Everywhere Paul went on his journeys, people came to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! Paul would enter into discussion with Jews in the synagogue or Gentiles in the marketplace. He would turn the conversation to Christ and the good news of salvation in Him. Many would marvel at hearing “strange things.” Many would oppose and argue and threaten. However, there were always some who would believe!
17:12 – “Many of them believed.” 17:34 – “But some men joined him and believed.” 18:8 – “Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord...many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed.” 19:20 – “So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.”
Again, none of this came without opposition. Paul was mocked in Athens and a riot occurred in Ephesus over the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Nevertheless, Paul continued going from place to place sharing the Gospel, and as a result, more people would believe.
Paul had a confidence in the word of the Lord that enabled him to continue ministry in the face of troubles and persecution. He witnessed firsthand how the Word would triumph over hard hearts. He also had a word from the Lord that the Gospel would be victorious. 18:10 – “for I have many in this city who are my people.” Paul also knew that faith was not dependent upon man’s reason but upon the grace of God. 18:27 – “who through grace had believed.” For these reasons, we can also take comfort and courage in sharing the Gospel! (1) The Gospel will awaken dead hearts. (2) The Lord is still saving people today. (3) As long as there is grace, there will be faith!
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