DAILY SCRIPTURE:
THIS WEEK READ ACTS 28
Devotional: Day One
ACTS 28:17-31
WHAT DOES PAUL DO WHEN HE ARRIVES IN ROME? IN HIS MEETING WITH THE JEWISH LEADERS, WHAT DOES HE SAY? WHY DO YOU THINK HE WENT TO SUCH GREAT LENGTHS TO INTRODUCE HIMSELF AND CLEAR HIMSELF BEFORE THE JEWISH LEADERS?
When Paul arrives to Rome he called togheter the local Jewish leaders. In his meeting with them, Paul explains his situation...explains who He is...and explains what he is doing. Paul was extremely strategic in his approach with the Jewish leaders. Paul wanted an opportunity for the Jewish leaders to hear about the gospel...so he had to be strategic. If Paul told them right from the start about the Messiah is Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour...the Jewish leaders would have scoffed at him.
What Paul did was...he gained a hearing with them, by sharing the common interests that are between the Jews and Christians. He shared with them the same goals that they have...and in verse 20 he talks about sharing about "THE HOPE OF ISRAEL". This is what the Jewish Leaders have been waiting upon...the HOPE OF ISRAEL to save all mankind. Paul told them that he is bound in these chains because of the hope of Israel...if he said because of the hope of Jesus Christ....he would have never had an opportunity to get a hearing with them.
That is why Paul goes into such lengths and strategic lengths....it is to gain an opportunity to share the gospel, by meeting people at their level.
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Paul is a great example of being relational when sharing the gospel. Paul wasn't picking fights with the Jewish Leaders...he was appealing to them...and was able to appeal to them....while still sharing the truth! That is still a huge key for all of us! We must not shy away from the truth!
Buillding relationships/friendships with people is a great way to share the truth of Jesus Christ. Are you currently working on building any relationships/friendships with someone who needs to hear the gospel. Continue to strive to share the gospel....don't be discouraged if some people aren't interested at first.....if you continue reading through Acts 28....you will see Paul definitely did not convince everyone about the truth of Christ....but Paul was faithful and still many encountered our Lord and Saviour! #befaithful #ambassadorforJesus
Let's Pray,
Dear Lord,
Thank you for loving me, please help me today to be a light for the Kingdom....please give me an opportunity to share the gospel and give me the faith to walk faithfully according to your purpose and plan! Please help me to be an ambassador for the Kingdom of Heaven! AMEN!