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. But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, ...”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse eight of the book of Acts Luke shared how Tertullus told Felix, Lysias was, “commanding his accusers to come unto you” where we read:
Commanding his accusers to come unto you:
by examining of whom yourself may take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
The verse begins, “Commanding his accusers to come unto you:” Luke began with the words, “commanding his accusers” which means “ordering and inciting Paul's complainants” “to come unto you” or “to arise and appear to you, Felix”. Luke shared how “Tertullus” told “Felix the governor” that the Roman commander “Lysias” ordered “Paul's” complainants to appear before him.
The verse goes on to say, “by examining of whom yourself may take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.” Luke continued with the words, “by examining” which means “through investigating, inquiring, scrutinizing and questioning” “of whom yourself may take knowledge” or “about Paul will Felix himself understand, perceive and become thoroughly acquainted” “of all these things” which means “pertaining to each, every the whole and everything” “whereof we accuse him” for which Tertullus and the Jewish people were bringing charges against “Paul”. Luke shared how “Tertullus” told “Felix” that “Lysias” wanted him to be aware of all the charges and complaints they were bringing against “Paul”.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Tertullus” explained why he and the other Jewish people were appearing before him. “Lysias” ordered them to go to “Felix” with their complaint so he could know why they were bringing charges against “Paul”. Event by event “Tertullus, the Jewish accusers of Paul and Felix” were all being used to bring about another opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. God's desire is to “save” people from the penalty for sins which is death, and by forgiving their sins and granting them everlasting life they will live with Him forever and ever. Those who carefully study “Paul's” trial we discover the expansion of the gospel to be the reason God allowed him to experience these things.
Next time Luke shares how Tertullus tells Felix how, “the Jews also assented”, 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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