SATURDAY April 29, 2023
Speaking Boldly for Christ
So he [Saul] was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.
Acts 9:28-30
From one day to the next, the Jews had turned completely against Saul. As soon as he began preaching in the synagogues that Jesus was the Son of God, the Jews plotted to kill him (Acts 9:23). Once the plot became known to Saul, the disciples made a way of escape for him at night. Saul was lowered down the city’s wall by a large basket (Acts 9:24-25).
Barnabas gave word of Saul’s testimony to the apostles. Saul had a genuine conversion to Christ. From that time forward, they accepted him as a brother in Christ. Saul continued to speak boldly for Jesus as he debated with the Hellenists. Who were the Hellenists? They were Jews who had adopted the Greek customs, culture and language. Saul’s words about Christ so infuriated them that they were moved to murder him.
Notice, the moment Saul spoke boldly for Christ, once more he was persecuted. The brethren, I am sure, persuaded him to leave. They warned him, “The Jews hate you! They really want to kill you!” Knowing and seeing that Saul was suffering persecution, and that his life was in grave danger, the brethren made a way of escape for Saul to go to Caesarea, and then from there to Tarsus.
The brethren wanted Saul to be safe. Perhaps they thought if he left for a while, it would bring calm to the situation. They used godly wisdom in removing Saul from danger. Besides, others needed to hear the message of Christ. It was important that Saul remained alive.
How have you responded to the Gospel message, boldly preached by a pastor in the pulpit?
A minister, without boldness, is like a smooth file, a knife without an edge, a sentinel that is afraid to let off his gun. If men will be bold in sin, ministers must be bold to reprove.
~William Gurnall~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
