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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
We are in Acts 18, and Paul is in the seaport of Corinth. The situation has become potentially explosive. When Paul preached Jesus Christ in the Jewish synagogue, there arose a strong reaction and violent opposition. Some, who came to believe in Jesus Christ, leave the synagogue, and they begin to fellowship right next door.
Here we have religion in the flesh - and a group of Holy Spirit filled believers.
We saw how Paul has wondered about his future - what was he to do? He considers his position - and Jesus visited him - speaks to him - encourages him - guides him and reassures him regarding the decision, which he has to make.
Paul is led by Jesus to remain in Corinth, and for 18 months he is teaching The Word of God in the seaport of Corinth, with all the sin around him that is normally associated with such a place. He has received very specific guidance. Yet, trouble is never far away. There is a united attack as the Jews begin again to accuse Paul. They took him to court - verse 13 - saying - "This man is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law." This was quite true - but not the whole truth.
Paul was just about to speak when the Governor Gallio said - "If you were accusing this man of some serious crime - if he were a wicked villain - it would be only reasonable for me to listen to you and bear with you and hear your case. But as it is an internal question of words and names and your law - then, you deal with it. Settle this sort of thing among yourselves. I will not judge in these matters." And, he put them all out of the courtroom.
Sosthenes the ruler of synagogue received a beating and we are not told exactly why. Gallio actually ignores it and shrugs his shoulders, as if to say that this is none of my business! The Jews were accusing Paul of doing something illegal, but they do not mind behaving in such a way when it suits them.
Have you noticed that with religious people who have never been born again? They will accuse you of the least little thing, whilst perhaps acting in a most unjust and unfair manner. Be aware of that as you serve Jesus Christ. The book of Acts is highly relevant in these present times.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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