The beloved physician Luke shared while Paul was in the city of Corinth the Lord spoke, “to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not your peace. For I am with you, and no man shall set on you to hurt you: for I have much people in this city. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, saying, This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law. And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O you Jews, reason would that I should bear with you”, and in chapter eighteen and verse fifteen of the book of Acts Luke shared how Gallio said, “if it be a question of words and names … look you to it? where we read:
But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look you to it;
for I will be no judge of such matters.
The verse reads, “But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look you to it;”: Luke began with the words, “but if it be a question of words” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover whether your cause against Paul is a debate pertaining to speeches, decrees or mandates” “and names” or “and what one is called or known as”, “and of your law” which means “and pertaining to your, the Jewish people who accused Paul, rule producing a state approved of God”, “look you to it” or “you Jewish people see about and attended to your own law”. Luke shared how “Gallio” told the Jewish people who accosted Paul and brought him to the judgment seat that they should attend to their own “law” if this is why they brought “Paul” to him.
The verse goes on to say, “for I will be no judge of such matters.” Luke continued with the words, “for I will be no judge” or “because, since and on account that I, Gallio, will not deliberate, have purpose or be minded” “of such matters” which means “pertaining to the things which belong to Jewish laws”. Luke shared how “Gallio” told the “Jewish people” who brought “Paul” before him that he would not deliberate or be minded toward the “matters” pertaining to “Jewish” laws.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we discover that “Gallio” basically dismissed the case the “Jewish people” brought against “Paul”. He told them he would not attend to “matters” of their “law”, and we shall see how he reacts to their bringing “Paul” to him in our next verse. God's desire is to have a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus. God's “law” showed people their sinfulness (See Romans 7:7), and anyone who measures themselves against the “law of God” will discover how sinful they are. Sin results in death and separation from God, and that is why He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross to pay the penalty of death of all mankind. Anyone who believes and trusts in Jesus will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life. Those who are wise will carefully examine “Gallio's” words and understand his refusal to “judge” according to the “Jewish law” was a precursor to everyone understanding their own sinfulness and need for Jesus.
Next time Luke shares how Gallio, “drove them out of the judgment seat”, 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".
No comments:
Post a Comment