I always thought of Paul as a preacher. But I see that Paul had a job making tents, and "reasoned" and "persuaded" in the synagogue on the sabbath. The fact that he worked at a regular job throughout the week is an interesting detail. He is just a regular person like me who works all week and goes to church on Sunday. Look at how much Paul accomplished just one day a week, and probably just one person at a time. When I read that he reasoned and persuaded, I realized he wasn't preaching the sermon in the synagogue, he was just a congregant like me fellowshipping before and after the church service. Just by having a simple conversation with someone and getting to know them, Paul led so many to Christ.
Another interesting detail I had missed was that Paul was probably afraid. I always figured Paul was so bold and strong because he was so influential.
The passage does not say specifically that Paul was afraid, but we can infer that he feared others would harm him.
Acts 18:6 says the Jews "opposed him and blasphemed"... so he left the synagogue and went to a believer's house, "next door to the synagogue." The very next verse says the Lord told Paul, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent, for I am with you, and noone will attack you, for I have many people in this city." Paul's boldness and strength came from the Lord.
Not only did Paul bring many people to Christ, he led the Ruler of the synagogue to Christ... another interesting detail. In closer reading, it looks to me as if Crispus and Sosthenes are in fact the same person, whose name changed when they became a believer. Can you imagine bringing the Ruler of the synagogue to Christ? Makes sense why "the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul." (Acts 18:12).
No wonder he was afraid. But the Lord was true to His promise (Acts 18:10), and brought other believers to Paul's defense (Acts 18:14). So when the Jews lost their battle in court, they took out their vengeful frustration by beating up Sosthenes, the Ruler of the synagogue who became a believer in Jesus Christ.
My last interesting detail that is easily missed...because the passage in Acts doesn't say what happened to Sosthenes after he was beaten.
The fact that Sosthenes survived the brutal beating and didn't let that dissuade his new firm held belief. He
continued in his faith alongside Paul, as he is so briefly mentioned in the first verse of 1 Corinthians, as "our brother," as a witness or maybe as someone who transcribed Paul's letter.
It's easy to just read a passage, close the book, and move on with the rest of your day. But taking just a little bit more time to delve a little deeper in a passage will be worth the time and effort exponentially.
For tips on how to study God's Word, click here.
Dear Lord, please help me to not just read the Bible, but please help me to actually study Your Word. Help me to hear what You are speaking to me through Your Word. Help me to learn and to grow.
