The Word for Today with Ray: March 2023

Friday, March 31, 2023

Epicureans and Stoics - Acts 17:18

The beloved physician Luke shared how “the brethren” in Berea “sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him”, and in chapter seventeen and verse eighteen of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him” where we read:

Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seems to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

The verse begins, “Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say?” Luke began with the words, “then certain philosophers” which means “at that time particular ones given to the pursuit of wisdom and learning” “of the Epicureans” or “belonging to the ones who belong to the sect of the Epicurius the philosopher whose name means a helper or defender”, “and of the Stoics” which means “and belonging to the Stoic philosophy that the author Zeno of Citium taught at Athens”, “encountered him” or “conversed, consulted and disputed with Paul”. “And some said” which means “and a few of the Epicureans and Stoics uttered, declared, proclaimed and asked”, “What will this babbler say” or “what desire, wish, resolve and intention does this beggarly abject, vile and buffoon utter, declare and proclaim”? Luke shared how “Paul” drew the attention of the “philosophers” in “Athens”, and both the “Epicureans” and the “Stoics” gathered themselves to him to discover what he, as a buffoon, might say to them.

The verse goes on to say, “other some, He seems to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.” Luke continued with the words, “other some” or “other people were of the opinion that Paul seemed to be, was reputed and judged because”, “He seems to be a setter forth of strange gods” which means “Paul is of the opinion, accounted and determined as an announcer and proclaimer belonging to foreign, alien and unheard of divine powers or spirits”: “because he preached unto them” or “since and on account that Paul heralded, proclaimed and declared to the philosophers” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation and is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate”, “and the resurrection” which means “and the raising up of Jesus from the dead and His coming back to life again”. Luke shared how “philosophers” other than the “Epicureans and Stoics” thought “Paul” was promoting an “alien or foreign” deity because he spoke of Jesus and His resurrection.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul” drew the attention of the “philosophers” in “Athens”, and because they were always interested in the “next new idea”, they decided to hear what “Paul” had to say. This would be “Paul's” opportunity to share the good news of God's salvation through His Son Jesus, and there is no doubt “Paul” was ready to share with them. God wants everyone to know His Son Jesus, and when they believe and trust in Him, they will be forgiven of their sins and be granted everlasting life. Let all who read these words yield themselves to Jesus, philosophical or not, and align with the plan and purpose of God to save mankind from their sins.

Next time Luke shares how the Epicureans and Stoics ask Paul, “May we know what this new doctrine, whereof you speak, is?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or 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".

Paul Disputing with the Jews in Athens - Acts 17:17

Luke the beloved physician shared how, “the brethren” in Berea “sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry”, and in chapter seventeen and verse seventeen of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul, “Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, ...” where we read:

Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons,

and in the market daily with them that met with him.

The verse begins, “Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, ...” Luke began with the words, “therefore disputed he” which means “then, wherefore, consequently and these things being so Paul resolved, pondered, conversed and held discourses to argue and discuss” “in the synagogue” or “within the sacred place where an assembly of Jews formally gathered together to offer prayers and listen to the reading and expositions of the scriptures” “with the Jews” which means “alongside the Jewish people by origin, birth or religion”, “and with the devout persons” or “and alongside the religious, revered and adored people both male and female”. Luke shared how “Paul” began to “hold discourses and discussions” with the Jewish people who were religious and adored and gathered in the “synagogue” located in “Athens”.

The verse continues, “... and in the market daily with them that met with him.” Luke added the words, “and in the market daily with them” or “and within the “agora” or public place of debating, elections, trials and buying and selling every day” “that met with him” which means “who happened and by chance fell in alongside Paul”. Luke shared how “Paul” also joined himself to the people who were in the “marketplace”.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul” was motivated and driven to share the “gospel of Jesus Christ” with anyone who would listen to him. Whether they were a part of the “synagogue” or the “marketplace”, “Paul” wanted people to know God loves them, and He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for their sins. He raised Him from the dead three days later, so He could offer them everlasting life in Heaven. “Paul” knew and believed this message personally, and He desired the Jews, devout persons, people in the marketplace and everyone else to know and believe it as well.

Next time Luke shares how, “certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

A City Given to Idolatry - Acts 17:16

The beloved physician Luke shared how Paul, Silas and Timothy went to “Thessalonica” and shared the gospel with the Jews located there. After some of them believed, other non-believing Jewish people rose up against them, and “the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming there went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came there also, and stirred up the people. And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed”, and in chapter seventeen and verse sixteen of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul, “saw the city wholly given to idolatry” where we read:

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him,

when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

The verse begins, “Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, ...” Luke began with the words, “now while Paul” which means “moreover during the time Paul whose name means small or young” “waited for them” or “looked for, expected and awaited the arrival of Silas and Timothy” “at Athens” which means “in the city of Athens whose name means uncertainty and was a famous city in Greece, the capital of Attica, and the chief seat of learning and civilization during the golden period of the history of Greece”, “his spirit” or “Paul's heart and soul” “was stirred in him” which means “was irritated, provoked and aroused to anger within Paul”. Luke shared how “Paul” was “expecting” the arrival of “Silas and Timothy”, and while he “waited”, his “heart and soul” was provoked within him.

The verse goes on to say, “... when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.” Luke continued with the words, “when he saw the city” or “at the time and moment Paul observed, noticed, beheld and discerned the abode, dwelling place and habitation of Athens” “wholly given to idolatry” which means “utterly idolatrous and participating in the worship of idols”. Luke shared how “Paul” began to notice all the “idols” which were worshiped by the people in “Athens”.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul” began to observe all the idols that were worshiped by the people in “Athens” as he waited for “Silas and Timothy” to join him. This troubled “Paul” in his “spirit”, and we shall see how he reacts to this with the Jewish people in a synagogue located there in our next verse. God's desire is to turn people from “idols” to worship Him, the One True God, and He does this by helping people believe and trust in His Son Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”. People worship something, and whatever occupies their time, energy, money and attention becomes their “god” or “idol”. God sent “Paul” to “Athens” like He did to Thessalonica to turn the people there “to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (See 1 Thessalonians 1:9), and everyone who reads these words should submit themselves to Jesus and align themselves with the One True God.

Next time Luke shares how Paul, “Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, ...”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Paul Brought to Athens - Acts 17:15

Luke the beloved physician shared how Paul, Silas and Timothy went to “Thessalonica” and shared the gospel with the Jews located there. After some of them believed, other non-believing Jewish people rose up against them, and “the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming there went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came there also, and stirred up the people. And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still”, and in chapter seventeen and verse fifteen of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens” where we read:

And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

The verse begins, “And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens:” Luke began with the words, “and they that conducted Paul” which means “and the people who constituted and were appointed over Paul whose name small or little” “brought him to Athens” or “carried and lead Paul to Athens whose name means uncertainty and was a famous city in Greece, the capital of Attica, and the chief seat of learning and civilization during the golden period of the history of Greece”. Luke shared how the people who were appointed over “Paul” lead him to the city of “Athens” in Greece.

The verse continues, “and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.” Luke added the words, “and receiving a commandment” or “and laying hold of, claiming and procuring an order, charge, precept and injunction” “unto Silas” which means “to Silas whose name means woody and was a Roman citizen and the companion of the apostle Paul on several of his missionary journeys” “and Timotheus” or “and Timothy whose name means honoring God and was a resident of Lystra, apparently, whose father was a Greek and mother a Jewess; he was Paul's traveling companion and fellow laborer” “for to come to him with all speed” which means “in order and so that Silas and Timothy would arise and appear to Paul expediently and very quickly”, “they departed” or “Silas and Timothy left and went forth from Berea”. Luke shared how “Paul” secured a means of informing “Silas and Timothy” that he wanted them to be with him in “Athens”, and after they received his communication, they left “Berea” to go to where Paul was.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn that “Paul” wanted “Silas and Timothy” to join him in “Athens”, so he secured a means of communicating with them his desire. “Paul” wanted “Silas and Timothy” to come to where he was without delay. “Paul”, as we shall see, saw tremendous opportunities in “Athens”, and he wanted his fellow workers to be with him as he seized opportunity with them. God often uses groups of people to accomplish His will, and because the “gospel” of Jesus Christ is for every person in the world, Paul thought he, Silas and Timothy should be involved. God loves everybody, and when they submit themselves to His Son Jesus, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. Let all who read this desire of Paul understand God's will was at work to reach all the world with His “good news of salvation”.

Next time Luke shares how Paul, “saw the city wholly given to idolatry”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Paul Sent to the Sea - Acts 17:14

The beloved physician Luke shared how Paul, Silas and Timothy went to “Thessalonica” and shared the gospel with the Jews located there. After some of them believed, other non-believing Jewish people rose up against them, and “the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming there went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came there also, and stirred up the people”, and in chapter seventeen and verse fourteen of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea” where we read:

And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea:

but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

The verse begins, “And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea:” Luke began with the words, “and then immediately the brethren” which means “and therefore, wherefore, consequently and on this account straightway and forthwith the fellow believers who were united to one another by the bond of affection” “sent away Paul” or “dispatched and dismissed Paul whose name means small or little” “to go as it were to the sea” which means “to travel, depart and continue on his journey toward the coast”. Luke shared how the fellow believers in Jesus sent Paul away to continue his journey beside the sea coast.

The verse goes on to say, “... but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.” Luke continued with the words, “but Silas” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover Silas whose name means woody and was a Roman citizen and the companion of the apostle Paul on several of his missionary journeys” “and Timotheus” whose name means “honoring God and was a resident of Lystra, apparently, whose father was a Greek and mother a Jewess; he was Paul's traveling companion and fellow laborer” “abode there still” or “remained, tarried behind and continued in Berea”. Luke shared how “Silas and Timothy” decided to remain in “Berea”.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the believers in “Berea” encouraged “Paul” to leave their city. “Silas and Timothy” remained with them, but “Paul” was sent toward the sea coast. We should keep in mind that God was behind the scenes in all these things, and His plan of salvation for mankind was in operation. Because God loves people everywhere, Paul was sent further on the mission, and “Silas and Timothy” stayed behind to continue the work in “Berea”. Evidently “Paul”, since he was the primary teacher and preacher, was in a more threatening position, and his absence would be better for himself and the fellow believers. God wants a personal relationship with anyone who will believe and trust in His Son Jesus, and when they submit to Him, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. Let all who read these words understand the gospel of Jesus Christ was spreading so it could reach them, and when they do, let them yield to Him.

Next time Luke shares how, “they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…