READING: Acts 17:16-18:3, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5:11
I should have seen this detail before, but I apparently have skimmed over it for years (or have simply forgotten it). Maybe you have, too.
Part of today’s reading is about Priscilla and Aquila, who became partners with Paul in his ministry in Corinth. They provided Paul work to do and a place to stay as he sought to convince the Corinthians of the gospel. What I have not remembered, though, is this fact: Priscilla and Aquila were in Corinth because of some level of persecution. They were there because the emperor Claudius had expelled Jews from Rome, likely because of conflict that arose between Jews and Christians.
Why the expulsion took place, however, is not Luke’s concern in Acts. Rather, he shows us how God used the expulsion to connect the missionary Paul with believers who would work with him. Surely they were an encouragement to Paul after his time in Athens.
God still does that, you know. He still works through circumstances—including most difficult ones—to bring Christian forces together and encourage them. Today, I am most grateful that He does.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Who are those persons God has uniquely placed in your life?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, I thank You for the gift of people.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-3:18, Acts 18:4-23
