One verse....two years
This would be so easy to skip over. In fact, I'm sure a lot of people just gloss right over it - not intending to, but not recognizing the amazing truth in just verse 10:
"This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks."
Paul is traveling around, shows back up at Ephesus, and spends 3 months teaching in hostile territory (the synagogue) before it becomes so hostile he has to leave and change places (the hall of Tyrannus). Unlike so many times when a pastor gets moved out of a church, Paul actually took "the disciples" with him and taught and reasoned DAILY. So what happened?
Within 2 years, Paul and the disciples he brought with him were able to make sure that EVERY PERSON who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord. I read that and have a hard time knowing whether to smile or cry. Smile, because it's obvious what a difference a few committed people can make in a local area, or cry because I've been here in my city for 5 years and haven't even come close to making sure every person in my county or even town has heard the word of the Lord (at least clearly and from myself or someone I've trained and equipped)
I guess it's no wonder most people skip over this verse...it's painfully convicting as well as inspiring.
Created over 1 year ago
