Year 7, Day 249: Acts 16

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Acts 16 is a great chapter in the development of the church.  It is in this chapter that Paul picks up Timothy, one of his greatest disciples.  It is in this chapter that Paul begins the Greek mission, one of his greatest missionary journeys.  It is here that Paul ministers to Lydia and in so doing begins the Philippian church, one of his greatest church plants.  Many great things happen in this chapter.

There is one thing in this chapter that allows these things to happen.  Paul is told no.  Paul wants to go into Asia.  He desires to minister to the people in that area.  God, however, has other plans.  In order to get Paul into Greece, He needs to say no to Asia.

I can only imagine Paul’s disappointment as this unfolded in his life.  He couldn’t know what was coming in his future.  He simply felt God saying no again and again.  There surely was some frustration.  Perhaps there was discouragement.  There may have even been confusion.

The one thing we don’t see is disobedience.  Paul listens to God and trusts.  He follows God, believing that if God doesn’t want him to go into Asia then God has His reasons.  This is a great example for us to understand as we go about mission. 

God wants us to go out.  He wants us to invite people into a relationship with Him.  He wants us to remember, though, that it is His plan and His idea, not ours.

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