Chief Lysias Came Upon Us - Acts 24:7

The beloved physician Luke wrote about Paul being taken to Felix the governor in Caesarea when, “the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by you we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by your providence, We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto you, I pray you that you would hear us of your clemency a few words. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. Who also has gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse seven of the book of Acts Luke shared how Tertullus told Felix, “the chief captain Lysias came upon us” where we read:

But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

The verse begins, “But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, ...” Luke began with the words, “but the chief captain” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the chiliarch or Roman commander of a cohort” “Lysias” whose name means “releaser” “came upon us” which means “arose and approached us, the Jewish people who seized Paul”. Luke shared how “Tertullus” told “Felix the governor” the “Roman commander named Lysias” arose and appeared to where the Jewish people had seized “Paul”.

The verse continues, “... and with great violence took him away out of our hands, ...” Luke added the words, “and with great violence” which means “and by using mighty strength and force” “took him away” or “removed and separated Paul” “out of our hands” which means “away from our physical hands”. Luke shared how “Tertullus” told “Felix” how “Lysias, the chief captain” removed “Paul” from the hands of the Jewish people with a mighty force.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Tertullus” relayed the story of “Lysias” removing “Paul” from the violent Jewish people who captured him. It was as though “Tertullus” and the other Jewish people believed themselves to be wronged by “Lysias”, however, God actually saved “Paul” from their pernicious desires. God loves people, and He will preserve anyone when they align with His purpose and will. God wants people to know about His salvation plan through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of the whole world, and anyone who yields to Him will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God in Heaven. Those who are wise will filter through “Tertullus'” words and realize, God saved “Paul” and the Gentile world has been granted the opportunity to know God personally because of it.

Next time Luke shares how Tertullus tells Felix how Lysias was, “commanding his accusers to come unto 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".