The beloved physician Luke wrote how there was a large commotion in Ephesus over Demetrius the silversmith coming against the teachings of Paul, and “after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, and there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus”, and in chapter twenty and verse five of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “these going before tarried for us at Troas” where we read:
These going before tarried for us at Troas.
The verse begins, “These going before ...” Luke began with the word, “these” which means “the men traveling and accompanying Paul” “going before” or “traveling and journeying in advance” to the places to which they were traveling did the following. Luke shared how the men who “accompanied” Paul went to the places to which he would travel in advance of him arriving.
The verse goes on to say, “... tarried for us at Troas.” Luke continued with the words, “tarried for us” which means “waited, remained and continued for Paul, Luke and the others with them” “at Troas” or “in a city near Hellespont whose name means a Trojan”. Luke shared how the men who were accompanying “Paul” waited for him and his other traveling companions in the city of “Troas”.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the men whom Luke listed went to “Troas” in advance of “Paul” and those with him arriving there. Luke used the word “us” as he once again included himself in “Paul's” entourage who traveled with him to share the gospel throughout the world. “Luke” was a “physician”, and it is thought that it was a benefit to “Paul” and those with him to have a “doctor” along with them in their travels. “Physicians” were “servants” in those days, and not only was “Luke” interested and skilled in medicine, he was also determined to be a part of sharing the “good news” of salvation through Jesus Christ to everyone who would receive Him. God loves everybody, and He uses people from all walks of life to be “witnesses” unto Him. God will forgive the sins of everyone who yields to Jesus, grant them everlasting life and employ all who desire to be used in His Kingdom. Let those who read these words “Come” to Jesus and allow Him to use them in any way He deems necessary.
Next time Luke shared how Paul and the men with him, “sailed away from Philippi”, 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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