This chapter starts off by immediately illustrating what we discussed in our last reading, and what the Jewish Council taught - that our lives should be purposed to gain influence for God’s sake.  Here, Paul has Timothy circumcised, and he tells us that it is for the reason that the Jews in these places they were going were circumcised, and we would presume that there were other practices that Paul and Timothy adopted in order to not lose influence with them.  Timothy’s example shouldn’t be seen as an example in terms of the circumcision, but in terms of the example of how to position yourself for maximum influence.

A subtle thing that happens in verse 10 in today’s reading is the word ‘we’ pops up.  This is the first time we see this, and then we see it for the remainder of Acts; this should indicate to us that the author, Luke, presumably was personally with this ministry group from this point forward and is writing about events he personally witnessed.  Then, we see Paul converting this female merchant, who was presumably a reasonably wealthy women is she was selling purple goods, to a faith in Jesus.

The big takeaway for me, and the thing that sticks out to me this morning, is how responsive Paul is to how he is being led by the Holy Spirit.  A couple of times we see a push and pull from the Holy Spirit, telling him to go here, and not to go there.  And we see Paul responding to this and following God’s lead.

It is a great reminder for me today to listen, to create space and margin in my life where I CAN listen, and to be courageous enough to follow where God leads me.  In Paul’s case, given the influence and the reputation he was no doubt building, it would have been very easy to start to listen less and guide himself more.  It would have been easy to start minimizing God’s voice and God’s influence as Paul was getting more and more powerful.  I think that’s the trap that we often fall into; or at least I know that’s true for me.  As I get some success, I feel less and less dependent on God.  Paul gives us a great example that leaning on God should be a constant.  In fact, in tomorrow’s reading, we will see the fruit of Paul’s faithfulness in action.

That’s my prayer today though - that would be dependent on God today; and that I would hear Him today, as a create just a little extra time and space to pray this morning specifically for that purpose.