October 18, 2022 -- Acts 19:9-10 -- Stewards of the Word

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

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.[c] 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
Acts 19:9-10 ESV

You’ll notice a superscript “c” just before verse 10. It alerts the reader that there is a footnote. In the ESV the footnote suggests that Paul was in the hall of Tyrannus from the fifth hour to the tenth hour (that is 11 AM to 4 PM) the time when the sun is the hottest. In regions like Ephesus, where noon-day sun is blisteringly hot, people take a siesta and stay in the shade. Mind you, people resume work again and supper can also be very late, 9 or 10 PM. The point is this, Paul used this “down time” siesta time, to preach the word and explain the Gospel. People came. They were so hungry for the word, they gave up their rest time. And the impact was that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the LORD. People were so enthused, they told their co-workers, family, neighbours and friends.

I am embarrassed to note how often I consider off work time to be “my time”! Time to binge a new series or play an excessive amount of board games. Again, there is nothing wrong with leisurely activities, the question is twofold: 1. Do I realize all my time belongs to the LORD? 2. Do I use all my time wisely, to grow up in Christ so that many around me will know the beautiful Name of Jesus?

Father in heaven, the word of power is resting on my desk, close at hand, and all-too-often closed. Forgive me for chasing after all kinds of things rather than receiving the powerful gift of Your Word. Father, send Your Spirit to stir up in me anticipation, obedience and humility so that I will regularly reach for the word and see ever more clearly the treasure of Jesus Christ. He is Your greatest and most extravagant gift of love and mercy and grace given to all who believe Amen.

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