1. The Bible Speaks to our Condition
A Look at Acts 18

2. Introduction
In this chapter we find the dramatic point at which the Jewish official position toward the Christian movement is articulated
They repudiated Christ
They continued to reject the Apostles’ interpretation of the life, death, resurrection, and redemptive purpose
Because of this, Paul turned to the Gentiles with the Gospel
Some suggest that one of Luke’s purposes was to demonstrate that in every contact with Roman Judicial authorities, Christianity is revealed as a religious movement rather than a subversive organization threatening the Roman Government
Gallio refuses to indict Paul because he could find no reason to condemn him

3. A blessing in disguise (vs 1-3, 18-19, 26-28)
It is easy to imagine the inconvenience and trouble the decree of the Roman emperor put Aquila and Priscilla in when the had to leave Rome
They couldn’t possibly know at this time that this decree would lead them into contact with Paul through their common trade
This contact with Paul would lead to their conversion and use by God for the advancement of His redemptive purpose

4. A blessing in disguise (vs 1-3, 18-19, 26-28)
What appears as calamity to Aquila and Priscilla eventually turns out to be God’s blessing to them
God is at work in all things for good for those who love Him (Rom 8:28)
Have you some failure, tragedy, or great disappointment?
Is it possible that God had something better in store for you?
You must look for it by faith
Let Him bless you as He did Aquila and Priscilla

5. The mission to the Gentiles begins (vs 4-6)
When Ananias received the command from God to go and minister to Saul he was told Saul was a chosen vessel who would speak of Christ to the Gentiles (Acts 9:10-15)
Many things were still to take place before Paul would begin his work with the Gentiles
Paul’s ministry was to begin when the Jewish rejection of the Gospel would create their own self-exclusion and open the door of opportunity to the Gentiles
God is eager to use any and all souls who are eager to open their hearts and minds to Him
We must all be careful not to allow our unbelief or disobedience cause us to exclude ourselves from God’s redemption and love

6. God’s encouragement to Paul (vs 9-10)
Paul spoke up in the midst of great criticism and hostility
There was great opposition to him in Corinth which is evidenced in his arrest and appearance in court before Gallio (vs. 12, 17)
In this time of danger and discouragement God came to Paul and reminded him that He is ever present with him
God gave Paul a promise of protection similar to that which Christ gave his disciples (Mt 28:19-20)
God gives us this same encouragement today as we face daily trials and temptations
We can depend on His divine presence and provisions as we remain obedient to His will

7. The importance of spiritual strength (vs 18-23)
As this chapter comes to a close we see an account of Paul’s journey from Corinth by way of Ephesus to Jerusalem and his return Antioch followed by the beginning of another missionary journey
It is stated as he went from Church to Church he previously established, he concentrated in strengthening the disciples (vs 23)
Christians today continue to need the strength that comes from dedicated study of His word
Let us all allow God to speak to our condition the pages of His Word (2 Tim 2:15)
We need the strength that comes from earnest and sincere prayer (Mt 26:41)
We must all be sure to listen for His answer as we pray

8. The importance of spiritual strength (vs 18-23)
We need the strength that comes from the testimony of others who have obeyed God and found Him faithful in all the promises He has made
Are we following the example found in the following verse
Mk 5:19 “However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”
Lk 8:39 “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.”
We need the strength that comes from the awareness of the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit within our hearts
The Holy spirit can make us sufficient and ready for any crisis, need, or opportunity that comes our way

9. Conclusion
The Bible is more than just a record of past events…it is a record of what can happen in the present as we follow the path of our Savior
Let us all look for the blessings that come in disguise
Let us be open for any and all ministry opportunities the Lord places in front of us
Let us always be thankful for the encouragement God sends us through His word and presence in our lives