The beloved physician Luke wrote how Paul began to answer for himself after “Tertullus and members of the Sanhedrin brought charges against him before Felix the governor by saying, “Forasmuch as I know that you have been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself. Because that you may understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse thirteen of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul tells Felix, “neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me” where we read:
Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
The verse begins, “Neither can they prove ...” Luke began with the words, “neither can they prove” which means “no and not in any way are the Jewish people who brought charges against Paul able to present and provide arguments or viable stands against” the following things. Luke shared how the Jewish people could in no way show evidence concerning the following.
The verse continues, “... the things whereof they now accuse me.” Luke added the words, “the things” which means “the charges, complaints and accusations” “whereof they now accuse me” or “for which the Jewish people who brought charges against Paul at this present time and moment as a plaintiff complain against me, Paul”. Luke shared how “Paul” told “Felix” the “Jewish people” who were complaining about him were unable to “prove” the charges against him.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul” went directly against the “Jewish people” who were bringing complaints against him. He knew they were unable to “prove” their case before Felix, and because he was innocent of their charges, he would not only state the case for himself, but also so he could share the “good news” of Jesus Christ before them all. God loves people, and His desire is to have a personal relationship with everyone through His Son Jesus. When they yield to Him, they will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. This message is valid and true, and “Paul” used this opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with any who would listen.
Next time Luke shares how Paul tells Felix, “after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers”, 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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