40 Days of FIRE – Day 18
Day 18: Acts Ch.18. Today we meet Aquila and Priscilla, who provided their home for shelter and education for missionaries like Paul and Apollos. Prayerfully ask God that our homes would be an environment for sharing Christ with family, friends, and neighbors. Let us also pray for a desire to go house to house in prayer and the Word.
JESUS today YOU will SAVE me.
Eat This Book
Read Proverbs Chapter 28
Acts 18
1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
13 Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.
14 And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
15 But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
16 And he drave them from the judgment seat.
17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.
18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
20 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
The POFW Daily Bible Reading 
And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
Acts 18:4, 6 KJV
Paul didn’t let rejection keep him from witnessing. If one man refuses to hear, you simply turn to another. God wants all men to hear. We are not responsible for their reaction, just to make sure they have a chance to know Him. One acceptance is worth many rejections. We must keep spreading the Word!
Amen!
Paul was not afraid to be a witness of God . he didn’t care about rejection he was there to help people be saved. He traveled and preached. Some believed some didn’t but he was bold in the Holy Ghost and his faith was strong. That’s what we should be .
And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. Acts 18:26 KJV
I like Priscilla and Aquila’s approach to Apollos. They took him unto them, they did not condemn him, they did not berate him, or insult him. Yet, because they received him, this opened the door for them to share more of the word with him. May God help us to use wisdom in sharing more truth with those that only have a portion of it.
We often undervalue the breaking of bread from house to house in today’s society. Somewhere along the way society decided it was more convenient to make use of virtual means of keeping in touch. Work demanded more to make ends meet and something had to give… unfortunately for many families today it was their time together. There is not anything wrong with making use of that technology, but when it begins to actually take the place of our fellowship, when personal time with those of like minded faith becomes a precious commodity, perhaps even the church has fallen into the same trap.
Paul was breaking ground in many new regions to bring the gospel and often did it from someone’s home, or even based himself from their home. The disciples were even sent out by Jesus two by two and instructed to abide with those who received them. There was just something different about being allowed into someone’s home… something effective in the kingdom. That’s why we teach ‘home’ Bible studies. Someone has opened their home to the truth and we are breaking the very bread of life in their home to signify their choice to receive something from God.
We can’t afford to lose sight of the value of going from house to house in our fellowship. That’s where relationships in the body are truly strengthened. It provides an opportunity to share our testimonies and discuss so much more of God than we’ll ever have time for in those brief passings in the foyer. That’s what God intended of his people! It’s blessings are not something we’re ever going to receive if church is the only place we truly have time for one another… and yes, it takes time. I’ve heard it said that someone saying they don’t have enough time is like a fish in the ocean saying it doesn’t have enough water. All we have is time, and where we choose to spend it shows where our values truly lie.
For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. J. Soliz
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
This man was strong in his witness & knowledge of who Jesus was, yet teachable. There is always things to learn to strengthen us and teach to others if we remain shapeable and moldable.
Acts 18:9-10 (KJV)
9) Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10) For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
Acts 18:9-10 (MSG)
One night the Master spoke to Paul in a dream: Keep it up, and don’t let anyone intimidate (to make timid: fill with fear) or silence you. No matter what happens, I’m with you and no one is going to be able to hurt you. You have no idea how many people I have on my side in this city.
Every year, we go downtown by the panther and pray against the spirit of intimidation, because the devil would like nothing more than to fill us with fear about speaking God’s Word, and if we are to afraid to speak God’s Word, then we have “hidden it from those who are lost.” BUT the good news is “HE has not given us a spirit of fear,” He wants us to be BOLD and speak His Word to the lost today. HE IS WITH US!!
So if you’re on Outreach, Follow Up, Bus Ministry, making a Phone Call, etc… today, GO in BOLDNESS for the LORD IS WITH YOU!
28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing BY THE SCRIPTURES that Jesus was Christ.
Jesus is Christ.
Where is that in the Bible?
Everywhere!
8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
We have been called to this city, with God commissioning is to not go in fear, if they don’t receive it we move on and to people God has sent us to reserved for him. We have no reason to be afraid nor to hold anything back. This has his people in this city, we just have to go get them. Remind me of Elijah on the Mount, good telling him not to be afraid or worried because there are so many others who have not bowed their knee to Baal.
24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
I pray that those teaching something other than Truth would receive the revelation as openly as Apollo’s did. I pray that Truth would flood the streets and the churches that do not yet know the fullness of God’s Word or His plan of salvation. Jesus name
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.”
Acts of the Apostles 18:9-10 NLT
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!!!! Our mission field is our city and surrounding area. A.L.M.A.S/ S.O.U.L.S are waiting on you and i this morning. ‘For many people in this city belongs to The LORD!’
Hallelujah, HEY!!!!!
9 One night in 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.
THY KINGDOM COME
KINGDOM PRAYER
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
We find witness here of BOLDNESS in the Gospel; the FRUIT of Kingdom Prayer we found in Acts 4.
Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
We REJOICE today over 8 souls that were baptized in the name of the LORD JESUS on Friday at The POFW because, we have prayed and speak HIS WORD with Boldness!
GO speak the WORD of GOD today with courage and boldness and lets see what JESUS will confirm in this weeks services.
iRepent
iPraise
iPray
iWork
iGive
iReap
iGo
iBlessYouInTheNameOfTheLordJESUS
24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor[a] and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.
Crazy what two oneness apostolic women can do if they were to witness about Jesus to Baptist. Apollos was the typical Baptist person, very learned and knowledgeable but lacking a more adequate understanding of who Jesus really is.
The fact is, that God can use anyone to bring revelation of Jesus. The key in this is that these two woman were thoroughly knowledgeable of scripture to explain Gods ways more adequately. The lack in preparation in our part will always hurt our witness.
We need to inscribe this truth in our hearts, to be really to explain the truth more adequately.
6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, your blood be upon your own heads, I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles. And he Departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshipped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
Don’t be discouraged if there are some that oppose hearing the gospel, move on and God will lead you to someone that is hungry to take their place.
13They accused Paul of “persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to our law.”
If you have to persuade someone to worship God, more than likely he doesn’t want anything to do with God. We all have a choice to worship, praise and pray.
28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
When I read this. The old song of,”He is Lord” came to my mind. This song was one of my dad’s favorites.
“For He is Lord, He is Lord
He has risen from the dead, for He is Lord
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess
That Jesus Christ is Lord”
Thank you Jesus for being my Lord.
And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
Acts 18:12-14, 19 KJV
People are going persuade for worship JESUS they persuade Paul we read early in the book that they put Paul in prison for teaching the word of GOD but thought it all Paul stold firm and continue his walk with God
Acts18:9 -10 (English Amp) And one night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, Have no fear but speak and do not keep silent; [ 10] For I am with you, and no man shall assault you, for I have many people in this city. Don’t worry about things that going on in this world or things are going on your family life. God is right here with us. If God be before us than who can be against us. There is hope and healing for everyone that want it. The Word of God is the eternal salvation in the kingdom of God. Fear is not of God. God is provider and protected. God is so good to us . Know matters what happens we must be born again . It not about me or My family it about God that loves us and that’s watching over us. Thank you Jesus.
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent!”
Acts of the Apostles 18:9 NLT
It’s time to stand up un-afraid, to stand out unashamed, to speak His word with boldness, to go out into all nations speaking of His greatness. This is our war cry, it is time to rise up!
We cannot be silent, we canno sit by, we must take this city for the cause of Jesus Christ! – Take this city
28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
All we need is the word of God; He will speak for himself if we just take the gospel out to the streets!
Acts 18:24-28
24And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
iLove the Kingdom\
Acts 18:20-21 NLT They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. (21) As he left, however, he said, “I will come back later, God willing.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.
We should all make practice of this verse in the sense that Paul says, “God willing”. This is very true in life and this is what I practice. I have added an extra phrase “and if the creek don’t rise” because we never know what might come our way (or we just might simply forget) and we don’t want to be telling folks we will do something and are unable to do so. Thank You Paul for a great example in saying “God Willing”.
Acts 18
For The Lord is With Thee
9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
The Lord gives a command we must follow through Hus word declares Ge is With us and we have no fear. Angels are all around us as we declare Hus Word. In Jesus name.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
“This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.”
Acts 18:25 KJV
This man was Fervent I’m the Spirit and spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord!
See when you’re fervent in the Spirit the words you speak about Christ will be heard by the Lost. When you’re fervent In the Spirit it will show through you. Jesus said “I am the light , I am the way” when Jesus died that allowed us to be a dwelling tabernacle for his Spirit and when we pray in the Spirit and ignite that fire Jesus is gonna show to the Lost through you!
Ignite that fire
Pray daily
Read daily
Teach daily
iBless you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
I Love To Worship The Lord
Aquila and Priscilla 18-1
This couple are commended by Paul as fellow workers in Christ Jesus to whom all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful (Rom. 16: 3-4) Apparently Priscilla was the more gifted of the too after this first mention her name always occurs first when they are discussed
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
Their is a time to be quite and a time to speak up. Jesus is calling Paul to be the speaker of his Word. He tells him not to fear the enemy that will rise against him because he has all power and dominion over him. If he is with us them whom shall we fear?
9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
Thank you Jesus!
24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
Surely when a soul is willing to be used, God can make a way for them to be used. I pray that even I have a willing spirit as Apollos the Jew did, that I can work in the kingdom of God. This life on earth should be all about God anyways, not about the things of this world and pleasing the flesh. Praise the Lord for He is great and mighty to be praised! Praise ye the Lord!
Josiah: 6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
Sometimes people will close doors on us because of what what we stand for and others will gladly receive us. Sometimes we may have to shake the dust off our shoes. However we should no let this hinder our own walk with God. We should still strive to reach souls with our whole heart whether they receive us or not. So, let us GO IN JESUS NAME seeking souls while still maintaining our own walk with God!
GODS power protects, empowers and defends us the miracles glorify GOD an creates an opportunity for us to testify of HIM.
3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
All too often, we as Pentecostals try to force Jesus on someone before we establish a relationship and common ground with them…
Missionary Work
7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
As a mother of three beautiful children, it is my responsibility to realize that my first missionary work starts in my home. If I never teach them to pray, help engage them in worship, or teach them the principles of the Word of God. I have failed my home. The great thing is that as I lead them and show them I have tripled myself and now there is 4 of us doing the work of the Lord together.
Ministry is something you have to want. It has to be a part of who you are. God blesses those that are willing and obedient. Don’t allow sin to turn you away from what God has for you.
20 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
Our priorities must not waver!!!
Acts 18:24,26-27
A coming together as a team …
Apollos, a native of Alexandria,came to Ephesus… he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. And Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him ….On arriving, he was a great help to those who by Grace had believed.As people who care about each other grow together and work towards a common goal, they get to know each other better they began to recognize and appreciate each player’s unique qualities. And that leads to the development of a team fit. A good team fit requires an attitude of partnership every time team member must respect the other players. They must have desire to contribute to the team and they must come to expect a contribution from every other person above all they must learn to trust each other just makes it possible for people to rely on one another. It allows them to make up for each other’s weaknesses instead of trying to exploit them. It enables one team member to say to the other you go ahead and do this test because you are better at it than I am, without shame or manipulation. Trust allows the people on the team to begin working as a single unit, to begin accomplishing the things that they were together recognized as important.
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.”
Acts of the Apostles 18:9-10 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/act.18.9-10.NLT
We must speak His word with boldness. Dont let fear or your inadequacies stop you from speaking to other about Jesus.
There is many people in the city of Ft. Worth that belong to Jesus and are just waiting on us to speak boldly.
God give us a heart to teach and disciple others around us.
9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
Every now and then the men of God need to be encouraged as well. We must realize that they too are humans and face the same trials and life as anyone else.
But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, “Your blood is upon your own heads—I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.”(Acts of the Apostles 18:6 NLT)
Today in this generation there are people like the jews all around the world that know Jesus Christ but they choose to be against and insult christian believers at the end of endtime the same will happen to non believers.
Verses 7-8 MSG “He walked out and went to the home of Titius Justus, a God-fearing man who lived right next to the Jews’ meeting place. But Paul’s efforts with the Jews weren’t a total loss, for Crispus, the meeting-place president, put his trust in the Master. His entire family believed with him.” We must continue to push forward and keep sharing the good news about Jesus; even, when we think nothing is happening. The Lord is working in ways we don’t realize or can’t see at that moment; but, we will see the fruit in God’s timing not ours.
9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
God has our back we should always trust in him. It may not be our way but have faith because he’s in control.
After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
Though Paul was entitled to support from the churches he planted, and from the people to whom he preached, yet he worked at his calling. An honest trade, by which a man may get his bread, is not to be looked upon with contempt by any. It was the custom of the Jews to bring up their children to some trade, though they gave them learning or estates. Paul was careful to prevent prejudices, even the most unreasonable. The love of Christ is the best bond of the saints; and the communings of the saints with each other, sweeten labour, contempt, and even persecution. Most of the Jews persisted in contradicting the gospel of Christ, and blasphemed. They would not believe themselves, and did all they could to keep others from believing. Paul hereupon left them. He did not give over his work; for though Israel be not gathered, Christ and his gospel shall be glorious. The Jews could not complain, for they had the first offer. When some oppose the gospel, we must turn to others. Grief that many persist in unbelief should not prevent gratitude for the conversion of some to Christ.
25-26 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
If we truly want to know God’s will, the best thing we can do is to get to know His Word backward and forward. The best way to get to know the Bible is to get on good terms with its Author. No one can tell a story as well as the author. We can read a certain passage, story or scripture and miss the meaning Jesus intended for us. How do we get to know God’s ways? How do we get to know anybody’s ways? It is by spending time with them. That is the only way to know somebody. We will never get to know anyone truly unless we spend time with them. When we were dating we spent time with the person we were trying to love. How does this person respond during high stress situations? Are they calm and cool or hotheaded and quick to jump to action? There simply is no way to know someone without spending time with them.
What keeps us from getting to know God – sin. Everyone sins and falls short of His glory. God wants us to close the time gap between sin and repentance. The sooner we admit we got it wrong, the better. Why? So that there will be no discontinuity of anointing. The Holy Ghosts can quicken our heart when we have stepped over the line. Do we repent immediately or wait until our daily or weekly prayer time to go back and cover our wrong doing?