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Expanded Comments |
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| 1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: |
Amphipolis and Apollonia – Two cities, where apparently they found no opening for their message. R4407:3
To Thessalonica – A journey of about 100 miles to the southwest from Philippi. R4407:3
Two of St. Paul's epistles were addressed to the Christians of that city. R4407:3
The largest commercial city of that district, Macedonia. R3130:1
The capital of Macedonia. R2183:1
A synagogue – They were seeking cities where there were considerable numbers of Jews; knowing they would be best prepared to understand and accept the Gospel. R2183:1
The Jewish synagogues were ostensibly conducted on a liberal plane, anyone of reasonable ability being free there to show what he could of the teaching of the Scriptures. R3130:2 17:2
As his manner was – The Apostle's manner was not that of a "ranter" but of a logical and connected reasoner. R2183:2, 3130:6
In harmony with their usual custom, they attended worship there. R5913:1, 4407:6
So he also reasoned at Corinth ( Acts 18:4), again at Ephesus ( Acts 1 R653:4
Three sabbath days – Were all that the Jews as a whole could endure. R3130:6
Reasoned – In the nature of a dialogue, according to the Greek. R3130:2, 5913; 1, 4408:1
Out of the Scriptures – Opening them before their minds gradually. R3130:4
This method of discussion was usual with the Jews, but they needed just what the Lord sent them--someone to explain the Scriptures. R4408:1
So today, a Berean Study should have a wise and intelligent leader of humble mind, calling attention to the truth through the Lord's channels. R4408:1
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| 2 and Paul, as his custom was, went in unto them, and for three sabbath days reasoned with them from the scriptures, |
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| 3 opening and alleging that it behooved the Christ to suffer, and to rise again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom, said he, I proclaim unto you, is the Christ. |
Opening – Carries the thought that these Scriptures had been closed previously. R3130:3
Must needs – Before he could be the King promised. R4408:2
Have suffered – Death; the Jews knew of the Scriptures which referred to his sufferings, but ignored them and grasped only those which referred to our Lord's Millennial reign of glory, honor and power. R4408:2
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| 4 And some of them were persuaded, and some consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. |
Believed – The "wheat" amongst the Jews in Thessalonica must be separated from the "chaff" class, as elsewhere. (Matt. 3:12) R4408:3
Consorted – Associated. R2183:3
Devout Greeks – Who had been feeling after God and who probably realized that there was more true religion with the Jew than elsewhere. R3130:4
Of the chief women – Became followers of Christ. R3130:4
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| 5 But the Jews, being moved with jealousy, took unto them certain vile fellows of the rabble, and gathering a crowd, set the city on an uproar; and assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them forth to the people. |
Which believed not – Were not in proper condition of heart to receive the truth. R2183:4
Many seem to receive the truth not in the love of it; but rather in the love of controversy or in curiosity. R2183:6
Wherever the true Gospel went, the result was a division; and the same is true today. R2183:2
Moved with envy – They became jealous of the success achieved by these strangers. R4408:3, 2183:4
Similarly today, some will be stirred up to antagonism, bitter envyings, jealousies, etc. R3130:4
They realized there was a conflict between Judaism and Christianity, and wherever the two come in contact there could be naught else than a clash and conflict. R4408:5
The spirit of compromise with error is the most subtle and dangerous spirit encountered by those who are called to forsake all and follow Christ. R2183:3
Lewd fellows – Having no truthful argument, the Jews resorted to Satan's usual tactics of misrepresentation, slander, arousing prejudice, hatred, malice, etc. R4408:3
The baser sort – Hoodlums. R2183:4
"Roughs and toughs." R3130:6
House of Jason – With whom the missionaries were lodging. R4408:3, 2183:4
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| 6 And when they found them not, they dragged Jason and certain brethren before the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; |
Jason – A prominent believer. R3130:6
Upside down – Wherever Judaism and Christianity come in contact, there would be naught else than a clash and conflict, and one or the other would be turned upside down. R4408:5
Whenever truth comes to any who have error and pride mingled with worldly religion, it becomes a rebuke to them. R4813:
The charges were inciting to anarchy and treason. R3131:2, 2183:5
It was the work of the spirit of truth. R2183:5
They preached the same Gospel which made a disturbance everywhere. R1633:4
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| 7 whom Jason hath received: and these all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. |
Another king – They are traitors to this government and its honorable Emperor Caesar, for they teach another King called Jesus. R4408:4, 3131:2, 2183:5
One Jesus – The sum of Paul's argument was, "This Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is the Messiah." R4408:3
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| 8 And they troubled the multitude and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. |
Troubled the people – Who feared that the riot which had occurred might cause the Romans to take away some of the liberties of the city. R3131:4
And the rulers – Who were in danger of being called to account unless they took active measures to suppress anything resembling treason. R3131:4
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| 9 And when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. |
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| 10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night to Berea: who when they were come thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. |
Sent away Paul – "When they persecute you in one city flee ye into another." (Matt. 10:23) R2183:5
By night – Quietly, secretly. R4408:6
Berea – Sixty miles west of Thessalonica. R2183:6, 3131:5
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| 11 Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the scriptures daily, whether these things were so. |
These – Applies specially to the Jews at Berea. R2183:6
They were but a little class, yet their faithfulness to God's Word caused them to be known as Berean Bible Students. PD77/90
Were more noble – Of nobler birth and more reasonable mind. R3131:6, 5913:3
It applies specially to the Jews at that place. R2183:6
True nobility implies reasonableness, as distinguished from prejudice. R5913:4
Readiness of mind – Our ability to run the race set before us in the Gospel will be in proportion as we shall be obedient to the divine counsel. F729
And searched – Accepting nothing with blank, unquestioning minds. F232
Proving even the teachings of the apostles. F245; D66, D161
They examined the Scriptures to see how well the Apostle's arguments were supported by the testimony of the law and the prophets. R5913:5
To know the will, the counsel of God. R2240:6
It is our duty as Christians individually to prove all things we accept. "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." (Isa. 8:20) D66, D161; HG717:3; R2240:6
A Berean study is a study by those who have the Berean spirit to search to know the truth of the matter before them, those who want to investigate with an honest heart. Q688:5
The attitude of true consecration is to know the Father's will; this implies being Bible Students, like the Bereans. R5375:6
The Scriptures – The promise of being "filled with the Spirit" (Eph. 5:18) is not to those who merelnestly, seeking to understand it. E205
"We have a more sure word of prophecy, to which we do well that we take heed." (2 Pet. 1:19) E205
There was always an appeal to Old Testament Scriptures R434:5
We should have a judgment and a conviction respecting the divine Word, but it should not be so unreasonable a one as would hinder us from receiving a further knowledge from the same source. R4408:6, 5913:5
Daily – Our memories are treacherous; if we are not imbibing the Word in some form, we are apt to lose valuable connecting links. R4409:2
Not merely on the Sabbath. R5913:5, 3131:6
Whether those things were so – Whether or not their presentations fully accord with both the letter and spirit of the Word. F245
To see how well the Apostle's arguments were supported by the testimony of the law and the prophets. R3131:6, 2184:1
Prove it by the only correct and divinely authorized standard--God's own Word. A348
Having been once convinced, we should not be easily turned aside from a properly grounded faith. R5913:5
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| 12 Many of them therefore believed; also of the Greek women of honorable estate, and of the men, not a few. |
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| 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was proclaimed of Paul at Berea also, they came thither likewise, stirring up and troubling the multitudes. |
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| 14 And then immediately the brethren sent forth Paul to go as far as to the sea: and Silas and Timothy abode there still. |
Abode there still – Were left behind, to strengthen and encourage the believers, whose faith already had been established. R3138:3, 2190:1
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| 15 But they that conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timothy that they should come to him with all speed, they departed. |
Athens – Famed for its literary and artistic genius, where Homer sang, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle philosophized, Solon promulgated his famous code of laws, and Demosthenes held his audiences spell-bound with his eloquence. R1557:1
Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Demosthenes, Sophocles, Aristides, Phidias, Zeno, Epicurus, Xenophon and Themistocles, still of world-wide renown, were sons of this famous city. R2190:2
Not a commercial or manufacturing city R2190:2
Then the center of the world's culture, intelligence and worldly wisdom. R4409:2
The capital of the world in science, art, theology and schools of general instruction. R3138:3, 4409:3
They departed – While not fleeing persecution in the ordinary sense; let us be ready to move when persecution may seem to indicate service in some other field of labor. (Matt. 10:23) R4409:4
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| 16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he beheld the city full of idols. |
His spirit – Greek, pneuma; mind, feelings. E312
Was stirred – As he beheld so intelligent a city utterly ignorant of the true God. R4409:3
Idolatry – Many cultured minds have idols of selfishness, passions, earthly ambitions and love of falsehoods, to such an extent as to reject the sublime testimony of the Gospel. R2191:4
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| 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the market place every day with them that met him. |
Disputed – The thought of the original rather signifies "conversed" or "reasoned." R4409:3
In the market – With the numerous students and others who gathered there. R3138:5
There were numbers in the market every day, so Paul preached there on other than the Sabbath day. HG584:4*
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| 18 And certain also of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, What would this babbler say? others, He seemed to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached Jesus and the resurrection. |
Certain philosophers – This new philosophy soon attracted the inquiring minds of many of the two most distinguished schools of Greek philosophy--the Stoics and the Epicureans. R1557:2
This babbler – Seed-picker; one who has picked up some seeds of thought from the great teachers and is setting them forth as his own. R3138:6
Implying that there was neither reason nor sense in his presentation. R4409:3
Our Lord and his prophets and apostles were all accounted fools and cranks; and that same worldly climate will continue to the end of this age. R1873:1
Of strange gods – Greek, daimonion; should be rendered demons. E70
A crime in Athens, it being held that they already had them in plenty, and to admit that any one could present a new god would be an insult to their learning. R3138:6
Preached unto them Jesus – As the Redeemer of mankind from sin and death. R4792:3
The anointed Head of the spiritual Seed. R2580:4
And the resurrection – With the Greek article showing emphasis and indicating the first, special or spiritual resurrection. R1512:1, 2
Throughout the Scriptures the whole theme of salvation is "Jesus and the resurrection." NS234:4
There is no hope of a future life without a resurrection, and no hope of a resurrection except in Jesus--that he paid the death penalty. R2618:1
Jesus and the resurrection are indissolubly united. NS210:5
"As by a man (Adam) came death, so also by a man (the man Christ Jesus) comes the resurrection of the dead." (1 Cor. 15:21) R4792:2
"To proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound"; (Isa. 61:1) "To bring out the prisonerhe prison house." (Isa. 42:7) R4793:2, 2580:4
The grand result of that redemptive work. R4792:3
Faith in a resurrection is an integral and essential part of Scriptural doctrine; the only hope, the blessed hope, the consistent hope. R4791:1,6
A re-vitalizing or re-creation from the dead; but its everlasting continuance depends only upon obedience. R1642:5
Jesus' resurrection became the assurance of the justification of all who obey him. R4793:1
Only as we have confidence in God's Word could we exercise a faith in such a stupendous miracle. R4794:5
None but an infinite being could claim the power to reproduce the very thoughts of the billions of mankind who have died. R4794:5
Whoever holds that there is no death, cannot consistently believe in the resurrection of the dead. R4791:3
Satan's theory makes of the resurrection a curse. R4792:2
Many ministers merely mean an eventual resurrection of the body, to be reinhabited by the spirit which formerly parted in death. R4791:3
We have serious reason to doubt that a belief in the resurrection of the dead prevails amongst Christians to any considerable extent. R4791:1
The leading lights of Christendom today repudiate Jesus as Redeemer and the resurrection. R4792:3
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| 19 And they took hold of him, and brought him unto the Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new teaching is, which is spoken by thee? |
Unto Areopagus – The Council of the Areopagites, composed of the teachers of the various schools of learning, and at that time reputedly the wisest men in the world, invested with power to condemn to death any teacher of strange Gods. R3138:3,6
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| 20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. |
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| 21 (Now all the Athenians and the strangers sojourning there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.) |
Hear some new thing – In our day there are spiritual dyspeptics who eat and work not and manifest a greater eagerness for new ideas than to make good use of what they have already. R23:5*
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| 22 And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said, Ye men of Athens, in all things I perceive that ye are very religious. |
Then Paul stood – With his remarkable talent, learning, the spirit of the Lord, of a sound mind, of divine revelation. R3138:3
Mars hill – Secured a hearing before the Athenian Council of the Areopagites. R3138:3, 2190:3, 1556:2
Where the supreme court of Athens convened; where Demosthenes and other eloquent orators had spoken. R1557:2
Probably in the great structure known as the Parthenon. R4409:5
Ye men of Athens – The address usual with all Greek orators. R1557:4
Too superstitious – Over-religious, and unwisely so. R4409:6
Have respect for whatever is divine. R3139:1
Reverential to an extreme. R2191:5, 2190:4
There were over 3,000 public statues to the gods in Athens at this time. R3138:5, 2190:5
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| 23 For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. What therefore ye worship in ignorance, this I set forth unto you. |
Your devotions – Greece was noted as the center of learning, piety and wisdom. R318:5
The Unknown God – Greek, theos; a mighty one, but does not invariably refer to Jehovah. B274
Unknown to the Athenians, as the author and sustainer of all life. R1557:4, 3138:6, 2190:3
The mind that roams about and grasps innumerable gods is truly over-religious and under-wise. R4409:6
Paul preached the true God and Jesus Christ whom he had sent. R4409:6
Paul told them not to think of these idols as being God, but that God is the great Creator who made all mankind. Q513:1
Whom therefore – By your own confession. R1557:4, 2190:4
Ye ignorantly worship – Worship without knowledge of his name or character. R2190:4
The heathen peoples are so deceived that they really worship demons instead of God--ignorantly. SM548:3
These philosophers should first learn that instead of many gods, there is but one living and true God, the Father; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, his Son. R2190:3
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| 24 The God that made the world and all things therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; |
Temples – The true God was neither stone, nor wood, nor were there any such representations of Him. R4410:1
The truly consecrated saints are the living stones of God's great future temple, and each a miniature temple. R1402:1
Nominal Christian people erroneously think of the ornate temples of wood and brick and stone in which they worship as the houses of God. R1402:1
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| 25 neither is he served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; |
Hands – Power. R2498:1, 4519:6*
Life – The spark of life, which begins the creature at conception. R4519:6*
Breath – The God of all life. R2498:1
The breath of life, which supports the creature after birth. R4519:6*
The spark of life, once started, is supported by breathing. E308
And all things – Whose are all thy ways; who has full power to control your course. R2498:1
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| 26 and he made of one every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation; |
Made of one blood – It declares the solidarity of the human family. F42
None can afford to be selfishly independent of one another. Mankind is one family. Each is a human brother to every other human being. All are children of the one father, Adam, a son of God. D310
Descended from Adam, no matter how different in color, stature, intelligence, etc., they may now be. R2344:6
The kings and rulers of earth have so long felt superior to others that they find it difficult to believe this. R683:4
All are of one flesh and blood, one common brotherhood. R5414:1, 1557:4
Including the negro. R3042:1; HG508:5
Divine love was not confined to one nation or people. R4410:1
There was no pre-Adamite man; the variety of human races is due to climate, customs, food and the mother's surroundings during gestation. F42
"As all in Adam die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Cor. 15:22) R3519:2
We have opportunities every day with all mankind, to seek to do them good. R5357:5
All nations of men – He is the God that made the world and everything therein. He was not merely the God of one nation, a very different God from anything that had ever been suggested to the minds of these philosophers. R3139:2
Of the earth – Aside from the Church. R1557:4
And hath determined – The Lord's ordering of national affairs, the bringing of the world under successive empires--the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian and Roman. R3139:3
The times – Greek, kairos; fixed times, as "Times of the Gentiles". (Luke 21:24) B78
The appointed season in which they should come to a knowledge of himself. R4410:1
A premeditated plan on God's part, in the best interests of humanity and most favorable for the outworking of the divine purposes. R5160:6
Their habitation – According to the place of their residence. R4410:1
God confounded the language and scattered the people. (Gen. 11:7,8) PD22/33
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| 27 that they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us: |
Seek the Lord – Not very many are in condition of heart to seek him at the present time. R4629:1
Those who do so, he guides, draws, influences. R4629:1
Israel was in darkness and other nations were in deeper darkness, though many of them were feeling after God. R5769:6
Feel after him – Desiring righteousness, truth, goodness, justice. R2404:6, 5583:2, 2751:3
After his plan. R2717:6
God draws only such as are in the right attitude of heart. R4355:4, 5583:2, 4657:4; CR435:1
This desire of the heart must come first. CR319:5
Only such will be ready for the Kingdom, fit for the Royal Priesthood. OV206:1
Having a measure of peace, joy and blessing; going in the right direction. R4657:4
Mankind are so constructed that the highest and noblest organs of our brain call for reverence for the Almighty God. CR487:6; SM131:2; R3313:1
In some more and in some less this desire for God still remains. CR392:5
Those who come into the Court of the Tabernacle are feeling after God with the desire to find him. Q310:4
Pious Gentiles seeking God frequently attended Jewish synagogues. R2141:2
And find him – The Apostle would assist his hearers in finding this true God, whom they desired to know when they erected the altar. R3139:3
Rejoicing to see any evidence of repentance and reformation and desiring to assist back into harmony with God, must be the attitude of all the Lord's people. R2707:5
God wills that all men shall be saved. (1 Tim. 2:4) R4629:2
God leads them to the Lord Jesus Christ, the necessary way. (John 14:6) R4629:1
Satan's work has been the blinding and deceiving of men. R3313:1; NS521:6
Satan's struggles to retain control of mankind will be specially desperate at its close--before he is bound. (Rev. 20:1,2) R2189:2
Though he – God. R4629:1
Every one of us – To those who will seek or feel after him, he will manifest himself. R4629:1
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| 28 for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. |
For in him we live – In his providence. E390
The privilege of living is dependent upon God, and only by his gift or favor can any hope to live forever. R1377:6
All life emanates from him alone. CR498:1
The God in whose hand thy breath is. (Dan. 5:23) HG519:6
His offspring – In one sense of the word the entire human family are brethren, and all of the God's children or offspring. R4410:2
This should not lead us to make or worship images of any kind, all of which are professedly man's device. R3139:4
Paul wanted to address the Athenians along the line of their superstition. He would encourage them to know God who made them. Q512:2, 513:1
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| 29 Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the nature of God is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and device of man. |
Offspring of God – He is the Father, or Life-giver of all created in his likeness; but recognizes as sons only those who are in harmony with him, reconciled through the precious blood of Jesus. R2962:2; Q513:1
Godhead – It is a meaningless word; and merely a bad translation. R1515:4, 249:1*
Like the word "trinity," it carries with it the idea of a society, which is not the idea of the original. R249:1*
Greek, ho Theios; the deity, usually rendered "Divine." E71; R1515:4
"That which is Divine." (Rotherham) R249:1*
Like unto gold, etc. – Humanity should in some degree resemble him. Gold and silver and stone images must be very poor representations of the true God. R4410:2, 1557:5
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| 30 The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent: |
This ignorance – From Adam to the death of our Redeemer. SM150:1
God left men in ignorance. R4629:4
You are not responsible up to the present time. R4410:2
God winked at – Their imperfections and flagrant wrong-doings. R4629:4; OV129:2
Tolerated, avoided taking notice of. R1463:3, 4629:4, 4410:2; SM148:4, 149:1
He did not interfere, did not chide, but proceeded with His own work of preparation for better things. NS13:6; OV129:2
He overlooked. R5083:5, 3139:5, 2191:1; HG684:3
Paid no particular attention to their conduct except when it went to an extreme. R5115:2, 3139:5; SM148:4
A definite statement, from an inspired source, that the millions who lived and died in heathen darkness prior to the coming of Christ are not held responsible and will not be punished for their ignorance. R2191:1, 1557:5
Now – Implies God did not command men previously to repent. SM150:T; HG283:5
As soon as Jesus had died, God offered forgiveness and reconciliation to those who would believe in Jesus. SM150:1; R4629:4
Having appointed through Christ a day of trial for all. R1472:1
Until that day was appointed nobody was commanded to repent. That day was made sure when our Lord died. HG283:4
God could not reasonably command any to repent and return until the ransom was paid at Calvary. R3139:6
Commandeth – Through those who were the representatives of his teaching, the apostles and the Church. R5083:3
God was sending his message to them, and to all who had ears to hear. R3139:5, 4410:2
Whoever hears and heeds this command is being prepared for his life or death trial in the Kingdom. SM155:2
Adam lived and died without any command whatever to repent and so did his children. R5083:1
Paul does not say that God commanded the Church to sacrifice; if so it would cease to be a sacrifice. SM154:4
All men everywhere – But only those who hear the command have a responsibility respecting it. HG684:4
Who have an ear to hear. R2962:3, 5084:1, 2809:5
A new condition had been established and God would deal henceforth with the Gentiles. R5083:3
To repent – But not until God had provided a Redeemer. R5083:6, 4207:4; SM149:3, 155:1
And so influence your future conditions: "In that day there shall be a fountain opened, for sin and for uncleanness." (Zech. 13:1) R5084:1
Cleanse themselves. R3037:6
Change of heart from sin to righteousness. R1437:2, 4410:2, 3139:5
The prerequisites on man's part, to salvation. R1437:2
There is a reward for repentance. R5083:1
To those who are willing to hear. R5083:4
Those who do not hear in the present time are not commanded by God to repent. R5084:1
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| 31 inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. |
He – Jehovah. R4879:6, 2304:2
Hath appointed – Arranged for in advance. SM150:2
Christ had redeemed Adam and his race from that death sentence and thus opened the way for the appointment of another day of judgment. R4410:3
A day – Period, epoch, age. R2434:5, 2338:1, 891:3; NS181:1, 393:5
"One day is with the Lord as a thousand years." (2 Pet. 3:8) R3028:6, 3305:1, 2993:3, 2990:3, 2664:4; SM151:1
A thousand-year day. HG273:2; R5780:3, 5563:6, 2434:5, 2304:2; SM252:1; Q651:1, 794:4, 805:3, 830:T, 853:4; NS161:3, 748:3
Applies beyond this Gospel age; to the Millennial age. OV39:3; R2691:1; NS161:3; Q853:4
The Millennial age. A139; C125; F396; R3948:5, 3305:1, 3139:6, 2993:3, 2539:3, 2229:3, 1505:2, 1463:3, 1222:5; HG234:4; OV208:1
The entire Millennial age is to be a thousand-year Judgment day, in which the whole world is to be brought to a knowledge of the truth. R5363:5, 2733:5, 1601:2, 1452:6, 1383:6, 1261:3
A day of judgment for the whole world, aside from the Church, which has her judgment during this Gospel age. NS556:5; C125; OV39:3, 208:2; R1155:4
That day was future in the Apostles time, and is still future, though now about to dawn. R5443:5, 3167:5, 2990:3, 2691:1; SM151:T; HG148:5, 234:3; NS333:2, 423:5
God's time for dealing with the world is in the future under the terms of the New Covenant, at the hands of the greater mediator than Moses. R4013:5, 2351:5
This appointed day has not yet arrived. It is the Day of Christ, the Millennial day, 1,000 years long, in which the world will have its trial, its test, Christ and the Church being its judges. NS463:2; OV40:T; PD62/73
The Day of Christ; Messiah's Kingdom. R5083:3, 4996:6; OV39:3, 256:6; SM151:1; NS329:3
When he sets up his kingdom at his second coming. Q795:T
The Mediatorial Reign. CR486:1
A day of testing. R2624:1; OV207:2
The world's day of judgment, or day of trial. F396; R4207:4, 3139:6, 2624:1, 2539:3, 2191:1, 1601:2, 1219:1
The world's trial day of individual testing. OV207:2; R5443:6, 1222:5
Times of Restitution. ( Acts 3:21) C125; R1450:3
A set time, in which he purposes to give to all men just the kind of evidence which their doubting and unbelieving condition of mind requires. 1450:3
"My Word shall judge you in the last day." (John 12:48) R2434:5
See also comments under Acts 3:21 "Of restitution. "
See also comments under Luke 11:2, "Thy kingdom come. "
He will judge – Greek, krino, (probationary trials); and krisis, (decisions), to the world. R2431:3, 2430:6, 2426:4, 2425:6*, 1853:4
Krino signifies to discern. The thought is that of trial rather than verdict. NS329:6
Signifies trial, testing. E479
Not condemn, for the world is condemned already. R3167:5, 4996:6
The process of trial, including also the decision or result of trial. R408:3; Q794:4
He will righteously grant the world a new, individual trial for eternal life, having cancelled the sentence of the first trial by the propitiatory sacrifice of his Son. HG299:4; OV207:2, R5443:6, 1222:5
Grant another trial under more favorable conditions. A137, A143; R4629:5, 3948:5, 2351:5, 891:3
Future. R2733:5; Q591:T; NS181:1
The judgment or trial cannot begin until the eyes of their understanding are opened. NS332:6
There could be no judgment without a trial, and there could be no trial without knowledge, hence all must be brought forth from the condition of death for the purpose of being tried for life. HG514:3
If it were God's plan to coerce the world or to everlasting save every member, why call the coming age a Day of Judgment? E479; R1057:6
The world is not now on trial, is not being judged, rewarded or punished. R4013:5; OV40:T
This second judgment would not be merely for those living at the time, but for all of the race, of every nation, people, kindred and tongue, awakened from the dead. R4410:3
Under the conditions of the New Covenant. R1983:6
"The time of the dead, that they should be judged." (Rev. 11:18) R2993:3
Indirectly this will be God's judgment. R1853:6
"For the Father judges no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son." (John 5:22) R1261:3, 408:3
The saints are to be the judges with Christ. R5776:2, 4996:6
The world – A fair trial that will take cognizance of their weaknesses and frailties. R3948:5
Grant the world a judgment or trial or test. OV256:6; R3167:5, 3028:6
Under full knowledge and opportunity. R1229:2, 4990:5, 1155:4
The dead in trespasses and sins, but redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. R2999:3; OV39:3
The final settlements with Tyre, Sidon, Sodom, Chorqazin, Bethsaida, and all the rest of mankind. R1618:6
And the fallen angels. R4879:3,4, 4880:1, 4292:3, 1680:4, 1073:4
The judgment of the fallen angels will be at the very beginning of this great day. R4880:1
In righteousness – Equity; under a reign of righteousness when the besetments of the adversary will be at an end. R3140:1, 3167:5, 3028:6; NS181:1
Giving to each one a fair, just, righteous opportunity for attaining life everlasting. HG355:5; 148:5; R2624:2
All must come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4) and be judicially set free OV39:4,5
Christ will give every assistance necessary and proper. R5925:4
Not in wrath, malice, or a desire to injure. R2624:2
"Discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not." (Mal. 3:18) R1653:6
With rewards and punishments wisely administered, that the people may learn righteousness and abhor sin. R5780:3
By that man – Jesus Christ. R2304:2, 2191:1, 1618:6, 1557:5, 1505:2, 1155:4, 568:3, 52:1*
The great Messiah, Prophet, Royal Priest and King. R1248:1, 3167:5; Q591:T; OV40:T
The Christ, Head and Body. E479; R5443:5, 3028:6, 2993:3, 2539:3, 2426:4, 1653:6; HG232:2; 273:2; NS423:2, 644:2; OV40:T; Q363:3
Jesus and his glorified Church, his Bride. R4996:6, 4986:2, 3948:5
"To make of twain (Jews and Gentiles) one new man"--the Mediator, the peace maker. (Eph. 2:15) R4879:6; Q363:3
"The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son." (John 5:22) R1853:6, 408:3
"For he cometh to judge the earth; he shall judge the world with righteousness." (Psa. 96:13) R568:3
"The saints shall judge the world." (1 Cor. 6:2) R4990:6, 2733:6; HG273:2; NS393:5, 423:5, 748:3; OV40:T; Q651:T
He hath ordained – Afore. R3028:6
The Christ, the righteous judge. R2191:1
Judge of all the earth. R1557:5, 1155:4
Paul declares that the only access to God is through faith in Christ's Sacrifice for our sins. D190
Given assurance – An evidence. R2795:4, 1229:2
Grounds for hope. R3028:6, 1278:2
Confirmed unto us by the death of our Lord Jesus as the ransom price. R1278:2
Our Lord's resurrection becomes the pledge. R1395:1
The resurrection of Christ was God's attestation to men that his sacrifice has been satisfactory, God's assurance that he would ultimately carry out this great plan of blessing the world. R3140:1, 2133:4, 1989:1, 1591:3, 1248:3
Evidence to men that he is the one through whom God intended to judge the world. R1229:2, 5083:6; HG384:1
Of the carrying out of every feature of the divine plan, which centered in him and dependent upon his faithfulness even unto death. R2795:4, 4410:3
Some who were awakened before were only partial illustrations of resurrection, to assure men of the divine power to fully accomplish it in due time. R1591:3
In the resurrection of Jesus we have God's assurance of his ability and willingness to deliver all from the tomb. NS585:5
Unto all – The guarantee that all those redeemed have an opportunity to attain a complete resurrection to all the blessings and favors lost in the fall. R1591:3
The whole world to be brought to a knowledge of the truth and of God. (1 Tim. 2:4) R5363:5
He hath raised him – Christ could never have raised himself. R2795:2
When God raised Jesus from the dead it became a testimony that his was a sacrificial death, an acceptable offering. R5083:6, 1278:2, 1229:2; T88
From the dead – Had his sacrifice been in any manner or degree imperfect he would never have bee raised out of death. T88
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| 32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, We will hear thee concerning this yet again. |
Of the dead – He was listened to as a great teacher by the philosophers until he touched on the resurrection of the dead. E350
And thus discerned Paul's disagreement with their theory that the dead are more alive than ever. E351; R3140:4
Faith in a resurrection is an integral and essential part of Scriptural doctrine; the only hope, the blessed hope, the consistent hope. R4791:1,6
Whoever would believe the resurrection, must also believe that death is the cessation of life. R4791:6
Only as we have confidence in God's Word could we exercise a faith in such a stupendous miracle. R4794:5
None but an infinite being could reproduce the very thoughts of the billions of mankind who have died. R4794:5
Jesus' death was the purchase price for the world, resulting in due time, in an awakening of the dead. R3138:6
Jesus' resurrection became the assurance of the justification of all who accept and obey him. R4793:1
"To proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison"; (Isa. 61:1) "To bring out the prisoner R4793:2, 2580:4
By satisfying the demands of the divine law against the sinner. SM148:2
Coming forth to a judgment-resurrection, a perfecting obtainable only through judgments, discipline, etc. R1512:1
Many of all denominations have little or no faith in a resurrection of the dead; to whom death has become a delusion and not a reality. R4791:2,3
Many ministers merely mean an eventual resurrection of the body, to be reinhabited by the spirit which formerly parted in death. R4791:3
Satan's theory makes of death a blessing, and of resurrection a curse; whereas Christ died to release man from the curse of death. R4792:2
No other religion than that of the Bible teaches a resurrection of the dead. R4410:3
Some mocked – Sneered at the doctrine of the resurrection. R4410:4
Scoffed. R5016:4
Their objection rested on the resurrection. R3140:2
According to their philosophy there could be no resurrection of the dead; for they believed that there were no dead. R2191:4; E351; SM35:2
All interest in the teaching of the apostle vanished for the majority when they learned that the entire philosophy rested on the resurrection of the dead. R4410:4
They considered themselves far in advance of the Jewish idea that the dead can have no future existence except by a resurrection. E351
Being steeped in superstition and error, when they heard of the true God and his plan, they were not interested. CR488:4
We have nothing to say to those who "mock" at the divine promise, because of a lack of faith in the Almighty. SM38:1
Hear thee again – If the truth did not appeal to them at once, it is quite doubtful if it would do so later. R4410:5
Their time to hear the message would be during the Millennium. R4410:5
Like a magnet, the truth attr Acts only those only who have an affinity for it. R1557:5, 4410:5
The worldly wise of today are still inclined to stumble over the resurrection. R5016:4, 4410:4
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| 33 Thus Paul went out from among them. |
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| 34 But certain men clave unto him, and believed: among whom was even Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. |
Clave unto him – Stuck to him. R4410:5
Dionysius – One of the professors in the University of Athens. R5926:3
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