The beloved physician Luke wrote about Paul being taken to Felix the governor in Caesarea when, “the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by you we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by your providence, We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto you, I pray you that you would hear us of your clemency a few words”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse five of the book of Acts Luke shared how “Tertullus” told Felix, “we have found this man a pestilent fellow” where we read:
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
The verse begins, “For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, ...” Luke began with the words, “for we have found this man” which means “because, since and on account that we, the Jewish people, have discovered, understood and recognized this male human being, Paul” “a pestilent fellow” or “like unto a plague or disease”, “and a mover of sedition” which means “and one who causes disturbances, riots and commotions” “among all the Jews” or “within each, every, the whole and everyone of the people in the Jewish nation as respects to birth, origin or religion” “throughout the world” which means “within all the inhabited earth or globe”. Luke shared how “Tertullus” told “Felix” the Jewish people discovered that “Paul” was like a “disease” who caused disturbances and riots among all the Jewish people within the inhabited earth.
The verse continues, “... and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:” Luke added the words, “and a ringleader” which means “and one who stands in the front rank as chief and champion” “of the sect” or “belonging to the body of men following their own tenets such as the Sadducees, Pharisees or Christians” “of the Nazarenes” which means “belonging to the inhabitants of Nazareth whose name means one separated”. Luke shared how “Tertullus” accused “Paul” of being a “front rank champion” of a religious group belonging to the inhabitants of “Nazareth”.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn why “Tertullus” and the other Jewish leaders were bringing accusations against “Paul”. They believed “Paul” was like a “disease” who was a “chief champion” of those who belonged to a particular religious group who were “Nazarenes”. This was “Tertullus” and the Jewish leaders' evaluation of “Paul”, however, God saw “Paul” as His servant who would spread His “gospel” throughout the Gentile world. God loves people, and regardless of others' evaluations against them, He wants them to have a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus. Anyone who comes to Jesus by believing and trusting in Him as their “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. Those who are wise will align with God's assessment of them and disregard any appraisal of others that are in opposition to His.
Next time Luke shares how Tertullus tells Felix Paul has, “gone about to profane the temple”, 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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