A pretext for prevailing on Paul

Jo Penn November 23, 2024 1 1

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Acts 16: 15 (NRSVA)

15 When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.’ And she prevailed upon us.

I imagine Lydia’s words:

‘My heart is changed, expanded, lightened. How did it happen? What does it mean? There is so much I do not understand about today. In my life I knew I was not perfect. I thought I could atone for my wrongdoing, make the offerings and sacrifices to the gods, say the prayers, offer the alms.

Signs and wonders accompany the words of Paul and his friends, not wanting to gain glory for themselves or build up their own ministry (and their own coffers) from offering false promises as charismatic charlatans. 

Paul’s words have power, his prayers are heartfelt, his story of conversion astounding: a hardline zealous Pharisee teacher of the law with no time for ‘people of the way’ now following Jesus of Nazareth who they named ‘the Christ’. 

The zealous vision he had beforehand to defend the Jewish faith, in those moments of blindness was replaced by the bigger vision of God: God’s gracious plan had been sown into the Jewish Scriptures, from the very beginning, for all people are created in the image of God. This plan being fulfilled in the person of Jesus, his death on the cross and his resurrection. Saul realised that no one can be good enough by their own perfectionism, not even Saul himself. 

Jesus offers people hope beyond death, which has been defeated. What does that mean for me, for my departed husband? — I pray for him this day.

I may never see Paul and his friends again after they stay with me. How can I learn more of this technicolour faith, the astounding truth that in Jesus Jews and Gentiles are one. How is it worked out in very practical ways through the day to day decisions of life, our worship and prayers. There is hope: In the eternal story, my name is written in the book of life. Thanks be to God.’

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

Thank you for inspiring writers, preachers, teachers and mentors through whom we have heard the invitation to follow Jesus.  

Fill us afresh with your spirit, that we may too be used by you to inspire others on their faith journey.

Amen