Luke the beloved physician 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. 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”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse six of the book of Acts Luke shared how Tertullus told Felix Paul has, “gone about to profane the temple” where we read:
Who also has gone about to profane the temple:
whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
The verse begins, “Who also has gone about to profane the temple:” Luke began with the words, “who also has gone about” which means “who, Paul, has even so and indeed attempted and endeavored” “to profane the temple” or “to desecrate the sacred worship place in Jerusalem”. Luke shared how “Tertullus” told “Felix the governor” that “Paul” attempted to “desecrate” the sacred “temple” located in Jerusalem.
The verse goes on to say, “whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.” Luke continued with the words, “whom we took” which means “that we, Jewish people, got possession of, seized, arrested, obtained and became a master of”, “and would have judged” or “and intended and were mindful to pronounce, deem, resolve and determine an opinion upon” “according to our law” which means “down from and toward our, the Jewish peoples', rule producing a state approved of God”. Luke shared how “Tertullus” and the other Jewish leaders would have “judge” “Paul” according to their own “rule” if they were allowed to do so.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Tertullus” continued to accuse “Paul” as he told “Felix the governor” that “Paul” went about to “desecrate” the “sacred worship place in Jerusalem”. He told “Felix” that they seized “Paul” and would have “judged” him for themselves and according to their own “rule of law”, however, they were not able to do so. We shall see why in our next verse, but for now, let us be mindful that God Himself is behind the scenes in this confrontation. God loves people, and His desire is for every person to have an opportunity to receive His Son Jesus as their “Savior and Lord”. Anyone who receives Jesus will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with Him. Sometimes there is a process for sharing the “gospel” of God, but nonetheless, God's good news is offered to everyone who is willing to listen and hear His invitation to come to Him through His Son Jesus.
Next time Luke shares how Tertullus tells Felix, “the chief captain Lysias came upon us”, 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".
No comments:
Post a Comment