Brooknom's world

This Bible study continues in Acts chapter 19 from verse 17. It covers the reverential fear that fell on people in Ephesus after the miracles, believers confessing their deeds, and those practicing curious arts burning their books worth 50,000 pieces of silver. The word of God grew and prevailed as Paul planned to travel through Macedonia and Achaia. Demetrius the silversmith stirred up opposition over lost income from silver shrines for Diana, leading to confusion and a riot in the theater. The town clerk calmed the crowd and dismissed the assembly while the hand of God continued to work.

This study covers Acts 19 where Paul arrives in Ephesus and meets disciples who knew only John's baptism and had not heard of the Holy Ghost. Paul explains John's message about Christ Jesus, lays hands on them, and they receive the Holy Ghost, speak in tongues, and prophesy. He preaches in the synagogue for three months then continues for two years in the school of Tyrannus as the word spreads in Asia. God works special miracles through Paul, including healings through handkerchiefs and aprons. The seven sons of Sceva attempt to use the name of Jesus and are overcome by an evil spirit, after which the name of Jesus is magnified.

We dig into Leviticus chapter 5, reading the first 13 verses on the sin offering for not speaking up as a witness, touching unclean things, and certain oaths. We talk about how forgiveness only comes after the offering once the person knows they’ve sinned, and why knowing the law matters so you don’t walk in ignorance. There’s a solid back-and-forth on verse 1 about hearing the voice of swearing and not uttering it, including Andrew Bonar’s take on it. Then we read the rest of the chapter on the trespass offering in the holy things of the Lord and making amends. The big takeaway is that we’re responsible to know and study the Scriptures so we can apply them.

We return to the book of Leviticus after a couple of months and start again in chapter 4. The discussion covers the sin offerings required when the anointed priest, the whole congregation, a ruler, or any of the common people sin through ignorance against the commandments of the Lord. Related thoughts include the uniqueness of names such as Moses, Adam, and David, the Levitical priesthood of Aaron and his sons, the meaning of blood in the sacrifices, the voluntary nature of offerings from a broken heart, and how these point forward to Christ. Examples from Scripture such as Josiah and David are mentioned along the way. We plan to continue with chapter 4 and into chapter 5 next time.

This covers the backdrop of Isaiah by examining King Ahaz after Uzziah and Jotham. From 2 Kings 15 and 16, Ahaz did not do right in the sight of the Lord, walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and practiced child sacrifice to Molech. He sought help from Tiglath-Pileser of Assyria against Rezin and Pekah and took temple treasures as a gift. Ahaz also built a Damascus-style altar and altered the temple offerings. This gives context for Isaiah chapter 1 on sacrifices God did not want.

This study returns to the Book of Isaiah and examines the historical backdrop of the kings named in Isaiah 1:1. It covers Uzziah’s time as a leper living in a separate house from 2 Chronicles 26 and Jotham’s 16-year reign from 2 Chronicles 27. Jotham did what was right in the sight of the Lord according to all his father Uzziah did yet the people still acted corruptly. The discussion includes events such as the fall of Samaria to Assyria in 722 BC. The northern kingdom’s conquest stood as a clear warning example to Judah while Isaiah prophesied.

I continue with part 2 of my introduction to the book of Isaiah by reading through chapter 1. I cover the vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. I discuss Israel’s rebellion against God, their empty sacrifices, and His call to repent, wash clean, and reason together. I note the small remnant left by the Lord and the promise that the willing and obedient will eat the good of the land while the rebellious face judgment. I also connect it to my earlier discussion of Uzziah and the divided kingdoms, showing God as long-suffering yet clear about the coming destruction.

This opening episode begins a study of the book of Isaiah by examining the historical backdrop from Isaiah 1:1. Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah (also called Azariah), Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and was a contemporary of Micah. The discussion covers events in 2 Kings 14 involving Amaziah and the conflict between Judah and Israel that shaped the setting for Uzziah. Approximate time frames given are Isaiah from about 740 BC to 715 BC and Micah from about 758 BC to 700 BC. The later deportation of the Southern Kingdom to Babylon around 580 BCE is noted as showing God’s long-suffering

In this Bible study we continue through Acts chapter 18. Paul arrives in Corinth, meets Aquila and Priscilla, and works with them as tentmakers. He reasons in the synagogue every Sabbath, testifies that Jesus is the Christ, and faces opposition before turning to the Gentiles. Crispus the chief ruler of the synagogue believes along with many others. The Lord encourages Paul in a vision, and later Aquila and Priscilla instruct Apollos more perfectly in the way of God.

In this continuation of the study in the Book of Acts chapter 17, Paul addresses the people of Athens at the altar to the unknown God. He declares the one true God who made the world and all things, who is Lord of heaven and earth and does not dwell in temples made with hands. God gives life and breath and all things to all people, has made all nations of one blood, and has determined their times and borders. He calls everyone to seek the Lord who is not far from each one of us, quotes their own poets, urges repentance, and proclaims judgment through the risen Jesus Christ. Some mocked while others including Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris believed.