Daily Dose of Hope

December 16, 2025

Scripture – Acts 18

Prayer: Dear Holy God, Your love is amazing. Thank you for the way you care for us. In these next few moments of silence, Lord, help us focus on you...Lord Jesus, help us set aside every distraction and take this time to lean on you. We want to hear your voice. Amen.

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida. We are currently working our way through the book of Acts and today, we dive into Acts 18.

Here, we read more about Paul's missionary journey. He heads to Corinth, where he almost throws in the towel when it came to preaching to the Jews. But God encourages him and we continue to see his pattern of heading to the synagogue first, debating with the Jews, and then bringing the message to the Gentiles. While I'm sure it was frustrating for Paul, he did see a lot of fruit. Jews and Gentiles alike from all walks of life are beginning to believe the Good News.

Priscilla and Aquilla appear on the scene and they are a huge support to Paul, as Apollos will be as well. What I admire so much about Paul is how he traveled around frequently, built networks of believers (which become churches), and he seems almost fearless. He doesn't get too attached to any place, although he stays some places longer than others.

And yet, he builds deep relationships. There had to be a lot of hard good-byes.

Another thing I noticed in today's reading is Paul's ability to disciple people in the faith. He disciples Priscilla and Aquilla. He stops by all the different churches where he has built relationships, discipling them and encouraging them. His various pastoral letters, while they addressed specific problems, were definitely letters intended to disciple and mentor those working under him in the name of Jesus. He doesn't lead someone to Christ and then just leave them in that infancy stage. He truly does everything he can to build people up in the faith and help them grow.

Discipling others is hugely important and I think it's something we don't do very well in the Western church. For so long, our emphasis was getting people to say yes to Jesus. While that is not a bad thing, Jesus teaches us in the Great Commission to go make disciples. Remember, a disciple is an apprentice, someone who is truly working to be like Jesus. This doesn't mean someone who has intellectual belief in Jesus but someone who is doing all they can to be like Jesus in thoughts and actions. What are some ways that we could do a better job discipling other Christians at New Hope?

The bottom line was that Paul was totally and completely sold out for Jesus and he was willing to make any sacrifice to advance God's Kingdom. How many of us can say that? Wow.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki