Read Acts 17
Highlights:
Jewish opposition: Paul's sermon from Mars' Hill; Paul at Corinth; uproar of the silversmiths at Ephesus.
After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; And found a certain Jew named Aquila . . . . with his wife Priscilla . . . . And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers (Acts 18:1-3).
Aquila and Priscilla faced unjust humiliation when they were forced from Rome because of their Jewish nationality. They relocated their business in Corinth, where they became dedicated to Christ through the ministry of Paul. It is strange at times how the Lord directs our ways to get us to the place He needs us to be so we can be of greatest service to Him. Aquila and Priscilla were in Rome, but God needed them to meet Paul and through Him come into God's family and service. For this to happen, they had to move. God will direct our steps. This does not always happen the same way for any two people. The way Jesus followed God was not always easy, but it got Him to where He was destined to be. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps (1 Pet. 2:21).
Priscilla and Aquila gave up their business in Corinth to assist the Apostle Paul in his journeys (Acts 18:18). Later, they returned to Rome, where they laid down their own necks, ready to risk it all for Christ when they opened their house as a place of worship in a hostile country (Rom. 1:7, 16:3).
The ministry of the early church was effective because of ordinary workers like Priscilla and Aquila who were willing to serve in any capacity necessary to help the men God had called to teach and preach His Word. Many want to serve God. To serve, you will do the will of your Master. Jesus is that Master. The Bible says: For as the body is one, and hath many members . . . so also is Christ . . . the foot . . . the hand . . . the ear . . . the eye (1 Cor. 12:12-16). As believers, we are all members of the Church and the Lord uses everyone to fulfill His will to further His Kingdom. Some may be apostles . . . teachers (1 Cor. 12:28), others may simply help with child care, greet visitors, or even help park cars, all working together. When we move as the will of God directs, we will be like Aquila and Priscilla. We will make a difference in God's Kingdom. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the Living God? (Heb. 9:14).
God always arranges circumstances to bring us into a better understanding of Himself.
For we are labourers together with God (1 Cor. 3:9).
Thought for Today:
God often allows disappointments in order to cause us to search His Word for His perfect will.
Cross Reference:
For Acts 17:31: See Ps. 96:13; 98:9.
Word Studies:
17:19 Areopagus, the Athenian council which met on Mars' Hill; 17:29 Godhead, the Trinity — God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.
Prayer Suggestion: Pray and praise God that the answers to your prayers are granted through the grace of God (Is. 30:19).
Memory Verse for the Week: Titus 2:12