The beloved physician Luke shared how, “Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches. Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek. Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek”, and in chapter sixteen and verse four of the book of Acts Luke shared, “as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep” where we read:
And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep,
that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
The verse begins, “And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, ...” Luke began with the words, “and as they went through the cities” which means “and as Paul, Silas, Timothy and the others with them traveled, journeyed and passed through the dwelling places, habitations and towns”, “they delivered them” or “Paul, Silas, Timothy and the others with them committed, commended and verbally gave the believers in those places” “the decrees for to keep” which means “the dogma, doctrine, ordinances and laws to be obeyed, followed and observed”. Luke shared how “Paul, Silas, Timothy and the others with them” went through the “cities” where believers lived and shared with them the “doctrine and ordinances” they were to observe.
The verse goes on to say, “... that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.” Luke continued with the words, “that were ordained” or “the four laws that were determined, deemed necessary and resolved” “of the apostles” which means “by Jesus' delegates, messengers and sent forth ones” “and elders” or “and senior overseers who presided over the assemblies of churches such as bishops or presbyters” “which were at Jerusalem” which means “who were located in the church in Jerusalem whose name means set you double peace and is the capital of Palestine”. Luke shared how “Paul, Silas, Timothy and those with them” promoted the “four laws” given by the “apostles and elders” who were in Jerusalem. (See Acts 15:29)
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul and Silas, along with Timothy” were consistent in their efforts to share the decision of the church in Jerusalem for the Gentile believers. In their letter to the Gentile believers, the “apostles and elders” in Jerusalem wrote, “if you abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, you shall do well” (Acts 15:29), and this message was to be presented to the churches of believers. Gods' desire is to have a personal loving 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 with Him. Afterward, they allow Jesus to be the “Lord” of their lives, and whatever he says to do or not do is to be obeyed. Those who are wise will follow the travels and mission of “Paul” and those with him and understand his efforts were to strengthen the faith of the believers in the church, and God desires the same for all who read these words.
Next time Luke shares how the church, “increased in number daily”, 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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