The beloved physician Luke wrote how Paul began to answer for himself after “Tertullus and members of the Sanhedrin brought charges against him before Felix the governor by saying, “Forasmuch as I know that you have been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself. Because that you may understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse twelve of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul told Felix he was not, “disputing … or raising up the people” where we read:
And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man,
neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
The verse begins, “And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, ...” Luke began with the words, “and they neither found me which means “and the Jewish leaders and Jews themselves no and not in any way discovered, examined, observed nor practiced” “in the temple” or “within the sacred worship place in Jerusalem” “disputing with any man” which means “arguing, reasoning or discussing alongside or against any people whether male or female”. Luke shared how “Paul” told “Felix the governor” that his accusers did not find him in the sacred worship place in Jerusalem arguing and “disputing” with anyone.
The verse goes on to say, “... neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:” Luke continues with the words, “neither raising up the people” which means “no and not in any way with a hostile banding together, riotous gathering or troublesome throng”, “neither in the synagogues” or “no and not in any way within the sacred worship places where Jews formally gathered together to offer prayers and listen to the reading and expositions of the scriptures”, “nor in the city” which means “no and not in any way within the habitation, dwelling place or town”. Luke shared how “Paul” told “Felix” he did not initiate a riot or create a troublesome throng within the sacred worship places or in the habitation of Jewish people.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul” told “Felix” he was not arguing, having hostile conversations or bringing together a troublesome throng among the Jewish people in their “synagogues” or “city”. In other words, “Paul” was not a troublemaker or rebel rouser. God used “Paul” to share His “gospel” of “salvation” through His Son Jesus with the world, and anyone who surrenders to Jesus will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with Him. Those who are wise will understand “Paul's” role in the Kingdom of God, and yield to Jesus so they will find their place within the purpose and plan of the God of the Universe.
Next time Luke shares how Paul tells Felix, “neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me”, 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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