Luke the physician wrote, “in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea. Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul”, and in chapter twelve and verse one of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church” where we read:
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
The verse begins, “Now about that time Herod the king ...” Luke began with the words, “now about that time” which means “moreover at around that time period” “Herod” which refers to “the name of a royal family that flourished among the Jews in the times of Christ and the Apostles whose name means heroic” “the king” which means “the leader of the people, prince, commander and lord of the land”. Luke shared how “Herod” the ruler did the following at that time.
The verse continues, “... stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.” Luke added the words, “stretched for his hands” which means “put his mind toward, threw himself upon and rushed to place his physical hands” “to vex certain of the church” or “toward oppressing, afflicting, harming and maltreating particular believers within the assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting”. Luke shared how “Herod” began to put his mind toward “oppressing and afflicting” believers in Jesus who belonged to His “church”.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn about more “persecution” that was beginning for the “church” of Jesus. “Herod”, who was the leader of that area, decided to “oppress and afflict” the believers, and this would not only fulfill what Jesus said to them, but also be a test to their “trust and faith” in Him. God loves people, and His purposes are “eternal” in nature. In order for anyone to have a personal relationship with God, they must submit themselves to His Son Jesus, and after they receive Him, there is no guarantee it will not come without persecution. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (See John 16:33)
Next time we see Luke share how Herod, “killed James the brother of John with the sword”, 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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