The beloved physician Luke wrote how Paul spoke to the people in the synagogue in Antioch and said, “When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think you that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there comes one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you fears God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulcher. But God raised him from the dead. And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people ...”, and in chapter thirteen and verse thirty-two of the book of Acts Luke shared to how Paul said, “we declare unto you glad tidings” where we read:
And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
The verse begins, “And we declare unto you glad tidings, ...” Luke began with the words, “and we declare unto you” which means “and we, Paul and his companions, utter and proclaim to you, people in the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia” “glad tidings” or “good and joyful news of God's kindness and the Messianic blessings”. Luke shared how “Paul” told the people in the synagogue the “good news” was what they were sharing with them.
The verse continues, “... how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,” Luke added the words, “how that the promise” which means “in which the divine announcement and assurance of good” “which was made” or “that was provided and produced”, “unto the fathers” which means “toward the male ancestors, progenitors or fore-fathers of Israel”. Luke shared how “Paul” referred to the “assurance” announced to the “fore-fathers” of Israel.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul” again referred to the prophetic words given to the “fore-fathers” of Israel. God “promised” to send a Messiah and Christ who would “save” and deliver people from their sins, and this would allow them to have a personal relationship with Him. Anyone who believes and trusts in Jesus will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. This “promise” was not only to the people of “Israel”, but also to everyone who surrenders their life to Jesus. Let all who read these words realize the “promise” of God provided to Israel is their “promise” as well, and may they respond by yielding themselves to Jesus.
Next time Luke shares how Paul refers to the Psalm that says, “You are my Son, this day have I begotten you”, 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