Encouragement in the Night

 Acts 18:9-10.

The providence of God takes many forms.  Paul is not immune to the pressure of those who threaten, and we see here how the providence of God delivers him.

Encouragement 

Most often, when we feel the pressure of the world around us, an encouraging word is sufficient to quell the stomach and steady the course.  See what Christ does for him:

Do not be afraid.  Christ knows your fears;  you need not hide them.  He understands;  he knows those fears from his night in the Garden—and he will strengthen you as he was strengthened that night.

Keep on—often we just need to know that we are on the right track.  Sometimes opposition appears to us as a sign that we are wasting our time, spinning our wheels.  Christ comes and tells us, steady on!  We need that.

I am with you—is there any greater amplifier of discouragement than loneliness?  It is a comfort to keep busy, but often just being alone is terrible.  We are never alone as long as we are in the Lord.

For God's purposes

Such encouragement is for God's purposes.  Do you note that after he encourages Paul, he tells him why?  The reason Paul is called to courage is that Christ has many to save in this city.

By God's methods

For a year or so Christ's words hold up.  Then the Jews take up the attack by hauling Paul before the Roman authorities. 

We know something about this Gallio;  he was known as "Sweet Gallio" for his likeable temper.  He was the older brother of the philosopher Seneca.  He held to the Roman ethics of governance, and therefore knew the limits of his authority.  Do you see how God has provided a righteous pagan in defense of the Gospel?  By righteousness is righteousness established, not by conniving. 

If we are to be the children of God, we must use the methods of God for the purposes of God.  When we do, we can expect and will receive the encouragement of God.  In his providence his kingdom will flourish, if we will but take heart and carry on.




Acts 18:9-10. KJ2000

(9)  Then spoke the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not your peace:
(10)  For I am with you, and no man shall set on you to hurt you: for I have many people in this city.