The beloved physician Luke shared how Paul and Barnabas were in Iconium, and “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”, and in chapter fourteen and verse two of the book of Acts Luke shared about Paul and Barnabas, “the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles”, where we read:
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles,
and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
The verse begins, “But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, ...” Luke began with the words, “but the unbelieving Jews” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the Jewish people by origin, birth or religion who were not persuaded, rejected and refused to believe the gospel” “stirred up the Gentiles” or “raised up and excited the multitudes of individuals of the same nature or genus who were pagans or heathen”. Luke shared how the Jewish people who did not believe Paul and Barnabas' word began to “rouse up” the “pagan” “Gentile” people in opposition to them.
The verse goes on to say, “... and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.” Luke continued with the words, “and made their minds” which means “and made the seat of the feelings, desires, affections and aversions of the Gentile people to be” “evil affected” which means “afflicted, harmed, embittered, exasperated and hurt” “against the brethren” or “in opposition to the brothers who were united to one another by the bond of affection”. Luke shared how the Jewish people who were in opposition to Paul and Barnabas began to pollute the minds of the “Gentiles” against them.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the “gospel of Jesus Christ” was met with opposition again. Though Paul, Barnabas and their companions were sharing the way to salvation and eternal life, the Jewish people would have none of it. God knew there would be people who refuse and reject His Son Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”, but He sent Him anyway and continues to spread the message of His “good news” even unto this day. God loves everyone, and those who are wise will not reject Him or His Son Jesus and shall never oppose those who bring His message of salvation and forgiveness of sins.
Next time Luke shares how Paul and Barnabas were, “speaking boldly in the Lord”, 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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