Justin Houtz

Leviticus 8, Acts 9

DateVersionReading Plan
April 8, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Leviticus 8

Observation

The chapter depicts what the LORD spoke through Moses to anoint and consecrate Aaron, his sons and the elements of the tabernacle. By command of the LORD, Moses brought Aaron and his sons to be washed with water and clothed with priestly garments (Lev. 8:5-9). Moses anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it with anointing oil and clothed Aaron and his sons (Lev. 8:10-13). Moses then brought bull for the sin offering, killed it, placed its blood on the horns of the altar and poured out blood at its base to consecrate it and make atonement for it (Lev. 8:14-15). According to the FSB, “This purification is the initial cleansing of the altar. Prior to this ceremony, the altar was not suitable for worship since it was made with human hands. The altar, the tabernacle, and all the items needed for priestly service had to undergo an initial purification to be acceptable for use in God’s service.”

Moses then presented the ram for burnt offering and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the ram (Lev. 8:18). Moses killed the ram and performed burnt offering process as a pleasing aroma to the LORD (Lev. 8:19-21). He then presented the other ram, the ram of ordination, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram (Lev. 8:22). Moses killed the ram and placed some of its blood on the lobe of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand and the big toe of his right foot (Lev. 8:23). This he also did for Aaron’s sons and also threw the blood against the sides of the altar (Lev. 8:24). More details are given as to the procedure of wave offering, burnt offering and ordination offering (Lev. 8:25-29).

Moses took some of the anointing oil and blood that was on the altar and sprinkled it on Aaron, his sons and their garments to consecrate them and their garments (Lev. 8:30). Moses instructed Aaron and his sons on what he had been commanded and that they were not to go outside of the tent of meeting for seven days as it would take seven days to ordain them (Lev. 8:33). Aaron and his sons did all that the LORD commanded by Moses (Lev. 8:36).

Application

The BBC makes note of important observation made by Matthew Henry regarding the ordination of priests in the Old Testament:

But after all the ceremonies that were used in their consecration, there was one point of ratification which was reserved to be the honour and establishment of Christ’s priesthood, which was this, that they were made priests without an oath, but Christ with an oath (Heb. 7:21), for neither such priests nor their priesthood could continue, but Christ’s is a perpetual and unchangeable priesthood.

It is helpful to reflect on Jesus’ perpetual priesthood, that He is a priest forever. Through His sacrifice was complete atonement made for sin and in Himself is our glorious High Priest, able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Acts 9

Observation

Saul was still breathing threats against the disciples of the Lord and asked the high priest for letters to the synagogues at Damascus to bring any belonging to the Way bound to Jerusalem (Acts 9:1-2). As Saul approached Damascus, a light suddenly fell from the sky and Saul heard the voice of Jesus ask why Saul was persecuting Him (Acts 9:3-4). Jesus identified Himself and told Saul to enter the city and that he would be told what to do (Acts 9:6). Men traveling with Saul were speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one (Acts 9:7). Saul arose and was blind despite his eyes being open. He was led into Damascus where he was without sight and neither ate nor drank (Acts 9:9).

A disciple at Damascus, Ananias, was told by the Lord in a vision that he was to rise and look for a man named Saul at the house of Judas (Acts 9:11). He was told that Saul had seen in a vision a man named Ananias come and lay his hands on him so that he may receive his sight (Acts 9:12). Ananias answered the Lord with some trepidation and that he had heard about the evil Saul had done to His saints in Jerusalem (Acts 9:14). The Lord instructed Ananias to go as Saul was to be His instrument to carry His name before the Gentiles, kings and children of Israel. The Lord would show Saul how much he must suffer for the sake of Jesus’ name (Acts 9:16). Ananias did so, found Saul, laid his hands on him and Saul’s sight was restored. Saul rose and was baptized, took food and was strengthened (Acts 9:17-19).

Saul was with the disciples for some days and immediate proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 9:20). All who heard him were amazed and asked whether this was the same man who had made havoc in Jerusalem. They received him with skepticism, but Saul increased in strength and confounded the Jews, proving that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 9:22)

After many days, the Jews plotted to kill Saul, watching the gates day and night (Acts 9:23-24). However, Saul’s disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket (Acts 9:25).

When Saul came to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples, they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple (Acts 9:26). Barnabas advocated for Saul to the disciples and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:27). Saul went in and out among the disciples at Jerusalem, boldly preaching the name of the Lord (Acts 9:28). The church throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria had peace and were being built up, walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit multiplied (Acts 9:31).

Luke then records two instance of healing and restoration, first with the healing of Aeneas and then the restoration of Dorcas’ life, both by Peter (Acts 9:32-41). Peter stayed in Joppa many days with Simon, the tanner (Acts 9:43)

Application

The conversion of Paul and the building of gospel-preaching is remarkable. Initially received with skeptical amazement, Paul grew in strength and confounded unbelieving Jews, eventually infuriating them to the point that they sought to take his life. Paul’s story is powerful testimony of the radical regenerative and transformative work of Christ through His Spirit.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are awesome in wonder and glory. How amazing it is to rejoice in Your Son who gave Himself as a ransom for many. Thank You that by Your Word we can be refreshed in the truth that no one is beyond Your sovereign, redemptive reach.

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