“These men are throwing our city into confusion…” (Acts 16:20)
If you read the entire account of these events – it is like Opposite Day. Paul and Silas were accused of throwing the city into confusion, but it was just the opposite – they were preaching good news, and their enemies were the ones who incited a mob.
Why were they mad at Paul? What evil thing did he do? He freed a slave-girl of demonic oppression. The one offering liberty was the imprisoned – Opposite Day.
This is often the life for God’s people. The religion that promotes love is accused of not being loving. The faith that teaches forgiveness and equal hope for all is labeled as bigoted and full of partiality. It’s Opposite Day in the world. The truth will be realized in the end.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: Acts 16:16-24
Questions to ask:
- How does this show the continuation of Jesus’ work now going on in the church?
- How is the gospel, Paul’s preaching, and/or Paul’s defense received?
- What is the Holy Spirit doing in this text?
- What in our reading shows how Paul handled adversity and difficulty?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision