EMMDEV 2011-08-12 [Ephesians] Intro 5: Persistence

8 Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. Acts19:8-10

If you don't look carefully you'll miss it... Look at verse 10... Paul stuck it out for TWO YEARS. For 3 months in the synagogue and 21 months in the lecture hall of Tyrannus, Paul had daily discipleship sessions with the disciples in Ephesus.

Two years of patient teaching. Setting the example, answering questions, spreading the word. These sessions then spread by word of mouth from one person to another until Luke, the author of Acts, makes the bold claim that everyone in the province had heard about Christ.

This is persistence. In spite of persecution and resistance, Paul carried on day by day, doing the thing he did best: teaching. And day by day, the word spread from his listener's mouths to the ears of others throughout the province.

"What did you do in Ephesus Paul?"
"I lectured every day for two years."
"Oh... not very exciting.."
"It reached the whole province"
"No way!"
"But it did"

So don't lose heart - do what God has called you to do - whether it is to teach, serve, love, parent, or pray. Persist and watch how God multiplies your efforts!

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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/