ACTS 18: Be an encouragement to someone in their walk with God
We’re over half way through this journey through the Book of Acts – it’s certainly quite a ride!
If you’re just joining us, welcome aboard! We’re reading a chapter a day and I’m providing a link to the chapter in the NIV(UK) version, but you can of course read the chapter in whatever version you like. I’ve been sharing some short reflections, but the important part is the last part: ACTION.
I wonder how you’ve been getting on with the short challenges I’ve been setting…
READ: Acts 18
REFLECTION: This visit to Corinth takes place two years after the events of the previous chapter. We read through these chapters quickly with no real sense of time, but it’s actually been 21 years now since the ascension of Jesus into heaven!
In Corinth, Paul stayed and worked with Aquila and Priscilla. And when Silas and Timothy arrived, he stayed on another year and a half. And when Gallio, proconsul of Achaia, refused to get involved, Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time.
Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Rome was continuing its oppression of the Jews. It was not an easy time to be a Jew – and then there were these Christians, these followers of the way, to contend with too, who were shaking the very foundations of their tradition and faith.
‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you…’ Great words of reassurance right there, just what Paul needed to keep on keeping on.
Don’t be discouraged. You can do this. I am right there with you. Don’t give up.
Words we often need to hear and a truth we often need reminding of.
Paul had his hair cut off because of a vow he had taken. The most random fact I’ve read in the Book of Acts so far!
The task is now two-fold. Paul is not just trying to persuade the Jews and the Greeks of the truth of Jesus’ life and death and resurrection. He’s also focusing on strengthening all the disciples.
When people turn to Jesus, that’s not it, job done. That’s the beginning of the path. We all need support and encouragement and teaching and guidance along the way. Take Apollos – ‘he needed to have the way of God explained to him more adequately’.
ACTION: Be an encouragement to someone in their walk with God
Everyone needs encouragement. We all need to be reminded of God’s presence with us all of the time. We need to be encouraged to keep on keeping on when the going gets tough.
So be that encouragement to someone today.
