Go Tell about Jesus—Paul and Us?

Ruins at the city of Capernaum, Israel
What was life like during Jesus' time?

Old ruins add intrigue to any adventure whether here in the states or overseas. We don’t have really ancient structure here in the States, but imagine what you could see where buildings were constructed before the time of Christ. I’ve traveled to a few other countries, including Israel, but never to Greece—which was Macedonia during Paul’s time. Paul and his companions were in the city of Philippi on the Aegean Sea. Philippi is now a tourist area with the ruins of the old city which stand in Kavala, Greece. It must be a beautiful place, but Paul wasn’t there for sightseeing. He was there to tell that city about Jesus. A little problem occurred for Paul when a slave girl taunted him. Read it for yourself in Acts 16:8-40. Scripture is always best read in context.

      Have you ever had an adventure to an area with archeological significance? Paul’s story was recorded by Luke in the book of Acts.

 

One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a demon-possessed slave girl. She was a fortune-teller who earned a lot of money for her masters. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved." This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And instantly it left her. Her masters' hopes of wealth were now shattered, so they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities at the marketplace. "The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!" they shouted to the city officials. "They are teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice." A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn't escape. Acts 16:16-23

 

This story records the brutal punishment that Paul and his companions endured for the Chrisitan cause. Would you have been able to endure the jeering that Paul did? I don’t think I would have. He was wise to recognize that the girl was demon possessed—but even more knowledgeable as to the action he needed to take. He followed Jesus’ command to “go into all the world” to teach others the Good News. When confronted with this conflict, he did what was necessary. Although it ruined that slave girl’s masters’ business, imagine the impact Paul had the community for Jesus. Innumerable people’s lives were touched there in Philippi and beyond. What can you and I do that would impact our communities for Jesus? Think about that…and use your gifts and talents for the Lord. Go tell others about Jesus.

 

Meditate. Get motivated to “Go.”

 

Prayer – Lord, You are the reason we live. Paul travel into the known world to tell others about You. Give us motivation to go and spread the Good News—no matter what happens to us.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD's victory (salvation). He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!" 2 Chronicles 20:17

 

© 2025 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

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