PODCAST
Perseverance Despite Opposition
April 22nd, 2022
Acts 17:1-9
The Jewish leaders were displaying jealousy and pride. It doesn’t sound like they were very good leaders. A good leader is honest and self-controlled. These Jewish leaders needed to hear Paul’s future message telling the Galatians (Galatians 5:22-23) that if they would allow the Holy Spirit to control their lives, they would produce the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Not only were they jealous and prideful, these Jewish leaders went out and gathered “bad characters from the marketplace” to cause a riot and attack Jason’s house, where Paul and Silas had been staying (v. 5). To punish Paul and Silas, the Jewish leaders also had to concoct charges against them so the city government would agree to hear the charges.
Paul and Silas persevered despite the jealousy, pride, and opposition being displayed by the Jewish leaders. They did not put their faith in the political and religious leaders of that time. How can we persevere when we do not have full faith in the leadership around us?
Author: Dana Porter
