Passage Read: Acts 18-19
Meditation Verses: 19:29-31
Thought
The whole city was in an uproar! Paul doubtless was concerned for his traveling companions, but he likely also saw the potential for preaching the Gospel, not unlike what he would soon face in Jerusalem. In one instance, he could testify for Jesus to a huge crowd of Ephesians! But the disciples and even some of the city leaders, friends of his, urged him to stay away. And he honored them. As much as he might want to go into the theater, he acknowledged that it might not be the best time or circumstance to testify about Jesus. He wasn't afraid for himself and he wasn't afraid to bring more attention and pressure on the other believers, but he submitted himself to the counsel of his friends.
Application
In Jerusalem, there would be a similar riot because of him. At that point he would already be in the midst of the riot. He wouldn't have a choice to go or stay out of it. But here, though he was a key target of the riot, he wasn't in the middle of it. Not every opportunity to preach the Gospel needs to be taken. Sometimes it is prudent to let the opportunity go. Others may recognize good reasons to walk away from the opportunity, and it would be wise to heed their advice, even if they cannot explain their reasons. It does not mean I have to cease from all teaching and preaching, but I just need to let a particular opportunity go. I can continue to speak boldly about Jesus in all my normal circumstances.