The beloved physician Luke shared when Paul, Barnabas and their companions came to Jerusalem, “a certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed” were “saying” about the Gentile believers “That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” After much discussion, the church in Jerusalem decided to, “send chosen men unto” Antioch with their “beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” They also wrote in a letter, “We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things. That you abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if you keep yourselves, you shall do well. Fare you well. So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle. Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation”, and in chapter fifteen and verse thirty-two of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words” where we read:
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves,
exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
The verse begins, “And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, ...” Luke began with the words, “and Judas” whose name means “he shall be praised” “and Silas” whose name means “woody” and was “a Roman citizen and the companion of the apostle Paul on several of his missionary journeys”, “being prophets” which means “existing as Ones who were moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman who solemnly declared to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation” “also themselves” or “even so and indeed” did the following. Luke shared how “Judas and Silas” also involved themselves in the ministry to the Gentile believers in Antioch.
The verse goes on to say, “... exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.” Luke continued with the words, “exhorted the brethren” or “summoned, admonished, entreated and beseeched the Gentile fellow believers who were united to each other by the bond of affection” “with many words” which means “by usage of abundant and numerous speeches, decrees and mandates”, “and confirmed them” or “and established, strengthened and rendered the Gentile believers in Antioch to be more firm in their belief”. Luke shared how “Judas and Silas” also “entreated and admonished” the Gentile believers in Antioch.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Judas and Silas”, who were also “prophets” in the church of Jerusalem, began to be involved in the teaching and instruction of the Gentile believers in Antioch. “Judas and Silas” admonished and strengthened the Gentile believer in their walk with the Lord Jesus. God loves people and desires to have a personal relationship with them through Him through His Son Jesus, and when they become believers in Him, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. Afterward they grow in their faith and trust in God as He cares for them and uses them in His Kingdom. Those who are wise will submit to Jesus and be willing to be “exhorted and confirmed” in their walk and relationship with Him.
Next time Luke shares, “after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace”, 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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