" Opposition to the Gospel "

Acts 18:1-6   " After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; and found a certain Jew name Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart form Rome:) and came unto them, and because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that JESUS was CHRIST, and when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them,  Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. "

     Why does the message of the Gospel infuriate so many people ? The angel announced it as "good tidings of great joy. . .to all people. For unto you is born this day. . .a SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD" (Luke 2:10-11). That message has brought peace and joy to multitudes of people through the centuries. Many who lived in the debauchery of sin can now say, "[I am] washed. . .sanctified. . .justified in the name of the LORD JESUS, and by the SPIRIT of our GOD" (1st.Corinthians 6:11). Why would anyone oppose the life-changing Good News ? Yet, such opposition has not abated in our day.

     Opposition to the Gospel was nothing new for Paul as was experienced at Corinth. He had faced it in many other cities. Indeed, Paul himself, in his past life, had violently opposed the Gospel even to the point of seeking the death of those who were followers of JESUS. However, all of that changed during his personal encounter with JESUS CHRIST on his journey to Damascus (Acts ch.9). Now the persecutor had become the persecuted.

     But the question remains: Why are so many antagonistic to the Gospel ? Without oversimplifying it, remember this: "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved" (John 3:19-20). The Gospel is a simple message. Man is a sinner. GOD is holy. Man cannot bridge the gap between GOD and himself. GOD's justice demands the death of the sinner, but HE provided a SUBSTITUTE: JESUS CHRIST, WHO paid for our sins, "Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31). JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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