The beloved physician Luke wrote how Barnabas and Saul, “had gone through the isle unto Paphos”, and “they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus. Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith”, and in chapter thirteen and verse nine of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him” where we read:
Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
The verse begins, “Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) ...” Luke began with the words, “then Saul” which means “at that time Saul whose name means desired and was the Jewish name of the apostle Paul”, “(who also is called” or “who is known and summoned as” “Paul” which means “small or little”) did the following”. Luke shared how “Saul” who was also known as “Paul” responded to the opposition of “Elymas” to his and Barnabas' words.
The verse continues, “...filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,” Luke added the words, “filled with the Holy Ghost” which means “imbued, supplied and influenced with the sacred, pure, morally blameless and religiously and ceremonially consecrated third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, who is coequal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son”, “set his eyes on him” or “fixed his gaze upon Barjesus or Elymas”. Luke shared how “Saul”, who was also known as “Paul”, set his gaze upon “Elymas”.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Saul” stared intently at “Elymas” as he brought his opposition to the words he and Barnabas were sharing. “Sergius Paulus” the governor of “Paphos” desired to hear what they had to say, and “Elymas” was attempting to drive him away from believing them. “Saul” fixed his gaze upon “Elymas”, and we shall see what “Saul” says and does to him in our next few verses. For now, let us understand that those who are opposed to the “gospel of Jesus Christ” are known by God, and He has them within His “gaze”. Those who are wise receive His Son Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord” and will have their sins forgiven and be granted everlasting life. These shall never be known as those who oppose the “good news” of God.
Next time Luke shares how Paul says to Elymas, “O full of all subtlety and all mischief, you child of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness”, 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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