Luke the physician wrote how Peter spoke to the people who gathered together after lame man at the temple was healed, and many “which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, ...”, and in chapter four and verse six of the book of Acts Luke shared how the religious leaders, “were gathered together at Jerusalem” where we read:
And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander,
and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
The verse begins, “And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, ...” Luke began with the words, “and Annas the high priest” which means “and Annas whose name means humble and was the chief and high priest of the Jews, elevated to the priesthood by Quirinius the governor of Syria in the year 6 or 7 A.D., but afterwards deposed by Valerius Gratus, the procurator of Judaea, who put in his place, first Ismael, son of Phabi, and shortly after Eleazar, son of Annas”, “and Caiaphas” whose name means “as comely” and was “a high priest of the Jews appointed to that office by Valerius Gratus, governor of Judaea, after removal of Simon, son of Camith, A.D. 18, and was removed A.D. 36 by Vitellius, governor of Syria, who appointed Jonathan, son of Ananus (Annus, father-in-law of Caiaphas), his successor”, “and John” or “a certain member of the Sanhedrin whose name means Jehovah is a gracious giver”, “and Alexander” which refers to “a certain man of the kindred of the high priest whose name means man defender” did the following. Luke shared how the religious leaders who gathered included, “Annas, Caiaphas, John and Alexander”.
The verse continues, “... and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.” Luke added the words, “and as many as were of the kindred” or “as great a number and whoever was of the offspring, family, stock or tribe” “of the high priest” which means “belonging to the chief and principal leader”, “were gathered together at Jerusalem” or “were collected and assembled with one another in the city of Jerusalem that means set you double peace”. Luke shared how there were a great number of people who were relatives and personal relations of the “high priest” who were assembled together in the city of “Jerusalem”.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how this group of religious leaders including the “high priests Annas and Caiaphas” along with “John, Alexander and relatives of the high priests” assembled in Jerusalem to determine what should happen with Peter and John. Only a couple months prior to this gathering this assembly was determined to rid themselves of Jesus, and now they were having to engage His disciples. The “gospel” of Jesus Christ was to continue whether this assembly liked it or not, and it continues to this day. Those who examine the power of the “good news” of God through His Son Jesus Christ should yield to Him as their personal “Savior and Lord” rather than fight against Him. Let all who read these words submit to Jesus who provided the “good news” that is able to eternally forgive sins and grant everlasting life.
Next time Luke shares how the religious leaders ask, “by what power, or by what name, have you done this?”, 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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