The " Verbal Assault & Reproach " Obstacle

Acts 19:8-10  And he (Paul) went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of GOD. But when divers (some people) were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing (reasoning) daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the WORD of the LORD JESUS, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles). "

     For about twelve weeks, Paul entered the synagogue and showed the unbelieving Jews from Scripture how that JESUS was the CHRIST. Yet due to the hardness of their hearts, many publicly began to slander Paul and his message (v.9). They twisted the truth and actually blasphemed the name of CHRIST (they spoke evil of "that way," which refers to the way of Salvation through JESUS CHRIST). Notice how Paul dealt with this obstacle: As serious as the situation became, he could have been very antagonistic, argumentative, and nasty; instead, he simply separated himself and his disciples from subjection to such assault (v.9) and took the time to ground the believers in the truth. We, too, are called to separate ourselves from "foolish" people. There comes a time when the best action to take is just to walk away - remove yourself from a volatile situation and from the company of wicked people (Proverbs 14:7; 22:24-25).

"Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of truth." 2nd.Timothy 2:15

     Notice the result of this separation. Because GOD's people were able to be set apart and taught rather than having to focus all their attention on arguing with unbelievers, they became grounded in the truth "so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the WORD of the LORD JESUS" (v.10). Consider the words "so that." It was this separation and Paul's teaching that enabled these believers to become effective ministers of CHRIST. Sadly, this kind of discipleship is lacking in many churches today. We must take the time to immerse ourselves in the truth; then, we should share GOD's truth with others so they, too, can "[hear] the WORD of the LORD: (v.10). Our responsibility is NOT to "save" others but to be grounded in the truth and to make known the glorious Gospel. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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