The beloved physician Luke wrote, “after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound”, and in chapter twenty-five and verse one of the book of Acts Luke shared how Festus, “ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem”, where we read:
Now when Festus was come into the province,
after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
The verse begins, “Now when Festus was come into the province, ...” Luke began with the words, “now when Festus” which means “moreover at the time and moment Festus whose name means festival and was the successor of Felix as procurator of Judea” “was come” or “arose and appeared” “into the province” which means “to the region subject to a prefect”. Luke shared after “Festus” appeared in the “region” the following occurred.
The verse goes on to say, “... after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.” Luke continued with the words, “after three days” which means “following three sunrises to sunsets” “he ascended from Caesarea” or “Festus went up from the city of Caesarea whose name means severed and was Caesarea of Palestine was built near the Mediterranean by Herod the Great on the site of Strabo's Tower, between Joppa and Dora” “to Jerusalem” which means “toward Jerusalem whose name means set you double peace and is the capital of Palestine”. Luke shared how “Festus” traveled from the city of “Caesarea” to the city of “Jerusalem”.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn more of the background story behind “Paul” being imprisoned for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. “Festus” was the new ruler who was to replace “Felix” as procurator, and he would be the next high ranking person with whom “Paul” would share God's good news of salvation through His Son Jesus. God loves everyone, and because He wants to live with them eternally with Him, they must have their sins removed. Jesus came into the world to die for the sins of all mankind, and anyone who believes and trusts in Him as their personal “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. Those who are wise will see the “normal” activities in life often lead to God sharing His good news with people, and those who are wise will yield to His Son Jesus when He does.
Next time Luke shares how, “the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed” Festus “against Paul”, 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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