Acts 18:1-17 Paul in Corinth

While in Corinth, Paul seeks a Jewish couple, Aquila and Priscilla, who came out of Rome due to the persecution. They were tentmakers like himself and joined forces to work in the area. It is important to keep in contact with good relationships while in the field. It is also important to seek partnerships that bring strength to the cause. Paul did not hesitate to partner with this couple to strengthen his work and influence there. There is greater effectiveness when one partners with people who share the same goal and have a certain affinity. Teamwork is always better than working alone because of the synergy that it creates.

After Silas and Timothy join him in Corinth, Paul experiences a turning point in his ministry. Due to the opposition and revile of the Corinthians, Paul decides to turn to the Gentiles completely. This turning point brings about decisions concerning location - he moved to a home, next door to the synagogue, and strategy. There are moments in ministry when I must reconsider what I am doing. A slow response to the Gospel is different to a hostile response to the Gospel. Where are people responding to the Gospel? Where are people hostile to the Gospel? It is important to see where God is at work and join him!

I don't think I've ever thought of Paul as one to fear anything. But the Lord speaks to him encouraging words: "Do not be afraid... for I am with you." When the Lord sets out to encourage someone it is for a reason. Paul may have struggled with continuing to preach in Corinth due to the opposition and he may have feared for his life and maybe was planning to leave. Even the strongest Christian needs reassuring words at times. The Lord reassured him that he would not be harmed and he ends up staying there for a year and a half. As a Church, we should make a point of ministering to all our International Workers and missionaries. Encouraging words go a long way to revitalize a missionary on the field.

The one beaten this time was Sosthenes, not Paul. The truth is that the world will hate those who bring the good news of the Gospel. At times, that means being at the receiving end of attacks, even beatings. It is the cost associated with preaching the Gospel. It is the cost of being a true disciple. It is the price to pay for the calling God has placed upon his people. Am I willing to pay the price? I must count the cost!

Father,  Help me find those partners that will enhance the ministry of the Gospel where I am. Teach me to make the turning points necessary to keep the Gospel moving forward. May I encourage those around me with my words. May I be willing to count the cost and pay the price. Amen

Acts 17:22-34 Paul Addresses the Areopagus

The Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill - some churches use this name, used to be the place on top of a hill where the ruling council of Athens would meet. It was some sort of a council and court where murder cases were dealt with. This council used to be comprised of the wealthy and powerful who became ruling elders of the city. It was also the place for philosophical discussions among the learned. Paul uses the Areopagus as his platform to speak to the Athenians about the "unknown god" for whom they had erected an altar. Paul uses something of their culture to make contact with the people and bring the message of the Gospel to them. This is simply brilliant! What points of connection can I find in my culture to bring the message of the Gospel to this generation?

Paul presents God as the Creator of all things who does not inhabit man-made altars or needs anything from human beings. Quite the contrary, it is God who provides all that human beings need. Mankind has been created to seek God who is very accessible because he is near, making everything possible by the power of his sustenance. It is not possible to capture the essence of God with gold, silver, or stone through artistic representations of our imagination. We must repent from doing so and surrender to our God who will call us to accountability one day through a man he appointed for this purpose: Jesus Christ, the God-man, who died and resurrected.

Unfortunately, the resurrection posed a big problem for the Athenians. Epicureans thought that body and  soul were just a collection of atoms that would be dispersed at death. Stoics believed that the body becomes earth and the soul goes back to a central fire. The thought of the preservation of the soul and the resurrection of the body were totally foreign to them. In a materialistic world, even today, do I truly believe in the immortality of the soul and the resurrection of the body? These are basic and central beliefs for Christianity. Do I truly believe?

Paul's message had some converts. Among them is a woman named Damaris. When Ana and I had our first girl, we named her Damaris because of two reasons. One of the meanings of Damaris is "gentle." After having a boy who screamed our heads off and deprived us of sleep for at least two years, we had this quiet, delicate, and gentle baby who slept through the night and was so mild in temperament. The other reason, we named her Damaris was because she became one of the first believers in Athens. Looking forward into her life, we wanted God to touch our girl just like he did with that Greek woman that brought her to the feet of our Lord in belief. I am very proud to say that today, our Damaris is a gentle, yet strong woman of faith serving her King.

Father, teach me to find points of contact with our culture to bring the Gospel to our generation. Help me avoid idolatry and center on who you really are according to your revelation. Encourage my heart with the truths of the immortality of the soul and the resurrection of the body. Thank you for our daughter Damaris. Bless her and keep her in your hand forevermore. Amen.

Acts 17:10-21 Paul and Silas in Berea and Athens

Paul and Silas escaped the mob in Thessalonica moving into Berea. Unfortunately, it was not far enough. The Thessalonians pursued Paul into Berea forcing him to leave. He was taken all the way to Athens. Interestingly enough, Silas and Timothy remain in Berea without Paul. Since Paul was the main teacher of the team, he was the target of the persecution and not so much the others. Preaching and teaching the Word of God has a cost. At times, people will not like me for it. Am I willing to remain faithful to the calling? Am I willing to pay the cost?

The Jews in Berea were "more noble" than the Jews in Thessalonica. This speaks of the character of the people differing from place to place. It is also tied in with the levels of receptivity to the Word of God. The Bereans received the word with all eagerness. There was a hunger for the Scriptures. This eagerness moved the Bereans not only to listen to the word, but to examine the Scriptures daily. They took upon themselves to check everything that Paul was teaching making sure they were indeed written. What a display of eagerness to learn! I want to be as eager as the Bereans to examine God's Word daily.

While Paul waits in Athens for Silas and Timothy, he was "provoked within him" when he saw the idolatry in the city. After all that had happened, he probably wanted to lay low and cool it off, but he could not do so. The sinful condition of the people moved him to continue to preach the Gospel in the synagogue and the marketplace. Do I have this passion for unbelievers? Am I moved within to share the Gospel with those who have not heard? This provocation within is definitely part of the kingdom of God. I desire that fire within.

Athens was not without philosophies of its own. The Epicureans believed that happiness was the pursuit of modest pleasures to achieve tranquility and freedom from fear. The highest pleasure was achieved by knowledge, friendship, and a temperate lifestyle. Stoicism teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means to overcoming destructive emotions despite of the circumstances. But the Gospel stands against these philosophies. Happiness is in the pursuit of God and dependence upon him. Life is in receiving and believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Virtue is in following the teachings of Christ in this world.

Father, teach me to be faithful to the calling to preach the Gospel. Make me eager for your Word every day. Grant me a passion for those who are lost and fill me with your Spirit to follow your commands. Amen.

Acts 17:1-9 Paul and Silas in Thessalonica

Paul and Silas were consistent in their strategy to preach the Gospel. They looked for a nearby synagogue and began to preach the Gospel there. They spent three Sabbath days (weeks) at the synagogue. Paul reasoned with them, explaining and proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ who had to suffer and rise from the dead. Certainly the Gospel needs to be preached in the power of the Spirit, and needs to be centered on the Scriptures, but it does not exclude the use of reason. Is Scripture the source of my preaching? Am I seeking the power of the Spirit to preach?


Reason (explanation and proof) is at the service of Revelation with the purpose of persuading those who listen. When Paul refers to his preaching not being of words with eloquent wisdom (1Cor.1:17), he is referring to the custom of the professional orators who performed for the sake of entertainment and instruction calling attention to themselves. The preaching of the Gospel strives to persuade using reason at the service of revelation by exalting Jesus as the Christ, not the messenger. The proclamation of the Gospel must be Christocentric. The messenger must hide behind the cross.

It was very difficult for the Jews to accept that the Christ would have to suffer. They expected a Christ who would become King, but they could not conceive of a suffering Christ. The truth of the Gospel is that through suffering and death we are given healing and life. I don't like suffering. The mere thought of suffering causes me to shrink back. But we know that suffering produces endurance (Rom.5:3) and it is part of our identification with Christ in his kingdom. If Christ was hated and persecuted and suffered, I must realize that my following him will bring the same upon my life. Suffering is part and parcel of the kingdom of God. I have to come to grips with suffering. This is part of the cost to follow Jesus. Am I willing to pay the cost?

The jealousy of the Jews drove them to go after Paul by forming a mob, setting the city in an uproar. They went into Jason's home, but they missed him - thank God. Because they missed Paul, they went after Jason and some other brothers accusing them of acting against Caesar by proclaiming Jesus as king. At least, they were not executed. They were charged a fine as security - more likely referring to giving their word that Paul and Silas would not come back to preach. This may be the "Satan's hindrance" mentioned by Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians (1Thes.2:18). It is important to realize that behind such opposition lie the powers of darkness. My struggle is not against flesh and blood. That's why I can't stop praying!

Acts 16:16-40 Paul and Silas in Prison

It did not take very long for Paul to get in trouble again. This time, he meets a slave girl with a spirit of divination and he casts the spirit out of her. The powers that this spirit had upon this girl allowed her to see that Paul and Silas were serving God and that they preached the way of salvation. Unfortunately, the casting out of the spirit from this girl cost the owners a lot of money since they were into the business of divination. At times, I'm not certain of how annoyed God is at my attempts to know and understand my future. When I go to the horoscope, tarot cards, palm reading, etc I disobey God.

Paul and Silas were apprehended and taken before the magistrates. The accusation they drummed up against them was a conflict in customs between Jews and Romans that gets them beaten with rods before they are imprisoned - in the inner prison with their feet fastened in the stocks. Our cultural response to the Gospel is no different than the Romans' response in the days of Paul. Bottom line is: the Gospel is countercultural and I must be willing to preach it no matter the cost. The Gospel disrupts my way of life and calls my attention to conform to a heavenly culture I don't understand. To follow Jesus means to take up my own cross.

The preaching of a countercultural Gospel is affirmed by the power of the Holy Spirit. For one, the apostles were praying and singing hymns after being beaten and fastened to the stocks in prison. I am not one to feel in the mood of singing after a beating. This is an obvious manifestation of the Spirit's power upon his people in the midst of persecution. It is not the product of Christian stoicism in the face of opposition. Also, God takes care of his people to fulfill his purposes. The shaking of the prison until everyone was free is another manifestation of the Spirit's power on behalf of God's people.

Paul and Silas have an opportunity to witness to the jailer who was ready to take his life since he thought all his prisoners had escaped. A divine appointment produces an opportunity to share the Gospel and see a life surrender into the hands of Christ. Trials and tribulations are opportunities for the power of the Spirit to manifest. These manifestations of the Spirit produce opportunities to preach the Gospel. I need to be on the lookout for these opportunities in the midst of my trials and tribulations. Am I seizing those opportunities on a daily basis?

Another such opportunity to witness the Gospel of the kingdom came about as a result of their imprisonment. When the magistrates wanted to let them go silently, Paul refused to leave until they would come to them. They were Roman citizens (probably with dual citizenship) who had been beaten without charge and Paul intended to use the opportunity to speak to the magistrates about the kingdom. Injustice can become the conduit for witnessing opportunities. Am I focusing on the injustice or on the opportunity? I think that I would be a lot more focused on what happened to me than looking to use the opportunity that the situation has given me for the furthering of the kingdom of God.

Father, help me rely on you for all my future. Give me boldness and courage to preach a Gospel that is countercultural with valor to face the consequences. Teach me to make the best of every opportunity, even those granted me via injustice and persecution, to be a witness for the Gospel. Amen.

Acts 16:11-15 The Conversion of Lydia

The Holy Spirit's call to Paul and his team to land in Macedonia certainly had a purpose. It took Paul completely out of his comfort zone. Usually Paul went to the synagogue of the area to begin his ministry among the Jews. In Philippi there was no synagogue. The closest thing was a prayer gathering at the gate of the city. Paul's ministry was mainly among men, but this prayer gathering was made up of women. This is all new to Paul. The Holy Spirit wants to take me out of my comfort zone and challenge me into new directions. Am I open to the Spirit's challenge? Am I too set in my routine as to allow room for God's challenge in my life? Am I listening to the Spirit's whisper?

The woman that responded to the Gospel message was named Lydia. Why did she respond? The Scripture says that the Lord opened her heart to pay attention. Divine appointments begin with the guidance of the Spirit and the drawing of the heart to listen is also the Spirit's work. The preaching of the Gospel is not about human persuasion, but about power to change lives. Do I rely on the Spirit to open people's hearts to pay attention? Do I preach the Gospel out of my own strength?

Lydia was a business woman, a seller of purple goods. She was a very influential person in her time. The fact that she interacted with many people for her business would make her a great ambassador for the Gospel. The Spirit opened her heart so she could take the message later to others. This divine appointment proved to be very strategic for the spread of the Gospel. I should pray that God will grant me divine appointments that are strategic to the taking over of our community with the Gospel. Am I willing to pray in earnest for this?

Lydia's conversion provides a great argument for the believer's baptism. It is important to note that most conversions in the book of Acts are followed by baptism. This is what we call believer's baptism. A person is baptized once they have believed. It is for this reason that infant baptism does not fulfill the requirement of baptism as preached by the Apostles. Infant baptism is the confession of faith of my parents, but my personal confession of faith is only stated by believer's baptism. I must own my faith and make a statement for myself. The preaching of the Gospel is to repent and be baptized - in that order!

Father, guide me to divine appointments that challenge me. Take me out of my comfort zone and help me to welcome it. Holy Spirit prepare my heart and the hearts of those who need to hear the Gospel. Guide me to one person that is strategic in the spread of your Gospel in this community. Empower me to faithfully share your Word. Amen.

Acts 15:36-41 Paul and Barnabas Separate

Paul's desire to visit the churches he had planted with Barnabas was met with an obstacle. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with him and Paul did not like the idea of taking someone who had quit during the missionary journey (Acts 13). Why did John Mark leave? The answer to that question would be complete speculation because there is no evidence to explain his reasons. All we know is that he cut the trip really short and went back to the church of Antioch.

Regardless of John Mark's reasons for leaving, the fact is that he decided to abandon the work with Saul and Barnabas. Paul most certainly did not approve of his leaving since he holds it against him and does not desire to bring him along during this second trip he is planning. Barnabas on the other hand doesn't seem to make much of John Mark's leaving them and is more than willing to partner with him a second time. The issue became a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas as to merit a separation. Barnabas took John Mark and went his way. Paul took Silas and went his way.

An important factor in this disagreement is that Paul and Barnabas are blessed by the leadership and were "commended to the grace of God." Whatever the disagreements were, it did not interfere with their ability to remain in harmony as to continue the work in the kingdom. It disrupted the relationship enough not to be able to team up, but they could continue the work independently. Paul's disapproval of John Mark here did not prevent him from seeing the growth in him later on (2Tim.4:11; Col.4:10).

I think it is important to keep the harmony and teamwork in ministry and if for any reason I am not willing or able to keep that harmony, I should not engage with that team. Unity through the bond of peace is an essential element for the success of any team effort and I would do well in not overlooking it.  Let's team up with people whom we can live in harmony and avoid the arguments and bickering that come as a result of our teaming up with people we have issues with. It is a disservice to the kingdom and to ourselves. So separation from each other to be more effective in the kingdom is a good strategy to handle sharp disagreements.

Father, I pray you instill in me the desire to work with others. Help me to be a good team player, open to diversity, and willing to lead with all my heart. Help me handle sharp disagreements with grace and always honor you in the process. Give me discernment to judge who to team up with in the work of your kingdom. Amen.

Acts 15:12-21 The Jerusalem Council - Part II

After Peter's testimony on how the Holy Spirit guided him to minister to the Gentiles and how the Holy Spirit came upon them just like for the Jews, Paul and Barnabas take the stand and testify on all the signs and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. Both Peter and Paul had experienced the presence of the Spirit guiding them to minister to the Gentiles and the power of the Spirit upon them in conversion and baptism accompanied by signs and wonders just like among the Jews. There is no partiality in God and there should be none in the Church which means there should be none in me.

Now James, the Apostle, more likely the lead elder of the Jerusalem church, offers scriptural backing for what Peter, Saul, and Barnabas have experienced and are trying to explain. He cites Amos 9:11-12 that refers to the restoration of Israel in the end times to include all the nations of the world. It is interesting to note that the apostles are reasoning together to find a solution to the Gentile issue. They bring experience, but they also bring the Scriptures to bear upon it. There was no angel with a message, there was no vision (they had a few already on the issue), and they were not prophet speaking a word. Yet, the presence of the Spirit in their decision-making cannot be questioned. Experience, Scripture, and Reason are working together for the glory of God and the advancement of his kingdom.

James, based on the evidence before them, proposed a solution to the issue of asking Gentile believers to circumcise and keep the Law. He proposed that no undue burden be placed upon them, but "to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood." And the reason he gives for the Gentiles to abstain from these things is that the Law is proclaimed in the synagogues everywhere. In other words, to ensure that the Gospel would have no stumbling blocks among the Jews and to ensure the fellowship between Gentiles and Jews, there had to be some standard of conduct.

Am I willing to do whatever it takes to avoid being a stumbling block for the Gospel where I live? Am I willing to do whatever it takes to ensure fellowship with my brothers and sisters who are different from me in my local church? I think I am too prompt to sound the cultural trumpet to excuse myself from things that could offend others. Whether that be language, food, greeting, etc. I must be willing to give up my culture for the sake of the kingdom of God so that people don't have objections to the Gospel and my brothers and sisters can feel comfortable around me. Ultimately, my citizenship is from heaven and not from earth. And heavenly citizens are willing to give up their earthly customs to promote evangelism and fellowship.

Father, thank you for my heavenly citizenship. Help me understand that my culture may stand in the way of reaching others for the kingdom and it may stand in the way of bonding with my brothers and sisters in the kingdom. Grant me discernment to learn what I must give up to avoid being a stumbling block for the Gospel. Amen.

Acts 15:1-11 The Jerusalem Council - Part I

One of the ploys the enemy uses to come against the Church is false teaching. Some men (Jews, of course) had come from Judea teaching that circumcision was a requirement for salvation and that Gentile believers needed to keep the Law of Moses to be part of the Church. Paul and Barnabas debated them, but it seemed to cause enough trouble to require a ruling on the matter. At this point we can see that the Jerusalem church acted as a "mother church" for the work that was taking root in the surrounding areas due to the fact that the Apostles were there. Paul and Barnabas were sent to consult them on this matter, but while they made their way to Jerusalem, they continued to testify what great things God had done among the Gentiles.

Apostles and elders gathered together to settle the matter through much debate. Peter relates to the brethren how God called him to preach to the Gentiles. He offers as proof of God's approval the giving of the Spirit to them just as he did to the Jews. God makes no distinctions. Salvation is by grace through faith and a requirement like this would only become a yoke (burden) to the new believers as it has been for the Jews all these years. Furthermore, Peter argues that such a requirement is to put God to the test sinning against him. It is important to understand that the Law referred to here has to do with circumcision, ceremonies and rituals, including kosher foods.

With the giving of any law, there are dangers that could be depicted as cliffs on both sides of a road. On the one hand, there is the danger of legalism. This is an excessive adherence to the letter of the law missing out on the spirit of the law. Rules and regulations are good, but when taken to extremes they snuff out the life it is supposed to protect in its adherents. Legalism makes adherence to the law a zealous compliance to form and rituals that becomes mechanical, devoid of fervor and passion and therefore, meaningless.

On the other hand, there is the danger of liberalism. This is a disregard for rules and regulations bordering on anarchy and producing chaos. In this view, rules and regulations are meant to be broken bringing freedom. Unfortunately, just like legalism, it enslaves its adherents to less than the law intended. The purpose of the law is to bring order and protect its followers from abuses. Without adherence to the law there is no order or safety. Liberalism produces in its followers an arrogant attitude against authority.

Salvation cannot be viewed as a bunch of dos and don'ts. The Jews were not able to comply with the Law and so it would be for the Gentiles also. No one can keep the Law! Jesus Christ came into the world to fulfill the Law of God and promote justice so that all who trust in him can enjoy the benefits of eternal life. He took upon himself the penalty of our disobedience to comply with the Law and to be able to offer eternal life to all who dare trust in him. The Gospel does away with all the ceremonies and regulations, but it does not do away with the ten commandments - the Moral Law. We are still to strive to obey and please our God, but in grace it is not in our strength, but with God's help. "Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."

Father, thank you for your Son who gave himself for me to make salvation by grace through faith possible. Teach me to obey your Law that I may please you. Guard my heart from the extremes of legalism and liberalism. Help me walk the straight path you have set out for me in your Word. Amen.

Acts 14:19-28 Paul Stoned at Lystra and Return

Paul's missionary journey was filled with opposition along the way. He stayed in the towns for as long as he could before moving onto the next one. Unfortunately, Jews from the previous two cities (Antioch - of Pisidia, not of Syria; and Iconium) came to Lystra to rally the people against Paul. They stoned him and dragged him out of the city presuming he was dead, but he wasn't. The fact that he got up and walked on his own strength is an indication that God intervened miraculously to heal him. It is not reasonable to think that after a stoning you can just walk. I truly believe that God healed Paul in response to the brothers gathering around him to pray.

God is good and he comes to aid his people. I also admire Paul's resilience. Would I get up after a stoning to go into yet another city to preach? I think many people would call it quits under the same circumstances. At least, many would have taken a break to recover before moving onto the next destination. Not Paul! Paul's resilience speaks volumes of his conviction and commitment to the Gospel and his calling. I wish I had half of his resilience to overcome the many setbacks one experiences in the kingdom.

Moving onto Derbe, they preached the Gospel there until they had made many disciples. Here is an amazing fact: Paul returns to the cities of Lystra, Antioch, and Iconium. These are the very cities that mobilized people all the way to Lystra to get him stoned! Why? Paul wanted to go back to those cities to present himself as a living testimony of God's goodness to encourage the brethren to persevere even under persecution. The story of his stoning spread like fire in the surrounding towns and it was important for him to show his face and give testimony of God's grace. I am sure many were shocked to learn he was still alive!

Here is a true act of humility. Paul did not think of himself, but he thought of the welfare of the brethren and was willing to take risks to ensure their growth was not stunted by what happened to him. He strengthened, encouraged, and taught them that tribulations is the entryway to the kingdom of God. Here is a very unpopular teaching: "through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." It is a narrow path; it is the road less taken; it is a difficult journey. Why do I think that my walk of faith should be easy and without obstacles or opposition? The Church will be subject to tribulation until the return of our Lord.

Can't miss out on the strategy that Paul has established in this missionary journey. First, he teams up with workers who complement him in giftedness. Second, he targets a people who can identify with him (Jews in the synagogue) to become an audience for the Gospel. Third, new believers are strengthened, encouraged, and taught the Scriptures to remain strong in their faith. Next,  he appoints elders at each location in fasting and prayer. The elders are the ones to take on the reigns of the planted church in each city. Fifth, he returns to the sending church to give reports and rest.

Father, help me to be resilient in the midst of the tribulations of life. Teach me to love the brethren with a passion willing to humble myself to ensure their welfare. Move me to strategize to advance your kingdom. Amen.

Acts 14:1-7 Paul and Barnabas at Iconium

Paul and Barnabas moved into Iconium, what is known today as Konya, Turkey, and preached the Gospel following their established pattern of visiting the synagogues first. The good news is many, both Jews and Gentiles, came to believe the Gospel. The bad news is that Paul and Barnabas met much opposition. The unbelievers began to harass and poison the minds of the people against the missionaries. What was the reaction of the missionaries? They stayed for a long time!

Many a times, we think that opposition means that we have to give up and move on. But both Paul and Barnabas continued the work of the kingdom under the stressful circumstances of opposition. I should be more resilient in my kingdom work. I should not give up that easily my witness after meeting opposition. Opposition must be seen as part and parcel of the witnessing endeavor and I must learn to endure it. Moreover, Paul and Barnabas did not lose their boldness as a result of opposition, but continued to speak boldly for the Lord.

The Lord "bore witness to the word of his grace." In the midst of opposition, God placed his stamp of approval upon the work of the missionaries by "granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands." Signs and wonders were a demonstration of God's power in their midst. It was a way of telling the people that God was behind every word the missionaries spoke to them. There should be a sense of expectation in my life that God will make himself known to people backing up my witness. I must believe that God works in people's lives to affirm my witness to them. I must believe that opposition does not hinder my God from working among unbelievers.

A question worth pondering in kingdom work is: How much risk should we take for the kingdom? For sure, we see the apostles living in dangerous situations all the time, but it seems there is a limit. When the opposition amounted to a plot of abuse and murder, they decided to move on. We are called to give our lives for the cause of the Gospel, but we should not seek to be martyrs. Living in danger is one thing, but the apostles thought it wiser to flee to stay alive and be able to preach somewhere else. There is no shame in fleeing from death if given such an opportunity.

Father, grant me boldness and courage to be a witness for you even in the midst of opposition. Help me endure opposition to give glory to your name. May I have the expectation to see it at work in people's lives when I witness to them. Teach me to take risks for your kingdom. Amen.

Acts 13:13-51 Paul and Barnabas at Antioch in Pisidia

Paul and Barnabas' main strategy during their first missionary journey was to visit the synagogues and preach to the Jews. They would come in and sit down to wait for an opportunity to speak. It was up to the rulers of the synagogue to offer them an opportunity to speak, but due to the many things that were happening (signs and wonders), people were curious and would give them an opportunity to encourage the people. Then, they would capitalize on the opportunity to present the Gospel message.

How can I spark curiosity in people about my faith? One way is to pray that God will work signs and wonders where I am, whether through me or through others associated with me, so that people will be moved to ask. Signs and wonders should continue to be part and parcel of the Gospel and I should not give up on it. Just because signs and wonders are not as prevalent today as they were in the day of the Apostles does not mean that I should harden my heart towards the possibility that God can do something that impacts our community. I don't have to think of fire and brimstone coming down from heaven. It can be as simple as the answer to a prayer I utter on behalf of an unbeliever.

Paul and Barnabas went to the Jews first because they knew they could have an audience due to their relationship with them. Paul was well known in his time among his peers and he used his influence to bring the Gospel. I need to work on my circle of influence to build bonds of friendship that will bring out the curiosity in people. Unfortunately, I must confess that most of my time is devoted to the church and I am always surrounded by believers. If I am to make an impact in my community, I must find ways to connect with the community, not only as a church, but personally, I must make the effort to have a circle of unbelieving friends in my community.

The content of Paul's message begins with the common history the Jews share of how God brought them out of Egypt. As he recounts their history going through prophets and kings, he points out that God had spoken to the nation about a Savior who would be a descendant of David. He also points out that John the Baptist, as well respected as he was, was not the one to fulfill this prophecy. Jesus is the one who fulfilled the Scriptures who died and resurrected and in whose name they proclaim forgiveness of sins. Paul quotes verses from Psalm2, 16 and Isaiah 29, 55 pointing at Jesus as the Christ and urging them to respond with repentance. I must learn to make connections with people where they are in their spiritual journey. I must also learn to bring them along to understand that Jesus is the Savior of their lives using meaningful connections with their background and experience.

Since the Jews opposed the Gospel message, Paul and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles who received it with great joy and many believed. When unbelief sets in a person's heart, there is only so much I can do. I must be willing to move on to find fertile soil for the Word of God. I'm not talking about giving up on people, but making sure I don't spend all my time with a person who has had plenty of opportunity to respond and has decided to put it off. I must be led by the Holy Spirit to discern when to move on and when to stick it out.

Unfortunately, I must be ready for opposition and persecution as I go about sharing the good news. Paul and Barnabas were driven out of the district by devout men and women to Judaism.  Despite the circumstances, they were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. The Apostles considered persecution an honor and a privilege. It was not a reason to be discouraged or depressed. It was a joyous occasion to be persecuted for the name of Jesus. Will I rejoice when persecuted? Will I rejoice when opposed?

Father, help me believe that signs and wonders are still for today and to have an open heart to see you work in my community. Give me opportunities to build a circle of influence among the unchurched. Teach me to build relationships that create curiosity for the faith. Teach me how to connect with people and bring them to the cross. Fill my heart with joy as I am obedient to your mandate whether people respond or not. Amen

Acts 13:4-12 Barnabas and Saul on Cyprus

This is the beginning of the first missionary journey for Barnabas and Saul. From Antioch they go to Seleucia which is on the coast of the Mediterranean and from there they sail to the island of Cyprus. Arriving at Salamis on the east coast, they travel across the island to the west, all the way to Paphos. Why did they choose this path? I am certain that the Holy Spirit was guiding them in their journey as they prayed to him for direction. Also, we can see the commitment to spread the Gospel systematically across the region as they make their way through. Am I committed to spread the Gospel?

It is worth noting that what we call missionary journey for Barnabas and Saul is really a trip to the surrounding regions of Antioch and not so much a voyage to the unknown places of the world where language and cultural training was required. The Church began its outreach to the areas that were at its reach first. The Church took responsibility for missions. Am I committed to share the Gospel in a systematic way in our region? Am I willing to view missions as going to the surrounding regions of the church and not just going "overseas?"

Barnabas and Saul began their missionary journey doing what they knew how to do. They proclaimed the good news of the Gospel to the Jews in their synagogues. How did they react to opposition? Here we have the example of Bar-Jesus or Elymas. He was a magician - remember that magicians are not illusionists; they are more like spiritists. He also opposed the preaching of Paul trying to turn the proconsul Sergius Paulus, who was seeking to hear the Gospel, away from the faith. Paul confronted the man and brought a curse upon him to be blinded for a time. He accused him of "making crooked the straight paths of the Lord." This confrontation brought Sergius Paulus to believe the Word of God.

As I attempt to proclaim the good news of the Gospel, I will encounter opposition to the spread of the Word of God. It is important to identify the things that hinder the preaching of the Gospel and address them head on. In Paul's case it was a confrontation of powers, the Gospel vs Elymas' magic. Paul brings a curse upon him to demonstrate that magic is no match for the power of the Gospel. What are the things that oppose the Gospel in my neighborhood? How can I confront and disarm them? Am I truly committed to see the Word of God spread no matter the cost?

Father, guide me to share the good news of the Gospel with those who need it. Fill me with your Spirit to confront the obstacles and false teachings that stand in my way to communicate the Gospel. Fill me with joy as I share the abundant life of the kingdom. Amen.