Informing Festus against Paul - Acts 25:2

Luke the beloved physician wrote, “when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem”, and in chapter twenty-five and verse two of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul”, where we read:

Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,

The verse begins, “Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, ...” Luke began with the words, “then the high priest” which means “at that time the chief and principal priest” “and the chief of the Jews” or “and the first person in rank, influence and honor belonging to the Jewish people as respects to birth, origin or religion” “informed him” which means “disclosed, declared and made known to Festus” “against Paul” or “toward Paul whose name means small or little”. Luke shared how the Jews “chief priest” and highest ranking Jewish officer told “Festus” about “Paul”.

The verse continues, “... and besought him,” Luke added the words, “and besought” which means “and summoned, addressed, exhorted, beseeched and entreated” “him” or “Festus”. Luke shared how the “high priest” and “chief officer” of the Jews summoned and entreated “Festus” against “Paul”.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how these Jewish religious and political leaders were tenacious in their efforts to discredit “Paul”. Two years had passed, and they were still after him. This time, since “Festus” was to replace “Felix” as ruler in their area, they made their appeal to “Festus”. Little did they know this would provide another opportunity for “Paul” to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, and because God loves everyone, He is very caducous in His efforts to bring salvation to everyone who believes in His Son Jesus. Those who are wise will see this as “Paul's” advantage to share the gospel, and when they perceive God's consistent plan through “Paul”, they should come to Jesus and allow Him to be their personal “Savior and Lord”.

Next time Luke shares how the high priest and the chief of the Jews, “desired favor against him”, 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".