And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. Acts 19:8-9 - Imagine trying to reason with somebody for three months every single day to get them to agree with something that you believe. Yet after three months, they still choose to reject everything you say and want nothing to do with what you were talking about. That is exactly what Paul was experiencing here in Ephesus. For three months he would daily go into their synagogue and try to persuade them to believe in Jesus. Yet after all this effort, the response from some was still stubborn unbelief, to the point that Paul just left their presence and moved elsewhere. When we experience such stubborn unbelief in people, it too can feel overwhelmingly discouraging. We are trying so hard to help someone that come to know Jesus, but they have zero desire to and will continue in this stubborn refusal of him. My encouragement to you is look at the bigger picture of this chapter and the work God was still doing through Paul. Yes there was some that we were staying in their stubborn unbelief, but so many were being moved to faith in Jesus like never before. Keep the faith, keep going strong, for there are so many people that still need to come to know Jesus. Don’t be discouraged by the stubborn, keep after those who are open to the message of the Gospel. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3627
Question To Ponder: What may be the root of someone’s stubborn unbelief?
See Full Chapter
See Previous Devotions Over This Chapter
#Bible #Jesus #Christian #Bibleverses
Leave a Reply