The beloved physician Luke shared when Paul, Barnabas and their companions came to Jerusalem, “a certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed” were “saying” about the Gentile believers “That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” After much discussion among them, Peter stood up to speak, and afterward James declared, “Men and brethren, hearken unto me. Simeon has declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up. That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, says the Lord, who does all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world”, and in chapter fifteen and verse nineteen of the book of Acts Luke shared how James said, “wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them” where we read:
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
The verse begins, “Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, ...” Luke began with the words, “wherefore my sentence is” which means “therefore, then, consequently and on this account my, James', preference, opinion, resolve and decree exists as”, “that we trouble not them” or “that we, Jewish believers, do not annoy or harass the Gentile believers”. Luke shared how “James” concluded that the “Jewish believers” should not “annoy or bother” the “Gentile” believers.
The verse continues, “... which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:” Luke added the words, “which from among the Gentiles” or “who belong to the heathen, pagan and non-Jewish people who are of the same nature and genus” “are turned to God” which means “are transitioned, converted and reverting to the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Luke shared how “James” determined the “Jewish believers” should not harass the “Gentiles” who were believers in God through His Son Jesus.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “James” came to the conclusion that the “Jewish believers” should not bother the “Gentile believers” with the ideas of “circumcision” and “keeping the law of Moses”, however, they will take a further action with them which we shall see in our next few verses. God's desire is to have a loving personal relationship with every person who yields themselves to His Son Jesus, and when they submit to Him, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. Believing in, trusting in, relying upon and clinging to Jesus is all that is necessary receive God's gift of “salvation” and “grace”, and those who are wise will “turn” to Him.
Next time Luke shares how James suggests to, “write to them”, 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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