Without recourse. All
Rights Reserved. Tree of Life©
Statement of
belief: “Sanctify them through thy
truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17 KJV)
Revised 5928± 06 15 2024 [2008-09-17]
Updated 5925[(*??*)] 10 17 2029
[2013-01-29] – Revising Acts 16:13 from “the Day of
the Sabbaths” to “Day of the Sabbaths;”
and Nero’s years of reign from
Tishri 1 to Tishri 22;
and obsoleting an Acts 18:11 note re dating of Romans, and
another note re the dates
of Acts 19:21-41; adding a more recent
rendition of Acts 18:11.
Updated 5925[(*??*)] 04 05 2029 [2013-07-14]
– Revising Acts 13:42.
The
Apostolic Church Council
in
at Hag
Ha-Shavout
[the Feast
of Weeks, or Pentecost]
-
This meeting
took place on
the Seventh Day of the week, Sivan 12, 44 CE [June 27, 44 CE.]
-
Plus the Before and After Story per Acts 19-28 and
more
-
The Tree of Life Times Version©
(TLT©) of Acts
With Special Emphasis upon Bringing Out
the Many Time References
Clearly Expressed in Textus Receptus
-
“Worship him that made heaven, and
earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters!” (Rev. 14:7.)
“And God said, Let there be lights in
the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for
signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:” Gen. 1:14
Am I amiss if I rephrase the above
quoted passage from Revelation with the following words - while doing my best
in conforming to that admonition?:
“Praise the Lord, the Creator of Time,
of every word and every name, of all things firm and of substance, of all
things flowing, of people, and even of the solid foundation of every thought
ever existing!”
Abstract:
Based upon the
light our Creator has presently shed upon the details of the exact timing of numerous
events in the New Testament, including also the exact dates
pertaining to Paul’s visits in Jerusalem in the 4th and 14th
year after his conversion, it is now possible to improve upon the otherwise
very excellent translation of the Holy Scriptures known as KJV. KJV is one of
the rare current translations based upon Textus Receptus. The Textus Receptus
manuscripts are by far the most reliable among the extant Greek manuscripts of
the New Testament.
I am presenting
below what I believe is a considerable improvement upon the KJV, in that it
more accurately represents those parts of the Textus Receptus Greek text that
exactly specifies dated events recorded in the most reliable Greek manuscripts
of the New Testament. All dates presented below and within my extended study
are correlated with numerous
astronomical data and with the best available records produced by
contemporaneous historians, especially those of Josephus, Suetonius and
Tacitus.
The below 44 CE
scenario for Paul’s meeting with the apostles in Jerusalem at Pentecost is
based originally upon my discovery that Aviv 21, 44 CE [Saturday May 9, 44 CE]
allows for a concurrent weekly Shabbat and Seventh Day of the Feast of
Unleavened Bread, as required by the Textus Receptus text in Acts 20:6-7,
including also the subsequent record (Acts 20:13-21:4) of Paul’s daily
itinerary until his arrival in Tyre in time to spend the Sabbath with the
disciples there.
Naturally,
locking ourselves into any particular date, such as e.g. Aviv 21, 44 CE
[Saturday May 9, 44 CE,] will have consequences and will considerably narrow our choices when attempting to
interpret and apply other timed references within a given text, e.g. Textus
Receptus or any given historical record. In particular the very late - May 9 -
Aviv 21, 44 CE option locks our numbering
of the lunar months as far down as through Adar, 47 CE [i.e. through March 16,
47 CE (cf. the Biblical Lunar Months indicated in the Phases of the Moon tables with bold
blue larger font.)]
Legend:
[The changes
within my proposed improved text below are displayed in red font.
The corresponding KJV passages may be found, with improvable passages indicated
in blue font, at this
link. Within brackets I have added brief explanatory notes also in red font. More extensive Explanatory Notes are added between verses. No
bracketed text, except as quoted, is part of Textus Receptus.]
The
below Tree of Life Times Version© (TLT©) by Tree of Life© is a more literal translation [in comparison to KJV] of selected passages of Textus Receptus
with a special focus upon correct time references:
Act 13:14 TLT+ But1161 when they846 departed1330 from575 Perga,4011 they came3854 to1519 Antioch490 in Pisidia,4099 and2532 went1525 into1519 the3588 synagogue4864 on the3588 Day2250 of the3588 Sabbaths,4521 [cf. Explanatory Note # 1 below]
and sat down.2523
The
Greek words used in Textus Receptus ”τη3588 T-DSF ημερα2250 N-DSF των3588 T-GPN σαββατων4521 N-GPN,” are literally translated “the Day of the Sabbaths.” The two key
words translated “the Day” are both in the feminine dative singular format;
dative indicating “point of time” (cf. Jay, Eric G., New Testament Greek, pp.
27, 32, & 141.)
The
same Greek words, ”τη3588 T-DSF ημερα2250 N-DSF των3588 T-GPN σαββατων4521 N-GPN,” are found also in Luke 4:16 and in Acts 16:13. What day exactly is
signified by these Greek words? Let’s pursue this matter further below! Cf. Explanatory Note # 2: below!
Act 13:15 KJV+ And1161 after3326 the3588 reading320 of the3588 law3551 and2532 the3588 prophets4396 the3588 rulers of the
synagogue752 sent649 unto4314 them,846 saying,3004 Ye
men435 and brethren,80 if1487 ye have2076,
1722, 5213 any word3056 of exhortation3874 for4314 the3588 people,2992 say on.3004
Act 13:42 TLT+ And1161 when the3588 Jews2453 were gone1826 out of1537 the3588 synagogue [on the eve of
Sabbath,]4864 the3588 Gentiles1484 besought3870 that these5023 words4487 might be preached2980 to them848 on the3588 ensuing3342 Sabbath morning
and Sabbath afternoon.4521 [1]
Act 13:43 KJV+ Now1161 when the3588 congregation4864 was broken up,3089 many4183 of the3588 Jews2453 and2532 religious4576 proselytes4339 followed190 Paul3972 and2532 Barnabas:921 who,3748 speaking to4354 them,846 persuaded3982 them846 to continue1961 in the3588 grace5485 of God.2316
Act 13:44 TLT+ And1161 as the3588 sabbath4521 passed along2064 almost4975 the3588 whole3956 city4172 was gathered4863 to hear191 the3588 word3056 of God.2316
What special day is being referenced
by the words literally meaning “the Day of the Sabbaths?”
The
important Greek words for our purposes in Textus Receptus are:
”Acts
13:42 εις1519 PREP το3588 T-ASN μεταξυ3342 ADV σαββατον4521 N-ASN.”; and
”Acts
13:44 τω3588 T-DSN δε1161 CONJ ερχομενω2064 V-PNP-DSN σαββατω4521 N-DSN.”
What
is the significance of the two Greek words indicated in red font
above, both of which are translated simply by the word “next” in KJV? Might
these words possibly indicate that we are dealing with two special Sabbaths
joined to one another one way or another? If such were to be the case they are,
of course, most helpful in establishing the exact year for the events here
recorded…
Re Acts 13:44 and the Greek word “ερχομενω2064:”
I
notice that the grammatical format of “ερχομενω2064” is “dat. sing. masc. & neut. part.
pres.” (cf. The Analytical Greek
Lexicon, Zondervan Publishing House (1970.)) As we have learnt before the
dative indicates “point of time” (cf. Jay, Eric G., New Testament Greek, p.
141.) What I find significant here are the words “part. pres.” also indicated by Strong’s G2064: “Middle voice of a
primary verb (used only in the present and imperfect
tenses.”
Could it be that the time here referenced points to
another meeting within the same 24 hour Shabbat, or perhaps even to an
adjoining Shabbat following immediately upon the first, i.e. within one and the
same 48 hour period? Let’s consider the possibilities:
1.
Suppose the term “the Day of the Sabbaths” indicates Hag Ha-Shavout
(Pentecost) and that Paul is observing this day upon the First Day of the week,
i.e. upon a Sunday. But then the adjoining Sabbath would precede, not follow
said “Day of the Sabbaths,” would it not? Thus, this is not a valid option, is it?
2.
Suppose the term “the Day of the Sabbaths” indicates Hag Ha-Shavout and
that Paul is observing this day upon the Seventh Day of the week [i.e. during
the period of time between sunset Friday and sunset Saturday.] But then the
“next Sabbath” must follow within said “Day of the Sabbaths,” and within the
same 24 hour period, must it not? This is a potentially valid option, is it not?
3.
Perhaps someone would argue that “the Day of Jubilee,” aka. “the Day of
Pentecost,” is to be observed on the First Day of the week [Sunday] and that it
is one of the “extra Shabbats” designated in the Torah as a special day of rest
and that the words “next Sabbath” points to said Day of Jubilee on the
subsequent day? After studying this matter intently in the Torah and
in the rest of the Holy Scriptures I have found no evidence that Hag Ha-Shavout
/ Pentecost should ever be observed on anything but the Seventh Day Shabbat,
nor that anyone in the New Testament (cf. Explanatory Note # 24: below!) ever did observe it on any day but the Seventh Day Shabbat.
Thus, I do not find this option a valid
option, should I?
4.
Suppose the term “the Day of the Sabbaths” indicates the Seventh Day of
the Feast of Unleavened Bread and that Paul is observing this day upon the
Sixth Day of the week, i.e. upon a Friday. The “next Sabbath” would then follow
immediately upon the former while also being in immediate union with said “Day
of the Sabbaths,” would it not? This then may at first seem like a potentially
valid option, does it not? However, we have learned elsewhere
in this study that the Greek term used in Textus Receptus for “the Seventh
Day of Unleavened Bread” is “τη3588 T-DSF
μια1520 A-DSF των3588 T-GPN σαββατων4521 N-GPN,” etc., not “τη3588 T-DSF ημερα2250 N-DSF των3588 T-GPN σαββατων4521 N-GPN.” Thus, I do not consider this a
valid or likely option, or should I?
5.
Suppose the term “the Day of the Sabbaths” indicates one of the Sabbaths
of Omer and that Paul is observing this day upon the Seventh Day of the week
[i.e. during the period of time between sunset Friday and sunset Saturday.] But
then the “next Sabbath” must follow within said “Day of the Sabbaths,” and
within the same 24 hour period, or else, like any weekly Sabbath, reference a
subsequent Sabbath seven days later, must it not? This may seem a potentially
valid option, but then there are seven consecutive Shabbats like this one,
whereas the Greek words used seem to indicate a day much more definite, i.e.,
as literally translated, “the Day of the Sabbaths,” do they not? Thus, in the end I do not find this option likely
either.
In
the end I find only #2 above a valid option. I.e. the term “the Day of the
Sabbaths” indicates Hag Ha-Shavout and that Paul is observing this day upon the
Seventh Day of the week [i.e. during the period of time between sunset Friday
and sunset Saturday.] Cf. also the
analysis of Luke 4:16!
It would seem, perhaps, that the author of Acts would
more likely have been using the same term, “την3588 T-ASF ημεραν2250 N-ASF της3588 T-GSF πεντηκοστης4005 N-GSF,” as he used in Acts 2:1 and Acts 20:16 for describing this particular
day, but apparently these are synonymous terms. Or perhaps I am in error on
this particular point?
If
my conclusions above are correct then the record of Acts 13:14-48
all represent events occurring within one 24 hour day, i.e. from the sunset
at the beginning of “the Day of the Sabbaths” / “Hag Ha-Shavout” / “the Day of
Jubilee” / “the Feast of Weeks” / “the Day of Pentecost,” until sunset about 24
hours later.
Notice
the similarity between the terms “the Day of the Sabbaths” and “the Feast of
Weeks!” As far as I am aware there is no NT Greek words corresponding
to the English word ‘week.’ In every instance where KJV is using the word
‘week’ or ‘weeks’ the corresponding Greek word is based on the word “σάββατον” meaning Shabbat. Accordingly, the term “the Feast of
Weeks” is very likely based upon the very same Greek words as the term “the Day
of the Sabbaths.”
Re Acts 13:42 and the Greek word “μεταξυ3342:”
Strong’s G3342: “μεταξυ From G3326 and a form of G4862; betwixt (of place or
person); (of time) as adjective intervening, or (by implication) adjoining”
Strong’s G3326: “μετα
A primary preposition (often used
adverbially); properly denoting accompaniment; “amid” (local or causal);
modified variously according to the case (genitive case association, or accusative
case succession) with
which it is joined; occupying an intermediate position between G575 or G1537
and G1519 or G4314; less intimate than G1722, and less close than G4862)”
Strong’s G4862: “σύν A primary preposition denoting union; with or together (but much closer than G3326 or G3844), that is, by
association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality,
addition, etc.”
It
seems to me that the use of this Greek word ‘μεταξυ’ indicates that the point in
time referenced is in immediate contact with the Sabbath referenced in the
prior verses. This impression seems strengthened by what is said above about the use of the Greek
word ‘ερχομενω’ translated
“next” in KJV, which Greek word is being used as such only in the grammatical
format known as “part. pres..”
However,
the exact interpretation re this matter is of minor consequence once we have
ruled out the possibility that these words might indicate two adjoining 24hour
days, i.e. Sabbaths.
An
important note re the use of this Greek
word ‘μεταξυ’
is furnished by
Earnest L. Martin (cf. the term “the
between Sabbath” as used within Earnest
L. Martin, “The Star that Astonished the World,” chapter 5, Part 1 & 2.)
There are good reasons for believing that this word ‘μεταξυ’ is a special reference to one of the special Shabbats
of the year (during the biblical feasts) intervening between the other regular
weekly Shabbats of the year during which temple services were performed by one
of the 24 families of priests and Levites appointed by Samuel and David for
that purpose. Because there were plenty of priests available during these
special Shabbats there was no need for these temple services to be performed by
those 24 courses of priests and Levites.
(Cf. the discussion under “I.
The timing of John the Baptist’s conception and delivery.”) Accordingly,
the use of this Greek word constitutes further corroboration not only that the
Shabbat referenced in Acts 13:14 is indeed the Day of Pentecost, but also that
the Shabbat referenced in Acts 13:42 is a reference to the very same 24 hour
day. Had those two verses somehow been written in the reverse order one might
perhaps be able to conceive some evidence for these texts giving support to the
recent tradition of celebrating the Day of Pentecost on a Sunday, but as it is,
while considering especially that traveling such as is referenced in Acts 13:14
is not a likely Seventh Day Shabbat activity, these words used in Acts 13:14, 42 are
indeed very strong additional evidence that the
Day of Pentecost was observed by Jews and Christians alike on the Seventh Day
of the week during the First Century.
Re the timing of the events in Acts 13:
As
noted in my above analysis I have found no basis, within Acts 13:43-44, useful
for establishing the exact year for the events in Acts 13. However, considering
the words translated “long time” in Acts 14:3 & 28, and the supporting Greek
words in Textus Receptus, I would tend to place the events recorded in Acts
13:14-48 within the first few of the
years 30 CE through 40 CE.
Act 15:32 KJV+ And5037 Judas2455 and2532 Silas,4609 being5607 prophets4396 also2532 themselves,848 exhorted3870 the3588 brethren80 with1223 many4183 words,3056 and2532 confirmed1991 them.
Act
15:33 KJV+ And1161 after they had tarried4160 there a space,5550 they were let go630 in3326 peace1515 from575 the3588 brethren80 unto4314 the3588 apostles.652
Act
15:33 TLT+ And1161 after they had tarried4160 there a space,5550 they were dismissed630 in3326 peace1515 from575 the3588 brethren80 unto4314 the3588 apostles.652
Act
15:34 KJV+ Notwithstanding1161 it pleased1380 Silas4609 to abide1961 there847 still.
Explanatory
Note # 3
The Greek word “απελυθησαν630,” per Strong’s Dictionary, means “to free fully, that is,
(literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively depart),
or (figuratively) let die, pardon, or (specifically) divorce:
- (let) depart, dismiss, divorce, forgive, let go, loose, put (send) away,
release, set at liberty.” Per The Analytical Greek Lexicon this word is written
in the format “3p. pl. aor.1, ind. pass.,” thus giving support to the
translation “they,” i.e. that the dismissed party refers to more than one.
Accordingly,
it is clear that said word is giving reference to an action, not of “Judas and
Silas” (cf. Acts 15:27) who were being dismissed (i.e. the object of said
dismissing action, but to the brethren, the church, in Antioch. Verse 34 makes
it clear that Silas, one of the two being dismissed, chose to “abide there
still,” i.e. to remain, while Judas presumably returned “unto the apostles” in
Jerusalem.
The
words “and confirmed them” (Acts
15:32) could be an indication that the epistle of Jude was being authored by
Judas while in Antioch. I also notice that Acts 15:23-29, being either a quote
or a summary of “the epistle” referenced in Acts 15:30, may well be a brief
note attached to the “letters” that “they wrote.” It appears from the context
(cf. Gal. 2:9) that Peter,
James, and John each wrote an epistle in
Act
15:35 KJV+ Paul3972 also1161 and2532 Barnabas921 continued1304 in1722 Antioch,490 teaching1321 and2532 preaching2097 the3588 word3056 of the3588 Lord,2962 with3326 many4183 others2087 also.2532
Act 15:36 KJV+ And1161 some5100 days2250 after3326 Paul3972 said2036 unto4314 Barnabas,921 Let us go again1994,
(1211) and visit1980 our2257 brethren80 in2596 every3956 city4172 where1722, 3739 we have preached2605 the3588 word3056 of the3588 Lord,2962 and see how4459 they do.2192
Act
15:37 KJV+ And1161 Barnabas921 determined1011 to take with4838 them John,2491 whose surname was2564 Mark.3138
Act
15:38 KJV+ But1161 Paul3972 thought not good515, 3361 to
take him with4838, 5126 them, who departed868 from575 them846 from575 Pamphylia,3828 and2532 went not with4905, 3361 them846 to1519 the3588 work.2041
Act
15:39 KJV+ And3767 the contention was so sharp between3948, 1096 them, that5620 they846 departed asunder673 one from the other:575, 240 and5037 so Barnabas921 took3880 Mark,3138 and sailed1602 unto1519 Cyprus;2954
Act
15:40 KJV+ And1161 Paul3972 chose1951 Silas,4609 and departed,1831 being recommended3860 by5259 the3588 brethren80 unto the3588 grace5485 of God.2316
Act 15:41 KJV+ And1161 he went through1330 Syria4947 and2532 Cilicia,2791 confirming1991 the3588 churches.1577
It
is important to notice that at Paul’s 2nd visit to Jerusalem within the 14 year period, as specified in
Galatians 2:1, Paul was still in the company of Barnabas, while Barnabas is not
named (Acts 20:4-5) among those who traveled with Paul to Jerusalem prior to
Paul’s sojourn to Rome. Thus Paul’s 2nd visit to Jerusalem
(Acts 15:2-30) must be tied to the beginning of his 2nd “mission
trip” (Acts 15:40-41.) Acts 15:39-41 (cf. above) records the events
associated with the separation between Paul and Barnabas. Cf. also Explanatory Note # 5: below!
It
is also important to notice that there is no evidence of any prolonged time
period between Paul’s 2nd visit to Jerusalem and the beginning of
his “2nd mission trip” (which is recorded in Acts 15:40-41.)
A simple study into the Greek words translated (in KJV) “tarried4160
there a space5550
” (Acts 15:33,) “continued1304 in1722 Antioch,490 ” (Acts 15:35,)
and “some5100 days2250 after3326 ” (Acts 15:36) satisfies me that indeed there is no
evidence in Acts 15:33-41 of any prolonged time periods involved.
Considering
the distance between Antioch and Troas (Acts 16:1-8,) the unlikeliness of
traveling far distances afoot during the heat of the summer, the arrival in
Philippi prior to the Day of Sabbaths, which is most likely the same as the
Feast of Weeks, Hag Ha-Shavout, and the Day of Pentecost, I find it most likely
that Paul’s 2nd visit to Jerusalem took place at the time of the Day
of At-One-Ment and/or at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles of that
particular year.
Act 16:11 KJV+ Therefore3767 loosing321 from575 Troas,5174 we came with a straight course2113 to1519 Samothracia,4543 and5037 the3588 next1966 day to1519 Neapolis;3496
Act 16:12 KJV+ And5037 from thence1564 to1519 Philippi,5375 which3748 is2076 the chief4413 city4172 of that part3310 of Macedonia,3109 and
a colony:2862 and1161 we were2258 in1722 that5026 city4172 abiding1304 certain5100 days.2250
Act 16:13 TLT+ And5037 on (3588) Day2250 of the3588 Sabbaths4521 [cf. Explanatory Note # 5 below]
we went1831 out1854 of the3588 city4172 by3844 a river side,4215 where3757 prayer4335 was wont3543 to be made;1511 and2532 we sat down,2523 and spake2980 unto the3588 women1135 which resorted4905 thither.
Considering
carefully Galatians 1:18 – 2:1, Acts 15:2-4, 36-41; 20:4-5, as well as the years
of reign, and the year of death, of Herod Agrippa(I,) I am forced to
conclude that Paul’s 2nd visit
to Jerusalem (Acts 15:2-31) took place in the civil year beginning Tishri
1, 39 CE (cf. Explanatory Note # 4: above,) perhaps in connection with the Feast of Tabernacles in the
fall of 39 CE or in connection with Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread
in the spring of 40 CE.
If (Option #A) I am also correct in identifying “the Day
of the Shabbats” as Hag Ha-Shavout / Day of Pentecost / Feast of Weeks, then I
am forced to conclude also that the events at Philippi, as recorded in Acts
16:12 (probably through verse 15,) took place Sivan 10th (or 11th) or else Sivan
(8th or) 9th, 40 CE [corresponding to May 23, 40 CE, or else June
20, 40 CE.]
If, on the other hand (Option #B,) “the Day of the
Shabbats” does not refer to the Feast of Weeks, then the events at Philippi
could have taken place as early as late fall of 39 CE.
Act 16:25 KJV+ And1161 at2596 midnight3317 Paul3972 and2532 Silas4609 prayed,4336 and2532 sang praises5214 unto God:2316 and1161 the3588 prisoners1198 heard1874 them.846
Act 16:26 KJV+ And1161 suddenly869 there was1096 a great3173 earthquake,4578 so that5620 the3588 foundations2310 of the3588 prison1201 were shaken:4531 and5037 immediately3916 all3956 the3588 doors2374 were opened,455 and2532 every one's3956 bands1199 were loosed.447
Explanatory Note # 6:
“…at
midnight… a great earthquake…” This is an
interesting event that could potentially be helpful in dating more exactly the events
recorded in Acts 16:19-40.
Act
17:1 KJV+ Now1161 when they had passed through1353 Amphipolis295 and2532 Apollonia,624 they came2064 to1519 Thessalonica,2332 where3699 was2258 a synagogue4864 of the3588 Jews:2453
Act
17:2 KJV+ And1161 Paul,3972 as his manner was,2596, 1486 went
in1525 unto4314 them,846 and2532 three(5140) sabbath days4521 reasoned1256 with them846 out of575 the3588 Scriptures,1124
Explanatory Note # 7
These
three Sabbaths are consecutive to the great earthquake and the events
referenced in Acts 16:19-40.
Act 17:10 KJV+ And1161 the3588 brethren80 immediately2112 sent away1599 (5037) Paul3972 and2532 Silas4609 by1223 night3571 unto1519 Berea:960 who3748 coming3854 thither went549 into1519 the3588 synagogue4864 of the3588 Jews.2453
Act
17:11 KJV+ These(3778) were2258 more noble2104 than those3588 in1722 Thessalonica,2332 in that they3748 received1209 the3588 word3056 with3326 all3956 readiness of
mind,4288 and searched350 the3588 Scriptures1124 daily,2596, 2250 whether1487 those things5023 were2192 so.3779
Act 17:12 KJV+ Therefore3767 many4183 (3303) of1537 them846 believed;4100 also2532 of honorable2158 women1135 which were Greeks,1674 and2532 of men,435 not3756 a few.3641
Act 17:13 KJV+ But1161 when5613 the3588 Jews2453 of575 Thessalonica2332 had knowledge1097 that3754 the3588 word3056 of God2316 was preached2605 of5259 Paul3972 at1722 Berea,960 they came2064 thither also,2546 and stirred up4531 the3588 people.3793
Act 17:14 KJV+ And1161 then5119 immediately2112 the3588 brethren80 sent away1821 Paul3972 to go4198 as it were5613 to1909 the3588 sea:2281 but1161 (5037) Silas4609 and2532 Timothy5095 abode5278 there1563 still.
Act 17:15 KJV+ And1161 they that
conducted2525 Paul3972 brought71 him846 unto2193 Athens:116 and2532 receiving2983 a commandment1785 unto4314 Silas4609 and2532 Timothy5095 for to come2064 to4314 him846 with all speed,5613, 5033 they
departed.1826
Act 17:16 KJV+ Now1161 while Paul3972 waited for1551 them846 at1722 Athens,116 his848 spirit4151 was stirred3947 in1722 him,846 when he saw2334 the3588 city4172 wholly given to
idolatry.2712
Explanatory Note # 8
Cf.
Explanatory Note # 9 below!
Act
17:17 KJV+ Therefore3767 disputed1256 he(3303) in1722 the3588 synagogue4864 with the3588 Jews,2453 and2532 with the3588 devout persons,4576 and2532 in1722 the3588 market58 daily2596, 3956, 2250 with4314 them that met
with3909 him.
Act 17:33 KJV+ (2532) So3779 Paul3972 departed1831 from1537 among3319 them.846
Act
17:34 KJV+ Howbeit1161 certain5100 men435 cleaved2853 unto him,846 and2532 believed:4100 among1722 the which3739 was
Dionysius1354 the3588 Areopagite,698 and2532 a woman1135 named3686 Damaris,1152 and2532 others2087 with4862 them.846
Act
18:1 KJV+ (1161) After3326 these things5023 Paul3972 departed5563 from1537 Athens116 and came2064 to1519 Corinth;2882
Act 18:2 KJV+
And2532 found2147 a certain5100 Jew2453 named3686 Aquila,207 born1085 in Pontus,4193 lately4373 come2064 from575 Italy,2482 with2532 his848 wife1135 Priscilla; because that4252 (Claudius2804 had commanded1299 all3956 Jews2453 to depart5563 from1537 Rome:)4516 and came4334 unto them.846
Act 18:3 KJV+ And2532 because he was1511 of the3588 same craft,3673 he abode3306 with3844 them,846 and2532 wrought:2038 for1063 by their
occupation5078 they were2258 tentmakers.4635
Act 18:4 KJV+ And1161 he reasoned1256 in1722 the3588 synagogue4864 every2596, 3956 sabbath,4521 and5037 persuaded3982 the Jews2453 and2532 the Greeks.1672
Act 18:5 KJV+ And1161 when5613 (5037) Silas4609 and2532 Timothy5095 were come2718 from575 Macedonia,3109 Paul3972 was pressed4912 in the3588 spirit,4151 and testified1263 to the3588 Jews2453 that Jesus2424 was
Christ.5547
It
appears from this verse that, although Paul was waiting for Silas and Timothy
in Athens, Paul did not stay in Athens long enough for those men to arrive
before Paul moved on to Corinth. Cf. Acts 17:16, 33, & 18:1.
If
indeed “the Day of the Sabbaths” is synonymous with “the Feast of Weeks” then these
events occurred in the summer 40 CE. That these events took place in
the summer and not in the winter, i.e. after the Feast of Weeks / Pentecost,
seems confirmed by Paul’s traveling by sea as recorded in Acts 16:11 and Acts
17:14.
Act 18:6 KJV+ And1161 when they846 opposed themselves,498 and2532 blasphemed,987 he shook1621 his
raiment,2440 and said2036 unto4314 them,846 Your5216 blood129 be upon1909 your own5216 heads;2776 I1473 am
clean:2513 from575 henceforth3568 I will go4198 unto1519 the3588 Gentiles.1484
Act 18:7 KJV+ And2532 he departed3327 thence,1564 and entered2064 into1519 a certain5100 man's house,3614 named3686 Justus,2459 one that worshipped4576 God,2316 whose3739 house3614 joined hard2258, 4927 to the3588 synagogue.4864
Act 18:8 KJV+ And1161 Crispus,2921 the3588 chief ruler of the synagogue,752 believed4100 on the3588 Lord2962 with4862 all3650 his848 house;3624 and2532 many4183 of the3588 Corinthians2881 hearing191 believed,4100 and2532 were baptized.907
Act 18:9 KJV+ Then1161 spake2036 the3588 Lord2962 to Paul3972 in1722 the night3571 by1223 a vision,3705 Be
not afraid,5399, 3361 but235 speak,2980 and2532 hold not thy peace:4623, 3361
Act 18:10 KJV+ For1360 I1473 am1510 with3326 thee,4675 and2532 no man3762 shall set on2007 thee4671 to hurt2559 thee:4571 for1360 I3427 have2076 much4183 people2992 in1722 this5026 city.4172
Act 18:11 TLT+ And5037 he
settled2523 in Year One,1763 [of Nero’s reign] while2532 for six1803 months3376 teaching1321 among1722 them846 the3588 word3056 of
God.2316
Or, alternatively:
Act 18:11
TLT+ And5037 he stayed2523 Year
One1763 and2532 Month3376 Six1803 [of Nero’s reign] teaching1321 among1722 them846 the3588 word3056 of
God.2316
Or, per my more recent rendering:
Act 18:11 TLT+ And5037 he [Paul] paused
[his work] upon
the announcement of 2523 the
First Year [of Nero’s reign;]1763 and2532 six1803 months [had
he at that time been]3376 teaching1321 the3588 word3056 of God2316 among1722 them [the gentiles.]846
Is
KJV correct in using “continued there a year and six months?”
Or
is the Greek word translated “Year One” (Gr.
“ενιαυτον1763 N-ASM”,) based upon Caesar Nero? Claudius died on Zif 21 or Sivan 21, 40 CE
[May 21 or else June 20 or 21, 40 CE.] However, there was a co-regency between
Claudius such that the 1st
Scripture year of Nero’s reign began Tishri 22, 39 CE (ending at the
beginning of Tishri 22, 40 CE.) Or else, could it possibly reference the reign
of Gallio (Acts 18:12? I have found nothing else about Gallio.)
It
is interesting to notice that Paul is referencing his 1st and 2nd
visits to Jerusalem in terms paralleling the years of reign of Claudius (cf.
Gal. 1:18 & 2:1.) Thus the three years referenced in Galatians 1:18 runs
parallel to Caesar Claudius’ first three years of reign. Likewise the
fourteenth year referenced in Galatians 2:1 is also Caesar Claudius’ 14th
year of reign. It is certainly not inconceivable that Luke, the author of Acts,
is using a similar construction in Acts 18:2, and 18:11, when giving reference
first to Caesar Claudius in Acts 18:2, and then referencing “a year” [KJV,] or
perhaps more correctly “Year One [of Nero’s reign]” in Acts 18:11.
Paul
spent “the Day of Shabbats” in Philippe (Acts 16:13.) Subsequent to the events
related in Acts 16:14-40, Paul spent the next three Sabbaths in Thessalonica.
This might have brought Paul to Berea by early Tammuz (40 CE,) which is the 4th
lunar month, at the very earliest. “Six months” from thence brings us to the 9th
or 10th month and thus also into the next Scripture year (beginning
Tishri 22, 40 CE,) i.e. into the 2nd Scripture year of Nero’s reign.
Alternatively,
if “the Day of Shabbats” is not a synonym for the Feast of Weeks / Hag
Ha-Shavout, then Paul’s statement, “I must by all means keep this feast that
cometh in Jerusalem” (Acts 18:21,) may be a reference to the Feast of
Tabernacles, i.e. Tishri 15-22, 40 CE, though it may appear that Paul did not
arrive in Jerusalem quite in time as intended (cf. Acts 18:22?)
It
is unlikely that Paul would have planned to sail in the middle of the winter,
i.e. between Heshvan (the 8th month [Oct/Nov]) and Adar (the 12th
month [Feb/Mar,]) from Corinth to Jerusalem in order to attend Passover and the
Feast of Unleavened Bread, considering the fact that sailing was quite unsafe,
and therefore quite limited, during the winter months. Cf. Acts 27:12, 1 Cor.
16:6, 2 Tim.4:21, & Tit 3:12. Accordingly, I find it possible that the
“many days” (KJV) referenced in Acts 16:18 lasted until the late summer or the
fall of 40 CE, but not later than that sailing was still an option before the
winter (cf. Acts 17:14.) I notice that Silas and Timothy preferred not to sail
and it is possible that they preferred the safer route by traveling on foot
(cf. Acts 17:14 and 18:5.) If so, then the “six months” (KJV) referenced in
Acts 18:11 may refer to the six first lunar months of Nero’s 2nd
civil year of reign. Accordingly Luke’s words as translated in KJV “a year and
six months” could reference an extent of time up to “six months” beyond “Year
One” of Nero’s reign, i.e. into Adar II, the thirteenth or Abib 1, the first
lunar month, 41 CE. However, such a constructions seem unusual and unlikely.
Thus I find that…
It
seems more likely that the “many days” (Acts 16:17,) the “three Sabbaths” (Acts
17:2,) and Paul’s departure “from Athens… to Corinth” had Paul teaching “the
word of God among them” in the Sixth Month, i.e. Elul, of Nero’s 1st
civil year of reign (cf. “a year and six months.) If this scenario is correct
then the “feast that cometh in Jerusalem” (Acts 18:21) most likely references the
Feast of Tabernacles, Tishri 15-22, 40 CE. Then “after he had spent
some time” in Antioch (Acts 18:22-23,) and traveled on foot from Antioch
through “the country of Galatia and Phrygia” (600 miles, or 1000 km, as the
crow flies) “unto Ephesus” (Acts 18:23 & 19:1) where Paul may have arrived
in ‘the third month,’ i.e. in Sivan, 41 CE [May/June 41 CE] (cf. “the space of
three months” (Acts 19:8)) “The space of two years” (Acts 19:10) may then be
referencing the remaining part of Nero’s 2nd year of reign. At this
point we are a little over one year past the point of Caesar Claudius death,
and “Paul purposed in the spirit… to… see Rome.” This intent of Paul ties well
into a more friendly policy towards the Jews upon the death of Caesar Claudius.
Notice “that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome” (Acts 18:2.)
That
there was a change of policy towards the better for the Jews under Nero is also
reflected by the fact that Aquila and Priscilla returned to Rome following
their exile to Corinth in Greece and Ephesus in Turkey (cf. Acts 18:2;
18:18-19; and Romans 16:3.)
Obsolete
note (Cf. the lengthy
discussion beginning at this link
and its conclusion!:)
Notice
that Paul’s epistle to the Romans clearly was written after Paul was released
from his visit to Rome as a prisoner (cf. the epilogue at the end of Rom. 16:27
“Written to the Romans from Corinthus…;” Romans 16:3; and Acts 18:2 (KJV.))
Paul could not very well have greeted anyone whom he had not yet met, and it
appears as though Paul first met Aquila and Priscilla as recorded in Acts
18:2-3. I find this record being evidence that the epistles to the Romans was
written after Paul’s sojourn to Rome. Further evidence is found in Paul’s words
“Salute… my fellow prisoners …” (Acts 18:7.)
Acts 19:21-22 tells us that “Paul… stayed in Asia for a season,” i.e.
for some time [cf. Strong’s G5550 below] before realizing his intent to “pass
through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem… [and to] see Rome.” However,
we see from Acts 20:1-4… through the remains of Acts, that he certainly did
accomplish his purpose.
Obsolete
note (Cf. the dates at this link!:)
Thus, I perceive Acts 19:21-41 as very likely covering
the extent of time (cf. “for a season,”) from Nero’s 3rd through his
4th and into the first part of Nero’s 5th year.
Re Acts
19:22 the word‘χρονον’ translated “for a season…”
(KJV:)
Strong’s
G5550:
“χρονον, khron'-os, Of uncertain derivation; a space of time (in genitive
case, and thus properly distinguished from G2540, which designates a fixed
or special occasion; and from G165, which denotes a particular period)
or interval; by extension an individual opportunity; by
implication delay.”
Act 18:12 KJV+ And1161 when Gallio1058 was the deputy445 of Achaia,882 the3588 Jews2453 made insurrection
with one accord against2721,
3661 Paul,3972 and2532 brought71 him846 to1909 the3588 judgment seat,968
In
Finegan’s list of Roman Consuls there is a ”Gallo” listed twice: The first time is six years prior to
Nero’s first listing as ”Nerone Caesare” and the second time is thirteen years
later.
Act 18:13 KJV+ Saying,3004 This3778 fellow persuadeth374 men444 to worship4576 God2316 contrary3844 to the3588 law.3551
Act 18:14 KJV+ And1161 when Paul3972 was now about3195 to open455 his
mouth,4750 Gallio1058 said2036 unto4314 the3588 Jews,2453 If1487 it(3303, 3767) were2258 a(5100) matter of wrong92 or2228 wicked4190 lewdness,4467 O5599 ye Jews,2453 reason3056 would that I should bear with430, 302 you:5216
Act 18:15 KJV+ But1161 if1487 it be2076 a question2213 of4012 words3056 and2532 names,3686 and2532 of(2596) your5209 law,3551 look3700 ye846 to it; for1063 I1473 will1014 be1511 no3756 judge2923 of such5130 matters.
Act 18:16 KJV+ And2532 he drove556 them846 from575 the3588 judgment seat.968
Act 18:17 KJV+
Then1161 all3956 the3588 Greeks1672 took1949 Sosthenes,4988 the3588 chief ruler of the synagogue,752 and beat5180 him before1715 the3588 judgment seat.968 And2532 Gallio1058 cared for3199 none3762 of those things.5130
Act 18:18 KJV+ And1161 Paul3972 after this tarried4357 there yet2089 a good while,2425, 2250 and then took
his leave657 of the3588 brethren,80 and sailed thence1602 into1519 Syria,4947 and2532 with4862 him846 Priscilla4252 and2532 Aquila;207 having shorn2751 his head2776 in1722 Cenchrea:2747 for1063 he had2192 a vow.2171
Act 18:19 KJV+ And1161 he came2658 to1519 Ephesus,2181 and left them2548, 2641 there:847 but1161 he848 himself entered1525 into1519 the3588 synagogue,4864 and reasoned1256 with the3588 Jews.2453
Act 18:20 KJV+ When1161 they846 desired2065 him to tarry3306 longer4119 time5550 with3844 them,846 he consented1962 not;3756
Act 18:21 KJV+ But235 bade them farewell,657, 846 saying,2036 I3165 must1163 by all means3843 keep4160 this feast1859 that cometh2064 in1519 Jerusalem:2414 but1161 I will return344 again3825 unto4314 you,5209 if God2316 will.2309 And2532 he sailed321 from575 Ephesus.2181
Re verses 18-21: According to the scenario outlined in Explanatory Note # 11 above the
“feast that cometh in Jerusalem” (Acts 18:21) may very well reference the Feast of Tabernacles, Tishri 15-22, 40 CE, and
according to the same scenario the sailing
trip referenced in verses 18-21 took place very shortly before said
feast.
Re verse 17: Notice that Sosthenes is also named in 1 Cor. 1:1 as one of the brethren while also present with Paul in Macedonia at that time, i.e. prior to the Feast of Unleavened bread in 43 CE, Nero’s 4th year of reign.
Act 18:22 KJV+ And2532 when he had landed2718 at1519 Caesarea,2542 and gone up,305 and2532 saluted782 the3588 church,1577 he went down2597 to1519 Antioch.490
Explanatory Note # 13
Notice the extremely brief
account of Paul’s 3rd visit to Jerusalem: “and gone up,305 and2532 saluted782 the3588 church1577”
Act 18:23 KJV+ And2532 after he had spent4160 some5100 time5550 there, he departed,1831 and went over1330 all the3588 country5561 of Galatia1054 and2532 Phrygia5435 in order,2517 strengthening1991 all3956 the3588 disciples.3101
Act 18:24 KJV+ And1161 a certain5100 Jew2453 named3686 Apollos,625 born1085 at Alexandria,221 an eloquent3052 man,435 and(5607) mighty1415 in1722 the3588 Scriptures,1124 came2658 to1519 Ephesus.2181
Explanatory Note # 14
The
distance, as the crow flies, from Antioch to Ephesus is roughly 600 miles or
1000 kilometers! But Paul was obviously in excellent physical shape, a real
marathon runner! Cf. Explanatory Note # 23 below for a timed distance example of this fact.
Act 18:25 KJV+ This man3778 was2258 instructed2727 in the3588 way3598 of the3588 Lord;2962 and2532 being fervent2204 in the3588 spirit,4151 he spake2980 and2532 taught1321 diligently199 the things3588 of4012 the3588 Lord,2962 knowing1987 only3440 the3588 baptism908 of John.2491
Act 18:26 KJV+ And5037 he3778 began756 to speak boldly3955 in1722 the3588 synagogue:4864 (1161) whom846 when Aquila207 and2532 Priscilla4252 had heard,191 they took him
unto4355, 846 them, and2532 expounded1620 unto him846 the3588 way3598 of God2316 more perfectly.197
Act 18:27 KJV+ And1161 when he846 was disposed1014 to pass1330 into1519 Achaia,882 the3588 brethren80 wrote,1125 exhorting4389 the3588 disciples3101 to receive588 him:846 who,3739 when he was come,3854 helped4820 them much4183 which had believed4100 through1223 grace:5485
Act
18:28 KJV+ For1063 he mightily2159 convinced1246 the3588 Jews,2453 and that publicly,1219 showing1925 by1223 the3588 Scriptures1124 that Jesus2424 was1511 Christ.5547
Act
19:1 KJV+ And1161 it came to pass,1096 that, while
Apollos625 was1511 at1722 Corinth,2882 Paul3972 having passed through1330 the3588 upper510 coasts3313 came2064 to1519 Ephesus:2181 and2532 finding2147 certain5100 disciples,3101
Explanatory
Note # 15
Notice
that this is probably only the second time Paul is recorded as visiting
Ephesus. The first occasion was very brief indeed. Cf. Acts 18:19-21 and Explanatory Note # 12 above!
Act 19:2 KJV+ He said2036 unto4314 them,846 Have(1487) ye received2983 the Holy40 Ghost4151 since ye
believed?4100 And1161 they3588 said2036 unto4314 him,846 We have not so much as235, 3761 heard191 whether1487 there be2076 any Holy40 Ghost.4151
Act 19:3 KJV+ And5037 he said2036 unto4314 them,846 Unto1519 what5101 then3767 were ye baptized?907 And1161 they3588 said,2036 Unto1519 John's2491 baptism.908
Act 19:4 KJV+ Then1161 said2036 Paul,3972 John2491 verily3303 baptized907 with the baptism908 of
repentance,3341 saying3004 unto the3588 people,2992 that2443 they should
believe4100 on1519 him which should
come2064 after3326 him,846 that is,5123 on1519 Christ5547 Jesus.2424
Act 19:5 KJV+ When1161 they heard191 this, they were baptized907 in1519 the3588 name3686 of the3588 Lord2962 Jesus.2424
Act 19:6 KJV+ And2532 when Paul3972 had laid2007 his hands5495 upon them,846 the3588 Holy40 Ghost4151 came2064 on1909 them;846 and5037 they spake2980 with tongues,1100 and2532 prophesied.4395
Act 19:7 KJV+ And1161 all3956 the men435 were2258 about5616 twelve.1177
Act 19:8 KJV+ And1161 he went1525 into1519 the3588 synagogue,4864 and spake boldly3955 for the space
of1909 three5140 months,3376 disputing1256 and2532 persuading3982 the things3588 concerning4012 the3588 kingdom932 of God.2316
Or,
alternatively, though this is uncertain:
Act 19:8
TLT+ And1161 he went1525 into1519 the3588 synagogue,4864 and spake boldly3955 over1909 [the first] three5140 months,3376
[of the sacred year, i.e. Month One, Month Two and Month Three, 41 CE] disputing1256 and2532 persuading3982 the things3588 concerning4012 the3588 kingdom932 of God.2316
If
Paul’s 3rd visit to Jerusalem (Acts 18:22) after his conversion occurred at the
time of the Feast of Tabernacles, Tishri 15-22, 40 CE, then the “three months”
above referenced (Acts 19:8) may be accurately reflected in the KJV, or else
could be a reference to the Third [lunar] Month, i.e. Sivan 41 CE [May/Jun,] or
even to the first three months beginning with Aviv 1, 41 CE, all within Nero’s
2nd year of reign. Cf. Explanatory Note # 10 above for a brief outline of all the events between Paul’s 2nd
(Acts 15:1-30) and 4th (Acts 21:15-23:33) visits to
Traveling
by foot from Antioch to Ephesus is quite a feat in and of itself. It is a
distance of about 600 miles as the crow flies! But Paul was clearly in most
excellent physical shape, and the record (Acts 20:13) proves that at this time
Paul was traveling quite speedily for long distances by foot. He was a real
marathon runner! He could have covered that distance in a few weeks! Apparently
he traveled this distance during the winter – the summer would likely have been
too hot for that much of an exercise. Cf. Explanatory Note # 25 below!
Act 19:9 KJV+ But1161 when5613 divers5100 were hardened,4645 and2532 believed not,544 but spake evil2551 of that
way3598 before1799 the3588 multitude,4128 he departed868 from575 them,846 and separated873 the3588 disciples,3101 disputing1256 daily2596, 2250 in1722 the3588 school4981 of one5100 Tyrannus.5181
Act 19:10 TLT+ And1161 thus5124 he began1096
upon1909 two1417 years2094 of a movement with consequences5620 such that all3956 they which dwelt2730 in Asia773 heard191 the3588 word3056 of the3588 Lord2962 Jesus,2424 both5037 Jews2453 and2532 Greeks.1672
Or,
alternatively:
Act 19:10 TLT+ And1161 thus5124 he began1096
upon1909 [the completion of the first] two1417 years2094 [of Nero’s reign] a work resulting5620 in all3956 of them
which dwelt2730 in Asia773 hearing191 the3588 word3056 of the3588 Lord2962 Jesus,2424 both5037 Jews2453 and2532 Greeks.1672
It was common practice among the Jews – Luke the author of Acts was
a Jew, was he not? – in those days, when dating anything at all, to give
reference to the Emperor, to the King, or to the procurator of the region.
Translating the words “two years” while giving clear reference to the current
regent at the time seems quite appropriate. Accordingly, I favor the last of
the two translations of Acts 19:10 above. Even more so while considering in
this context Acts 18:11 re “a year” or “Year One,” and Acts 20:31 “the space of
three years” or “Year Three,” all of which apparently fits neatly into Nero’s 1st,
2nd, and 3rd years, respectively.
[Nonetheless,
before studying these particulars very closely, I could see no basis for being
absolutely certain about this interpretation, especially in view of the fact
that I had found no corresponding application of the words translated “after
two years” in Acts 24:27, and of the words translated “two whole years” in Acts
28:30. Upon close analysis I find, however, that in both of the latter two Acts
passages an entirely different Greek word is used in Textus Receptus than that
which is used in Acts 19:10. Furthermore, I find that the latter Greek word “διετια1333” must be redefined to agree with all known facts, and that, as a
consequence, my initial hesitancy in ascertaining the above re Nero’s 1st,
2nd, and 3rd years of reign is unwarranted!]
Cf.
Explanatory Note # 10, Explanatory Note # 43, and Explanatory Note # 69!
Act 19:11 KJV+ And5037 God2316 wrought4160 special3756, 5177 miracles1411 by1223 the3588 hands5495 of Paul:3972
Act 19:12 KJV+ So that5620 (2532) from575 his846 body5559 were brought2018 unto1909 the3588 sick770 handkerchiefs4676 or2228 aprons,4612 and2532 the3588 diseases3554 departed525 from575 them,846 and5037 the3588 evil4190 spirits4151 went1831 out of575 them.846
Act 19:13 KJV+ Then1161 certain5100 of575 the3588 vagabond4022 Jews,2453 exorcists,1845 took upon2021 them to call3687 over1909 them which had2192 evil4190 spirits4151 the3588 name3686 of the3588 Lord2962 Jesus,2424 saying,3004 We adjure3726 you5209 by Jesus2424 whom3739 Paul3972 preacheth.2784
Act 19:14 KJV+ And1161 there were2258 seven2033 sons5207 of one
Sceva,4630 a Jew,2453 and
chief of the priests,749 which did4160 so.5124
Act 19:15 KJV+ And1161 the3588 evil4190 spirit4151 answered611 and said,2036 Jesus2424 I know,1097 and2532 Paul3972 I know;1987 but1161 who5101 are2075 ye?5210
Act 19:16 KJV+ And2532 the3588 man444 in1722 whom3739 the3588 evil4190 spirit4151 was2258 leaped2177 on1909 them,846 and2532 overcame2634 them,846 and prevailed2480 against2596 them,846 so that5620 they fled1628 out of1537 that1565 house3624 naked1131 and2532 wounded.5135
Act 19:17 KJV+ And1161 this5124 was1096 known1110 to all3956 the Jews2453 and2532 Greeks1672 also5037 dwelling2730 at Ephesus;2181 and2532 fear5401 fell1968 on1909 them846 all,3956 and2532 the3588 name3686 of the3588 Lord2962 Jesus2424 was magnified.3170
Act 19:18 KJV+ And5037 many4183 that believed4100 came,2064 and confessed,1843 and2532 showed312 their848 deeds.4234
Act 19:19 KJV+ (1161) Many2425 of them also which used4238 curious arts4021 brought their books together,4851, 976 and burned2618 them before1799 all3956 men: and2532 they counted4860 the3588 price5092 of them,846 and2532 found2147 it
fifty thousand4002, 3461 pieces of silver.694
Act 19:20 KJV+ So3779 mightily2596, 2904 grew837 the3588 word3056 of God2962 and2532 prevailed.2480
Act 19:21 KJV+
(1161) After5613 these things5023 were ended,4137 Paul3972 purposed5087 in1722 the3588 spirit,4151 when he had passed through1330 Macedonia3109 and2532 Achaia,882 to go4198 to1519 Jerusalem,2419 saying,2036 After I3165 have been1096 there,1563 I3165 must1163 also2532 see1492 Rome.4516
Act 19:22 KJV+ So1161 he sent649 into1519 Macedonia3109 two1417 of them that ministered1247 unto him,846 Timothy5095 and2532 Erastus;2037 but he846 himself stayed1907 in1519 Asia773 for a season.5550
Explanatory Note # 18
Cf.
Explanatory Note # 10 above!
Act 19:23 KJV+ And1161 the same2596, 1565 time2540 there arose1096 no3756 small3641 stir5017 about4012 that way.3598
Act 19:24 KJV+ For1063 a certain5100 man named3686 Demetrius,1216 a silversmith,695 which made4160 silver693 shrines3485 for Diana,735 brought3930 no3756 small3641 gain2039 unto the3588 craftsmen;5079
Act 19:25 KJV+ Whom3739 he called
together4867 with2532 the3588 workmen2040 of4012 like occupation,5108 and said,2036 Sirs,435 ye know1987 that3754 by1537 this5026 craft2039 we have2076 our2257 wealth.2142
Act 19:26 KJV+ Moreover2532 ye see2334 and2532 hear,191 that3754 not3756 alone3440 at Ephesus,2181 but235 almost4975 throughout all3956 Asia,773 this3778 Paul3972 hath persuaded3982 and turned away3179 much2425 people,3793 saying3004 that3754 they be1526 no3756 gods,2316 which3588 are made1096 with1223 hands:5495
Act 19:27 KJV+ So that(1161) not3756 only3440 this5124 our2254 craft3313 is in danger2793 to be set at
naught;2064, 1519, 557 but235 also2532 that the3588 temple2411 of the3588 great3173 goddess2299 Diana735 should be despised,1519, 3762, 3049 and1161 her848 magnificence3168 should3195 be(2532) destroyed,2507 whom3739 all3650 Asia773 and2532 the3588 world3625 worshippeth.4576
Act 19:28 KJV+ And1161 when they heard191 these sayings, they were1096 full4134 of wrath,2372 and2532 cried out,2896 saying,3004 Great3173 is
Diana735 of the Ephesians.2180
Act 19:29 KJV+ And2532 the3588 whole3650 city4172 was filled4130 with confusion:4799 and5037 having caught4884 Gaius1050 and2532 Aristarchus,708 men of Macedonia,3110 Paul's3972 companions in travel,4898 they rushed3729 with one accord3661 into1519 the3588 theater.2302
Act 19:30 KJV+ And1161 when Paul3972 would1014 have entered in1525 unto1519 the3588 people,1218 the3588 disciples3101 suffered1439 him846 not.3756
Act 19:31 KJV+ And1161 certain5100 of(2532) the3588 chief of Asia,775 which were5607 his846 friends,5384 sent3992 unto4314 him,846 desiring3870 him that he would not3361 adventure1325 himself1438 into1519 the3588 theater.2302
Act 19:32 KJV+ Some therefore cried one thing,243, 3303, 3767, 2896 and some243 another:5100 for1063 the3588 assembly1577 was2258 confused;4797 and2532 the3588 more part4119 knew1492 not3756 wherefore5101, 1752 they were
come together.4905
Act 19:33 KJV+ And1161 they drew4264 Alexander223 out of1537 the3588 multitude,3793 the3588 Jews2453 putting him forward.4261, 846 And1161 Alexander223 beckoned2678 with the3588 hand,5495 and would2309 have made his
defense626 unto the3588 people.1218
Act 19:34 KJV+ But1161 when they knew1921 that3754 he was2076 a Jew,2453 all with one voice1096, 5456, 3391, 1537, 3956 about the space of5613, 1909 two1417 hours5610 cried out,2896 Great3173 is Diana735 of the Ephesians.2180
Act 19:35 KJV+ And1161 when the3588 town clerk1122 had appeased2687 the3588 people,3793 he said,5346 Ye
men435 of Ephesus,2180, (1063) what5101 man444 is2076 there that3739 knoweth1097 not3756 how that the3588 city4172 of the Ephesians2180 is5607 a worshiper3511 of the3588 great3173 goddess2299 Diana,735 and2532 of the image which fell down from Jupiter?1356
Act 19:36 KJV+ Seeing then3767 that these things5130 cannot be spoken against,5607, 368 ye5209, (2076) ought1163 to be5225 quiet,2687 and2532 to do4238 nothing3367 rashly.4312
Act 19:37 KJV+ For1063 ye have brought71 hither these5128 men,435 which are neither3777 robbers of churches,2417 nor3777 yet blasphemers987 of your5216 goddess.2299
Act 19:38 KJV+ Wherefore3767 if1487 (3303) Demetrius,1216 and2532 the3588 craftsmen5079 which are with4862 him,846 have2192 a matter3056 against4314 any man,5100 the law is open,60, 71 and2532 there are1526 deputies:446 let them implead1458 one another.240
Act 19:39 KJV+ But1161 if1487 ye inquire1934 any thing5100 concerning4012 other matters,2087 it shall be determined1956 in1722 a lawful1772 assembly.1577
Act 19:40 KJV+ For1063 we are in danger2793 to(2532) be called in question1458 for4012 this day's4594 uproar,4714 there being5225 no3367 cause158 whereby4012,
3739 we may1410 give591 an account3056 of this5026 concourse.4963
Act
19:41 KJV+ And2532 when he had thus5023 spoken,2036 he dismissed630 the3588 assembly.1577
Acts
20:1 KJV+ And1161 after the3588 uproar2351 was ceased,3973 Paul3972 called unto4341 him
the3588 disciples,3101 and2532 embraced782 them, and departed1831 for to go4198 into1519 Macedonia.3109
Acts 20:2 KJV+ And1161 when he had gone
over1330 those1565 parts,3313 and2532 had given3870 them846 much4183 exhortation,3056 he came2064 into1519 Greece,1671
Acts 20:3 TLT+ He made4160 both5037 [
Explanatory
Note # 19
:
The words “three months” are
in accusative, plural format, indicating “extent of time,” (cf. The Analytical
Greek Lexicon, Zondervan Publishing House (1970,) and Jay, Eric G., New
Testament Greek, p. 141.) Said “three months” most likely indicating the last
three lunar months prior to Aviv 1, 44 CE [Jan 21, 44 through April 18, 44,
the last two months being named Adar I and Adar II – as may be seen from this link.)]
Acts 20:4 KJV+ And1161 there accompanied4902 him846 into891 Asia773 Sopater4986 of Berea;961 and1161 of the Thessalonians,2331 Aristarchus708 and2532 Secundus;4580 and2532 Gaius1050 of Derbe,1190 and2532 Timothy;5095 and1161 of Asia,774 Tychicus5190 and2532 Trophimus.5161
Explanatory Note # 20 :
Notice
that the names of Paul’s travel companions are useful for distinguishing
between e.g. Paul’s several visits to Jerusalem as referenced in e.g. Gal.
1:17-2:1, i.e. Paul’s 0th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd,
and 4th visits to Jerusalem following his conversion on the road to
Damascus.
Paul’s visits to Jerusalem (companions named in verses in bold italic font:)
#0: Acts 9:26-30 (notice
especially v. 27;)
#1: Acts 11:27-30
& 12:25;
#2: Acts 15:1-30 (in
particular v.2 and v. 36-40;)
#3: Acts 18:18,
21-22; and
#4:
Acts 20:4, 16 – 23:32.
Acts 20:5 KJV+ These3778 going before4281 tarried3306 for us2248 at1722 Troas.5174
Acts 20:6
TLT+ And1161 we2249 sailed away1602 from575 Philippi5375 after3326 the3588 First day2250 of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,106 [Cf. Explanatory Note # 21 below!]
and2532 came2064 unto4314 them846 to1519 Troas5174 in891 five4002 days;2250 where3757 we abode1304 Day2250 Seven2033 [of the week, Aviv 21,
44 CE [Saturday May 9, 44 CE,] cf. the
Textus Receptus basis of this translation! Cf. also below!]
Explanatory
Note # 21 :
Regarding
the word “day,” as translated above in the phrase “the First day,” vs. “days”
as translated in KJV: The Greek word
used here (Acts 20:6) is “ημερας2250 N-APF” and is written in the
accusative plural format, indicating “extent of time” (cf. Jay, Eric G., New
Testament Greek, p. 141.) However, as with the Hebrew word “שׁנתים,”
which Hebrew word is commonly mistranslated "two years," this
Greek word is also used - when standing alone and not attached to another
numerical word - to signify a time period greater than one day, but, most
often, not more than two days.
Accordingly,
the words translated in KJV “after the
days of unleavened bread” references, most likely, only the First Day,
and part of the Second Day, of the
Feast of Unleavened Bread, and certainly not all “the days of unleavened bread.”
Notice
how loaded this verse and the next are with constraining time references! The First Day and part of the Second Day of
the seven day long Feast of Unleavened Bread is spent in
On the other hand it may well be argued that the
sailing trip from Philippi to Troas ended at the end, not of a five day long
sailing journey, but at the end of the first five days of the week, i.e. at the
beginning of the Sixth Day of the week Aviv 20, 44 CE [Thursday evening as the sun was setting May
7, 44 CE.] Considering especially the distances and directions of travel
during the following week as recorded in Acts 20:13 through Acts 21:3 this
latter scenario may seem even a little more likely than the scenario above
while considering also that the distance, as the crow flies, from Phillippi to
Troas is a mere 140 miles (210 km,) or about the average distance sailed each
day during the very next week, cf. Explanatory Note # 25 below.
If indeed said five days are in reference to the Fifth
Day of the week, then one must also consider whether or not the Seventh Day of
the Feast of Unleavened Bread might not have been concurrent with the Seventh
Day of the week as otherwise concluded within this study of Acts. Considering
Luke’s emphatic statement “to write unto thee in order,” and as demonstrated
also by his sequential records, Luke and Acts, I find that it would be
inconsistent to conclude that the Sixth Day of the week was concurrent with the
Seventh Day of Unleavened bread, i.e. given the order provided between the
words “seven days” (Acts 20:6 KJV) and “the first day of the week” (Acts 20:7
KJV,) the corresponding sequential order being also present in Textus Receptus.
As for placing the Seventh Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread on a day
subsequent to the Seventh Day of the week, I find that the exact daily
itinerary provided by Luke re Paul’s and Luke’s sojourn by ship arriving in
Tyre in time for the subsequent Shabbat precludes the possibility that the
Seventh Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread could have fallen out on any day
beyond said Seventh Day of the week.
This discussion re what day(s) exactly the “five days”
references may seem, perhaps, like arguing a moot point since clearly Paul
spent the First Shabbat of the Feast of Unleavened Bread in Phillippi and the
Seventh Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread in Troas, but I believe it is
important to consider all the alternatives, and the implications these may have
upon the meaning of words: Thus, this latter scenario, if true, gives me yet
another example of how, in New Testament Greek, numbered days almost
exclusively is giving reference to the days of the week, while the former
scenario, if true, would give me support for the contention that stand alone
usage of the plural form of “days,” i.e. without a number or other modifiers,
does not reference a duration of time in excess of two days.
Acts 20:7 TLT+ And1161 upon1722 the3588 foremost3391 among the3588 Shabbats4521 [cf. Explanatory Note # 23 below!]
when the3588 disciples3101 came together4863 to break2806 bread,740 Paul3972 preached1256 unto them,846 ready3195 to depart1826 on the3588 morrow;1887 [i.e. in the morning
hours of the First Day of the week Aviv 22, 44 CE [Sunday May 10, 44 CE ] ]and5037 continued3905 his speech3056 until3360 midnight.3317
What special day is being
referenced by the words “the3588 foremost3391 among
the3588 Shabbats4521?” The words found in Textus Receptus signifies one unique and very
special day in the year. That day is the Seventh Day of the Feast of Unleavened
Bread. However, Acts 20:7 makes it clear that in this particular year this day
was not only the Seventh Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, but it was also
the Seventh Day of the week. This
constellation of days occurred on Aviv 21, 44 CE [Saturday
May 9, 44 CE.]
To get a better
understanding of the Greek words in Textus Receptus and of their correct
translation, which is “the Seventh Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,” and
which words do not mean that which is suggested by KJV, “the3588 first3391 day of the3588 week,4521” please consult the brief note and the associated
comprehensive study at
this link!
Please notice also how the words “Paul3972 preached1256 unto them,846 ready3195 to depart1826 on the3588 morrow;1887 ” further emphasizes the fact that the very foundation
of Hag Ha-Shavout, the Omer Reshit sacrifice [the Waving of the Sheaf,] was in
no way referenced or observed on this particular morrow of Day One, when on the contrary, Paul obviously left very early
at the first light of dawn in order “to go afoot” the 30 miles to Assos, where
he arrived early enough that there was yet time to sail about 140km before
sunset that day. To accomplish this even with very good sailing conditions Paul
must have arrived in Assos and boarded the ship quite early in the morning! There is more about this in verse 11 and under Explanatory Note # 24: below!
But if Hag Ha-Shavout
/ Pentecost was observed, not only by the Apostles but also by the Jews
generally in New Testament times, on the Seventh Day Shabbat only, and not on
the First Day of the week, then it follows that Hag Ha-Shavout /
Pentecost observance on any other day than the Seventh Day Shabbat is a mistake
without foundation in the Torah and without foundation in ancient tradition,
does it not?!
Acts 20:8 KJV+ And1161 there were2258 many2425 lights2985 in1722 the3588 upper chamber,5253 where3757 they were2258 gathered together.4863
Acts 20:9 KJV+ And1161 there sat2521 in1909 a window2376 a certain5100 young man3494 named3686 Eutychus,2161 being fallen into2702 a deep901 sleep:5258 and as Paul3972 was(1909) long4119 preaching,1256 he sunk down2702 with575 sleep,5258 and fell4098 down2736 from575 the3588 third loft,5152 and2532 was taken up142 dead.3498
Acts 20:10 KJV+ And1161 Paul3972 went down,2597 and fell on1968 him,846 and2532 embracing4843 him
said,2036 Trouble not yourselves;2350, 3361 for1063 his846 life5590 is2076 in1722 him.846
Acts 20:11 KJV+
When1161 he therefore was come up again,305 and2532 had broken2806 bread,740 and2532 eaten,1089 and5037 talked3656 a long while,1909,
2425 even till891 break of day,827 so3779 he departed.1831
Notice that Paul’s time of departure was at
the first rays of dawn (cf. Strong’s G827!) the First Day of the week Aviv 22, 44 CE [Sunday May 10, 44 CE, ] cf. v. 13-14
below!
And once again, where is the evidence in the New
Testament for Paul, for anyone among the apostles, or even among anyone of the
Jews, the Pharisees, the Scribes, or even the High Priests, observing Hag
Ha-Shavout on the First Day of the week, or else for chastising anyone for
teaching or acting differently?
Acts 20:12 KJV+ And1161 they brought71 the3588 young man3816 alive,2198 and2532 were not3756 a little3357 comforted.3870
Acts
20:13 KJV+ And1161 we2249 went before4281 to1909 ship,4143 and sailed321 unto1519 Assos,789 there1564 intending3195 to take in353 Paul:3972 for1063 so3779 had2258 he appointed,1299 minding3195 himself846 to go afoot.3978
Date of these events:
The First Day of the week Aviv 22, 44 CE
[Sunday May 10, 44 CE.]
The distance covered
by Paul when traveling “afoot” is about 20 miles (30km) as the crow flies.
There are hills 2000 feet high between his point of departure and his destination.
The distance along today’s highway is about 30 miles (50km.) If he averaged
running 10km per hour this route would have taken him about 5 hours. I believe
this shows that Paul was in quite excellent physical shape. The sailing
distance from Troas to Assos is 60km, and then an
additional 50km to Mitylene (v. 14) and then still another 90km to
Acts 20:14 KJV+ And1161 when5613 he met4820 with us2254 at1519 Assos,789 we took him in,353, 846 and
came2064 to1519 Mitylene.3412
Explanatory Note # 26
Date of these events:
The First Day of the week Aviv 22, 44 CE
[Sunday May 10, 44 CE,] cf. Explanatory Note # 25 above!
Acts 20:15 TLT+ And we
sailed thence,2547, 636 and came2658 the3588 next1966 day [Sunday
at sunset] over against481 Chios;5508 and1161 the3588 next2087 day [Monday
at sunset] we arrived3846 at1519 Samos,4544 and2532 tarried3306 at1722 Trogyllium;5175 and the3588 next2192 day
[Tuesday at sunset] we came2064 to1519 Miletus.3399
Dating each of these events:
1.
Day One accomplishment: 200 km. Arrived “over against
2.
Day Two accomplishment: 120 km. “Arrived at
3.
Day Three accomplishment: 30 km. “Came to
Re
the brief stop at
Considering
the sunset to sunset reckoning of time generally used, at least by Jewish
historians like Luke and Josephus, in New Testament times the term translated
in KJV “next1966 day” probably references the 24 hour period starting at sunset in any given day!
Notice in particular, re this issue of time reckoning, the
events between the arrival to and the departure from Miletus. If the ship
arrived at sunset there would be all night and some hours of the next day for
accomplishing all that is recorded in Acts 20:17 through Acts 21:1, whereas if
the arrival occurred in the morning there would likely be less time available,
considering that the ship might seem less likely to sail off in the middle of
the night. Consider that the distance, as the crow flies, between Miletus and
Ephesus is about 30 miles (50 km.) These people seems quite light footed, do
they not?
Re
the words “ the3588 next1966 day
” it may be well to consider also
Strong’s G1966: ”Feminine
singular participle of a compound of
G1909 and εἷμι heimi
(to go); supervening, that is, (G2250 or G3571 being expressed or
implied) the ensuing day or night,” G1909:
“ἐπί, epi, ep-ee', A primary preposition properly
meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution
[with the genitive case], that is, over, upon, etc.; of rest
(with the dative case) at, on, etc.” and G2250: “ἡμέρα,
hēmera, hay-mer'-ah, Feminine (with G5610 implied) of a derivative
of ἧμαι
hēmai (to sit; akin to the base of G1476) meaning tame, that
is, gentle; day, that is, (literally) the time space between dawn
and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the
Jews as inclusive of the parts of both extremes)”
Acts 20:16 KJV+ For1063 Paul3972 had determined2919 to sail by3896 Ephesus,2181 because3704 he846 would1096 not3361 spend the time5551 in1722 Asia:773 for1063 he hasted,4692 if1487 it were2258 possible1415 for him,846 to be1096 at1519 Jerusalem2414 the3588 day2250 of Pentecost.4005
Explanatory Note # 28:
Here is displayed for
us the focus and the most immediate goal of Paul’s travel: “To be at Jerusalem
the day of Pentecost.” To find out exactly the dates of that event in
Jerusalem, and of the events surrounding it, is the object also of this
particular study of mine. Praise the Lord, our Creator and Redeemer, who is
making all of these details of past times available for the taking!
Notice Paul’s attitude
here. He had yet close to six full weeks before the Day of Pentecost. Yet “he
hasted” and seem to be somewhat in doubt as reflected by the words “if it were
possible…” If indeed the sailing trip from Phillippi to Troas had taken a full
five days this hesitancy would certainly be warranted, would it not? Thus this
verse could be taken as an argument in favor of said five day sailing scenario,
could it not? Cf. Explanatory Note # 22: above!
Acts 20:17 KJV+ And1161 from575 Miletus3399 he sent3992 to1519 Ephesus,2181 and called3333 the3588 elders4245 of the3588 church.1577
Acts 20:18 KJV+ And1161 when5613 they were come3854 to4314 him,846 he said2036 unto them,846 Ye5210 know,1987 from575 the first4413 day2250 that575, 3739 I came1910 into1519 Asia,773 after what manner4459 I have been1096 with3326 you5216 at all3956 seasons,5550
Acts 20:19 KJV+ Serving1398 the3588 Lord2962 with3326 all3956 humility of mind,5012 and2532 with many4183 tears,1144 and2532 temptations,3986 which befell4819 me3427 by1722 the3588 lying in wait1917 of the3588 Jews:2453
Acts 20:20 KJV+ And
how5613 I kept back5288 nothing3762 that was profitable4851 unto
you,(3361) but have showed312 you,5213 and2532 have taught1321 you5209 publicly,1219 and2532 from house to house,2596, 3624
Acts 20:21 KJV+ Testifying1263 both5037 to the Jews,2453 and2532 also to the
Greeks,1672 repentance3341 toward1519 God,2316 and2532 faith4102 toward1519 our2257 Lord2962 Jesus2424 Christ.5547
Acts 20:22 KJV+ And2532 now,3568 behold,2400 I1473 go4198 bound1210 in the3588 spirit4151 unto1519 Jerusalem,2419 not3361 knowing1492 the things that shall befall4876 me3427 there:1722, 846
Acts 20:23 KJV+ Save4133 that3754 the3588 Holy40 Ghost4151 witnesseth1263 in every city,2596, 4172
saying3004 that3754 bonds1199 and2532 afflictions2347 abide3306 me.3165
Acts 20:24 KJV+ But235 none of these
things move me,4160,
3056, 3762 neither3761 count2192 I my3450 life5590 dear5093 unto myself,1683 so that5613 I might finish5048 my3450 course1408 with3326 joy,5479 and2532 the3588 ministry,1248 which3739 I have received2983 of3844 the3588 Lord2962 Jesus,2424 to testify1263 the3588 gospel2098 of the3588 grace5485 of God.2316
Acts 20:25 KJV+ And2532 now,3568 behold,2400 I1473 know1492 that3754 ye5210 all,3956 among1722 whom3739 I have gone1330 preaching2784 the3588 kingdom932 of God,2316 shall see3700 my3450 face4383 no more.3765
Acts 20:26 KJV+ Wherefore1352 I take you to
record3143, 5213 this4594 day,2250 that3754 I1473 am
pure2513 from575 the3588 blood129 of all3956 men.
Acts 20:27 KJV+ For1063 I have not3756 shunned5288 to(3361) declare312 unto you5213 all3956 the3588 counsel1012 of God.2316
Acts 20:28 KJV+ Take heed4337 therefore3767 unto yourselves,1438 and2532 to all3956 the3588 flock,4168 over1722 the which3739 the3588 Holy40 Ghost4151 hath made5087 you5209 overseers,1985 to feed4165 the3588 church1577 of God,2316 which3739 he hath purchased4046 with1223 his own2398 blood.129
Acts 20:29 KJV+ For1063 I1473 know1492 this,5124 that3754 after3326 my3450 departing867 shall grievous926 wolves3074 enter in1525 among1519 you,5209 not3361 sparing5339 the3588 flock.4168
Acts 20:30 KJV+ Also2532 of1537 your own selves5216,
846 shall men435 arise,450 speaking2980 perverse things,1294 to draw away645 disciples3101 after3694 them.846
Acts 20:31 KJV+ Therefore1352 watch,1127 and remember,3421 that3754 by the space of
three years5148 I ceased3973 not3756 to warn3560 every1538 one1520 night3571 and2532 day2250 with3326 tears.1144
Acts 20:32 KJV+ And2532 now,3569 brethren,80 I commend3908 you5209 to God,2316 and2532 to the3588 word3056 of his846 grace,5485 which is able1410 to build you up,2026 and2532 to give1325 you5213 an inheritance2817 among1722 all3956 them which are
sanctified.37
Acts 20:33 KJV+ I have coveted1937 no man's3762 silver,694 or2228 gold,5553 or2228 apparel.2441
Acts 20:34 KJV+ Yea,1161 ye846 yourselves know,1097 that3754 these3778 hands5495 have ministered5256 unto my3450 necessities,5532 and2532 to them that were5607 with3326 me.1700
Acts 20:35 KJV+ I have showed5263 you5213 all things,3956 how that3754 so3779 laboring2872 ye ought1163 to support482 the3588 weak,770 and5037 to remember3421 the3588 words3056 of the3588 Lord2962 Jesus,2424 how3754 he848 said,2036 It is2076 more3123 blessed3107 to give1325 than2228 to receive.2983
Acts 20:36 KJV+ And2532 when he had thus5023 spoken,2036 he kneeled down,5087, 846, 1119
and prayed4336 with4862 them846 all.3956
Acts 20:37 KJV+ And1161 they all wept
sore,1096, 2425, 2805,
3956 and2532 fell1968 on1909 Paul's3972 neck,5137 and kissed2705 him,846
Acts 20:38 KJV+ Sorrowing3600 most of all3122 for1909 the3588 words3056 which3739 he spake,2046 that3754 they should3195 see2334 his848 face4383 no more.3765 And1161 they accompanied4311 him846 unto1519 the3588 ship.4143
Explanatory
Note # 29
The
distance between Ephesus and Miletus is about 30 miles (50 km.) How were they
able to realize this face to face meeting without prior arrangement? How many
hours did they stay in Miletus? What hours of the day were spent in Miletus,
considering also that on this same Fourth Day of the week, after leaving
Miletus, they sailed 190 km before the end of the day? 190 km is a distance
very similar to the greatest distance traveled each of the three days prior. It
is also a little more than half the distance covered in comparison with the
average for the non-stop two day journey on the long leg from Rhodes to Tyre
beginning on the very next day (Acts 21:1-3.)
It
seems to me that this meeting must have taken place in the beginning of the 24
hour day, i.e. during the evening hours. Perhaps there were ways of
communicating across far distances using coded light signals, which would seem
an easier accomplishment during the dark hours than during daylight hours? If
only one party had to travel afoot across the distance this would simplify the
successful accomplishment of this meeting, would it not?
[Cf.
also Explanatory Note # 25 and Explanatory Note # 27 above!]
Acts
21:1 KJV+ And1161 it(5613) came to pass,1096 that after we2248 were gotten645 from575 them,846 and had launched,321 we came2064 with a straight course2113 unto1519 Coos,2972 and1161 the3588 day following1836 unto1519 Rhodes,4499 and from thence2547 unto1519 Patara:3959
Explanatory
Note # 30
Dating each of these events:
4.
Day
Four accomplishment: 190 km.
After meeting with the brethren from
5.
Day
Five accomplishment: 100 km (for
starters) to Patara.
Re
the itinerary for each day please cf. Explanatory Note # 25 above!
Acts 21:2 KJV+ And2532 finding2147 a ship4143 sailing over1276 unto1519 Phoenicia,5403 we went aboard,1910 and set
forth.321
Acts 21:3 KJV+ Now1161 when we had
discovered398 Cyprus,2954 we(2532) left2641 it846 on the left hand,2176 and sailed4126 into1519 Syria,4947 and2532 landed2609 at1519 Tyre:5184 for1063 there1566 the3588 ship4143 was2258 to unlade670 her burden.1117
[Cf. Explanatory Note # 25 above!]
Acts 21:4 TLT+ And2532 finding429 disciples3101 we tarried1961 there847 Day2250 Seven2033 [Seventh-Day Sabbath:
Sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. May 15/16, 44 CE] Those3748 told3004 Paul,3972 through1223 the3588 Spirit,4151 that he should not3361 go up305 to1519 Jerusalem.2419
Explanatory Note # 31
Dating each of these events:
Day Five
through Day Seven accomplishment:
720km. From Rhodes… “sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre…” “finding disciples we tarried there Day
Seven” of the week. Aviv 26-28, 44 CE [Sunset
Wednesday - Saturday May 13-16, 44 CE.]
Acts 21:5 TLT+ And1161 when3753 we2248 had1096 completed1822 the3588 days [cf. Explanatory Note # 32]2250 we departed1831 and went our way;4198 and they all3956 brought us on our
way,4311, 2248 with4862 wives1135 and2532 children,5043 till2193 we were out1854 of the3588 city:4172 and2532 we kneeled down5087, 1119 on1909 the3588 shore,123 and prayed.4336
What
does the words “completed the days” refer to? Or as KJV has it “when we had
accomplished1822 those days?” The language in Textus Receptus, and the
context, makes it quite clear that Paul and his travel companions tarried in
Tyre on the Seventh Day and not, as KJV has it, for “seven days” (Acts 21:4.)
Accordingly, reference cannot be intended unto a seven day long stay that never
existed, can it?
The
Seventh Day is the last day of the week. It is therefore also the day which
makes the week complete. The fourth commandment teaches us to keep the Shabbat
holy (Ex. 20:8,) and to sanctify it (Deut. 5:12.) The words ‘holy’ and
‘sanctify’ means clean(sing) or pure(ifying.)
Inherent in those words is the idea of keeping something in order,
perfect, fully functional. The word ‘seven’ also is associated with cleansing.
There is the notion of “sevening one self” meaning to become clean. In the
Swedish language the name of the Seventh Day is “Lördag,” which is derived from
an older name “Lögardagen,” which means the day of cleansing, i.e. the holy day
or the day of sanctification.
Completing
the week also implies coming to the very end of it. Thus Luke, the author of acts,
makes it clear that they stayed in Tyre through the end of the Sabbath hours
before reentering the ship for the last leg of there journey by sea.
Accordingly,
it only make sense when Luke uses the words, in reference to the Seventh Day
Shabbat, “when we had completed the days,”
Acts 21:5, does it not?
Another
very viable interpretation of said words is that found in Hendrickson’s The
Interlinear Bible: “But when it was time for us to complete the days, going out
we traveled.” It is apparent from the context that the ship that Paul and his
companions was traveling with was en route to Ptolemais and that it stopped
temporarily in Tyre only for the purpose of unloading some of its cargo. Thus
said words, “when we had completed those days,” may also very well be in
reference to their journey upon that ship.
Acts 21:6 KJV+ And2532 when we had taken
our leave782 one of another,240 we took
ship;1910, 1519, 4143 and1161 they1565 returned5290 home again.1519, 2398
Acts 21:7 TLT+ And1161 when we2249 had finished1274 our course4144 from575 Tyre,5184 we came2658 to1519 Ptolemais,4424 and2532 saluted782 the3588 brethren,80 and abode3306 with3844 them846 Day2250 One.3391
Ptolemais
is not more than perhaps 25 miles (40 km.) This distance may well have been
accomplished in a couple of hours. Thus the party arrived in Ptolemais
relatively early on Day One of the week, Aviv 29, 44 CE [Saturday night May 16, 44 CE.] Luke makes
it clear that Paul and his companions stayed overnight with “the brethren,”
leaving early the next morning, i.e. “on the morrow” [Sunday morning May 17, 44 CE.]
Acts
21:8 TLT+ And1161 on1887 the3588 morrow1887 we that
were of Paul's company4012, 3972 departed,1831 and came2064 unto1519 Caesarea:2542 and2532 we entered1525 into1519 the3588 house3624 of Philip5376 the3588 evangelist,2099 which was5607 one
of1537 the3588 seven;2033 and abode3306 with3844 him.846
Explanatory Note # 34
The
words ”on the morrow” points to the morning hours of Day One Aviv 29, 44 CE [Sunday
morning May 17, 44 CE.] Cf. also Explanatory Note # 33 above.
The
words “on the morrow” is a translation of a Greek word derived from two roots, one
meaning “upon” (Strong’s G1909,) the other meaning “a breeze, i.e. the morning
air” (Strong’s G839.) This Greek word conveys very much the same concept as
that of the Hebrew word “מחר.4279 “ The meaning of both those words, i.e. “מחר4279” and “επαυριον1887” convey very much the same meaning as the English words “in the
morning hours,” and “tomorrow.” There is no inherent implication in either of
those words pointing to the next 24 hour period. This is important to
recognize, especially since this Hebrew word is the word used in the Torah for
giving reference to the time when, on
the morning of the Shabbat, the Omer Reshit sacrifice is to be given.
Acts 21:9 KJV+ And1161 the same man5129 had2258 four5064 daughters,2364 virgins,3933 which did prophesy.4395
Acts 21:10 TLT+ And1161 as we2257 tarried1961 there the major
portion4119 of days2250 [cf. Explanatory Note # 35] there
came down2718 from575 Judea2449 a certain5100 prophet,4396 named3686 Agabus.13
These
words, “we tarried there the major portion of days,” KJV provides “we tarried there many days,” are clearly referencing either:
1.
The
39 days remaining until Hag Ha-Shavout, that is from the time of their arrival to Philip and his daughters in
Caesarea, which was late in Day One of the week, Aviv 29, 44, until they left
for Jerusalem on Day Six of the week, Sivan 11, 44 [Sunday May 17, 44 (before sunset) and
Thursday night or Friday morning June 25/26, 44 CE;] or else
2.
All the 49 or 50 days of the Omer, that is referencing the counting of
days and weeks towards and including Hag Ha-Shavout, a reminder intended to
keep alive a correct understanding of the annual count towards the Year of
Jubilee.
Apparently
verse 15 below resolves this issue in favor of option #1 above. Cf. Explanatory Note # 36:!
Also,
remember Agabus! He is referenced also in Acts 11:28. Agabus was instrumental
in laying the foundation for Paul’s 1st visit to Jerusalem (Acts
11:27-30.)
Acts 21:11 KJV+ And2532 when he was come2064 unto4314 us,2248 he(2532) took142 Paul's3972 girdle,2223 and5037 bound1210 his own848 hands5495 and2532 feet,4228 and said,2036 Thus3592 saith3004 the3588 Holy40 Ghost,4151 So3779 shall the3588 Jews2453 at1722 Jerusalem2419 bind1210 the3588 man435 that3739 owneth2076 this3778 girdle,2223 and2532 shall deliver3860 him
into1519 the hands5495 of the Gentiles.1484
Acts 21:12 KJV+ And1161 when5613 we heard191 these things,5023 both5037 we,2249 and2532 they of that
place,1786 besought3870 him846 not3361 to go up305 to1519 Jerusalem.2419
Acts 21:13 KJV+ Then1161 Paul3972 answered,611 What5101 mean4160 ye to weep2799 and2532 to break4919 mine3450 heart?2588 for1063 I1473 am2192 ready2093 not3756 to be bound1210 only,3440 but235 also2532 to die599 at1519 Jerusalem2419 for5228 the3588 name3686 of the3588 Lord2962 Jesus.2424
Acts 21:14 KJV+ And1161 when he846 would not3361 be persuaded,3982 we ceased,2270 saying,2036 The3588 will2307 of the3588 Lord2962 be done.1096
Acts 21:15 TLT+ And1161 after3326 those5025 days2250 [Cf. Explanatory Note # 36 below!]
we took up our carriages,643 and went up305 to1519 Jerusalem.2419
In this verse I find
that “those5025 days2250,” are apparently
referring back to the words “the major portion4119 of days2250” in v. 10 above. Since the last and most important
day of the Omer count, which is the Day of Pentecost, is clearly not included
in this reference (Acts 21:15) it is clear that option #1 under Explanatory Note # 35: is the only viable option.
Accordingly “those
days” are the 39 days that Paul and his party stayed with Phillip and his
daughters in Caesarea. Those 39 days are counted upon the basis of Day One of
the week, Aviv 29, 44, the first of the 39 days being Day Two, Zif 1, 44 CE and the 39th
day being Day Five, Sivan 10, 44 CE.
The party left for Jerusalem on Day Six of the week, Sivan
11, 44 CE.
Acts 21:16 KJV+ There(1161) went4905 with4862 us2254 also2532 certain of the3588 disciples3101 of575 Caesarea,2542 and brought71 with them one5100 Mnason3416 of Cyprus,2953 an old744 disciple,3101 with3844 whom3739 we should lodge.3579
Acts 21:17 TLT+ And1161 when we2257 were come1096 to1519 Jerusalem,2414 [on Friday afternoon
and in good time before the beginning of the Shabbat] the3588 brethren80 received1209 us2248 gladly.780
Explanatory Note # 37
It
only makes sense, considering the importance of keeping the Sabbath
commandment, that the Apostles planned their itinerary such that they arrived
at their destination in time before the Shabbat and that prior arrangements had
been made for their lodging with “one Mnason of Cyprus” (v. 16) in Jerusalem.
Accordingly this event may be safely dated on Day Six of the week, Sivan 11, 44
CE [Friday June 26, 44 before sunset.]
Acts 21:18 TLT+ And1161 the3588 day following1966 [Hag Ha-Shavout] Paul3972 went in1524 with4862 us2254 unto4314 James;2385 and5037 all3956 the3588 elders4245 were present.3854
Explanatory Note # 38
As
before (cf. Explanatory Note # 27: above) ”the day following”
gives reference to the day beginning at sunset, not primarily to the next
morning.
Accordingly
Paul and his party met with “James; and all the elders” in the eve beginning
Hag Ha-Shavout, the Day of Pentecost, which feast occurred, as always, on the
Seventh Day Shabbat, Sivan 12, 44 CE [Friday night June 26, 44 CE
after sunset and Saturday June 27, 44 CE until sunset.]
Acts 21:19 KJV+ And2532 when he had
saluted782 them,846 he declared1834 particularly2596,
1520, 1538 what things3739 God2316 had wrought4160 among1722 the3588 Gentiles1484 by1223 his848 ministry.1248
Acts 21:20 KJV+ And1161 when they3588 heard191 it, they glorified1392 the3588 Lord,2962 and5037 said2036 unto him,846 Thou seest,2334 brother,80 how many4214 thousands3461 of Jews2453 there are1526 which believe;4100 and2532 they are5225 all3956 zealous2207 of the3588 law:3551
Acts 21:21 KJV+ And1161 they are informed2727 of4012 thee,4675 that3754 thou teachest1321 all3956 the Jews2453 which3588 are among2596 the3588 Gentiles1484 to forsake646 Moses,3475 saying3004 that they846 ought not3361 to circumcise4059 their children,5043 neither3366 to walk4043 after the3588 customs.1485
Acts 21:22 KJV+ What5101 is2076 it therefore?3767 the multitude4128 must1163 needs3843 come together:4905 for1063 they will hear191 that3754 thou art come.2064
Acts 21:23 KJV+ Do4160 therefore3767 this5124 that3739 we say3004 to thee:4671 We2254 have1526 four5064 men435 which have2192 a vow2171 on1909 them;1438
Acts 21:24 TLT+ Associate5128, 3880 and clarify48 thyself with4862 them, 5128, 846 and2532 spend time1159 with1909 them,846 that2443 they may remove beams
[preconceived ideas] from off3587 their minds:2776 [Cf.
Matt. 7:4.] and2532 all3956 may know1097 that3754 those things, whereof3739 they were
informed2727 concerning4012 thee,4675 are2076 nothing;3762 but235 that thou848 thyself also2532 walkest orderly,4748 and keepest5442 the3588 law.3551
Acts 21:25 KJV+ (1161) As touching4012 the3588 Gentiles1484 which believe,4100 we2249 have written1989 and concluded2919 that they846 observe5083 no3367 such thing,5108 save1508 only that they keep5442 themselves846 from(5037) things offered to idols,1494 and2532 from blood,129 and2532 from strangled,4156 and2532 from fornication.4202
Acts 21:26 TLT+ Then5119 Paul3972 associated himself
with3880 the3588 men,435 the3588 same2192 day2250 [Hag Ha-Shavout,
Sivan 12, 44 CE [Saturday June 27, 44 CE,]] and,
having thus purified48 himself [come to an
understanding] with4862 them846 entered1524 into1519 the3588 temple,2411 to signify1229 the3588 completion1604 of the3588 [49/50
count] days2250 of Hag Ha-Shavout,49 until2193, 3757 that an
offering4376 should be offered4374 for5228 every1538 one1520 of them.846
Acts 21:27 TLT+ And1161 when5613 Day2250 Seven2033 [Hag Ha-Shavout,
Sivan 12, 44 CE [Saturday June 27, 44 CE,]] was almost3195 ended,4931 the3588 Jews2453 which were of575 Asia,773 when they saw2300 him846 in1722 the3588 temple,2411 stirred up4797 all3956 the3588 people,3793 and2532 laid1911 hands5495 on1909 him,846…
Explanatory Note # 39:
Notice how clearly this 27th verse - once
correctly understood and translated - confirms that the conclusion of this
particular Seventh
Day Shabbat was also the conclusion of Hag Ha-Shavout [the Feast of Weeks,
Pentecost,] which feast was obviously observed by Paul and his companions as
they “entered into the temple, to signify the completion of the [49/50 count] days of Hag Ha-Shavout” (v. 26.) (Cf. additional evidence at Acts
13:42.)
Acts 24:1 TLT+ And1161 after3326 Day2250 Five4002 [Thursday night] Ananias367 the3588 high priest749 descended2597 with3326 the3588 elders,4245 and2532 with a certain5100 orator4489 named Tertullus,5061 who3748 informed1718 the3588 governor2232 against2596 Paul.3972…
Timing of this event: after the end of Day Five of the
week, Sivan 24, 44 CE [after sunset Thursday July 9, 44 CE.]
Notice that the 12 days (v.11) referenced by Paul [the
Sunday following upon Hag Ha-Shavout through the second following Thursday] -
when based solidly upon Textus Receptus - twice again (1. by the 12 day count
and 2. by the reference to Day Five of the week) confirm (cf. Explanatory Note # 42:) that which was confirmed also in Acts 21:27, i.e. that Hag Ha-Shavout was indeed observed on
the Seventh Day Shabbat by Paul,
and by all those others named, none among the Jews excluded (Acts 21:17-18,
26-27.)
Contrary to common belief, the bible is not using so
called “inclusive counting.” Neither is Josephus using “inclusive counting” in
his works. Inclusive counts are commonly used in Roman and Catholic systems of
counting. This difference is important to recognize if one is going to be able
to understand the counting of ancient authors such as the authors of the bible
and Josephus. Mixing these methods leads to many and important misconceptions
and errors, e.g. the common misconception that
Yeshua was risen and released out of the grave “as it began to dawn toward the
first day of the week” (Matt. 28:1 KJV.)
Acts
24:10 TLT+
Then1161 Paul,3972 after that the3588 governor2232 had beckoned3506 unto him846 to speak,3004 answered,611 Forasmuch as I
know1987 that thou4571 hast been5607 of1537 many4183 years2094 [Cf. Explanatory Note # 41 below!] a
judge2923 unto this5129 nation,1484 I do the more cheerfully2115 answer626 for4012 myself:1683
Once again, please notice Explanatory Note # 40 above and the fact that the apostles and those other Jews referenced
in this text passage observed and concluded Hag Ha-Shavout on
the Seventh Day Shabbat and not on the morrow of a Sunday!
Re the words translated “many years:”
Felix has at this point completed five years of reign
as proconsul over Judea. He is in his sixth civil year of reign. Before said
five years there was also Felix’s accession year. Nonetheless, the Greek word
here used, “πολλων4183 A-GPN,” is most likely giving reference only to the five
full years of reign.
The words “many years” are clearly consistent with a
44 CE placement of the events recorded in these verses of Acts. Had I known for
certain, before this study, the beginning and end of Felix’s reign, then the
words “many years” in conjunction with the constellation of facts inherent in
Acts 20:6-7 (and Acts 20:13-21:4) would have sufficed in order for me to
determine the exact year for Paul’s meeting at Pentecost in Jerusalem as here
recorded, but I didn’t know. And now I have learned many things, some of which
perhaps were not known to very many before…
Acts 24:11 TLT+ Because
that thou4675 mayest1410 understand,1097 that3754 there are1526, (3427) yet but3756, 4119, 2228 twelve1177 days2250 since575, 3739 I went305 worshipping4352 in1722 Jerusalem.2419 [Cf. Explanatory Note # 42 below!]
Paul was making this speech on Day Six, i.e. after the
end of Day Five of the week, Sivan 25, 44 CE [i.e. after the sunset Thursday July 9, 44 CE.]
Regarding Paul’s 12 day count: Paul went worshipping on the Day of Pentecost,
i.e. on the Shabbat, Day Seven of the week, Sivan 12, 44 CE [Saturday June 27, 44 CE,] cf. Acts 21:26.
As with accession days and years generally, said Shabbat is not counted towards
the “twelve days.” Therefore, the twelve days consist of the succeeding week of
7 days plus the completed five days of the second week following Hag
Ha-Shavout. Accordingly, beginning with Day One of the week subsequent to Hag
Ha-Shavout through Day Five of the subsequent week, in accord with Acts 24:1&12,
I find 7+5=12 days…
Acts 24:27 TLT+ And1161 when the remainder of
the civil year1333 [Tishri
1, 43 through the end of Elul, 44 CE] was filled to its brim4137 Porcius4201
Festus5347 came into Felix' room:2983, 1240, 5344 and5037 Felix,5344 willing2309 to show2698 the3588 Jews2453 a pleasure,5485 left2641 Paul3972 bound1210…
Felix’s reign,
which was his 6th civil year of reign, ended at the beginning of Tishri
1, 44 CE [October 12, 44 CE]
The word translated in KJV as “after,” Gr. “πληρωθεισης4137 V-APP-GSF,” is defined in Strong’s
G#4137 “From G4134; to
make replete, that is, (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or
(figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence),
satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify
(or coincide with a prediction), etc.”
The word translated in KJV as “two years,” Gr. “διετιας1333” is used in the New Testament twice only (Acts 24:27 and Acts 28:30.) A careful analysis of the meaning of
the word “διετιας”
based upon its roots and upon what I believe is now established historical
facts relative to the events in Acts 24:27, suggests the following improved
definition for the Greek word “διετια1333,” i.e. in comparison to the definition found in Strong’s G1333.
“From 1223, 2089, and 2094; through (διά) the remaining (“yet” or “still”) part of
the civil “year” (έτος.)”
Though, as best I can tell, this definition is
consistent, not only with historical facts, but also with the roots from which
I believe this Greek word is ultimately derived, this definition differs from
the definition found in Strong’s G1333.
Having thus established a better definition of said
Greek word, we will no doubt arrive also at a more correct understanding of
Acts 28:30. (Cf. below.)
Acts 25:1 TLT+ “Now3767 when Festus5347 was come into1910 the3588 province,1885 after3326 Day2250 Three5140 [Tishri
9+, 44 CE [Tuesday after sunset, October
20, 44 CE,]] he ascended305 from575 Caesarea2542 to1519 Jerusalem.2414” …
Although technically and grammatically the words used
in KJV, “after three days,” may be used as giving reference to Festus, perhaps
as leaving Caesarea for Jerusalem three days after arriving in Caesarea for his
new appointment, replacing Felix as the new procurator of Rome for this region,
I believe such a construction is unlikely and unwarranted.
A much clearer picture of the events as depicted by
the author of Acts emerges when applying instead the Greek words upon the days
of the week as found in the year 44 CE during the week of Yom Kippurim, the Day
of At-One-Ment, Tishri 10, 44 CE [Wednesday,
October 21, 44 CE.]
For a more complete analysis of the facts pertaining
to this passage (Acts 25:1-6 ff.) please review this link.
Acts 25:6 TLT+ And1161 when he [Festus]
had tarried1304 among1722 them846 past4119 the end2228 of
Day2250 Ten1176 [Tishri 10+; past the
conclusion of Day of At-One-Ment] he went
down2597 unto1519
Act 25:6 GNT+ διατριψας1304 V-AAP-NSM δε1161 CONJ εν1722 PREP αυτοις846 P-DPM ημερας2250 N-APF πλειους4119 A-APF-C η2228 PRT δεκα1176 A-NUI καταβας2597 V-2AAP-NSM εις1519 PREP καισαρειαν2542 N-ASF τη3588 T-DSF επαυριον1887 ADV καθισας2523 V-AAP-NSM επι1909 PREP του3588 T-GSN βηματος968 N-GSN εκελευσεν2753 V-AAI-3S τον3588 T-ASM παυλον3972 N-ASM αχθηναι71 V-APN
“…past the
end of Day Ten:”
That is, past the end of: “The 10th
day of the lunar month,” more than likely “Tishri 10,” “the Tenth Day of the
Seventh Month,” “the Day of At-One-Ment,” considering that there is no other
biblical feast day associated with the number ten.
I have found that in the New Testament, when giving
reference to an event in the evening after sunset this construction is being
frequently used: “After the end of Day #X.” Thus, in the
beginning of Day #X+1 reference is still being given to Day #X. In this
instance Day #X and Day #X+1 are the two days recognized as Tishri 10&11, 44 CE [We/Th
Oct 21/22, 44 CE.]
“…the next
morning:”
That is Tishri 11, 44 CE [Thursday
Oct 22, 44 CE.]
Notice that if one were to consider applying this text to a
year when Tishri 10 fell out on the Sixth Day of the week, i.e. Friday, then
the words “the next morning” would point to the Seventh Day Shabbat. But I do
not find it likely that the Jews here referenced, Paul not excluded, would
consider showing up in the Roman Court in Caesarea before Festus on a Seventh
Day Shabbat. Accordingly this passage is potentially useful for limiting our search for the exact timing of
this event.
Notice the use of the Greek word in Textus Receptus, “ἐπαύριον,” which word corresponds to the Hebrew word “מחר,” and which
clearly indicates the time of “the morning breeze.” This word is used, in the
Scriptures, just like the English “tomorrow” and is referencing the time
following the dark hours of night and the most immediately available dawn. I
have found no
instance in the Scriptures where either of these Hebrew and Greek words are
being used in reference to a point in time beyond the next sunset, i.e. unless
such time of “the morning breeze” is already in past time for a given day.
Cf. Strong’s G1887 :”From G1909 and G839; occurring on
the succeeding day, that is, (G2250 being implied) tomorrow;” and
Strong’s G839: ”From a derivative of the same as G109
(meaning a breeze, that is, the
morning air); properly fresh, that is, (adverbially with
ellipsis of G2250) tomorrow.”
Notice that if, on the other hand, the Greek word here used,
“ἐπαύριον,” were to be applied in the same manner as is the
Hebrew word “מחר,” when used as a basis for observing Omer
Reshit and Hag Ha-Shavout on the first day following a Shabbat, then, if
Tishri 10 were to fall out upon a Thursday or a Friday, as potentially it does in 45, 46 and 47 CE,
Festus, Paul, and “the Jews” referenced in Acts 25:7, perhaps including also “the
high priest and the chief of the Jews” referenced in Acts 25:2, would all have
met at court in Caesarea either on a Shabbat “morning,” or else on Sunday
“morning” after traveling the 70 mile distance (as the crow flies) between
Jerusalem and Caesarea. How likely is that?
Notice also the beauty of this long series of very specific
and most exact dates as provided by Luke, the author of Acts, when applying
these time references to this 44 CE scenario for the Apostolic Church Council
in Jerusalem! This beauty is almost totally destroyed when those time
references are applied onto any other year.
Act
26:19 KJV+ Whereupon,3606 O king935 Agrippa,67 I was1096 not3756 disobedient545 unto the3588 heavenly3770 vision:3701
Act 26:20 KJV+ But235 showed518 first4412 unto them3588 of1722 Damascus,1154 and2532 at Jerusalem,2414 and5037 throughout1519 all3956 the3588 coasts5561 of Judea,2449 and2532 then to the3588 Gentiles,1484 that they should repent3340 and2532 turn1994 to1909 God,2316 and do4238 works2041 meet514 for repentance.3341
Explanatory Note # 46
Compare Paul’s words re Jerusalem in verse 20 with Galatians 1:16 and notice how that Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus made reality of Paul’s claim of taking his orders directly from his Lord. That is the One identifying himself as “Jesus whom thou persecutest” (Acts 26:15:)
Gal 1:16 TLT+ To reveal601 his848 Son5207 in1722 me,1698 that2443 I might preach2097 him846 among1722 the3588 heathen1484 directly.2112 I conferred4323 not3756 with flesh4561 and2532 blood:129
Gal 1:17 KJV+ Neither3761 went I up424 to1519 Jerusalem2414 to4314 them which were
apostles652 before4253 me;1700 but235 I went565 into1519 Arabia,688 and2532 returned5290 again3825 unto1519 Damascus.1154
Act 27:1 KJV+ And1161 when5613 it was determined2919 that we2248 should sail636 into1519 Italy,2482 they delivered3860 (5037) Paul3972 and2532 certain5100 other2087 prisoners1202 unto one named3686 Julius,2457 a centurion1543 of Augustus'4575 band.4686
Explanatory
Note # 47
Re “Julius, a centurion of Augustus band:”
Cf. the following quotes out of Tacitus’ The Histories
re a certain Julius Priscus, a centurion [under Nero and Galba] until accepting the pretorship over the Pretorian Guard under Emperor Vitellius in
the last third of 53 CE:
“92. To command the Pretorian Guard he [Caesar Vitellius
in late 53 CE/ed.] had selected Publilius Sabinus, who had been prefect of an
auxiliary cohort, and Julius Priscus, at the moment a centurion.”
(Tacitus, Cornelius, The
Histories, The chapter entitled “Rome Under Vitellius,” Book
Two:92.)
“55. Vitellius was like a sleeper awakened. He ordered Julius
Priscus and Alfenus Varus to hold the Apennines with fourteen pretorian
cohorts and all the available cavalry units.” (Tacitus, Cornelius, The
Histories, The chapter entitled “The March On Rome,” Book
Three:55)
“10… Julius Priscus, the prefect of the pretorian cohorts under Vitellius, committed suicide less from
compulsion than a sense of shame” [The shame apparently due to his association
with Vitellius who was now despised and killed.] (Tacitus, Cornelius, The
Histories, The chapter entitled “A Divided Senate,” Book
Four:10)
Also cf. the following quotes out of Suetonius’ The
Lives of the Twelve Caesars re a certain Julius Vindex who at that time governed the province as
pro-praetor:
“XL. The world, after tolerating such an emperor [Nero]
for little less than fourteen years, at length forsook him; the Gauls, headed
by Julius Vindex, who at that time governed the province as pro-praetor, being the first to
revolt.” (C.
Suetonius Tranquillus, THE LIVES OF THE TWELVE CAESARS, NERO CLAUDIUS CAESAR:XL.)
Act
27:2 KJV+ And1161 entering into1910 a ship4143 of Adramyttium,98 we launched,321 meaning3195 to sail4126 by the3588 coasts5117 of2596 Asia;773 one Aristarchus,708 a Macedonian3110 of Thessalonica,2331 being5607 with4862 us.2254
Act 27:3 TLT+ And5037 on Shemini
Atzeret, the Eighth Day of the Feast of Tabernacles3588, 2087 we touched2609 at1519 Sidon.4605 And5037 Julius2457 courteously5364 entreated5530 Paul,3972 and gave him liberty2010 to go4198 unto4314 his friends5384 to refresh himself.5177, 1958
Explanatory
Note # 48
The Greek word used in Textus Receptus, “τη3588 ετερα2087,” literally means “the different.” It is well known that the number
eight, as in the 8th Day of the week or the 1st Day of
the subsequent week, represents something new and different from that which was
before.
Shemini Atzeret, the Eighth Day of the Feast of
Tabernacles, is not truly considered part of the Feast of Tabernacles, but is a
Feast day in and of itself, i.e. something new and different. Thus it makes
sense for Luke, the author of Acts, to use this Greek word in this setting. The
context in time, and the special occasion motivating the event recorded as “And
Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go
unto his friends to refresh himself,” is evidence that this is indeed what the
meaning of the Greek words “τη3588 ετερα2087” is in this setting.
Accordingly I find that the event referenced in Acts
27:3 most likely took place on Tishri 22, 44 CE [November 2, 44 CE.]
More re
the Greek word “ετερα2087”
The Greek word “ετερα2087” is used 99 times in the New Testament Textus
Receptus, but only three of these are in reference to time, i.e. Luke 6:6, Acts
20:15, and Acts 27:3:
Acts 20:15 is using this word apparently for the
purpose of indicating the beginning of the next day of the same week and is
thus not in reference to the Eighth Day of the Feast of Tabernacles.
Luke 6:6
on the other hand is most likely also in reference to the Eighth Day of the
Feast of Tabernacles.
Act 27:4 KJV+ And when we had launched from thence,2547, 321 we sailed under5284 Cyprus,2954 because the3588 winds417 were1511 contrary.1727
Act 27:5 KJV+ And5037 when we had
sailed over1277 the3588 sea3989 of2596 Cilicia2791 and2532 Pamphylia,3828 we came2718 to1519 Myra,3460 a city of Lycia.3073
Act
27:6 KJV+ And there2546 the3588 centurion1543 found2147 a ship4143 of Alexandria222 sailing4126 into1519 Italy;2482 and he put1688 us2248 therein.1519, 846
Act
27:7 KJV+ And1161 when we had sailed slowly1020 many2425 days,2250 and2532 scarce3433 were come1096 over against2596 Cnidus,2834 the3588 wind417 not3361 suffering4330 us,2248 we sailed under5284
Act 27:8 TLT+ And,5037 hardly3433 passing3881 it,846 came2064 unto1519 a5100 place5117 which is called2564 The
Fair Havens2568; nigh1451 whereunto3739 was2258 the city4172 of
Lasea.2996
Act 27:9 KJV+ Now1161 when much2425 time5550 was spent,1230 and2532 when sailing4144 was5607 now2235 dangerous,2000 because(2532) the3588 fast3521 was now already past,3928, 2235 Paul3972 admonished3867 them,
Explanatory
Note # 49
The words “the fast” are almost certainly in this
instance in reference to the Day of At-One-Ment, i.e. Ethanim/Tishri 10, 44 CE
[October 21, 44 CE,]
especially considering the herein established very late Day of At-One-Ment in
relation to beginning of winter on November 11 as defined by Pliny the Elder.
Cf. Explanatory
Note # 51 through Explanatory
Note # 58 below!
Act
27:10 KJV+ And said3004 unto them,846 Sirs,435 I perceive2334 that3754 this voyage4144 will3195 be1510 with3326 hurt5196 and2532 much4183 damage,2209 not3756 only3440 of the3588 lading5414 and2532 ship,4143 but235 also2532 of our2257 lives.5590
Act
27:11 KJV+ Nevertheless1161 the3588 centurion1543 believed3982 the3588 master2942 and2532 the3588 owner of the ship,3490 more3123 than2228 those things which were spoken3004 by5259 Paul.3972
Act
27:12 KJV+ And1161 because the3588 haven3040 was5225 not commodious428 to4314 winter in,3915 the3588 more part4119 advised5087, 1012 to depart321 thence also,2547 if by any means1513 they might1410 attain2658 to1519 Phenice,5405 and there to winter;3914 which is an haven3040 of Crete,2914 and lieth991 toward2596 the southwest3047 and2532 northwest.5566
Explanatory
Note # 50
Re “toward the southwest and northwest:” Phenice or
Act
27:13 KJV+ And1161 when the south wind3558 blew softly,5285 supposing1380 that they had obtained2902 their purpose,4286 loosing142, 788 thence, they sailed close by3881 Crete.2914
Act
27:14 KJV+ But1161 not3756 long4183 after3326 there arose906 against2596 it846 a tempestuous5189 wind,417 called2564 Euroclydon.2148
Euroclydon
is a tempestuous “easterly or northeasterly” storm wind that is closely associated
with the winter. The Greek word Euro
means “east.” Pliny the Elder, the Roman historian, has narrowly defined
the beginning and end for this and other special winds of the year. In his book
The
Natural History he states:
“…at the setting of the Vergilić[2], the winter commences,
which usually happens on the third of the Ides of November[3] . This is the period of the
winter north wind,…
which is in the opposite direction to Africus[4].”
(Pliny
the Elder, The Natural History (eds. John Bostock, M.D., F.R.S., H.T. Riley,
Esq., B.A.,) Chapter 47.)
Considering the fact that in all likelihood Euroclydon, as referenced in Acts 27:14, is one and the
same as the “winter north wind” referenced by Pliny the Elder, I find that the
event related by the words “there arose… a tempestuous wind” and recorded in Acts
27:14 most likely occurred on, or quite close to, November 11, 44 CE [Heshvan 1, 44 CE. Heshvan 2 is
obviated by verse 27 as shown in Explanatory
Note # 55 below.]
Act
27:15 KJV+ And1161 when the3588 ship4143 was caught,4884 and2532 could1410 not3361 bear up503 into the3588 wind,417 we let her drive.1929, 5342
Act
27:16 KJV+ And1161 running under5295 a certain5100 island3519 which is called2564 Clauda,2802 we had much work2480,
3433 to come by1096, 4031 the3588 boat:4627
Explanatory
Note # 52
The small island Clauda is located at E24°
N35° and Malta is located at E14°30’ N36°.
Accordingly, Malta is located in a direction just slight north from true west
from Clauda. If the ship Paul was sailing upon was drifting straight along with
the wind the wind would have been between east and east south east, but it is
certainly possible that the captain was attempting what he could to reach a
more northerly latitude, thus making up for the apparently southerly touch of
the wind. On the other hand, who is to say that the Euroclydon is not the name
for any storm wind coming from an easterly direction as indicated by the roots
of the word Euroclydon itself.
Act 27:17 KJV+ Which3739 when they had
taken up,142 they used5530 helps,996 undergirding5269 the3588 ship;4143 and,5037 fearing5399 lest3361 they should fall1601 into1519 the3588 quicksands,4950 struck sail,5465,
4632 and so3779 were driven.5342
Act
27:17 GNT+ ην3739 R-ASF
αραντες142
V-AAP-NPM βοηθειαις996
N-DPF εχρωντο5530
V-INI-3P υποζωννυντες5269
V-PAP-NPM το3588
T-ASN πλοιον4143
N-ASN φοβουμενοι5399
V-PNP-NPM τε5037
PRT μη3361
PRT-N εις1519
PREP την3588
T-ASF συρτην4950
N-ASF εκπεσωσιν1601
V-2AAS-3P χαλασαντες5465
V-AAP-NPM το3588
T-ASN σκευος4632
N-ASN ουτως3779
ADV εφεροντο5342
V-IPI-3P
Act 27:17 TLT+ Which3739 when they had
taken up,142 they used5530 helps,996 undergirding5269 the3588 ship;4143 and,5037 fearing5399 lest3361 they should fall1601 into1519 the3588 Syrtis4950 struck sail,5465,
4632 and so3779 were driven.5342
Explanatory Note # 53
The word in
Textus Receptus is Syrtis (Gr. σύρτις.) Most likely this
is a reference to Syrtis Minor and not to Syrtis Major, considering that the captain of the ship most likely
knew the direction of the wind and the direction from Clauda towards Sicily, Malta, Syrtis Minor,
and Syrtis Major, respectively, but not necessarily the exact speed and
location of the ship from moment to moment. Based on what is known about the
direction of the ship’s drift, from Clauda to
Act
27:18 KJV+ And1161 we2257 being exceedingly4971 tossed
with a tempest,5492 the3588 next1836 day they lightened the ship;4160, 1546
From the context, starting with verse
14, it appears as though “the next day” is referencing the day subsequent to
the beginning of the Euroclydon referenced in
verse 14, i.e. on, or quite close to, Heshvan 2 or 3, 44 CE [November 12, 44
CE. Heshvan 3 is obviated by verse 27 as shown in Explanatory
Note # 55 below.]
Act 27:19 KJV+ And2532 the3588 third5154 day we cast out4496 with our own
hands849 the3588 tackling4631 of the3588 ship.4143
The Textus Receptus Greek is using the dat. sing. fem.
format for the words “the third,” thus indicating “point of time.” Based upon
the Greek language generally being used in the Textus Receptus I would expect
“the third” to mean most likely “the Third Day of the week,” or else, if the
context so dictates, “the Third day of the lunar month.” Considering 1. the
fact that the 14th day is being referenced in verse 27 below, and
that November 11, 44 CE (cf. Explanatory
Note # 51) fell out on a
Wednesday, I find that in this verse (19,) the correct translation must be,
most likely, “the Third day of the lunar
month,” “the Third day of the Eight
month,” “Bul Third, 44 CE,” or “Heshvan Third, 44 CE.”
But this conclusion also helps limiting the dates
possible as referenced in Explanatory
Note # 51 and Explanatory
Note # 54 above allowing us to reference the days of those verses as Heshvan 1
and Heshvan 2, respectively.
Accordingly, the events recorded in Acts 27:19
occurred, most likely, on the Sixth Day of the week, the Third Day of the
Eighth Moon, 44 CE [November 13, 44 CE.]
Act
27:20 KJV+ And1161 when neither3383 sun2246 nor3383 stars798 in1909 many4119 days2250 appeared,2014 and5037 no3756 small3641 tempest5494 lay on1945 us, all3956 hope1680 that we2248 should be saved4982 was then3063 taken away.4014
Explanatory
Note # 56
The statement “neither sun nor stars in many days
appeared” constitutes further corroboration that indeed the New Moon for the
Eight Moon, 44 CE, was determined by default, starting at the end of the 30th
day of Tishri, and, because of foul weather, not on actual observation. Had the
weather not been inclement the New Moon would otherwise fairly likely have been
visible one day earlier.
Act
27:21 KJV+ But1161 after(5225) long4183 abstinence776 Paul3972 stood forth2476 in1722 the midst3319 of them,848 and said,2036 (5599) Sirs,435 ye should1163 have(3303) hearkened3980 unto me,3427 and not3361 have loosed321 from575 Crete,2914 and5037 to have gained2770 this5026 harm5196 and2532 loss.2209
Act
27:22 KJV+ And2532 now3569 I exhort3867 you5209 to be of good cheer:2114 for1063 there shall be2071 no3762 loss580 of any man's life5590 among1537 you,5216 but4133 of the3588 ship.4143
Act
27:23 KJV+ For1063 there stood by3936 me3427 this5026 night3571 the angel32 of God,2316 whose3739 I am,1510 and2532 whom3739 I serve,3000
Explanatory
Note # 57
Considering the context of verses 23-27 and, in
particular the first two words of verse 27, translated “But1161 when5613” in KJV, but, per Strong’s Dictionary, probably more
correctly translated “And1161 in that manner5613,” I
conclude that, most likely, “this night” is referencing the same “fourteenth
night” as referenced in verse 27 [the night of November 23 and 24, 44 CE.] As
the most likely alternative, the thirteenth night of Bul/Heshvan [the night of
November 22 and 23, 44 CE] may be referenced by Paul in this verse.
Act
27:24 KJV+ Saying,3004 Fear5399 not,3361 Paul;3972 thou4571 must1163 be brought before3936 Caesar:2541 and,2532 lo,2400 God2316 hath given5483 thee4671 all3956 them that sail4126 with3326 thee.4675
Act
27:25 KJV+ Wherefore,1352 sirs,435 be of good cheer:2114 for1063 I believe4100 God,2316 that3754 it(3779) shall be2071 even as2596, 3739, 5158 it was told2980 me.3427
Act
27:26 KJV+ Howbeit1161 we2248 must1163 be cast1601 upon1519 a certain5100 island.3520
Act 27:27 TLT+ And1161 when in
that manner5613 the
night3571 of
the fourteenth5065 of Bul came,1096 as we2257 were being tossed about1308 in1722 Adriatic
Sea,99 about2596 midnight3319,
3571 the3588 shipmen3492 deemed5282 that they848 drew near4317 to some5100 land;5561
More than likely “the fourteenth night” is here referencing
the first half of the Third
Day of the week, Bul (Heshvan) 14, 44 CE [the night of November 23 and 24,
44 CE.]
Act
27:28 KJV+ And2532 sounded,1001 and found2147 it
twenty1501 fathoms:3712 and1161 when they had gone a little further,1339, 1024 they sounded1001 again,3825 and2532 found2147 it
fifteen1178 fathoms.3712
Act
27:29 KJV+ Then5037 fearing5399 lest3381 we should have
fallen1601 upon1519 rocks,5138, 5117 they cast4496 four5064 anchors45 out1537 of the stern,4403 and wished2172 for the day.2250, (1096)
Act
27:30 KJV+ And1161 as the3588 shipmen3492 were about2212 to flee5343 out of1537 the3588 ship,4143 when2532 they had let down5465 the3588 boat4627 into1519 the3588 sea,2281 under color4392 as though5613 they would3195 have cast1614 anchors45 out of1537 the foreship,4408
Act
27:31 KJV+ Paul3972 said2036 to the3588 centurion1543 and2532 to the3588 soldiers,4757 Except3362 these3778 abide3306 in1722 the3588 ship,4143 ye5210 cannot1410, 3756 be saved.4982
Act
27:32 KJV+ Then5119 the3588 soldiers4757 cut off609 the3588 ropes4979 of the3588 boat,4627 and2532 let1439 her846 fall off.1601
Act 27:33 KJV+ And1161 while891, 3739 the day2250 was3195 coming on,1096 Paul3972 besought3870 them all537 to take3335 meat,5160 saying,3004 This day4594 is the fourteenth5065 day2250 that ye have
tarried4328 and continued1300 fasting,777 having taken4355 nothing.3367
Re
“This day is the fourteenth day…” please cf. Explanatory Note # 58 above!
Act
27:34 KJV+ Wherefore1352 I pray3870 you5209 to take4355 some meat:5160 for1063 this5124 is5225 for4314 your5212 health:4991 for1063 there shall not an hair2359 fall4098 from1537 the3588 head2776 of any3762 of you.5216
Act
27:35 KJV+ And1161 when he had thus5023 spoken,2036 he(2532) took2983 bread,740 and gave thanks2168 to God2316 in presence1799 of them all:3956 and2532 when he had broken2806 it,
he began756 to eat.2068
Act
27:36 KJV+ Then1161 were1096 they all3956 of good cheer,2115 and they848 also2532 took4355 some meat.5160
Act
27:37 KJV+ And1161 we were2258 in all3956 in1722 the3588 ship4143 two hundred
threescore and sixteen1250,
1440, 1803 souls.5590
Act
27:38 KJV+ And1161 when they had eaten enough,2880, 5160 they
lightened2893 the3588 ship,4143 and cast out1544 the3588 wheat4621 into1519 the3588 sea.2281
Act
27:39 KJV+ And1161 when3753 it was1096 day,2250 they knew1921 not3756 the3588 land:1093 but1161 they discovered2657 a certain5100 creek2859 with(2192) a shore,123 into1519 the which3739 they were minded,1011 if1487 it were possible,1410 to thrust in1856 the3588 ship.4143
Re
the timing of the words “when it was day” please cf. Explanatory Note # 58 and Explanatory Note # 59 above!
Act
27:40 KJV+ And2532 when they had taken up4014 the3588 anchors,45 they committed1439 themselves unto1519 the3588 sea,2281 and(260) loosed447 the3588 rudder4079 bands,2202 and2532 hoisted up1869 the3588 mainsail736 to the3588 wind,4154 and made2722 toward1519 shore.123
Act
27:41 KJV+ And1161 falling4045 into1519 a place5117 where two seas met,1337 they ran the ship
aground;2027, 3588, 3491 and2532 the3588 forepart4408
(3303) stuck fast,2043 and remained3306 unmovable,761 but1161 the3588 hinder part4403 was broken3089 with5259 the3588 violence970 of the3588 waves.2949
Act
27:42 KJV+ And1161 the3588 soldiers'4757 counsel1012 was1096 to2443 kill615 the3588 prisoners,1202 lest any of them3361, 5100 should swim out,1579 and
escape.1309
Act
27:43 KJV+ But1161 the3588 centurion,1543 willing1014 to save1295 Paul,3972 kept2967 them846 from their purpose;1013 and5037 commanded2753 that they which
could1410 swim2860 should cast641 themselves first4413 into
the sea, and get1826 to1909 land:1093
Act 27:44 KJV+ And2532 the3588 rest,3062 some3739 on1909 boards,4548 and1161 some3739 (3303) on1909 broken pieces(5100) of575 the3588 ship.4143 And2532 so3779 it came to pass,1096 that they escaped all safe1295, 3956 to1909 land.1093
Explanatory
Note # 61
Re the timing of the words
“it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.” please cf. Explanatory Note # 58, Explanatory Note # 59 and Explanatory Note
# 60 above!
Act 28:1 KJV+ And2532 when they were
escaped,1295 then5119 they knew1921 that3754 the3588 island3520 was called2564 Melita.3194
Act
28:2 KJV+ And1161 the3588 barbarous people915 showed3930 us2254 no3756 little5177 kindness:5363 for1063 they kindled381 a fire,4443 and received4355 us2248 every one,3956 because1223 of the3588 present2186 rain,5205 and2532 because1223 of the3588 cold.5592
Act
28:7 KJV+ (1161) In1722 the3588 same quarters4012, 1565, 5117 were5225 possessions5564 of the3588 chief man4413 of the3588 island,3520 whose name3686 was Publius;4196 who3739 received324 us,2248 and lodged3579 us three5140 days2250 courteously.5390
Act
28:7 TLT+ And1161 in1722 the3588 parts about4012 that1565 place, 5117 which were5225 lands5564 of the3588 chief4413 of the3588 island, 3520 whose name3686 was Publius, 4196 who,3739 upon receiving324 us2248 on Day Three of the
week, 5140,2250 courteously5390 made arrangements for our lodging.3579
Explanatory
Note # 62
Who was Publius?
There
are a number of men named Publius being referenced in ancient sources:
Tacitus mentions twenty men with
that name: Publius Vitellius, Publius Quirinus, Publius Marcius, Publius
Scipio, Publius Vellasus, Publius Petronius, Publius Rutilius, Publius
Dolabella, Publius Suillius, Publius
Clodius, Publius Atellius Hister, governor of Pannonia, Publius Ostorius,
Publius Celer, Publius Anteius, Publius
Suilius, Publius Marius, Publius Gallus, Publius Egnatius, Publius
Cornelius, and Publius Ventidius, found in that order in his works, or as ordered alphabetically: Publius
Anteius, Publius Atellius Hister, governor of Pannonia, Publius Celer, Publius
Clodius, Publius Cornelius, Publius Dolabella, Publius Egnatius, Publius
Gallus, Publius Marcius, Publius Marius, Publius Ostorius, Publius Petronius,
Publius Quirinus, Publius Rutilius, Publius Scipio, Publius Suilius, Publius Suillius, Publius Vellasus, Publius
Ventidius, and Publius Vitellius.
Among
the Publius named by Tacitus, I find one that may possibly be the same one as
the one referenced in Acts 28:7. He had been “banished to an island” by Emperor
Tiberius upon a charge of bribery. His name is Publius Suillius. He was a “a
venal creature of the emperor Claudius whose friendship he long used, with
success, never for good.”
“In
another case, that of Publius
Suillius, formerly quaestor to Germanicus,
who was to be expelled from Italy on a conviction of having received money for
a judicial decision, he held that the man ought to be banished to an island,
and so intensely strong was his feeling that he bound the Senate by an oath
that this was a State necessity. The act was thought cruel at the moment, but
subsequently it redounded to his honour when Suillius returned from exile.
The next age saw him in tremendous power and a venal creature of the emperor
Claudius whose friendship he long used, with success, never for good.” (The Annals by Cornelius Tacitus, BOOK
IV:31)
The same man, as it appears,
is mentioned again by Tacitus under the reign of Nero: “Publius Suilius. He had been terrible and venal, while
Claudius reigned.” Under Nero this
Publius “Suilius was banished to the Balearic isles,” which isles include e.g.
Mallorca and which are located outside the east coast of Spain. This banishment
occurred during the year when “Nero entered on his third consulship with
Valerius Messala,”
which is, according to the Roman consulship lists most commonly available, the
same as Nero’s 3rd or 4th year of reign, or 42 CE per my
current calculations.
34. Nero entered on his third
consulship with Valerius Messala…
42. A man who had struggled
with various calamities and earned the hate of many, was then impeached and
condemned, but not without angry feelings towards Seneca. This was Publius
Suilius. He had been terrible and venal, while Claudius reigned, and
when times were changed, he was not so much humbled as his enemies wished, and
was one who would rather seem a criminal than a suppliant. With the intent of
crushing him, so men believed, a decree of the Senate was revived, along with
the penalty of the Cincian law against persons who had pleaded for hire.
Suilius spared not complaint or indignant remonstrance; free-spoken because of
his extreme age as well as from his insolent temper, he taunted Seneca with his
savage enmity against the friends of Claudius, under whose reign he had endured
a most righteously deserved exile. "The man," he said, "familiar
as he was only with profitless studies, and with the ignorance of boyhood,
envied those who employed a lively and genuine eloquence in the defence of
their fellow citizens. He had been Germanicus's quaestor, while Seneca had been
a paramour in his house. Was it to be thought a worse offence to obtain a
reward for honest service with the litigant's consent, than to pollute the
chambers of the imperial ladies? By what kind of wisdom or maxims of philosophy
had Seneca within four years of royal favour amassed three hundred million
sesterces? At Rome the wills of the childless were, so to say, caught in his
snare while Italy and the provinces were drained by a boundless usury. His own
money, on the other hand, had been acquired by industry and was not excessive.
He would suffer prosecutions, perils, anything indeed rather than make an old
and self-earned position of honour to bow before an upstart prosperity."
43. Persons were not
wanting to report all this to Seneca, in the exact words, or with a worse sense
put on it. Accusers were also found who alleged that our allies had been
plundered, when Suilius governed the province of Asia, and that there had been
embezzlement of public monies. Then, as an entire year had been granted to them
for inquiries, it seemed a shorter plan to begin with his crimes at Rome, the
witnesses of which were on the spot. These men charged Suilius with having
driven Quintus Pomponius by a relentless prosecution into the extremity of
civil war, with having forced Julia, Drusus's daughter, and Sabina Poppaea to
suicide, with having treacherously ruined Valerius Asiaticus, Lusius Saturninus
and Cornelius Lupus, in fact, with the whole-sale conviction of troops of Roman
knights, and with all the cruelty of Claudius. His defence was that of all this
he had done nothing on his own responsibility but had simply obeyed the
emperor, till Nero stopped such pleadings, by stating that he had ascertained
from his father's notebooks that he had never compelled the prosecution of a
single person.
Suilius then sheltered
himself under Messalina's orders, and the defence began to collapse.
"Why," it was asked, "was no one else chosen to put his tongue
at the service of that savage harlot? We must punish the instruments of
atrocious acts, when, having gained the rewards of wickedness, they impute the
wickedness to others."
And so, with the loss of
half his property, his son and grand-daughter being allowed to retain the other
half, and what they had inherited under their mother's or grandmother's will
being also exempted from confiscation, Suilius was banished to the Balearic isles. Neither in the crisis of his peril nor
after his condemnation did he quail in spirit. Rumour said that he supported
that lonely exile by a life of ease and plenty. When the accusers attacked his
son Nerullinus on the strength of men's hatred of the father and of some
charges of extortion, the emperor interposed, as if implying that vengeance was
fully satisfied.
49. I should not mention a
very trivial decree of the Senate which allowed the city of Syracuse to exceed the prescribed number in their
gladiatorial shows, had not Paetus Thrasea spoken against it and furnished his
traducers with a ground for censuring his motion.
(The Annals by Cornelius Tacitus, BOOK XIII:34, 42-43, 49)
Considering…
1. that the events
referenced in Acts 28 took place in the winter of 44/45 CE, Nero’s 6th
year of reign, that is two to three years after Publius Suilius’ banishment by
Nero, and
2. the familiarity this
Publius Suilius must have acquired over the years of his life and his two
banishments,
it seems not unlikely that
this Publius Suilius is indeed the same Publius being referenced in Acts 28:7.
Explanatory
Note # 63
Can Paul’s meeting
with Publius at Melita be exactly pinpointed in time?
What is the significance in
re to timing of the words in Acts 28:7: “…lodged3579 us three5140 days2250 courteously.5390 ?”
Is it possible that the
reference to “three days” is not the duration Paul was being lodged by Publius,
but is the point in time when “Publius;
who received us, and lodged us,” made
arrangements for lodging Paul and all the other men who had been shipwrecked,
and for the duration of their stay at the island of Melita?
In effect is
it possible that the reference to “three days” means simply the Third Day? If
so then which Third Day is being referenced? Consider that a shipwrecking event
is not an every day occurrence! Consider how much of an excitement and interest
such an event is likely to stir up among the small population of a small island
like Melita/Malta, which island is no more than 15 miles (25 km) across!
Certainly the word of the shipwreck would spread like wildfire and very many
would run to watch the event for themselves, wouldn’t you? Certainly Publius,
the proprietor of the land in that area and “the chief man of the island” would not likely fail to be there either,
would he? Would there likely be a delay for even a day before Publius being
there along with all the others? Not likely!
Accordingly, Acts 28:7 is more appropriately rendered
as per TLT+ above.
More importantly, perhaps, is that, by giving, in
effect, a concurrent reference to the day of the week and to the day of the
lunar month, Luke is here providing for us another confirmation of this date in
terms of an astronomical time frame.
Accordingly these
confirmatory events occurred on “Day Three of the week” (Acts 28:7,) “the
Fourteenth Day” (Acts 27:27, 33) of Bul/Heshvan, 44 CE [November 24, 44 CE.]
Cf. Paul's itinerary below!
Act
28:8 KJV+ And1161 it came to pass,1096 that the3588 father3962 of Publius4196 lay2621 sick4912 of a fever4446 and2532 of a bloody flux:1420 to4314 whom3739 Paul3972 entered in,1525 and2532 prayed,4336 and laid2007 his hands5495 on him,846 and healed2390 him.846
Act
28:9 KJV+ So3767 when this5127 was done,1096 others3062 also,2532 which had2192 diseases769 in1722 the3588 island,3520 came,4334 and2532 were healed:2323
Act
28:10 KJV+ Who3739 also2532 honored5092 us2248 with many4183 honors;5091 and2532 when we departed,321 they laded2007 us
with such things as were necessary.4314, 5532
Act 28:11 KJV+ And1161 after3326 three5140 months3376 we departed321 in1722 a ship4143 of Alexandria,222 which had wintered3914 in1722 the3588 isle,3520 whose sign3902 was Castor and Pollux.1359
Act 28:11 GNT+ μετα3326 PREP δε1161 CONJ τρεις5140 A-APM μηνας3376 N-APM ηχθημεν71 V-API-1P εν1722 PREP πλοιω4143 N-DSN παρακεχειμακοτι3914 V-RAP-DSM εν1722 PREP τη3588 T-DSF νησω3520 N-DSF αλεξανδρινω222 A-DSN παρασημω3902 N-DSN διοσκουροις1359 N-DPM
What exactly
is being meant by “after three months?”
The Greek word “μηνας3376 N-APM” is here written in acc. pl. format. Per New Testament Greek by Eric G.
Jay “Greek expresses time by placing the noun of time in the appropriate case,
the accusative
for extent of time, the genitive for time within which (though the
genitive has other temporal uses as well) and the dative for point of time.”
Accordingly, the usage within this text should be referencing “extent of time.”
However, considering the context, I cannot exclude the possibility that the
numbered month of the annual calendar is here being referenced.
If I attempt to apply this time reference purely as
duration of time while using contemporaneous Jewish manners in referencing
time, I would add three months on top of Bul/Heshvan, the Eighth lunar Month of
the Year, thus arriving at the beginning of Adar 1, the Twelfth Moon, 45 CE [|Tu
March 9 (or We
10,) 45 CE.]
If, on the other hand, I apply this time reference “μετα3326 δε1161 τρεις5140 μηνας3376” (lit. “and after month(s) three,” as generally referenced using a
biblical / Hebrew calendar, I arrive at the beginning of Tammuz 1, the Fourth
lunar Month of the Year 45 CE [Mo
July 5 or possibly June (Sa
5 or) Su
6, 45 CE.] This being already the mid, or at least the early, part of the
summer it may appear somewhat out of place with the reference to the “ship…
which had wintered…” found in verse 11. However, the ship may have been
requiring repairs that were not finished before that time of the year and shipping
otherwise may not have been very frequently available from this small island.
Thus, this option is certainly not inconceivable, is it? So which of these two
options, if any, is more likely being referenced by the author?
[My final answer,
found under Acts 28:13 below, is in favor of the latter option, i.e. Month
Three of the year, but prior to arriving at that final answer please consider…]
More
below at:
Explanatory Note # 65…
Cf. Paul's
itinerary below!
Act 28:12 KJV+ And2532 landing2609 at1519 Syracuse,4946 we tarried1961 there three5140 days.2250
Act 28:12 GNT+ και2532 CONJ καταχθεντες2609 V-APP-NPM εις1519 PREP συρακουσας4946 N-APF επεμειναμεν1961 V-AAI-1P ημερας2250 N-APF τρεις5140 A-APF
Act
28:12 TLT+ And2532 mooring2609 at1519 Syracuse,4946 we tarried1961 through the
completion of the first
Three Days of the week.5140,2250
Explanatory Note # 65
Will this reference to ”three
days” possibly contribute towards further understanding the reference to ”three
months” referenced in verse 11 above?
The
Greek words in this 12th verse are ”ημερας2250 N-APF τρεις5140 A-APF .” This is acc. pl. format (although the word “”ημερας2250” taken by itself may also be gen. sing. format.) I have found that in
New Testament Greek this usage may at least sometimes be understood in terms of
an event “within the first three days of the week,” i.e. a usage similar to the
common English expression “being within the top 1/3 of the class” which, albeit
technically possible, is not intended to imply also “being within the top Ľ of
the class.” If applied in this instance I would take this passage to mean that
the ship stopped at Syracuse, leaving from there after the Third Day of the
week, but without saying anything about when it arrived there, perhaps on the
Third Day, perhaps earlier. Because Syracuse is not far from Melita, only about
100 miles (150 km,) and since this distance can easily be covered within one
day of sailing (cf. Explanatory Note # 66) under favorable winds and circumstances, any of the above options
(cf. Explanatory
Note # 64) seems quite possible. However, Tuesday March 9 and Monday July 5 may
seem more attractive solutions to me than the other less likely options.
More below at: Explanatory Note # 66…
Cf. Paul's
itinerary below!
Act 28:13 KJV+ And from thence3606 we fetched
a compass,4022 and came2658 to1519 Rhegium:4484 and2532 after3326 one3391 day2250 the south wind3558 blew,1920 and we came2064 the next day1206 to1519 Puteoli:4223
Act 28:13 TLT+
And from thence3606 in a round about way4022
arriving2658
into1519
Rhegium:4484 and2532 after3326 Day One of the
week2250,3391 the south wind3558 blew,1920
and we came2064 on the
Second Day of the week1206 to1519 Puteoli:4223
Verse
13 is clearly using two references in time to the days of the week, i.e. to the
First and Second day of the week, respectively. This is a clear indication that
sailing from Syracuse to Rhegium (a distance of less than 100 miles (150 km))
took several days, probably from the beginning of the Fourth Day [Tuesday
night] through most of the remainder of the week. Evidently the winds were not
very favorable. In contrast we find that the much longer (2˝ x) distance from
Rhegium to Puteoli (perhaps 250 miles (400 km)) was accomplished from one day
to the next, i.e. from the First Day to the Second Day of the week.
Notice
that the direction of travel was essentially the same and that accordingly
there was a considerable change in weather conditions. Perhaps this is going to
prove helpful towards resolving the above issue as to the meaning of the “three
months” in verse 12 above? Pliny the Elder in his The
Natural History has written considerably about many particulars re nature,
specifically in re to the dates associated with particular winds:
“After the
eighth day before the Calends of March4 , Favonius is called by some Chelidonias5 , from the swallows making their appearance. The wind,
which blows for the space of nine days, from the seventy-first day after the
winter solstice6 , is sometimes called Ornithias, from the arrival of the
birds7 . In the contrary direction to Favonius is the wind which we name Subsolanus, and [p. 1076] this is
connected with the rising of the Vergilić, in the 25th degree of Taurus, six days before the Ides of May8 , which is the time
when south winds prevail: these are opposite to Septemtrio. The dog-star rises in the hottest time of
the summer, when the sun is entering the first degree of Leo9 ; this is
fifteen days before the Calends of August. The north winds, which are called Prodromi10 , precede its rising by about eight days. But in two days after
its rising, the same north winds, which are named Etesić11 , blow more constantly during this period; the vapour from the sun, being increased twofold by the heat
of this star, is supposed to render these winds more mild; nor are there any which are more regular. After these the south winds become more frequent, until the appearance
of Arcturus12 , which rises eleven days before the autumnal equinox.” [Pliny the Elder, The Natural History
(eds. John Bostock, M.D., F.R.S., H.T. Riley, Esq., B.A.,) BOOK II: CHAP.
47.--THE PERIODS OF THE WINDS.]
4 corresponding
to the 22nd of February.
6 This
will be either on March 2nd or on February 26th, according as we reckon from December the
21st, the real solstitial day, or the 17th, when, according to the Roman calendar, the sun is said to enter Capricorn.
7 "quasi Avicularem
dixeris." Hardouin, in Lemaire, i. 334.
8 Corresponding
to the 10th of May.
9 According
to the Roman calendar, this corresponds to the 20th
July, but, according to the text, to the 17th. Columella says, that the sun enters Leo on the 13th of the
Calends of August; xi. 2. [Per Starry Night Backyard software the sun enters
Leo on July 16 (settings for Rome in July, 45 CE.)]
10 "quasi prćcursores;"
Hardouin, in Lemaire, i. 335. Cicero refers to these winds in one of his letters to Atticus; xiv. 6.
12 This will be on the 13th of
September, as, according to our author, xviii. 24, the equinox is on the
24th.
|
N. Septemtrio. |
S. Notos or Auster. |
|
N.N.E. Boreas or Aquilo. |
S.S.W. Libonotos. |
|
E.N.E. Cćcias. |
W.S.W. Libs or Africus. |
|
E. Apeliotes or Subsolanus. |
|
|
W.N.W. Argestes or Corus. |
|
|
S.S.E. Euronotus or Phśnices. |
N.N.W. Thrascias. |
[Pliny the
Elder, The Natural
History (eds. John
Bostock, M.D., F.R.S., H.T. Riley, Esq., B.A.,) BOOK II: CHAP.
46. (47.)--THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF WINDS.]
From the above quotes I
understand Pliny the Elder as saying:
1.
That in the middle of the summer, between July 10 (or 12; cf. footnote #9 above) and through July 19 (or 22) there exists a
northerly wind, “Prodromi.” Following the Prodromi “the same north winds… are
named Etesić…,” which winds “blow more constantly … nor are there any which are
more regular. After these [Prodromi and Etesić] the south winds [again] become
more frequent, until the appearance of Arcturus12 [September 13; cf. footnote 12 above,] which rises eleven days before the autumnal
equinox [September 24.]”
Clearly before, and apparently also to a degree in the
beginning and end of, these northerly winds between July 10 and September 13,
Pliny describes southerly winds. He is using the words “which is the time when
south winds prevail” for describing the winds prior to July 10, and the words
“After these the south winds become more frequent” for describing the winds
closer to, but still prior to, September 13. After September 13 comes the “Corus,” the W.N.W.,
which apparently are similar to the winds of early spring:
2.
In the spring from about February 26 through March 6 there is a
westerly wind (cf. footnote #6 above.)
3.
The period between about March 6 and until May 10 is associated with an
easterly wind preceding the southerly winds described in 1. above (cf. footnotes #6 & #8 above.)
I have no way of telling how reliable the above
patterns of winds are, nor how much they were relied upon by the sailors
navigating in the Mediterranean. However, Pliny’s description is at least a
hint that the southerly winds described in Acts 28:13 points to a date after
May 8. If that is correct then I would lean towards resolving my original question - as to the meaning of the
Greek words corresponding to “three months,” as translated in KJV – in favor of
a more correct, and indeed linguistically more likely, “Month Three of the year.” (Cf. Explanatory
Note # 64.)
Accordingly, I conclude that Paul most likely left the
island Melita the Second Day of the week, Tammuz 1 (the 4th lunar
Month,) 45 CE [Sunday night July 4 or Monday July 5, 45 CE.] After mooring
briefly in Syracuse the ship then left Syracuse on the Fourth Day of the week,
Tammuz 3, 45 CE. After some circumnavigation, or tacking while sailing to
windward, the ship reached Rhegium in time to depart from there after the end
of Day One of the week [Sunday night, July 11, 45 CE.] Puteoli was reached on
the Second Day of the week, Tammuz 8, 45 CE [Monday July 12, 45 CE.]
Does this last date, July 12, and the southerly wind referenced
in Acts 28:13, contradict Pliny’s reference to July 11 as the day when the
northerly winds begin? How exact are the winds referenced by Pliny the Elder?
They are not as constant as later, are they?! Consider also the editor’s
footnote (cf. below; re these northerly winds) found attached to a letter by
Pliny the Younger (from the 6th year of Emperor Trajan:)
“Note 2. A
north wind in the Grecian seas, which rises yearly sometime in July, and
continues to the end of August; though others extend it to the middle of
September. They blow only in the daytime. Varenius’ Geogr. v. i. p. 513. M.” (Pliny the Younger, “XIV. To the Emperor Trajan,”
“Note 2.”)
Notice the statement “A north wind… in July… blow
only in the daytime!” If true also for the time and the places
referenced in Acts 28:13-17, then there may have been no problem using
southerly winds during the nights, would there?
Accordingly we now have the following:
Itinerary for Paul’s journey from Caesarea to Rome:
|
Departure out of |
Arrival unto |
Biblical date |
Julian date |
Reference |
|
Ethanim/Tishri 22, 44 CE |
November 2, 44 CE |
|||
|
|
|
Ethanim/Tishri 22, 44 CE |
November 2, 44 CE |
|
|
Bul/Heshvan 1, 44 CE |
November 11, 44 CE |
|||
|
|
3rd Day, Bul
14, 44 CE |
November 24, 44 CE |
||
|
Melita |
|
2nd Day, Tammuz
1, 45 CE |
Sunday night July 4, or
Monday July 5, 45 CE |
|
|
|
4th Day, Tammuz
3, 45 CE |
Tuesday night, July 6, 45
CE |
||
|
|
2nd Day, Tammuz
8, 45 CE |
Sunday night, July 11, 45
CE |
||
|
|
2nd Day, Tammuz
8, 45 CE |
Monday, July 12, 45 CE |
||
|
Puteoli |
|
1st Day, Tammuz
14, 45 CE |
Sunday, July 18, 45 CE |
|
|
|
3rd Day, Tammuz
16, 45 CE |
Monday night, July 19, or
Tuesday, July 20, 45 CE |
||
|
|
|
Tishri 1, 45 CE |
October 1, 45 CE |
Act 28:14 KJV+ Where3757 we found2147 brethren,80 and were desired3870 to tarry1961 with1909 them846 seven2033 days:2250 and2532 so3779 we went2064 toward1519 Rome.4516
Act 28:14 GNT+ ου3757 ADV
ευροντες2147 V-2AAP-NPM αδελφους80 N-APM παρεκληθημεν3870 V-API-1P επ1909 PREP αυτοις846 P-DPM επιμειναι1961 V-AAN ημερας2250 N-APF επτα2033 A-NUI και2532 CONJ ουτως3779 ADV εις1519 PREP την3588 T-ASF ρωμην4516 N-ASF ηλθομεν2064 V-2AAI-1P
Act 28:14 TLT+ Where3757 we found2147 brethren,80 and were desired3870 to tarry1961 with1909 them846 Day2250 Seven2033 and2532 after
that3779 we went2064 toward1519 Rome.4516
Explanatory
Note # 67
The grammatical format of the
Greek words translated ”seven days” is gen. sing. OR acc. pl.. I see no basis
for interpreting this to reference a randomly applied seven day duration, but
it is very natural for the Sabbath keepers to look forwards to being together
on the Seventh Day Shabbat. Accordingly, the gen. sing. format referencing
“time within which” an event occurs is preferred, and the text translated as in
the TLT version above.
Act
28:15 KJV+ And from thence,2547 when the3588 brethren80 heard191 of4012 us,2257 they came1831 to1519 meet529 us2254 as far as891 Appii675 Forum,5410 and2532 The Three5140 Taverns:4999 whom3739 when Paul3972 saw,1492 he thanked2168 God,2316 and took2983 courage.2294
Act
28:16 KJV+ And1161 when3753 we came2064 to1519 Rome,4516 the3588 centurion1543 delivered3860 the3588 prisoners1198 to the3588 captain of the
guard:4759 but1161 Paul3972 was suffered2010 to dwell3306 by2596 himself1438 with4862 a soldier4757 that kept5442 him.846
Act
28:17 KJV+ And1161 it came to pass,1096 that after3326 three5140 days2250 Paul3972 called the chief of the Jews together:4779, 3588, 5607, 4413, 3588, 2453
Act 28:17 GNT+ εγενετο1096 V-2ADI-3S δε1161 CONJ μετα3326 PREP ημερας2250 N-APF τρεις5140 A-APF συγκαλεσασθαι4779 V-AMN τον3588 T-ASM παυλον3972 N-ASM τους3588 T-APM οντας5607 V-PXP-APM των3588 T-GPM ιουδαιων2453 A-GPM πρωτους4413 A-APM συνελθοντων4905 V-2AAP-GPM
Act 28:17 TLT+ And,1161 beginning1096 after3326 Day2250 Three,5140 Paul3972 called for a meeting4779 of those3588 being5607 the most influential4413 among the3588 Jews2453…
Explanatory
Note # 68
“…after Day Three…,” or as KJV
has it “after [the first] three days [of the week,]” is a clear reference in
time requiring an established reference frame before it can possibly make any
reasonable sense. I for one do not believe that the Holy Scriptures are using
vain and meaningless babblings, and especially not in regards to time. In these
last eleven verses we have found seven distinct time references. With the
Lord’s guidance I’ve been able to deduce what appears to be the exact dates in
terms of a calendar familiar to us today.
This verse, the 17th, makes it quite clear that Paul had arrived in Rome by the end of the Third Day of the week, does it not? Well, some may argue that KJV is correctly translated and is giving reference to the third day after Paul’s arrival in Rome. If that is true then the passage can only be meaningful if we know the date of Paul’s arrival in Rome, but that is not given in verse 16 or elsewhere, is it? I.e. unless this is in fact given in verse 17 by these very words, “after Day Three,” is that not so?
Or else someone may argue that
this is the third day after Paul’s arrival in Puteoli. Is this a possible option? Considering the
distance between Puteoli [close to Naples] and Rome, a distance of about 150 miles (240 km,) is it possible that this
distance could have been traveled by foot by a company consisting of prisoners
and their guards/soldiers, some 276 individuals, within “three days?” Could
this party possibly have been able to travel some 50 miles (80 km) per day for
three days straight? Based upon what I have learnt about Paul’s physique, I
would tend to say that “Yes, for Paul this would be possible if he did it
alone” (cf. Explanatory Note # 25,) but I do not have any basis at all for believing that the company
with which Paul was traveling could even possibly have done so.
I
do not find any basis within this text passage indicating that the beginning of
the “three days” would be either the traveling party’s arrival at, or the
departure from Appii Forum (about 40 miles [70 km]
southeast of Rome [cf. SDA Bible Commentary, vol.8, p. 372]) or The Three Taverns (about 30 miles [55 km]
southeast of Rome [cf. SDA Bible Commentary, vol.8, p. 1092.]) This distance is
otherwise not too far for a group such as this to travel within three days, is
it?
But
what are the grounds for presuming, as some scholars seem to have presumed,
that this entire distance, or even any part of it, was traveled by foot? Again,
remember who Paul was traveling with! Soldiers and mostly prisoners, some 276
of them altogether (cf. Acts 27:37)! It would certainly make little sense to
assume without more that the one in charge of this group would choose to travel
such a distance by foot under such circumstances, would it? Looking at the map
[below; cf. SDA Bible Commentary, vol.8, Map XX:A1] both Appii Forum and The
Three Taverns appears located not very far from the coast line, and what is
more likely than that the ship carrying the travelers were stopping by these
places on its way to Rome?
Traveling
the 150 miles (240 km) distance from Puteoli to Rome on foot would have taken,
as far as I understand, a minimum of five days even for a very well trained army,
what about a group of prisoners such as this? Why not travel by ship, unless
the winds were contrary? And didn’t they have the option of rowing the ships
using slaves even if the winds were not favorable? I contend that most likely
the time reference within verse 17, “Day Three,” or else “three days,” is
referencing the Third Day of the week following immediately upon that week
which is being referenced in verses 13 and 14, i.e. the verses containing Greek
words that may be translated, as in TLT+: “Day One,” “Day Two,” and “Day
Seven.”
Conclusion:
I find that, more likely than not, Paul
arrived in Rome on Day Three of the week, Tammuz 16, 45 CE [Monday night, July
19, or Tuesday, July 20, 45 CE.] Cf. Paul's itinerary above!
Act 28:30
KJV+ And1161 Paul3972 dwelt3306 two whole years1333, 3650 in1722 his own2398 hired house,3410 and2532 received588 all3956 that came in1531 unto4314 him,846
Act
28:30 GNT+ εμεινεν3306 V-AAI-3S δε1161 CONJ ο3588 T-NSM παυλος3972 N-NSM διετιαν1333 N-ASF ολην3650 A-ASF εν1722 PREP ιδιω2398 A-DSM μισθωματι3410 N-DSN και2532 CONJ απεδεχετο588 V-INI-3S παντας3956 A-APM τους3588 T-APM εισπορευομενους1531 V-PNP-APM προς4314 PREP αυτον846 P-ASM
Acts
28:30 TLT+ And1161 Paul3972 dwelt3306 for
the remainder of that civil year1333 [until
the beginning of Tishri 1, 45 CE] wholly3650 in1722 his own2398 hired house,3410 and2532 received588 all3956 that came in1531 unto4314 him846;
Re “for the remainder of that
civil year1333:”
The
Greek word “διετια,1333” here used for the second and last time in the New Testament, is
translated in KJV as “two years” (cf. Acts 24:27 and Acts 28:30.) Upon careful analysis
and consideration I have found that this Greek word is more correctly
translated as in TLT+ above, “for the remainder of that civil year.” Cf. Explanatory Note # 43 for further considerations and links.
Considering
the events recorded in Acts chapters 27 and 28 I find that Paul was shipped
from Caesarea in the late fall 44 CE and that the ship was wrecked against an
island where Paul and his fellow travelers were stranded until spring of that
civil year. Thus, Paul did not arrive in
This
gives Paul time to leave Rome before the first comet appearing during Nero’s
reign, and thus also before the bloodshed of aristocrats in Rome that followed
upon that comet sighting. Nero’s persecutions of Christians did not begin until
after the burning of Rome some three years later in 48 CE. Apparently the first
of two comets recorded as seen in Rome during the reign of Nero was seen in 46
CE. In those days comets and
eclipses were considered serious omens touching upon the reigns of the
current regent:
“A brilliant comet now appeared.” “The general belief is that a comet means a change of emperor. So
people speculated on Nero’s successor as though Nero were already dethroned.” Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial Rome, Penguin
Books, p. 324. Cf. Tacitus, The Annals, Volume 14, Loeb Classical
Library, 14.22, and Tacitus,
Cornelius, The Annals, Book XIV:22.
“omens of impending misfortune.” Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial Rome, Penguin
Books, p. 367. See also: Tacitus, The Annals, Volume 5, Loeb Classical
Library, 15.47. Cf. Tacitus,
Cornelius, The Annals, Book XV:47.
Then
there was the
burning of Rome, perhaps in 48 or 49 CE?:
“A
disaster followed, whether accidental a or treacherously contrived by
the emperor, is uncertain, as authors have given both accounts, worse, however,
and more
dreadful than any which have ever happened to this city by the violence of fire…
At last, after five days, an end was put to the conflagration at the
foot of the Esquiline hill, by the destruction of all buildings on a vast
space, so that the violence of the fire was met by clear ground and an open
sky. But
before people had laid aside their fears, the flames returned, with no less
fury this second time, and especially in the spacious districts of the
city… Some persons observed that the beginning of this conflagration was on
the 19 th of July” Tacitus,
Cornelius, The Annals, Book XV:38, 40, 41, cf. Tacitus, The Annals of
Imperial Rome, p. 367; Tacitus, The Annals, Loeb Classical Library,
15.47.
“At the close
of the year [of the burning of
Rome/ed.] people talked much about prodigies, presaging impending evils. Never
were lightning flashes more frequent, and a comet too appeared, for which Nero always made propitiation
with noble blood.” Tacitus,
Cornelius, The Annals, Book XV:47, cf. Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial
“Nero showed no
greater mercy to the common folk, or to the very walls of Rome. Once, in the
course of a general conversation, someone quoted the line:
When I am dead, may fire consume the earth,
But
Nero
said that the first part of the line should read: ‘While I yet live,’ and soon
converted this fancy into fact. Pretending to be disgusted by the drab old
buildings and narrow, winding streets of Rome, he brazenly set fire to the City;
and though a group of ex-consuls caught his attendants, armed with oakum and
blazing torches, trespassing on their property, they dared not interfere. He
also coveted the sites of several granaries, solidly built in stone, near the
Golden House; having knocked down their walls with siege engines, he set the
interiors ablaze. This terror lasted for six days and seven nights, causing many
people to take shelter in the tombs. Nero’s men destroyed not only a vast
number of tenements, but mansions which had belonged to famous generals and
were still decorated with their triumphal trophies; temples, too, dating back
to the time of the kingship, and others dedicated during the Punic and Gallic
wars – in fact, every ancient monument of historical interest that had hitherto
survived. Nero watched the conflagration from the Tower of Maecenas, enraptured
by what he called ‘the beauty of the flames’; then put on his tragedian’s
costume and sang The Fall of Ilium
from beginning to end. He offered to remove corpses and rubble free of charge,
but allowed nobody to search among the ruins even of his own mansion; he wanted
to collect as much loot as possible himself. Then he opened a Fire Relief Fund
and insisted on contributions, which bled the provincials white and practically
beggared all private citizens.” Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars, (translated by
Robert Graves,) p. 231-2. Cf. Suetonius,
Lives of the Caesars, Loeb Classical Library, 6.36.
“Tacitus
tells us that the fire that destroyed Rome began on July 19, yet he does not
make any association between the comet and the fire. …Tacitus notes that the
second comet was seen near the end of the year and was interpreted as a bad
omen for events occurring after the burning of Rome. Furthermore, Tacitus
states that Nero killed members of the aristocracy to atone for this comet
sighting.” Conte, Ronald L., Important Dates in the Lives of Jesus and Mary, p.
204-5, with footnotes to: Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial Rome, p. 367;
Tacitus, The Annals, Loeb Classical Library, 15.47.
There
were massacres
by Nero upon the aristocracy:
“Tacitus tells us that this comet was “atoned for by Nero, as usual, by
aristocratic blood….” Conte,
Ronald L., Important Dates in the Lives of Jesus and Mary, p. 204-5, with
footnotes to: Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial Rome, p. 367; Tacitus, The
Annals, Loeb Classical Library, 15.47. Cf. quote from Tacitus above!
Conclusion:
I
find that the paucity of references in the New Testament to any of the above
referenced conflagrations in Rome is consistent with, and confirmation of, Paul
being released from his detainment as a prisoner sometime around Tishri 1, 45
CE.
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You’ll discover the exact dates
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century BCE, Herod the Great, Agrippa, and many other Judean kings and
proconsuls, e.g. Pontius Pilate…
You’ll discover many things re
the Scripture traditions honored by all the disciples and believers of the
Apostolic times – as well as by the Jews – traditions that have been long
forgotten or not correctly restored when previously re-discovered…
Be prepared to re-think and to
re-learn… Things may not be as you always thought they were… But you’ll decide!
“Get
Your Tree of Life © 1st Century Chronology & Scripture Calendar
Introductory Course NOW…”:
It is a very simple Basics 101 type course entitled:
Tour
Guide towards “Tuning into the Frequency of the Creator & Becoming Oriented
in His Time…”
It is
one short email per week for you to enjoy with your family and friends…
The
GateWays into Tree of Life Chronology Forums©
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