Acts: Go & Be Chapters 10-18Sample

What is this passage saying?

After this little run in with the Jews and Gallio, Paul leaves Corinth with Aquilla and Pricilla headed to Antioch. The end of verse 18 briefly mentions that Paul cuts his hair for he was under a vow. “To show God his gratitude for helping him through a difficult time in Corinth, he took a Nazarite vow- a special pledge of separation and devotion to God. Numbers 6:2-5, 13-21” (John MacArthur Study Bible) The group came to Ephesus and Paul went to his usual place, the synagogue. We know that Ephesus is another place that Paul will write to. When it is time for Paul to leave, they ask him to say but he can’t. He does tell them “I will return to you if God wills,” Paul greets the Church in Caesarea and then finally lands in Antioch. He was there for some time and then he went throughout the region strengthening the disciples. There is a consistent rhythm to Paul’s ministry. The Lord is establishing him in the Church and among believers all over. You would never believe he was the same man who persecuted the very people he loved so deeply. That is how God changes people. It is so wonderful to hear the testimony of other believers. There are some testimonies where the conversion of a person is so drastic, the individual themselves is shocked at what the Lord has done with them. God’s work is perfect, let us be thankful we get to see His incredible handiwork in the life of Paul.

What is this passage teaching?

This is a quick portion of scripture for us to read but we know that the length of the verses does not represent the days of travel and witnessing that Paul did. Seeds were being planted and great work of the kingdom of God was being done in these verses. John MacArthur notes that Ephesus was the most important city in Asia Minor. And Paul was able to share the Gospel and lead people to the Lord, leaving witness of God’s goodness in this city. He also left his two partners there, who we will see in the next passage are doing great ministry. Only the Lord could know what He had in store for each person in these verses. What is amazing is that from the beginning of Acts to now we see that ministry has not stopped. Not even with opposition trying incredible hard to stop it. All they were doing was helping it spread.

How do I respond?

Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Be faithful in everything and watch what God does.