Open to the Word

Immediately after Aquila and Priscilla met Paul, we read,“And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and Greeks” (Acts 18:4). Throughout Acts 18, we see Paul spending a great deal of time in this place of religious instruction helping people understand the Scriptures (Acts 18:7). Aquila and Priscilla were blessed to hear this instruction.

According to Acts 18:11, Paul spent a year and a half teaching the Scriptures in this one location, and Aquila and Priscilla were there to receive the truth. In every season of marriage, we are to be students of the Word. Husbands and wives must keep themselves under the preaching, teaching, reading, and studying of Scripture. Don’t miss what God has for you!

In Acts 18:26, when another preacher began preaching, this couple was there to hear him as well. Apollos came to town,“And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard...” Whenever the Scriptures were being opened, this couple was present.

Open Hearts and Open Homes

It is one thing to have an open Bible and quite another to have an open heart. Aquila and Priscilla did not have the privilege that we have to hold the completed canon of Scripture. But what an example they are of believers wide open to what God wanted to teach them!

How often do you open God’s Word? Are you open to what God is trying to say to you now? This is a repeated emphasis in Scripture. God is always seeking to open the truth to us and open us to Him. The psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:18,“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” Again in Psalm 40:6,“mine ears hast thou opened.” Acts 16:14 tells of a woman named Lydia, “whose heart the Lord opened.” Satan blinds. Sin closes a man in. The Lord opens everything He touches.

An open heart goes beyond attending church meetings or listening politely when a minister gives a Bible message. Every believer must give personal attention and application of the Word of God to their own life.

Aquila and Priscilla’s interaction with the Word was not limited to public meetings; it was woven into the fabric of their lives and daily conversation.

The Family Altar

Few people today think much about a “family altar.” Yet, in days of spiritual awakening, the principle of families praying and worshiping together was vital.

Matthew Henry wrote, “Wherever man has a tent, God should have an altar.” In the Old Testament, Abraham practiced this principle. As he moved from place to place, he erected altars to worship the Lord. In doing so, he taught his children what it meant to look to God for every need (Hebrews 11:9). Jacob learned this principle from his father (Isaac) and his grandfather (Abraham) and practiced it with his family (Genesis 35:1-7). This is a household essential in every generation.

In the New Testament, the church moved forward as prayer and the preaching of God’s Word went beyond public places into every home,“house to house” (Acts 5:42, 20:20).

How To Begin

Norman Williams said, “The greatest Bible institute in the world is a father reading the open Bible to his family.” Think of all that can be learned and taught in the home where God’s Word is central, and God’s Spirit is free to work!

• Set a time and place. Choose a time that is not hurried, when everyone can be present. You don’t have to be in bondage to a time, but it will help each family member remember if it is at the same time each day.
• Remove distractions. Turn off all media and put mobile devices away. Quiet is a wonderful thing!
• Make much of the Word of God. Each person should have their own copy of the Scriptures and follow along as it is read. With little children, you have to be creative and appropriate. Use Bible stories and some sanctified imagination.
• Talk. This is one thing families fail to do in our busy world. Ask questions. Discuss what God is saying to each person. Deuteronomy 6:1-9 explains how the Word of God should be woven naturally into our daily interactions and conversations.
• Pray together. Pray for each person by name and allow each member of the family to voice their prayer to God. My pastor always said that you really don’t know a person’s heart until you hear them pray. Take requests and remember to emphasize the lost, the pastor and church, missionaries, and the needs of hurting people.

Where Spiritual Awakenings Start

Thomas Boston was burdened over the cold spiritual state of his church in Scotland. He began visiting the homes of his members and dealing with them specifically about their spiritual needs. He discovered that some of his people were not even sure they were saved, and many were led to Christ. In each home, he read the Bible, prayed, and challenged the head of the house to begin a family altar each day. A spiritual awakening broke out in their community. It filled the church house and changed people’s lives forever. It all started with a family altar.

Spiritual awakenings do not begin at a church house; they begin at our house. Get open to the Word, and you will see God open His grace and truth in your marriage.