Day 27 - Concord Student Journey

 Read Acts 18:1-17
After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. 4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
5 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 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.”
7 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. 8 Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.
9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” 11 So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.
12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the place of judgment. 13 “This man,” they charged, “is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.”
14 Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, “If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. 15 But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.” 16 So he drove them off. 17 Then the crowd there turned on Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the proconsul; and Gallio showed no concern whatever.
In Acts 18:1-17, we see Paul arriving in Corinth and beginning his ministry there. He met two people, Aquila and Priscilla, who were also tentmakers like him. They became good friends and worked together to spread the gospel. Despite facing opposition from some Jews, Paul continued preaching and many people believed in Jesus.
One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and encouraged him to keep speaking boldly. Paul listened and continued his ministry with renewed strength, even in the face of more opposition from the Jews. Finally, he left Corinth and moved on to his next destination.
Reflection Questions:
Like Paul, have you ever faced opposition while sharing the gospel or living out your faith? How did you handle it? Did you feel discouraged or empowered by the experience?
Have you ever received a message from the Lord that gave you renewed strength to continue your ministry or journey of faith? How did you respond to that message? Did it change your approach or perspective in any way?
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example of Paul and his dedication to sharing the gospel, even in the face of opposition. Help us to be bold and courageous in our own ministries and to trust in your strength when we face challenges. Give us ears to hear your voice and hearts that are willing to obey. In Jesus' name, Amen.