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 14:8-18 Paul and Barnabas at Lystra

Signs and wonders continue to accompany Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. It is very interesting to see how Paul worked in the supernatural realm. The Holy Spirit would enable him to look at someone and "see" if they had faith to be healed. This was the case with a man crippled from birth and Paul commanded him to stand up straight. Paul was in tune with the Holy Spirit. I yearn to walk with the Spirit like Paul; to receive guidance and direction according to God's will every day.

Unfortunately, walking in the Spirit does not prevent people from misunderstanding. Spiritual success comes with its own liabilities. The people from Lystra interpreted the healing as a demonstration of Paul and Barnabas' deity and they called them gods - Hermes and Zeus respectively. And worst of all, they set out to offer sacrifices in worship to them. How do I handle spiritual success? When the Holy Spirit manifests himself through my life, the enemy is ready to attack with pride using people to place me on a pedestal for just being an obedient instrument in his hand.

The Apostles counter with the preaching of the Gospel. They stated that they were human, of like nature with them and called them to turn away from idolatry to the living God who deserves to be worshiped for he is the Creator of all things. They explain that God gave them a witness of himself in his provision of rain and crops for their sustenance. He is the only one that deserves to be worshiped and adored. When people set out to place me on a pedestal, it is an opportunity to share the Gospel. It is an opportunity to exalt my God.

It is important to notice that not all the people understood the message and many continued to worship Paul and Barnabas thinking of them as gods. Paul and Barnabas continued to preach the Gospel and allowed the Holy Spirit to work in people's lives. But they had to endure the attacks of the enemy. Spiritual success brings about much pain. Success in the kingdom calls for more humility before our God and more dependence upon our God. Otherwise, I can spiral out of control by the enemy's whispers that somehow I have anything to do with God's work in people's lives. God is the author and I am a mere instrument in his hands. I must keep that perspective.

Father, teach me to walk by the Spirit day by day. Fill me to overflowing that you may be able to use me as an instrument in your hands. Teach me to overcome the attacks of the enemy that come out of the successes you grant to your servant. Help me to stay humble and dependent on you. Amen.