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. Who also has gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, commanding his accusers to come unto you: by examining of whom yourself may take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse nine of the book of Acts Luke shared how Tertullus told Felix, “the Jews also assented” where we read:
And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
The verse begins, “And the Jews also assented, ...” Luke began with the words, “and the Jews” which means “and the people of the Jewish nation as respects to origin, birth or religion” “also assented” or “even so and indeed agreed, joined together and concurred”. Luke shared how “Tertullus” told “Felix the governor” the “Jewish people” also agreed to the charges brought against “Paul”.
The verse continues, “... saying that these things were so.” Luke added the words, “saying that these things” which means “uttering, declaring and proclaiming that the charges and complaints against Paul” “were so” or “existed as truthful and valid”. Luke shared how “Tertullus” told “Felix” that the “Jewish people” also declared the complaints against “Paul” to be true.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Tertullus” wanted “Felix” to know that the “Jewish people” were also in agreement with the charges against “Paul”. They said so, and now “Tertullus” and the other Jewish members of the “Sanhedrin” were appointed to bring their cause against “Paul” to “Felix”. This final argument brought against “Paul” by “Tertullus” was to demonstrate the widespread knowledge of how he violated the Jewish rule. Little did he know, “Tertullus” was being used by God to give “Paul” an opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with “Felix” and all who were in attendance in his court. God loves people, and His desire is for everyone to have a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus. When they submit to him, whether they are high ranking officials or not, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life with Him in Heaven. Those who are wise will see God working behind the scenes of this encounter with “Felix” and yield themselves to His Son Jesus as their “Savior and Lord”.
Next time Luke shares how Paul tells Felix, “Forasmuch as I know that you have been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself”, 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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