Opposition and Opportunities

Sermon Outline: (Acts 18:1-11)

Sermon Series: Proclaim (The Book of Acts) Text: Acts 18:1-11 (CSB) Title: Opposition and Opportunities

Introduction

In 1906, missionary Amy Carmichael arrived in South India, facing a culture steeped in spiritual darkness and opposition to the gospel. She encountered hostility, loneliness, and physical exhaustion. Yet, in the midst of these challenges, God provided unexpected friendships and opportunities to proclaim Christ, leading to a fruitful ministry that rescued countless children from temple prostitution.

Hast thou no scar? No hidden scar on foot or side or hand? I hear thee sung as mighty in the land. I hear them hail thy bright ascendant star. Hast thou no scar? Hast thou no wound? Yet I was wounded by the archers, spent. Leaned me against a tree to die, and rent. By ravenous wolves encompass me I swooned-- hast thou no wound? No wound? No scar? Yet as the Master shall the servant be and pierced are the feet that follow me, but thine are whole. Can he have followed far who has no wound or scar?

Like Amy, we often face opposition and discouragement in sharing our faith, but God uses these moments to open doors for His glory. Acts 18:1-11 shows us how Paul navigated a tough environment in Corinth, finding both opposition and divine opportunities.

Point 1: Corinth Was a Tough Place (Acts 18:1)

Scripture: “After this, he left Athens and went to Corinth.” (Acts 18:1, CSB)

Explanation:Corinth was about 20 times as large as Athens at this time with a population of over 200,000 inhabitants. [Note: Longenecker, p. 480.] The city was infamous for its immorality that issued from two sources: its numerous transients and its temple to Aphrodite. Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love, and here devotees promoted immorality in the name of religion. [Note: See Dan P. Cole, "Corinth & Ephesus," Bible Review 4:6 (December 1988):20-25.] Her temple, which boasted 1,000 religious prostitutes, stood on the Acrocorinth, a 1,857-foot flat-topped mountain just outside the city. It is easy to understand why sexual problems plagued the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 5; et al.). a. Corinth’s Culture of Sin The city was infamous for its temple to Aphrodite, where immorality was rampant. This environment could intimidate any believer sharing the gospel..

Life Application: Like Paul, we may face environments hostile to faith—workplaces, schools, or communities. Trust that God’s grace is sufficient to work through you, even in tough places.

b. Paul’s Discouragement-Paul later wrote, “I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.” (1 Corinthians 2:3, CSB). His time in Corinth followed intense trials in Philippi and Thessalonica, leaving him vulnerable. R.C. Sproul emphasizes that Paul’s weakness highlights God’s strength. The gospel’s success in Corinth was not due to Paul’s eloquence but God’s sovereign power working through human frailty.

Life Application: Discouragement is normal in ministry or sharing faith. Acknowledge your weakness, but rely on God’s strength to sustain you.

c. God’s Comfort in Trials-Paul may have been physically and emotionally drained from his journey, but God provided comfort. (2 Corinthians 7:5–6 “In fact, when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest. Instead, we were troubled in every way: conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus,” “But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus,” , CSB) Charles Hodge reminds us that God’s providence often comes through unexpected means—people, circumstances, or divine reassurance—to lift us up.

Life Application: When you feel overwhelmed, look for God’s comfort in His Word, prayer, or through others He sends your way.

Point 2: We Need Faithful Friends (Acts 18:2-5)

Explanation: In Corinth, God provided Paul with Aquila and Priscilla, fellow believers who became partners in ministry. Their friendship sustained Paul through challenges and enabled his mission. a. Aquila and Priscilla: God’s Provision-These tentmakers welcomed Paul, offering companionship and support. Their shared trade and faith created a bond. Matthew Henry notes that God ordains relationships to strengthen His servants. Aquila and Priscilla were divinely placed to encourage Paul, showing God’s care in our loneliness.

Life Application: Seek out and invest in godly friendships that encourage your faith and mission.

b. Helping Others Despite Personal Pain

Aquila and Priscilla was hurting, yet he worked alongside Paul, contributing to their household (Acts 18:2-3). Calvin emphasizes that Christian service often requires sacrificially helping others, even when we feel weak. This reflects Christ’s self-giving love.

come from Italy - Though the command of Claudius extended only to Rome, yet it was probably deemed not safe to remain, or it might have been difficult to procure occupation in any part of Italy.

ComeBecause that Claudius - Claudius was the Roman emperor. He commenced his reign 41 a.d., and was poisoned 54 a.d. At what time in his reign this command was issued is not certainly known.

Had commanded ... - This command is not mentioned by Josephus, but it is recorded by Suetonius, a Roman historian (“Life of Claudius,” chapter 25), who says that “he expelled the Jews from Rome, who were constantly exciting tumults under their leader, Chrestus.” Who this Chrestus was is not known. It might have been a foreign Jew, who raised tumults on some occasion of which we have no knowledge, as the Jews in all pagan cities were greatly prone to excitements and insurrections. Or it may be that Suetonius, little acquainted with Jewish affairs, mistook this for the name Christ, and supposed that he was the leader of the Jews. (Barnes Notes)

Life Application: Even in your struggles, look for ways to serve others. God uses your faithfulness to bless others and you.

(Galatians 6:2, CSB) Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ga 6:2–3.

c. Be a Place of Refuge-Aquila and Priscilla opened their home to Paul, providing a safe space (Acts 18:3). Sproul highlights that Christian hospitality is a means of grace, reflecting God’s welcoming heart toward sinners.

Life Application: Make your home, time, or resources a refuge for those who are weary or discouraged.

d. Friends Show Up When Needed-Silas and Timothy arrived, bringing encouragement and enabling Paul to focus on preaching (Acts 18:5). Hodge underscores that God’s timing in sending help is perfect, aligning with His purposes for His people.

Life Application: Be the friend who shows up for others, and trust God to send help when you need it most.

Point 3: Opposition Brings Opportunity (Acts 18:5-11)

Explanation: Despite opposition from some Jews, Paul persevered, finding new opportunities to proclaim Christ. God used rejection to open doors to others, like Titius Justus and Crispus. a. Paul Worked Faithfully Paul supported himself through tentmaking while preaching (Acts 18:3).Calvin praises Paul’s diligence, noting that his work ethic reflected trust in God’s provision, even in adversity.(Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people,” , CSB)

Life Application: Stay faithful in your daily tasks, trusting God to use your efforts for His kingdom. (

b. Paul Was Devoted to the Gospel“Paul was occupied with proclaiming the word.” (Acts 18:5, CSB). He prioritized preaching despite challenges. Sproul notes that Paul’s devotion reflects the priority of the gospel, which is God’s power for salvation (Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.” ).

synechō-Devoted

to hold together

any whole, lest it fall to pieces or something fall away from it

to hold together with constraint, to compress

to press together with the hand

to press on every side

of a besieged city

of a strait, that forces a ship into a narrow channel

of a cattle squeeze, that pushing in on each side, forcing the beast into a position where it cannot move so the farmer can administer medication

to hold completely

Life Application: Make sharing the gospel a priority, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient.

c. Paul Shook Off OppositionWhen faced with resistance, Paul shook out his clothes and moved on (Acts 18:6). Henry explains that Paul’s action symbolized leaving judgment to God, freeing him to focus on those receptive to the gospel.

Life Application: Don’t dwell on rejection. Trust God to guide you to those ready to hear His truth.

d. Paul Learned to PivotAfter rejection, Paul ministered to Titius Justus and Crispus, leading to many conversions (Acts 18:7-8). God reassured him: “Don’t be afraid…for I am with you.” (Acts 18:9-10, CSB). Calvin emphasizes God’s sovereignty in redirecting Paul’s ministry, showing that opposition often leads to unexpected opportunities. “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God.” (Romans 8:28, CSB)

Life Application: When one door closes, trust God to open another. Be flexible to follow His leading.

Conclusion

Paul didn’t let fear or opposition overtake his faith. In Corinth, he faced a sinful culture, personal discouragement, and outright rejection. Yet, God provided friends like Aquila, Priscilla, Silas, and Timothy, and opened doors to reach new people like Titius Justus and Crispus. Today, you may face opposition in sharing your faith or living for Christ. Don’t give up. Look for the friends God sends and the opportunities He provides. Trust that He is with you, saying, “Don’t be afraid…for I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:10, CSB). Let’s step out in faith, proclaim the gospel, and watch God turn opposition into opportunities for His glory.

Call to Action: This week, identify one person who needs encouragement and be their Aquila or Priscilla. Share the gospel with someone, trusting God to open the door, even if you face opposition.