Elijah or One of the Old Prophets? - Luke 9:8

The beloved physician Luke wrote, “Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead”, and in chapter nine and verse eight of his book Luke shared how some people thought, “that Elias had appeared” where we read:

And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

The verse reads, “And of some, that Elias had appeared;” Luke began with the words, “and of some” or “and another group of people thought”, “that Elias” which means “that Elijah the prophet whose name means my God is Jehovah” “had appeared” or “shined, was resplendent and seen”. Luke shared how other people thought there was an “appearance” of Elijah the prophet on the scene.

The verse goes on to say, “and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.” Luke added the words, “and of others” which means “and still other people thought and declared”, “that one of the old prophets” or “that another of the old testament prophets who were moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman who solemnly declared to men what they received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation” “was risen again” which means “had aroused and been resurrected from the dead”. Luke shared how another group of people thought that one of the Old Testament “prophets” was resurrected from the dead.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we see how people were attempting to understand how Jesus was able to perform all His miracles. Jesus' words were unlike any the people heard before, and the news of Him, His works and His declarations were widespread. God wants everyone to know His Son Jesus came into the world to “save” people from their sins so they would no longer be separated from Him. Those who believe and trust in Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins, enjoy a relationship with God and be granted everlasting life with Him.

Next time Luke shares how Herod says, “John have I beheaded: but who is this?, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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".