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More Acts commentaries
Acts 15:1-5
Jerusalem Council–Divisions Re: Circumcision
Acts 15:6-11
Jerusalem Council–Discussion Re: Moses’ Law
Acts 15:12-18
Jerusalem Council–Decisions Based on God’s Word
Acts 15:19-29
Jerusalem Council–Decisions for Unity
Acts 15:30-41
Paul and Barnabas Disagree About John Mark
Acts 16:1-5
Paul & Timothy – New Ministry Duo
Acts 16:6-10
Paul – Flexibility in the Itinerary
Acts 16:11-15
Lydia–Conversion to Christ and Hospitality Offered
Acts 16:16-34
Paul & Silas – Praising God While In Prison
Acts 16:35-40
Paul’s Ministry Produces "People” Change
Acts 17:1-9
Paul & Silas – Trust God’s Strategy for Ministry
Acts 17:10-15
Obstacles that Hinder the Work of the Lord
Acts 17:16-34
Religion ... Ridicule ... Results
Acts 18:1-4
Paul Adapts to His Audience
Acts 18:5-11
Opposition Enhances Ministry Results
Acts 18:12-17
Paul’s Roman Citizenship On Trial
Acts 18:18-23
God Works His Will in His Servants
Acts 18:24-28
Tactfulness–Words That Work Mightily
Acts 19:1-7
The Holy Spirit is a Person
Acts 19:8-16
Miracles Performed by Paul for Authentication
Acts 19:17-22
Beware of Cult Practices
Acts 19:23-41
Results of Religious Greed
Acts 20:1-6
Discipleship Despite Difficulties
Acts 20:7-12
When, Where, How & How Long to Worship
Acts 20:13-21
Paul–An Example of Faithfulness
Acts 20:22-24
Paul’s Determination To Go To Jerusalem
Acts 20:25-31
Paul’s Warning to the Ephesian Elders
Acts 20:32-38
Paul Shares About Giving
Acts 21:1-9
Paul Warned By the Christians
Acts 21:10-16
Paul’s Determination & Warning from Agabus
Acts 21:17-26
Compromise Recommended but Refuted
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Opposition Enhances Ministry Results
Acts 18:5–11
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
“A certain amount of opposition is a great help to a man. Kites rise against, not with the wind.” (Lou Nicholes - Missionary/Author). … More
The arrival of his colleagues (Silas and Timothy) from Macedonia (v. 5) did a number of things for Paul.
The expression “was pressed in the spirit” (v. 5) can be rendered “was engrossed in his witness.” It totally absorbed him. He went at it with a single-minded abandon of self.
As opportunities increased, the opposition increased as well. Charles Haddon Spurgeon said that the devil never kicks a dead horse. Such opposition is usually proof that God is at work, and this ought to encourage us. Jewish opposition had caused Paul to leave Thessalonica and Berea however, in Corinth it only made him determine to stay and get the job done. Paul was faithful to declaring the message of the Gospel, but the Jews continued to reject God’s truth. God brought a friend into Paul’s life, named Justus, who lived next door to the synagogue (v. 7). There Paul began preaching, and it gave him contact with the Jews and Gentiles. The chief ruler of the synagogue named Crispus, believed, along with his household (v. 8). Then many people believed the message Paul was preaching and were baptized to show they were turning from idols to trust in Jesus Christ.
Paul may have been thinking of leaving the city, when the Lord spoke to him in a vision or a dream, and told him not to be afraid. He was with him and no one would hurt him. Also God told him there would be many people who would believe when they heard the message. This was encouraging news to Paul, so he kept on teaching for a year and a half until a church was established in Corinth (v. 11).
Application
It is just like our Lord to speak peace to us when we need Him. He is the one that calmed the storm at sea and gave assurance to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Daniel as well as others (Genesis 15:1, 26:24 and 46:3, Daniel 10:12,19). Whenever I feel alone or defeated I need to think on Hebrews 13:5 and Isaiah 41:10 because these verses will comfort and encourage me
Acts 18:5-11 (English Standard Version)
When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 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." 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. 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. 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." And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
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