Acts 16:1-20:38
Before I go too far, I want to point out the difference of translations. And perhaps the importance of reading along in one or more, or talking to others who read in different translations. Because sometimes we need to ask, why was that word used or what did this passage mean. The section in Acts 16 has Paul and Silas and Timothy meeting people and going among them to their homes and synagogues. In one instance a woman kept badgering them and yelling behind them. And finally Paul is annoyed enough to command the spirit to come out of her. The thing I noticed is that in one translation it says she was yelling these men are proclaiming the way of salvation and in another version it read they are proclaiming a way of salvation. There is a difference between a way and the way. I can see where they were annoyed by this woman because Jesus wasn't one of many ways, He was the Only way...in a place and time when there were many options, what Paul and Silas were saying was contrary to this idea, they were saying there was only one way, and this woman was misleading the listeners-and bringing publicity to herself-and for her 'owners.' No wonder they got upset and had the disciples thrown in jail, this was another instance when the money-making opportunity was lost.
The situation with the jailer trying first to kill himself because his life was forfeit if he lost those high profile prisoners, and then finding not only hadn't they left but they stayed and waited for him...all of this worked in such a way that his entire family was brought into a saving relationship with the one God, and all because Paul and Silas were annoyed by the woman yelling behind them.
I really love this section in Acts 17 where Paul says, I see you are 'very religious' and have an altar to the "unknown God." I tell you that the creator of the world and everything in it wants to be near you and be known by you. As we have read through these readings we see again and again God has met with, spoken with, championed and loved the people. This message Paul gives the men of Athens, who are educated men, he gives them familiar quotes that assist them in relating to what he is telling them.
I find it interesting that here, the Roman Proconsul determines to force the Jews to deal with their religious questions and differences themselves and not in a Roman court. The word of what happened to Jesus and Pilot must have been heard in Corinth, and Gallio wanted no part of the proceedings.
These passages are full of travel. Paul's travels and the words and deeds and travels of others. They are even more full of the words of new faith and new believers, and belief against all normal circumstances. These last verses have Paul going to Jerusalem, saying he won't see any of them again, and that he will suffer in every city he goes to...and yet he goes. He stayed when he should stay and he preached when he should preach, and now he is going where he needs to go. Today we read of all that God did with his obedience. What will God do with our obedience? Paul was one man, and an unlikely one at that, and yet the Lord used his words and his knowledge and his willingness to bring many new people into a relationship with himself.
How will we be obedient? How will God use our time, talents and testimonies? Are we willing, to be willing?
See you tomorrow.
-maggie
The actual greek text concerning the woman with the Python spirit makes "a way" because it lacks the definite article to make "the way". So the question remains why do reputable translations differ on this point. In reading the church fathers they act as if the definite article were present but is does create the impression they are ignoring the text and some come up with some overly complex reasons why the disciples were annoyed at this public display. Perhaps we should apply Ockhams Razor and look for the simplest explanation; the woman was denying the uniqueness of the Christ and the Disciples wanted to boldly assert His uniqueness.
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