Acts 17:32-34 NLT
When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” That ended Paul’s discussion with them, but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
Part of our responsibility as a Christian is evangelism.
When we proclaim the Word of God to those around us, we will be met with a few different reactions.
In this case with Paul:
1. “Some laughed in contempt”
2. “Others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” *Interesting: ? “That ended Paul’s discussion with them.”
3. “Some joined him and became believers.”
So what do we do with all of this?
Short answer: We let it just be this way.
In the end, it is God’s choice who will be saved not ours. It is the Spirit of God moving in the hearts of people that will determine the response.
What we can concentrate on is our knowledge of God’s Word. This has a two fold benefit:
1. It will strengthen our faith in God.
2. It will help us answer the questions other may have.
1 Peter 3:15 NLT
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.
Jesus gave specific instructions about what to do with the group who laugh with contempt.
Matthew 10:14 NLT
If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave.
Move on. Don’t argue, don’t fuss or fret. Don’t argue or give it another thought. They are in God’s hands.
We must trust that God is doing His work.
For the group that wanted to “hear more about this later”, Paul gave us the answer by his example, “That ended Paul’s discussion with them.”
There is a saying that goes like this, “A person convinced against their will, is of the same opinion still.”
The greatest argument that we can present to the people around us is a changed life by Jesus Christ working in our hearts.
If that is not happening in your life and call yourself a Christian, get on your knees right now and ask Him to start showing you what it is in your heart that is stopping this from taking place.
And you keep asking until it happens.
Jesus didn’t double back to make sure that others understood what He was saying and doing.
People were attracted to Him by the character that came from the person He was. He can do this in our lives, but we have to submit to the change constantly He calls us to make.
Luke 8:43-48 NLT
A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped. “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.” But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
The woman in this story knew if she could touch a tread of His garnet, she would be healed, and it was so.
But she was in that crowd that day because of the character of Jesus Christ. This is a wonderful story of faith and grace.
For the group who believed, Paul always doubled back to encourage and teach.
He also took the time to write letters to them to teach, edify, and encourage using God’s Word to do so.
This is the pattern that we are called to do with our lives.
Heavenly Father, I pray that Your work continues through me.
I pray that You keep the desire for Your Word a priority in my life. I pray that Your Word gives me discernment and that I use Your Word in a way that glorifies You.
Thank You for the people in my life, help me be sensitive to the needs in their lives, and minister to those needs.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
