Acts 19:1-16
HL & TH
Paul preached the gospels in Ephesus and performed miracles.
vs 11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul.
vs 13-16 Imitators of Paul to cast out demon-possessed were punished…”…Jesus I know and Paul I know about, but who are you?”who are you vs 15…ran out of the house naked and bleeding vs 16. TH: do not play play in the spiritual world.
Luke 22:54-62
TH
Jesus predicted Peter will disown him comes to past-the fear and frailty of human beings. This experience or event made Peter stronger…he wept bitterly.
Psalm 121:1-7
HL & TH
vs 2-4
2. My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3. He will not let your foot slip he who watches over you will not slumber;
4. indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Source: online mobile bible apps-NIV
Sometimes I reflect on prominent Atheists; I am thinking while their arguments sound very rational, they are spiritually bankrupt-naked; no hope, they teach nothing to create a loving, harmonious society guided by righteous laws, commands, statutes, decrees and precepts. They have nothing to feed the inner man, to protect the marginalise, to address the justice of wickedness of evil men. A poor legacy at best-Ed-Meu 12-07-24
Acts 18:1-17
HL & TH
Paul suffered much for preaching the gospels; the Jews there opposed him vs 6.
He was beaten…persecuted by Jews .vs 16
Luke 22:39-46
Jesus is obedient to God’s will unto death vs 42…but yours be done.
Psalm 119:145-168
HL & TH
The Psalmist presumably King David called out to God to help vs 145…put my hope in your word.. vs 147…renew my life, O LORD, according to your laws…vs 149.
..statutes that you established them to last forever…vs 152.
vs 154 Defend my cause and redeem me…
vs 155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your decrees.
vs 158 I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word.
vs 160 All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.
The Psalm is so rich with praising God for His eternal laws, decrees, precepts, word, and statutes.
The Psalmist also uses the word statutes, meaning to inscribe or to cut into. This refers to the everlasting nature of scriptures; today we would use the phrase “set in stone.” The Bible statutes set boundaries for life. 13 July 2019.
Decrees vs commands
Each of these are quite different, the decreed will of God is that which absolutely will come to pass and no one can stop it. Whereas the commanded will of God are the things God desires but does not force, with this will our compliance is required. 8 Aug 2014
Source on statutes, decrees, commands definition: Google on 11-07-24.
Note: took almost four years to reread Psalm. Last log read: 24-09-2020.
Acts 17:16-32
HL & TH
…greatly distressed to see the city was full of idols
….. found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD…vs 23…
Paul gave a speech on God…proof of all this to all men by raising him from the dead vs 24-32
Luke 22:24-34
HL & TH
…kings of the Gentiles lord it over then..vs 25
…Christ’s teaching to serve vs 26-28.
…confer on you a kingdom…eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel vs 30. TH: a promise.
…prediction of Peter’s denial..before the cock crows today…vs 34
Psalm 119:127-128
HL & TH
The Psalmist treated God’s laws with highest respect, of great value (more than pure gold vs 127), an honour and delight to obey them.
Examples of words used to describe them: …stabd in awe of your laws vs 120;…love your commands…more than pure gold vs 127;…statutes are wonderful vs 129;…the entranceof your words gives light; give understanding to the simple vs 130; …pant, longing for your commands…; your laws are right vs 137;…righteousness is everlasting and your law is true vs 142;….statutes are forever right vs 144.
