获取软件Real Hope: Acts (A Study of Acts 18 -23)预览
All The Way
READ ACTS 18:1–5
The 18th chapter of the book of Acts isn’t on the Bible’s trending list. Don’t think you’re rushing to it when you need comfort or clarity. If Acts were a TV series, chapter 18 seems to be an episode that takes us from one point to the next without standing strongly on its own. I was tempted to fast forward until I noticed its defiant backbone of declaring Jesus as Messiah (18:28) despite opposition from those who should recognize Him.
Hot on the heels of the early Christian leader Paul unveiling the "Unknown God" in Athens (17:22–34), Acts 18 can register like lesser examples of that same scene. However, while Paul is establishing himself as the first missionary to "the Gentiles" (basically, anyone not ethnically Jewish), he’s preaching plenty to his own people. Testifying and reasoning in synagogues about Jesus (18:4,19), Paul and his circle are met with rejection, accusations, and worse.
Notable for introducing the influential Corinthian and Ephesian churches, and the ongoing ministry principle of "tentmaking," chapter 18 also boasts the resurrected Jesus again steering Paul’s path. Beset by hostility from people who should have ears to hear, the first followers of Jesus remain resolute in demonstrating He is who He declared. Bold.
Written by BEN MCEACHEN
读经计划介绍
“Paul’s testimony is that God’s promise is our strength to prevail over hard times, not to protect us from them. May we align our priorities with His, surrendering our fears, desires and–if needed–our very lives for the sake of the Gospel and the advancement of His kingdom” (Boldly Embracing God’s Will–Dwayne Jeffries). May these devotions encourage you to put God first and see where it leads!
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