Acts 18:1-3. “After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; and found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome) and came unto them. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.”
AQUILA AND PRISCILLA. They were always together, this man and his wife, Yet each one was very distinct, Found doing the same things in every place and time It seems they alike did think – Each one was different, and in many ways the same. This seems so right for a man and his wife – Not only for those two but my wife and me – Our roles are different but we are a lot alike - There are things a man does, his wife cannot do And she sees things that I never would see.
They worked at the same job and that opened a door To special service they had not done before. They used what they had to help the servant of God, And that service, led the way to much more. It is not always the big things a couple may do That counts in the great scheme of things. To cook and/or sew and hospitality show, Someday the Lord’s “Well done” will bring. Payday is coming, the time we don’t know, But to His work and each other we will cling.
They were willing to move when the way was made plain For the sake of the Lord’s work they were ready. When they came to a new place, they were willing to stay, And when Apollos needed guidance, they did it clearly. Some things a man does, such as speaking in public, His role is much different than his wife’s. She in turn has a ministry that is unique, Other sisters need her help to guide their lives. Both husband and wife when God’s will they seek, A great deal of satisfaction each will find.
Whether it is labor to meet needs or hospitality to be shown, A married couple has a wider scope to fill. To teach those new in faith, or help others know of grace, There is a great work to do for God if couples will. It was not just way back then, but today both where and when, God’s people and the world at large need the work of two – Two who walk together in close harmony with each other, In unique ways and work God’s purposes of grace can show. By God’s grace my wife and I, combining strengths together, Will have our hands full for Him where’er we go.
“Father in heaven, Linda and I are one in this work Thou hast called us to. At the moment she is busy meeting the needs of others as only she can do. Bless her efforts and give her the strength to do the work, and the satisfaction when she is done, that Thou art honored by all she has accomplished. May I never cease to encourage her as she does me. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
Acts 18:9b-11. “’Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee; for I have much people in this city.’ And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”
TEACHING AND STRENGTHENING. A man and his wife, walking with the Lord and loving God’s people – In the market place and the work place; with customers and fellow-workers – When people come to do business or share the break-time with others who are weary – In every situation of commercial life, we need to look for a time and way to – Teach and strengthen God’s people.
When one has private or spare moments for freedom of thought without distraction – When traveling alone or sitting quietly in times and places of solitude – When observing the faces of those around us with whom we have become familiar – Each one of God’s people has a different need and requires a different approach when we Teach and strengthen God’s people.
One may speak and with words of thoughtful expression and great intellect but be wrong; Another may be right but the tone of voice, the inflection, the facial expressions, the motions of the hands are wrong – The use of scriptures may be used profusely and quotations be in correct order but the context is wrong. The average listener may not discern that something is not quite right here, so in love – Teach and strengthen God’s people.
Sometimes the interest shown and comments spoken or written may not be appreciated – Sometimes the response is much less than one might have hoped for – at least presently – Sometimes no one else will support the conviction your have to draw near to the saints – Sometimes you will have to go it alone, and you may wonder if maybe you are not wise – Teach and strengthen God’s people.
Corinth wasn’t a very good place to live for those who wanted to please God – Ephesus wasn’t a very good place to live if you wanted to avoid the pressure of false religion – Rome wasn’t a very good place to live if you were a Christian who wanted to live – The world today isn’t any better, no matter where one might go, but we still must – Teach and strengthen God’s people.
The assemblies of God people today are getting smaller in some places – The gatherings of God’s people are getting smaller because of a busy world view – The conferences of God’s people are barely holding their own in size – The Gospel efforts of God’s people are getting shorter, and few attend; yet we must – Teach and strengthen God’s people.
“Heavenly Father: I pray today for the blessing of God upon His people. I know they are more precious to Thee than to me. I believe we have been able to teach and strengthen these people in the last couple of months, even when we were among them in Gospel work. Help me to encourage them in their on-going testimony. Help me to help them in the follow-up of new believers. Help us all together, as a group of the people of God to be blessed and be a blessing when we come to some of these one-day conferences. May we all be taught and strengthened as Thou dost work a work of grace among us. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”