Luke the beloved physician wrote how Paul continued to answer for himself before Felix the governor by saying, “herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men. Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse nineteen of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul told Felix how the Jews from Asia, “ought to have been here before you, and object”, where we read:
Who ought to have been here before you, and object, if they had ought against me.
The verse begins, “Who ought to have been here before you, ...” Luke began with the words, “who ought to have been here” which means “the Jews from Asian should have arose and appeared” “before you” or “in front and in the presence of you, Felix”. Luke shared how “Paul” told “Felix” the “Jews from Asia” who had difficulties with him in Jerusalem should have been in his presence to do the following.
The verse continues, “... and object, if they had ought against me.” Luke added the words, “and object” which means “to accuse Paul”, “if they had ought against me” or “whether, they, the Jews from Asia, had some certain thing or cause in opposition to me, Paul”. Luke shared how “Paul” told “Felix”, if the “Jews from Asia” really had a cause against him, they should have been in front of him to bring forth their accusations.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we admire “Paul's” defense of himself before “Felix the governor”. He did not just “roll over” and allow his accusers to make accusations against him. He defended himself. He told “Felix” there were in Jerusalem “Jews from Asia” who saw him “purified in the temple” and not among a clamorous crowd making insurrection, and if they had anything against him, they should have been in the presence of “Felix” to make their case against him. “Paul” desired to share the good news of Jesus Christ within anyone who would listen to him. He used this opportunity not only to make a stand for himself, but also to take advantage of an occasion for sharing Jesus Christ again. God loves everyone, and His desire is to have a personal relationship with anyone who will believe and trust in His Son Jesus. Those who submit to Him will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life. Those who are wise will see “Paul's” defense for it's eternal purpose, and if they have not yielded to Jesus, this is a great opportunity to do so.
Next time Luke shares how Paul tells Felix, “let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me”, 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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