Acts 18:5 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.
It brings me some small measure of comfort to know that those early disciples expanding the church faced challenges that feel familiar. I wonder if they struggled with the assault of doubt that can come with opposition—Am I doing the right thing? Is this where I should be? Lord, are you trying to move me somewhere else or teaching me to trust?
Acts 18:6 But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
I think the important thing to remember is that they were human just like us, they made mistakes, they made missteps. But their hearts were for Jesus, for sharing with others the Good News of His life and love. Looks like we aren’t so different after all.
Acts 18:9-10 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”
Lord, Thank You for knowing our hearts, for speaking words of love and encouragement to us, especially when we struggle. Help us stay the course, even when it gets tough. Amen.
Acts 18:11 So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.
Have a blessed day.