Away with Him - Acts 21:36

Luke the beloved physician wrote when the Jews in Jerusalem knew Paul was in the temple, “all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done. And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people”, and in chapter twenty-one and verse thirty-six of the book of Acts Luke shares how the multitude cried out, “away with him” where we read:

For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

The verse begins, “For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, ...” Luke began with the words, “for the multitude of the people” which means “because, since and on account that the crowd of Jewish people” “followed after” or “joined and accompanied the Roman soldiers who were carrying Paul”, “crying” which means “shouting aloud and vociferating” the following words. Luke shared how the “crowd” of Jewish people accompanied the “Roman soldiers” who were carrying “Paul” to the “castle”, and as they followed along, they were shouting the following words.

The verse continues, “... Away with him.” Luke added the words, “away with” which means “remove, carry off and put off” “him” which refers to “Paul”. Luke shared how the crowd of people were shouting that “Paul” should be “removed” and “carried away” from them.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul” faced a similar situation as Jesus. (See Luke 23:18; John 19:15). As the crowd chased after the “Roman soldiers” who were carrying “Paul” away from them, they shouted out “away with him” just the way the crowd responded to Jesus before his crucifixion. Even though God chose “Paul” to be His messenger of the “gospel”, he was to suffer in a similar way as Jesus Himself. God never promises that the person who receives His Son Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord” will never go through problems and adversity, but He does promise to be with them in and through them. God so loves people, that He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for their sins, and whoever believes and trusts in Him will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. Those who are wise will not join a “crowd” that says, “Away with him”, but rather receive Jesus Christ and His “good news of salvation” to all mankind.

Next time Luke shares how Paul, “said unto the chief captain, may I speak unto you?”, 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".

 

Paul Borne of Soldiers - Acts 21:35

The beloved physician Luke wrote when the Jews in Jerusalem knew Paul was in the temple, “all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done. And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle”, and in chapter twenty-one and verse thirty-five of the book of Acts Luke shares how Paul was, “borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people” where we read:

And when he came upon the stairs,

so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

The verse begins, “And when he came upon the stairs, ...” Luke began with the words, “and when he came” which means “and at the time and moment Paul arose and approached” “upon the stairs” or “at the location of the stairway leading into the castle” the following occurred. Luke shared as the Roman soldiers were “carrying” “Paul” away from the hostile crowd they reached the location of the stairway to the “castle” where they were taking him.

The verse goes on to say, “... so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.” Luke continues with the words, “so it was” which means “and it happened and came to pass”, “that he was borne of the soldiers” or “that Paul was carried or lifted and upheld by the Roman warriors or military men” “for the violence” which means “because, since and on account of the forceful activity” “of the people” or “by the human beings both male and female”. Luke shared how the “Roman soldiers” lifted and carried “Paul” above the crowd of angry people because they were so hostile and violent against him.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we can employ our imaginations as we picture this scene. The Jewish crowd was raucous and loud, and they were beating “Paul” because he violated their “temple” rules. When the “chief captain” of the Roman cohort along with other soldiers came to where this was happening, he wanted to know who “Paul” was and what he did to cause this “riot”. When there was nothing but confusing accusations made, the “Roman commander” ordered “Paul” to be fastened with two chains and carried out of the crowd to be brought to the “castle” where the “Roman” soldiers were stationed. This intervention by the “Roman commander” was used by God to rescue “Paul”, and just as it was told to him in advance about going to Jerusalem, the people were against him and he was bound. God's plan of spreading His “gospel” through “Paul” was coming together, and even though this event seems to be a distraction along the way, God would use it to get “Paul” to Rome. God has a plan, and He is going to work it out. He desires to have a personal loving relationship with every person through His Son Jesus, and when they surrender themselves to Him, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. They may face opposition like “Paul”for receiving Jesus , but they shall live forever with God in Heaven when they endure whatever circumstances the Lord allows in their lives.

Next time Luke shares how the multitude cried “away with him”, 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".

 

Different People Saying Different Things - Acts 21:34

Luke the beloved physician wrote when the Jews in Jerusalem knew Paul was in the temple, “all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done”, and in chapter twenty-one and verse thirty-four of the book of Acts Luke shares how, “some cried one thing; some another, among the multitude” where we read:

And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

The verse begins, “And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude:” Luke began with the words, “and some cried one thing” which means “and a few of the Jewish people shouted aloud and vociferated one particular accusation”, “some another” or “a few of the other Jewish people proclaimed other accusations”, “among the multitude” which means “within the crowd of Jewish people who were gathered together and assembled”. Luke shared how there were various statements made about “Paul” from the Jewish crowd of people who were gathered around him.

The verse continues, “and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.” Luke added the words, “and when he could not know” which means “and at the time and moment the chief captain was unable and incapable of understanding, perceiving and discerning” “the certainty for the tumult” or “the true and firm reason or cause of the noise, uproar and clamorous and riotous persons”, “he commanded him to be carried” which means “the chief captain ordered Paul to be led and brought forth” “into the castle” or “into the barracks of the Roman soldiers which at Jerusalem was in the castle of Antonia”. Luke shared at the time the “Roman commander” was unable to ascertain why this “riotous” behavior was happening with the Jewish crowd, he ordered “Paul” to be taken to the “barracks of the Roman soldiers” which was located in the “castle of Antonia”.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how there was great confusion over why this crowd of people were so riotous and clamorous”. There were so many different accusations coming against “Paul” that the “Roman commander” finally ordered “Paul” to be taken to the secure place known as the “castle of Antonia”. In other words, until he could sort these things out, “Paul” needed to be separated from the crowd to prevent further escalation. “Paul” was God's minister of the gospel of His Son Jesus Christ, and because “Paul” was teaching pagan people that Jesus died on the cross for their sins and they could inherit everlasting life through Him, this angered the Jewish community. Belief in God's Son Jesus is the only way for mankind to be forgiven of their sins, and as long as they remain in their sinful state, they are separated from a relationship with Him. This is not God's desire, and those who carefully study the rescue of “Paul” from this crowd will understand this to be another effort of God Almighty to reach people with His “salvation” plan through His Son Jesus.

Next time Luke shares how Paul was, “borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people”, 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".

 

Paul Bound with Two Chains - Acts 21:33

The beloved physician Luke wrote when the Jews in Jerusalem knew Paul was in the temple, “all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul”, and in chapter twenty-one and verse thirty-three of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains” where we read:

Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

The verse begins, “Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains;” Luke began with the words, “then the chief captain came near” which means “at that time the chiliarch or military commander of the Roman cohort arose and approached where the Jewish people were beating Paul”, “and took him” or “and seized Paul”, “and commanded him” which means “and ordered Paul” “to be bound with two chains” or “to be tied and fastened by using two fetters or manacles”. Luke shared how the “commander of the Roman cohort” approached where Paul was and ordered him to be restrained by using two “chain fetters”.

The verse goes on to say, “and demanded who he was, and what he had done.” Luke continued with the words, “and demanded who he was” which means “and inquired or asked who Paul was”, “and what he had done” or “and what act or deed Paul made ready, produced or performed”. Luke shared how the “chief captain” questioned the Jewish people as to who Paul was and what act or deed he performed.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the “chief captain” went into action after arriving where the Jewish people were beating “Paul”. He ordered “Paul” to be seized with “two chains” and then began asking who he was and what deed or act Paul did that caused them react to him in this manner. The hostility of these Jewish people was intense, and it took someone with greater authority to stop their actions. This “commander of the Roman cohort” became “God's agent” for keeping “Paul” alive at this point in his life, and because God had a plan to continue sharing His gospel of salvation through “Paul”, God intervened. God loves people, and He has their “eternal destiny” in mind as He desires to have a personal relationship with them through His Son Jesus. Anyone who yields themselves to Jesus will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life in Heaven, and those who carefully study this story about “Paul” will see the hand of God inviting all people to be saved from their sins even when they encounter opposition and adversity.

Next time Luke shares how, “some cried one thing; some another, among the multitude”, 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".

 

Soldiers and Centurions Rescue Paul - Acts 21:32

The beloved physician Luke wrote when the Jews in Jerusalem knew Paul was in the temple, “all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar”, and in chapter twenty-one and verse thirty-two of the book of Acts Luke shares how the chief captain, “immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them”, where we read:

Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them:

and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.

The verse begins, “Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them:” Luke began with the words, “who immediately took soldiers” which means “who, the chief captain, straightway and forthwith discharged Roman warriors” “and centurions” or “and officers who were in charge of one hundred men”, “and ran down unto them” which means “and hastened down to the Jewish people who desired to kill Paul”. Luke shared how the “chief captain” of the Roman military gathered “Roman soldiers” and “centurions” with him and descended to where the “Jewish people” were desiring to “kill” Paul.

The verse continues, “and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.” Luke added the words, “and when they saw the chief captain” which means “and at the time and moment the Jewish people observed, notice and perceived the chiliarch or military commander of the Roman cohort ” “and the soldiers” or “and the Roman warriors”, “they left beating of Paul” which means “the Jewish people stopped, ceased and desisted from striking, smiting, whipping and hitting Paul whose name means small or little”. Luke shared how the “Jewish people” who were “hitting and striking” “Paul” stopped doing so after they saw the “commander of the Roman military” and “Roman warriors” approaching them.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the “Roman” military was used to stop the “beating” of “Paul”. The “Jewish people” who opposed “Paul” to the point of wanting him dead had already begun beating him, and as soon as they saw the “military” coming, they stopped. Let us be mindful that God sets up authorities and puts them down, and in this case, He employed the “pagan” “soldiers” to halt the “beating” and potential death of “Paul”. God has a purpose and plan to reach every person with His good news of salvation through His Son Jesus. Anyone who comes to Jesus will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life, and those who are wise realize even the intervention of the “Roman military” to save “Paul” was used to promote the “salvation” plan of God Almighty.

Next time Luke shares how, “the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains”, 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".