Providence in the Life of Paul | Acts 18:1-17 | Pastor Daniel Batarseh | Maranatha Shabiba 2024

I praise God for last night. It was such a joy to pray with

different people and to see people praying.

You know, as we talked about the prayer life of Paul, we have to

remember that it is very possible that the very

conversion of Paul was the byproduct of prayer.

Many people believe that when Stephen was being martyred,

remember Paul was in attendance and he actually approved of his

death. And it was Stephen who prayed

before he died. Lord, do not hold this sin

against them. And then he fell asleep.

It could be that God answered Stephens prayer by saving the

Apostle Paul. Isn't that a glorious thought?

And so perhaps Paul, and realizing that he was somewhat

the outcome of a man who believed and loved him enough to

pray for him, also prayed fervently.

So don't underestimate what your prayers can do, but you also.

Remember, I think that at the end of our time yesterday, I

mentioned a word, a word that many of us are familiar with,

some maybe are not familiar with, but the reality, the

glorious truth of Providence. Providence, sweet, sweet

Providence. I love to study.

I. Love to preach.

I love to think and meditate about God's Providence for many

reasons, and one of them is because the more you familiarize

yourself with that truth, the more you grow in confidence in

that God does not work. Sometimes.

God is always working. So if you've never heard that

word or you've heard it but you don't understand what it means,

let me give you the the most simple definition I can offer in

terms of what this Providence mean.

Providence really is God sovereignly working in and

through the non miraculous events in life to accomplish his

will. When God works miraculously,

it's tangibly clear, indisputable, obvious, this is

God. When God works in providential

ways, it's his hidden work. It's behind the scenes.

It's not immediately perceived, but what Providence secures for

us is that the Lord is constantly on the move, not just

in the grand scheme of things, not just in the major stages of

life, but in each one of our lives, Providence is working.

And one of my favorite aspects of Providence is that the Lord

in his great wisdom takes seemingly insignificant events,

non climactic moments, and even check this out circumstances

that seem to challenge or even contradict the will of God to

accomplish the will of God. Paul is a glorious testament of

God's loving Providence at work in each of his children's lives.

You know, he comes to the book of Acts and people love reading

that because it's it's a narrative, but because there's

so many episodes of the supernatural, right?

And that's right. But there are also.

Wonderful times where God moves in providential ways.

And I believe one of the most remarkable instances where

Providence works in the life of Paul is when he arrived for the

first time in a region called Corinth and ministered there.

And where we find the record of Paul's time in Corinth for the

first time is located in the book of Acts chapter 18.

Acts 18 · chapter mention

And I invite you to turn there with me because I want to take

this account and consider 5 providential spheres or five

places areas in Paul's life. Where God's?

Providence was at work and I'm sure it will encourage you.

And if you are somebody who likes to take notes, let me tell

you in advance how God's invisible hand worked in Paul's

life. The first area where we see

Providence at work is in Paul's relationships, how God brought

people into Paul's life. The 2nd way in which we see

God's Providence at work is in his times of need.

Providence in times of need. Following that, Providence.

This is one of my favourites. Through disappointments.

What a comforting truth it is to know that God's at work even

when things don't seem like they're working.

Providence through disappointments.

That's the Third Point. But there's also Providence in

our protection. And lastly, Providence in pain,

in pain. Let's read the 1st 3 verses of

this chapter together to unpack Providence in Paul's life in

terms of his relationships. After this Paul left Athens and

went to Corinth and he found a Jew named Aquila, a native

Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla.

Because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome and

he went to see them and because he was of the same trade, he

stayed with them and worked, for they were tent makers by trade.

So Paul before this was in Athens.

He arrives to this region called Corinth, the prominent 1st

century city. And Corinth was not only known

for its prosperous commercial realities and prosperity, but

also it was notorious for it's reputation of immorality.

In fact, the name Corinth became a byword in its time.

If you wanted to insult someone, or if you wanted to describe

someone who is corrupt in character or immoral, you would

refer to them as a Corinthian. And if you think about that,

that's what history testifies. And if you look at Paul's

letters to the Corinthians, you get that kind of impression.

The people that he is talking to and disciple, they had rough,

rough backgrounds. And when I just thought about, I

thought, you know, humanly speaking, that what a strange

strategy would be for Paul to enter into this kind of a city

to preach the gospel and expect success.

But such as the power of the gospel, it can save anyone from

anywhere. But that's not the main point of

the message. What I want to highlight at the

outset of our reading here of this text is that Paul arrived

at Corinth alone. He rarely did this.

Paul usually, when he went to go preach somewhere, went with a

team and last circumstances compelled him to go solo.

And this is one of those cases. So Paul here arrives alone.

And why I find that inspirational, though not ideal

for us, because we're called to do life in the faith together,

is that when Paul was alone, his faith was still alive.

Paul went in there and he influenced Corinth.

He didn't allow Corinth to influence him.

And unfortunately, there are some believers who are overly

depended upon the spirituality of those around them, and so

they are somewhat excited and stirred concerning spiritual

matters when they're around spiritual people.

But the moment that they separate themselves and are

isolated, their spirituality shrivels up.

And they are. Swiftly.

Subject to carnality, Paul wasn't such a Christian.

Paul wasn't easily tossed to and fro concerning his surroundings.

Paul was concrete. Paul was unwavering.

Paul was solid. Maybe so of us, but he wouldn't.

Be alone for too long because very quickly in our reading of

Paul's arrival here, he would be soon reunited with his ministry

team. But God introduces 2 Paul new.

Friends, look again here at verse two.

We were told that he found a Jew named Aquila and his wife,

Priscilla. He quickly encountered them.

And I believe that Aquila and Priscilla were saved before they

met Paul because the book of Acts has a tendency of

explaining and showing us that when Paul met somebody, he would

have, you know, led them to Christ.

But what we see here is that these were believers who came

from Rome. We learned that there was

already a church in Rome. There's no instance here.

There's no indication that Paul evangelized them or Paul gave

them the gospel. It's most likely that they were

Christians when they met. It could have been one thing for

the Holy Spirit to tell us how Paul met Aquila and Priscilla.

He could have left it at that. But he wants to go above that

and tell us how they met. And the way that they met is

fascinating. It's through Providence because

we're told here that the reason why Aquila and Priscilla even

came to Corinth was because of an anti-Semitic decree from the

Roman government that forced all the Jews of that time to vacate

and to leave. And so this couple.

Had. To leave Rome without a choice.

And I'd like to make a habit of, instead of just reading these

things and nodding my head in agreement and getting clarity on

some of these things, I'd like to feel what people go through

as I meditate and put myself in their shoes.

So here's a married couple. Who probably had a business in

Rome, who had a home, obviously, who were probably part of a

church, who had a routine and had their favorite spots to go

as a couple. And very quickly, all of that

was turned over because of something they could not

control. In fact, you want to see another

testament to the historicity of the Bible.

You can find this historical moment where Claudius actually

pushes out the Jews from Rome and it parallels with what we

have in the Scriptures. So instead of just rejoicing the

fact that our Bible is historically accurate, I want to

rejoice in the fact that. This.

Couple started a new life in a new place.

Because. Of something that you would deem

as uncomfortable, unfair. Even evil.

And yet. Despite all of that, this law

ended up being the catalyst. For.

Aquila and Priscilla. To.

Meet the Apostle Paul to come into contact with him, and this

would radically transform all of their destinies forever.

Aquila and Priscilla are one of the most notable couples in the

entirety of the New Testament, and they have quickly become

some of the dearest friends and ministry partners to Paul.

The Holy Spirit highly praises these two through Paul,

especially in a text that I want to want you to see with your own

eyes in Romans 16. Look at how Paul speaks about

this married couple. In Romans 16 if you look here

verse 3. Paul writes Greet Prisca and

Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus.

Who? Risked their necks for my life.

To. Whom not only I give thanks, but

all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.

Greet. Also the church in their house.

Greet. My beloved Appayanidis, who was

the first convert to Christ in Asia.

So. Listen, this couple not only

Blessed Paul, they impacted the wider churches among the

Gentiles. I.

Wonder if we would have ever heard of Aquila and Priscilla

had it not been for the Roman government.

To. Force them out and to start a

new life. What?

Would have become of Paul's ministry in Corinth and beyond.

What would have become of their future OK if they stayed in

Rome? They would have been more

convenient. Who cares about convenience if

inconvenience means I get to advance the purposes of Christ?

And so it was this turn of events that position Aquila and

Priscilla to be mightily used. By the Lord and to make

friendships with some of the greatest people in all of church

history. You know.

There are a lot of Christians who are nervous about what will

become of our politics after this November.

But the. More I read my Bible and see

things like this, the more excited I get.

The more excited I get and an anticipation builds up in me to

see how like Claudius and Rome. God.

Supervises over all things and positions his people exactly

where they need to be. So I'm kind of looking forward

to what's going to happen in the next few months because I know

God is in control. He's over everything.

And he's not just in charge of who's going to rise up and who's

going to come down, He's in charge of who's going to rise up

and who's going to come down for the sake of his people being

where they need to be to fulfill his purpose.

So you. Don't need to be nervous today.

You don't need to wring your hands.

You can rejoice in knowing that even when laws are established.

God. Is controlling something for his

gospel to be more effective and efficient?

So we see here Providence. In Paul's relationships, how he

moves these pieces to bring people together to create

ministries, ministry teams, what a glorious thought.

But we still have four other observations to make concerning

Providence, and the second one deals with Providence in times

of need. Let's.

Read here verse four and five. And he reasoned in the synagogue

every Sabbath and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks when

Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia.

Paul. This is how the ESV reads it.

Paul was occupied with the word testifying to the Jews that the

Christ was Jesus. So the Apostle Paul not only met

Aquila and Priscilla because they had to leave Rome, but also

because they shared the same trade.

They were tent makers. So was the apostle.

He was trained in this. History tells us that it was a

rabbinical tradition that when you grew up to study the law,

that you also picked up a trade that was.

Transportable so that you can you can take care of yourself if

you needed to, and Paul was in fact trained in this way.

What I find so fascinating, though, is that Paul was set

apart to be an apostle. He was set apart to be a

missionary, a preacher, full. Time.

So why is he here working? Look.

Again at verse four. And he reasoned in the synagogue

every Sabbath and try to persuade Jews and Greeks.

And so he dedicated one day out of the week to preach and to

reason and to persuade and to explain.

But what about the other days of the week?

He was. Working.

He. Applied for a part time job and

you would think well this is a hindrance to his ministry.

No, in fact, it was a strategy for his ministry.

You see, because. Paul was very mindful.

That. There can be suspicions of

individuals who would think that he's using the gospel for

financial gain. This was especially true when he

walked into a new place like he does here in Corinth.

And so in order to silence any criticism, he would he would

work and take care of himself in order for the message to not be

muddied by any false accusations against his motives.

And that's precisely what he is doing here.

But notice that there is a shift that takes place in verse 5.

When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, the ESV reads,

Paul was occupied with the word. Now if you have the King James

or the new King James, you might have it where it says he was

compelled by the Spirit or pressed in the spirit.

And the reason for the difference is is due to

manuscript variations and modern translations.

More recent translations chose to follow the.

Manuscripts that state that he was occupied with the word the.

Word occupation implies that Paul suddenly there is a change

here where he gave most of his energy and his time and his

efforts to preaching and we we are told why it was because

these two came after Silas and Timothy arrived.

Paul now says, OK, I can now have more freedom to preach the

gospel more than just one day out of the week.

How did that happen? What?

Happened. Was he?

Was he? Was he not still in financial

need? He was.

But this? Is the beauty of the harmony of

the Bible. You get your answer actually in

Second Corinthians in Chapter 11 verse 9.

Paul. Speaking to the same group of

people that he ministered to in Acts 18 explains this very this

very thing right here. And it sheds more light, he says

here in Second Corinthians 11/9. And when I was with you and was

in need. I.

Did not burden anyone for the brothers who came from Macedonia

supplied. My need.

So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.

Aha. So what Paul is explaining here

is that Silas and Timothy, when they came from Macedonia, they

also came with a sizable donation from the Macedonian

believers. Sizable enough for Paul to not

give as much time to tent making and more full time time to

preaching and teaching and evangelizing.

And I think this is a good place to kind of think about why we as

Christians give to ministries. This is one reason among many

reasons. This this.

Moment allowed Paul to be more devoted to preaching, and

realistically, if we desire the word to be excavated in terms of

revelation and expanded in terms of reach, it's going to require

more time for. People to devote.

To that kind of service and that time is created when.

Like Paul, the people of God rally together and support those

who are. Dedicated to such service in

order for them to come to this kind of a point and dedicate

more of their time to this kind of work.

And I say that because there are some people who boast and even

criticize those who are workers of the gospel, who actually make

a living from the gospel, that they would even they would even

use Paul as an example as a proof text that he worked in

such a manner in which he did not.

Take anything from the people of God.

And that was true in some cases. But Paul also advocated that

workers of the gospel should make their living from the

gospel. And in fact, many of those

people who make arguments for that their.

Ministries in many ways suffer and some people are called to

that. And I I'm not criticizing it.

I think if they're called to that and their conscious cause

into that, then that's what they're supposed to do.

But Paul shows here something quite amazing that there is a

partnership that takes place even in our giving that gives

ministers the experience that they need to help the cause of

the gospel. But let me also say this at the

same time it is vital for those who have been given the

privilege to serve in full time ministry.

To be occupied in the word so. Ministers who have been given

this opportunity have the responsibility to dedicate

themselves. To being consumed with prayer,

studying and preaching the word of God.

There should be no lazy full time pastors or evangelist or

apologist. They have.

No excuse for providing anything less than a deep and meaningful

spiritual service, and Paul is a model of that.

So now he becomes occupied with the word.

That's not the main point of this passage, at least for this

message. I want you to see again verse

nine of First Corinthians or Second Corinthians 11.

He writes. And when I was with you and was

in need, the moment Paul stepped foot in Corinth, he was in need.

He. Had basic material issues and

requirements and my question is if he was always in need then

why why didn't the Lord expedite the donations from Macedonia?

Why did he have to wait for? Paul to apply for a job, work we

don't know how long and then for Silas and Timothy come later on.

Can I? Tell you why?

Because of Providence. Because.

Of Providence, God. Doesn't only know what you need.

God knows when you need it. He knows when to meet it.

He is so surgically precise. He's.

Aware of your bears? But sometimes your desires will

be delayed. And there's.

A beauty in that. Do you know?

What the beauty is in this? Had.

Paul come into Corinth with his pockets full.

Had. Paul come only to be greeted by

Silas and Timothy with their generosity.

The generosity of the Macedonians, at least.

It's. Very possible that he would

never met Aquila and Priscilla believers and he would have

missed out on something much more important than money, godly

relationships and partnerships that can make a greater impact

for the Kingdom of God. Do you see God's wisdom here?

And. So this man Paul shows us how

God knows the timing of his provision for us.

Of His help for us and our concept of when God should help

us should should always be in line with the reality of His

perfect Providence. Lest you think.

That. Your blessing is being hindered

when in fact the delays meant to deliver you something.

Providence in our times of need. When I was in need, the brothers

came. Yes, but why didn't it come

right away? Because you had a couple of

Christians to meet. So here you are today.

Praying your. Heart.

Out because you're somewhere and you don't know why you're there

and you want to leave as soon as you can.

And you've you've asked counsel if you even nudged your way out

and you know doors came to keep you in place.

Perhaps God is keeping you there for something, for someone to

accomplish something. Trust.

Him. This is what Providence is meant

to do. It's it's meant to give you a

pillow to lay your weary head on and to trust.

He knows my times of need, but He knows when to meet them.

Providence. Not just in times of need, but

Providence in disappointments. Look at verse six with me backs

18. And when they opposed and

reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, Your

blood be on your own heads. I am innocent.

From now on I will go to the Gentiles and he.

Left there and went to the House of a man named Tidius Justice, a

worshipper of God. His.

House was next door to the synagogue.

I love that Crispus. The ruler of the.

Synagogue believed in the Lord together with his entire

household and many of the Corinthians hearing Paul

believed and. Were baptized, Paul had a common

strategy whenever he entered into a city or a region.

This was his strategy, his preaching tactic.

He would always go into the synagogue's first.

And his his ambition was to preach the gospel to the Jew 1st

and then to the Gentile. And so it's no different here.

He comes into the synagogue and he preaches.

But what began to happen very quickly is that his message was

vehemently opposed and it was met with blasphemy and and gross

rejection. To the degree that Paul.

Says, you know what, I'm done here.

And he says here that he should. It says here he shook his

garments. He.

Imagined that. Imagine a preacher doing that

after preaching the gospel and people not responding.

He shook his garments and he he quotes.

The. Words of some of the prophets in

the Old Testament. Namely Ezekiel, your blood be on

your own heads and it says here from now on I will go to the

Gentiles and this was this is not easy for Paul.

The reason why it was not easy for Paul is because he had a

tremendous heart for the Jewish people, his.

Own kinsmen and if you want a window into the heart.

Of. Paul for the people of Israel,

read Romans 9:00 to 11:00 and it will move you.

You know you have people today. I'm not.

Concerned about the world. I'm not concerned about how the

world thinks. My preoccupation, so is yours,

is how the Church ought to act. There's a lot of.

Discussion about the Jewish people today and how we should

think about them, how should we should feel.

But I'm not going to go into that rabbit trail right now, but

I would just advocate this if you're a true born again

believer. Go.

To the New Testament and see how the New Testament speaks about

this people, specifically the Apostle Paul and see his heart

and realize that he was a person who desperately wanted to see

the Jewish people saved. He wanted to see them come to

meet their true Messiah. Is that your heart, Romans?

9:00 to 11:00 is a wonderful window and yet Paul admitted

with. His heart for this people that

is calling as a minister had a special, special emphasis.

I want you to see it in Galatians 2.

And Galatians 2, verse seven, notice what he says, and

explaining the emphasis of his ministry in contrast to the

ministry of the apostle Peter, he writes in Galatians 2, seven.

On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with

the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted

with the gospel to the circumcised.

And so he admits here that my focus, my primary focus as an

apostle was actually. To.

Reach the Gentile people, the non Jews, and Peter's focus was

to be for the Jews. That.

Does not mean that Paul was unable to minister to the Jews.

He obviously does. Nor does it mean that Peter had

no interactive interaction with the Gentiles on any occasion.

But he clarifies what their primary focus was.

And he knew this about his mission.

Even when he was called by Christ, Christ clarifies to him

that he was to be a minister among the Gentiles.

So Paul was was fully aware of this, but his.

Heart could not help it. Wherever.

He came and he knew there was a synagogue.

He was magnetized to go and to minister to this people, and I

bring this up because I'm persuaded that the Lord used.

The periodic rejection of the Jewish people.

To nudge Paul to turn more of his attention to the Gentiles.

And if that is the case of what a thrilling thought for us to

ponder as we strive to be in the perfect will of God in our

service to Him, you know God. Guides us not just in opening

doors, but by slamming them in your face.

God guides you and I even as He allows us to be overlooked.

Check. This one out God can even guide

us through the inexplainable fruitlessness of our efforts in

one area, ultimately to to lead us to another area where efforts

will be blessed even in that. And that's a call for wisdom.

Because. Some people want to know, is the

fruitlessness here telling me that I should stay faithful or

is the prolonged and effective efforts here a.

Nudging of the Lord. But here we see, I believe, that

periodically. Because it's not the only.

Place where Paul says I will go to the Gentiles periodically the

Lord shoves. Him and pushes him and pivots

him so that he can give his attention to those who are not

Jewish. And look at the fruit of that

here in verse 8. Crispus, the ruler of the

synagogue, believed in the Lord together with his entire

household. And many of the Corinthians

hearing Paul believed and were baptized.

Do you see that? So here is rejection.

And Paul turned his back and he ministered to the Gentiles, and

there was immense fruit, immense fruit.

But I. Love Paul because again, he

can't help it, right? He loves his kinsmen so much.

Where did he? Where did he plant his base?

Like. Right next to the synagogue.

So he. Didn't want to go too far.

He goes. Your blood be on your own ads.

I'm going next door though. I'm right right here, OK.

It's amazing. And so.

People began to be saved and and Christmas, even the ruler of the

synagogue that was that was a radical conversion.

A radical conversion. But I want to encourage you.

Please please let. Your heart be built up and

knowing that even through disappointments, even in

ministry. You.

Have your heart, your heart is swollen for a specific group or

a specific act or specific service and things may not be

happening the way you would like or the timing that you would

desire. Do you realize that the Lord

knows? What he's doing, even in that as

you pray. Over it, and as you trust Him

and as you surrender them. And maybe.

It is Providence again through delay.

There's something he wants to teach you and build in you

before there's fruit or promotion because if you have

fruit and promotion before your time, it can hurt you.

And hurt others. Or maybe the Lord is even

indicating through that. And overtime, this is not where

you're supposed to be. There's something else that I

need you to pray for and pray about.

I'm not here to give you direction in your certain case.

I'm just here to tell you that God is supervising you and He's

watching you and He's putting something together even through

the things. That might disappoint you.

Providence. And disappointment.

People. Often ask how I came to Chicago.

There are many ways to answer that, but I can summarize it in

this because of an. Open door here and.

Many closed doors in Canada. Closed doors.

That didn't really make sense to me.

Closed. Doors, if I can be transparent

in ways that I thought, I thought this was going to go in

this direction and I can't, I can't explain why this is

dissipating and I can't explain why people are walking and going

and traveling and moving. All these, all these things

began to shut down and there was a flickering in the horizon on

the other side of the border. Providence through

disappointments. Fourthly, Providence in

protection. Look at Acts 18, verse 9.

Acts 18:9

And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision.

Do. Not be afraid.

But. Go on speaking and do not be

silent for I am with you and no one will attack you to harm you,

for I have many in this city. Who?

Are my people and he stayed a year and six months teaching.

The word of God. Among them.

This is one of the. Handful of visions direct

revelations that Paul receives from the Lord Jesus in the book

of Acts, and every single one of those visions was a turning

point in his ministry, and it's no different here.

Something happens between verses 8 and verses 9.

For the. Lord Jesus to appear to Paul and

tell him, do not be afraid. You don't.

Need to be a rocket? Scientist to understand that

Paul must have been afraid. Jesus.

Is not just greeting him with, you know, a creative salutation.

He's telling him. I perceive that there is fear in

you, Paul, and I'm here to tell you, do not be afraid.

Now, why would Paul be afraid? One discomforts me because the

man comes off as a fearless machine, right?

But no, he's succumb to to natural anxieties like you and

I. And I believe the reason why

Paul was fearful is because he picked up on a pattern in his

preaching ministry. And the pattern was this.

He would enter into a place, he would preach.

And when there was fruit, his preaching was usually followed

by beatings, trials and imprisonment.

And. So what did we just learn in

verse 8? Crispus, the ruler of the

synagogue, get saved. And many of the Corinthians get

saved because they're believing on the name of the Lord Jesus

Christ. And who are his neighbors at

this time? The.

Jews and so. Paul.

Is. Realizing I know where this is

going, I know what's going to happen.

I'm going to, I'm going to get a knock on my door or one one of

these days while I'm preaching, a stone is going to fly and hit

me. Something is coming.

And Jesus perceives this and he manifests to himself, himself in

a supernatural way. And he tells him, do not be

afraid. And one of the few times the

Lord tells him, here I am with you.

And look at this, no one will attack you to harm you.

That may not mean much to us as Christians in the West, but it

should. See.

Providence. Yeah.

Thank you. We see here that he has promised

protection and. What I love about this is in any

area of life, if the Lord says no one or nothing will harm you,

no one or nothing will harm you, right, It's done.

It's a done deal. No matter what scheming is going

on, no matter what person of. Power.

Is standing against you. If he is.

With you, doesn't matter who stands against you.

There's a matter of criminals are coming against you.

There's a matter of church people are planning to take you

to court. Oh yes, church people like to

take Christians to court. Doesn't.

Matter if the Lord is with you, doesn't.

Matter who stands against you. So Paul was reinforced.

Paul was reinvigorated. Paul was.

Was. Motivated now?

We're told here that he preaches for over a year.

Without. Any fear without any concern.

But what I want to point out to you is that though this is a

supernatural manifestation, the means of God's protection in

Paul's life was through Providence.

How would God provide this protection?

The shielding around his servant?

Well, let's read here in verse 12.

But Galileo was proconsul of When Galileo was proconsul of

IKEA, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him

before the tribunal. Saying this man is persuading

people to worship God contrary to the law.

But when Paul was about to open his mouth.

Galio. Said to the Jews, if it were a

matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, oh Jews, I would have

reason to accept your complaint but since it is a matter of

questions about words and. Names in your own law, see it to

yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these

things. Case closed.

Get out of here. So notice this we're we're

reading here verse 12. But when Galio was proconsul of

Achaeus. So it could be that this man now

takes this position of a regional judge.

And the Jews saw this as an advantage.

Here's a man who is brand new to this region, this area.

He's not really familiar with Paul.

And so in their minds are thinking, let's make a case

against them. And he might be more prone to

believe our false accusations. But what the?

Jews saw as an advantage. God in fact, was providing a

means of protection. So Gallia Gallio is raised up

and they make this case against them.

And Paul doesn't even need to open his mouth as he's prepared

to make a speech. The judge speaks on his behalf

and he says, I'm not even going to entertain this.

This is this is an inner Jewish thing, not my business.

It's done. I have other matters to, to

focus on this is this is no way on the same level as Paul, but I

remember when I first got saved in college and, and, and our,

and our school was much more, the classrooms were much more

small, smaller and intimate. So I remember I got saved and

people began to pick up on it. And so there was there was a

couple people actually, but there was one in particular who

was like very, very outspoken against my faith and was not

ashamed. You know, Paul says not ashamed

of the gospel. This person was not ashamed to

shoot down the gospel and those who held to the gospel.

So I remember I was in class one day and this person before the

class started stormed into the into the room and began to look

at me in front of everybody that was sitting in class as we

opened our laptops, got ready for the beginning of the

session. Oh, here we have a guy who

believes that gays are going to go to hell and.

Imagine I'm just sitting there thinking like I just want to go

to class. You know, I just, I'm paying for

my tuition here. I didn't really sign up for

this. And she began to go on and on

and on. In that moment, I was, Lord,

give me wisdom. How do I do this?

And as I'm ready about to say something, I hear another voice.

Somebody stands up and absolutely rebukes this person,

rebukes this person. I'm just staring at this like,

no way. You know why?

Because the other person was an atheist.

I've. Had conversations with this

other person and this person even challenged me and and made

fun of me at sometimes and here's this person now defending

me. I thought this is great.

I, I I like this place now I like this.

You know what? The Bible says in Proverbs 16,

seven when a. Man's ways please the Lord.

He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Now that. Doesn't guarantee that all your

enemies are going to always be at peace with you, but it does

show what God is able to do for those who please Him.

He's able to do that. So, people.

Often ask Well man, every time I study Providence or hear a

message on Providence, I get so excited.

How can I assure that Providence will be in my favor?

And my response is always the same.

Don't get so busy figuring out how Providence can work for you.

Get busy simply in this, please the Lord.

Just. Live your life in a manner in

which you. Please, the Lord and Providence

will take care of itself. And.

That's one of the blessings of walking in conscious obedience

to the ways of Christ because you are comforted by the peace

that Providence is going before you, Providence is surrounding

you. Providence is working even for

your protection in many ways. But this?

Is not the only thing. We have a final thing, and

that's Providence in pain. There's an interesting way how

this story ends. And I love when any snippet of

the Bible, any snapshot concludes in an obscure or

seemingly random way. And and that's what we find

here. You would think that this would

end in verse 16. And he drove them from the

tribunal, and then we would transition to Paul returning to

Antioch. But that's not what we find

here. I want us to focus verse 17.

Look at verse 17. And they all seized Sosthenes.

The. Ruler of the synagogue and beat

him in front of the tribunal. But Galio paid no attention to

any of this, so this isn't end with the dismissal of the

charges. It.

Concludes with a vignette of this ruler of the Corinthian

synagogue. Now here's a question #31 for

our Bible quiz. Who?

Was the ruler of the synagogue earlier?

What was his name? Crispus, right?

But what do we read here in verse 17?

And they all see Sasani is the ruler of the synagogue.

Now, some would say that he's the ruler of another synagogue.

I'm not persuaded. I'm persuaded that he became the

new ruler of the synagogue that Crispus was in charge of.

So what happened to Crispus? Well, it's very clear to me.

He became a born again Christian and he was fired.

You're no longer going to. Oh, you went next door, huh?

Well, stay next door. And then they put out a job, you

know, application. And Sosthenes came in and he

became the new ruler of the synagogue.

So. That's what I believe happened

here. Sosthenes.

He's only mentioned twice in the Bible.

And the first time here we're told he's the ruler and he got

beat up. I.

Have. Two questions.

Who? Beat him up.

Why? Did they beat him up?

There's some speculation. I think.

The most persuasive argument. Persuasive case is that the Jews

beat him up. Why?

Did they beat him up because of Sastanese was the ruler of the

synagogue? He was probably the spokesperson

for the case against Paul and so he was the one who was supposed

to persuade Galio. And.

He failed and he didn't fight for the case and I.

Believe the Jews. In their great frustration, not

being able to attack, Paul turned all their anger on

Sosthenes. So right there and then, they

couldn't even wait till they got to the synagogue.

They slapped them around, they bruised them up and they

embarrassed him. So Sosthenes was attacked by the

Jews and you? Might think that this is not a

valuable insight until you realize that in all of the

Bible, there's only one of the place where his name shows up.

Go to 1st Corinthians. In chapter one.

Verse. 1. And notice how Paul greets the

Corinthian believers. Paul called.

By the will of God, to be an apostle of Christ Jesus and our

brother Sosthenes. What happened here?

I love when people get. Excited about the Bible?

Our. Brother Sosthenes.

Well, here's what I believe. I believe that Sosthenes is

beating was a turning point for him in his conversion to Christ.

You want to talk about Providence?

Let's talk about Providence and pain.

Here's this man who was left to lick his wounds and when he was

betrayed by his own people, Guess who else was in Corinth to

embrace him? Paul.

I know Paul enough to believe that.

Well, while Saucenis was being tossed around, he was there, he

witnessed it, right? He was at the same tribunal.

Can you imagine Paul giving side eye and smearing saying yeah,

you deserve that and going back to the House of Titus Justice,

this is just me. This is this is not dogmatic.

This is just imagination. What if it was?

He got beat up. The Jews spout on him, kicked

them, slapped him, pulled his hair, and once the dust settled,

who was only there, Paul left there.

And he looked at Sosthenes and he bent down and he embraced

them. I wonder if that's what

happened. I.

Wonder if Sosthenes not only tasting the betrayal of his own

people, but also the mercy of a man who is intoxicated with the

gospel, cause him to reconsider his opposition to it?

Sosthenes, our brother. I've preached.

Long enough, I would think. To.

Understand that sermons are not always the starting point for

people to be curious or to be inquiring of Christ.

I'm willing to admit that. Can God use sermons?

Yes, and I pray that He uses every single one that I've ever

preached. But I.

Also realized that sickness, loss, devastating consequences

of sin. Are.

Also Catalyst. For people to reconsider their.

Spiritual standing and their need of a savior.

I hope it's not the case, but it's very possible that some in

here, you didn't hear anything that was said from this pulpit.

Nor. Will you, after I preach the

last message? Perhaps what it will take for

you is to experience pain, a level of pain that will give you

a different ear to what somebody preaches to you.

I'm convinced of that. I know I've seen it enough.

And God, in this Providence, loving Providence, allows for

that to happen for some to make their first steps towards

receiving Jesus. But this Providence is not just

in pushing people to be saved. It also has a way of sanctifying

those who already are. Providence and pain pastor.

Ben opened up this conference with Psalm 119, and this was

prepared before he mentioned anything.

But I want you to revisit with me these two verses.

In Psalm 119 verse 67, the psalmist says before I was

Psalms 119:67

afflicted, I. Went astray before I was

afflicted, when I was whole, when everything was going well,

I was going astray. But once I was afflicted.

What? Does he say?

But now I keep your word. Affliction is what shackled me.

Was. What kept me is what anchored

me. Affliction.

Not a three-point sermon, though God uses 3 point sermons.

It was affliction that started this man's journey or.

Brought him back to where he was supposed to be.

And notice what he says about affliction right after verse 68.

You are good and do good. That's in the context of him

being afflicted. When he realized the fruit of

the affliction, we realized what the affliction did.

It's usually in hindsight. It's usually when we look back

we realize. He was good and you do good.

Even when you wound me, even when you chastise me, even when

you bruise me, you are good and do good.

Teach me your statutes now. Now.

I keep your word now. You've won me over.

You've persuaded me, even through pain.

So now teach me I'm where I'm supposed to be.

Was. Paul himself persuaded, because

we're reading this is a narrative, right?

This Is Us kind of from a helicopter view, seeing what's

happening in Paul's life. What was Paul himself aware of?

Providence. Was he convinced of this truth

that we've been rejoicing in this this morning?

Absolutely, absolutely. And there are many comments that

he makes in his writings that prove so.

Let me give you one as we close our time together.

Listen to how he identifies himself while writing one of his

prison epistles, while jailed, while chained, while confined,

while limited in Rome, in prison.

He says this in Ephesians one, or excuse me, Ephesians 3, verse

one. Let's turn that together, shall

we? For this reason, I Paul a

prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles.

One simple point. You know.

What he could have said, I Paul, a prisoner of Rome, a prisoner

of whoever was the emperor of the time, He doesn't say that.

He says I am a prisoner for Christ Jesus.

In another place, he says I'm a prisoner of Christ Jesus.

What is this reveal of Paul? The authorities did arrest him.

Though they. Did watch him.

Though. He was in house arrest.

He ultimately understood that I am a slave and I am not a

victim. I'm exactly where the Lord wants

me to be. The.

Lord permitted this. The Lord allowed for this.

You want to know how I believe the Lord in Providence?

Showed. Paul that he was in fact a

prisoner of Christ Jesus in many ways.

But listen. If Paul had not been in prison,

we would not have four of the epistles.

That we love and we quote all the time, including Ephesians,

Colossians, Philippians, so God and His Providence.

Through. Pain blossom, something

beautiful. You can't.

Lose in this life. If you're in Christ, you.

Can't and the. More you rehearse this truth of

Providence. The.

Greater. Peace you will inherit.

Because. Providence is there in

relationships, the people who come in your life, the people

who leave your life, disappointments and times of

need and. Your.

Protection even in pain. What a mighty God we serve.

Let's. Pray and thank him, shall we?

What a mighty God we serve. Lord, we give you glory for Your

marvelous truth. That.

We are secure in your hand and in this very room you are

writing hundreds of stories. Even in the mundane.

Even. In the moments that seem to be

dull or even painful, you're writing 100 stories, hundreds of

stories, thousands of stories, millions of stories.

You are the greatest author in the universe.

Lord, we give you all the honor, all the glory, all the praise.

Now open our mouths that we might praise you.

And give you what is your do? In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Are you? Happy in Jesus.

Amen. Amen.

I'm. Telling you if you get this down

deep in your soul. You won't have to hit your

steering wheel when that flat tire comes.

You won't be so bothered when without explanation or any kind

of update. About your job, you.

Lose it all of a sudden, it's just amazing how this this

provides a fortitude and it's all of ours to experience if we

believe it. Take it away, guys.