As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures
[Acts 17:2, NIV]
[Acts 17:2, NIV]
Paul, as we read in the book of Acts is one person who faced persecution just about everywhere he went. One province to the other received him well and later pushed him out with diverse forms of threats. They would rejoice over the miracles, yet not have the will to entirely accept Christ. Despite this trend in each of the provinces, there would be a minute few who accepted Christ and went further to do their own exploits.
By this strategy of the Holy Ghost in moving Paul from province to province through persecution, the gospel of Jesus Christ spread throughout the land amongst Jews and Gentiles. The spreading of the gospel wasn't essentially because Paul traveled across these lands but because he wouldn't keep quiet or hide his identity anywhere he went. With blazing conviction of his faith in Jesus Christ and courage, he spoke up everywhere he went. He used every opportunity he got, whether there were people gathered in small village crowds or there were large congregations in the synagogue. As he spoke, it was the Holy Spirit who convicted the people to believe.
Acts 17:2 nailed upon the habit of Paul when he enters a new city, he went into the synagogue to share scriptures with them. Today many of God's children travel from place to place driven by other reasons besides persecution, do we spend time in the new city entirely focused on achieving the objectives that took us there, or do we seize the opportunity to share our conviction of Christ with others. The outcome of such sharing can only be determined by the Holy Spirit but Jesus loves us to carry the gospel, especially testimonies of our encounter with him to other lands that they too may know Christ. May the Spirit of God rest on us like Paul and give us courage to fearlessly testify of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I receive your word today with conviction, as you used the travels of Paul to spread the gospel, you also wish to use my travels to spread the gospel. Lord I ask for the outpouring of your Holy Spirit that I may have the courage and utilize every opportunity to speak boldly for you. Blessed Holy Spirit, let my words and actions be instruments in your hand to draw souls for Christ, dear Lord I dedicate myself in Jesus name.
One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Oct. 22 2010 - Revelations 7 (NT).
