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 17:10-21 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 16:1-5 Timothy Joins Paul and Silas

Paul, in his second missionary trip, sets out with Silas and he encounters a young man called Timothy who was well recommended by the brethren and he asks him to accompany him on the journey. Here is again the principle of working in triads with at least one of them being an apprentice. There is great value in having an apprentice to come along for the journey. During the first trip it was John Mark, who left them shortly after beginning.

An interesting fact about Timothy is that he was half Greek. Paul knew that taking an uncircumcised Greek along with him would make it very difficult for him to be heard by the Jews, so he decided to circumcise him. The reason Timothy's uncircumcision would be a hindrance is because the Jews knew his family. Though the Jerusalem Council voted against requiring Gentiles to circumcise, Paul does it anyway for Timothy. Here is a very important principle that Paul applied throughout his missionary career: He minimized even the possible stumbling blocks to the Gospel. What are the stumbling blocks in my way to share the Gospel with others? Am I willing to address them and get them out of the way?

The decisions made at the Jerusalem Council were communicated by Paul's team to the churches. It would be reasonable to assume that Barnabas' team would do the same. There is a unity among the churches in teaching directed by the apostles in Jerusalem. The Antioch Church is acting as a mother to the churches planted in the area, but the Council in Jerusalem is the definitive voice concerning doctrine. There are many similarities with our current denominational structure today. Denominational loyalties are important because they keep us accountable for sound doctrine.

The solidarity of the churches in doctrine kept them growing in numbers as well as in faith. Nothing is more important to the church than to have a solid doctrinal foundation upon which to build all other programs. How well do I know the foundational doctrines of my faith? How much time have I devoted to understand the teachings of Christ and the Apostles? My commitment to these teachings will determine my growth and strength in the faith.

Father, fill me with wisdom to understand the basic, foundational truths of the Gospel. Help me be a mentor to those around me who are younger and can carry the torch in the future. Teach me to overcome the obstacles to be able to communicate the Gospel of your kingdom. Amen.