Year of the Bible: Part Ten of TwelveSample

Challenge in the Fellowship

As a missionary, Paul faced many challenges—some from within the fellowship of believers. Paul wanted to return to Jerusalem to clarify his teachings and testify about God’s grace, but the believers that Paul visited in Caesarea discouraged him from this. Some in the fellowship had prophesied that Paul would be captured and given over to pagan authorities. Paul did not ignore this prophecy but received it more as a warning than a command.

The believers could not persuade him and relented to God’s will. The challenge for Paul was that his friends were caught by the fear of this risky situation. However, Paul didn’t think twice and went to Jerusalem because he prioritized the Gospel of grace, regardless of the risk.

While in Jerusalem, Paul was not afraid to confront controversial issues. The religious Jews were offended because they heard that Paul was teaching against the law of Moses. However, Paul did not refute the law but emphasized that Jesus completed the law for those who believed in Him. As prophesied, Paul was eventually ambushed and imprisoned for what he was teaching.

It may seem like Paul had failed, but this was exactly what God allowed and forewarned. While in prison, Paul’s impactful ministry continued because of the letters he wrote to the surrounding churches—these letters helped answer theological questions and solve arguments within the church. Paul’s willingness to confront controversial issues for the sake of the Lord’s Gospel can serve as an example for us today. Today, we can be challenged with plenty of opinions and customs within the church and among our family and friends, but like Paul, we must stand for Biblical truth in every circumstance.

Question: How do you handle the various opinions and customs that threaten to compromise the truth?

Prayer: Ask God to reveal the differences between truth and opinions/customs. Also, ask for wisdom, patience, and strength to accept views that do not compromise truth. Finally, thank Him for allowing you to participate in the advancement of His kingdom.