Acts in 28 DaysSample

Telling people about the gospel is not always easy, and Paul knew this more than most. Often, he came up against opposition from many sides. At the start of his ministry, Paul’s priority was telling the Jews that their Messiah had come. This was not an easy job as they were very tough to convince. Often, they would stir up the community against him and run him out of town. However, even though it had proven to be difficult, Paul would still go to the synagogue when he first arrived in a new place and reason with the Jews because he knew it is what he was sent to do. While he was doing this in Corinth, the Jews there became so abusive that he decided to shake the dust off his clothes as a sign that he would not persist with them any longer but, instead, would focus on telling the Gentiles (non-Jews) that lived in the city the gospel. It must have been very discouraging when the Jews rejected him so harshly! This didn’t mean that he wouldn’t talk to Jews who were genuinely interested in the gospel. In fact, after he left the synagogue, some Jews did believe, along with many Gentiles, and were baptised.

God then spoke to Paul in a vision in verse 9, telling him not to be afraid and the He was with Paul. This is something that is very important to remember when you feel that God wants you to tell others about Him. He himself is with You! Trust God to guide you and protect you when it is time to share, because He will! And don’t forget how great His power is. If He could protect Paul from a hostile Jewish crowd that even tried to take him to court, then He can protect you, too. This passage also reminds us not to be disheartened when people don’t respond to what we are saying. Sometimes it is best to trust God to use the seed that you have sown and move on to people who are more open to listening, just like Paul did.

GO DEEP

What are the things that keep you from telling others what Jesus has done for us? What might cause you to fear or be discouraged?

BE BOLD

Try talking to someone about what Jesus has done for you and them. Remember, you don’t need to go about it in an oppositional way; just talk openly of the truth about Christ.

MEMORISE IT

“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.” - Acts 18:9-10