John the apostle wrote, “there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.”, and in chapter one and verse one of the book of Acts the physician Luke wrote “of all that Jesus began both to do and teach” where we read:
The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.
The verse begins, “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, ...” Luke began with the words, “the former treatise” which means “the true, certain and sure chief in influence, degree, mandate, order and declaration” “have I made” or “have I, Luke the physician, made ready, produced and prepared”, “O Theophilus” which refers to “O Theophilus which means friend of God”. Luke referred to a previous account he had written to “Theophilus”.
The verse goes on to say, “... of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.” John continued with the words, “of all that Jesus” or “pertaining to each, every, the whole and everything that Jesus whose name means Jehovah is Salvation and is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “began both to do” which means “started and commenced to perform, make ready and produce” “and teach” or “and impart instruction, instill doctrine, explain and expound”. Luke shared how his previous writing concerned everything that “Jesus” did and taught while He was on the earth.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how he previously wrote to this person or group known as “Theophilus” concerning everything that Jesus did and taught among people while He was on the earth. (This writing was the gospel of Luke). “Theophilus” could have been a particular individual or it could have been a reference to the “friends of God” who are believers in Jesus. Whichever the case, these words of Luke tell what happened after Jesus was raised from the dead, and it gives those who read it the idea that God desires to have a personal relationship with every person in the world. As Luke the physician wrote his account of the continuation of the gospel, let all who read these words realize by believing and trusting in Jesus they will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. Those who are wise will carefully study this book of Acts and allow Luke's words to penetrate their hearts and minds.
Next time Luke shares how Jesus did and taught these things, “until the day in which he was taken up”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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