Acts 19:8-10 (ESV)

And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

Here we go again; Paul’s back in the synagogue. Despite all the troubles he has had in them, he just can’t seem to keep away. They’re his home field; he always goes there first, then elsewhere if he has to.

But no more. This is the end of Paul teaching in the synagogues. After this incident, Luke never again records Paul entering a synagogue. He has finally given up on trying to teach there.

But he doesn’t announce that he’s quitting, like he did in Corinth.

And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” – Acts 18:6

That time, he didn’t give up on the Jews, even though he said he would. This time he does – at least in terms of going into their synagogues. Why? What’s different about this time?

First off, this time his opponents aren’t just critical of Paul; they’re speaking evil of the Way. Getting beaten and thrown into prison is one thing, but hearing people speaking evil of the Way is quite another. That may have tripped Paul’s wire.

But there’s another explanation that’s curiously ironic. Because the opposition wasn’t severe – it didn’t get violent – Paul was able to stay in town for a long time. He withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. Maybe, after two years, he simply got used to reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.

He didn’t decide that Tyrannus was a better venue than the synagogue; he learned that it was.

The business of Christ is the business of change. Sometimes that change comes suddenly, with a great epiphany. But some change comes so gradually we don’t even notice it until we look back.

Take a look back. Where were you one year ago? Who were you one year ago? What were your plans and goals? Did they pan out? Or did God change everything? Did you grow?

Don’t just think about these questions; answer them. Rate your walk with the Lord. Then spend some time planning your next steps. Ask God to show you where He wants you to grow.

And spend some time in silent prayer, saying nothing and waiting on the Lord.

The weekly study guides, which include discussion questions, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies