Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
Rome is from the Greek word rhonnumi, and both are said to mean strength. Rhonnumi is used three times: twice in Acts 15:29, rendered “fare you well,” and once in Acts 23:30 where it’s “Farewell.” For those unaware, Rome is the pattern of Babylon, and called such by John in Revelation. In the title, from Acts 28:17, Luke is writing of the end of understanding, once Paul was imprisoned in Rome (where strength, understanding, became imprisoned in confusion). This is the same pattern we know from Jeremiah 51, where we’re told of Zedekiah, his name meaning, the righteousness (correct understanding) of Jehovah. The chapter describes the end of the earthly kingdom, through the corruption of its leadership, and the people falling into Babylon’s hands: confusion. This end is when all the sons of Zedekiah are killed before His eyes, which is the last thing he sees before his eyes are put out, and he is put in prison in Babylon until His death. This pattern is what Luke describes: when Paul is imprisoned in Rome (the place where he says “farewell,” the book sealed, and understanding turned into confusion, where it remains).
Acts 28
15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning you, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spoke any harm of you.
22 But we desire to hear of you what you think: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spoke the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and not perceive:
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the LORD Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
The Appii Forum (Appios Phoron), in verse 15 above, appears to be associated with the Greek word aprositos, meaning to make inaccessible. The literal translation of the name (apo pio phoron) tells of the drink taken away in the marketplace.
The only time aprositos appears, in 1 Timothy 6:16, it’s rendered “which no man can approach.” It is there in Paul’s charge to Timothy, after telling him the love of money is the root of all evil (causing the drink, understanding flowing from God, to be taken away in the marketplace). The “charge” is from the word paraggello, meaning to transmit a message. The charge was to fight the good fight of faith, and to “lay hold” on eternal life, and to profess a good profession, as did Christ Jesus.
Luke above, in verse 16, when speaking of the soldier (stratiotes) who kept him, is alluding to Timothy, the man of God and Soldier of God, into whose keeping he committed his teaching, so he would teach others, outside the existing corrupted orders (as we know is written in his letter of commendation, Hebrews).
1 Timothy 1
18 This charge I commit unto you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on you, that you by them might war [strateuomaia] good warfare [strateia];
19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander [those who forbid you to join with the LORD and those who are defenders of such men]; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme [that they may learn not to vilify and demonize the word and work of His Holy Spirit – Jehovah unknown due to man’s ignorance].
2 Timothy 2
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strife [the questions aren’t to know truth – but rather to keep an endless argument going, and keep the people forever agitated and in fear – come out from among them, from the vessels of dishonor, who must be taken out of the way].
24 And the servant of the LORD must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare [deception and misleading] of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
1 Timothy 6
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition [apoleia].
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But you, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto you are also called [kaleo], and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.
13 I give you charge [paraggello] in the sight of God, who quickens all thing [bring to life from the seed], and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
14 That you keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing [epiphaneia – until the manifestation is realized] of our LORD Jesus Christ:
15 Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and LORD of LORDs;
16 Who only has immortality, dwelling in the light [understanding] which no man can approach unto [aprositos]; whom no man has seen, nor can see [only God reveals His secret things]: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.
17 Charge [paraggello] them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to your trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called [antithesis gnosis pseudonumos – {avoid} the opposite of, what is falsely named, knowledge – the lies now called science and truth, when they are men’s corrupted opinions at best, and more often outright known lies from known liars – from false prophets and false teachers in church and state]:
21 Which some professing [this is the “evil” profession contrasted with the “good profession,” my calling {kaleo}, spoken of in verse 12 above] have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.
The words “lay hold,” in 1 Timothy 6:12 & 19, is epilambanomai, a nineteen times used word, meaning, “to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively).” As we know, the is the same meaning as harpazo, which is rendered “caught up” in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, and the same word used in Jude 1:23 where it is “pulling” from the fire. It (epilambanomai) first appears in Matthew 14:31, where we are told of the LORD walking on the sea.
Matthew 14
22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, LORD, if it be you, bid me come unto you on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, LORD, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught [epilambanomai] him, and said unto him, O you of little faith, wherefore did you doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth you are the Son of God.
The last three times the word is used are in Hebrews, twice in chapter 2, verse 16, and once in chapter 8, verse 9.
Friends, the point is the calling, as Paul called the elders together (Acts 28:17 & 20 above), the LORD calling them to Himself through him, as He did to Timothy, as to me and I to you, to join in a good profession of Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 1
1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners [in different times and in many different parts] spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding [phero – as in phosphoros in 2 Peter 1:19 below] all things by the word [carried the full load of the light] of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high [until now when He again stands with us]:
4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
5 For unto which of the angels [those to whom he has given His messages in parts] said he at any time, You are my Son, this day have I begotten you? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
6 And again, when he brings in the first-begotten into the world, he says, And let all the angels of God worship him [let all their partial messages witness to His glory and presence, as we stand].
7 And of the angels he says, Who makes his angels [messengers] spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
8 But unto the Son he says, Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness [His correct reading and speaking the Fathers word, as intended when delivered] is the scepter of your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity [those who’ve twisted and perverted God’s truth, and now all truth, and led the world into self-destruction]; therefore God, even your God, has anointed you with the [endless supply of oil, as if God’s word from Elijah] oil of gladness above your fellows.
10 And, You, LORD, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of your hands:
11 They shall perish; but you remain; and they all shall wax old as does a garment;
12 And as a vesture shall you fold them up, and they shall be changed: but you are the same, and your years shall not fail.
13 But to which of the angels [to which of His messenger] said he at any time, Sit on my right hand [where My power is shown, as rays of light coming from it], until I make your enemies your footstool [until they realize, this is Teman and Paran, the place of the Theophany, when all things are brought together and plainly seen {understood – brought into the light}]?
14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth [with this word] to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
2 Peter 1
16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our LORD Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
17 For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star [phosphoros] arise in your hearts:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Peter 2
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily [secretly, from their own imaginations, create lies] shall bring in damnable [apoleia – that cause them and those who follow their ways to perish] heresies, even denying the LORD that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction [apoleia – perditions].
2 And many shall follow their pernicious [aploeia – the ways that lead to their own destruction] ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of [as it is this day].
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingers not, and their damnation [apoleia – perishing, perdition] slumbers not.
Hebrews 2
1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
2 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
5 For unto the angels has he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that you are mindful of him? or the son of man that you visit him?
7 You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor, and did set him over the works of your hands:
8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
11 For both he that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 Saying, I will declare your name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto you.
13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God has given me.
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
16 For truly he took not on [epilambanomai] him the nature of angels; but he took on [epilambanomai] him the seed of Abraham.
17 Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
18 For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to succor [rescue] them that are tempted.
Hebrews 7
15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec [king of righteousness – righteousness returning] there arises another priest,
16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
17 For he testifies, You are a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.
18 For there is truly a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The LORD swore and will not repent, You are a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec:)
22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
24 But this man, because he continues ever, has an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them.
26 For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
27 Who needs not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
28 For the law makes men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, makes the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
Hebrews 8
1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such a high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the LORD pitched, and not man.
3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, says he, that you make all things according to the pattern showed to you in the mount.
6 But now has he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
8 For finding fault with them, he says, Behold, the days come, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took [epilambanomai] them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, says the LORD.
10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
13 In that he says, A new covenant, he has made the first old. Now that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away.
The New Covenant is when strength returns; when the LORD rescues Ariel, the strength; when He comes up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan.
Jeremiah 49
19 Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?
20 Therefore hear the counsel of the LORD, that he has taken against Edom; and his purposes, that he has purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitations desolate with them.
21 The earth is moved at the noise of their fall, at the cry the noise thereof was heard in the Red sea.
22 Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah [His flock]: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.
Isaiah 29
1 Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add you year to year; let them kill sacrifices.
2 Yet I will distress Ariel, and there shall be heaviness and sorrow: and it shall be unto me as Ariel [lion and strength – captive in the hand of the enmies].
3 And I will camp against you round about, and will lay siege against you with a mount, and I will raise forts against you.
4 And you shall be brought down, and shall speak out of the ground, and your speech shall be low out of the dust, and your voice shall be, as of one that has a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and your speech shall whisper out of the dust.
5 Moreover the multitude of your strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passes away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.
6 You shall be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire.
7 And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision.
8 It shall even be as when a hungry man dreams, and, behold, he eats; but he awakes, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreams, and, behold, he drinks; but he awakes, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul has appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion.
9 Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry you out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.
10 For the LORD has poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers has he covered.
11 And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray you: and he says, I cannot; for it is sealed:
12 And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray you: and he says, I am not learned.
13 Wherefore the LORD said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
15 Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who sees us? and who knows us?
16 Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?
17 Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?
18 And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.
19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
20 For the terrible one is brought to naught, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:
21 That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproves in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of naught.
22 Therefore thus says the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.
23 But when he sees his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.
24 They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
The word rendered “murmured” above is the three times used word ragan, meaning “to grumble, i.e. rebel,” which is leading into the first part of the following chapter.
Isaiah 30
1 Woe to the rebellious children, says the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover [your faces] with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:
2 That walk to go down into Egypt [they are going willingly into captivity], and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh [in vain they trust in those in the seats of power], and to trust in the shadow of Egypt [which blocks the sun of God, the light of His understanding]!
3 Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.
4 For his princes were at Zoan [the place of departure – away from the LORD’s strength], and his ambassadors came to Hanes [and fled from God’s grace – the free gift of understanding].
5 They were all ashamed of [disappointed when they couldn’t deliver what they promised to] a people that could not profit them, nor be a help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.
6 The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them.
7 For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.
8 Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come forever and ever:
9 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:
10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.
12 Wherefore thus says the Holy One of Israel, Because you despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon:
13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking comes suddenly at an instant.
14 And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters’ vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit.
15 For thus says the LORD God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall you be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and you would not.
The bitterness that remains, which all except the elect have chosen, is described in Psalms 64:3.
Psalms 64
1 Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:
3 Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter [mar] words:
4 That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
5 They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?
6 They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.
7 But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.
8 So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.
9 And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.
10 The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.
