The beloved physician Luke shared how Paul, “came to Ephesus, and left” the others with him “there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews”, and in chapter eighteen and verse twenty of the book of Acts Luke shared when the Ephesians desired Paul, “to tarry longer time with them, he consented not” where we read:
When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
The verse reads, “When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, ...”: Luke began with the words, “when they desired him” which means “at the time and moment the people in Ephesus requested, entreated, begged and beseeched Paul” “to tarry longer time” or “to stay, remain, sojourn and continue to be present for a greater amount of time” “with them” which means “alongside and beside the people in Ephesus”. Luke shared how the people in “Ephesus” wanted “Paul” to stay with them for a while longer.
The verse continues, “... he consented not;” Luke added the word, “he” which refers to “Paul” “consented not” which means “did not assent or give his approval to them”. Luke shared how “Paul” did not agree to stay with the people of “Ephesus” as they desired.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the people in “Ephesus” wanted “Paul” to remain with them for a little while longer, but he did not give his consent to them. We can infer that the people in “Ephesus” enjoyed “Paul's” presence, and because he brought them the gospel of Jesus Christ and the filling of the Holy Spirit, we can imagine their desire for him to stay. God loves to relate to people, and when they surrender themselves to His Son Jesus, they will be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and enjoy a personal relationship with Him. Let all who examine these words know and understand the passion of these “Ephesians” as they yielded themselves to the purpose and plan of God the Heavenly Father.
Next time Luke shares how Paul, “bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that comes in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you”, 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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