“The God who made the world and everything in it is the LORD of Heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:24-25 (Acts 16-18)
After writing to the Galatians, Paul is compelled to visit them, accompanied by Silas. They meet Timothy who becomes Paul’s steadfast companion and mentee. This trip is referred to as Paul’s second missionary journey and Luke, (the author) indicates he began traveling with Paul at this time.
Paul begins revisiting the churches he previously helped begin. After a vision of a man from Macedonia, Paul went there. Women were near a river praying, so Paul spoke and a woman named Lydia was converted. Paul and company stayed in her home during their stay.
Another day as Paul and Silas were going to a place of prayer, a slave girl with an ability to foresee the future kept calling out to them. For days the men ignored her outbursts, but on this day Paul called to the spirit to leave her. Her owners were furious over loss of income and had the men arrested. Without trial they were beaten and put in prison. Throughout their night of incarceration they sang praises while the other prisoners listened. About midnight an earthquake freed them from their chains and stocks. The prison guard was terrified for his life, but instead of leaving him in despair, Paul and Silas delivered a message of salvation and he and his family were saved.
Paul journeyed to Athens while Luke remained in Philippi and Silas and Timothy stayed in Thessalonica. In the capitol of philosophy, literacy, science and art, the hub of pagan idolatry, Paul delivered a message of the living God who needs nothing from man, but instead, gives abundantly. Soon, Paul departed for Corinth where he spent one and a half years, supporting himself as a tentmaker with Aquilla and Priscilla, Italian Jews who were forced to flee Rome’s persecution.
Paul was relentless. He was not starting a religion or cult, nor was he pounding out a new morality. He was telling a story of the most wonderful Person the world has ever known. Nothing could keep him, or others, quiet. They knew love and through this they had the key to eternal life. Who can help but share it with the world. May we all refuse to hush!
Love,
Gretchen
To all the corners of the earth! Such inspiration we can get from the trials of Paul, as well as all Christ’s believers who stood up to persecution so that his love was known . Death by horrendous acts!! I pray for God to give me his assignment & overcome the barriers that restrain me! I yearn to do his work & pain when I’m not. Please pray with me so that I walk with His Spirit’s guidance.
Absolutely! And likewise please!
🙏👍☝️🙌. In His name❣️