3. “And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.”
Paul, who labored tirelessly for his Saviour, was willing to work with his hands when necessary a wonderful spirit as well as an excellent example! And his secular work was perfectly in keeping with his ministry making tents. Paul’s ministry is specially occupied with the church and its glorious Head in heaven. Those who are passing through this world as pilgrims and strangers morally need tents rather than permanent buildings in which to dwell. May every aspect of our lives be temporary in nature we are not here long.
4. “And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.”
The spirit of the Apostle’s reasoning was such that those who heard him were won by his words. Paul’s reasoning is quite different in spirit from the great reasoning the Jews had with each other in Acts 28:2929And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. (Acts 28:29) (endless questioning) and the “doubtful disputations” (arguing) of Romans 14:11Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. (Romans 14:1). The Jews questioned because they would not believe the truth. Sometimes Christians argue about the truth, trying to prove some personal viewpoint. But we as Paul did ought to so speak that others, willing to hear the truth, might be brought to Christ.
5. “And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.”
May we have a similar effect on one another—supporting, encouraging and stirring up hearts and lives to be more zealous, more earnest for Christ (Heb. 10:2424And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (Hebrews 10:24)). The arrival of his two beloved companions so strengthened Paul’s heart that he all the more ardently presented Jesus as the Messiah to the Jews with whom he met.
6. “And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.”
Faithfulness to Christ will bring the reproach of Christ. The Jews opposed Paul and blasphemed the truth of God regarding Jesus Christ, His Son awful opposition with terrible consequences. Paul had been faithful; they rejected the faithful word of truth and were left to their solemn judgment. Though it must have broken the beloved Apostle’s heart to see such blinded rejection of the truth, his conscience was clear. He had done what he could to turn the unbelieving Jews to the Saviour. Have we done all we can in displaying Christ before a perishing, blaspheming world?
7. “And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.”
Justus was a truehearted worshipper of God. Until Paul brought new light and truth, he remained attached to the one place that the truth of God could be known the Jewish synagogue. It had become a place which blasphemed the truth, causing Paul to leave and enter the home of a faithful worshipper. May our hearts, lives and homes provide a place where Paul (that which answers to the revealed truth of God) is welcomed.
8. “And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.”
Paul’s preaching was not without fruit in spite of Jewish rejection. The truth so laid hold of Crispus that he and his house believed: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31)). Jesus, the despised and rejected Messiah, became more precious to dear Crispus than his position as chief religious ruler. “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:3030He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)).
9. “Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace.”
Sweet encouragement to the Apostle who, after the unhappy confrontation with Jewish hatred and blasphemy, might have been disheartened. How cheering the Lord’s words must have sounded to this dear servant. May we eagerly listen, moment by moment, to hear that same divine voice encouraging us to press on in our service for Himself.
10. “For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.”
When the Lord sends one to a service, He gives wonderful reassurances promising His presence to remove fear, His protection to give strength, and His sovereign purpose to yield fruit. Let us serve Him faithfully, remembering that as long as we are left here, He has much people yet to be saved.
11. “And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”
To the unbelieving, blaspheming Jews, the Apostle had reasoned, persuaded, testified, and finally left them. But the Word of God was not constrained, for he remained in Corinth to teach the truth to all who were willing to hear. Let us always be willing to hear (and live) the truth of God.
12. “And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat.”
God’s promise that “no man” would “set on thee to hurt thee” was not broken by the Jews’ assault against Paul. He was protecting Paul and the preaching of His Word. But the Jews are, by their inveterate hatred of the truth of God, about to feel a measure of the judgment of God for their wickedness. They were going to have to reap the fruit of their blasphemy against Jesus and the truth presented by His servant.
13. “Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.”
Man’s religious heart will ever choose and desire to be put under law, assuming he has the ability somehow to please God by what he does. What horrible, blind pride! As Cain hated Abel’s sacrifice when his own works were refused by God, so men hate God’s free grace, choosing rather to offer their dead works of righteousness, which are but filthy rags. Oh! let us enjoy and then proclaim the wonder of God’s sovereign grace!
14. “And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you.”
What a rebuke to the Jews from an idolatrous Gentile ruler! Though he had no interest in the truth of God, Gallio realized that Paul’s preaching was not born of wrongdoing or criminal intent.
For eighteen months he had lived above public reproach so that he did not need to open his mouth to defend his actions. May our lives give a like testimony of purity and harmlessness in this world.
Ed.