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Thoughts on the Bible Readings November 1st (2 Chronicles 30, Daniel 10, Acts 10) Oct 31, 2025

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In Daniel 10 we have an awe-inspiring vision of the One Man. It followed Daniel fasting for three weeks. The vision is described in verses 4-6. The dream was similar to the one seen by the Apostle John in Revelation 1. As a response to the dream Daniel finds himself in a weakened death-like state. The angel Gabriel physically restores the prophet and this is symbolic of the prophet's death and resurrection.

Gabriel tries to come 21 days earlier but needs the assistance of Michael, the Archangel, in turning around the mind of the king of Persia. What was to occur would be in part revealed to Daniel, the man greatly beloved and these matters would be written in the Scriptures of Truth.

Acts 8 saw the conversion of a descendant of Ham; chapter 9 of Shem; and chapter 10 of Japheth - part of the pattern of taking the gospel to the entire world - as outlined in chapter 1. The first four verses of Acts 10 tell us of a model proselyte in every respect apart from his ignorance of the gospel, and his need of baptism for the forgiveness of his sins. Cornelius is commanded to send for Peter. Whilst in Joppa Peter had gone to the rooftop to pray. In a hungry state he falls into a trance and is given a vision of all kinds of animals - clean and unclean i.e. ceremonially. If Peter truly had such scruples why was he lodging with a tanner i.e. a maker of leather goods who is always surrounded by dead animals that are tanned to produce leather. Three times Peter is commanded to, "rise, kill and eat"; but three times refuses. On the second occasion Peter is told, "Don't call what God has cleansed unclean". Whilst Peter is thinking about the vision he is summoned by three men seeking his company. The visitors tell Peter of the command which the angel had issued to Cornelius. These three men are lodged and leave for Caesarea the following day. Chapter 11 says that Peter expected some resistance to what could transpire from Jewish converts and so he is accompanied by six faithful Jewish brothers. Cornelius humbly receives Peter, who refused to be honoured. Cornelius reiterates his command from the angel. Peter responds in verses 34-43 by beginning with the vital point that "God is impartial and the basis of His acceptance is a reverence for the Almighty and an attempt to follow in His righteous ways". In verse 38 Peter reveals the Christ to those assembled as the Word attested to by the Father in the supporting of Christ's words with miracles. As Peter continues speaking the Holy Spirit comes on Cornelius' household just like it came on the Apostles in Acts 2. Peter asks his amazed companions if they could in all conscience forbid baptism. Since they couldn't Peter commanded Cornelius and his household to be baptised. The bestowal of the Holy Spirit and immediate baptism thereafter demonstrate that he believed the gospel acceptably to the Father. The Almighty chooses His children and often shows that by subsequent events 2 Timothy 2verses19.

Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 31st (2 Chronicles 29, Daniel 9, Acts 9) Oct 30, 2025

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2 Chronicles 29 says that Hezekiah was 25 when he began to rule and reigned for 29 years. Hezekiah walks in the ways of David (his spiritual father). Hezekiah was Judah's greatest ever king - read the testimony in 2 Kings 18 verse 5. This king cleanses the temple from the filth of his father, Ahaz. The Levites had to assist the priests with the task. Note the power of the words of verse 17 - the dedicated work began on the first day of his first month. They prepare for the Passover massive sacrifices and the offerings began as the music of praise and worship began. Seventy bulls were offered representing the 70 nations (Deuteronomy 32:8). Despite the suddenness of what the king did the people rejoiced and supported the Feast.

Daniel 9 tells of the prophet's sadness when he realises that the exiles would be in Babylon for 70 years as spoken by Jeremiah in chapter 25. From verses 3-19 Daniel in his prayer confesses his sin and that of the nation expressing that they deserve what had befallen them. From the time he commences praying the angel Gabriel is sent to the beloved prophet to give him understanding of what is termed "the 70 weeks prophecy". That prophecy concerns the work of the Lord Jesus Christ - Messiah the Prince to bring in a "righteousness of the ages". The work is completed between AD30 with the crucifixion and the 70 weeks ending in AD32 with the stoning of Stephen. Each of the segments mentioned can be precisely dated from the archaeological records which exist. Because of the great sin of the nation in crucifying the Lord of glory and refusing the short period provided for repentance Rome would come and destroy Jerusalem. The year was AD33 when we read in Acts 9 of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Saul is seeking to destroy the believers in Christ who dwelt in Damascus. Saul presses on as the fierce Syrian sun burns brightly in the sky. Saul is blinded by a light stronger than the sun and he is stirred by a voice that he may well have known, "Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?" The Syriac Pashito, whose phrase, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads" is added to the English KJV. Saul's response is, "Who are you Lord?" With his eyes blinded and his mind in total turmoil and his entire world view turned upside down (as would be said of him in Acts 17:6) he is led by the hand into the city to await instructions. For three days Saul neither ate nor drank. Ananias is told to go to Saul to lay hands on him to recover Saul's sight. Ananias is further told of Saul's mission which Almighty God has marked out for him. Saul is a chosen vessel to take Christ's message before kings. Ananias goes to the street which ironically named "Straight". Ramsay says in his book that it was the most crooked street in all Damascus. Ananias courageously lays his hands on Saul and restores his sight and imparts to Saul the Holy Spirit. Saul preaches Jesus in the Damascene synagogues to the astonishment of all. From there Saul goes to Jerusalem and seeks association with the believers, who shun him believing that Saul is using a ruse to get among them. Respite from persecution is granted to the ecclesias. Peter heals Aeneas at Lydda slightly inland from Joppa; then at Joppa he is shown the clothes that Dorcas had made for the widows and orphans before her decease. Peter raises her to life to continue her work and from there Peter he goes to the house of Simon the tanner. We might pose a question: Did Peter go to the house of a tanner to prepare himself to accept that ceremonial uncleanness was no longer relevant as we will see in our reading tomorrow from Acts 10?

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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 30th (2 Chronicles 28, Daniel 8, Acts 8) Oct 29, 2025

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Acts 8 records that Saul accented to Stephen's stoning and sets out on a course of destruction like an enraged bull. The objects of his persecution are the faithful believers in Christ. However, the greater the persecution, the faster the gospel spreads. Philip preaches Christ in Samaria and his testimony is supported by miracles. The city of Samaria had been bewitched by Simon the Sorcerer. However, Simon recognises the difference between his tricks and the powerful workings of the Holy Spirit. The record tells us that baptism only took place for believing adult subjects. Verse 12 provides us with a definition of the gospel - "the things concerning the kingdom of God and the things concerning the name of Jesus Christ". Although Philip could perform miracles he could not bestow the gifts - that only occurred through the laying on of the Apostles' hands. Simon seeks to buy the gifts from Peter and John and is grievously condemned for attempting this. Philip is next told to join the chariot of an Ethiopian eunuch of great authority under Candace their Queen. This eunuch was a proselyte and was reading Isaiah 53. The eunuch tells Philip that he fails to understand what the prophet spoke of. Philip commences with that chapter and explains Christ to the eunuch. No doubt Philip's preaching included the blessings from God on the eunuchs who choose the ways of God (Isaiah 56). Philip and the eunuch come to sufficient water for immersion. Philip explains to the eunuch that providing he has a wholehearted belief in Christ he may be baptised. Note how the record says that they both went down into the water and came up out of it together. The eunuch continues on his way rejoicing; but Philip is immediately snatched away to Azotus some 40 kilometres distant - the Lord having further work for Philip to do there.

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Daily Readings & Thought for October 28th. “UNLESS WE FIND IT IN …” Oct 28, 2025

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In Daniel Ch. 6 today we saw clear evidence that this wonderful man, now in his old age, was a man who had a regular prayer life, probably now more intense than ever. We read of those who are jealous of the opinion the king holds of him and how they look for ways to discredit his loyalty to the king. They confer together and decide; “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.” [v.5]

They persuade the King to issue an ordinance banning the making of petitions (i.e. prayers) “to any God or man for 30 days except to you O King” [v.7]. Now “when Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God as he had done previously.” [v.10]

Those jealous of the respect the king had for him reported this matter to him. Because the king’s laws were treated as immutable their report led to Daniel being put into the Lion’s Den; his miraculous preservation followed.

The most significant lesson in this story for us is that Daniel was a man of constant prayer, daily in communion with the only true God.

In chapter 10 we will read of his distress at the awesome visions given to him: a heavenly being then comes and says, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you: be strong and of good courage.” [v.19]

In our Acts reading, we noted the reasons why the disciples decide to appoint deacons. The number of believers being baptised and joining the church had become so many that there is need for more and more organisation. With their appointment the disciples now said, “we will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word” [6 v.4]

This is an example to the effective operation of ecclesias – and a cause for reflection on the part of ‘elders.’ It also reminds us how those baptised on the day of Pentecost “devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers.” [2 v.42] How well are we following these examples? What are the grounds of complaint against us? Are there any that are parallel to those made against Daniel?

Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 29th (2 Chronicles 26, 27, Daniel 7, Acts 7) Oct 28, 2025

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Stephen's words highlight the words of Jesus that WHERE we worship is not important; true worshippers must worship in "spirit and truth" wherever they are: John 4 verses 21-24. Once again their persistent hard heartedness and their resistance to God had been evidenced in their crucifixion of God's Holy Son. At this point the hostile audience gnash - grind their teeth in anger - upon Stephen and drawing him outside the city to stone him. In his dying moment Stephen is granted a vision of the Son of Man, from Daniel 7 returning to set up his kingdom. He prays for their forgiveness - but omits Jesus' words that 'they knew not what they were doing'. Stephen asks that the spirit of his testimony be received as a witness of his life.

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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 28th (2 Chronicles 25, Daniel 6, Acts 5, 6) Oct 27, 2025

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1 Timothy 3:15-16 is based on Daniel 6. Acts 4 spoke of Barnabas' generous act in selling land and donating the proceeds to the ecclesial common cause. Barnabas may well have been the rich young ruler of Matthew 19. In Acts 5 couple named: Ananias and Sapphira, want the ecclesia's acclaim without giving all of the proceeds of their sale of land. It was their right to do with their money as they pleased. Their sin lay in lying - attempting to deceive God and other believers. It cost them their lives and was a great wake-up call to the ecclesia. We are told from verse 12 of the mighty signs that support the Apostles' preaching The chapter says that Peter and John are arrested and put in the public prison overnight. The angel of the Lord comes and releases those 2 Apostles and tells them to continue to proclaim "the words of life". At daybreak Peter and John were enthusiastically preaching in the temple. The Apostles are rearrested by the officers, but this time quietly for fear of the people and once more the Jewish Council forbids them to preach full stop. The Apostles' answer in verse 29 is a message to believers for all time, "We must obey God rather than men". Their bold testimony was an evidence that they were Jesus' disciples. Gamaliel counsels his peers to desist from opposing, or harming, the Apostles, since historical evidence - Gamaliel asserts - always showed that what was not from God was doomed to fail. In chapter 6 we have a complaint from the Hellenistic believers that their widows were not being treated fairly in the daily distribution of help. Seven faithful believers of Grecian background were chosen to rectify the matter. One of the seven, Stephen, was seized by the Jewish rulers and falsely accused of speaking words against Moses and the temple. False witnesses are secured and tell lies against Stephen. Those members of the Council behold Stephen's angelic appearance and demeanour.

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*MUST SEE* Milestones Bible Prophecy Update Oct 2025 'The future role of the Catholic Church' Oct 26, 2025

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A @Christadelphians Video:In this thought-provoking and insightful Milestones Bible Prophecy Update, we examine the future role of the Catholic Church in the unfolding of end-times events. Building on Part 1, this expositional presentation delves into Scripture to reveal how current Middle East dynamics and Vatican policies align with ancient prophecies concerning a final confederacy against Israel. We explore the significant shift in Vatican stance towards Israel and the Palestinians, the rise of 'Palestinian Liberation Theology', and the powerful symbolism in recent Papal visits. This analysis, presented by Brother Don Pearce, provides an outstanding look at how Bible prophecy is being outworked in our generation, pointing to the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ.**Chapters / Timestamps:**00:00 - Introduction00:50 - Preparing the Flock: A First-Century Warning02:03 - The Scattering of the Jews and the Rebirth of Israel03:00 - [Revealing] The Vatican as a Prophesied Enemy of Israel04:04 - The Papacy and the "Man of Sin"05:01 - Pope Francis and the Shift in Vatican Policy06:21 - Liberation Theology: Redefining Jesus and the Bible08:25 - Symbolism and Imagery: The Erasure of Jewish Heritage12:33 - The EU, The Church, and a United Power14:47 - Historical Papal Opposition to a Jewish Homeland15:35 - Daniel 2: The Prophetic Image and its Final Stage17:15 - Revelation 17: The Scarlet Woman and Babylon the Great20:13 - "Mother Church": The Titles and Claims of Rome21:51 - Pope Leo: A New Agenda and Vatican Finances24:54 - Revelation 18: The Merchants of the Earth25:22 - Conclusion**📖 Bible Verses Featured:**🕍 Daniel 2📖 2 Thessalonians 2🕍 Revelation 17📖 Revelation 18🕍 Revelation 19**Tags:**Bible prophecy, End times, Catholic Church prophecy, Israel prophecy, Middle East news, Vatican, Book of Revelation, Daniel 2, Christadelphian, Bible teaching, Bible Standard, Don Pearce, Prophecy update 2025As a Christadelphian team, we're passionate about delivering powerful, Scripture-based content to strengthen and inspire your faith journey. If this presentation resonated with you, help spread the encouragement—share it with a friend today

Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 27th (2 Chronicles 24, Daniel 5, Acts 3, 4) Oct 26, 2025

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In Acts 3 we have the healing of the crippled man, who was lame from birth and more than 40 years old (4:22). This healing has many parallels with the testy of the crippled man at the pool of Bethesda in John 5. The crippled man represents Israel and their inability to walk before their God. Peter commands the lame man to fix his gaze on them, which he does expecting alms. The crippled man receives far greater -he receives healing and discipleship. And walking, and leaping, and praising God he enters the templewith Peter and John. Remarkable words of witness follow with the testimony of Peter that there is noother name given under heaven by which salvation can come than our Lord Jesus Christ. Buddhism, Hinduism and all other isms cannot save. Our Lord was the stone rejected by men, but chosen and precious to God (Psalm 118:22). Peter outlines in verses 19-26 what they must do. The rulers sendofficers in chapter 4 to arrest Peter and John. Note that the number of disciples had now reached 5,000. They were examined by the Counsel and commanded to refrain from preaching Christ Jesus. TheApostles' response is that: "We cannot cease from doing what the Almighty has commanded us". Peter and John are threatened and released. Upon joining their fellow believers, the two Apostles together withtheir assembled brothers praise the LORD and in prayer speak of what had just happened as being a fulfilment of Psalm 2. Their Sovereign's response to their prayer is a shaking of the house they were in. God is further demonstrating His power in support of their testimony. This was given as yet another

endorsement by their God of His guarantee to support his ecclesia's faithful testimony. The spirit of unity and community is spoken of in verses 32-37. Oh, for such a spirit among believers today!

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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 26th (2 Chronicles 23; Daniel 4; Acts 2) Oct 25, 2025

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2 Chronicles 23 tells of the courage of Jehoiadah the high priest in supporting the coronation of Joash - aged 8 - in defiance of the wicked usurper, Athaliah. Armed Levites surround the young king as he enters the temple. Joash is crowned to the acclamation: "God save the king". When this happens the evil usurper Athaliah cries - "Treason". That wicked woman is taken from the temple precinct and summarily executed. Jehoiadah now begins many reforms. He purges the idols from the land and ensures that all the people of Judah worship Yahweh 'in the beauty of holiness'. In Daniel 4 we have the acknowledgment by Nebuchadnezzar of the Almighty's everlasting kingdom. The Babylonian king is given a second dream of the luxuriant and sustaining tree which is described in verses 10-18. In the dream the tree is cut down and bound with rings of bronze and iron for a period of 2,520 day/years. In verses 19-26 Daniel interprets the dream and tells Nebuchadnezzar that it contains a personal message for him. The Babylonian king's enemies would rejoice in the out working of the dream. The judgment of which Daniel spoke to the king could be averted by Nebuchadnezzar humbling himselfbefore the Almighty and repenting (v27). Twelve months later when the king of Babylon is glorying in his great accomplishments the sentence was carried out as his PRIDE vaunts itself. In that very hour Nebuchadnezzar is stricken with madness and for seven years the king is turned into a brute beast. Theking's malady is called lycanthropy. Nebuchadnezzar's sanity only returned when the king acknowledges that "The Most High rules in the kingdom of men and sets up over it whoever He chooses". Read aloud verses 34-37 - pause and ponder.Acts 2 speaks of the day that commenced Pentecost - literally 50 days after the waiving of the sheaf of the first fruits on the third day after the Passover. Pentecost is known by the Jews as 'The Feast of Weeks' (the day following the marking off of seven weeks from Passover). Multitudes from every known country in the Roman world had been in Jerusalem for Passover (Edersheim suggests that there may have been three and a half million people present at that time). It was the perfect day to start witnessing for Christ. The phenomenon of the pouring out and resting of the Holy Spirit, in the form of a mighty rushing wind and resting on the Apostles in the form of cloven tongues of fir, was witnessed by many. The Apostles then began to speak in the dialects of the visitors to Jerusalem - at least 15 are named - as a sign to the assembled multitude that what the multitude were witnessing was from God. Verses 6, 8 and 11 indicate that the miraculous event was that of hearing. The crowds thought that the Apostles were drunk. Peter says that this could not be the case, but rather the phenomenon was a fulfilment of the prophecy of Joel 2 verses 28-32. Read aloud those verses from Joel - pause and ponder. Peter preaches Christ as approved among them by God in the witness of miracles and a sinless and raised Saviour in the evidence of the empty tomb. Jesus is indeed the LORD's Holy One. A repentant response was needed from the conscience-smitten crowd and this is evident in their plea of verse 37. Peter instructs those seeking a covering for sins to repent and be baptised i.e. be fully immersed in water and they would receive the

promise of the spirit i.e. salvation (consider Joel 2 verse 32). Three thousand respond and join the community of believers who constantly met in fellowship and unity. The ecclesia's expectations are outlined in verses 42-47.

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Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 25th (2 Chronicles 21, 22, Daniel 3, Acts 1) Oct 24, 2025

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In 2 Chronicles 21 Jehoram succeeds his father Jehoshaphat and rules for 8 inglorious and evil years. Judah's king commences his reign by killing all his brothers. It was said of this king of Judah that he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel - this is because his wife was Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Edom revolts and sets up their own ruler. A letter comes from the prophet Elijah and strongly rebukes Jehoram and prophesies of the disease which would kill Jehoram - a disgusting sort of dysentery that causes his bowels to fall out after two years of suffering. During this time the Philistines and Arabians invade Judah and ransack the king's house. In 2 Chronicles 22 we read that the people of Judah make Ahaziah, the youngest son of Jehoram, king at the age of 22. Ahaziah is evil like his great grandfather Omri and was no doubt controlled and directed by his mother, Athaliah. King Joram, of Israel, makes war with the Syrians and is seriously wounded. Ahaziah goes to visit his uncle in Jezreel; where he is met and slain by Jehu; whom God had appointed to destroy all of Ahab's offspring. Ahaziah is buried out of respect for Jehoshaphat. Athaliah now takes control of the throne of Judah. Athaliah likewise destroys all the seed Royal in Judah with the exception of Joash, who was hidden in the temple for six years by his faithful aunt Jehoshabeath and her husband the high priest, Jehoiadah. Daniel 3 speaks of Nebuchadnezzar's defiance of the vision presented to him. On the plain of Dura, just outside Babylon, the Chaldean king sets up an image made entirely of gold. The height of this image is about 35 metres and its breadth 3.5 metres - these dimensions suggest it was probably placed on a plinth. All the dignitaries from every province which king Nebuchadnezzar ruled were assembled and commanded to bow down and worship when the orchestra plays. The penalty for disobeying would be to be cast into a fiery furnace. Daniel's 3 friends disobey the king. These three friends were not prepared to submit to the command of a mere mortal man when there was a greater principle at stake - "we ought to obey God rather than man" (Acts 5 verse29). These faithful servants of Yahweh are given a second opportunity to comply. They politely refuse and are cast into the furnace, which was so hot that it kills the officers who cast them into the furnace. The three faithful men walk around in the furnace. The king sees with

them a fourth individual - the angel of God. When they emerge from the furnace they were not even singed, nor could the smell of fire be detected. Nebuchadnezzar is astounded and commands that all of his realm the worship the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - read aloud verses 28-30 Pause and Ponder. (Daniel must not have been present in Babylon at this time). Acts is Luke's second account - compare Luke 1 verses 1-4 with Acts 1 verses 1-3. Luke 24 closes with Jesus' ascension compare that to account the Acts 1 account which commences with the same event. Luke's first record closes with Jesus praying as he is taken to heaven as does Acts 1. For 40 days Jesus spoke with his disciples of the kingdom of God on earth, as the reconstituted kingdom of Israel. The only question the Apostles had was "Is the time for the kingdom now?" The time, as verse 7 indicates, is known only by Jesus' Father. By AD 96 when the book of Revelation is written Jesus then knew this time. But based on Jesus' commission for them to preach to the entire world it would obviously be some time distant. And following the words of the angels in recorded in verses 9-11 that kingdom would not come until our Lord's return to earth. From verses 12 to 26 a replacement is appointed for Judas, whose behaviour was the subject of prophecy - Psalm 109:8 (in fact it is instructive to read the entire Psalm as it will provide us with an insight as to what motivated Judas). That successor is named as Matthias.

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