April 16, 2009 - Acts 17

Paul must have been a real instigator.  I mean one of his primary spiritual gifts was for causing trouble.  In Acts 17, and many other places, we see him boldly proclaiming the gospel to the point that people are upset and trying to do him in.  We may think that we are all supposed to be that way.  But what I noticed this morning is that Silas and Timothy must not have been, at least not to the same extent.  Luke records for us in verse 14 that the brothers sent Paul away from Berea when he caused an uproar, but Silas and Timothy stayed.  That certainly implies that they had not so fractured relationships nor inflamed emotions to the point that they could not be a part of an ongoing effective ministry.  I think that is important for us to see.  Not everyone can, or should, be the ‘flamethrower’ that Paul was, at least at times.  The church also needs those like Silas and Timothy who will still be bold enough to speak the truth, but can build relationships to serve for the long haul.