Luke the beloved physician shared how “Paul the apostle” was waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens, and “his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seems to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof you speak, is?”, and in chapter seventeen and verse twenty of the book of Acts Luke shared how the Epicureans and Stoics told Paul, “you bring certain strange things to our ears” where we read:
For you bring certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
The verse begins, “For you bring certain strange things to our ears:” Luke began with the words, “for you bring certain things” which means “because, since and on account that you, Paul, carry particular inward, surprising and astonishing ideas” “to our ears” or “to the physical ears of the philosophers”. Luke shared how the “philosophers” acknowledged that “Paul” carried within him foreign thoughts and ideas to them.
The verse goes on to say, “we would know therefore what these things mean.” Luke continued with the words, “we would know therefore” or “we, the philosophers, desire, crave and want to learn, become acquainted with and understand then, wherefore and on this account” “what these things mean” which means “what these ideas intend, have in mind, resolve and purpose”. Luke shared how the “philosophers” desired to know what the “intention and purpose” was for the ideas “Paul” was presenting.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the “philosophers” in Athens knew “Paul” was presenting ideas with which they were unfamiliar. They wanted “Paul” to share with them so they might understand what he was telling them. “Paul's” mission was to share the “good news” of God's salvation through His Son Jesus with anyone who would listen to him. This gave him a great opportunity to share with these educated people. God loves everyone, and whether they were “educated or not”, “Paul” shared with them all. Anyone, regardless of their educational background, who believes and trusts in Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. Let all who read these words be as curious about “Paul's” words as these “philosophers” and surrender to Jesus when they discover He is God's Messiah and only begotten Son.
Next time Luke shares how, “the Athenians and strangers … spent their time”, 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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