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".
No comments:
Post a Comment