Luke the beloved physician wrote how Paul began to answer for himself 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 they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city. Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse fourteen of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul told Felix, “after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers” where we read:
But this I confess unto you, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
The verse begins, “But this I confess unto you, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, ...” Luke began with the words, “but this I confess unto you” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the following I, Paul, concede, declare and admit to you, Felix”, “that after the way” or “that following the course of conduct, manner of thinking, feeling and deciding” “which they call heresy” which means “that the Jewish people affirm, maintain and mention as dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims”, “so worship I” or “also and indeed I, Paul, serve, minister to and render religious service or homage to” “the God of my fathers” which means “the Heavenly Father God belonging to my, Paul's, forefathers, male ancestors and progenitors”. Luke shared how “Paul” admitted to “Felix” that he also “worshiped” the same “Heavenly Father God” as his accusers even though they believed he was promoting a dissension from them.
The verse goes on to say, “... believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:” Luke continued with the words, “believing all things” which means “trusting, placing confidence and having faith in each, every, the whole and everything” “which are written in the law” or “that is delineated or formed in letters on a tablet, parchment, paper or other material within the Mosaic rule producing a state approved of God” “and in the prophets” which means “and within the writings of the ones who were moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organs or spokesmen who solemnly declared to men what they received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation”. Luke shared how “Paul” said he also “trusted in” everything that was “written” in the “law” and by the “prophets”.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul” admitted following the same belief system as his accusers. He “believed” in the “law” of God, and he trusted the words of the “prophets”. “Paul's” accusers were bringing complaints against him even though he trusted in the same “law and prophets” as they did. Jesus said, “Therefore all things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12) He also said, “you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40) “Paul” followed these rules, and yet, the Jewish people brought causes against him. “Paul's” situation was meant to provide an opportunity to present the gospel of Jesus Christ with those in his audience, including Felix, and God wants everyone to have a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus. When they submit to Him, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. Those who are wise will examine carefully this “defense” of “Paul” and realize God used it to bring the gospel to all who read these words.
Next time Luke shares how Paul tells Felix how he has, “hope toward God”, 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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