The beloved physician Luke shared how Paul and Barnabas, “went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren”, and in chapter fourteen and verse three of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul and Barnabas were, “speaking boldly in the Lord”, where we read:
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
The verse begins, “Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, ...” Luke began with the words, “long time therefore” which means “for a great and large amount of time, wherefore, then, consequently and on this account” “abode they speaking boldly” or “Paul and Barnabas continued to spend time uttering, declaring and proclaiming freely and with confidence and assurance” “in the Lord” which means “before the One to whom a person or thing belongs about which he has power of deciding; master, and the title given to God the Messiah”, “which gave testimony” or “who were witnesses and presented honorable and good reports” “unto the word of his grace” which means “toward the utterance, declaration and proclamation pertaining to God's delight, charm, loveliness and unmerited favor”. Luke shared that although Paul and Barnabas faced opposition to the “gospel”, they continued speaking with “boldness” and giving witness to the people in Iconium concerning “God's grace”.
The verse continues, “... and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” Luke added the words, “and granted signs” which means “and gave, bestowed, furnished and supplied marks, tokens and miracles” “and wonders” which means “and supernatural prodigy and portents” “to be done by their hands” or “that were performed, made ready and produce through the physical hands of Paul and Barnabas”. Luke shared how Paul and Barnabas also performed “signs and wonders” among the people in Iconium as they declared the gospel.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul and Barnabas” continued to “speak boldly” in the city of Iconium even though they faced opposition for doing so. They also produced supernatural “signs and wonders” as they ministered among the people which gave their words credibility. God desires to have a personal relationship with every person, and when they yield to His Son Jesus as their “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. Those who share the “gospel of Jesus Christ” may face opposition in their efforts, but as God the Heavenly Father and His Holy Spirit work through them, they may continue to “boldly” declare His message of “salvation” to the world.
Next time Luke shares how, “the multitude of the city was divided”, 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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