The beloved physician Luke wrote how, “Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had worked among the Gentiles by his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law. And they are informed of you, that you teach all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs”, and in chapter twenty-one and verse twenty-two of the book of Acts Luke shared how the Jews asked Paul, “what is it therefore?” where we read:
What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that you are come.
The verse begins, “What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together:” Luke began with the words, “what is it therefore” which means “because of the Jews knowing that Paul taught the Jewish people who lived among the Gentiles concerning the law of Moses and their customs, what was James and the elders in Jerusalem to do”? “The multitude must needs” or “the crowd or assembly of Jewish people doubtless and with certainty will” “come together” which means “assemble and gather together”. Luke shared how “James and the elders in Jerusalem” questioned “Paul” as to what they should do because the “Jewish people” were certain to assemble over the issue.
The verse continues, “for they will hear that you are come.” Luke added the words, “for they will hear” which means “because, since and on account that the Jewish people will be endowed with the faculty for hearing, perceiving and understanding” “that you are come” or “ that you, Paul, have arose and appeared”. Luke shared how “James and the elders in Jerusalem” knew the “Jewish people” would “hear” that “Paul” was in Jerusalem.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “James and the elders in Jerusalem” knew the “Jewish people” would gather together because they “heard” that “Paul” taught the “Jewish people” among the Gentiles that they did not have to observe the “law of Moses” nor the “customs” he gave them. We shall see how they solve this dilemma in our next few verses, but for now let us understand that firmly held “traditions and rules” are difficult to release when they have been followed for years. God came to set people free from the “sin” of disobedience to His law, and when they surrender their lives to Jesus, they will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God in Heaven. Let all who read these words and surrender to Jesus who alone is able to save them for all eternity.
Next time Luke shares how the Jews tell Paul, “Do therefore this that we say to 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".
No comments:
Post a Comment