The beloved physician Luke 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 the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so. Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that you have been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse eleven of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul told Felix, “there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship” where we read:
Because that you may understand,
that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
The verse begins, “Because that you may understand,” Luke began with the words, “because that you” which means “since and on account that you, Felix” “may understand” or “might perceive, notice and discern” the following. Luke shared how “Paul” told “Felix the governor” that he would respond to the charges against him so that he might perceive the following.
The verse continues, “that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.” Luke added the words, “that there are yet but twelve days” which means “that only twelve sunrises to sunsets have transpired” “since I went up to Jerusalem” or “from the time when I, Paul, ascended to the city of Jerusalem whose name means set you double peace and is the capital of Palestine” “for to worship” which means “to reverence and show homage to God”. Luke shared how “Paul” told “Felix the governor” that twelve days had passed since he traveled to the city of “Jerusalem” to give reverence, adoration and homage to God.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul” continued to defend himself before “Felix the governor” against the charges of “Tertullus, the Sanhedrin and the Jewish people”. “Paul” would use this occasion to share about Jesus Christ, and we shall see how he does so in our next few verses. The purpose for “Paul” sharing the gospel was so people would have the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as their personal “Savior and Lord”. When anyone submits to Him, they will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life. Let all who read these words yield themselves to Jesus and give true worship and honor to Him who alone can save.
Next time Luke shares how Paul tells Felix he was not, “disputing … or raising up the people”, 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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