Luke the beloved physician wrote how Paul spoke to the people in the synagogue in Antioch about Jesus' death, burial and resurrection, and said, “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins. And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses”, and in chapter thirteen and verse forty of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul said, “beware therefore”, where we read:
Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
The verse begins, “Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, ...” Luke began with the words, “Beware therefore” which means “see, discern, descry and perceive then, wherefore, on this account and consequently”, “lest that come upon you” or “unless the following overtakes, attacks or influences you, people in the synagogue”. Luke shared how “Paul” began to warn the people in the synagogue concerning the following overtaking them.
The verse goes on to say, “... which is spoken of in the prophets;” Luke continued with the words, “which is spoken of” which means “that is uttered, declared and proclaimed” “in the prophets” which means “within the writings of the men who were moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organs or spokesmen who solemnly declared to men what they received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation”. Luke shared how “Paul's” warning was for the people in the synagogue not to be overtaken by the words that were written by the “prophets” of old.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn that “Paul” felt a need to “warn” the people in the synagogue against being influenced in a manner that was in keeping with declarations given by the Old Testament “prophets”. We shall see what those “prophets” said in our next verse, but for now let us understand what they said is important in a person's life. God's desire is to have a loving personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus, and when they submit themselves to Him, they will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life. God wants to keep people from eternal death and destruction, and anyone who surrenders their life to Jesus will align with His passion and will for all mankind.
Next time Luke shares how Paul says, “behold, you despisers, and wonder, and perish”, 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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