The beloved physician Luke 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. Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto you, I pray you that you would hear us of your clemency a few words. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. Who also has gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, commanding his accusers to come unto you: by examining of whom yourself may take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse ten of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul told Felix, “Forasmuch as I know that you have been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:” where we read:
Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that you have been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
The verse begins, “Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, ...” Luke began with the words, “then Paul” which means “at that time Paul whose name means small or little”, “after that the governor had beckoned unto him” or “following the time when the leader, guide, ruler, prefect, president, chief and commander Felix, summoned, beckoned and asked Paul” “to speak” which means “to relate to him in words”, “answered” which means “began to speak and responded with” the following words. Luke shared how “Paul” was given permission by “Felix the governor” to respond to the charges brought against him, and he shared the following words.
The verse goes on to say, “... Forasmuch as I know that you have been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:” Luke continued with the words, “forasmuch as I know” which means “inasmuch, since and on account that I, Paul, understand, perceive and have knowledge” “that you have been” or “that you, Felix, have existed” “of many years a judge” which means “for a lot and abundant number of years as a Roman procurator administering justice “unto this nation” or “to the multitude of individuals of the same nature or genus”, “I do the more cheerfully answer” which means “I, Paul, am well disposed, kind and of good cheer and courage to respond” “for myself” or “on behalf of my own self”. Luke shared how “Paul” acknowledged how “Felix” had presided as a judge over the nation of Israel for a great number of years which made him “happy” to respond to the charges brought against him.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul” was finally able to respond to the complaints brought against him. He acknowledged “Felix'” position and the amount of time he fulfilled his position of “judge” over the Jewish people. This caused “Paul” to be happy to answer for the charges, and he will begin to do so in our next verse. “Paul” knew this was another opportunity to share the gospel with a new group of people, and though they were unaware, “Tertullus, the Jewish people with him and everyone in “Paul's” audience” were going to hear him share about Jesus again. God loves people, and He is willing to share His good news of salvation over and over again with anyone who will listen to Him. When they yield themselves to Him, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life, and those who are wise not only understand what God was doing with this situation concerning “Paul”, but will also see it as their invitation to come to Jesus and allow Him to be their “Savior and Lord”.
Next time Luke shares how Paul tells Felix, “there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship”, 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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