Adult Stem-cell Research by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=7&article=496

Adult Stem-cell Research

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

As the hype and propaganda by liberal politicians and Hollywood entertainers continues to fuel the debate over embryonic stem-cell research, new evidence once again has demonstrated the ongoing success of adult stem-cell research (Serafini, et al., 2007). Stem cells from adult bone marrow, “multipotent adult progenitor cells” (MAPCs), were injected into mice whose immune cells had been neutralized by radiation. The MAPCs replenished the bone marrow, spleen, peripheral blood, and lymph nodes of the immunodeficient mice (Williams, 2007). What’s more, none of the recipient mice developed tumors—an ongoing problem with the use of transplanted embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The conclusion? “The potential of long-term culture followed by tumor-free cell transfer thus givesMAPCs a therapeutic advantage over both ESCs and HSCs” (Williams). In other words, adult stem-cell research continues to produce effective results, while embryonic stem-cell research has yet to demonstrate significant value (see Harrub, 2006; Harrub and Thompson, 2004).

The moral, spiritual, and biblical issue is very simple: the shedding of innocent blood is a despicable thing to God (Proverbs 6:17). Solomon warned: “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, ‘Come with us, let us lie in wait to shed blood; let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause... My son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path; for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood” (Proverbs 1:10-16, emp. added). Even if embryonic stem cells one day were shown to be beneficial to the infirmed, saving one human at the expense of another is not the right solution. Indeed, murdering millions of innocent babies through both abortion and embryonic stem-cell research is the evil scourge of our time (cf. Jeremiah 19:5; 32:35).

REFERENCES

Harrub, Brad (2006), “False Marketing of Embryonic Stem Cells,” [On-line], URL:http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2976.

Harrub, Brad and Bert Thompson (2004), “Presidential Elections, Superman, Embryonic Stem Cells, Bad Science, and False Hope,” [On-line], URL: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2621.

Serafini, Marta, S.J. Dylla, et al. (2007), “Hematopoietic Reconstitution by Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells: Precursors to Long-Term Hematopoietic Stem Cells,” The Journal of Experimental Medicine, January 16, [On-line], URL: http://www.jem.org/cgi/content/abstract/jem.20061115v1.

Williams, Ruth (2007), “Cell Replacement Therapy—Are MAPCs the Answer?” The Journal of Experimental Medicine, January 16, [On-line], URL: http://www.jem.org/cgi/content/full/jem.2041iti1v1.

How Many Charioteers Did David Slay? by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

http://apologeticspress.org/AllegedDiscrepancies.aspx?article=738&b=2%20Samuel

How Many Charioteers Did David Slay?

by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

Throughout the years, the Bible has proven to be one book that refuses to relinquish its well- established position as the inspired Word of God. As a result, many Christians and infidels alike have studied the Bible diligently in order to determine whether it contains mistakes that would disqualify it from being God’s inspired Word. After all the evidence is in, the facts stand in favor of the Bible. However, some still insist that it is filled with errors and contradictions. One such alleged contradiction can be seen in 2 Samuel 10:18 and 1 Chronicles 19:18.

2 Samuel 10:18: “And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians the men of seven hundred chariots, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, so that he died there.”

1 Chronicles 19:18: “And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians the men of seven thousand chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the host.”

Both these verses obviously deal with the same battle, yet the verse in 2 Samuel suggests that King David slew “the men of seven hundred chariots” while the verse in 1 Chronicles states that he slew “the men of seven thousand chariots.” How can these two texts be reconciled?

The easiest and most obvious resolution is that one of the verses has been miscopied. William Arndt, in his book, Does the Bible Contradict Itself? wrote: “The difference in the number of chariots is best explained as due to the error of a scribe, who especially if letters were used as numerals, could easily write seven thousand instead of seven hundred, or vice versa” (1976, p. 34). [For a general background on copyists’ errors, please see our foundational essay on that subject.]

After dealing with the difference in the number of charioteers slain by David and his men, we must proceed to resolve the difference between the forty thousand other men killed. The text of 2 Samuel describes them as horsemen, but the chronicler records them as footmen. Is there a true contradiction here?

The answer is no. Once again, Arndt submits a quite plausible explanation:

With respect to the other divergence between the two passages, the one saying David slew 40,000 horsemen, the other that he slew 40,000 footmen in this battle, a simple solution presents itself. These warriors could fight both as cavalry and as infantry, just as the occasion required. Their status was similar to that of the dragoons a century or two ago. We can then very well harmonize the apparent discrepancies which we meet here (p. 34).

To illustrate this point, suppose you were fighting in a battle and several men driving Jeeps charge you. With a few grenades, you destroy the Jeeps, but the drivers escape from the burning wreckage, regroup, and come at you from the ground. You defeat them again, this time killing them. What kind of men were killed—Jeep drivers or foot soldiers? Of course, the answer could be both, or either.

As plausible as this solution is, it is not the only possible resolution. Eric Vestrum stated: “Another possibility is that in the battle, some of the 40,000 were on horse, some were on foot. The 2 Samuel author used the term ‘horseman’ to denote the whole group, whereas the 1 Chronicles author used the term ‘footman’ to denote the whole group. Again, this type of labeling is not unfaithful to idiomatic language” (Section 10). After looking closely at the verses, several possible resolutions can be enumerated that allow the Bible to maintain its position as the inerrant Word of God.

REFERENCES

Vestrum, Eric, Contradictions: Numerous, Theological, Chronological, Factual, Philosophical, Ethical, [On-line], URL: http://www.tektonics.org/EV_MCK04.html.

From Roy Davison... It is Shameful for a Woman to Speak in Church

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/silent.html

It is Shameful for a Woman to Speak in Church

"As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silence in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be subordinate, as even the law says. If there is anything they desire to know, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. What! Did the word of God originate with you, or are you the only ones it has reached? If any one thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that what I am writing to you is a command of the Lord. If any one does not recognize this, he is not recognized" (1 Corinthians 14:33-38).
This command of the Lord is not difficult to understand.
It is difficult for some people to accept, however.
When a female cleric was asked on television what she thought of this passage, she replied: "I wipe my feet on it." At least she was frank.
Some try to get around this clear statement of God's Spirit in a more subtle manner.
Recently I heard the claim that 'remain silent' here means 'stay calm' and that 'speak' means 'speak noisily', and that women may therefore speak if they speak calmly!
Let us carefully examine the meaning of these words. First I might mention in passing, however, that this claim clearly conflicts with the context. Is it acceptable then for men to speak noisily? The passage refers to a difference between men and women (shown by the fact that women are to ask their husbands at home). Are men then not required to stay calm?
The Greek word here for 'remain silent' is SIGATOOSAN, the present, imperative form of SIGAOO. What do Greek lexicons say? Analytical: 'To be silent, keep silence'; Thayer: 'To keep silence, hold one's peace'; Arndt & Gingrich: 'Be silent, keep still ... in the senses: a. say nothing, keep silent ... b. stop speaking, become silent ... c. hold one's tongue, keep something (a) secret.' A.&G. classify 1 Corinthians 14:34 under meaning a. 'say nothing, keep silent'.
Here are all passages in the NT where SIGAOO is found:

• Luke 9:36 - "And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen."
• Luke 18:39 - "And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent."
• Luke 20:26 - "But marveling at his answer they were silent."
• Acts 12:17 - "But motioning to them with his hand to be silent..."
• Acts 15:12 - "And all the assembly kept silence."
• Acts 15:13 - "And after they finished speaking..."
• Romans 16:25 - "Kept secret for long ages".
• 1 Corinthians 14:28 - "But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silence in church" [referring to speaking in foreign languages].
• 1 Corinthians 14:30 - "If a revelation is made to another sitting by, let the first be silent."
• 1 Corinthians 14:33,34 - "As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silence in the churches."

The Greek word for 'speak' ("For they are not permitted to speak," "For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church") is LALEIN, infinitive of LALEOO. Anyone who has studied even a little Greek, knows that this is the common word for 'speaking'. It does not have the special meaning of 'speaking noisily'.
The Greek word for 'church', EKKLEESIA, means 'assembly' both in the actual sense and in the definitive sense. Someone who speaks in an unknown language must "keep silence in church" unless there is a translator (1 Corinthians 14:28). This refers to the actual assembly. That "the women should keep silence in the churches" (1 Corinthians 14:34) and that "it is shameful for a women to speak in church" (1 Corinthians 14:35) also refer to the actual assemblies. In 1 Corinthians 14:33 we also find the difinitive sense ("As in all the churches of the saints") followed by the actual sense in verse 34 ("the women should keep silence in the churches"). Thus, "all the churches of the saints" does not refer to the actual assemblies, but to all local churches of Christ. In other words, in all churches of Christ the women remain silent in the assemblies.
A spiritual person will acknowledge that what Paul writes here is a command of the Lord, and anyone who does not recognize this, is not recognized in the churches of the saints.
Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982,
Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

From Gary... Solving the problem

I confess, I am not very good at math; I took Algebra twice in high school (passed it the second time with a good grade, though). What bothers me about this sign is not the math (which, I suppose I could learn given enough help and TIME), but it is the arrogance of the question. It is a put-down and put-downs have become common-place today. But, then again, I guess they have always been there... 

2 Kings, Chapter 18 (WEB)

 17 The king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great army to Jerusalem. They went up and came to Jerusalem. When they had come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is in the highway of the fuller’s field.  18 When they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.  19 Rabshakeh said to them, “Say now to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria, “What confidence is this in which you trust?  20 You say (but they are but vain words), ‘There is counsel and strength for war.’ Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?  21 Now, behold, you trust in the staff of this bruised reed, even in Egypt. If a man leans on it, it will go into his hand, and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust on him.  22 But if you tell me, ‘We trust in Yahweh our God;’ isn’t that he whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah has taken away, and has said to Judah and to Jerusalem, ‘You shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?’  23 Now therefore, please give pledges to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give you two thousand horses, if you are able on your part to set riders on them.  24 How then can you turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master’s servants, and put your trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?  25 Have I now come up without Yahweh against this place to destroy it? Yahweh said to me, ‘Go up against this land, and destroy it.’”’” 

  26  Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah, said to Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it. Don’t speak with us in the Jews’ language, in the hearing of the people who are on the wall.” 

  27  But Rabshakeh said to them, “Has my master sent me to your master, and to you, to speak these words? Hasn’t he sent me to the men who sit on the wall, to eat their own dung, and to drink their own water with you?”  28 Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews’ language, and spoke, saying, “Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria.  29 Thus says the king, ‘Don’t let Hezekiah deceive you; for he will not be able to deliver you out of his hand.  30 Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in Yahweh, saying, “Yahweh will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.”  31 Don’t listen to Hezekiah.’ For thus says the king of Assyria, ‘Make your peace with me, and come out to me; and everyone of you eat of his vine, and everyone of his fig tree, and everyone drink the waters of his own cistern;  32 until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and of honey, that you may live, and not die. Don’t listen to Hezekiah, when he persuades you, saying, “Yahweh will deliver us.”  33 Has any of the gods of the nations ever delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?  34 Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria out of my hand? 35 Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of my hand, that Yahweh should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?’” 

2 Kings, Chapter 19 (WEB)

 15 Hezekiah prayed before Yahweh, and said, “Yahweh, the God of Israel, who sit above the cherubim, you are the God, even you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.  16 Incline your ear, Yahweh, and hear. Open your eyes, Yahweh, and see. Hear the words of Sennacherib, with which he has sent to defy the living God.  17 Truly, Yahweh, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands,  18 and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. Therefore they have destroyed them.  19 Now therefore, Yahweh our God, save us, I beg you, out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, Yahweh, are God alone.” 

  20  Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, “Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, ‘Whereas you have prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard you.  21 This is the word that Yahweh has spoken concerning him: “The virgin daughter of Zion has despised you and ridiculed you. The daughter of Jerusalem has shaken her head at you.  22 Whom have you defied and blasphemed? Against whom have you exalted your voice and lifted up your eyes on high? Against the Holy One of Israel.  23 By your messengers you have defied the Lord, and have said, ‘With the multitude of my chariots, I have come up to the height of the mountains, to the innermost parts of Lebanon; and I will cut down its tall cedars, and its choice fir trees; and I will enter into his farthest lodging place, the forest of his fruitful field.  24 I have dug and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet will I dry up all the rivers of Egypt.’  25 Haven’t you heard how I have done it long ago, and formed it of ancient times? Now have I brought it to pass, that it should be yours to lay waste fortified cities into ruinous heaps.  26 Therefore their inhabitants were of small power. They were dismayed and confounded. They were like the grass of the field, and like the green herb, like the grass on the housetops, and like grain blasted before it has grown up.  27 But I know your sitting down, and your going out, and your coming in, and your raging against me.  28 Because of your raging against me, and because your arrogance has come up into my ears, therefore will I put my hook in your nose, and my bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way by which you came.” 

  29  “‘This shall be the sign to you: You shall eat this year that which grows of itself, and in the second year that which springs of the same; and in the third year sow, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat its fruit.  30 The remnant that has escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward.  31 For out of Jerusalem a remnant will go out, and out of Mount Zion those who shall escape. The zeal of Yahweh will perform this.’ 

  32  “Therefore thus says Yahweh concerning the king of Assyria, ‘He shall not come to this city, nor shoot an arrow there, neither shall he come before it with shield, nor cast up a mound against it.  33 By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and he shall not come to this city,’ says Yahweh.  34 ‘For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.’” 

  35  That night, Yahweh’s angel went out, and struck one hundred eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians. When men arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.  36 So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and lived at Nineveh.  37 As he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Esar Haddon his son reigned in his place. 

The ungodly have always been puffing themselves up to exert power over those they want to control. And while it may work with myself and math (for awhile at least), it does not work with God. 

God destroyed the Assyrians who dared challenge HIM and today, those who oppose HIM will eventually bow to HIS power as well.

Make no mistake, God is in control. Christians may be slaughtered, raped, have their homes destroyed and property taken from them- but, when God decides it is time to set things aright, judgement will be swift.

The key in all this is 2 Kings 19:15. Hezekiah humbly put his problem before God. When faced with the arrogance of the ungodly- we should do the same!!!

Problem solved!!!

From Mark Copeland... "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES" Chapter Twenty-Eight

                         "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"

                          Chapter Twenty-Eight

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To review the events on the island of Malta following the shipwreck

2) To observe Paul's arrival at Rome

3) To consider Paul's work in Rome while under house arrest

SUMMARY

It was rainy and cold, as the shipwrecked travelers escaped onto the
island of Malta.  The natives showed kindness by kindling a fire and
welcoming them.  As Paul gathered sticks and laid them on the fire, a
viper bit his hand.  The natives reacted, "No doubt this man is a
murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not
allow to live."  Paul shook off the viper and suffered no harm.  After a
time, the natives thought Paul was a "god" as no harm had come to him.
Publius, a leading citizen of the region, received and entertained the
travelers "courteously" for three days.  Publius'
father was sick with a fever and dysentery.  Paul went in to him and
prayed.  He laid hands on Publius' father and healed him.  Others on the
island with diseases came and were healed.  The islanders honored
them in many ways and provided the necessities for them as they departed
the island.  (1-10)

After three months, an Alexandrian ship (the Twin Brothers) sailed from
Malta - it had wintered there.  They sailed to Syracuse, Rhegium, and
then to Puteoli.  Paul found brethren at Puteoli and stayed with them
seven days.  As they traveled along, brethren heard about them and met
them at Appii Forum and Three Inns.  This gave Paul courage and he
thanked God.  Upon arrival at Rome, the centurion delivered the
prisoners to the captain of the guard.  Paul was permitted to "dwell by
himself with the soldier who guarded him."  (11-16)

After three days, Paul called for the Jewish leaders.  When they came
together, he spoke to them.  Paul noted that he had done nothing against
their people or the customs of their fathers.  He reviewed that
he had been taken prisoner in Jerusalem, and was taken into Roman
custody.  He had been examined and was to be released, but the Jews
spoke against his release; thus he appealed to Caesar.  That was the
reason he had called for and had spoken with the Jewish leaders.  Paul
stated, "...because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain."
The Jewish leaders responded to Paul.  They indicated they had not
received letters nor heard of any evil spoken of Paul.  They wanted to
hear more from Paul "concerning this sect."  They stated that it had
been "spoken against everywhere."  The Jews met Paul again at his place
of lodging at another arranged time.  He explained and testified of the
kingdom of God, and persuaded them concerning Jesus.  Paul spoke from
both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.  He spoke from morning until
evening.  Some were persuaded and some disbelieved.  Paul completed the
discourse by quoting from Isaiah the prophet.  The quotation indicated
they would hear/see but not understand/ perceive.  The Lord wanted them
to understand and turn so He could heal them.  Paul told them that the
salvation of God had been sent to the Gentiles, and "they will hear it!"
The Jews departed and "had a great dispute among themselves."  Paul was
allowed to rent his own home for two years, as he continued under house
arrest.  Paul received all who came to him.  He preached the kingdom of
God, and taught the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.  He taught
with all confidence, and no one forbade him.  (17-31)

OUTLINE

I. ON THE ISLAND OF MALTA FOLLOWING THE SHIPWRECK (1-10)

   A. THE NATIVES SHOWED KINDNESS TO THE SHIPWRECKED TRAVELERS (1-6)
      1. It was rainy and cold, as the travelers escaped to the island
      2. The natives showed kindness by kindling a fire and welcoming
         them
      3. A viper bit Paul, as he gathered sticks and laid them on the
         fire
         a. The natives reacted, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom,
            though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to
            live."
         b. Paul shook off the viper and suffered no harm
         c. After a time, the natives thought Paul was a "god" as no
            harm had come to him

   B. THE HEALING OF PUBLIUS' FATHER AND OTHERS (7-10)
      1. Publius was a leading citizen of the region
         a. He received and entertained the travelers for three days
      2. Publius' father was sick with a fever and dysentery
         a. Paul went in to him and prayed
         b. Paul laid hands on him and healed him
      3. Others on the island with diseases came and were healed
      4. The islanders honored them in many ways and provided the
         necessities for them as they departed the island

II. PAUL'S ARRIVAL AT ROME (11-16)

   A. THEY SAILED TOWARD ROME (11-13)
      1. After three months, an Alexandrian ship (Twin Brothers) sailed
         from Malta - it had wintered there
      2. They sailed to Syracuse, Rhegium, and then to Puteoli

   B. THEY TRAVELED BY LAND TOWARD ROME (14-15)
      1. Paul found brethren at Puteoli and stayed with them seven days
      2. As they traveled along, brethren heard about them and met them
         a. They met at Appii Forum and Three Inns
         b. This gave Paul courage and he thanked God

   C. THEY ARRIVED AT ROME (16)
      1. The centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the
         guard at Rome
      2. Paul was permitted to "dwell by himself with the soldier who
         guarded him"

III. PAUL'S WORK IN ROME WHILE UNDER HOUSE ARREST (17-31)

   A. AFTER THREE DAYS, PAUL CALLED FOR THE JEWISH LEADERS (17-22)
      1. When they came together, Paul spoke to the Jewish leaders
         a. He noted that he had done nothing against their people or
            the customs of their fathers
         b. He reviewed that he had been taken prisoner in Jerusalem and
            taken into Roman custody
         c. He had been examined and was to be released, but the Jews
            spoke against his release; thus he appealed to Caesar
         d. That was the reason he called for and spoke with them
         e. He stated, "...because for the hope of Israel I am bound
            with this chain"
      2. The Jewish leaders responded to Paul
         a. They indicated they had not received letters nor heard of
            any evil spoken of Paul
         b. They wanted to hear more from Paul "concerning this sect"
         c. They noted that it had been "spoken against everywhere"

   B. PAUL SPOKE TO THE JEWISH LEADERS AGAIN (23-29)
      1. The Jews met Paul again at his place of lodging
      2. He explained and testified of the kingdom of God and persuaded
         them concerning Jesus
         a. He spoke from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets
         b. He spoke from morning until evening
         c. Some were persuaded and some disbelieved
      3. Paul completed the discourse by quoting from Isaiah
         a. The quotation indicated they would hear/see but not
            understand/perceive
         b. The Lord wanted them to understand and turn so He could heal
            them
         c. Paul told them that the salvation of God had been sent to
            the Gentiles, and "they will hear it"
         d. The Jews departed and "had a great dispute among themselves"

   C. PAUL CONTINUED FOR TWO YEARS UNDER HOUSE ARREST (30-31)
      1. Paul was allowed to rent his own home for two years
      2. Paul received all who came to him
         a. He preached the kingdom of God
         b. He taught the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ
      3. He taught with all confidence, and no one forbade him

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main events in this chapter?
   - On the island of Malta following the shipwreck (1-10)
   - Paul's arrival at Rome (11-16)
   - Paul's work in Rome while under house arrest (17-31)

2) What was the name of the island they escaped the shipwreck onto? (1)
   - Malta (1)

3) How did the natives treat the shipwrecked travelers? (2)
   - They showed unusual kindness (2)
   - They kindled a fire and welcomed them (2)

4) What happened to Paul while laying sticks on the fire? (3)
   - A viper came out and bit him on the hand (3)

5) What did the natives say to one another? (4)
   - "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the
     sea, yet justice does not allow to live." (4)

6) What did Paul do to the creature?  What was Paul's outcome? (5)
   - Paul shook the viper from his hand (5)
   - He "suffered no harm" (5)

7) Seeing that Paul suffered no harm, what did the natives think of him?
   (6)
   - They changed their minds about him; thought he was a "god" (6)

8) Who was Publius?  What did he do for the travelers? (7)
   - He was a leading citizen of the island of Malta (7)
   - He "courteously" received and entertained them for 3 days (7)

9) What was wrong with Publius' father?  What did Paul do? (8-9)
   - He was sick with a fever and dysentery (8)
   - Paul went in to him, prayed, laid hands on him and healed him (8)
   - Others with diseases also came and were healed (9)

10) How long did they remain on Malta? Why was a ship there? (11)
   - Three months (11)
   - The Alexandrian ship had wintered there (11)

11) Name three places they sailed to as they continued to Rome. (12-13)
   - Syracuse (12)
   - Rhegium and Puteoli (13)

12) Name places Paul met with brethren along the way in Italy. How did
    this affect Paul?  (13-15)
   - Puteoli for seven days (13-14)
   - Appii Forum and Three Inns (15)
   - "When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage." (15)

13) At Rome, who was Paul delivered to?  What was he permitted to do?
    (16)
   - The prisoners were delivered to the captain of the guard (16)
   - He was permitted to "dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded
     him" (16)

14) Why did Paul call the Jewish leaders together? (17-20)
   - "to see you and speak with you, because of the hope of Israel I am
     bound with this chain" (20)

15) Had the Jewish leaders heard a report on Paul? Had they heard about
    this "sect?" (21-22)
   - No, they had not heard any "evil" spoken of Paul (21)
   - Yes, and they wanted to hear more about this "sect;" it had been
     "spoken against everywhere" (22)

16) What did Paul speak to them about at the next meeting? (23)
   - "he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God,
     persuading them concerning Jesus" (23)

17) How did they react to Paul's teaching? (24)
   - Some were persuaded and some disbelieved (24)

18) What prophet did Paul quote when the Jews disagreed among
    themselves? (25-27)
   - He quoted from Isaiah the prophet - Isa. 6:9-10 (25)

19) To whom had the salvation of God been sent? (28)
   - To the Gentiles, and "they will hear it!" (28)

20) How long was Paul there? What did he continue to do? (30-31)
   - "Paul dwelt two years in his own rented house" (30)
   - He preached the kingdom of God, and taught things concerning the
     Lord Jesus Christ "with all confidence" (31)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2015

 

From Mark Copeland... "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES" Chapter Twenty-Seven

                         "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"

                          Chapter Twenty-Seven

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To observe how Paul's trip to Rome began

2) To notice how Paul warned of a disaster and was ignored

3) To examine how the tempestuous sea became disastrous for the ship

4) To contemplate how all were saved in the shipwreck at Malta

SUMMARY

When it was decided that the prisoners should sail to Italy, Julius, a
centurion of the Augustan Regiment, took custody.  They boarded a ship
of Adramyttium to sail along the Asian coast.  Aristarchus, a Macedonian
of Thessalonica, accompanied Paul.  When the ship arrived at Sidon,
Julius treated Paul kindly.  He was allowed to go to his friends and
receive care.  They then sailed near Cyprus, Cilicia, Pamphylia, and
arrived at Myra.  There, the centurion found an Alexandrian ship headed
to Italy.  They boarded this ship and departed.  They sailed slowly for
many days, as the wind made it difficult to sail.  They continued to
sail with difficulty near Cnidus and Crete off Salmone.  Next, they
arrived at Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.  (1-8)

A great amount of time had passed, and sailing became dangerous.  Paul
advised, "I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much
loss..." The centurion ignored Paul, and rather listened to the helmsman
and ship-owner, who considered the harbor "not suitable to winter in."
The majority wanted to sail on to Phoenix, a harbor of Crete.  (9-12)

The south wind began to blow softly.  Supposing this favorable, they put
out to sea.  They sailed close to Crete.  Shortly after sailing, a
"tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon."  The ship was driven
south of an island called Clauda.  The sailors secured the ship with
cables/ropes by passing them underneath the hull.  The following day,
they lightened the ship.  The third day, they threw the ship's tackle
overboard.  After several days in the storm, all hope was given up.
They had not eaten for many days.  Paul reminded them that he had
recommended to not sail from Crete.  Paul then assured them there would
be no loss of life; only the ship would be lost.  This message came from
an angel of God.  Paul affirmed his faith/trust in God that this surely
would come to pass.  Paul further revealed that the ship would run
aground.  After fourteen nights, the sailors sensed they were near land.
They took soundings and determined they were nearing land.  It was dark.
They dropped four anchors to avoid running aground and prayed for
daylight.  The sailors lowered the skiff to appear that they were
putting out more anchors; however, they intended to leave the ship.
Paul told the centurion and soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the
ship, you cannot be saved."  The soldiers cut the ropes to the skiff and
let it fall away.  As the day dawned, Paul encouraged them to eat.  It
had been fourteen days since they had eaten.  Paul indicated they needed
food for nourishment and survival.  He reminded them they all would be
safe.  Paul then took bread, gave thanks to God, and began to eat before
them.  They were all encouraged by Paul and ate as well.  After they had
eaten enough, they threw the wheat into the sea to lighten the ship.
There were two hundred seventy-six people aboard the ship.  (13-38)

At daylight, they saw a bay with a beach, though they did not recognize
the land.  They desired to drive the ship onto the beach.  They let the
anchors go into the sea, hoisted the main sail, and headed for the
beach.  The ship ran aground "where two seas met" and the "prow stuck
fast" - the ship was immovable.  The waves violently began to break up
the ship.  The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to keep any from
escaping.  The centurion stopped the soldiers' plan.  He wanted to save
Paul.  The centurion commanded all who could swim to jump overboard and
swim for shore.  The rest floated on boards or parts of the ship.  They
all escaped safely to the island.  (39-44)

OUTLINE

I. TRIP TO ROME BEGAN (1-8)

   A. SAILED A SHIP OF ADRAMYTTIUM (1-5)
      1. It was decided that the prisoners should sail to Italy
      2. Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment, took custody
      3. They boarded a ship of Adramyttium to sail along the Asian
         coast
      4. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, accompanied Paul
      5. At Sidon, Julius treated Paul kindly
         a. Paul was allowed to go to his friends and receive care
      6. They sailed near Cyprus, Cilicia, Pamphylia, and arrived at
         Myra

   B. SAILED A SHIP OF ALEXANDRIA (6-8)
      1. At Myra, the centurion found an Alexandrian ship headed to
         Italy
      2. They boarded this ship and departed
         a. They sailed slowly for many days
         b. The wind made it difficult to sail
      3. They continued to sail with difficulty near Cnidus, Crete off
         Salmone
      4. They arrived at Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea

II. PAUL WARNED OF DISASTER (9-12)

   A. SAILING BECAME DANGEROUS; PAUL WARNED OF DISASTER (9-10)
      1. Much time had passed, and sailing became dangerous
      2. Paul advised, "I perceive that this voyage will end with
         disaster and much loss..."

   B. THE CENTURION IGNORED PAUL'S WARNING (11-12)
      1. The centurion listened to the helmsman and ship-owner rather
         than Paul
      2. They considered the harbor "not suitable to winter in"
      3. The majority wanted to sail on to Phoenix, a harbor of Crete

III. THE TEMPESTUOUS SEA (13-38)

   A. A FAVORABLE WIND BLEW (13)
      1. The south wind blew softly
      2. Supposing this favorable, they put out to sea
      3. They sailed close to Crete

   B. THE TEMPEST BEGAN (14-20)
      1. Shortly after sailing, a "tempestuous head wind arose, called
         Euroclydon"
      2. The ship was driven south of an island called Clauda
      3. The sailors secured the ship with cables/ropes, passing them
         underneath
      4. The following day, they lightened the ship
      5. The third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard
      6. After several days in the storm, all hope was given up

   C. PAUL ASSURED THE MEN OF SURVIVAL (21-26)
      1. They had not eaten for many days
      2. Paul reminded them:  he had recommended to not sail from Crete
      3. Paul then assured them there would be no loss of life; only the
         ship would be lost - the message came from an angel of God
      4. Paul affirmed his trust in God to the men by saying, "for I
         believe God that it will be just as it was told me"
      5. Paul further revealed that the ship would run aground

   D. THE CREW ATTEMPTED TO ABANDON THE SHIP (27-32)
      1. After fourteen nights, the sailors sensed they were near land
      2. They took soundings and determined they were nearing land
      3. It was dark; they dropped four anchors to avoid running aground
         and prayed for daylight
      4. The sailors lowered the skiff to appear they were putting out
         more anchors; but they intended to leave the ship
      5. Paul told the centurion and soldiers, "Unless these men stay in
         the ship, you cannot be saved."
      6. The soldiers cut the ropes to the skiff and let it fall away

   E. THE TEMPEST BEGAN (33-38)
      1. As the day dawned, Paul encouraged them to eat; it had been
         fourteen days since they had eaten
      2. Paul indicated they needed food for nourishment and survival
      3. He reminded them they all would be safe
      4. Paul took bread, gave thanks to God, and began to eat before
         them
      5. They were all encouraged by Paul and ate as well
      6. After they had eaten enough, they threw out the wheat to
         lighten the ship
      7. There were two hundred seventy-six people aboard the ship

IV. SHIPWRECKED AT MALTA (39-44)

   A. ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE SHIP ONTO THE BEACH (39-41)
      1. At daylight, they saw a bay with a beach
      2. They desired to drive the ship onto the beach
      3. They let the anchors go into the sea, hoisted the main sail and
         headed for the beach
      4. The ship ran aground "where two seas met" and the "prow stuck
         fast" - the ship was immovable
      5. The waves violently began to break up the ship

   B. THEY SWAM AND/OR FLOATED TO SHORE; ALL WERE SAVED (42-44)
      1. The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to keep any from
         escaping
      2. The centurion stopped the soldiers' plan
         a. He wanted to save Paul
      3. The centurion commanded all who could swim to jump overboard
         and swim for shore
         a. The rest floated on boards or parts of the ship
      4. They all escaped safely to the island

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main events in this chapter?
   - Paul's trip to Rome began (1-8)
   - Paul warned of a disaster and was ignored (9-12)
   - The tempestuous sea became disastrous for the ship (13-38)
   - All were saved in the shipwreck at Malta (39-44)

2) Where were they to sail? (1)
   - Italy (1)

3) To whom were the prisoners, including Paul, delivered? (1)
   - Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment (1)

4) Who was also sailing with Paul? (2)
   - Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica (2)
   - Luke was travelling along as well -- "we" and "us" (2)

5) How did the centurion treat Paul at Sidon? (3)
   - He treated Paul kindly and allowed him to go to his friends and
     receive care (3)

6) Why did they sail under the shelter of Cyprus? (4)
   - The winds were contrary (4)

7) Where did the centurion find the Alexandrian ship? (5-6)
   - Myra, a city of Lycia (6)

8) What caused the ship to sail slowly for many days? (7)
   - The wind did not permit them to proceed (7)

9) What was the name of the port near the city of Lasea? (8)
   - Fair Havens (8)

10) Now that the Fast was over, what was the condition for sailing? (9)
   - Sailing conditions were dangerous at that time of year (9)

11) Did the centurion heed Paul's warning? Who did he listen to? (11)
   - No, he was "more persuaded" by others (11)
   - The helmsman and the owner of the ship (11)

12) What did the majority advise to do? (12)
   - To set sail for Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, and winter there (12)

13) What did the sailors use to undergird the ship?  Why? (17)
   - They used cables/ropes (17)
   - They afraid of running aground (17)

14) On the third day, what did they throw overboard? (18-19)
   - The ship's tackle (19)

15) What did the angel say to Paul? (23-24)
   - "Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and
     indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you." (24)

16) What did Paul tell them must happen? (26)
   - The ship must run aground on a certain island (26)

17) When the sailors sensed they were nearing land, what did they
    attempt to do? (27-30)
   - They let the skiff down under pretense of letting out more anchors
     (30)

18) What did Paul tell the centurion? What did the soldiers do? (31-32)
   - "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." (31)
   - The soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall (32)

19) As Paul tried to convince them to eat, what did he assure them would
    not happen? (33-34)
   - "...not a hair will fall from the head of any of you" (34)

20) What did Paul do in the presence of all of them? (35)
   - He took bread, gave thanks to God, and began to eat (35)

21) How many people were on the ship? (37)
   - Two hundred seventy-six (37)

22) What did they do after they had all eaten enough? (38)
   - They lightened the ship and threw the wheat into the sea (38)

23) When it became day, what did they see? (39)
   - They say a bay with a beach (39)

24) As they attempted to run the ship onto the beach, what happened?
    (40-41)
   - They ran the ship aground where the two seas met; the ship was
     immovable and began to break up from the violent waves (41)

25) What did the soldiers plan to do to the prisoners? (42)
   - They planned to kill the prisoners, so none could escape (42)

26) Did the centurion go along with the plan? What did he do? Why? (43)
   - He did not go along with the soldiers' plan (43)
   - He commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard and
     get to land (43)
   - He wanted to save Paul (43)

27) How did the rest get to shore? How many escaped safely to land? (44)
   - They floated on boards and parts of the ship to land (44)
   - They all escaped safely to land (44)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2015

 

Polygamy and the Quran by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=8&article=4029

Polygamy and the Quran

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

Those people who have modeled their thinking after New Testament Christianity are, to say the least, a bit surprised (if not shocked and appalled) to learn that the religion of Islam countenances polygamy. But the Christian mind must realize that Muhammad’s Islam arose out of Arabia in the sixth and seventh centuries A.D. The Arab culture was well-known for the practice of polygamy, in which the men were allowed to have as many wives as they desired. The Quran addressed this social circumstance by placing a limitation on the number of wives a man could have. The wording of the pronouncement is in a surah titled “Women”: “And if ye fear that ye will not deal fairly by the orphans, marry of the women, who seem good to you, two or three or four; and if ye fear that ye cannot do justice (to so many) then one (only) or (the captives) that your right hands possess” (Surah 4:3).

Setting aside the issue of why Muhammad himself was exempt from this limitation (Surah 33:50—seeMiller, “Muhammad’s Polygamy,” 2004), the divine origin of the Quran is discredited on the basis of its stance on polygamy. In the first place, for all practical purposes, the Quran authorizes a man to have as many wives as he chooses, since its teaching on divorce contradicts its teaching on marriage. Unlike the New Testament, which confines permission to divorce on the sole grounds of sexual unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:9), the Quran authorizes divorce for any reason (e.g., Surah 2:226-232,241; 33:4,49; 58:2-4; 65:1-7). If a man can divorce his wife for any reason, then the “command” that limits a man to four wives is effectively meaningless—merely restricting a man to four legal wivesat a time. Theoretically, a man could have an unlimited number of wives—all with the approval of God!

In the second place, Jesus declared in no uncertain terms that “whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9, emp. added). Jesus gave one, and only one, reason for divorce in God’s sight. In fact, even the Old Testament affirmed that God “hates divorce” (Malachi 2:16). The teaching of the Bible on divorce is a higher, stricter, nobler standard than the one advocated by the Quran. The two books, in fact, contradict each other on this point.

In the third place, why does the Quran stipulate the number “four”? Why not three or five wives? The number four would appear to be an arbitrary number with no significance—at least, none is given. Though the passage in question indicates the criterion of a man’s ability to do justice to those he marries, there is no reason to specify the number four, since men would vary a great deal in the number of women that they would have the ability to manage fairly.

The answer may be seen in the influence of the contemporaneous Jewish population of Arabia. Sixth century Arabia was a tribal oriented society that relied heavily on oral communication in social interactions. Muhammad would have been the recipient of considerable information conveyed orally by his Jewish, and even Christian, contemporaries. Many tales, fables, and rabbinical traditions undoubtedly circulated among the Jewish tribes of Arabia. The Jews themselves probably were lacking in book-learning, having been separated from the mainstream of Jewish thought and intellectual development in their migration to the Arabian peninsula. The evidence demonstrates that the author of the Quran borrowed extensively from Jewish and other sources. The ancient Talmudic record (Arbah Turim, Ev. Hazaer, 1) stated: “A man may marry many wives, for Rabba saith it is lawful to do so, if he can provide for them. Nevertheless, the wise men have given good advice, that a man should not marry more than four wives” (see Rodwell, 1950, p. 411; Tisdall, 1905, pp. 129-130). The similarity with the wording of the Quran is too striking to be coincidental. It can be argued quite convincingly that the magic number of four was drawn from currently circulating Jewish teaching.

REFERENCES

Miller, Dave (2004), “Muhammad’s Polygamy,” http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2219.

Rodwell, J.M., trans. (1950 reprint), The Koran (London: J.M. Dent and Sons).

Tisdall, W. St. Clair (1905), The Original Sources of the Quran (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge).