Roman custom to chain hand to hand.}

     12 So then he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name/surname was Mark {who wrote the gospel of Mark, and was a secretary/scribe for Paul and others}. There were many gathered there together and were praying.

     13 But when he knocked at the door at the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 And when she recognized Peter's voice, in her joy, she forgot to open the gate! And she ran back in and reported that Peter was standing at the door!

     15 They said, “You’re seeing things..” But she kept insisting that it was so, but they said, “It’s his angel [aggelos - angel, messenger, guardian].”

     16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him they were amazed. 17 And motioning to them to listen, he described to them how the Lord had set him free and brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell all this to James and the brothers.” Then he left.

     18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 And after Herod searched for him and didn’t find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent some time there.

     20 Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they sent a delegation to make peace with him because their cities were dependent upon Herod’s country for food. {Dependence.} The delegates won the support of Blastus, Herod’s personal assistant, and an audience with Herod was granted.

     21 So on an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes. He took his seat on the throne. And he delivered an oration to the people. 22 And the people began shouting, “The voice of a god! The voice of a god! This is not a mere man!” 23 And because of it an angel of the Lord struck him down. {We have here a handed down version?} And because he didn’t {being Hebrew} give God the glory, he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. {Real bad guys, those Herods.. but this one (Antipas) had liked to listen to John the baptist/baptizer.. before he executed him to save face.}

     24 But the word of God increased and multiplied! 25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem (to Antioch) when they had delivered the relief. And they brought with them John, whose surname was Mark.


Next - 13:1-42


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Wednesday, September 23, 2026

ACTS 10 34-48

 Luke wrote “of the things fulfilled among us” paraphrased due to ©‘s [ ] ref  { } thots

     Book of the Acts of the First Believers


(Peter, of Israel, which was strictly separated from other nations, in order to birth the “savior of the world”, had been summoned by a Roman centurion, named Cornelius. Peter was now with him, along with the centurian’s family and friends whom Cornelius had gathered together.) 34 - Peter said, “Truly! I see that God shows no partiality and favorites! 35 But in every nation, anyone who reveres him, and does what is right, is acceptable to him.

     36 As for the word {message, way} that he sent to Israel, proclaiming good news of peace through Jesus Christ - he is Lord of all - 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all of Judea!

     It began from Galilee after the baptism {at the Jordan River} that John proclaimed, 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit(/Presence of God) and with His Power, he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we’re witnesses of all that he did, both in the countryside, and in Jerusalem.

     Then he was put to death by being hung on a tree. 40 But God raised him up on the third day. And he made him appear, 41 not to all the people, but to us who had been chosen by God to be witnesses. We ate and drank WITH him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he instructed us to proclaim [kΔ“rΓ½ssō - herald, proclaim] to the people, and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and of the dead.

     43 It was he, all the prophets spoke about, and bore witness of, that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins [hamartia - missing the mark] through his name.” {Declared innocent. God “is Perfect” and is Life, so only perfect endures.. And on the other hand, an Ant Farm is no paradise, nor is it perfection.}

     44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit{/Presence of God} fell upon all who were listening. 45 And the men from among the Hebrew believers who had come with Peter were amazed, that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out upon Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

     Then Peter said, 47 “Can anyone disagree with baptizing these people now, in water? For they’ve received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 And he instructed that they be baptized in the name of Jesus. Then they asked him to stay for a few days. 


Next Week - 11:1-30


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Wednesday, September 16, 2026

ACTS 10 21-33

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

Book of the Acts of the First Believers

21 - Peter went down from the roof, and greeted the men who had arrived, saying, “I’m who you’re looking for. Why have you come?”

     22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion (Roman soldier or general) an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you and have you come to his house in order to hear what you have to say.”

     23 So he invited them in to be his guests, and the next day he, and some brothers from Joppa, went with them. 24 And then on the following day they arrived at Caesarea.

     Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet so as to worship him. 26 But Peter lifting him back up, said, “Stand up, I am only a man like you!”

     27 And as they were talking, they went in and those Cornelius had gathered were there waiting. 28 And Peter said to them, “You know how it’s against our law, for a Jew (Hebrew) to associate with or visit anyone of another nation” (separated for the sake of birthing Messiah, the “savior of the world” from death and its cause). “But God has shown me I shouldn’t call any person common or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. So tell me, why have you sent for me.”

     30 Cornelius answered, saying, “Four days ago, I was here  in my house praying at the ninth hour, when a man stood before me in bright clothing! 3 And he said, ‘Cornelius, your prayers have been heard, and your gifts and charity have been remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who’s called Peter. He’s lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you at once, and you’ve been kind enough to come. Now therefore we’re all here in the presence of God to hear everything the LORD instructs.”


Next - 10:34-48


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Thursday, September 10, 2026

ACTS 10 1-20

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

Book of the Acts of the First Believers

1 - At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of a Roman military guard. 2 He was a devout man who revered God along with all his household. He gave charity generously to the people around him, and he prayed daily to God.

     3 At about the ninth hour on a certain day, he saw in a clear vision, an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.”

     4 Which surprised and frightened him. And he said, “What is it, Lord?”

     And the angel of the LORD said, “Your prayers and giving of gifts has risen like incense before God! 5 Send some men to Joppa and bring the man Simon who’s called Peter. 6 He’s staying with a man named Simon, a tanner by trade, who lives by the sea.”

     7 After the angel left, he called two of his hired servants and a devout soldier, 8 and telling them everything, he sent them off to Joppa for Peter.

     9 And on the next day, as they were getting near to the city, Peter went up on the housetop, at about the sixth hour (noon) to pray. 10 And while waiting for the meal that was being prepared, he fell into a trance [ekstasis - ecstacy, amazement, trance] 11 and saw the heavens opened. And something like a great sheet was descending from above. It was let down by its four corners onto the earth, 12 and in it were all kinds of animals, reptiles and birds of the air.

     13 And there came a voice, saying, “Rise, Peter, kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “No LORD! For I’ve never eaten anything that is common or unclean!” {Forbidden.}

      15 And the voice came again, saying “What God has made clean, don’t call common [koinoΓ³ - common, not special].”16 This happened three times. And then the sheet was taken up the way it came.

    17 While Peter was puzzled as to what the vision might mean, the men sent by Cornelius, having asked in town where the house of the tanner was, had arrived, and were standing at the gate. 18 And they called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was there.

     19 Peter was still pondering the vision, and the Spirit of God said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 Go down and accept them without question, for I’ve sent them here to ask for you.”

     {Hebrews were supposed to remain “separated” (called out) from the nations/world - to preserve their own (righteous) culture - in order to birth into the world, the “savior of the world”. And somewhat in context, as opposed to being born among strange customs?}


Next - 10:21-33


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Saturday, September 5, 2026

ACTS 9 21-43

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

Book of the Acts of the First Believers

     21 - And all who were listening to Saul (later called Paul) were amazed! They were saying, “Isn’t this the man who persecuted terribly in Jerusalem, those who call upon the Lord Jesus?! And didn’t he come here to arrest and drag more believers in chains to the chief priests?”

     22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and he was confounding the Synagogue leaders, who lived in Damascus, by proving that Jesus was the Christ!

     23 Then, after many days, they plotted to kill him! 24 But their plot became known to him. They were watching the gates day and night, 25 so some disciples led him out by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the city wall.

     26 Then when Saul (Paul) came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples there. But they were afraid of him, and didn’t believe he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas {in Syria?} befriended him and brought him to the apostles.

     So Paul explained to them how on the road he had seen the Lord. How he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly the name of Jesus. 28 After that Saul went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.

     29 He would also speak with and dispute with the Hellenists (Greek culture Hebrews). But they were seeking to kill him. 30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him to Tarsus.

     ((This is a condensed version, in Galatians 1:15-24, Paul wrote - my immediate response was not to consult any human being. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before me, but I went into Arabia. And later, I returned to Damascus.

     18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles - only James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I’m writing to you is no lie.

     21 Then I went to Syria {met Barnabas?} and Cilicia. 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report, “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me.))

     31 So the church {brotherhood and sisterhood} throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria had peace and the faith was growing. They were walking in the reverence of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit {Presence of God} and the faith was multiplying.

     32 Meanwhile, Peter too was going in and out among them all. And then he went also down to Lydda and the believers who lived there. 33 And while there he came across a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight long years. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Rise up and pick up your bed!” And immediately he did!

     35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw he was healed, and they turned to the Lord.

     36 Now in Joppa, there was a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated is Dorcas. She had done many acts of charity and good works. 37 But in those days she had become ill and died. They had prepared her, and laid her in an upper room.

     38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.”

     39 So Peter went with them and when he was there, they took him to the upper room. All the widows were there weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all out, and then he knelt down and prayed. And turning to her he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes.

     When she saw Peter she sat up, 41 and he took her by the hand and helped her to stand up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her to them alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner who lived by the sea.


Next - 10:1-20 (52 weeks)


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Wednesday, August 26, 2026

ACTS 8 1-24

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

Book of the Acts of the First Believers


1 - And (Pharisee) Saul approved of his (Stephen’s) execution. And on that very day, a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem {and crested} and the believers were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.

     2 Devout men buried Stephen and great lamentation was shared over him. 3 Meanwhile Saul was ravaging the church, entering house after house, he dragged men and women off to prison.

     4 But those who were scattered went about preaching the message. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Messiah/Christ. 6 And the crowds as one were listening to what Philip was saying. They heard him because they saw the signs he did. 7 They saw unclean spirits, crying out with loud voices, come out of many. And many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.

     9 But there was a man there, named Simon, who was a practitioner of magic, and who had astonished the people, proclaiming himself as someone great. 10 They all, least to greatest, paid attention to him, saying, “This man is the power of God who is called Great.” 11 And they listened to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when the city believed Philip as he preached the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he too continued with Philip. And he saw the signs and the great miracles being performed, and he was amazed.

     14 When the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John. 15 So they came down and they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit(/Presence of God), 16 for he had not yet fallen upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 So they laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered money, 19 saying, “Give me this power! So anyone on whom I also lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your silver will ruin and cause you loss, because you thought you could buy the gift of God! 21 You’ve neither partnership or lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of this wickedness and pray earnestly to the Lord that this intention of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you’re in a ruinous bitterness, and in the captivity of an unjust way.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord! That nothing you have said may come upon me.”


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Next - 8:25-40


Tuesday, August 11, 2026

ACTS 7 38-60

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

Book of the Acts of the First Believers

Stephen, first Christian martyr, continues his history lesson to the court, saying - 38 - “This (Moses) is the one who was with the people in the wilderness, and with our fathers and the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai. He received the living oracles to be given to us. 39 Yet our fathers refused to obey, and pushed him aside, in their hearts turning back to Egypt.

     40 They said to Aaron (Moses’ brother, first priest) ‘Make for us gods who will lead us. As for this Moses, who led us out from Egypt, we don’t know what has become of him.’ 41 And they made a molten image of a calf, an idol (of Egypt) and offered a sacrifice and made merry to it, a work of their own hands! 42 But God turned away and he gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it’s written in the prophets - ‘Did you bring to me whole burnt offerings and sacrifices” (today prayers and praise..) “during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 43 You took up the tent of Moloch (😳) and the star of your god Rephan, images you made to worship, so I will send you into exile to the further side of Babylon.’”

    44 “Our fathers had the tent of witness/testimony/likeness in the wilderness, just as he directed Moses to make it, according to the pattern he showed him. 45 And in turn, our fathers, following Joshua, brought it in the land when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before them.” (Canaanite cannibaals?) “And so it was until the days of David, 46 who, as we know, found favor in the sight of God, and asked to build a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. 47 But it was Solomon who built a house for him. 48 Yet the Most High doesn’t dwell in houses made by man’s hands, as the prophet says, 49 ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the LORD (YHVH, but v sounds like w) or what is the place of my rest? 50 Was it not I who made all these things?’”

     51 “You stiff-necked people!” Stephen said to them. “Uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you! {And so do all.}

     52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who announced beforehand (prophesied) the coming of the Righteous One. Who you have now betrayed and murdered! 53 You who received the law delivered by angels, but didn’t keep it.”

     54 Now when they heard this they (the leaders at council) were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him. {This is politics not spiritual or religious/devoted.) 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit(/Presence of God) gazed upward and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at his right hand (Rev.12:5). 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they became all the more enraged, covered their ears, and rushed together at him, 58 and dragged him out of the city, and they stoned him. The participants laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul (later Paul). 59 And as they were stoning him, Stephen said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” And when he had said this, he fell asleep [koimaΓ³ - sleep, fall asleep, die].


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Next Week: 8:1-24


Friday, August 7, 2026

ACTS 7 17-37

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

Book of the Acts of the First Believers

     Review — A group called Libertines couldn’t disprove the words of Stephen, so they made accusations about him, stirred up the people and a mob against him, and dragged him to court where they provided false witnesses against him. 

     Before the council (in court) Stephen continues his very good history lesson - 7:17 - “Meanwhile as the time drew near, for the promise [of a homeland] which God had promised Abraham, the people had increased and multiplied in Egypt. 18 And another king had risen in Egypt who didn’t know Joseph [and the nation as friends]. 19 And he dealt poorly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants [to the elements] so they would perish. 20 And it was at this time that Moses was born, and he was beautiful in God's sight.” {As all babies are.. Yet God was choosing/had chosen/predetermined Moses for his purpose. Interfering too much in this contrast/life as we presently know it.. well, what then would be the purpose?} “And Moses remained for three months in his father's house, 21 and when he was put out in the elements, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own. 22 And so Moses was instructed in all the schooling and knowledge of the Egyptians. And he was also gifted in his words and in his deeds.”

     23 “When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. 24 And then seeing one of them being beaten, he defended and avenged the oppressed man by striking down the Egyptian. 25 He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was going to deliver them by his leadership, but they didn’t.

     26 And on the following day he returned and saw some were quarreling and he tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you’re brothers. Why do you fight each other?’ 27 But the man who was wronging his neighbor {fellow person} pushed him aside, and said, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?! 28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?!’

     29 At this, Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.

     30 Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning bush.” {Must be a strong metaphor here. Parable, in the literal. Fire that doesn’t consume. Is in the heart?}

     31 “Now when Moses saw that! He was amazed. And as he drew near to get a better look, there came from the bush, the voice of the LORD saying, 32 ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and no longer dared to look. 33 Then the LORD said to him, ‘Take the sandals from off your feet, for the place where you’re standing is holy ground. {For God’s sake? Like he needs anything.. Or for Moses’ sake.. To DO something reverential.} 34 I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in slavery and bondage in Egypt. I have heard their groaning, and I’ve come down to deliver them. So now come, I will send you to Egypt.’

     35 This Moses” Stephen continued, “whom they at first rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a judge and ruler?’ But it was to this man God appeared to in the bush. He was sent by the hand of an angel. 36 This Moses, is the one who led them out, and performed wonders, and signs in Egypt. And at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. 37 And Moses is the one who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you the prophet like me, from among your brothers.’”


Next Week - 7:38-60


Wednesday, July 15, 2026

ACTS 5 17-42

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

Book of the Acts of the First Believers

     (In response to so many coming to the faith, and to the news of miracles occurring) 17 - The high priest, and those who were with him, that is, the party of the Sadducees, for they were filled with envy, 18 rose up and arrested the apostles and had them put into prison.

     19 But then, during the night, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, led them out, and said, 20 “Go to the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” 21 So they went to the temple at daybreak and began to teach.

     In the morning, the high priest and the Sadducees came, and called together the leaders, the senate of the sons of Israel and they sent to the prison to have the apostles brought in. 22 But when the officers came, they didn’t find them, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside!” 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard this, they were greatly perplexed.

     25 Then someone came and told them, “Look! The men you put in prison are right now in the temple, teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them to the council, but not by force, for they were afraid the people would throw stones at them.

     27 The high priest said, 28 “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name! And here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching! You intend to bring this man's blood upon us!”

     29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus! Who you killed by having him crucified! 31 And God has exalted him at his right hand as (true) Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses of these things! And so is the Holy Spirit(/Presence of God) which God gives to those who obey him.”

     33 Listening to this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee of the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who {unlike most? genuine} was held in honor by the people, stood up and said, “Put the men outside for a while.” 35 So they did, and then he said, “Men of Israel, take care what you do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. But he was put to death, and all who followed him were scattered and it all came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after himself. He too was destroyed, and all who followed him were dispersed. 38 So in this case, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or undertaking is of man, it will fall apart. {For the leader Jesus, had been eliminated.} 39 But if it is of God, you’ll not be able to overcome it. You might even be found to be opposing God!” [Gamamiel was Paul’s teacher, Acts 22:3.]

     So they listened and took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, had them beat and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus. And then they let them go.

     41 And they left the council rejoicing, and were happy to be counted worthy to suffer for the name [onoma - name, authority, cause] of Jesus.

     42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and proclaim that the Christ/Messiah is Jesus.

     [Christ - Christos - promised and prophesied anointed one, Messiah; Greek XristΓ³s - from xríō - anoint with olive oil – properly, the anointed one, the Christ - Hebrew, Messiah. “Savior of the world” 1Jn.4:14.]


Next: 6:1-15