GETTING STARTED
On his second missionary journey, Paul faced repeated obstacles. He was falsely accused, encountered relentless persecution, and received minimal positive responses to the message of the gospel. Now, Paul is moving to the city of Corinth to establish a new church. Corinth was a large metropolitan city infamous for its immorality. It was also a city known for the temple to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Her temple boasted 1,000 religious prostitutes and stood on a mountain just outside the city as a shrine to sexual gratification. We will discover in today’s reading how Paul provides an example for us relating to the importance of support—relationally and financially.
- In what ways do your relationships and/or finances provide you with an ability to participate in sharing the gospel locally and globally?
READ THE WORD: ACTS 18:1-4 (ESV)
18:1 After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
- Describe the relationship that Paul shared with his two co-workers.
- What is the significance of Paul working (tentmaking) as a way of furthering the gospel?
- How did Paul spend his Sabbath worship? How is this a model for the way you see worship of God?
- A missionary is someone who sacrifices everything but the gospel for the sake of the gospel. What is the primary obstacle (relational, financial, or otherwise) you are currently facing that prevents you from representing Christ as a missionary?
RESPOND TO GOD
God providentially introduced Paul to a godly couple, Aquila and Priscilla. Their relationship was long-lasting and life-giving. They accompanied Paul on church planting efforts and played a vital role in spurring Paul on to testify as a witness to the liberating message of the gospel. In addition, Paul joined Aquila and Priscilla in the labor of tentmaking. This was not just a way to earn income. Tentmaking was a way to strengthen the church by reflecting a witness of Christ in the workplace. Like Paul, our work and involvement in the marketplace and in our communities should be acts of worship and strategic ways of serving people while meeting financial needs necessary to further the work of bringing Christ to people.
- Ask God to provide you with the support needed to further the gospel of Christ.