Monday, May 23, 2022

Noli Timere | Don't be Afraid

“And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent…’— Acts 18:9 (ESV)

 

Photo by Pete Nuij on Unsplash



Paul was proclaiming the Truth in Corinth, reasoning in the Synagogue with the Jews and Greeks that the Christ was Jesus. However they opposed and reviled him, to the point that he decided to leave them with their stubbornness alone as he had done his best (v. 4-6). Paul was about to give up when he said, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

No wonder Paul said those words above, as he faced resistance and oppressions in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere. Danger, persecutions, trials and false accusations were so familiar. He left the synagogue and went to Titius Justus’ house, a worshipper of God (v.7). I can imagine, he needs a person with similar visions and beliefs and has some rest from the opposite parties.

Sometimes, we are tired of fighting through challenges and problems which keep on testing our faith. We have done everything but then another thing comes up interfering the situation. Everything seems disappointing and useless. We become weak and want to give up.

Although Paul might feel hopeless, Crispus, the ruler of the Synagogue believed Paul and was converted together with his household. And so did many other Corinthians who then were baptized (v.8). And the Lord came to Paul at night and said, “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.” (v. 9-10).

As long as we live in the Word of God, we will never lose hope. He doesn’t want us to give up or use our own understanding. He himself has arranged everything. He is more than aware of what we are facing, what worries us. Keep going and trust Him, because He is with you although you might not realize it. To God and the Lord Jesus Christ be all the glory. Amen.

 

 Reflection on Acts 18:1-17 by Desire Litaay 

(Listen to the Podcast here)

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