Ep 429 – Acts 18:1-11

When the pressure picked up, Paul seemed more compelled to speak up. He wasn't some kind of shrinking violet who backed down at the slightest sign of opposition. He was a determined individual with a stubborn streak that had been redeemed by the Holy Spirit. No one was going to shut Paul up or keep him from doing what he had been called and commissioned to do. And in Acts 18:1-11 we are going to get a glimpse of Paul boldly proclaiming the gospel in the face of mounting opposition and increasing hostility on the part of the Jews and the Gentiles. While he was seeing many people come to faith in Christ, he was also experiencing intense resentment to those who opposed his message. And Paul was learning the invaluable lesson that there comes a time when sharing the gospel become nothing more than casting pearls before swine. There were those who were never going to listen and who would never embrace the free gift of God's grace made available through His Son. While Paul had a deep desire to see his fellow Jews come to faith in Christ, he was becoming increasingly more convinced that his mission was to the Gentiles. They were receptive. Their hearts were soft and their ears quick to hear what he had to say. And yet, Paul was human. He must have become weary with all the resistance and rejection. So much so, that God had to encourage him to keep on keeping on. He wanted Paul to know that there were many more who needed to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Now was not the time to give up or give in to pressure. But he was to go on speaking and not to be silent.