Luke the beloved physician wrote as Paul was making his defense before King Agrippa, he told him, “I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision. But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come. That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. And as he spoke for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, you are beside yourself; much learning does make you mad”, and in chapter twenty-six and verse twenty-five of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul said, “I am not mad … but speak forth the words of truth and soberness” where we read:
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
The verse begins, “But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus;” Luke began with the words, “but he said” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover Paul uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “I am not mad” or “I, Paul, do not exist as turned toward madness and frenzy”, “most noble Festus” which means “mighty, strong, best and illustrious Festus whose name means festival and was the successor of Felix as procurator of Judea”. Luke shared how “Paul” respectfully defended himself against “Festus'” accusation by declaring he was not out of his mind.
The verse continues, “but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.” Luke added the words, “but speak forth the words” which means “however pronounce, declare and utter the sayings, discourses and speeches” “of truth” or “belonging to that which is true, real and without deceit” “and soberness” which means “and soundness of mind or sobriety”. Luke shared how “Paul” told “Festus” that he declared that which was true and sound.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul” did not agree with “Festus'” assessment of him. “Festus” thought “Paul” was out of his mind because he had studied so many things, but “Paul” knew not only the scriptures, but also the author of those scriptures. God desires a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus, and because Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world, anyone who comes Him for forgiveness, He will forgive and grant everlasting life. Those who are wise will carefully examine the testimony of “Paul” and find him not to be “mad”, but to have the words of eternal life for everyone who believes.
Next time Luke shares how Paul says, “the king knows of these things, before whom also I speak freely”, 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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