TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 18:1-22
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. - Proverbs 17:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the time of Paul, Corinth—with a population of 250,000 citizens and 400,000 slaves—was one of the chief cities of Greece. Razed by Roman troops in 146 b.c., it was rebuilt about a century later by Julius Caesar and had since become a center of commerce, trade, and immorality. Sexual immorality flourished through temple prostitution in honor of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, to such an extent that “to play the Corinthian” became an idiom for fornication.

Paul brought the light of the gospel to this dark urban center, and met there his friends Priscilla and Aquila. They were originally from Rome, but when Claudius banished Jews from Italy about 49 a.d, they landed in Corinth. Bible scholar F. F. Bruce argues that when Paul arrived, he must have been feeling discouraged. After all, he'd been hounded from most cities and treated with polite amusement in Athens. Although some had believed in each place, his own Jewish people seemed resistant to the point that he began to minister to Gentiles exclusively.

God cheered up His downcast servant in at least three ways. He encouraged him in a vision, affirming that Paul's ministry was on the right track and promising anew His protection and presence (vv. 9-10). He kept this promise immediately—Paul didn't even need to say a word when he was brought before Gallio. God also encouraged him by allowing him to stay in Corinth for eighteen months, his longest stint in one place since Antioch.

God's greatest encouragement to Paul was the gift of friendship. With Priscilla and Aquila he forged a strong bond based on their common faith, their common identity as expatriate Jews in a Gentile setting, their common experience of exile or suffering, and even their common trade of tentmaking (the word may refer generally to leatherworking). They also became his partners in ministry and would later work in Ephesus at the start of his third missionary journey (see tomorrow's reading). They were even willing to risk their lives for him (Rom. 16:3-4).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It's good to have friends who share our faith and stand with us when times get tough (see today's verse). Give thanks today for the gift of friendship!

One of the best ways to be a good friend is to follow the example of Paul and pray for those in our lives that we love. You can find a beautiful prayer in Philippians 1:3-11. Pray through these verses with your friends in mind—and then let them know that you are supporting them through prayer.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 19
I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the Lord. - Psalm 31:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Paul entered Ephesus, it was a key port and trade route city in western Asia Minor (modern Turkey) with a population of about 200,000 citizens. It was famous for its temple of Diana (also called Artemis), an impressive structure four times larger than the Parthenon in Athens. The protest against Paul in today's reading took place in the enormous city theater, which seated 24,000 people and is still standing today. Ephesus was also well-known as a center of magic, sorcery, and occult practices.

It's no surprise to read that Paul faced significant opposition to his evangelistic ministry in this first major stop on his third missionary journey (53-57 a.d.). He had written Galatians and 1 and 2 Thessalonians but would not fully hit his stride as a writer until he was later imprisoned. In Ephesus, Paul found believers with partial knowledge, shared the gospel with them, and planted a church with those who responded in faith. For three months he debated in the synagogue, then continued teaching and evangelizing for two more years at a local lecture hall. Miracles validated the message, and because of the city's central location, word spread quickly around the entire region (v. 10). In all, he spent about three years in the city.

When Ephesians repented from their sin and burned books that had been associated with idolatry and occult practices, Satan's hold on the city was broken (vv. 18-19). To stand against evil is part of every Christian's purpose, and Paul shows us a bold example!

It was so bold and successful that it hurt the income of the local silversmiths. They made money by selling models of the famous temple to travelers . . . or rather, they had been making money. When the revenue stream dried up, they appealed to racial and religious pride to start a riot against Paul. As in the incident with Gallio (see yesterday), God protected His servant, this time using Paul's powerful friends (v. 31) and the common sense of the city clerk. Like Paul, we may face opposition as we pursue our God-given purposes, but He's always by our side.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We don't know much about the religious devotion of the Ephesian silversmiths, but we do know about their economic devotion! The profit they made selling idolatrous models to tourists meant everything to them.

Are there any “idols” or sins you're clinging to that are standing in the way of a life filled with love and righteousness? Is there anything you value more than the person and will of Christ? If the Holy Spirit convicts you in this area, ask Him for the strength to turn from anything that distracts you from full devotion to our Savior.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 20:1-12
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection. - Philippians 3:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
Feeling tired? You might want to stop in at MetroNaps, a new company in the Empire State Building in New York City. A special sleeping pod (a kind of stylish cocoon) is available there for a midday power nap—in about twenty minutes, they say, you'll be fully recharged and ready to go. The nap costs $14, but a one-year pass can be had for $65 per month. A MetroNaps Pod itself can be bought for $8,000. If only Eutychus had visited MetroNaps before heading off to hear the teaching of the apostle Paul!

If we had an opportunity to hear Paul preach and teach, we imagine that we might show up excited, pen and tape recorder ready so as not to miss a single syllable. On this particular night in Troas, Paul was in fine form . . . he “kept on talking until midnight” (v. 7). What was the subject of his inspiring speech? We don't know. Not a single word of it is recorded for us. Not a main point, not a subpoint, not even an illustration or prophetic cross-reference. All we are told is that Paul “talked on and on” (v. 9). Interestingly, it seems that God's purpose for that night was not what Paul said, but what he would do later.

Through perfectly understandable circumstances involving warmth and sitting still for a long time, Eutychus dozed off as Paul “talked on and on.” Unfortunately, he was sitting in a large open window on the third floor, and he was apparently a hard sleeper. When he fell fast asleep, he fell from the window down to the street and was “picked up dead.” Paul went down and by the power of God raised this young man from the dead. Although he kept talking until morning, this was the part of Paul's visit through which God spoke the loudest!

Of course, this isn't permission to nap during your pastor's next sermon. But we should be sensitive to what God really wants to say and do through us. It may not be what we had originally planned or thought was important, but we can have the greatest impact on others when we are open to changing our plans in order to follow God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The old adage says, “Actions speak louder than words.” Clearly God uses the proclamation of His Word to change lives. But we can never get so caught up in our own speeches and sermons that we ignore opportunities to act in God's power.

We may not raise someone from the dead, but our actions can speak volumes about the power of the God we trust.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 4
We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. - 2 Corinthians 4:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
One classic praise song proclaims: “We can only know the power that He holds when we truly see how deep our weakness goes. His strength in us begins when ours comes to an end—He hears our humble cry and proves again: His strength is perfect when our strength is gone, He'll carry us when we can't carry on. Raised in His power, the weak become strong. His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect.”

“His Strength Is Perfect” is the encouraging motto for every Christian, and it was a foundation stone in the faith of the apostle Paul. We saw this truth yesterday in the story of Eutychus, and we see it as well in 2 Corinthians (written about 55 A.D.). The main point of today's reading is straightforward: the power for service comes from God, not us. Paul's goal was simple—“setting forth the truth plainly” (v. 2). When he faced opposition, he went on shining the light of the knowledge of Christ all around.

The same God who created physical light also brings spiritual enlightenment (vv. 5-6). The gospel is a “treasure” which God has entrusted to us “jars of clay.” It is precisely this weakness and frailty, though, that highlights the strength of Christ in us to endure being hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and even struck down. This “all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (vv. 7-9).

The paradox is that to reveal the life of Jesus we must carry within us the death of Jesus (vv. 10-12). This suggests that we die to ourselves in order to live for Christ and that we have the privilege of sharing in Christ's sufferings; that is, His sufferings flow over into our lives (John 12:24-25; Rom. 8:17; 2 Cor. 1:5; Phil. 3:10). Therefore, what we do for the sake of the gospel we do in light of eternity and in the hope and confidence that Christ's resurrection power will sustain us (v. 17).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Can you relate to verses 8-9? At this time in your life, are you feeling hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted, or even struck down? Be encouraged—the same Paul who wrote those verses also wrote: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18). To encourage yourself, fix the eyes of your heart on today's reading, verses 17-18, which speak of an “eternal glory that far outweighs” all our “light and momentary troubles.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 20:13-38
Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. - Acts 20:28
TODAY IN THE WORD
Last year the University of Helsinki announced that they had received a legacy gift of 910,000 euros—$1,181,342.07 in U.S. dollars—from a Tuulikki Ilvonen, a retired teacher. She stipulated that the money be used to develop treatments for panic disorder. The rector of the university said that “the donator had faith in the methods of academia and scientific research to help solve difficult problems.”

Paul had faith in the power of Christ to transform the world, and his purpose and passion was to leave behind a legacy of spreading the gospel, planting churches, and mentoring leaders. From the beginning, he appointed elders in every new church (Acts 14:23). His farewell to the Ephesian elders took place about 56 a.d., toward the end of his third missionary journey, as he was on his way to Jerusalem to deliver a famine relief fund collected along the way. He wanted to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost (fifty days after Passover) and was in a bit of a hurry, so he asked the elders to meet him at Miletus, knowing that this might be the last time he would ever see them in person.

Paul gave these leaders an overview of his preaching and teaching ministry, including the core values of service, humility, and passion, and the core experiences of suffering and facing opposition in evangelism. In reminding them of his character and credentials, he sketched out a pattern of Christian living for them and for us. His trip to Jerusalem proved his point. “Compelled” by the Spirit to go despite prophetic warnings of persecution, he showed that he ran his race not according to human wisdom but to win the prize of Christ (v. 22).

His final charge was for them to “be shepherds” (v. 28). Take care of the sheep over which the Spirit has made you leaders. Discipline yourselves, live righteous lives, and vigilantly guard the truth against false teachers. Love the church Christ bought with His blood. The power to obey these high and hard commands flows from the grace and salvation of our Lord, to whom Paul finally entrusted his friends (v. 32).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In response to today's devotional, set aside some extra time soon to study in-depth the topic of biblical leadership in the church. 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are key passages and would be a good place to begin. As you note the characteristics of an elder or deacon, pay particular attention to the spiritual principles on which these qualifications are based. “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task” (1 Tim. 3:1).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Corinthians 12
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. - 1 Corinthians 12:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Great Seal of the United States features a bald eagle holding a scroll in its mouth bearing the Latin motto, E pluribus unum, or in English, “Out of many, one.” This is an allusion to the uniting of the thirteen original English colonies into one new nation. This motto is reinforced throughout the seal's symbolism, including a constellation of thirteen stars above the eagle's head and a bundle of thirteen arrows grasped in one of its claws.

“Out of many, one” might also serve as a motto for the body of Christ. If one of Paul's purposes was mentoring leaders (see yesterday), another was planting churches. One of the themes of 1 Corinthians is therefore the nature and purpose of the church.

A good description of the church might be, “Believers worshiping God and serving one another with their spiritual gifts.” Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of other believers and should be exercised under the headship of Christ. The ongoing emphasis here is diversity-in-unity. Different believers have been given different gifts to use in different ways at different times. In this chapter, Paul actually gives two different lists of spiritual gifts and makes no hard-and-fast distinction between gifts and functions in the church (vv. 8-10, 28). Part of every believer's life purpose is to discover and use our spiritual gifts.

Paul's extended metaphor for the church is a human body. Just as a physical body is made up of many parts and yet works together as a single entity, so also the body of Christ is made up of many people with different gifts working together as a single spiritual entity. Just as the brain directs the activities of the body, so Christ holds supreme authority over the activities of the church. Paul's picture is actually rather humorous as he emphasizes the truths that we all belong, we all need one another, and God has arranged us all as He sees fit. There is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Eph. 4:5).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we see today, the purpose of spiritual gifts is not self-glorification or even self-understanding, but service in the body of Christ. Are you fulfilling part of your life's purpose by serving in your church? If you don't know where to start, schedule a meeting with your pastor or another church leader to discuss the possibilities. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 21:1-26
The Lord’s will be done. - Acts 21:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
The missions hymn “Song for the Nations” prays: “May we be a shining light to the nations / A shining light to the peoples of the earth / Til the whole world sees the glory of your name. May we bring a word of hope to the nations / A word of life to the peoples of the earth / Til the whole world knows there's salvation through your name. May we be a healing balm to the nations / A healing balm to the peoples of the earth / Til the whole world knows the power of your name . . . May your kingdom come to the nations / Your will be done in the peoples of the earth / Til the whole world knows that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

Missions and the spread of the gospel were passions of Paul's heart. In today's reading, he brought his third missionary journey to a conclusion with his return to Jerusalem. Given the prophetic warnings, why did Paul return? It wasn't that he liked to jump headfirst into persecution. The Spirit revealed the suffering awaiting Paul, but He also compelled him to go. This was a test of faith. Would Paul obey even when the cost would be high and his friends advised him otherwise? While the Apostle didn't go looking for trouble, he was boldly willing to suffer all for the name of Jesus, and his friends eventually committed the future of their beloved friend Paul to the Lord (vv. 13-14).

When Paul arrived in Jerusalem just in time for Pentecost, he received a warm welcome, donated the poverty relief fund he had collected and delivered a full report on his missions activities and the growth of the church among the Gentiles. To quell gossip that Jewish Christians had heard about Paul disrespecting the Law, he also joined some men in fulfilling a special vow and undergoing purification rites at the temple. He had no obligation and nothing to prove either way, but chose to follow his own advice (written about the same time): “Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:17-18).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
To conclude your personal devotion time today, sing a missions hymn or praise chorus before the Lord. The modern hymn in the opening illustration, “Song for the Nations” is one of many excellent possibilities. If you have a hymnbook, check the topical index in the back. If you don't have one, you might sing along with a missions-oriented tune from a Christian music cassette or CD in your collection.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 5:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Last summer, Arizona Diamond-backs pitcher Randy Johnson became at age 40 the oldest major league pitcher ever to throw a perfect game. A “perfect game” is when the opposing team gets no runs, no hits, and no walks—no one reaches base, and the minimum 27 batters are retired in order. Johnson struck out thirteen Atlanta Braves and led his team to a 2-0 victory. It was his second career no-hitter and the first perfect game for anyone in the major leagues in five years. Perfection is a rare thing.

“Perfect” also describes Christ's work of redemption, a truth at the center of Paul's purpose-filled life. Today and tomorrow we'll study two classic chapters from Romans in order to survey and crystallize key points about this doctrine. This epistle was probably written just before the end of Paul's third missionary journey. Romans 5 and 8 are worth a month of devotions in and of themselves, so we'll just highlight major themes here.

Salvation is a movement from being God's enemies to being His friends, from a state of war to a state of peace (vv. 1, 10). God loved us even when we were still His enemies (cf. 1 John 4:7-19), and it is through this love, shown especially in the gift of His Son, that we can now be reconciled to Him. If we believe in Christ by faith, we can stand by grace and even rejoice in our sufferings as part of God's plan.

Even more fundamentally, salvation is a movement from death to life, from sin to righteousness (vv. 17-19). Whereas Adam's disobedience brought sin and death into the world, a truth well-illuminated by the Law, Jesus' obedience brought righteousness and life for all who believe. One trespass brought condemnation for all, but Christ's sacrifice made justification possible for all.

This comparison does not merely balance out; it is also a contrast, for the salvation won by Christ is far greater in its consequences than Adam's original sin (vv. 15-16). These truths can encourage us to rejoice, endure, and revel in the abundance of God's grace.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Let's take some time to review what we have learned so far this month. As we've focused on Paul's life of purpose, what are some aspects of his life that have particularly impressed you? He's certainly a wonderful model that we can pray to imitate. Reflecting back through the month, pray that the Lord will show you how your own life can be filled with purpose, and how you can actively seek to be described this way.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 8
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. - Romans 8:37
TODAY IN THE WORD
A. W. Tozer wrote in The Pursuit of God: “The moment the Spirit has quickened us to life in regeneration our whole being senses its kinship to God and leaps up in joyous recognition. That is the heavenly birth without which we cannot see the Kingdom of God. It is, however, not an end but an inception, for now begins the glorious pursuit, the heart's happy exploration of the infinite riches of the Godhead. That is where we begin, I say, but where we stop no man has yet discovered. . . . To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul's paradox of love.”

Our spiritual regeneration in Christ is one of the believer's most exhilarating truths. Having moved from death to life and from bondage to freedom, how should we then live? The short answer is through the Spirit. Flowing from the Resurrection, the power He gives enables us to live with hope. This is not at all like our former way of “life,” in which we followed our sinful nature, thought first of ourselves, and were hostile to God. Now we are to be filled or controlled by the Spirit, living as friends of God, setting our minds on His desires, and obeying his life-giving commands. Our entire purpose is to please God!

We should care about the way we live because it demonstrates our true identity (v. 9). We are God's chosen children, enjoying intimacy with Him. His plan is sure—all things will work out for the good. His love is also sure—it will protect and empower us in every conceivable situation. His scope is broad—all creation shares in and groans toward this hope of redemption.

We find so much here to encourage us in our everyday lives. The doctrine of salvation is not only about our standing with God but also about our walking with Christ. We are co-heirs with Him, of both suffering and glory. We can call God our “Father,” and if this weren't enough, when we're too weak to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us. “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (v. 37)!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Romans 8 has several of the most powerful and memorable verses in the Bible. They are wonderful selections to make your “joy” and “heart's delight” (Jer. 15:16).

A good place to start is to review regularly—or memorize—verses 37-39 at the end of the chapter. In Christ, we are “more than conquerors through Him who loved us,” and can rejoice that nothing in all creation “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 22:23-23:35
If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. - 1 Peter 2:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
Historian Albert J. Raboteau recounted the story of a persecuted preacher from the early 1780s: “A slave named Andrew Bryan began to preach and gathered a small group for worship outside the city of Savannah, Georgia. White citizens, worried about slave rebellion, had Andrew Bryan, his brother Sampson, and several others arrested and whipped twice for holding illegal meetings. Accoding to an early Baptist historian, Andrew ”˜told his persecutors that he rejoiced not only to be whipped, but would freely suffer death for the cause of Jesus Christ.' Eventually, local officials examined and released them with permission to continue their worship services, but only during daylight hours.”

Bryan could take encouragement from the life of Paul, who endured numerous similar episodes. As prophesied, Paul got into trouble in Jerusalem. Following a riot sparked by hostile misinformation, he ended up in a Roman jail on unspecified charges. Though the authorities were worried about his Roman citizenship, they kept him in custody so as not to antagonize the locals. When they invited the Sanhedrin to present their charges, Paul cleverly started the Pharisees and Sadducees arguing about resurrection, making them look ridiculous in the eyes of the Roman commander. That night, the Lord encouraged Paul in person, but also let him know that this drama wouldn't end until he testified in Rome itself (23:11).

Stinging from their public embarrassment, the Jews plotted murder. In what must have been an exciting adventure, Paul's nephew foiled the conspiracy, and Paul was secretly transferred to Caesarea, accompanied by a letter to the governor that explained the circumstances (23:27). As we saw earlier this month, legal hearings would follow before governor Felix, his replacement Festus, and King Agrippa and Queen Bernice.

Suffering for Christ was not uncommon in Paul's experience. He was a victim of injustice, prejudice, persecution, torture, assassination attempts, hypocrisy, imprisonment, and many other hardships (see 2 Cor. 1:8-11; 11:23-28). He endured because God gave him the grace and strength.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As in Paul's day, persecution of Christians is a significant problem in today's world as well. To find out up-to-date information, including how you can pray and help, visit the Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) Web site, perhaps beginning with their news page,www.persecution.com/news/index.cfm. VOM is a “nonprofit, interdenominational organization with a vision for aiding Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 27:1-28:16
Those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. - 1 Peter 4:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
Eddie Joe Lloyd was released from a Michigan prison in 2002 after serving seventeen years of a life sentence. He supposedly confessed to rape and murder to Detroit police while on medication in a mental hospital, but recent DNA tests proved he could not have been guilty. Assisted in his quest for freedom by the Innocence Project, Lloyd told reporters: “Lady Justice is blind. Sometimes she's deaf. Sometimes the wheels of justice grind very slowly, sometimes they grind in reverse.” According to the Innocence Project, at least 110 inmates nationwide have been cleared in recent years by DNA testing.

Paul could relate to wrongful imprisonment. Following the end of today's reading, tradition tells us that after several years of injustice he was finally found innocent and set free. But as the wheels of Roman justice and God's sovereignty turned, first he had to travel to Rome. This Very Important Prisoner boarded a ship bound for the capital of the empire. Because Luke was on the voyage, we find in today's reading their detailed itinerary as well as an exciting, well-told first-hand narrative of their shipwreck.

Paul's purpose-filled life was an extraordinary witness under these extraordinary circumstances. We see a person's true colors in crisis situations, and there was no doubt why and for whom Paul lived. He offered hope to his captors during the storm (27:21-26). He prayed for their lives. He earned the soldiers' trust to such an extent that they listened to him and cut short the sailors' plan to escape. He encouraged everyone to eat, and he set the example in a spirit of thankfulness (27:35). He gained such credibility with the centurion that he allowed the prisoners to swim to land, despite the fact that the soldiers' lives were forfeit if anyone escaped. On land, apparently none the worse for wear, Paul actually helped gather firewood, which is nearly as amazing as his miraculous escape from the poisonous snake.

In Rome, Paul was put under house arrest to await trial. During these years, he wrote letters to the Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians, and continued sharing the gospel.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you are interested in an authoritative study of the life of Paul that goes much farther and deeper than we can in one month of devotions, read Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free, by New Testament scholar F. F. Bruce.

Originally published in 1977, this volume is regarded as a scholarly and spiritual classic and can easily be found at your local Christian bookstore.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 1:12-30
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. - Philippians 1:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
Joni Eareckson Tada, who as a young woman became a quadriplegic in a swimming accident, has found the strength in her suffering for a powerful ministry. She's written more than thirty books and hosts a nationally broadcast five-minute radio program. She has a burden for others with disabilities, only five percent of whom attend church in America. Her international outreach, Wheels for the World, provides disabled people overseas with refurbished wheelchairs.

She describes her life this way: “It's a daily, hard-fought-for, desperate pulling down of grace from heaven. . . . I want to be used by God to remind women to take heart, your God will come; He'll rescue you. We only have a little bit further to go, and five minutes of heaven will far outweigh the momentary afflictions of this life.”

Paul understood this perspective. Philippians was written about 61 a.d., during Paul's first imprisonment, to a church he helped to plant in a city where he also was imprisoned (see Acts 16). Despite his house arrest in Rome, he not only patiently endured but rejoiced because through his suffering, the gospel had been advanced. Everyone could see that he was not a criminal, that he was being persecuted for his religious beliefs, and that he continued to remain faithful to the Lord. His bold example encouraged others to live in the same way—the evangelistic ripple effects were tremendous. Even those who acted with less than pure motives must have been sharing the true gospel, for Paul affirmed: “Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice” (v. 18).

Furthermore, God had revealed to Paul that he would be released. He wanted the Philippians to know, though, that his joy didn't depend on that. His deepest motivation was this: “Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death” (v. 20). Whether he was released to do more labor for Christ, or taken to heaven to be with Christ, it was a win-win situation. He could face the future with hope and courage, standing firm in the Christ-centered purposes of his life. We and the Philippians can do the same!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In the parable of the sheep and the goats, the King said: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40). Visiting prisoners is one example on His list. After all, if Jesus or Paul were in jail near you, wouldn't you go to see them? Well, someone who needs Jesus is in jail near you, and prison ministries are often looking for more people to help out. Find out how you can get involved in this vital work for the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 1:3-14; Colossians 1:9-23
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. - Colossians 1:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
“Twinkle, twinkle, little star . . . like a diamond in the sky” goes the familiar children's song. It's actually true! A team of astronomers at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics recently discovered a “diamond star” 10 billion trillion trillion carats in size, or about 932 miles across. By comparison, the largest diamond ever found on earth was only 3,100 carats. The star is actually a crystallized white dwarf, the leftover core of a star that has burned out. About 50 light years away from us, its carbon interior “has solidified to form the galaxy's largest diamond,” explained one scientist.

How much would such a diamond be worth? It boggles the mind. Paul felt exactly this way about the incredible, incalculable worth of Jesus Christ. We cannot emphasize enough that a “life filled with purpose” is a life filled with Christ. In today's two readings—again drawn from epistles written during his first imprisonment—Paul celebrated this truth. A theological library could be written on these passages, but we will focus on one question: What does a life filled with Christ look like?

A life filled with Christ is one filled with blessing and lavished with grace. After all, God predestined and chose us to be adopted as His children. He loved us so much that He sent His Son on a life-costing, life- giving mission of forgiveness and redemption. Our lives, too, should be characterized by love, grace, and forgiveness—doing as well as speaking gospel truths to those around us. God's purpose in choosing us is to make us holy and blameless, to the praise of His glory. We believe and hope in these spiritual realities, and already enjoy the Holy Spirit as a guarantee and firstfruits of the inheritance to come.

A life filled with Christ is one governed by the knowledge of God's revealed will, that is, His plan of salvation. Having crossed over from death to life in Christ, we should continue walking with and growing in Him. We should live righteously, worthy of our salvation—that is, to please Him. This will assuredly bear fruit in our lives, including endurance, patience, thankfulness, and joy.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you find that you can better relate to fiction, pick up a copy of Paul: A Novel, by Walter Wangerin Jr. In this engaging and substantial modern novel, Wangerin takes into account the latest historical and cultural scholarship on the first century and writes from an imaginative, faith-filled perspective. In the author's own words, “This is a novel, particularly, of the man who bore [the] gospel east to west with fury and faith and tenderness. . . . He is the hinge of history.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 28:17-31
It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known. - Romans 15:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
Andrew Carnegie, a poor Scottish immigrant turned powerful industrialist, became one of the richest men of the nineteenth century—and one of the most generous. It's estimated he gave nine out of every ten dollars he earned in oil, railroads, and steel to charity, an astounding total of $350 million over his lifetime. A strong supporter of free libraries and education, he believed that the rich had a moral responsibility to use their wealth to benefit others.

Carnegie spread his wealth around, making philanthropy his life's priority. Paul made his life's priority spreading the good news of the riches of eternal life. Because his life was filled with Christ, so were his words and actions. He tried to persuade Jews that Jesus is the Messiah promised in Old Testament prophecy. He had limited success, and he focused his ministry on proclaiming the truth to Gentiles (v. 28). The open-ended conclusion to the Acts narrative summarizes his life: “Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 31).

Tradition tells us Paul was released in 62 a.d. and embarked on a fourth missionary journey until 67 a.d. Clement of Rome, a second-generation church leader writing in 96 a.d., seemed to indicate that Paul went to Spain, as he had declared that he intended to do, though this is not recorded in Acts (Rom. 15:24). Certain references in Paul's later epistles also hint at another journey—for example, he did not minister in Crete during the events of Acts, so he must have done so at a later time (see Titus 1:5).

Paul endured a second Roman imprisonment, this time not under house arrest but chained in a dungeon. It ended about 68 a.d. with his execution. Emperor Nero had attempted to make Christians scapegoats for the Great Fire of 64 a.d., launching years of sadistic persecution that included burning Christians as human torches in his royal gardens. We don't know exactly how Paul died, but we do know that the Savior who met him on that fateful Damascus road so many years ago welcomed him into eternity!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you been working on your personal testimony with a particular person in mind? (See April 4). It's time to share it! Look for an opening in the context of the relationship, or just tell the other person that there's something you've really been wanting to share with him or her this month. Then move forward in faith, inspired by Paul's example in today's reading. Rejoice that God will be with you as you give reasons for the hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Timothy 3:10-4:8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. - 2 Timothy 4:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Naoko Takahashi won the first gold medal ever for a Japanese woman in track and field, crossing the finish line first in the marathon. Although she led much of the way, she had to overcome a strong finishing kick by a Romanian runner in the final quarter-mile. Takahashi also set an Olympic record in the process!

Paul knew what it was like to run a long race all-out. He told Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). Second Timothy was his last letter, penned in 67 or 68 a.d. from the Mamertime dungeon in Rome as he awaited execution. Though his personal finish line was near, he encouraged his young friend, “God's word is not chained” (2 Tim. 2:9).

Three principles emerge from today's reading for a life filled with purpose. First, practice what you preach. Actions must match words. Timothy knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that his “spiritual father” had remained utterly faithful to his calling. If his mentor could write this from a dark cell, surely Timothy could run his race with passion and integrity.

Second, expect persecution (3:12). The world will never understand Christians, and Satan will always be hostile to the gospel. And third, hold fast to the Scriptures. They are the inspired and perfectly true Word of God, useful for “teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (3:16-17).

Paul's “last words” are a series of pictures (4:6-8). He was being poured out like a drink offering, an image of worship and sacrifice. It was the end of a wrestling match, the end of a marathon, the conclusion of a thirty-year journey. But in fact it was just the beginning—his “departure” had a destination. In heaven he knew that his Lord would be waiting to give him a crown of righteousness (cf. 1 Cor. 9:25) and an eternal place in His glorious presence.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Tomorrow we continue our year's study on the theme of the purpose-filled life with a study on the life of Esther. God's Word is filled with men and women, rich and poor, young and old, who demonstrate a life filled with meaning and purpose.

This should encourage us—no matter who we are or what our situation, God can give us His fulfillment and use us to do His work. He has created us and He delights in our service for Him.