BibleProject | Upside-Down Kingdom / Part 2 - ActsSample

Luke tells us how Paul is continually beaten, imprisoned, or even dragged out of cities for announcing that Jesus is the messianic King of the Jews and of all the world. When Paul arrives at Corinth, he expects he will be persecuted again. But Jesus comforts Paul and meets him one night in a vision saying, “Do not be afraid, keep speaking and do not be silent. I am with you. No one will attack and harm you, because I have many in this city.” And sure enough, Paul is able to stay in the city for a whole year and a half, teaching from the Scriptures and sharing about Jesus. And while people try to attack Paul, just like Jesus said, they are not successful. In fact, the leader who attempted to harm Paul is himself attacked instead. Paul is not driven out of Corinth, but when the time is right, he moves from the city with new friends to strengthen the disciples who were living in Caesarea, Antioch, Galatian, Phrygia and Ephesus.

In Ephesus, Paul introduces the new Jesus followers to the gift of the Holy Spirit, and he teaches for a couple years, amplifying the good news about Jesus to all who live in Asia. The ministry is thriving as many people are miraculously healed and set free, so many that the city’s economy begins to shift as people turn away from the occult and give up their idols to follow Jesus. The local tradesmen who profit from idolatry are upset and begin stirring up the crowds to defend their goddess and fight against Paul’s traveling companions. The city is thrown into confusion, and the riot continues until a town clerk speaks up.

Read, Reflect, and Respond:

• Compare Jesus’ words to Paul in Acts 18:9-10 with Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19-20. What do you notice? See also God’s words to Israel through his prophet in Isaiah 41:10. What do you observe? How do Jesus’ words encourage or challenge you today?
• As you consider Jesus’ words to Paul in verses 9-10, what do you think it means that Jesus has many people in a city? Are you one of Jesus’ people in your city? 
• Romans believed the gods could keep their city safe and prosperous, so they worshiped many idols. An idol can be anything someone relies on outside of Jesus for security or comfort. What are some of the idols in your city? If many people in your city turned away from these things to worship Jesus, how would it impact the economy?
• Let your reflections prompt a prayer. Express your gratitude to Jesus. Tell him where you need assurance and how you want to see his powerful message renew your city. Ask him for courage, so you can join in his plans today.