Luke the beloved physician 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”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse four of the book of Acts Luke shared how “Tertullus” asked Felix to, “hear us of your clemency a few words” where we read:
Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto you,
I pray you that you would hear us of your clemency a few words.
The verse begins, “Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto you, ...” Luke began with the word, “notwithstanding” which means “moreover and also”, “that I be not further tedious” or “that I, Tertullus, no longer be of greater and more impeding hindrance” “unto you” which means “toward you, Felix” the following will be stated. Luke shared how how “Tertullus” completed his introduction and desired not to be of a greater hindrance to him.
The verse goes on to say, “... I pray you that you would hear us of your clemency a few words.” Luke continues with the words, “I pray you” which means “I, Tertullus, summon, call to one's side, address and speak to you, Felix the governor” “that you would hear us” or “that you, Felix, will be endowed with the faculty of hearing, perceiving and understanding us, Tertullus and those with him” “of your clemency” which means “of your, Felix's, mildness, gentleness and fairness” “a few words” or “a concise and brief speech”. Luke shared how “Tertullus” asked “Felix” to listen to him with mildness and fairness as he shared a small amount of words with him.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Tertullus” asked “Felix the governor” to listen to his complaint with gentleness and fairness. He was finally getting to his reason for coming before “Felix”. Step by step and word by word, though he did not realize it, “Tertullus” was getting closer and closer to the time when “Paul” would share the gospel of Jesus Christ. God loves every person, and His desire is for everyone in the world to know that He wants to “save” them from eternal death which is the penalty for sins. Anyone who yields themselves to Jesus will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God in Heaven. “Tertullus” believed he was bringing a case against “Paul”, however, like many others, he was only carrying out God's desire to spread His good news. Those who are wise will carefully examine these words of “Tertullus” will see the hand of God behind this scene and understand He did all these things so they will come to Him.
Next time Luke shares how Tertullus tells Felix, “we have found this man a pestilent fellow”, 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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