Go On Speaking
According to Acts 18, Corinth was a thriving capital of commerce and industry based on business, sports, and religion. There was only one thing missing: a church committed to working with the city. The people credited for the spiritual turnaround in Corinth are usually Paul, Priscilla, Aquilla, and Apollos. Corinth had two very large ports and about 650,000 people capable of handling their needs, giving them a place to live. Fellow Jews needed a place of refuge beyond the borders of the emperor’s paranoia.
When Paul arrived, he didn’t have two denarii to rub together. He found some fellow artisans to work with, but their business ties, commercial interests, and even ethnic heritage was not enough to change hearts. Paul used every connection in the world to try to get people to listen to him, and nothing worked. In a rage, he shook off his clothes and dashed home.
That’s when God revealed what was really needed—people that were with the city. A man named Tituius Justus opened his house to Paul; and Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, converted. The next night God spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.”
Our community of Tallahassee is bustling and vibrant. Downtown is filled with commerce, government, restaurants, and campuses. Now more than ever, what is really needed is a church that loves the city. The past two weeks you’ve demonstrated that kind of love to Tallahassee. Through the Weekday graduation, Bill Glass ministry, the Youth Choir tour, Vacation Bible School, Sports Camp, and A Full Summer, we’ve experienced two weeks of ministry that makes our city such a good place in God’s eyes. You’ve given life, ministry, and vitality in such a way that no other institution can do. I’m thrilled with the response of our community, and I’m so grateful to you for your work and tireless efforts.
Aquila, Priscilla, Paul, Titius Justus, and Crispus, all had a common goal. They kept talking to each other, brainstorming, working, struggling, and God revealing. We have something incredible to share, and I hope you keep talking about it. Don’t be afraid; God has many people at work in our city.