Acts 18- Facing Opposition

Acts 18: Facing Opposition Have you ever felt like giving up? Perhaps you've worked hard, faced opposition, and wondered if your efforts were making any difference. If so, you'll relate to Paul in Acts 18. As this chapter opens, Paul arrives in Corinth, one of the most influential—and challenging—cities in the Roman world. He finds new friends, works with his hands to support himself, and faithfully shares the message of Jesus. Yet opposition soon arises. Just when discouragement could have taken hold…let me save that part for when we get there.   Paul didn't stay long in Athens, maybe only a few weeks. Acts 18:4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks alike.   5 And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.   6 But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."   7 So Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titus Justus,  a worshiper of God.   8 Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his whole household believed in the Lord. And many of the Corinthians who heard the message believed and were baptized.   An interesting contrast in Acts 18 is that after many Jews opposed Paul, the synagogue leader himself believed. It is one of Luke's reminders that even in places of strong resistance, God was still drawing people to Christ. So, while Corinth was a largely Gentile city, Crispus was a Jewish synagogue leader who became a believer in Jesus. In spite of heavy opposition and discouraging situations God spoke to Paul. Acts 18:9 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 will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city."  11 So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching the word of God among the Corinthians.       Later Paul writes the Corinthian church, where he opens his heart to describe the events of this visit from his perspective. It is why he could have success in spite of opposition. 1 Corinthians 2: 3 I came to you in weakness and fear,  and with much trembling.   4 My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a DEMONSTRATION of the SPIRIT'S POWER, 5 so that your faith would not rest on men's wisdom,  but on God's power.   Have we settled for persuasiveness? Paul is explaining we need to do more than persuade people. We need more than words! We struggle to put together just the right words to convince people they need Jesus. We think…is my testimony good enough? Does my testimony have all the right words?   Is this a great message? Is it filled with all the right illustrations—Is it good enough?  But Paul says, I came to you with a demonstration of Holy Spirit power---so that your faith would not rest on men's wisdom, BUT ON GOD'S POWER.   But Paul tells us what to say  when we do use words! 1 Corinthians 2:6 Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom— but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.   7 No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.   It's not hidden from us…it is hidden FOR US!   8 None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had,  they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.   9 Rather, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him."   Please do NOT stop there!  This is important. 1 Corinthians 2:10 But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.   11 For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.   12 We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.   Who has God prepared it for?  Verse 9 says "for those who love Him"   Is that you? Then God has freely given them to you! It's up to us to be filled and stay filled with Precious Holy Spirit, so we can experience the things that Precious Holy Spirit has given to us!   Mix that promise with faith. Ask for it. Believe for it.   Father, Precious Father, you have prepared some amazing things for those that love you. Reveal them to us. Help us not to be satisfied with saying words, but let us have demonstrations of your power so people's faith will NOT rest on men's wisdom, BUT ON GOD'S POWER. Stir us to be filled to overflowing with Precious Holy Spirit so we can demonstrate your love in tangible ways. In the Mighty Name of Jesus! Amen. Want To Be Stronger?   Join me every Saturday for faith-filled encouragement, inspiring articles, and helpful resources delivered right to your inbox. I'd love to connect with you! Or subscribe to this podcast on your favorite Podcast Provider.