Acts 18
The churches at Corinth and Ephesus were arguably the most important that were established by Paul during his missionary journeys. He spent significant time in each place as he developed a relationship and evangelized the surrounding areas. Because of this, we have a lot of helpful insights on Paul’s time with them that we ought to remember as we develop our connection with our church and reach our immediate context.
First, notice the relationships that Paul develops that extend far into his ministry. Here, we see him become friends as well as work and ministry partners with Priscilla and Aquila as he stayed in their home. Then in Romans 16:3, they are called “fellow workers in Christ Jesus”. He also mentions them in his greetings in 1 Cor. 16 and 2 Timothy 4. Additionally, the partnership with Silas and Timothy extend far into the ministry of Paul and even further as Paul disciples and entrusts his ministry to Timothy. A mark of a lasting, fruitful ministry is investment in friendships and partnerships that will support and extend it. If you are trying to do ministry by yourself then you are going outside of how Paul modeled it for us.
Next, notice that the teaching of God’s Word was central. Twice in this chapter, we see that Paul “reasoned” with the Jews in the synagogues every Sabbath. Rather than take vacation when Silas and Timothy arrived, Paul was “occupied with the word”. Even after the Jewish leaders pushed Paul away, he shook it off, stayed at Corinth 1.5 years “teaching the word of God”. After Ephesus he went throughout Galatia and Phrygia “strengthening all the disciples” which we can reasonably assume involved Scriptural instruction.
The account of Priscilla and Aquila explaining to Apollos “the way of God more accurately” shows the teaching of God’s Word was not just an idiosyncrasy of Paul but rather the ministry that was established. There are many things that can be focused on in the church context. Books and people will urge you to invest in many different areas, many of which are good. But we must recognize that Paul considered the ministry of the Word as central in his life as well as the core of the purpose of the church. If we chase other things, even good things, we are in danger of sidelining the very thing that God has called us to do.
Finally, notice that the presence and protection of God encourages the weary in ministry. Even the Apostle Paul needed some reassurance in his ministry. And God provided him two things that gave him confidence to continue to boldly preach: God’s presence and protection. When ministry is hard, we often have a tendency to fill our time researching the latest leadership blog, go on vacation, or seek advice from others. But here and indeed throughout Scripture, we see that one of the most empowering things for God’s people is knowing that God is with them and knowing that God disarms or defeats the enemy.
So next time you are discouraged, refresh your mind and heart on the promises of God. Repent if you have moved from the presence of God and seek to return so that you are in God’s will. And then move forward, memorizing and claiming that God protects those that are his and will keep those that are faithful until he calls them to glory.
Yours in Christ,
Associate Pastor Evan Webster
Nehemiah 8
In today’s chapter, chapter 8, we find the people of Israel now turning their attention to the Law of Moses. Ezra is the scribe who is set apart to lead the people through the Scriptures. We know that he is perfectly suited for this task, for back in Ezra 7:10 we were told the following about him:
“For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statues and rules in Israel.”
As we read about the preaching of God’s Word there are numerous points of interest which we would be wise to take note of, but for the purposes of this reflection we will focus on the following three:
1. The people desired the Word of God
One of the most encouraging things about this chapter is the description of Israel’s hunger for the Word of God. In verse 1 were read that it was the people who told Ezra to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses and read it to them. And in verse 3 we read the following:
“And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.”
Three things should stand out to us in this verse. First, the people listened to the Scriptures from early morning until midday. Second, everyone needs the Word of God in their life. Men, women, and children were all gathered to hear the Scriptures being read. And third, the people were not only present, but they were attentive.
While this verse is descriptive in nature, it does provide a rebuke to those who have grown disinterested in God’s Word. As you read about Israel’s enthusiasm, pray that God would stir up this same love of His Word in yourself.
2. The people needed teachers to explain the Word of God
The leaders of Israel knew that it was possible to hear the Word of God and not understand it. That is why they designated certain men to make clear the meaning of the law (vv. 7-8). This is one of the principle benefits of being connected with a local church. Many people have strayed into confusion and heresy by exclusively reading their Bible in isolation. Private study is great, but we must not forget the importance of sitting under learned teachers who have given their lives to understanding the language, history, and wider narrative of the text.
3. The people obeyed the Word of God
As the people heard the Word of God preached it transformed them. They felt the weight of their sins and they began to weep before the text (vv. 9-10). They also reinstituted the Feast of Booths when they saw it was a clear command of God. So too we must be willing to respond to God’s Word in obedience. We don’t read the Bible as a mere form of entertainment, but we read it in order to understand and obey the living God of the universe.
Director of Youth Ministries Ryan Shevalier