The physician Luke wrote how the church in Jerusalem, “ sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord”, and in chapter eleven and verse twenty-five of the book of Acts Luke shared, “then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul” where we read:
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
The verse begins, “Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, ...” Luke began with the words, “then departed” which means “at that time left and went forth” “Barnabas” whose name means “son of rest” and was “the surname of Joses or Joseph, a Levite, a native of Cyprus and was a distinguished Christian teacher and companion and colleague of Paul” “to Tarsus” which means “toward Tarsus which means a flat basket and was a major city in Cilicia and the birthplace and early home of Paul”. Luke shared how “Barnabas” left Jerusalem to go to the city of “Tarsus”.
The verse continues, “... for to seek Saul:” Luke added the words, “for to seek” which means “to make a diligent search for” “Saul” whose name means “desired” and was “the Jewish name of the apostle Paul”. Luke shared how “Barnabas” went to “Tarsus” to search diligently for “Saul”.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Barnabas” left “Antioch” and traveled to “Tarsus” where he knew “Saul” was living. We shall see what “Barnabas” had in mind in our next few verses, but for now let us be mindful that God was at work spreading His “gospel” throughout the world. God used “Barnabas” to spread His word, and He would employ “Saul” as well. Anyone who yields themselves to Jesus will be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and used in His Kingdom to share His “good news” of “salvation through His Son Jesus” to the world.
Next time Luke shares how Barnabas brought Saul, “unto Antioch”, 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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