The beloved physician Luke shared when Paul, Barnabas and their companions came to Jerusalem, “certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed” were “saying” about the Gentiles “That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, you know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knows the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us. And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith”, and in chapter fifteen and verse ten of the book of Acts Luke shared how Peter asked, “therefore why tempt you God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciple” where we read:
Now therefore why tempt you God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples,
which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
The verse begins, “Now therefore why tempt you God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, ...” Luke began with the words, “now therefore” which means “at this present time then, wherefore and these things being so” “why tempt you God” or “for what reason or cause do you Jewish Pharisee believers endeavor, try and test the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”, “to put a yoke” which means “to lay, add and impose a burden or bondage” “upon the neck of the disciples” or “upon the physical neck or throat belonging to the pupils, students and attendants of Jesus”. Luke shared how “Peter” asked the “believing Pharisees” why they were “testing” “God” by attempting to put a restraining “burden” upon the “necks” of the believing Gentile “disciples” of Jesus.
The verse goes on to say, “... which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?” Luke continued with the words, “which neither our fathers” or “that in no way the Jewish people's male ancestors or posterity” “nor we” which means “and not in any way we, current Jewish believers” “were able to bear” or “were capable, with strength and power to carry, uphold, sustain or support”? Luke shared how “Peter” asked the “Pharisee believers” who were attempting to put a burden upon the “Gentile believers” why they would do this knowing they themselves were unable to keep the law.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Peter” was defending the “Gentile believers” by referring to the way their ancestors nor they were able to keep the “burden of the law” that was given by Moses. The “law of God” was given to show mankind the righteous way to live, however, the problem was mankind, both Jews and Gentiles” were unable to keep the law. This is why God sent His Son Jesus into the world. Jesus kept the law and did not violate it in one point, and thereby became the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. Anyone who yields themselves to Him as their personal “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. “Peter” knew the Gentiles could not keep the burden the “Pharisee believers” were attempting to put on them, and neither could the Jewish believers. Everyone needs Jesus, and those who are wise will submit to Him.
Next time Luke shares how Peter says, “we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved” 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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