SPEAK, AND DO NOT KEEP SILENT
«Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent’ «
(Acts 18:9).
Paul began to preach at the house by the synagogue belonging to Titus the Just. Can you imagine the reaction of the Jews when they saw their congregation shrinking and Paul’s group growing? Paul’s strategy of holding meetings near the synagogue made it easier for both Jews and Gentiles to attend, but it stirred up resentment and hate between them, especially after the head of the synagogue, Crispus, accepted the gospel and was baptized along with his family (see 1 Corinthians 1:14). His conversion was considered very important among the Christians.
During the eighteen months that Paul was in Corinth, there were many who heard, believed, and were baptized. Among the most notable people who accepted Christianity was Gains, a man of high social standing (see 1 Corinthians 1:14); members of the family of stephanas (see 1 Corinthians 16:15); Fortunatus and Achaicus (see 1 Corinthians 16:17); Chloe, a distinguished lady (see 1 Corinthians 1:11); brother Quartus, and Erasmus, the city treasurer (see Romans 16:23) (sec SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 361). Even so, Paul began to become discouraged. The harassment of the Jews, the threat to his physical safety, the fact that the majority of the new converts were slaves, and other reasons caused Paul to become depressed. But, Jesus came in person to encourage His valiant warrior. It was the third time that Paul received a vision. The first time was the day of his conversion; the second was in Jerusalem; and in the third vision he sees the Lord and Years Him say, ‘Do not be afraid, but sped, and do not keep silent” (Acts 18:9).
Have you ever felt alone, harassed by enemies of the faith, abandoned,or weak? Jesus sees your efforts and He knows what your limits are. He says to you, ‘Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent.‘ Leave the results in God’s hands, for He promises you, ‘I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you” (verse 10). God had people in Corinth who were listening to His voice. Paul founded and organized a church, strengthened it and he began other works in neighboring towns.
«Our greatest need is faith in God. When we look on the dark side we lose out hold on the Lord God of Israel. As the heart is opened to fears and conjectures, the path of progress is hedged by unbelief. Let us never feel that God has forsaken His work.»—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, ch. 42, p. 211.
The Lord Jesus does not promise to prevent the attacks of our enemy, but He promises to give you victory over them.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Esteban Cortes