And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
Acts 18:4-6
Act 18:4 reveals Paul’s calling and passion: “he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.” The preceding verse in this chapter tells us that Paul was a tentmaker by trade. Interestingly, we never hear anything more about Paul’s tents! Were they well known for their artistry and durability? Were they tents which were a step above all other tents? Probably not. Why? Because tent-making simply paid the bills, but Paul’s burden was preaching the word of God! Just a few verses after Paul is saved in Act 9, we read, “Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.” (v. 20) This “occupation” was the emphasis of Paul’s life. He was faithful above all in this area, even when it required the hardness that we find at the end of our text today.
When the people who blasphemed heard, “Your blood be upon your own heads,” I have little doubt that their minds went to Eze 33. Here, the Lord compares the prophet Ezekiel to a watchman over a city. The watchman’s job was to blow the trumpet when an enemy was approaching. If he was faithful in that task, then if a person didn’t flee, “his blood shall be on his own head”. In contrast, if the watchman failed in his responsibility, the Lord said concerning the man who perished by the sword of the enemy, “his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand”. God’s word to Ezekiel was, “When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.” (Eze 33:8-9)
Paul would not be held accountable for the souls of these men! He warned them of the danger of their blasphemy against the Lord Jesus. He didn’t sugarcoat their sin and try to avoid controversy. He was plain in his speech concerning the consequences of their actions! Brethren, we need to likewise warn perishing souls of the approaching danger. Yes, as Jude says, “on some have compassion, making a distinction”. Sometimes, the Spirit will prompt us to be understanding and give a soft answer instead of a rebuke. But Jude doesn’t stop there: “but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” (Jude 22-23) At other times, things need to be said that are hard to hear! Sometimes, the offense of the crime needs to be clear by the way in which we present the word of God. Paul didn’t coddle his audience. His attitude might have been considered mean or rude by some who were present, but he was far more concerned about their souls than he was about winning their approval.
Paul was true to his word. He abandoned those in the synagogue and started preaching next door at the house of a believer named Justus. (Act 18:7) This harshness by the apostle proved to be exactly what the members of the synagogue needed to hear for some of them were gripped by the fear of God and brought to repentance! Included in that group was the ruler of the synagogue and his entire house: “Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.” (Act 18:8) Brethren, we’re not here to win any popularity contests. We’re here to faithfully testify of our Lord and to instruct men, just as Christ did, to “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mat 4:17) At times, that responsibility will require saying and doing things out of love which will be hurtful and offensive to others. I hope you’ll be comforted in that hour to know, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Pro 27:6)
Jamie