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…
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".
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