8/30 Reading (Numbers 27-29; Acts 19)

Numbers 27: I like that the first part of this chapter focuses on the daughters of Zelophehad, who didnā€™t have any sons. I think itā€™s pretty cool that they had the courage to approach Moses and request inheritance. Then God explained the ordinance/rules that need to be considered in case a man has no sons, or no children, or…and so on. This seems very progressive/modern for that time.

The second half focuses on God telling Moses that it is time for him to pass on his authority to Joshua because he rebelled against God with the rock/water situation in chapter 20. Moses isnā€™t given another chance and Joshua is officially commissioned as the new leader. Although only some of his authority is given to Joshua: ā€œYou shall give him some of your authority, so that all the congregation of the Israelites may obeyā€ (Num. 27.20). Kinda interesting.

Numbers 28: Another chapter on offerings. Iā€™m assuming this is here because of the partial transition of authority from Moses to Joshua. The reader is reminded how to handle a daily offering, month offering, and yearly offerings (specifically with respect to passover and festival of weeks). Itā€™s interesting that even with the recent ā€œpromotionā€ of Joshua, God continues to direct Moses to share this information with the people.

Numbers 29: Another chapter on the festivals. Again, this is following what was done in chapter 28. This chapter focused on the blowing of the trumpet, day of reconciliation, and festival of booths. As with chapter 28, Moses is the one who shares all of this information with the people.

Acts 19: Paul arrives in Ephesus. The notes indicate that this is where he wrote 1 and 2 Corinthians. He was there for over 2 years, so that makes sense. Thereā€™s an interesting story here. It centers around Paul and his ability to do miracles:

God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, Ā¹Ā² so that when the handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, their diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them. Ā¹Ā³ Then some itinerant Jewish exorcists tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, ā€œI adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.ā€ Ā¹ā“ Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. Ā¹āµ But the evil spirit said to them in reply, ā€œJesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?ā€ Ā¹ā¶ Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered them all, and so overpowered them that they fled out of the house naked and wounded. (Acts 19.11-16)

Then I read in the notes that Ephesus was a town known for magic. This specific example now makes sense. First, itā€™s just an interesting story. Second, when Luke wrote this the church was still building and growing. This is a great way to showcase Christianity. Third, this is an effective way to tell people of other faiths that the miracles from God are real and the magic used by others isnā€™t real.

More turmoil emerges from the supporters of Artemis, chief divinity of Ephesus and her temple. As with earlier problems, the ones creating turmoil canā€™t show that anything wrong has happened. They are forced to release Paulā€™s supporters.

22 Replies to “8/30 Reading (Numbers 27-29; Acts 19)”

  1. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you
    knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.

    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some
    time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything.
    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look
    forward to your new updates.

  2. A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment.
    I think that you ought to write more about this issue, it
    might not be a taboo subject but usually people don’t discuss such
    topics. To the next! Many thanks!!

  3. Hey! I understand this is somewhat off-topic however I had to ask.
    Does running a well-established blog like yours require a massive amount work?
    I’m brand new to operating a blog however I do write in my diary everyday.
    I’d like to start a blog so I can share my own experience and feelings online.

    Please let me know if you have any ideas or tips for new aspiring blog owners.

    Appreciate it!

  4. When someone writes an piece of writing he/she keeps the idea of a user in his/her mind that how a
    user can know it. Therefore that’s why this paragraph is amazing.

    Thanks!

  5. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon on a daily
    basis. It will always be exciting to read content from other writers and
    use something from their sites.

  6. I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic.
    I needs to spend some time learning much
    more or understanding more. Thanks for fantastic information I was looking for this information for my mission.

  7. Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the images on this
    blog loading? I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if
    it’s the blog. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

  8. scoliosis
    Normally I do not read post on blogs, however I wish to
    say that this write-up very pressured me to try and
    do so! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, quite nice post.
    scoliosis

  9. scoliosis
    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering
    if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping
    maybe you would have some experience with something like
    this. Please let me know if you run into anything.

    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
    scoliosis

  10. An intriguing discussion is definitely worth
    comment. There’s no doubt that that you should publish more
    about this subject, it might not be a taboo matter
    but typically people do not discuss such topics.
    To the next! All the best!!

  11. Hey there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few
    of the pictures aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.

    I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and
    both show the same results.

  12. you’re in point of fact a excellent webmaster.
    The web site loading speed is amazing. It
    kind of feels that you are doing any unique trick. Moreover,
    The contents are masterpiece. you have done a fantastic
    activity on this matter!

  13. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something that I think I would
    never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me.
    I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!

  14. certainly like your website but you have
    to test the spelling on several of your posts.
    A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very troublesome to inform the reality then again I will definitely come again again.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *