His Word Today

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:1-3)

Often when we read Scripture we tend, when moving from one chapter to the next, to forget what we have just previously read. For example, John 9 begins with these four words: “As he passed by.” If we fail to take into account what the Apostle John recorded in John 8, we would not know the who, what, where, why and when of John 9.

The subject in question is Jesus. He has exited the temple immediately after the Jewish religious leaders picked up stones to throw at Him (John 8:59). They did so because Jesus had called Himself Yahweh (John 8:58). The Jews did not accept Jesus’ claim to be God but considered it blaspheme. Therefore, they sought to stone Jesus as a blasphemer, as prescribed by the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 24:16; John 10:31; Matthew 26:65).

It was at this precise moment that Jesus saw a man blind from birth. We do not know how old this man was, only that Scripture says he was of legal age (John 9:21), or in other words, an adult. It was also at this precise moment that Jesus’ disciples asked Him a pertinent question: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind?”

A friend of mind experienced an unfortunate initial encounter with evangelical Christians many years ago. It seems that a couple of believers were making calls on people within their neighborhood for the purpose of witnessing for Christ and inviting people to their church. Not a bad thing to do. I have done it myself on many occasions.

However, did I mention that my friend uses orthopedic crutches? Upon seeing this, these believers promptly informed my friend that if she would repent of her un-confessed sin, she would no longer need her crutches. It seems that these believers were of the conviction that physical ailments, or some other misfortune, were God’s punishment for some specific sin. Suffice to say my friend was offended and hurt by such a presumption.

Such was also the case in first century Israel. Jesus’ disciples’ first inclination was that either the man, or his parents, had committed a sin resulting in the man’s blindness. For the disciples, it was a simple explanation of cause and effect.

Dr. R. C. Sproul explains that, “with a congenital affliction, the explanation could be that the sin had been committed in the womb, or by the parents whose sinful act victimized their child.”

Jesus, however, presented a third possibility for the man’s blindness. Jesus stated that neither the man nor his parents sinned but rather that the works of God might be displayed in him: that is in the blind man.

We must acknowledge that all suffering is a direct result of original sin, also known as the fall (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12-21). Suffering, including physical pain and disease, is a consequence of our corporate sin and rebellion in Adam. Yet, it is most unwise and insensitive to suggest that physical aches and pains are in direct proportion to a sinner’s sin and guilt.

James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

I Peter 1:6-7 says, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Trials are never easy. They may be even downright difficult and painful. However, God has promised to provide sustaining grace (2 Corinthians 12:9-11). While the immediate purpose of our trials may not be fully known by us, the ultimate purpose is for each believer to glorify God.

What trials are you presently enduring? Is it one you have had since birth, or one more recent? Is it a physical trial or some other kind? Regardless, we have God’s assurance that His purpose is good (Romans 8:28).

Soli deo Gloria!

So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.” (John 8:57-59)

As our study of John 8 comes to its dramatic conclusion, the Jews present one more question to Jesus: ““You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus’ response is one of the most definitive statements of His deity: “Before Abraham was, I am.”

As we have previously noted, the phrase “I am” is a declaration of the most personal name for God. It refers to His eternal preexistence. Therefore, since this is a statement and title only God possesses, Jesus was affirming to the Jews that He was God. The present tense of the title indicates the perpetual present of God’s eternal existence. The statement also reminds us of God personal declaration to Moses in Exodus 3:14.

We should also note that prior to issuing this personal identifying statement, Jesus said, ““Truly, truly, I say to you.” This statement indicates two truths. First, by using the familiar phrase “Truly, truly” Jesus was placing emphasis that what He would say would be a true truth or an absolute truth. Second, by saying, “I say to you” Jesus was invoking His own authority as God.

Dr. John MacArthur says, “Here Jesus declared himself to be Yahweh, i.e., the Lord of the OT. Basic to the expression are such passages as Ex. 3:14; Deut. 32:39; Isa. 41:4; 43:10 where God declared himself to be the eternally pre-existent God who revealed himself in the OT to the Jews.”

The Jews had no more questions of Jesus. They finally understood what He was saying, and they hated Him for it. They grasped the concept that Jesus was declaring Himself to be Yahweh.

What was their response to this understanding?  “So they picked up stones to throw at him.” They were following the instructions from Leviticus 24:16 that anyone who claimed to be God should be stoned. However, because of their hatred towards Jesus that they did not attempt to take Him out of the city/camp as Leviticus 24:14 directed. They also failed to understand that Jesus’ claim to be God was true.

Dr. R.C. Sproul explains, “When the Jews responded with incredulity, asking how He, a man younger than fifty, saw Abraham, who lived a millennia earlier, Jesus made an even bolder claim: “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:57–58). Christ was saying more than that He preexisted Abraham, for He did not say, “Before Abraham was, I was.” Instead, He was drawing from the Old Testament and God’s covenant name revealed therein. As we have seen, the Greek construction behind the English translation “I am” (egō eimi) is the same one used when God revealed Himself to Moses. Thus, “Jesus claimed for Himself equality with the Father by clearly using the divine name that God revealed to Moses (Ex. 3:14). Jesus identified Himself as eternal deity, declaring that He was alive as the second person of the Trinity before Abraham was born” 

Jesus escaped this impromptu execution by miraculously hiding Himself and then leaving the temple. He did so because His hour of execution had not come (John 7:30-44; 18:1-6). Jesus remained in complete control of all the events in His life on earth.

Pastor Burk Parsons states that, “Some people are willing to put Jesus on the same plane as other renowned religious leaders such as Buddha or Muhammad. In light of Jesus’ claims about Himself, however, we cannot do that. Jesus is not just another religious sage—He is God incarnate. God took on human flesh in the person of Jesus, and He retains that flesh forever. This claim separates Christianity from other world religions, and we must not be afraid to declare it.”

Soli deo Gloria!

The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge. Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” (John 8:48-51).

If you recall from our study in John 4, the Jews viewed the Samaritans with disdain and contempt. The Samaritans were a half-Jew/half-Gentile people. This was the result of the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C. and the intermarriage which followed. Therefore, when the Jewish leaders called Jesus a Samaritan, they indicated their contempt for Him along with their disrespect. Since they could not find fault in His personal life and conduct they resorted to personal abuse.

They also accused Jesus of having a demon. Dr. R.C. Sproul explains the Jewish religious leaders reasoning.

“In today’s passage, we see how these same Jews accused Jesus of being a Samaritan and of having a devil Himself (v. 48). The reason behind their calling Him a Samaritan seems to be the common Jewish view that the Samaritans were unclean and ignorant of true religion. Their thought would be something like this: “Only a demon-possessed Samaritan would have the nerve to accuse Jews, the true children of God, of not being the children of God.” In any case, Jesus rejected their accusation, saying that He could not have a demon because He honored God. And in honoring God, He was not seeking His own glory. Jesus was not seeking to advance Himself. He was concerned only for the truth and for His Father’s will, and His Father’s will is to glorify the Son (vv. 49–50). The Jews were rejecting Him at their peril.”

However, in spite of their derision Jesus continued to offer the gift of salvation to the Jews who trusted in their own righteousness. He explained that those who trusted in Him, and as a result kept the Word of God, would never see death. Jesus was not speaking of physical death but rather eternal death in which physical death cannot overcome (John 5:24; 6:40-47; 11:25-26).

Dr. John Walvoord states that Jesus is, “Partly vindicating His lofty claims as Lord of the kingdom of life everlasting, and, at the same time, holding out even to His revilers the scepter of grace. The word “keep” is in harmony with John 8:31, “If ye continue in My word,” expressing the permanency, as a living and paramount principle, of that faith to which He referred: “never see death,” though virtually uttered before (John 5:24), is the strongest and most naked statement of a very glorious truth yet given. (In John 11:26 it is repeated in nearly identical terms).”

Isn’t it interesting that even today there are those who claim to believe in the existence of God but still reject and regard with disdain, or at least disinterest, the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus remains the only way to receive righteousness and eternal life.

Repent of your sin and receive Him today as Savior and Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”(John 8:41-47).

There is a lot to be observed in today’s text. The give and take between Jesus and the religious leaders of His day demonstrate an unswerving commitment to truth by Jesus and an equally unswerving demonstration of pride and arrogance by the Jewish religious leadership.

Jesus begins by declaring the Jews are doing the same things their ancestors did to the prophets of God. They rejected Jesus just as their forefathers rejected the prophets.

The Jews do not respond with a truthful acknowledgement of Jesus’ statement, but rather insult Him by calling Him an illegitimate son of Joseph and Mary. While it is implied that Jesus may have at least two human fathers, one biological and the other relational, the Jews counter that they have only one father: and that father is God.

Jesus responds by using a cause and effect logical argument. If the Jews were truly children of God, then they would love Jesus because He is God. The reason they do not understand this truth about Jesus is because God’s Word, in spite of the Jews outward religiosity, has no place in their thoughts, emotions or decisions. They cannot bear to hear the word of God. Therefore, they do not love Jesus because they do not have His Word in their hearts.

Jesus then declares the logical conclusion that since the Jews do not love Him and do not have God’s Word dwelling in their hearts, the devil in reality is their true spiritual father. This is proven by the character of the devil and the behavior of the religious leaders. The devil is a murderer and a liar. So also are the religious leaders.

Finally, Jesus makes this final evaluation of His opponents. “Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

Pastor Burk Parsons explains that, “The Jews whom Jesus confronted after He declared Himself the light of the world apparently understood that Jesus was speaking of a spiritual sonship of Abraham when He rejected their claim to be Abraham’s children (John 8:39–40). We see evidence of this in today’s passage. The Jews claimed not to be illegitimate spiritual children but rather to be children of God (v. 41). On the surface, they had some scriptural justification for this, for Israel is called the son of God in the Old Testament (Hos. 11:1). But again, this reflects an idea that physical descent and Jewish blood is sufficient to make a person spiritually sound, to make him a child of God spiritually.”

The practical application to believers today is clear. Just because a person says they are a follower of Christ does not make it so. The true, biblical evidence of saving faith is love for God and a love for His Word.

Take time today to read 2 Peter 1:3-11.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

“I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father. They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did.” (John 8:37-40)

Jesus’ opening statement in John 8:37 is an acknowledgment of what the Jewish religious leaders said in John 8:33. Jesus understands that the leaders are the physical descendants of the patriarch Abraham.

However, God is more interested in an individual’s spiritual relationship with Him. A good person’s godly ancestry doesn’t help a person if they are living in disobedience and sin (Ezekiel 18). Likewise, a person’s ungodly ancestry doesn’t hinder the Holy Spirit regenerating them and they coming to God-given faith in Christ (Romans 4:9-12; Galatians 3:29; 4:21-31).

Jesus subsequently identifies the spiritual condition of the religious leaders. This evaluation is not based on their ancestry but rather on their actions. They seek to kill Jesus. This is because God’s Word has no place in their souls, in spite of their outward religiosity.

Jesus concludes in this section that one’s true heritage and spiritual condition is identified not by credentials and one’s family tree, but rather by one’s behavior.

However, in spite of Jesus’ logic the religious leaders adamantly protest by again proclaiming their religious heritage “Abraham is our father.” Yet Jesus responds with factual evidence rather than trade with them argumentative statements.

He says “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did.”

Jesus indicated that Abraham, even though he was a sinner, was obedient to God’s direction even when it was painful. This indicates the fundamental distinction between Abraham and the religious leaders of Jesus’ day or any day. As Dr. R. C. Sproul wisely observes, “True sonship is not defined by biology but by obedience.”

John Calvin writes, “He (Jesus) proves from the effect that they (the religious leaders) are not the children of God, as they boasted, because they oppose God. And, indeed, is there anything in Abraham that is more highly commended that the obedience of faith? This then is the mark of distinction, whenever we are required to distinguish between His children and strangers; for empty titles, whatever estimation they may procure from the world, are of no account with God. Christ concludes again, that they are the children of the devil, because they hate with deadly hatred true and sound doctrine.”

No matter how religious a person may seem outwardly, they are a child of the devil if they have rejected Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. While it may be easy to hate such a person, we are called and commanded to pray and plead with them to repent and receive Jesus Christ. May God find us faithful in doing so.

Soli deo Gloria!

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:34-36).

Whenever words are repeated in the Bible we should take notice. The Holy Spirit has placed them there and repeated them for particular emphasis. He does not want us to miss the principle and biblical truth He has chosen to impart and/or reveal.

Therefore, when Jesus answers the religious leaders in John 8:34 and says, “truly, truly, I say to you…” He is emphasizing that what He is about to say is indeed a “true truth” that must not be ignored or rejected. The Greek word for truly is not unfamiliar to us. It is the word ἀμήν (amen). It means a strong affirmation for what has been declared, such as a prayer. Or in the case of today’s text, it is a strong affirmation for what will be declared.

Jesus says, “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” The word “practices” is the Greek Word ποιέω (poieo) which means to perform, to do or to behave. In this text it is a present tense and active voice verb. Therefore, the word means to do continually do something.

What is that which is practiced? Jesus says “sin.” Sin (ἁμαρτία/ harmartia) means to engage in wrongdoing. It is wrong behavior or actions which violates the will or law of God. Jesus says that everyone who practices sin or continually engages in wrong behavior which violates the will or law of God is a slave to sin.

I want you to take notice of a small, seemingly insignificant word. It is the word “is.” It is a present active verb describing a person’s state of being or present condition. In this case, a person’s present condition in relation to sin. The person who continually practices sin “is” a slave to sin. The word “slave” means one who is subservient to and controlled by sin.

Dr. John MacArthur explains that, “The kind of slavery that Jesus had in mind was not physical slavery but slavery to sin (cf. Rom. 6:17–18). The idea of “commits sin” means to practice sin habitually (1 John 3:4, 8–9). The ultimate bondage is not political or economic enslavement but spiritual bondage to sin and rebellion against God. Thus, this also explains why Jesus would not let himself be reduced to merely a political Messiah (John 6:14–15).”

As one other commentator says, “The very act of committing sin reveals that the one doing the act is under the power and authority of sin. Sin is personified as a cruel master. Paul used the same illustration (Rom. 6:15–23).”

Jesus continues by saying that one’s continual obedience to and practice of sin reveal a person’s true spiritual condition. While the Jewish leaders in this context, and the nation as a whole, believed they were free sons of Abraham they really were slaves to sin. They were not genuine sons of God and were in danger of facing a Christ-less eternity without God.

Jesus, on the other hand, is the true Son of God who sets spiritual slaves free from sin so that they in turn become free children of God. The word free (ἐλευθερόω/eleuthero) means a release from an association with a person or an institution on the basis that the earlier obligation or restriction is no longer relevant or in force. It also means liberty from the dominion of sin. It is those who Christ’s frees from spiritual bondage who are truly free.

Romans 8:1-2 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

Galatians 5:1 says, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

The conclusion Jesus gives is, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” This is one of the many cause and effect statements contained in the Gospel of John. If one truth is true, then it stands to reason that another truth will be equally true because of the preceding truth of which it is connected.

Dr. John Walvoord explains that, “Jesus is the true Son and seed of Abraham (Gal. 3:16). He remains in the house and is over it (Heb. 3:6). People can become truly free by becoming sons of God by faith in Christ, the Son (Gal. 3:26).”

Are you truly free from the dominion of sin? Have you received the freedom and liberty to live a life glorifying to God which only Jesus Christ can truly give? If not, then respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, repent of your sin and receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’? Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” (John 8:33).

It is interesting to observe the lengths people will go to deny the reality which is right before them. Webster’s Dictionary defines denial as a refusal to admit the truth or reality of something (such as a statement or charge). It is also a refusal to acknowledge a person or a thing.

Denial is evidenced in John 8:33 on several levels. Let’s unpack this verse and see what these levels of denial are exactly.

First, we see the identity of the deniers. The word “they” refers to the Jewish religious leaders who Jesus has been talking with since John 7:14. They have steadfastly refused to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. This is in spite of the many evidences Jesus has given and the many people, including some the Pharisees (John 8:30-31), who have believed in Jesus.

Secondly, the religious leader’s denial extends to their own heritage. They identify themselves as Abraham’s offspring. However, those who belong to Abraham and are his offspring are those who possess true faith in the One, True God. They are ones who are circumcised of heart and not just of body (Romans 2:25-29). They are now known as Messianic Jews: followers of Jesus Christ.

Third, the religious leader’s denial extends to their political situation. The Jewish religious leaders denied they had ever been enslaved to anyone. However, biblical and secular historians confirm Israel’s enslavement by Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. Therefore, they must have been referring to spiritual bondage.

One commentator writes, “The pride of the Jewish nation, even now after centuries of humiliation, is the most striking feature of their character. “Talk of freedom to us? Pray when or to whom were we ever in bondage?” This bluster sounds almost ludicrous from such a nation. Had they forgotten their long and bitter bondage in Egypt? Their dreary captivity in Babylon? Their present bondage to the Roman yoke, and their restless eagerness to throw it off? But probably they saw that our Lord pointed to something else—freedom, perhaps, from the leaders of sects or parties—and were not willing to allow their subjection even to these. Our Lord, therefore, though He knew what slaves they were in this sense, drives the ploughshare somewhat deeper than this, to a bondage they little dreamt of.”

The fourth and final denial is the most striking. The religious leader’s denial of their need for freedom from their sin. It is a bondage Jesus immediately addresses in John 8:34 when He says, ““Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.”

Dr. John MacArthur explains, “The kind of slavery that Jesus had in mind was not physical slavery but slavery to sin (cf. Rom. 6:17–18). The idea of “commits sin” means to practice sin habitually (1 John 3:4, 8–9). The ultimate bondage is not political or economic enslavement but spiritual bondage to sin and rebellion against God. Thus, this also explains why Jesus would not let himself be reduced to merely a political Messiah (John 6:14–15).”

Some people often exist in a state of denial. It may be a denial regarding failing health, one’s financial stability, substance abuse, or the political mood of the country. Some even deny that the United States has enemies. Since 2001, September 11 is a reminder that there are those who hate Americans and will do whatever it takes to destroy our representative republic.

Even greater is a denial that one is a sinner and in need of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. I encourage you today to repent of your sins and receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today. May He begin to be your Master by He having set you free from the law of sin and death.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Genuine salvation and true discipleship is proven by abiding in the Word of God. It’s that simple and at the same time, that complex.

What does it mean to abide? The New Testament word for abide is μένω (meno) meaning to stay, remain and to continue. Within the context of today’s text, what those who believe in Jesus are to “abide in” is the Word of God. If we believers do this, we demonstrate that we truly are Jesus’ disciples. This then is a pivotal passage for believers to understand genuine salvation and true discipleship.

The result of abiding in the Word of God is that the true disciple of Jesus will know or understand the truth of God’s Word. We will have an understanding of reality or the way things really are. This is where abiding in the truth of God’s Word may become complex or difficult. For you see, there are truth’s contained in the Scriptures which we may not initially like or understand: election and predestination, for example. These are hard truths given to us by a holy God. He will not compromise His truth, and neither should His disciples.

When we seek to understand and receive God’s Word, that exposure to truth will bring us a liberty, or a freedom, to do what we ought to do before God and other people. This freedom is a growing and developing liberty which is not stagnant but vibrant and alive because of our relationship to Christ as Savior and Lord.

It is a freedom which prompts the husband to truly sacrificially love his wife. It is a freedom which prompts a wife to truly submit to her husband. It is a freedom which prompts a child to truly obey their parents and for parents to not frustrate their children. It is a freedom which prompts the employee, and employer, to dedicate their work to God and His glory and not for their own advancement whoever it may hurt. It is a freedom which prompts the citizen to be responsible in obeying the law, to be praying for their leaders and to be living as good neighbors within their community.

Are you truly free in Christ? May we live lives of liberty which is grounded in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone.

Soli deo Gloria!

So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” As he was saying these things, many believed in him.” (John 8:28-30)

In today’s text Jesus demonstrates His omniscience, or His attribute of all-knowledge. As God, this should not surprise us. When He says, ““When you have lifted up the Son of Man,” He not only indicates how He will die, crucifixion corresponds to the phrase “when you have lifted up”, but who will be responsible for His death: the religious leaders.

Dr. R. c. Sproul writes, “This lifting up refers to the Savior’s death by crucifixion, which in John’s gospel is part of our Lord’s exaltation. On the cross, Jesus is seen for who He is, the God-man who suffered as a man for the sins of His people and to whom we owe all glory and honor.”

It will only be after the scribes, chief priests and Pharisees accomplish this God ordained act that they will ultimately realize what they have done. They will be brought to the terrifying understanding and realization that the One who they crucified is the One they should have worshiped.

For many of the religious leaders to whom Jesus spoke, they would die without Christ. However, today’s text reveals that when Jesus concluded speaking, “many believed in Him.” While a broad interpretation could mean that the “many” included all types of people, the narrow view would regard the “many” as many of the religious leaders. I tend to view the latter possibility as the most accurate to the text. One commentator writes, “Many Jews believed on Christ after his death and ascension, realizing that the One whom they rejected was truly the Messiah (Acts 2:36, 37, 41).

The application to us is that we should never give up our attempts to share the Gospel with people who have rejected our previous efforts. It is easy to become frustrated and to simply give up on those who have spurned Jesus in the past. Instead, rest in the sovereign grace of God who knows those who are His. He may use your and my efforts to bring about the salvation of souls for His glory.

Soli deo Gloria!