To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain

TWENTY-TWO

Persecution of the saints of God wasn't only in Jerusalem, or even Israel, for Paul's new friends, Aquila and his wife Priscilla came to Corinth from Italy, for Claudius had commanded all Jews must depart from Rome. And with them, Paul abode, being in the same trade as he, tent-makers. It wasn't a get-rich-quick business, but it helped him financially so that he was not a charity case or a burden on the brethren. Besides, it gave him free time to go to the synagogue every Sabbath to persuade both the Jews and the Greeks that Jesus was Christ.

When they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, Paul shook his raiment, "I am innocent of your blood. I will go now to the Gentiles."

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. 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.

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, "Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city."

And thus Paul obeyed, staying there a year and a half, teaching and preaching the Word of God.

When Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, "This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law of Moses!"

"Listen, Jews, if it were a matter of true wrong or wickedness, I'd bear with you, but if it's all your customs and your laws, you deal with it yourself!"

Paul sailed from there to Syria, along with his friends, having shaved his head, for he had a vow, and when he came to Ephesus, he entered into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews, who, surprisingly asked him earnestly to stay longer, but he would not, "I have to keep the feast in Jerusalem, but if God wills, I will return to you."

Paul was not to stay in one city long, and as he prepared to leave again, he first called the elders of the church, "You know, from the first day I came into Asia, how I have been among you. I serve the Lord with humility, despite tears and temptations, the persecution of the Jews always after me. I kept nothing profitable from you, but have taught you, going even from house to house to testify to both Jews and Greeks that repentance is vital, as well as faith in the Lord Jesus. But now, things are turning again, in my spirit, I go bound to Jerusalem, though I know not what shall await me there, other than that the Holy Ghost tells me in every city that bonds and afflictions are coming. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself so that I might finish my course with joy and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God! I know that we won't see each other again, so I call you to record this day that I am free from the blood of all men because I've not refrained from declaring the uttermost truths of the Word of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. And I know that among you shall men arise, speaking perversion to draw away disciples to them. So watch. Remember. For three years I haven't stopped warning you with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which can build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel, you know I've worked for my necessities. And I've shown you that by laboring you should support the weak. Remember what Jesus said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Tears flowed amongst them as they kneeled outside of the ship, praying together.