The physician Luke wrote, “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people”, and in chapter six and verse nine of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “there arose certain of the synagogue … disputing with Stephen” where we read:
Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
The verse begins, “Then there arose certain of the synagogue, ...” Luke began with the words, “then there arose” which means “at that time raised up and appeared” “certain of the synagogue” or “particular ones belonging to the assembly, gathering and congregation”. Luke referred to particular people who belonged to the “assembly and gathering” in a worship place.
The verse continues, “... which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, ...” Luke added the words, “which is called” which means “that is named and known as” “the synagogue of the Libertines” or “the assembly, gathering and congregation belonging to the ones who had been liberated from slavery and were freed men”, “and Cyrenians” which means “and natives of Cyrene”, “and Alexandrians” or “and natives or residents of Alexandria in Egypt”, “and of them of Cilicia” or “and pertaining to the people from the land of Celix which is a maritime province in the southeast of Asia Minor which boarders on Pamphylia in the west, Lycaonia and Cappadocia in the north and Syria in the east. Its capital, Tarsus, was the birth place of Paul” “and of Asia” which means “and from the orient which was Asia proper or proconsular Asia embracing Mysia, Lydia, Phrygia, and Caria and corresponding closely to Turkey today”. Luke shared how there were liberated men and natives of Cyrene, Alexandria, Celix and Asia who were assembled in this synagogue.
Finally the verse says, “disputing with Stephen”. Luke finished this verse by sharing, “disputing” or “examining, discussing and questioning” “with Stephen” which means “alongside and toward Stephen whose name means crowned”. Luke completed his words by writing that these people were “questioning and examining Stephen”.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the people within this “synagogue” were from places all around, and they were “examining” “Stephen”. “Stephen” performed “wonders and miracles” among the people, and yet, they did not trust him and felt he needed to be “examined”. Even though “Stephen” was being used by God, it did not exempt him from being questioned by this crowd. We shall see more of this investigation in our next verses, but for now, let us admire “Stephen's” belief and trust in Jesus as well as his willingness to be used by the Lord to spread His gospel. “Stephen” was used by God, but it did not exempt him from being on trial for his faith. This should serve to inspire and warn everyone who yields their life to Jesus and encourage them to trust Him regardless of what comes their way.
Next time Luke shares how the synagogue leaders, “were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke”, 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".
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