Coveting Nothing - Acts 20:33

The beloved physician Luke wrote how Paul told the elders in Ephesus, “I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified”, and in chapter twenty and verse thirty-three of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul tells the Ephesians, “I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel” where we read:

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

The verse begins, “I have coveted ...” Luke began with the words, “I have coveted” which means “I, Paul, have desired, longed for and lusted after” none of the following. Luke shared how “Paul” did not desire or want any of the following from the believers in Ephesus.

The verse continues, “... no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.” Luke added the words, “no man's silver” which means “not one man's silver money or cash”, “or gold” or “or gold coins, ornaments or precious things”, “or apparel” which means “or clothing, raiment, array or vestures”. Luke shared how “Paul” told the “elders in the church of Ephesus” he did not “want or desire” to have any person's valuable objects of “silver, gold or raiment”.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul” thought it was important for the “elders and believers in the church of Ephesus” to be reminded that he did not “covet” or “desire” any of the “valuables” which belonged to the church members. “Paul” considered “eternal things” as precious, and the things of earth were “temporary” at best. God loves people, and His desire is to give them “eternal” benefits, and nothing that is “temporary” has lasting value to those who follow Him. Everyone who believes and trusts in Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. Those who are wise never substitute the “temporary” for the “eternal”, and to be like “Paul” the desire for “silver, gold and apparel” of others should never be “coveted” by them.

Next time Luke shares how Paul tells the Ephesians, “ you yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or 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".