One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him into court. "This man," they charged, "is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law."
Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law--settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things." So he had them ejected from the court. Then they all turned on Sosthenes, the synagogue ruler and beat him in front of the court. But Gallio showed no concern whatever. - Acts 18:9-17
Paul wasn’t paranoid; people really were trying to kill him. It’s one thing to tell others about Jesus. It’s quite another to tell people about God when they might want to kill you afterward. God reassured Paul that he’d be protected. God kept his promise. When the Jews tried to get Paul beaten by the Romans, the Romans didn’t find him guilty. In fact the only one who was beaten that day was one of Paul’s accusers. God promises in Scripture to help us stand firm in the face of opposition. This passage proves that as we obey God, God will do what God promises.
What are some areas of your life in which you’re tempted to back down from doing what you know you need to do?
Which of God’s promises do you rely on to avoid these temptations? Write them here – or find some in Scripture.
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