Jesus changes everything
Paul was more like us than we realise. He also got tired and despondent, he could only do the extraordinary things he did because of the love and power of Jesus Christ. When we reach the same lows as he did, we can be encouraged and strengthened in our faith that Jesus will supply our needs and raise us up to complete His purpose for us.
Scripture
Acts 18:1-17 ESV After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. [2] And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, [3] and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. [4] And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks. [5] When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. [6] And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” [7] And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. [8] Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. [9] And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, [10] for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” [11] And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. [12] But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, [13] saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” [14] But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. [15] But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” [16] And he drove them from the tribunal. [17] And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.
Through the Scripture
Paul is human, tired and afraid
Paul often strikes us as a super human. He survived opposition and continued his extraordinary achievements for Jesus’ Church despite being 50 years old and suffering serious injury. We must not forget though, that he was human and had times of despondency and failure just like Elijah and like all of us. If God could keep Paul and Elijah and empower them, then He can do the same for us. We must keep trusting and keep obeying just like they did.
Acts 18:1-17 ESV After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. [2] And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them,
Acts 17:32-34 ESV Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” [33] So Paul went out from their midst. [34] But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.
1 Corinthians 2:3 ESV And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,
1 Kings 19:3-4 ESV Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. [4] But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”
Paul needs support and encouragement
The Lord Jesus knows what it’s like to be tired and lonely and to feel despondent. He graciously helps Paul to find friends who can support him and care for him, even while he teaches them. We all need rest and support and Jesus knows exactly when to provide it. We must always reach out to Him first and trust Him to provide all that we need.
Acts 18:3-4 ESV and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. [4] And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
1 Kings 19:5-7 ESV And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” [6] And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. [7] And the angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.”
Acts 18:26 ESV He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
1 Corinthians 16:19 ESV The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.
Jesus’ help through others empowers Paul’s effort
Jesus doesn’t just provide help from the love of Aquila and Priscilla, soon Silas and Timothy arrived with financial support from the other churches. They also joined in the ministry and the team started working with power and urgency. Jesus always arrives on time to empower and complete the work He’s prepared for us. He builds His Church.
Acts 18:5 ESV When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus.
2 Corinthians 11:9 ESV And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.
2 Corinthians 1:19-20 ESV For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. [20] For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.
1 Kings 19:14-17 ESV He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” [15] And the LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. [16] And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. [17] And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death.
Opposition ignites Paul’s effort
Jesus uses the rejection from the Jews to open the way for the Gentiles. He uses all things together to achieve His purposes, even attacks against His Church. Jesus has already won, He’s already overcome and He will bring His victroy to completion through His Church. Never quit trusting that.
Acts 18:6-7 ESV And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” [7] And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue.
Romans 8:28 ESV And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
John 16:33 ESV I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Jesus makes Paul’s effort abundantly fruitful
It’s only through the power of Jesus that we will bear fruit for Him. Jesus uses all these things, Pauls weakness, the opposition, the love and support of friends and the churches and even the rejection of the Jews to save a very influential family that ignites many to turn and follow Him. Just when it seems most hopeless, Jesus shows His great power and love.
Acts 18:8 ESV Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.
John 15:5 ESV I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Jesus protects and encourages Paul with perspective
After the success begins to show, Paul is still afraid and dejected, but Jesus doesn’t leave him that way. He comes to talk with Paul and assures him of His presence and protection, guiding and encouraging him forward.
Acts 18:9-11 ESV And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, [10] for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” [11] And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
1 Kings 19:18 ESV Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
Isaiah 54:17 ESV no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD and their vindication from me, declares the LORD.”
Opposition continues but so does Jesus’ victory|
Jesus said in this world you will have trouble - but take hearg I have overcome this world. That’s exactly what we see. The opposition causes pain and suffering but again and again it bears fruit for God. Sosthenes follows Crispus and also follows Jesus and even joins Paul as a disciple and minister of the Gospel. The church is established at Corinth and grows despite all the evil and opposition.
Acts 18:12-17 ESV But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, [13] saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” [14] But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. [15] But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” [16] And he drove them from the tribunal. [17] And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.
1 Corinthians 1:1-3 ESV Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, [2] To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: [3] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Daily Devotion
Monday: Acknowledging Human Weakness and Need for Help
Today's Verse Acts 18:1-2 ESV After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them,
Reflection Paul was more like us than we often realise, experiencing times when he was tired and despondent. After a difficult time in Athens where he had limited success and felt isolated, Paul had a long journey to Corinth. When he arrived in the city, he immediately sought out Jewish believers, needing support and help. Jesus knew Paul’s feelings of exhaustion and loneliness and graciously stepped in to provide friends who could support and care for him. This teaches us that the extraordinary things Paul accomplished were only possible because of the love and power of Jesus Christ working through him. When we find ourselves in a low place, we must remember that Jesus will supply our needs and strengthen us to complete His purpose.
Additional Scripture 1 Corinthians 2:3 ESV - And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, Acts 17:32-34 ESV - Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.
Life Application If you are struggling with fear, loneliness, or worthlessness, or feeling worn out, you are experiencing the same kind of struggle that great servants of God like Paul and Elijah experienced. We must keep trusting and obeying Him just as they did. When we are at a low point, we desperately want somebody to be with us and understand us. We must not isolate ourselves, but reach out to Him first and trust Him to provide all that we need.
Prayer points
To ask God to strengthen me when I feel tired or despondent.
To pray for the courage to reach out to Him first when I am lonely or struggling.
To thank Him for providing Christian friends and support to me.
Tuesday: Finding Support and Therapeutic Work
Today's Verse Acts 18:3-4 ESV and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
Reflection Because Aquila and Priscilla shared the same trade as tentmakers, Paul was able to stay with them, work with them, and earn his keep. This provision was a physical blessing, ensuring he had food and shelter, but it was also a divine provision for his mental and emotional needs. Paul, who was used to sharing and pouring out in ministry, was able to do something concrete with his hands. This practical work was therapeutic, serving as a reminder that effort does bring effect, even when the spiritual fruit is not immediately visible. When Elijah was completely done and asked to die, God did not leave him, but sent an angel to provide simple physical sustenance, showing His immediate care for His servants.
Additional Scripture 1 Kings 19:5-7 ESV - And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.”
Life Application When in a dark place, we should get busy doing something useful. Even small, disciplined actions, like making our bed, can lead us to do more, reminding us that we can accomplish things. We must rely on Jesus to provide all that we need. As the church, we should strive to be the ones who provide practical support—just a meal, something to drink, or simple encouragement—for others who are in their dark valleys.
Prayer points
To ask for His help in being productive and useful, even when I feel discouraged.
To pray that I would not be a burden, but that He would provide resources for me to be helpful to others.
To pray for the ability to see and meet the practical needs of others in the church.
Wednesday: The Power of Team and Provision
Today's Verse Acts 18:5 ESV When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus.
Reflection Jesus built upon the initial support given by Aquila and Priscilla by adding Silas and Timothy to Paul’s team. This arrival provided Paul with two crucial elements: financial support from the churches in Macedonia, meaning he was no longer battling financial need, and ministry partnership, so he was no longer ministering alone. With this incredible boost, Paul was empowered to resume his fight and his work ethic. He was able to kick into "full mode" and become seriously occupied and focused on testifying that Jesus was the Christ. Jesus always arrives on time to empower and complete the work He has prepared for us, and He builds His Church through His people.
Additional Scripture 2 Corinthians 11:9 ESV - And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. 2 Corinthians 1:19-20 ESV - For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.
Life Application Like Elijah, who felt utterly alone, we must trust Him when we are at our darkest point, because He will bring people to our aid and provide what we need to carry on doing what He has created us to do. The whole point of His support is not to make us comfortable, but to enable us to love each other and share the news of Jesus. We must allow Him to empower us and keep us going in the work.
Prayer points
To thank Him for the provision and support He brings to my life.
To pray for the building up of a strong ministry team around me.
To ask Him to give me the focus and energy to do His work fully.
Thursday: Turning Opposition into Opportunity
Today's Verse Acts 18:6 ESV And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
Reflection The rejection and opposition Paul faced from the Jews, even after he was fully focused on the word, was powerfully used by the Lord Jesus. Jesus uses the attacks and rejection from one group to open the way for the Gospel to reach the Gentiles. By shaking out his garments, Paul was declaring that he was no longer responsible for their decision to reject the message. Jesus uses all things together to achieve His purposes, even the attacks against His Church. He has already overcome the world and He will bring His victory to completion through His Church.
Additional Scripture Romans 8:28 ESV - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. John 16:33 ESV - I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Life Application We should trust Jesus completely, recognising that rejection and failure can often be the beginning of something new and powerful in His hands. When opposition seems insurmountable, we must remember that He has already won, and He weaves everything together—even hostility—for the good of those who are called according to His purpose.
Prayer points
To pray for wisdom to discern the new opportunities He opens when faced with rejection.
To ask for a heart that rests in the knowledge that He has already overcome the world.
To thank Him for His promise that all things work together for good.
Friday: Fruitfulness Through Abiding
Today's Verse Acts 18:8 ESV Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.
Reflection Paul’s shift in ministry location—moving next door to the synagogue—resulted in an astounding outpouring of divine power. Jesus used Paul’s weakness, the opposition, the support of friends, and the Jewish rejection to save Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, and his entire influential household. This family’s conversion ignited many other Corinthians to believe and be baptised, resulting in an explosion of growth. This powerful display demonstrates that it is only through Jesus that we will bear fruit for Him. Just when the situation seemed hopeless, Jesus showed His great power and love.
Additional Scripture John 15:5 ESV - I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Life Application We must understand that we are the branches, and Jesus is the vine. Apart from Him, we can do nothing to bear fruit. We must abide in Him—meaning we continue believing and obeying Him—to bear much fruit. When we are suffering, lonely, or feel useless, we must remember that Jesus can use our brokenness and difficulties for the glory of God and the saving of people.
Prayer points
To pray for the strength and commitment to abide in Jesus every day.
To thank Him that He uses my weakness and difficulties to bear fruit for His kingdom.
To ask Him to allow me to witness the same powerful, unexpected fruitfulness in my life and ministry.
Saturday: The Assurance of His Presence and Protection
Today's Verse Acts 18:9-10 ESV And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”
Reflection Even after the conversion of Crispus and the growth of the church, Paul remained afraid and dejected, illustrating that even success does not overcome our need for Jesus. Jesus met Paul in a vision to assure him of His personal presence and total protection, commanding him to continue speaking without fear. He guaranteed that no one would attack him to harm him, providing a secure space for 18 months of ministry. Jesus also reminded Paul that He had "many in this city who are my people," comforting him with the knowledge that He was not working alone, even in one of the most wicked cities of the time.
Additional Scripture 1 Kings 19:18 ESV - Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him. Isaiah 54:17 ESV - no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.
Life Application We should constantly remember His promise: when we are serving the Lord and doing His work, He will guard and protect us until we have finished what He started for us. Whenever we are facing challenges, we can be encouraged by the fact that we are not alone; God has many people working together to bring about His will, even in places that seem completely opposed to Him. We must be willing to be His person sent into those challenging environments.
Prayer points
To pray for the strength to overcome fear through remembering His promise, "I am with you."
To ask Him to give me confidence that no weapon fashioned against me will succeed while I am fulfilling His calling.
To pray for the figurative “7,000”—His unseen people—who are serving Him in my city.
Sunday: God’s Victory Amidst Continued Suffering
Today's Verse Acts 18:12, 17 ESV But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.”... And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.
Reflection Jesus had promised Paul that no one would attack him to harm him. When the opposition intensified and they brought Paul before the proconsul, who had the power of execution, Gallio refused to hear the complaint, protecting Paul from being condemned. While Paul was protected, the opposition continued and Sosthenes, the new ruler of the synagogue, was violently beaten. However, this suffering was not wasted. Later, Sosthenes is referred to as Paul's brother and fellow minister, demonstrating Jesus’ chain reactions at work. The suffering produced fruit for God, proving that no matter what the enemy throws against Him, His plans will be fulfilled.
Additional Scripture 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 ESV - Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Life Application Jesus promised that in this world we will have trouble, but we should take heart because He has overcome the world. If we identify with Sosthenes, suffering unjustly due to the actions of others, we must surrender our pain to Him. We should pray that our suffering is not wasted, but used for His glory and the saving of people.
Prayer points
To pray for endurance and peace when facing trouble in the world.
To ask God to use any suffering I experience for His glory and the advancement of the Gospel.
To pray for His protection over His ministers and Church leadership from harmful attacks.