Acts 12:5-11, Timothy: Be Instant! (?)

That, of course, in the KJV.  The NKJV says “be ready.”  We can move on, having understood Paul’s instruction, except this word is really quite interesting in its 21x in the NT.  It means to set something in place, to place in order and thus, to be ready.  It might refer to someone being at attention, ready to do something without hesitation. Keep that in mind as we “fly” through these passages.  You will see it is a favorite term for Luke

·       Lk. 2:9: An angel of the Lord stood before the shepherds of Bethlehem.

·       Lk. 2:38: The prophetess Anna coming in that instant gave thanks to the Lord.

·       Lk. 4:39: Jesus stood over Peter’s mother-in-law, rebuked the fever and it left her.

·       Lk. 10:40: Martha, busy with serving, approached Jesus to get Mary to help.

·       Lk. 20:1: As Jesus taught in the temple and preached the gospel, the priests/scribes/elders confronted Him.

·       Lk. 21:34: Take heed not to be distracted with drunkenness and cares of this life and that Day come on you unexpectedly.

·       Lk. 24:4: At the tomb, two men in shining garments stood by the confused women.

·       Ac. 4:1: As Peter and John spoke to the people the authorities came upon them.

·       Ac. 6:12: The authorities came upon Stephen, seized him, brought him to the council.

·       Ac. 10:17; 11:11: As Peter wondered about the vision he had seen, those sent from Cornelius stood before the gate.

·       Ac. 12:7: An angel stood by Peter while in prison.

·       Ac. 17:5: The rioting mob attacked the house of Jason.

·       Ac. 22:13: Ananias came to Paul and stood and said, “receive your sight.”

·       Ac. 22:20: When Stephen was martyred Paul was standing by consenting to his death and guarding the clothes of those killing him.

·       Ac. 23:11: The Lord stood by Paul, assured him he would testify him in Rome.

·       Ac. 23:27: The Roman commander notes how he came to Paul’s aid when he was seized by the Jews.

·       Ac. 28:2: The rain was falling on island of Malta when Paul was ship-wrecked.

·       1 Thess. 5:3: When people say “Peace and safety” then sudden destruction will come upon them.

·       2 Tim. 4:2: Timothy! Be ready in season and out of season. 

·       2 Tim. 4:6: The time of Paul’s departure was at hand.