The beloved physician Luke wrote how Paul told the elders in Ephesus, “behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more”, and in chapter twenty and verse twenty-six of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul said, “I am pure from the blood of all men” where we read:
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
The verse begins, “Wherefore I take you to record this day, ...” Luke began with the words, “wherefore I take you to record” which means “therefore, then, accordingly and consequently I, Paul, cite as a witness, declare solemnly and testify to you, elders in the church in Ephesus” “this day” or “upon the particular sunrise to sunset in which Paul was speaking to the elders”. Luke shared how “Paul” cited the “elders of the church in Ephesus” as witnesses to the following statement.
The verse goes on to say, “... that I am pure from the blood of all men.” Luke continued with the words, “that I am pure” which means “that I, Paul, exist as clean, ethically free, blameless and innocent” “from the blood” or “apart from the kindred and life” “of all men” which means “belonging to each, every, the whole and everyone of the people both male and female”. Luke shared how “Paul” said he was “innocent and blameless” from the life of every person.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we discover how “Paul” knew he could draw upon the testimony of the “elders” in the church in “Ephesus” that he was “innocent” from the “blood” or eternal life of every person. “Paul's” desire was to share with every person that God will save them from the penalty of sin which is death if they will only believe and trust in His Son Jesus Christ. Anyone who yields their life to Jesus will be forgiven of their sins and be granted everlasting life. This is God's message of “good news” of the “gospel” to all mankind, and “Paul” knew everyone was to given the opportunity to receive Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”. We shall see why “Paul” believed he was “blameless” in sharing with everyone in our next verse, but for now let us consider the purpose, drive and mission within him that made him want to share Jesus Christ with all people.
Next time Luke shares how Paul says, “I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God”, 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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