Luke the beloved physician wrote how Barnabas and Saul, “had gone through the isle unto Paphos”, and “they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, and said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, you child of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand”, and in chapter thirteen and verse twelve of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul and his company, “the deputy … believed” where we read:
Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
The verse begins, “Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, ...” Luke began with the words, “then the deputy” which means “at that time the proconsul, highest officer or governor, Sergius Paulus”, “when he saw what was done” or “at the time and moment Sergius Paulus observed, noticed and discerned that which happened to Elymas”, “believed” which means “was persuaded, had confidence, believed and trusted in the gospel of Jesus Christ”. Luke shared how “Sergius Paulus” put his faith and trust in Jesus after he observed what happened to “Elymas”.
The verse goes on to say, “... being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.” Luke continued with the words, “being astonished” which means “existing as amazed, shocked and blown away” “at the doctrine” or “at the teaching and instruction” “of the Lord” which means “belonging to 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”. Luke shared how “Sergius Paulus” was amazed by the teaching of God that was shared by “Barnabas and Saul”.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Sergius Paulus” became a “believer” in Jesus after he observed what happened to “Elymas”. God's word had gone forth with power through “Barnabas and Saul”, and because their “teaching” was so amazing, “Sergius Paulus” believed. God wants every person to believe and trust in His Son Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”, and when they submit to Him, He will forgive their sins, grant them everlasting life and employ them in His Kingdom to share His “good news”. Although there may be opposition to His “doctrine”, God is in the “saving” business, and He will receive anyone who yields to His Son Jesus who died for their sins.
Next time Luke shares how Paul and his company, “came to Perga in Pamphylia”, 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".
No comments:
Post a Comment