On the Run?

Acts 18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. 3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.

Funny how things work out. We find Aquila and Priscilla on the run from Claudius at Rome. It isn’t difficult to imagine the stress and fear they may have been experiencing in this form of persecution…being identified as Jews, then criticized, ostracized, and finally, evicted.

(Maybe we can identify more readily than we might like in this day of job loss, short-sales, foreclosure, and eviction.)

But here we have two of the unsung heroes of the Bible, little-known minor players, on the run from persecution and most likely in great fear for their future. Where does God place them?

Unbelievably, God places them in a position to minister to Paul.

Paul, the man God has chosen to be His minister to the gentiles, is here comforted by the friendship, fellowship, and loving Spirituality he finds in the presence of this very loving Jewish-Christian couple. They work each day side-by-side, with Paul receiving the exact kind of fellowship and Spiritual support he needs in this exact season of his life, as he observes the city of Corinth and begins his ministry there. And Aquila and Priscilla find exactly the sort of usefulness in their lives they may have never dreamed possible – especially after being run out of Rome – in the moral support they provide for one of the giants of the faith, the author of the majority of the books of the New Testament.

It reminds us how important each of us is to the Lord, and that none escape His notice. We think of the greatness of ministry. We are reminded of 2 Chron 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.

Is this how the Lord may show Himself strong - by having us evicted from the place we live? Could these have been the thoughts running through the minds of Aquila and Priscilla as they fled Rome in haste and fear? They had to give up everything at a moment’s notice. Their lives have been thrown into total upheaval, and then - the most amazing thing happens. How God uses this couple who remain faithful even in a great season of trial is amazing and wonderful. How may God use you?

- Pastor Bill