March 20,2006
Acts Chapter 18
God’s Protection and Provision
Introduction:
From time to time, we hear amazing
stories about God’s provision. A gospel singing group needs a van. People pray.
And viola, someone hands them keys to a brand-new Suburban. Or a missionary
needs money to buy shoes for his family and someone hands him an envelop with
enough money for shoes and new outfits. We lift our hands and shout, “God is
good all the time!”
But, what about the rest of us?
Aren’t our needs as great? Or isn’t God as concerned with us because we’re not
in full-time ministry?
God provides for all of us in every
way. He does not always answer our financial prayers in the same way. It doesn’t
mean He loves us less or that our needs our less significant. I have prayed for
financial help many times. Seldom has anyone handed me the exact cash for the
need. What has happened is: my work increased, customers gave me generous tips,
or the need was resolved by other than monetary means. Did God provide for me?
Of course, He provided the work, my health, the generous customers, or whatever
was necessary to resolve the need.
Core of the Lesson:
Paul did not expect his temporal
needs to be met miraculously. He realized that God provided his needs through
honest labor; therefore, Paul worked as a tentmaker to support himself as he
ministered to God’s people.
The Bible has this to say about
work:
1. Although ministers should be
compensated for their preaching, it is not shameful for them to work to
supplement their income so that the gospel of Christ can be preached without
placing undue burdens the recipients. (First Corinthians 9:1-18)
2. Work supplies the needs of the worker and gives him enough to share
with the needy. (Ephesians 4:28)
3. Working with our hands enables us to walk honestly and give to those
in need that no one would lack anything. (I Thessalonians 4:11-12)
4. Idol people become disorderly busybodies. They are commanded to work
and eat their own bread. If they refuse to work, they are to be refused food. (2
Thessalonians 3:10-12)
Every Sabbath, Paul preached in the
synagogue to his Jewish brothers. In verse 4, Luke mentioned the Greeks in the
synagogue. These Greeks converted to Judaism. They believed in the doctrine of
the Jews and worshipped the true God according to Jewish customs. Paul’s deep
love and concern for his kinsmen motivated him to speak boldly about the Lord
Jesus Christ.
In Corinth, the Jews opposed the
gospel and blasphemed against Christ to such an extreme that Paul shook the dust
off his garment and declared that he would only preach to the Gentiles there. As
we discovered earlier in our study in Acts, shaking off the dust represented a
curse on the people for their offensive behavior toward the gospel. Jesus
commanded the disciples to do the same thing in Matthew 10:14,
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear
your words, when depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your
feet.
Paul realized his ministry involved the Gentiles, but never shirked his
responsibility to the Jews.
1. For I speak to you Gentiles,
inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: If by any
means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of
them. (Romans 11:13-14)
2. That I should be the minister of
Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering
up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 15:16)
Luke offers no explanation for Paul's
vision. Perhaps, Paul feared the Jews because of their strong opposition.
Perhaps, he felt as though he were alone in the battle. Whatever the reason, the
Lord knew Paul’s need of reassurance. Commissioning Paul to continue in his bold
proclamation of the gospel, the Lord promised to be with him, to protect him and
to grant him companionship in the task. Paul continued the work in Corinth for 1
½ years.
As in the beginning of Acts, Luke
noted the strength in unity with the phrase “of one accord.” This time, however,
he referred to the wicked rather than the righteous. These Jews brought Paul
before the judgment seat of Gallio with a false accusation. They claimed Paul
persuaded the people to worship God contrary to the law. But they knew prophecy
such as Isaiah 11:10 -- And in that day
there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people;
to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious --
which Paul preached.
Gallio showed wisdom when he refused
to judge religious matters. Paul later wrote to the Corinthian church:
Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers
for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion
has light with darkness? (2
Corinthians 6:14) Gallio had no business judging matters he knew nothing about.
We, too, need to show discernment
about judgment. Matthew 7:1, Judge not,
that you be not judged, is perhaps the most misquoted Scripture
among believers and non-believers alike. Jesus spoke of unrighteous judgment and
matters, which we cannot attain to. But, believers are expected to judge
righteously according to the Law. Do you
not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged
by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we
shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
(1 Corinthians 6:2-3) We cannot hide behind a wall of tolerance. God expects
us to exhibit discernment on matters that are clearly stated in His Word. For
example as Christians, we know that murder is wrong because it has no fidelity
with the Original, Jesus Christ the giver and sustainer of all life. Therefore,
claiming neutrality in regards to abortion is unreasonable. Because abortion is
taking the life of an innocent person, Christians who side with the pro-choice
movement, discredit Jesus. Pro-choice has no fidelity with the Original. Not my
thoughts on the matter, but the Law of God. My opinion is worthless and so is
yours. Only God matters and He has given us His Word that we should not shed
innocent blood, because He is life.
While Gallio showed wisdom in not
judging matters he knew nothing about, he showed disregard for humanity in
Sosthenes beating. (Scholars believe Sosthenes was a personal friend of Paul.)
Paul remained in Corinth for awhile after these events.
Accompanied by Aquila and Priscilla,
Paul sailed to Syria. On their way to Ephesus, Paul made a vow and shaved his
head. Perhaps his vow had to do with his deep concern for his countrymen. Luke
did not elaborate on the matter. Ironically, Paul could not spend much time with
the Jews at Ephesus who wanted him to teach them more. He had determined to keep
the feast (Passover) in Jerusalem. Paul traveled to Caesarea, Antioch, Galatia,
and Phrygia encouraging the disciples along the way.
Priscilla and Aquila remained in
Ephesus to help establish the church. They met an eloquent speaker named Apollos.
He taught what he knew and understood concerning the Lord, but only knew about
the baptism of John. Priscilla and Aquila offered him instruction and mentored
him in the full gospel. Apollos became a great missionary in his own right. Paul
mentions him in his first letter to the Corinthian church and also in his letter
to Titus.
Conclusion:
Aquila and Priscilla used courage
along with good judgment in mentoring Apollos. It is right to help one another
discern the truth of the gospel. At times, we reason to keep silent rather than
to offend a person who is diligently preaching a wrong message or a half truth.
Adrian Rogers said, “It is better to be divided by truth than united in error;
it is better to speak truth that hurts and then heals than to speak a lie . . .
It is time for men and women of God to stand, [even] if they have to stand
alone.” Are we prepared?
Prayer Requests:
Melinda & Barry and family, Jenn, Jordan, Joey, Phyllis and husband, Barb, J.J., Nora, Trinity, Wyatt, Johanna, Irene, Enos, Chelsea, Helen, Mildred, Norma, Jace, Pauline and Ed, Donna, Joy, Nick, lost loved ones, our Monday Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.
Praise Report:
Cassi, a twelve-year-old who recently had surgery with severe complications, is now restored to good health. Aaron, a fifteen-year-old who recently had surgery on his feet, is enjoying the wonder of walking without aide. We are looking forward to more praise reports. Please keep us informed so we can share the wonderful grace of Jesus.
Next Weeks Study:
Read Acts 19. Before and after the cross.
Invitation:
Although we have not chosen to be, we are all born into sin because of the fall of man. Sounds hopeless and unfair, but God in His infinite wisdom and abundant love has provided a choice for us. We can choose to repent of our sinful nature and believe in Jesus Christ. He is faithful and will cleanse us from sin and give us His Holy Spirit to equip us to live for Him. If you’ve made your choice to repent and believe in Jesus, we’d like to hear about it.If you are free in Christ Jesus, pray for those who remain captive. And tell others, Christians as well as non-believers, what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony will benefit them and help you to strengthen your confidence in Christ’s work in your life and in the future.
If you’d like to participate in our Monday Bible Study, please contact us with your comments, questions, and prayer requests at twosmallfish@twosmallfish.org .
A special reminder: to find out what other readers have to say check out the comment page.
May God grant you safety, reassurance of His love, and the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Brenda Hendricks
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