Building Relationships for Kingdom Impact

Can you remember stepping into a new school for the first time? It might have been when you switched from elementary to junior high. Or your family moved to a new area? The hallways are bustling with students, each face unfamiliar, each voice a stranger. You feel a mix of excitement and nervousness, wondering if you'll find your place, make friends, or even fit in. Most of us have been there, right? Whether it's a new school, a new job, or moving to a new neighborhood, starting fresh can be both thrilling and daunting.

In our world today, it's easy to feel alone, even when we're surrounded by people. We scroll through social media and see everyone’s highlight reels, and yet, we can feel disconnected. We crave real connections, meaningful relationships, and a sense of purpose. But how do we find that in a world that often feels so impersonal?

This is where our story begins today. In the book of Acts, chapter 18, we find the Apostle Paul arriving in a city called Corinth. It's a place bustling with life, full of diverse people and cultures.

Paul is in a new city, with new faces and new opportunities. But instead of feeling lost or overwhelmed, Paul does something remarkable. He starts building relationships—intentional, meaningful connections that would have a lasting impact.

Main Preaching Idea: God calls us to build intentional relationships where we live and work, allowing our lives to be a witness to His love.

Today, we're going to explore how Paul’s approach in Corinth can teach us to build relationships that not only enrich our lives but also point others to something greater. So, let’s dive into this story and discover how we can live on mission, right where we are.

Let's read Acts 18:1-8

Acts 18:1–8 NKJV

1 After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. 3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. 6 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.” 7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8 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.

Corinth was a huge city with about 200,000 people, making it a tough place to start a church. But that’s exactly where Paul went after leaving Athens. And he went there on his own! Things were difficult, but Paul didn’t quit.

Corinth was known throughout the Roman Empire as a place full of wickedness. (In fact, Paul wrote Romans 1:18–32 while he was there!) Because of its location, Corinth was a major hub for trade and travel.

This brought a lot of money and temptations, along with new ideas and religions, which quickly took root. Corinth was the capital of Achaia and one of the two most important cities Paul visited, with the other being Ephesus.

Whenever God opens doors for us, the enemy often tries to shut them. Sometimes, we even close doors on ourselves because we get discouraged and feel like giving up.

As Paul was working in Corinth, God gave him the encouragement he needed to keep going—and we can find that same encouragement today.

When Paul arrived in Corinth, he found himself in a city that was alive with activity. Corinth was a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and lifestyles. It was a place where people from all walks of life came together, much like the diverse environments we find ourselves in today—whether at school, work, or in our neighborhoods.

But instead of feeling overwhelmed by the newness of it all, Paul did something we can all learn from: he connected with others right where he was.

Back to Acts 18:2-3

Acts 18:2–3 NKJV

2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. 3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.

Paul met Aquila and Priscilla, a couple who, like him, were tentmakers. They shared a common trade, and this became the foundation for their relationship. Paul didn’t just share Jesus with them; he worked alongside them, sharing in their daily lives.

In the same way, we can look for common interests or shared experiences with those around us—whether it's a hobby, a project at work, or simply being neighbors—to build meaningful relationships.

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “God evidently does not intend us all to be rich or powerful or great, but He does intend us all to be friends.”

This is a powerful reminder for us. Sometimes, we think that sharing our faith means we have to stand on a street corner with a megaphone. But Paul shows us that it can start with something as simple as sharing a common interest or working together on a project.

Paul teaches us that great things can happen when we...

I. Connect with Others Where We Are (1-3)

Paul lived and worked with Aquila and Priscilla, but on the Sabbath days witnessed boldly in the synagogue. After all, that was why he had come to Corinth.

Think about where you are right now. Maybe it's your school, your job, or your neighborhood. Who are the people God has placed around you? What do you have in common with them? It could be a shared hobby, a class you both take, or even just living on the same street. These commonalities are opportunities to build relationships.

Paul’s example teaches us that building relationships doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with being present and open to the people around us. It’s about taking the time to get to know them, to share in their lives, and to allow them into ours.

This week, I challenge you to identify one person in your immediate circle with whom you could deepen your relationship. Maybe it’s inviting a classmate to join you for lunch or asking a coworker to grab a coffee after work. These small steps can lead to meaningful connections that not only enrich our lives but also allow us to be a witness to God’s love.

Let's look at verses 4-5.

Acts 18:4–5 NKJV

4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

As Paul settled into life in Corinth, he didn’t keep his faith a secret. Every Sabbath, he went to the synagogue and spoke with both Jews and Greeks about Jesus. Paul was bold about his faith, but he wasn’t pushy or overbearing. He was clear and authentic, sharing what he believed with kindness and respect. This is an important lesson for us today.

It teaches us that we can be...

II. Bold About Our Faith (4-5)

We often hesitate to talk about our faith because we’re worried about how people might react. We don’t want to come across as judgmental or forceful. But being bold in our faith doesn’t mean we have to be aggressive. It means being genuine and open about what we believe, and doing so with love and respect. It’s about letting our lives reflect the hope and joy we have in Christ, and being ready to share that with others when the opportunity arises.

Think about the people you interact with every day. Maybe it’s a friend who’s going through a tough time, or a classmate who’s curious about why you live the way you do. These are natural moments to share your faith. It doesn’t have to be a rehearsed speech or a formal presentation. It can be as simple as sharing a story about how God has worked in your life, or offering to pray for someone who’s struggling.

Imagine a coworker who notices your positive attitude and asks why you're always so hopeful. This is a perfect opportunity to share how your faith in Christ gives you joy and strength, just as Paul did in the synagogue.

Paul’s boldness came from his deep conviction and love for others. He wasn’t afraid to speak up because he knew the message he carried was one of hope and transformation. We can have that same confidence. This week, I encourage you to pray for someone specific in your life.

Ask God to give you the courage and the right words to share your faith with them. Look for those natural moments to speak about what God has done in your life, and trust that He will use your words to touch their hearts.

So what do we do when things get rocky?

Let's read verse 6.

Acts 18:6 NKJV

6 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.”

As Paul continued his mission in Corinth, not everyone was thrilled with his message.

Whenever God is blessing a ministry, you can expect increased opposition as well as increased opportunities.

“For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Cor. 16:9, nkjv).

Spurgeon used to say that the devil never kicks a dead horse!

Two interesting Old Testament images are found in Acts 18:6. To shake out one’s garments was an act of judgment that said, “You have had your opportunity, but now it’s over!” Today we might say that we were washing our hands of a situation. (See Neh. 5:13, and compare Acts 13:51 and Matt. 10:14.) While Paul never stopped witnessing to the Jews, his primary calling was to evangelize the Gentiles (Acts 13:46–48; 28:28).

Next, to have blood on your hands means that you bear the responsibility for another’s death because you were not faithful to warn him. The image comes from the watchman on the city walls whose task it was to stay alert and warn of coming danger (see Ezek. 3:17–21; 33:1–9). But to have blood on your head like it says in verse 6 means that you are to blame for your own judgment. You had the opportunity to be saved, but you turned it down (see Josh. 2:19). Paul’s hands were clean (Acts 20:26) because he had been faithful to declare the message of the Gospel. The Jews had their own blood on their own heads because they rejected God’s truth.

Some people opposed him, and that’s something we can all relate to. Whether it’s sharing our faith or standing up for what we believe in, we’re bound to face resistance at some point. But here’s the thing: Paul didn’t let that stop him. He didn’t take the rejection personally or let it discourage him. Instead, he stayed faithful to his mission, trusting God with the results.

Like Paul, we need to...

III. Stay Faithful, Even When Met with Resistance (6)

This is a powerful lesson for us. When we face pushback, it’s easy to feel discouraged or even question if we’re doing the right thing. But Paul shows us that resistance is often part of the journey. It doesn’t mean we’re on the wrong path; it just means we’re stepping out in faith. Jesus Himself faced opposition, and He told us that we would too. But He also promised to be with us every step of the way.

Think about a time when you faced resistance for standing up for your faith or doing what you knew was right. Maybe it was a friend who didn’t understand your choices, or a family member who questioned your beliefs. It can be tough, but it’s important to remember that God sees your efforts and is with you in those moments.

Paul didn’t dwell on the rejection. Instead, he kept moving forward, confident in his calling. We can do the same. When we encounter resistance, let’s not be discouraged. It's natural to feel discouraged when others reject our message, but remember that even Paul faced resistance.

In those moments, we can find comfort in knowing that God sees our efforts and is with us, just as He was with Paul. Instead, let’s ask God for the strength to continue loving and serving those around us. Let’s trust that He is working through us, even when we can’t see it. This week, if you face pushback, remember that you’re not alone. God is with you, and He will give you the courage to keep going.

Let's look at verses 7-8...

Acts 18:7–8 NKJV

7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8 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.

After facing resistance in the synagogue, Paul didn’t throw in the towel. Instead, he shifted his focus to those who were open to hearing his message. He left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a man who welcomed him and was receptive to the gospel. This decision led to Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household coming to faith. Paul’s experience teaches us an important lesson about where to invest our energy and efforts.

What do we learn?...

IV. Let's Focus on Receptive Hearts (7-8)

In our own lives, we might encounter people who aren’t interested in what we have to say about our faith. That’s okay. Not everyone will be open, and that’s not a reflection of our efforts or the value of our message. It’s simply a reality of sharing our faith. But instead of getting stuck on closed doors, we can follow Paul’s example and focus on those who are receptive.

Think about the people in your life. Who seems open to spiritual conversations? Maybe it’s a friend who’s been asking questions about your beliefs, or a family member who’s going through a tough time and is looking for hope. These are the people we should be investing in, spending time with, and praying for. It’s about being discerning and recognizing where God is already at work.

Don't get discouraged.

To walk by faith means to see opportunities even in the midst of opposition.

A pessimist sees only the problems; an optimist sees only the potential; but a realist sees the potential in the problems.

Paul didn't close his eyes to the many dangers and difficulties in the situation at Corinth, but he did look at them from the divine point of view.

Faith simply means obeying God’s will in spite of feelings, circumstances, or consequences. There never was an easy place to serve God; and if there is an easy place, it is possible that something is wrong. Paul reminded Timothy, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12, nkjv).

Paul didn’t waste time trying to force open doors that were closed. He looked for hearts that were ready to receive the message of Jesus. We can do the same. This week, make a list of people in your life who seem open to spiritual conversations. Commit to praying for them regularly, and look for ways to serve and support them. Remember, it’s not about convincing everyone, but about being faithful to share with those who are ready to listen. God will use your efforts to make a difference in their lives.

Conclusion:

As we wrap up today, let’s take a moment to think about the incredible opportunity we have right where we are. God has placed each of us in unique environments—our schools, our workplaces, our neighborhoods—not by accident, but with a purpose. Just like Paul in Corinth, we are called to build intentional relationships that point people to the love and hope found in Jesus.

Imagine what could happen if we all took this to heart. What if we started seeing our everyday interactions as opportunities to connect, to share, and to love others with the same grace that God has shown us? It doesn’t require grand gestures or perfect words. It starts with being present, being bold, and being faithful, even when it’s tough.

Remember, you’re not alone in this mission. God is with you, guiding you, and giving you the strength to make an impact. He’s already at work in the hearts of those around you, and He’s inviting you to join Him in that work. So, let’s commit to being on mission in our everyday lives. Let’s look for those open doors, those receptive hearts, and let’s step through them with courage and love.

As you leave today, think about one person you can reach out to this week. Pray for them, spend time with them, and be ready to share the hope you have. Together, we can make a difference, one relationship at a time. Let’s go out and live on mission, trusting that God will use our efforts to change lives and build His kingdom.