Reading Plan:
Acts 18


Our Thoughts:
Reading the Book of Acts is almost like running a marathon. Or eating a Hot Pocket. Some bites are warm, some bites are ice cold, and some bites are like lava in your mouth.
Yeah, I like the Hot Pocket metaphor better.

In Chapter 18 of Acts, we see Paul going through the ups and downs of life as he pursues the calling God has placed on his life. Like a Hot Pocket, some things go well, some not so well, and others are just downright depressing.

Paul’s life is an intermingling of suffering and struggle mixed with hope, victory, and perseverance. His is a story of difficulty and emotion intertwined with faith and joy.
Sounds a lot like you and me, right?

We all sit in the tension of struggle and victory each and every day. That’s why I love chapter 18 of Acts; we see Paul’s humanity, and it reminds us of us. In this chapter, we see him following similar patterns, coming away with similar results, and on the verge of throwing in the towel. This is when the Lord showed up to a despondent Paul in a vision during the quiet of the night.

Let’s catch the back story before making some observations from Paul’s vision.

Paul was in one of Greece’s largest and most prosperous cities. As was his custom when entering the cities, he took the gospel to the Jews first by preaching at the synagogue. In turn, the Jews rejected Paul’s preaching and abused him. Paul responded by shaking his cloak out at them. Paul then moved “next door” and took his message to the Gentiles. It is in this backdrop that the Lord showed up to speak with Paul.

Luke left out the details as to what Paul was feeling, but we have some clues based on what the Lord said to him. First, because this was a vision and not a dream, Paul likely was up at night, agonizing over the repeated frustrations that buffeted him in preaching the gospel. Here are the four things Paul heard God say, as recorded in Acts 18:9-10 (ESV); things that should encourage you in whatever season you find yourself in:

1. “Do not be afraid,” which all of us can relate to, whether it is stepping out and into a new calling or staying in a difficult place. We all have fears to which the Lord says, “Take courage.”
2. “Keep on speaking, do not keep silent,” countering what is often the response of a fearful person. We easily stop speaking, because we wonder, “What is the use?” God encourages us to keep speaking, implying “don’t give up.”
3. “For I am with you,” hereby paralleling what Jesus said to His disciples at the Great Commission. We go because Jesus promised He would be with us. God did not promise easy roads ahead or untold numbers of miracles. He promised He would be with us. Our struggles and sufferings fade in the realization that Jesus is close to our side.
4. “No one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” We can take courage, for as with Paul, God has people waiting in our communities to hear the message of the gospel and to be touched by His hand.

Wow. What an incredible revelation! This is something each and every one of us needs to take away from today’s reading. We are never alone. God is always beside us, giving us courage, and standing in the gap for us. He knows where we are and what we are facing.

We sit in the tension of the “now” and “not yet” as the Kingdom of God invades this world. As we stand in the assurance that God is with us, we can go in confidence as we serve the people around us.

More Questions:
• What are some current highs and lows in your spiritual walk? Would you say that you are in a high or a low currently?
• Read through Acts 18:9-10 again, this time reading it as if God is speaking these words to you. How does this make you feel?
• What steps can you take today to trust God and make an impact for His Kingdom?


Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for identifying with me in my struggles. There is nothing that I have faced or will face that you have not already conquered. Even in my difficult days, remind me that you are always with me and that I am never alone. I receive your presence today. In Jesus’ name, amen.


Author: Blake Houston