Chapter 17

John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.

Converts
The way Drane approaches exorcism reveals Gods character, ‘Like Jesus before him, Paul had a keenly developed sense of both social and spiritual injustice’. Jesus sought (and still seeks) to proclaim his sovereignty and Lordship by instilling his love for his creation into his people. This concept reminds me of how the darkness has not overcome Jesus but that he has already triumphed over it in every way. So exorcism is less about a battle or fight but more about establishing the love and peace he has already given us all.

Imprisonment
I found it interesting that Paul only claims his Roman citizenship after the jailer convert and singing praises to God all throughout the night. Shows that he wasn’t rash and when faced with trials, he waited on the Lord and responded to the Spirit’s promptings accordingly.

Athens
Paul understood that Jesus meets everyone in different ways! He met Jesus as the fulfillment of the Jewish law but he needed to learn how the Athenians could meet Jesus. So he was patient and observed their culture and beliefs. I imagine he prayed about wisdom regarding how God wanted to speak to these people and God provided abundantly! Paul was able to draw on Ancient history and current philosophy. He was careful not to present condemnation but instead he revealed the salvation of Jesus.

Corinth
This city sounded wild! It would be comparable to a current metropolis full of busyiness, indulgence and experimentation- all clear indications that people are looking for fulfillment. This city would be a daunting task. But not to Paul, because he knew Jesus was on his side. Paul sought Christian support and looked for pockets of people in the city ready to hear the good news.

Letters
During his time in Corinth, Paul received word about the Thessalonians and made the critical decision to write two letters to clear up issues of sexual relations, leadership, and violence in the church. Their effect on the surrounding area show thought that their character and actions were still reflecting Jesus even if there were some issues.

Paul’s strategy
Using already established roads and metropolises to preach the gospel maximized Paul’s ability and efficiency. I think that we can apply this to our missionary strategies today and look for where we can make the most impact. However, I don’t think we are all called to be intense “successful” missionaries. I believe God does call some of us to go tromping through the woods to visit indigenous groups that would otherwise have no access to the good news. Or possibly we will be called to minister and evangelize to those individuals that will be the crazy missionaries (like what Ananias did for Paul).