Following The Spirit’s Leading

Acts 17:32-18:4

Thomas Edison, the great inventor, was viewed by intellectuals such as Nicolai Tesla, as just a second rate mechanic, even though his discoveries have proven far more useful than any of Tesla’s. The inventor of the microscope and discoverer of germs was largely ignored by scientists in his day because he was just a janitor. Like many others, the “intellectuals” of Athens dismissed developments among “non-intellectuals” such as the Jews as unimportant and thus ignored what the rest of the Roman empire was aware of. What Paul had to say about God and Christ was totally new to them.

“And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them.” (Acts 17:32-33)

In their focus on degrees and education, the Athenians had ignored the Jewish community. The idea that someone had been raised from the dead seemed utterly unbelievable to some, while others had their curiosity piqued. They were willing to hear more, even though they weren’t sure they believed it. Paul didn’t hang around or offer an extended invitation, trying to persuade them.

“Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.” (Acts 17:34)

In the crowd of probably several thousand if the records of other speeches are any indication, a small number believed. Only two are named. One of them, Dionysius, was a formal member of the teaching faculty. Another was a woman named Damaris. The Holy Spirit only touched a few because the ground was not prepared. Sometime after this, Paul left Athens for Corinth. Athens is one of the few cities where Paul reached a number of people without staying or leaving someone to build a church, even though he was not asked to leave. The Holy Spirit brought him there, but did not direct him to stay.

“After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.” (Acts 18:1-2)

Constant uprisings by the Jews had led to fear of rebellion in other cities. In an effort to thwart rebellions and riots in Rome, Claudius Caesar (41-54AD) had expelled the Jews. Aquila and Priscilla were among those expelled and had just recently come to Corinth seeking a place to settle. In Corinth, Paul met them and developed a strong bond with them.

“And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.” (Acts 18:3)

In Life Is A Series Of Presentations, Tony Jeary states that people tend to respond best to people they perceive as being similar to themselves. Similarities of dress, experience and financial situation make relationships more easily established. One reason my dad was so successful in reaching Navajos was his very similar background and circumstances. Because we did not have a lot of money, Navajos could see us as people like them, not as their superiors. Because of his experience with cattle and construction, they had common experiences and interests. A basis for understanding and trust was easily established.

As a tentmaker, Paul had a similar basis for developing a strong relationship with other skilled workmen, and especially with Aquila and Priscilla, who were also Jewish tentmakers. That Paul willingly worked alongside them in the trade further enhanced the relationship, as well as opening doors to reach other people. I still have people stop and talk to me because they remember working alongside my dad.

In our day, many who are involved in ministry consider themselves above physical labor. In I Corinthians 9, Paul describes himself as physically working and supporting himself in order to effectively present the gospel, even though they had a right to be supported in the ministry. In II Thessalonians 3:8-9, he stated, “Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.” It is a totally different attitude than is common today.

“And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.” (Acts 18:4)

Besides working everyday as a tent maker, Paul spent his sabbaths at the synagogue teaching both Jews and Greek proselytes about who Christ is. Preaching the gospel does not preclude physical work. The church at Jerusalem did not elect deacons to do the physical work until there were over eight thousand members.

We need to allow the Holy Spirit to lead in this area. He knows what the local people need as an example. One size doesn’t fit everyone. He has given the experiences and abilities you have to prepare you for what he has for you to do. Use them.