The beloved physician Luke wrote how Claudius Lysias wrote a letter to the governor Felix about Paul the apostle, 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 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,”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse three of the book of Acts Luke shared how “Tertullus” told Felix, “we accept it always, and in all places” where we read:
We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness
The verse begins, “We accept it always, and in all places, ...” Luke began with the words, “we accept it always” which means “we, Jewish people, receive and welcome gladly the great quietness and worthy deeds done by Felix to them, wholly, in all respects and at all times”, “and in all places” or “and within each, every, the whole and everyone of the locations where the Jewish people live”. Luke shared how “Tertullus” continued expressing his gratitude for all “Felix the governor” did for the Jewish people.
The verse continues, “... most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.” Luke added the words, “most noble Felix” which means “mightiest, strongest, most illustrious and best Felix whose name means happy who was a Roman procurator of Judea appointed by the emperor Claudius in A.D. 53. He ruled the province in a mean, cruel, and profligate manner”, “with all thankfulness” or “having, holding and giving of thanks and grateful language”. Luke shared how “Tortullus” referred to the “might and strength” of “Felix” to whom he was grateful for all he did for the Jewish people.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Tertullus” continued to present his introduction to Felix the governor as he brought charges against “Paul”. His first words were meant to have “Felix” be comfortable so he would side with him in his accusations, and by expressing his appreciation and gratitude to “Felix” for all he did for the Jewish people, the likelihood of “Felix” doing what he desired with “Paul” would be implemented. God used all these things to bring His “good news” of salvation through His Son Jesus to the world. Anyone who yields themselves to Jesus as their “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. Those who are wise will “come” to Jesus and fulfill the desire of God to live with Him throughout eternity.
Next time Luke shares how Tertullus asks Felix to, “hear us of your clemency a few words”, 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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