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 in chapter twenty-two and verse eighteen of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul said the voice in the trance said, “get you quickly out of Jerusalem” where we read:
And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get you quickly out of Jerusalem:
for they will not receive your testimony concerning me.
The verse begins, “And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get you quickly out of Jerusalem:” Luke began with the words, “and saw him” which means “and observed, noticed and discerned him, Jesus”, “saying unto me” or “uttering, declaring and proclaiming to Paul”, “make haste” which means “with speed and eagerness”, “and get you quickly out of Jerusalem” or “and go forth, arise and escape with quickness and speed from the city of Jerusalem whose name means set you double peace and is the capital of Palestine”. Luke shared how “Paul” saw “Jesus” in the “trance”, and He instructed him to leave “Jerusalem” in a speedy manner.
The verse continues, “for they will not receive your testimony concerning me.” Luke added the words, “for they will not receive your testimony” which means “because, since and on account the people within Jerusalem will not acknowledge, delight in or accept your, Paul's, witness, record or report” “concerning me” or “about me, Jesus”. Luke shared how “Paul” told the Jewish crowd that “Jesus” told him to leave “Jerusalem” because the people there would not accept his “witness or report” about Him.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn about the “trance” “Paul” experienced. “Paul” observed Jesus telling him to leave “Jerusalem” speedily because the people there would not believe his report about Him. “Paul” had a reputation in “Jerusalem” as being one who was against the Christian way, and if he were to tell the people about his conversion, they would not believe him. God was guiding “Paul” step by step in His purpose to use him to share the gospel with the world. God loves people, and His desire is to have a personal relationship with everyone through His Son Jesus. Anyone who receives Jesus as their “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. Though others may not accept our testimony, Jesus Christ alters and changes the lives of everyone who comes to Him. Let all who read these words accept His invitation and come.
Next time Luke shares how Paul says, “Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat … them that believed on 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".
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