Saul Brought to Caesarea - Acts 9:30

The physician Luke wrote, “when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him”, and in chapter nine and verse thirty of the book of Acts Luke shared “when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea” where we read:

Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

The verse begins, “Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, ...” Luke began with the words, “which when the brethren knew” which means “and at the time and moment the fellow believers in Jesus understood, perceived and were thoroughly acquainted with the idea of people wanting Saul killed”, “they brought him down” or “the fellow believers in Jesus lead and carried Saul ” “to Caesarea” which means “to Caesarea whose name means severed and was known as Caesarea of Palestine was built near the Mediterranean by Herod the Great on the site of Strabo's Tower, between Joppa and Dora. It was provided with a magnificent harbor and had conferred upon it the name of Caesarea, in honor of Augustus. It was the residence of Roman procurators, and the majority of its inhabitants were Greeks”. Luke shared how the fellow believers in Jesus knew how people wanted to kill “Saul” so they moved him to “Caesarea”.

The verse continues, “... and sent him forth to Tarsus.” Luke added the words, “and sent him forth” which means “and dispatched or dismissed Saul” “to Tarsus” or “to Tarsus which means a flat basket and was a major city in Cilicia and the birthplace and early home of Saul or Paul”. Luke shared how the fellow believers in Jesus dispatched “Saul” to “Tarsus” which was his place of origin.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the “fellow believers” in Jesus heard that people wanted to “kill” “Saul”, so they moved him away from Jerusalem to the area of “Caesarea” and further on to his home town of “Tarsus”. The church was active in preserving “Saul” after they knew he was a believer in Jesus. God's people worked together to dispatch “Saul” to another area, and in doing so, preserved his life. God loves people, and He had a plan to spread his gospel throughout the world. “Saul” was to be employed to preach and teach the word of God, and through the people in the church, God saved “Saul” so His word would continue to whosoever would believe.

Next time Luke shares, “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified”, 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".

 

Speaking Boldly in the Name of Jesus - Acts 9:29

Luke the physician wrote, “when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-nine of the book of Acts Luke shared how Saul, “spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus” where we read:

And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians:

but they went about to slay him.

The verse begins, “And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians:” Luke began with the words, “and he spoke boldly” which means “and Saul uttered, declared and proclaimed in a bold and courageous manner” “in the name of the Lord Jesus” or “in the name and everything which the name covers including the thoughts or feelings which are aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing and remembering”, “and disputed against the Grecians” which means “discussed, controverted, questioned and reasoned toward and in regards to the Hellenist or ones who imitate the manners, customs and worship of the Greeks”. Luke shared how “Saul” continued to “boldly” share the gospel in “Jesus' name” and he “discussed and reasoned” with the “Hellenist Greeks” who were among them.

The verse goes on to say, “but they went about to slay him.” Luke continued with the words, “but they went about” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the Grecians undertook and took in hand” “to slay him” or “to destroy, abolished and rid themselves of Saul”. Luke shared how the people to whom “Saul” shared the gospel of Jesus wanted to “kill” him.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Saul” continued to boldly preach to the “Jews and Gentiles”, however, they did not believe him and wanted him to die. This may seem extreme upon first impression, but this happened to Jesus and He said those who follow Him would experience the same. God loves people, and His desire is to have a personal relationship with everyone through His Son Jesus. When they submit themselves to Him as their personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. Though “persecution” may occur, those who share the gospel of Jesus will be rewarded by Him for all eternity.

Next time Luke shares, “when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea”, 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".

 

Coming in and Out at Jerusalem - Acts 9:28

Luke the physician wrote, “when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-eight of the book of Acts Luke shared how Saul was, “coming in and going out at Jerusalem” where we read:

And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

The verse begins, “And he was with them ...” Luke began with the words, “and he” which means “and Saul” “was with them” or “was alongside and beside the apostles of Jesus”. Luke shared how “Saul” joined the “apostles of Jesus” and stayed with them.

The verse continues, “... coming in and going out at Jerusalem.” Luke added the words, “coming in” which means “entering” “and going out” or “and exiting” “at Jerusalem” which means “at the city of Jerusalem whose name means set you double peace and is the capital of Palestine”. Luke shared how “Saul” entered and exited “Jerusalem” along with the “apostles of Jesus”.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Barnabas” persuaded the “apostles of Jesus” that “Saul” was truly converted as a believer in Jesus, and now he traveled alongside them. The “apostles” of Jesus entered and exited the city of “Jerusalem”, and “Saul” was in their company. God has a wonderful way of changing people who are opposed to Him and His Son Jesus into people who promote the very ones they were against. God loves people, and when they submit their lives to Him as their personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive their sins, grant them everlasting life and use them in His Kingdom alongside others who believe.

Next time Luke shares how Saul, “spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus”, 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".

 

Barnabas Cares for Saul - Acts 9:27

Luke the physician wrote, “when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-seven of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles” where we read:

But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

The verse begins, “But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, ...” Luke began with the words, “but Barnabas took him” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover Barnabas, whose name means son of rest and was the surname of Joses or Joseph, a Levite, a native of Cyprus He was a distinguished Christian teacher and companion and colleague of Paul, lay hold of, attained to and helped Saul”, “and brought him” or “ and lead Saul” “to the apostles” which means “to the delegates, messengers and ones sent forth from Jesus”. Luke shared how “Barnabas” interceded for “Saul” and carried him to the “apostles” of Jesus.

The verse goes on to say, “... and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him,” Luke continued with the words, “and declared unto them” which means “and related, showed and described to the apostles” “how he had seen the Lord” or “the manner in which Saul observed, saw and beheld the One to whom a person or thing belongs about which he has power of deciding; master, and the title given to God the Messiah” “in the way” which means “along the traveled road or passageway”, “and that he had spoken to him” or “and that the Lord spoke to Saul”. Luke shared how “Barnabas” recounted “Saul's” story about observing the Lord Jesus while traveling to “Damascus” and how the “Lord” spoke to him there.

Finally the verse says, “... and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.” Luke ended the verse with the words, “and how he had preached boldly” or “and the way and manner in which Saul announced, proclaimed and uttered confidently” “at Damascus” which means “in the city of Damascus whose name means silent is the sackcloth weaver and was one of the most ancient and most important cities of Syria lying in a most lovely and fertile plain at the eastern base of the Antilibanus” “in the name of Jesus” or “in the name and everything which the name covers including the thoughts or feelings of which are aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering belonging to Jesus whose name means Jehovah is Salvation and is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate”. Luke shared how “Barnabas” also told Jesus' “apostles” how “Saul” proclaimed the “good news” of Jesus Christ by employing His name in a “bold” manner.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Barnabas” became a mediator between “Saul” and the “apostles of Jesus”. The “apostles” knew “Saul's” reputation for arresting and killing the believers in Jesus, and they were fearful of him. “Barnabas” told them about “Saul's” transformation, and his “bold preaching” while employing the name of Jesus in the city of Damascus. God changed “Saul”, but people were leery about his conversion. Many people have “doubts” about a person who has truly given their life to Jesus Christ, especially when the person had a reputation that was wicked or in opposition to God. God loves people, and He offers them “salvation” from the penalty for their sins when they believe and trust in His Son Jesus. Anyone can be changed, and those who intercede for them become mediators like Barnabas between the believers and non-believers in Jesus Christ.

Next time Luke shares how Saul was, “coming in and going out at Jerusalem”, 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".

 

Saul Wanting to Join the Disciples - Acts 9:26

Luke the physician wrote how, “Saul was certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came here for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him. But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-six of the book of Acts Luke shared how Saul, “assayed to join himself to the disciples” where we read:

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples:

but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

The verse begins, “And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples:” Luke began with the words, “and when Saul was come to Jerusalem” which means “and at the time and moment Saul, whose name means desired and was the Jewish name for Paul, approached and came near to Jerusalem whose name means set you double peace and is the capital of Palestine”, “he assayed to join himself” or “Saul attempted and was of the mind to fasten, cleave and keep company his own self” “to the disciples” which means “toward the students, pupils and attendants of Jesus”. Luke shared how “Saul” approached “Jerusalem” and wanted to “keep company” with the “disciples” of Jesus there.

The verse goes on to say, “but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.” Luke continued with the words, “but they were all afraid of him” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the disciples of Jesus were each, every, the whole and everyone of them in fear, put to flight and venerated by Saul”, “and believed not” or “and did not have the faith, trust or confidence” “that he was a disciple” which means “that Saul existed as a student, pupil and attendant of Jesus”. Luke shared how the “disciples” of Jesus were in fear of “Saul” because they did not “trust” that he was actually a “believer and disciple” of Jesus.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn after “Saul” escaped “Damascus”, he went to “Jerusalem” where he desired to “keep company” with the “disciples of Jesus” there. This was a problem for the “disciples of Jesus” because they knew the reputation of “Saul” who previously arrested and consented to the death of Jesus' followers. We shall see how this is remedied in our next verse, but for now, we should understand that not everyone will “believe” the change that has occurred within a person who puts their faith in Jesus as their “Savior and Lord”. Reputation is huge in the minds of those who have known the life-style and behavior of people before they come to Christ Jesus, and only when God forgives and alters them completely do people see a transformation. God loves people, and He is able to take those who are in opposition to Him and His Son Jesus and make them believers and disciples of Him. Let all who read these words carefully examine these things and yield themselves to Him.

Next time Luke shares how, “Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles”, 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".