FRIDAY September 15, 2023
Friends and Co-laborers
And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
Acts 18:2-4
As we continue to follow Paul on his second missionary journey, we will learn even more about missions. We have already seen the power of the Holy Spirit moving in the lives of different people, and the way God works in bringing about His perfect will. He anoints people to accomplish His work. We have witnessed in the book of Acts how God leads, guides and provides.
Paul was directed by God through doors that He would open and doors that He would close. As God led Paul by His Spirit, the Lord did mighty works through him when he entered a new city. Now in Corinth, this would be such a city. Although a city of sin, these sinners needed the Gospel!
The city was immoral. Behind the Bema Seat at the top peak of Acrocorinth, was the Temple of the goddess Aphrodite––the goddess of sex and pleasure. At night, 1000 prostitutes would come down and mingle with men in the city. Men, married or single, and even Christian men engaged in sexual adventures. They were seduced by these prostitutes.
As Paul was alone in the city, God in His sovereignty, and in His perfect timing, arranged circumstances so that Paul would meet a Christian, married couple. Aquila and Priscilla befriended Paul. They were even trained in the same trade as him––tentmakers. There are no coincidences with God. In His divine will, the Roman Emperor Claudius persecuted the Jews and commanded that they leave Rome. God used his decree to displace Aquila and Priscilla and bring them all together. Paul needed support and fellowship in the ministry. I love the way God works.
Let those be thy choicest companions who have made Christ their chief companion.
~Thomas Brooks~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
