How can we support fellow believers facing persecution, as seen in Acts 18:2? The Situation at Corinth: Displaced Believers Acts 18:2 paints a vivid picture: “He found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to visit them.” • Aquila and Priscilla were forced out of their home—an unmistakable form of persecution. • Paul’s immediate choice to “visit” them lays the foundation for how we can rally around believers under pressure today. Paul’s First Response: Be Present • Physical presence communicates, “You are not alone.” • When possible, show up—whether that’s a hospital visit, a courthouse hallway, or simply sitting across the kitchen table. • Galatians 6:2: “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Opening Our Homes and Hands • Paul moved in with Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:3); hospitality is often the first tangible help persecuted believers need. • Romans 12:13: “Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.” • Offer a spare room, a hot meal, child-care, or transportation—whatever eases the load created by hostility or displacement. Working Side-by-Side • Paul joined them in tentmaking (Acts 18:3), providing both income and companionship. • Give practical job assistance: résumé help, networking, or filling in at their business. • 1 John 3:18: “Let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.” Offering Spiritual Encouragement • Regularly read Scripture together; persecuted hearts need gospel truth more than opinion. • Share testimonies of God’s past faithfulness; it fortifies courage. • 2 Timothy 1:16–17: Onesiphorus “often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.” • Encourage participation in worship—even if it means arranging secure, small-group gatherings. Staying Connected Beyond the Crisis • Paul later greets Aquila and Priscilla in other cities (Romans 16:3; 2 Timothy 4:19), showing ongoing commitment. • Keep writing, calling, and visiting; persecution can be prolonged. • Hebrews 13:3: “Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them.” Why Our Support Matters • 1 Corinthians 12:26: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.” • Practical care validates our confession of faith, displays the love of Christ, and strengthens the whole body for future trials. |
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