How can we apply the proconsul's response to our evangelism efforts today? Setting the Scene Acts 13:12: “Then the proconsul, seeing what had happened, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.” Key Observation: The Proconsul’s Response • He witnessed God’s power firsthand (the blinding of Elymas). • He listened to clear, authoritative teaching. • He made a decisive, personal faith response: he “believed.” • His amazement was directed toward “the teaching of the Lord,” not the miracle itself. Principles for Today’s Evangelism • Present Christ’s truth plainly and confidently. – Romans 10:17: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • Depend on God to confirm His word with His own power, not our persuasive flair. – 1 Corinthians 2:4–5: Paul relied on “demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” • Expect genuine belief when the Spirit opens hearts, yet recognize that belief follows exposure to truth. – Acts 16:14: “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” • Keep the spotlight on Jesus’ teaching. Signs may attract attention, but Scripture produces faith. – John 20:30–31: Miracles are recorded “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ.” Practical Takeaways • Share Scripture itself, not just personal opinion. God’s word astonishes and convicts. • Pray for visible demonstrations of God’s reality—changed lives, answered prayer—so listeners can “see what has happened.” • Speak with the expectation that some hearers, like the proconsul, are ready for immediate decision. Provide clear invitations to believe. • Guard against seeking applause for ourselves; guide amazement toward “the teaching of the Lord.” Scriptures to Remember • Mark 16:20: “They went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it.” • 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” • Isaiah 55:11: God’s word “will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire.” |
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