Persevering For A City

Impact:

Paul had a deep love for the city of Ephesus and stayed there “for two years, so that all the people who lived in the province of Asia, both Jews and Gentiles, heard the word of the Lord.” (Acts 19:10) When he first arrived, “Paul went into the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly with the people, holding discussions with them and trying to convince them about the Kingdom of God.” (Acts 19:8)

Three months may have seemed like a long time to spend with one group of people, but Paul felt lead by God to stay put and plant seeds there. But soon the Jewish leaders rejected the message of Jesus and when Paul was asked to leave the synagogue he, “…left them and took the believers with him, and every day he held discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years…” (Acts 19:9-10) Paul must have really loved this city to stay there for so long.

Because of his faithfulness and perseverance, Paul was able to bring salvation to thousands and transformation to the city. The church in Ephesus eventually became the largest church in that region and brought the Gospel to all the surrounding cities.

Prayer:

Jesus, help me to be faithful with the message You’ve given me for my city. I want to see transformation in my city no matter how long it may take.