Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 52

February 21;   Acts 18:11;   107/260(VI);   ‘Faithful to Teach’

Acts 18:11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Paul was now in Corinth.  As he always did, he started in the synagogue, to minister.  Over and over, wherever he went, some of the Jews opposed him, so he turned to the gentiles.  This verse tells us that Paul was in Corinth eighteen months teaching the Word.  His commitment to teach everyone he could the Word of God is an incredible example to us.  Nothing is more important than teaching God’s Word, because the Word enables us to know God’s love and the incredible provisions we have been given because of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus on our behalf. 2 Corinthians 11 lists all of the things that were done to him and what he went through to minister the Word.  It is no wonder that Hebrews 11, talking about the ‘heroes of faith,’ declares that the world was not worthy of someone like Paul.  I believe that since Paul was doing what the Lord Jesus wanted him to do, that the grace of God was upon him, strengthening him through all of that persecution.  He had to feel proud to accomplish what he was created to do.  As his martyrdom neared, Paul, with what must have been a humble pride in what his ministry accomplished, tells us he had fought the good fight and finished his race,  What a testimony.  Doing the Lord’s work gives dignity and purpose.  The peace and satisfaction Paul must have experienced, regardless of what he suffered, stirs my heart to want to do everything I can to fulfill my ministry.  The price we pay to do Jesus’ will, is nothing compared to the joy experienced by bringing truth and hope to a lost and dying world.