The beloved physician Luke wrote how Paul continued to give defense for himself before a hostile Jewish crowd in Hebrew by saying, “when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance. And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get you quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive your testimony concerning me. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on you”, and in chapter twenty-two and verse twenty of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul said, “when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death” where we read:
And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by,
and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.
The verse begins, “And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, ...” Luke began with the words, “and when the blood of your martyr” which means “and at the time and moment the physical blood of your, the Lord Jesus', recored giver and witness” “Stephen” whose name means “crowned” and was “one of the seven deacons in Jerusalem” “was shed” which means “was poured out, bestowed, gushed and spilled out”, “I also was standing by” or “I, Paul, even so and indeed was at hand and present”. Luke shared how “Paul” said he was “present” at the death of “Stephen” who was the Lord Jesus' first “martyr”.
The verse continues, “... and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.” Luke added the words, “and consenting unto his death” which means “and was pleased with and approving of Stephen's killing and murder”, “and kept the raiment” or “and watching, guarding, protecting and preserving the clothing, cloaks, mantles and tunics” “of them that slew him” which means “of the people who abolished, killed and murdered Stephen”. Luke shared how “Paul” told the Jewish people that he was “approving” of the killing and murder of “Stephen”, and he held the clothing of the people who were killing him. (See Acts 7:58)
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul” recalled his “consent” to the murder of “Stephen” who believed and trusted in Jesus Christ. He went so far as to “hold” the clothing of the people who stoned “Stephen” to death. We can imagine the continual anguish of mind this was for “Paul”, and because he was attempting to share the gospel of Jesus with the Jewish crowd, he thought identifying with their defiance to Jesus would be received among them. God knows the history of every person, and regardless of their past He is willing to forgive them of their sins and grant them everlasting life. Those who are wise will carefully examine “Paul's” testimony about his past and realize, Jesus will save anyone from their errors no matter how great they are.
Next time Luke shares how Paul says the Lord told him, “depart: for I will sent you far hence unto the Gentiles”, 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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