Luke the beloved physician 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. 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”, and in chapter fourteen and verse four of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “the multitude of the city was divided”, where we read:
But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
The verse begins, “But the multitude of the city was divided:” Luke began with the words, “but the multitude of the city” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the large and abundant group of people within the abode, habitation, town and dwelling place” “was divided” or “was split into faction and cleaved asunder”. Luke shared how the people within the “dwelling place” of “Iconium” were “split into factions” over “Paul and Barnabas” message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The verse goes on to say, “and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.” Luke continued with the words, “and part held with the Jews” which means “and a portion of the people agreed with the people who belonged to the Jewish nation by birth, origin and religion”, “and part with the apostles” which means “and a portion of the people agreed with Jesus' delegates, messengers and ones sent forth”. Luke shared how some of the people sided with the “Jewish people” and others “agreed” with the “apostles of Jesus”.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn more about the “division” among the people in “Iconium”. Some of them agreed with the “Jewish people” who came against the gospel of Jesus Christ, and others sided with the “apostles” who promoted it. Jesus said, “straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it” (See Matthew 7:14), and not everyone will receive God's “gospel of salvation” through Jesus. They oppose God's plan to their own eternal demise, but God continues to offer them His “saving grace” and “forgiveness of sins” if they will only believe and trust in His Son Jesus. Those who are wise will choose to believe the “apostles” and never be known as those who are in opposition to the “saving” message of God.
Next time Luke shares how, “there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews”, 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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