The beloved physician Luke wrote how “the brethren” in Berea “sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seems to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection”, and in chapter seventeen and verse nineteen of the book of Acts Luke shared how the Epicureans and Stoics asked Paul, “May we know what this new doctrine, whereof you speak, is?” where we read:
And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying,
May we know what this new doctrine, whereof you speak, is?
The verse begins, “And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, ...” Luke began with the words, “and they took him” which means “and the philosophers seized Paul”, “and brought him” or “and carried and led Paul” “unto Areopagus” which means “to Areopagus whose name means martial peak and a rocky height in the city of Athens, opposite the western end of the Acropolis toward the west”, “saying” or “uttering, declaring and proclaiming” the following words. Luke shared how the “philosophers in Athens” captured Paul and lead him to the rocky height in Athens known as “Areopagus” or “Mars Hill”.
The verse continues, “... May we know what this new doctrine, whereof you speak, is?” Luke added the words, “may we know” or “might we, the philosophers, have the power and capability to learn, gain knowledge of, understand and perceive” “what this new doctrine” which means “what is this recent, unprecedented, novel, uncommon and unheard of teaching and instruction”, “whereof you speak, is” or “that you, Paul, are declaring, proclaiming and uttering”.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the “philosophers” gathered “Paul” unto themselves and led him to “Areopagus” where learning, instruction and discussion of ideas were shared among them. When he arrived, the group of “philosophers” wanted “Paul” to share with them concerning his “teaching or doctrine”. This was a great opportunity for “Paul” to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, and no doubt, he was excited to tell them. God loves people, and He wants to have a personal relationship with everyone through His Son Jesus. Anyone who yields themselves to Him, regardless of how philosophical they are, He will “save”. “Paul” was prepared to share with the “philosophers” on “Mars Hill”, and his words continue to have eternal meaning this day. Those who are wise will observe and obey Jesus and His plan of salvation to live forever with Him.
Next time Luke shares how the Epicureans and Stoics tell Paul, “you bring certain strange things to our ears”, 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".
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