ACTS of the Apostles, part 2

Wednesday, September 7

ACTS of the Apostles, Part 2

Learning How to be Daring and Dynamic

Read Acts 18:1-17

Focus Verses: Acts 18:9-11

And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

In this passage we see Paul "on the road again" (go ahead and sing with Willie!). Paul is now traveling from Athens to Corinth, which is both a political and commercial center of Greece, also known for its wicked and immoral practices. The temple in Corinth was built to honor Aphrodite, the goddess of love and war. LOTS of promiscuity happened at this temple, and it was all labeled as "worship."

As you can see, Paul had his work cut out for him. Thankfully, he was not alone. Believers such as Aquila and his wife Priscilla provided lodging, as well as Titius Justus, whose house was next door to the synagogue where Paul taught. Silas and Timothy also traveled from Macedonia in order to spread the good news in this corrupt city. Many came to faith in Christ while Paul was there.

However, a running theme we have seen in Acts is this ongoing "tug-of-war": the gospel spreading versus the opposition increasing. In these verses, while many believed in Jesus as the Messiah, many others, mostly Jews, wanted Paul and other believers in Christ silenced. Paul was exasperated by their constant harassment. But that's when God showed up, saying, "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent." Paul was encouraged by God's words to him and so he stayed in Corinth for the next year and a half. (By the way, this is when he wrote 1st and 2nd Thessalonians).

Fast forward to today. I don't know about you, but I feel like our country is in its own tug-of-war right now. The headline news is flat out disturbing--so much pull toward evil. And then add the tug of our mixed up culture! It would be hopeless to me, if I didn't know God. But rest assured, all believers in Christ are on the stronger side of the pull. Ultimately, his truths and his righteousness will win!

Meanwhile, until that final victory comes, let's choose to support one another the way we see Paul's friends and ministry partners rallying around one another in this passage. And let's hear the same words that God spoke to Paul, "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent." I personally needed to hear these words today. Paul was unaware of this truth until God spoke it to him, "for I have many in this city that are my people." (v 10). What an encouragement to Paul at that time. We too can be reminded that there are other believers out there, in our city, in our country, and in our world!

So let's cheer one another along today, rallying around one another, encouraging each other in our faith in Christ. In doing so, we may even "feel the tug of war-rope" move forward in His righteous direction.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for your word that is so timely. Help us to strengthen and encourage each other in this "push me-pull-you" world. Renew our faith and give us the courage to speak up at the appropriate times concerning who you are. Just like the Corinthians back in Paul's day, there is a LOST world out there that needs a Savior. May our living hope become their living hope. Amen.