Justin Houtz

Leviticus 17, Acts 18

DateVersionReading Plan
April 17, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Leviticus 17

Observation

The LORD spoke to Moses to speak to Aaron and the people that if anyone (native or sojourner among them) kills and animal inside or outside the camp but does not bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting to offer it as a sacrifice would incur bloodguilt (Lev. 17:1-4). According to the FSB, this must be read in light of Deuteronomy 12:

While Deuteronomy 12:5–14 affirms the requirement for sacrifices to be brought to the proper place of worship, Deuteronomy makes it clear that non-sacrificial slaughter was permitted (Deut 12:15–16). A sacrificial animal may be slaughtered for food and not brought as a sacrifice as long as the proper procedures are followed concerning disposal of the blood (compare Lev 17:10–14). This concession can be explained by the different geographical and historical context of Deuteronomy. In Leviticus, all Israel is together in the wilderness. In Deuteronomy, the community is spread out throughout the land with many being too far from the central place of worship.

The people were commanded specifically not to offer sacrifices to goat demons (Lev. 17:7). Again, the FSB provides helpful insight on this reference by saying, “It is possible that the Israelites were offering sacrifices to divine beings thought to inhabit the desert. The prohibition here aimed to eliminate the practice and bring all sacrifice under the auspices of the priesthood.”

The LORD through Moses also said that He would set His face against anyone who ate any blood (Lev. 17:10). The life of the flesh is in the blood, given to the people to make atonement for their souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life (Lev. 17:11). Thus, no native or sojourner among them was to eat blood (Lev. 17:12) and any animal to be eaten was to have it blood poured out and covered with dust (Lev. 17:13). According to the FSB, “This ensured that the blood was not eaten by the hunter or anyone else. It may have also prevented other animals from consuming the blood.”

The people were not to eat anything that died of itself or was torn by beasts (Lev. 17:15). If someone did so, they were to wash their clothes, bathe themselves and be unclean until evening (Lev. 17:15). If such a person failed to wash his clothes or bathe his flesh, he would bear his iniquity (Lev. 17:16).

Application

Blood was forbidden to be eaten because it is the life of the creature and the means by which atonement is made. As Heb. 9:22 says, “Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” Because the wages of sin is death, either a person will spend all of time making this payment himself by his own death, or, payment must be satisfied through the shedding the blood of a worthy sacrifice. Praise be to God who paid this immeasurable cost on our behalf, that by the pouring out of Christ’s blood on the cross He gave Himself as a ransom for all.

Acts 18

Observation

The chapter continues in the description of Paul’s travels, his interactions and preaching the Word. Among these, an interesting development occurs at Acts 18:9 in which the Lord told Paul in a vision to go on speaking, to not be silent afraid, that no one would attack Paul because many of His people were in the city. The FSB points out that, “unlike his experiences in previous cities, Paul would be able to remain in Corinth to preach the gospel and not be driven away by opposition.” The Jews made an attack on Paul while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, but before Paul could speak, Gallio confronted the Jews, told them to take on the matter themselves and that he refused to be judge of such things (Acts 18:15). Gallio drove them from the tribunal and they all proceeded to seize Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, beating him in front of the tribunal while Gallio paid no attention.

Application

In the events surrounding Paul, the tribunal, Gallio and the Jews, we see God’s work in carving a path for Paul’s ministerial endeavors. The Lord had told Paul that no one would attack him and we see this made manifest in Gallio’s address of the Jews and his driving them from the tribunal. We read next that Paul stayed many days longer before taking leave of the brothers and setting sail for Syria.

Paul undoubtedly encountered much affliction during his missionary journeys, but the Lord was with him, opening routes and providing opportunities for fruitful evangelism. In the same way, the Lord guides the steps of His children. May we be as Paul to seize every opportunity we are given, abiding in faithfulness to our calling as His ambassadors.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that by the precious blood of Your Son our sins are washed clean. Oh precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow. No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus. Father, how wonderful are You to be the Light to our path, preserving and guiding the saints in the proclamation of the gospel.

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