Acts 18:23

Spend time in prayer and silence with God, asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.

Bible Reading

After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

– Acts 18:23

Devotion

After completing the second missionary journey, Paul embarks on his third missionary journey. He begins by first going over old ground. He goes back to some previously covered areas to “strengthen” the disciples that came to faith in Christ during his first two visits. Paul knew that if the Good News of Jesus was going to reach the entire world, it would take spiritually mature believers for this to happen. Therefore, Paul took the time to “pour into” those who were just starting out in their faith journey. Paul not only looked for new areas to preach the “Good News,” but also invested some of his time and energy into the lives of those who would be entrusted with carrying the “ministry and message” of reconciliation forward. The movement depended upon the process of multiplication. Just as Barnabas had poured into Paul, so now Paul was pouring into the lives of those he had reached through his message.

The Big Question

A disciple is one who responds in faith to the gracious call to follow Jesus Christ. Being a disciple is a lifelong process of learning how to die to self while allowing Jesus to come alive in us. If you are reading this, chances are you are already a disciple of Jesus. If so, somebody has already taken the time and energy to invest in your spiritual journey. Who has been your Barnabas? Who has been influential in your spiritual life? How? Who is your Timothy? Who are you pouring into? How are you investing your God-given resources eternally?

Conclude your time in prayer and silence, reflecting on what God revealed to you today.