TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them. Acts 18:2
Read: Acts 18:1-8
Listen: Acts 18
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Paul steps into Corinth weak, afraid and stressed. He’s alone, and it doesn’t seem like he has any relationships in the city. It can’t be a healthy emotional space. He meets a couple, Aquila and Priscilla, who love God. He seeks them out and they welcome him. They are kindred spirits. He ends up living and working with them. God gives Paul the gift of the encouragement of people. God uses Priscilla and Aquila to provide Paul with fellowship, companionship and camaraderie both in Corinth and later in life (Romans 16:3-4).
Many of us are like Paul. We feel weak, afraid or stressed. Breaking points are vulnerable places emotionally. Often, we are so emotionally and physically worn out that we pull away from people. Or maybe we are ashamed of something and feel like we can’t talk about what is going on. Instead of seeking out people to receive the gift of encouragement, we isolate ourselves. We exchange a real personal relationship for binge-watching a fictional one on Hulu. When we could be doing something with friends, we sit alone scrolling through our phones to see what everyone else is doing. Instead, we need to show up and then open up.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Think through who your people are. Often it is the relationships we build when nothing is going on that provide support when we reach our breaking point. Maybe there’s someone in your life you need to reengage or a relationship you need to seek out. When you see somebody reach out, respond like Priscilla and Aquila by welcoming them. At Ada Bible, we believe God created us for community. Small groups are an excellent way to get connected to others. Visit adabible.org/small-groups to take a step like Paul did to seek out how to belong, grow and serve with a small group.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
