The physician Luke wrote, “in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look you out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them”, and in chapter six and verse seven of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied” where we read:
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly;
and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
The verse begins, “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly;” Luke began with the words, “and the word of God increased” which means “and the speech, mandate, decree and doctrine belonging to the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”; “and the number of the disciples” or “and the reckoned amount of people who became the pupils, students and attendants of Jesus” “multiplied in Jerusalem greatly” which means “increased and abounded exceedingly in the city of Jerusalem whose name means set you double peace”. Luke shared how “God's word” of the gospel was spreading, and more people were becoming believers in Jesus Christ.
The verse continues, “and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Luke added the words, “and a great company” which means “and a large crowd or multitude” “of the priests” or “belonging to the ones who offered sacrifices and in general in busied with sacred rites” “were obedient to the faith” which means “listened, hearkened and submitted to the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things and is the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ”. Luke shared how a large group of the “spiritual leaders” who were “priests” became believers in Jesus as their “Savior and Lord”.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “the gospel of Jesus Christ” was spreading to more people, and this caused many of them to become “pupils, students and attendants” of Jesus Christ. The impact of God's word being preached and taught was so effective that even a large number of the “priests” were becoming followers of Jesus. God's desire is to have a personal relationship with everyone through His Son Jesus, and when they submit their lives to Him, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. Let all who read these words follow the example of those who listened and hearkened to the “word of God” and become believers in Jesus as their “Savior and Lord”.
Next time Luke shares about, “Stephen, full of faith and power”, 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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