Scripture
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in the city belong to me.”
Observation
Paul moves to Corinth where he meets Priscilla and Aquila, Jewish believers from Rome. Paul testifies to the Jews about Jesus, but many of them oppose him. He decides then to leave the Jews and focus on the Gentiles.
One night, Paul has a vision of the Lord in which He tells him to not be afraid, but to continue speaking out. Paul then stays in Corinth for the next year and a half.
A change of governor emboldens the Jews. They bring Paul to him for judgement, but he expresses no interest in the case.
Application
The Lord’s exhortation to Paul is a word we should take note of.
“Don’t be afraid!” We can so easily be intimidated by opposition or disagreement. Satan is the author of fear. We must not allow fear of people to hold us back.
“Speak out!” It is not enough to let our lifestyle be our witness. Our testimony is in the words we speak. Our actions must be consistent with the gospel, but people need to hear the message. Faith comes by hearing.
“Don’t be silent!” We must not stand by and see injustices and crimes go unpunished. We must not be silent when people slander the church or the name of Jesus. Silence is an easy option, but should not be the option for christians.
The Lord encouraged Paul with the assurance that there were many followers of Jesus in that city. This sounds like the words of the Lord to Elijah when he thought that he was the only person in Israel still faithful to the Lord.
When we feel like we are alone in standing up for Jesus, it is good to be reminded that we are not alone.
Prayer
Lord please help me to be bold and speak your message, even when I feel isolated or alone. Amen.
