Corinth was fertile ground. Not all soil is, but I trust where you are right now is fertile ground. Sometimes, like Paul did here, you have to shake the dust from your clothes and move on (18:6). But God will bring you an opportunity, fertile ground. You’ll go places this year where you will be tested, but God will be with you. In Corinth, there were many people eager to hear from God. Likewise, God has you right now, with your resources and those you will encounter over the coming year, in a place of incredible blessing and opportunity. Like this Scripture passage, your situation may start with adversity, conflict, and struggle. But God is with you!
Not much is said here about the roles Aquila, Priscilla, Titius Justus, and Crispus played. But I do not doubt that each of them is a hero of the faith. The message God gave to Paul here, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” is just the message we need to hear as well. It didn’t mean Paul and his friends would have easy sailing - good sailing comes with strong wind. This is a message of encouragement and motivation from Jesus. Jesus was with Paul to protect him and give him the necessary support. But Jesus' Way is one of responsibility. Paul had to work. There are no fat soldiers in Jesus' army. Paul needed to speak. He could not be silent. That's true today for you. And for me.
Not all court cases will go our way. But Jesus is with us and for us. We see God's providence in the religious freedom decision from governor Gallio. Be encouraged today. God will take you right where you need to be, with the work you need to do, working with just the right people, with opportunities to speak about God and his love for people and to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
Paul was practical and hard-working. He was courageous. He was honest and tough. And he was a fearless advocate for Jesus Christ. Paul was converted from a Jew who persecuted Christians and was convinced Christ's followers needed to be stopped. It's a reminder to us to pray for all people. Even the worst man or woman can be transformed by the gospel. Just as Paul was converted into a believer in Jesus Christ who then committed his life to preach the Way of Christ. Paul's conversion was unique because God knocked him down, audibly spoke to him, and blinded him. Many times in the Bible, conversions are immediate. We see a pattern in this Bible passage from Corinth: hear the gospel, believe the gospel, and be baptized as a follower of Jesus Christ (v. 8). I think Paul’s conversion was immediate. That is, as soon as Paul was thrown down and heard the voice of Jesus, I believe he knew he was dealing with Jesus Christ and that Jesus was the Messiah. But God wanted to make a lasting impression and to convict Paul of his mission. Over the years, God would continue to miraculously speak to Paul and give him the encouraging message he needed to hear. That’s the case with this passage. Jesus, the Rescuer, is also the Encourager. I believe Jesus desires to encourage you and me today.
Paul knew his authority and mission were from Jesus. A lot of changes when we have clarity and conviction. Paul had no interest in the world nor illusions of rewards from allegiance to worldly endeavors or human authority. His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, commanded him to share the offer of life to Jews and Gentiles alike. And he did so. The Christian life is the good life. It's exciting, rewarding, and satisfying.
There is no motivator like the loving acceptance of our Holy God. Our objectives are clarified when we desire to be with God forever in thankfulness. When forgiven by the Lion of Judah, the King of Kings, we know what matters and what doesn’t. We fear God because we know how powerful, merciful, and just he is.
And with that mindset, a mindset of love and determination and underserved grace, Paul built relationships and explained that the Scriptures point to Jesus the Messiah.
In this passage, God worked through Claudius Caesar (ordered all Jews deported from Italy) and governor Gallio (ordered Paul to be freed). Despite the headlines, trust that God is at work today. I love how God works, orchestrates, and provides. He’s doing that today for you. And for me.
Thank you, Lord God, for how Paul testified about you to Aquila in Corinth. Thank you that he preached truth to those who believed and those that insulted and opposed him.
Lord, thank you for your providence. I love you. Amen.
Comments