Paul moves on from Ephesus to encourage other churches. Along the way he preaches and teaches wherever he finds himself. One such sermon proved deadly as a young man both fell asleep and fell out a window.

In Ephesus the gospel proves to be disruptive to the old way of life. The whole city is brought to a boiling point for fear of their economy, idolatry, and way of life coming to an end. The Gospel upends everything and confronts the idols of our hearts.

In this radical encounter we are reminded that our battle is not just against flesh and blood. As one author would say we should aim to be known in Heaven and famous in hell. The Sons of Sceva sought the power of Jesus without knowing Him, and in turn were over run by an evil spirit. This Spirt knew Jesus, and knew Paul, would the enemy have any reason to know us? Or do we live in such a way that we are not a threat.

In Ephesus, Paul has back to back encounters with people who have experienced the baptism of John, but have yet to step into the fullness of what Jesus has accomplished on our behalf. In each case the truth is made known and the Spirit of God moves. There are so many who know pieces of truth, but who have yet to embrace the fullness of all the Jesus has to offer.

As Paul continues his journey, he comes to Corinth. In Corinth he works as a tentmaker while continuing to proclaim the good news. In Corinth Paul faces much the same, acceptance, rejection, opposition. But in the midst of this he receives a word from God, a reminder that Paul is not alone, nor has never been a lone. A reminder each of us would do well to remember. Our relationship with God is not simply doing things for Him, but being with Him as well.

Paul shows us what it means to exegete our culture and point people to the hope we all in need in the gospel. Paul shows us the importance of paying attention to how the culture around us is seeking to disciple us, and how we must be ready with the answer for the hope we have in Jesus. As we celebrate Mothers day, we recognize that Paul’s call to pay attention to the world around us, is a call on moms to exegete the culture well, to point their kids to Jesus.

Paul reasoned with those in Thessalonica, by walking through the Scriptures. In Berea, they are met by a people eager to hear the word and to examine the scriptures. Strong faith does not have to be an unreasoned or unthoughtful faith. We are told to love the Lord with our heart, soul, strength, and mind. In a day where false information is plentiful, it is important for us to be thoughtful and reasoned in our pursuit of truth.

Paul and Silas find themselves in jail, and what do they do to keep themselves occupied? Well, sing of course! And when the doors open, do you flee or stay to proclaim the good news to your jailer? The gospel upends what is normal, what is our priorities, and shows us how those who follow Jesus can be freer in a prison, than the people that put them there.

In this passage we see a community divided and then united by the work of the Spirit and for the cause of Christ.  But even in this seminal moment, we are left with a reminder that it takes work to be united, and even under the banner of Jesus, disagreements will come.  So how do we have them well?