Note for 2024/04/21 - ‭Acts 18:1-18 KJV

 

‭Acts 18:1-18 KJV‬

[1] After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; [2] and found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. [3] And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. [4] And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. [5] And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. [6] And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. [7] And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. [8] And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. [9] Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: [10] for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. [11] And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. [12] And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, [13] saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. [14] And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: [15] but if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters. [16] And he drave them from the judgment seat. [17] Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things. [18] And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. 

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.18.1-18.KJV

Note for 2024/04/21

Friends, I remind you that Paul went to Macedonia because of a vision he had. And now, we see testimony here how he was led by instruction from the LORD. The Jews attempt to get rid of him in Corinth failed, when their case was refused at the judgment seat.

In between, we get to know a little bit about Paul's circumstances and his life. So we learn that he was a tentmaker, and also about this vow that he has made. Interestingly, the only vow that I know of that had a bearing on hair, is the vow of the nazirite, separating oneself for the purpose of the Lord. (Numbers 6:1–21)

Let us then reflect on what we have read a little. Where do we get our instruction? The Lord told Paul to continue speaking, not to hold his peace. The Lord went to the point of why too, when He says that there are many of Him in that city. So, I ask again, where do you get your instruction, and what is it that has you fully occupied all the time?

Friends, but I must also check myself. Maybe I am just outspoken because I have received my instruction. I know what I must do at this time. I also have foretelling of things to come, regarding service that will be required in the future. So too, was I informed of the training that I am undergoing in the Spirit at this time, a preparation for later, while this day is not without its duties. I received my instruction much like Paul received his. But, if this is still something unknown to you, I can perceive that you might be skeptical.

What have I to gain here to tell you these things? For my duties are between the LORD and I, but what of that which you might have to do? Well, that is then between you and GOD too. This world will have a man believe that GOD is not directly involved with our daily lives. I stand by the testimony that is not true at all. Even as GOD walked in the garden of Eden with man, so He wants to walk with us each day.

Now, I can imagine that there are those that may say, "I have not received instruction yet." Now, I can answer harshly and ask if you are taking the time to hear from the LORD, but I also know that the LORD prepares each for that moment. In the meanwhile, there are general duties that can be performed in assistance to those who have need. We should always be ready to testify of the LORD. To read and know the Word of GOD is not just for leaders, because when the church knows the Word of GOD, they can more easily get on with what needs to be done. Remember the widows and the orphans and be kind to strangers too. All these things, you do not to receive instruction from a minister, it is in the Word of GOD for you to read.

As we trust GOD for all we must also trust Him to make it known to us when we are needed. Best we can do is to learn to listen, and it starts by reading the Word and applying it to our lives. If we are then regulated by the Holy Spirit, we will also be directed unto our duty.

So, in all things, do not fear. GOD does not make mistakes, friends. He calls all to him of what is needed in the precise time it is needed. Do you hear the call to give, and even when to refuse? Do we permit GOD to guide us, do we obey His instruction?

Friends, if the early church got everything right, there would have been no reason for Paul and the other Apostles to write any of the epistles. Understand? And if the Apostle did not write those letters, we would not have it compiled in our Bibles. GOD is in control, He sees to it that His Word is fulfilled. Does that not bring you some comfort? When you read from these letters, and almost 2000 years later, these words still guide us now. GOD is in control, we can trust in Him. And it all starts with our faith in Jesus Christ. If we are willing to listen and obey what was recorded for us to read, we might by His mercy hear how directs us in this day. But, if we rebel against what was said then, how would we listen now, when what comes to us is of the Spirit? So can we see what is written as a "Step 1." Do that first.

It is my sincere hope that I might inspire you to look deeper into the Word. That your immersion into the Word of GOD will be as a baptism of sorts. For I cannot guide you, I can only point to the One Who guides me. Your duty might not be the same as mine. Understand? Let The Holy Spirit guide you in all things. Yes, especially in Prayer.

May the Lord be with you. May He guide you on your way. May He draw closer to you each day, as you draw closer to Him. Seek the Lord, and you will find Him. That is written in the Word of GOD too.

"Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:6-7

Shalom

YouVersion Bible Verse of the Day

‭1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV‬

[18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

https://bible.com/bible/1/1th.5.18.KJV