"For A Whole Year"-- Some Not Recorded

"So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the Church and taught a great many people." (Acts 11:26)

Some people think that Paul just traveled ceaselessly, endlessly; he did not.  Our text reveals this.

Our text tells us that he spent a year with the Church, "....in Antioch."  No, it was not 24/7/365 teaching seminars, prayer meetings, "outreaches," etc.  "How do you know that?" someone may ask.  For one thing, we know that Paul, according to Acts 18, made tents, "So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.  And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath...."  The fellowship he had with Aquila and Priscilla, and the Church at Corinth must have been wonderful.  Notice that the only record we have of Paul's time in Corinth is that, "....he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath...."  I'm sure Paul did "other things" while he was in Antioch.

"So," you may ask, "and the point is?"  My point is that our walk in Jesus includes our "work place" as it does every moment of our lives, "....whether we wake or sleep...."  Right now most likely you are not in a church building, or a prayer meeting, or a worship gathering, or....  You may be in your kitchen, family room, on a lunch break, etc.  And, right now in this moment, no matter where you are, no matter the surroundings, you are, as the Bible says, "in Christ," and, "Christ in you, the hope of glory."  Enjoy that "out-of-meetings" experience.

I cannot encourage us all enough to enjoy our Living Triune God, Father, Son Lord Jesus, and Holy Spirit, while "making tents," or having lunch with another Follower of Jesus in a crowded restaurant.  Making tents, having lunch can be equal to any other gathering of the Church, that is, if we really believe Bible Theology.

Father, in Jesus' Name, too much of my out-of-meeting-times over the years had an out-of-You air.  Thank You for continually "bringing me back." Amen.

****************************

* October 20, Washington, DC

* October 28-November 15, Germany

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2