Bible Chapter: Acts 18

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Paul continued on his journey and made it to Corinth.  This became an important stop as he stayed there for a year and a half, establishing the church and teaching them the Word of God.  He met Aquila and Priscilla and ended up working with them as a tent maker.  There are times when people in vocational ministry have to do things to provide some more financial support.  The Jewish opposition to him was very strong there and so Paul finally announced he would minister to the Gentiles.
    A great word of encouragement came to Paul.  Verses 9 and 10 give the words Jesus spoke to his heart.  Paul was told to not be afraid for “I am with you”.  There is a special nearness believers can experience as they remain faithful to the Lord and to their calling of service.  Even one of the names given to Jesus at His birth, Immanuel, means God is with us.  Paul faced continual opposition to his ministry.  The Lord encouraged him to stick with the calling for he would make it.
    After an extended time of teaching in Corinth, Paul started out on his third missionary journey.  Paul visited several cities preaching and encouraging (strengthening) the disciples (believers) he found.  Aquila and Priscilla started the journey with Paul, but stayed in Ephesus when Paul went on.  A man named Apollos from Alexandria came to Ephesus.  He was preaching about Jesus but only knew of the baptism of John.  Aquila and Priscilla invited him to their home and taught him the ways of Jesus more adequately.  Apollos became a strong voice for the work of Jesus.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I like the uplift found in verses 9 and 10.  They are an encouragement.
Acts 18:9-10 NKJV
9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”
    When Paul was facing strong opposition the Lord gave him a special word of encouragement.  There is often intimidation to be silent about Jesus and what He will do for people.  The opposition tries to discourage speaking out for Jesus, lest someone be offended.  This threat is becoming more and more common.  I also like the end of the message that God has many people in the city.  It is easy to become frustrated thinking that “nothing will ever happen here”.  There is a term people used to use saying that some places are a burned-over territory.  While many places are spiritually difficult, no place is impossible.  While Paul faced strong opposition, God did a great work there.
    God has promised to never abandon His church.  Over the years the Corinthian church had many struggles, but they impacted many for eternity.  Stick with the task and trust the Lord to open the doors.

3.  How can I help someone?
    People who work for the Lord can easily become discouraged.  I need to be a voice of encouragement to help people, especially those working in some form of ministry.  Ministry does not always imply those whose paid job is ministry.  We all need to stick with the work for Jesus.