Pam Padgett ... teacher
When Paul came to Ephesis, he taught in the synagogue for three months ...
Acts 19:8 And he went into the synagogue, and
spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the
things concerning the kingdom of God.
But when some who didn't believe began to speak evil of what Paul
taught, he and the disciples who believed left. Paul spoke the word of
the Lord in a school for two years where all in Asia, both Jews and
Greeks, heard ...
Acts 19:9 But when divers were hardened, and
believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he
departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the
school of one Tyrannus. 10 And this continued by the space of two years;
so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus,
both Jews and Greeks.
Although the unbelievers in the synagogue came
against Paul and what he spoke, when Paul left there and went to the
school of Tyrannus, he was able to speak about Jesus, not only to the
Jews, but also to the Greeks, to all who lived in Asia.
I was reminded of Joseph who, after being sold into Egypt by his
brothers who envied him, was eventually set over all the land
of Egypt. Joseph stored food during seven years of plenty and sold it
during the seven years of famine, feeding many people including his own
father and brothers. When his brothers feared Joseph and sent
messengers to him, Joseph told them not to fear. Even though they had
thought evil against him, God meant it for good ....
Genesis 50:16 And they sent a
messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died,
saying, 17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the
trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil:
and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God
of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. 18 And his
brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold,
we be thy servants. 19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in
the place of God? 20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but
God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save
much people alive.
Both Joseph and Paul spoke the word God had given them, Joseph telling dreams from God showing he would reign over his brothers, and Paul speaking about Jesus. Evil was meant against both of them as a result. But God brought about good according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work
together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called
according to his purpose.