WEDNESDAY - JULY 29

Read. Acts 13:42-52
42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people urged them to speak about these things again on the next Sabbath. 43 When the people in the synagogue were dismissed, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism accompanied Paul and Barnabas, who urged them to remain faithful to the message of God’s grace.
​
44 On the next Sabbath, almost everyone in the city gathered to hear the Lord’s word. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were overcome with jealousy. They argued against what Paul was saying by slandering him. 46 Speaking courageously, Paul and Barnabas said, “We had to speak God’s word to you first. Since you reject it and show that you are unworthy to receive eternal life, we will turn to the Gentiles. 47 This is what the Lord commanded us:

I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
so that you could bring salvation to the end of the earth.”[a]

48 When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and honored the Lord’s word. Everyone who was appointed for eternal life believed, 49 and the Lord’s word was broadcast throughout the entire region. 50 However, the Jews provoked the prominent women among the Gentile God-worshippers, as well as the city’s leaders. They instigated others to harass Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their district. 51 Paul and Barnabas shook the dust from their feet and went to Iconium.52 Because of the abundant presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, the disciples were overflowing with happiness.

Reflect. At this time in the ancient world, the Jewish religion was attractive to (non-Jewish) women. In his commentary on this, William Barclay, explains what’s happening with this and in v.50. 
In nothing was the ancient world more lax than in sexual morality. Family life was rapidly breaking         down. The worst sufferers were women. The Jewish religion preached a purity ethic and cleanness of         life. Round the synagogues gathered many women, often of high social position, who found in this teaching what they longed for. Many of these women became [believers] … The [Jewish leaders] persuaded them to incite their husbands, who were often the men in influential positions, to take steps against the Christian preachers. The inevitable result was persecution (Barclay, Daily Bible Study Series: Acts, p.106).

• Upon being forced from this town and experiencing a severe setback where leaders conspired against them, Paul and Barnabas are still overcome with happiness. But it wasn’t just Paul and Barnabas; it was the “disciples.” Prior to Paul and Barnabas arriving, there were no Christians in the community, through their ministry, now there are disciples. Even though Paul and Barnabas faced hardship, the presence of the Holy Spirit among all of the disciples causes this happiness or joy. 
• The presence of the Holy Spirit demonstrates that it is possible to find happiness despite setbacks and external conditions. Is this something you have experienced? Today, spend time seeking God’s Spirit. Reflect on ways that you can experience this happiness regardless of your external circumstances. 

Pray. Spirit of God, dwell in me and fill me with your deep presence. Help me to face this day with your joy and your happiness. Amen.

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow.