It is so very true that we often need to hear encouraging words from time to time. And most certainly those doing missionary work in hostile and foreign places can feel very fearful and tired and frustrated. But God knows exactly what we are feeling. We may not be blessed with a night-time vision of the Lord, but we could well be encouraged by reading His word, or hearing from a fellow believer.
It was interesting and slightly humorous to read Gallio’s reaction to the Jews who were trying to cause trouble for Paul. He basically tells them to get over it, their complaints are trivial at best and just leave him alone to deal with more serious crimes.
Unfortunately for Sosthenes (possibly the man named in 1 Corinthians 1:1) the Jews take their anger out on him and Gallio doesn’t think this is anything to bother with.
Paul continues to travel on and this time, Priscilla and Aquila travel with him. What I found interesting is that now the next generation is preaching and teaching. When Apollos arrives on the scene, he needs more information than what he had and he is delighted to learn more of the story. And now equipped with the gospel message, Apollos reaches out.
Do you see how the gospel is being handed from one person to the next? How one believer is able to teach another and that one goes on to teach others. It’s like a ripple effect. Each wave creating another wave, and all of it pointing to the center – which is Jesus the Messiah.
Paul’s second missionary journey comes to an end with his return to Caesarea (vs 22). He traveled some 2,800 miles and probably was gone for as long as three to three and half years.
A task that would seem almost impossible, if not for the working of the Holy Spirit. It is because of the power of the Holy Spirit that these men and women are able to accomplish so much. Do you remember what Jesus told the disciples? Go into all the world. – I think there is little doubt that Paul is doing just that.
So what about you? Are you sharing and witnessing to those you come in contact with? These people were not perfect, they weren’t scholars – actually Priscilla and Aquila are just tradesmen, tent makers. But when the Holy Spirit ignites a fire in you… there is no reason we can’t do what they were doing.
Peace and Love
Pastor Kathy