Luke the beloved physician shared how Paul told a lame man at Lystra to stand upright, and the man leaped up and walked. Luke continued,“when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, and saying, Sirs, why do you these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that you should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein”, and in chapter fourteen and verse sixteen of the book of Acts Luke shared how God, “suffered all nations to walk in their own ways”, where we read:
Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
The verse begins, “Who in times past suffered all nations ...” Luke began with the words, “who in times past” which means “who, God Almighty, in the ages behind their time” “suffered all nations” or “allowed and permitted each, every, the whole and everyone of the heathen and pagan tribes, people groups and multitudes of individuals who were of the same nature or genus” to act in the following way. Luke shared how “Paul” referred to the way God allowed and permitted people from “every nation” to do the following.
The verse goes on to say, “... to walk in their own ways.” Luke continued with the words, “to walk” or “to pursue their journey, continue and lead their lives” “in their own ways” which means “within the people of the nations' own personal paths, journeys and course of conduct”. Luke shared how “Paul” said God Almighty allowed the people of the “pagan nations” to conduct themselves in any way they desired.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we see how “Paul” directed the people of “Lystra” to know how “God Almighty” allowed people from “every nation” to conduct themselves in any way they desired. However, this was not to continue because most of their ways would lead them to an eternal separation from God. God loves people, and He wants to have a personal relationship with everyone through His Son Jesus. Jesus came to die for the sins of all mankind, and when a person yields themselves to Jesus, He will forgive their sins and permit them to relate to this Holy God. Those who are wise will carefully examine the words of “Paul” and understand, God wants them to turn from their “vanities” and worship Him as the true and powerful God.
Next time Luke shares how God, “left not himself without witness”, 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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