The beloved physician Luke wrote how Paul began to give defense for himself before a hostile Jewish crowd in Hebrew by saying, “I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as you all are this day. And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest does bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come near unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecute you me? And I answered, Who are you, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spoke to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told you of all things which are appointed for you to do. And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus”, and in chapter twenty-two and verse twelve of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul told about, “one Ananias … had a good report of all the Jews” where we read:
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law,
having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
The verse begins, “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, ...” Luke began with the words, “and one Ananias” which means “and a particular person named Ananias whose name means whom Jehovah has graciously given”, “a devout man” or “a pious and dutiful male human being” “according to the law” which means “toward the rule producing a state approved of God”. Luke shared how “Paul” mentioned a “pious man” whose name was “Ananias” and was “dutiful” toward “God's law”.
The verse continues, “... having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,” Luke added the words, “having a good report” which means “who was honorable and had a well given testimony and witness” “of all the Jews” or “by each, every, the whole and everyone of the people in the Jewish nation as respects to birth, origin or religion” “which dwelt there” which means “who lived, abode, and settled in Damascus”. Luke shared how “Ananias” was an “honorable” man with a good “witness” among the “Jewish” people.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn about a “pious and devout” man named “Ananias” who had a good reputation among the Jewish people. “Ananias” was obedient toward the “law of God”, and those who knew him, respected him. “Paul” spoke of this man to the hostile Jewish multitude, and because it was part of his story, “Paul” thought it might have an impact upon those who were in the crowd. God loves people, and when they submit themselves to His Son Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”, He forgives their sins, promises them eternal life and grants gifts and reputations to them like “Ananias”. God employed “Paul” and “Ananias” in His Kingdom work, and He use anyone who submits to His Son Jesus.
Next time Luke shares how Paul says Ananias, “Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive your sight”, 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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