Year 7, Day 251: Acts 18

Theological Commentary: Click Here

We continue into one of my favorite stories.  In Acts 18 we see the humanity of Paul.  As we read through Acts it is very easy to idolize Paul; this chapter helps us to avoid this.

Paul heads to Corinth.  While in Corinth, Jews rise up against him.  This isn’t anything that we haven’t seen before and certainly I’ve praised Paul before for standing up against this very thing.  In Corinth, however, we see Paul get fed up.  He walks away from the Jews and swears to only focus on Gentiles.  Paul has had enough.

I really enjoy this story because it shows us that Paul is a human.  He is tired of the fight.  He’s tired of having to defend himself against the same accusations in every city.  He’s worn down.  He breaks.

Here’s the neat thing, though.  Even though he reacts out of his human frustration, his ministry continues.  God allows him to continue to focus on the Gentiles.  People continue to come into relationship with God.  God still allows Paul to work in the kingdom even though he is clearly thinking about himself instead of God’s calling.

That being said, God does chastise Paul.  God comes to him and tells him to stop being afraid.  He tells Paul to continue going on speaking, teaching, and preaching.  While God does allow Paul’s ministry among the Gentiles to prosper, He also doesn’t let Paul get away with doing his own thing, either.

In the end, we are all human.  In moments of glory, it is easy to be confident.  Sometimes we can be overconfident.  In moments of frustration, it is easy to focus on our own irritation and lose sight of where God really wants us.  In the end, though, God can continue to use us even in the moments where we may lose focus on His will.  That’s the neat thing about this chapter.  Paul shows his humanity; God continues to use him.

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