Godly men and important women

Friday 2-10-17, Modesto, California

Today we read Lev 13 – 14 and Acts 17

S = Scripture  O = Observation  A = Application  P = Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S. Acts 17:2-4 As was Paul's custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he interpreted the Scriptures to the people. He was explaining and proving the prophecies about the sufferings of the Messiah and his rising from the dead. He said, "This Jesus I'm telling you about is the Messiah." Some who listened were persuaded and became converts, including a large number of godly Greek men and also many important women of the city.   NLT

O. In every city a few Jews listened to Paul and Silas and became believers, but it seems that the Gentiles that frequented the synagogues were the most ready to accept the ‘Jesus message’.  The description ‘godly men’ hints to me that these Greeks may have converted to Judaism or at least were studying the Old Testament and trying to live by its message of godliness. And ‘important women’ perhaps suggests social standing. These probably became the elders and leaders of this newborn church in Thessalonica. They rushed Paul and Silas down to Berea to save their lives, but somehow in time this church grew into a generous healthy church.**

A. I have been amazed at how God can use a faithful, honorable man or woman who has barely taken their first steps in the Lord Jesus.  In Argentina, many of our Pentecostal churches were started after some salvation and healing crusade. Someone had received a notable miracle and returned to their neighborhood, displaying their miracle to all their neighbors. Others were attracted, were saved and healed, and without special training, soon that layman or woman was leading a baby church.  I remember hearing a religious man of standing looking down at these ‘ignorant tiny churches’. He called them “Kioskos”, something like a hot-dog stand on the corner, unworthy of being called churches. Yet, many of these today are large powerful churches.  Every church I helped to plant started out with only a few new converts.

P. Lord Jesus, I believe you are pleased every time a group of new believers gather around Your Holy Word. They usually do not go astray when they believe and honor Your Word. Many years ago I heard a Presbyterian pastor speak that had recently visited the underground churches in China. He said every one of them displayed all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including speaking in tongues. Lord help me to be true to Your Word, to leave a firm foundation everywhere I have an influence for You. Amen.

Ralph

** Paul later writes to this church: “You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia-your faith in God has become known everywhere”. 1 Thess 1:6-8

NIV