The physician Luke wrote after “Saul” saw a great light and heard Jesus' voice on the way to Damascus, the Lord spoke to a man named Ananias whom He told to, “Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prays, And has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on your name. But the Lord said unto him, Go your way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto you in the way as you came, has sent me, that you might receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized”, and in chapter nine and verse nineteen of the book of Acts Luke shared concerning Saul, “when he had received meat, he was strengthened” where we read:
And when he had received meat, he was strengthened.
Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
The verse begins, “And when he had received meat, he was strengthened.” Luke began with the words, “and when he had received meat” which means “and at the time and moment Saul consumed food and nourishment”, “he was strengthened” or “Saul was made strong and invigorated”. Luke shared how “Saul” began to “eat” and was made strong in his body again.
The verse continues, “Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.” Luke added the words, “then was Saul certain days” which means “at that time Saul, whose name means desired and was the Jewish name for Paul, was some particular sunrises to sunsets” “with the disciples” or “alongside and beside the pupils, students, attendants and believers in Jesus” “which were at Damascus” which means “who were located in the city of Damascus whose name means silent is the sackcloth weaver and was one of the most ancient and most important cities of Syria lying in a most lovely and fertile plain at the eastern base of the Antilibanus”. Luke shared how “Saul” remained for a particular number of days alongside the “disciples” of Jesus who were located in “Damascus”.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Saul” consumed food, regained his strength and stayed with the “disciples” of Jesus who were in “Damascus”. This is a marvelous transformation exhibited in “Saul”. God totally altered the thinking and actions of “Saul” because he came to “Damascus” to capture the “Christians” but became one instead. Regardless of how much a person opposes a personal relationship with Jesus, when they humble themselves and repent of their sins before Him, they will be forgiven and granted everlasting life with God. The practical actions of “Saul” eating, gaining physical strength and accompanying fellow believers in Jesus are vividly presented in this portion of scripture, and those who are wise will submit to Him who alone is able to change anyone to the uttermost.
Next time Luke shares concerning Saul, “straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues”, 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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