Metaphors Are Description Tools

Acts 1:12-26

12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. 15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, "Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry." 18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 "For," said Peter, "it is written in the Book of Psalms: " 'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' and, " 'May another take his place of leadership.' 21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection." 23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Key Words: Mount of Olives, Prayer, Sabbath’s day walk, number(s)

Mount of Olives is described as a two-and-a-half-mile long mountain ridge that towers over the eastern side of Jerusalem. It rises two hundred feet above the Temple Mount across the Kidron Valley. It is covered in olive trees.[1]

Prayer is dialogue between God and His people.[2] Throughout the Bible there are individuals that practiced praying as part of their daily lives. Abraham, Moses, and Joshua are a few who meaningfully prayed bringing about positive outcomes for the people. David was a mighty warrior that knew that his success was because of his fellowship and prayers to God. Solomon prayed for wisdom, but was granted much more. Jesus prayed many hours to God both day and night. The disciples continue to focus on prayer during their tribulations.

Sabbath’s day walk is equal to 5/8 of a mile.

Numbers have a meaning when they appear in Scripture. The number seven is

complete. Jesus instructs the apostle to forgive completely.[3] He selected twelve men to follow him as apostles. The Old Testament was explained in view of the twelve sons of Jacob. Last week, we read that Jesus was with the people for forty days. Forty signifies new life. It rained forty days and night. The Hebrews wandered in the desert for forty years. During both of the forty days/years the old negative aspects died and gave way for new creation to follow God.

I am not encouraging the study of numbers. I am offering interpretation background for understanding the scripture. Each reading of scripture offering a number is an area for a deeper dive into what the author is explaining. Jesus taught in parables and the Old Testament prophets spoke in metaphors. There are occasions in daily speech that information is implied. The Bible can also be seen using this form of communication. How many times last week did you use a metaphor in general conversation? It is easier than walking about with a ruler or stopwatch. As you read the Bible, look for numbers and pray for a meaning.

Bibliography

“Acts.” In Zondervan Handbook to the Bible, 643-673. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009.

Byrd, Robert O. “Olives, Mount of.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1190. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Hatchett, Randy. “Prayer.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1291-1293. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Toussaint, Stanley D. “Acts.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, 349-432. Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 1984.

[1] Robert O. Byrd, “Olives, Mount of,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1190.

[2] Randy Hatchett, “Prayer,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1291-1293.

[3] John A. Martin, “Luke”, in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck. (Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 1984), 248.