Skip to main content

Acts-18

In Between Two Cities: A Devotional Study on Acts 18​

Introduction​

Acts 18 finds the Apostle Paul on the move, traveling from Corinth to Ephesus. The story of Paul's time in Corinth and his encounter with the Roman philosopher, Apollos, testify to the power of God's word to transform hearts and bridge cultural boundaries in surprising ways. As we delve into Acts 18, let's explore the spiritual insights embedded in this transformative chapter.

Section 1: The Middle Ground (Acts 18:1-11)​

Devotional Thought: Paul's mission in Corinth is a story of cultural and religious divide. Paul communicates the Gospel's wisdom to the Jews and founds a community of believers. In the midst of his work, Apollos enters the scene. Apollos is a man of impeccable education, trained in the laws of Moses and well-versed in the Jewish scriptures. Yet, he is a follower of John the Baptist and a believer in Jesus' upcoming kingdom.

Paul welcomes Apollos as a brother in Christ, honoring his intellectual background and recognizing the potential he holds. Here, we see Paul, poised in the middle ground, bridging cultural and religious divides. In the same manner, we're called to find our middle ground through understanding and respecting people's differences.

Reflection Questions:

  • In what ways can we intentionally find our middle ground to bridge cultural and religious divides?
  • How can we show understanding and respect to people's cultural and religious differences?

Section 2: The Cultic Practice (Acts 18:12-17)​

Devotional Thought: The gods and goddesses in Corinthian society have a strong hold over the people. Paul, determined to help the Corinthians pivot from their cultic practices, challenges them with Jesus' death and resurrection. In an immersive act of worship, the Corinthian believers open their homes to Paul and celebrate the Lord's Supper. The cross of Christ and the power of his resurrection become the focus of their worship.

This powerful moment in Corinth reminds us to embrace Jesus' message of salvation and focus our worship around its transformative power. As we celebrate His death and resurrection, let us do it with a pure heart, free of the encumbrances of the world.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can we challenge our culture's binds and find the power of Jesus' message of salvation?
  • How can we cultivate a pure and unhindered celebration of Jesus' message of salvation?

Section 3: The Forged Bond (Acts 18:18-28)​

Devotional Thought: Ephesus is Paul's stop after his time in Corinth. Baptized by John the Baptist, Apollos spreads the Gospel among the Jews as well as the gentiles in Ephesus. But there are some disciples who still cling to their old beliefs. Paul, recognizing the cultures' deep-seated separation between Jews and Gentiles, clears a path for both tribes to join God's holy bond through faith in Jesus.

Paul's ministry to the Ephesians shows us the power of God's faith in bridging cultural divides. Let's trust in the strength of God's faith to bring together people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can we recognize the power of God's faith to bridge cultural divides?
  • How can we join God's holy bond despite cultural differences?

Conclusion:​

As we conclude our devotional study of Acts 18, let us stand in awe of the transformative power of God's word. Paul, Apollos, and the Ephesians tell us a story of cultural divides overcome through deep spiritual insight. May we carry these spiritual insights into our daily lives, speaking wisdom to different cultures, celebrating Jesus' message of salvation, and joining God's holy bond despite cultural differences.