Wednesday Devo
Scripture:
Acts 18
7 Then he left and went to the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized.
9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” 11 So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.
7 Then he left and went to the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized.
9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” 11 So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.
Commentary:
18:7 Paul did not completely give up on witnessing to the Jews of Corinth, as his relocating next door to the synagogue indicates. Paul’s Jewish opponents cannot have been very pleased about his choice of a new location in such close proximity to the synagogue. Nothing more is known of Titius Justus. He is not the Titus who was with Paul long before the founding of the Corinthian church (Gal. 2:1).
18:8 Both Jews and Gentiles were won to the Lord, Crispus (see 1 Cor. 1:14) representing the former and many of the Corinthians the latter. believed and were baptized. Baptism seems to have followed closely after each person’s profession of faith.
18:9–11 Up to this point, opposition to his ministry had usually forced Paul to leave a place of witness. But the Lord in a vision assured him that he would have a successful ministry in Corinth and would suffer no further harm. In obedience Paul remained there for 18 months (c. a.d. 49–51, during which time he wrote 1–2 Thessalonians). God’s assurance was immediately confirmed by Paul’s deliverance from an attempt to condemn him before the proconsul. Acts 18:10–11 gives helpful insight into Paul’s understanding of God’s providence and predestination in relation to human responsibility for preaching the gospel. Though God had told Paul, “I have many in this city who are my people,” indicating that many in Corinth would come to faith in Christ, this did not lead Paul to conclude that he had no further part to play. Rather, Paul stayed a year and six months, longer than he stayed at any city except Ephesus, preaching the gospel in order that through his preaching those whom God had chosen would come to faith (cf. note on 27:30). Predestination implied successful evangelism.
18:8 Both Jews and Gentiles were won to the Lord, Crispus (see 1 Cor. 1:14) representing the former and many of the Corinthians the latter. believed and were baptized. Baptism seems to have followed closely after each person’s profession of faith.
18:9–11 Up to this point, opposition to his ministry had usually forced Paul to leave a place of witness. But the Lord in a vision assured him that he would have a successful ministry in Corinth and would suffer no further harm. In obedience Paul remained there for 18 months (c. a.d. 49–51, during which time he wrote 1–2 Thessalonians). God’s assurance was immediately confirmed by Paul’s deliverance from an attempt to condemn him before the proconsul. Acts 18:10–11 gives helpful insight into Paul’s understanding of God’s providence and predestination in relation to human responsibility for preaching the gospel. Though God had told Paul, “I have many in this city who are my people,” indicating that many in Corinth would come to faith in Christ, this did not lead Paul to conclude that he had no further part to play. Rather, Paul stayed a year and six months, longer than he stayed at any city except Ephesus, preaching the gospel in order that through his preaching those whom God had chosen would come to faith (cf. note on 27:30). Predestination implied successful evangelism.
Questions:
- At this point, despite having some success in Corinth, Paul seems to be getting discouraged. But the Lord speaks to him in a vision and encourages him to not be afraid, to speak out, to not be silent. He assured Paul that He was with him. As believers, God would say the same to us... speak out! Don't be afraid! Dark moments and suffering go hand in hand with being used by God. But He is with you and you are not alone! Are you feeling discouraged? Is there someone you can share this with that can pray for you?
- Many Christians have a lot of fear when it comes to telling people about Jesus. But the Gospel MUST be preached! In Romans 10, Paul poses the question of how will they hear unless someone tells them? Has there been a time that you were afraid to speak up, but then you did, and you sensed God was with you in that moment?
Prayer Topics:
- That you would allow the Spirit of God to encourage you.
- That you would speak the Gospel with boldness.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
1. Who is Jesus? I believe Jesus is God because Jesus said He is God and proved it by rising from the dead and appearing to His disciples, His brother James, 500 others at one time, and Paul.
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
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