The beloved physician Luke wrote how Claudius Lysias wrote a letter to the governor Felix, and afterwards soldiers, “took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle. Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him. And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia: I will hear you, said he, when your accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall. And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse two of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “Tertullus began to accuse Paul” where we read:
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 thy providence,
The verse begins, “And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, ...” Luke began with the words, “and when he was called forth” which means “and at the time and moment he, Paul, was summoned and invited”, “Tertullus began” or “Tertullus whose name means triple hardened started and initiated” “to accuse him” which means “to bring an extra-judicial accusation against Paul”, “saying” or “uttering, declaring and proclaiming the following words. Luke shared how “Terrullus” started to bring charges against “Paul” once he appeared before Felix and the Sanhedrin.
The verse goes on to say, “... Seeing that by you we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by your providence,” Luke continued with the words, “seeing that by you” which means “ by means of you, governor Felix” “we enjoy great quietness” or “we, the Jewish people, chance to be, are met with, attain and obtain abundant calm and tranquility”, “and that very worthy deeds are done” which means “and that right actions, successful achievements and wholesome public measures or institutions have come into existence, happened, arisen and appeared” “unto this nation or “toward the multitude of individuals of the same nature or genus” “by your province” which means “through and by means of your, Felix's, forethought, providential care and provision”. Luke shared how “Tertullas” began his speech with appreciation toward “Felix the governor” for the calm and tranquility in which the Jewish people lived as well as the right actions and successful achievements that transpired because of his forethought.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Tertullus” began to bring his accusations against “Paul” by first acknowledging the benefits “Felix the governor” brought to the “Jewish people”. Because of his forethought, according to Tertullus, the Jewish people enjoyed calm, quiet and abundant actions toward them. We discover the skill in “Tertullus'” speech as he did not come out with accusations against “Paul” right away, but insured that “Felix” knew they appreciated his efforts toward them. Little did “Tertullus” know his speech was leading to the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and although he thought himself to be making a great case against “Paul”, God would use his words to bring about another opportunity for the good news of Jesus to be told again. God's desire is to save every person who will yield to His Son Jesus, and when they do, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. Those who are wise will carefully study this speech of “Tertullus” and understand he was being used by the Almighty God to spread His gospel again.
Next time Luke shares how Tertullus says, “We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix”, 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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