The beloved physician Luke wrote how, “Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, You know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews”, and in chapter twenty and verse twenty of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul said, “I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you” where we read:
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you,
but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
The verse begins, “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, ...” Luke began with the words, “and how I kept back nothing” which means “and the way and manner that I, Paul, did not withhold, shrink or withdraw one single word or thing” “that was profitable unto you” or “that existed as expedient, good and beneficial to you, elders and people within the church in Ephesus”. Luke shared how “Paul” referred to the way he did not withhold anything from the elders or believers within the church in Ephesus that would benefit and be good for them.
The verse continues, “... but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, ...” Luke added the words, “but have showed you” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover have announced, made known, brought tidings and rehearsed to you, elders and believers in Jesus at the church in Ephesus”, “and have taught you publicly” or “and discharged as a teacher, instructed and imparted instruction to you, church at Ephesus, in full view of all in public places”, “and from house to house” which means “and going from one dwelling place or habitation to another”. Luke shared how “Paul” also referred to the way he demonstrated and instructed them both in “public” view of everyone as well as within their homes.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul” is giving a historical account of his time with the church in “Ephesus”. He did not withhold anything from them that would be beneficial, and he openly taught them in public view of everyone and in their homes concerning the principles of the Kingdom of God. God loves everyone, and His desire is to “save” each person from the penalty for sins which is death. When they believe and trust in His Son Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life in Heaven. Those who are wise will study the words of “Paul” and understand the eternal benefits to believing in and knowing the principles and ways of Almighty God.
Next time Luke shares how Paul says he was, “testifying … repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or 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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