Daily Bible Plan – Acts of the Apostels 18
- Deaconess Sarah Imonopi
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
16. March 2026
Devotion by Deaconess Sarah Imonopi
Theme: My Job, My Kingdom Assignment
Devotion: Acts 18
Introduction
We continue our study of the book of Acts and today we look at chapter 18.
After his time in Athens, the apostle Paul travels on to the vibrant trading city of Corinth. Corinth was an important metropolis of that time—a center for commerce, culture, and encounters between people from many regions.
There Paul meets a couple who will play an important role in his ministry: Aquila and Priscilla. They share not only the same faith, but also the same profession—they are tentmakers.
In Acts 18:3 (NKJV) we read:
“So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.”
Paul deliberately chose to work with them. His daily life, his work, and his service to God were closely connected.
God Works in Everyday Life
Paul was not only a preacher and missionary—he also worked practically with his hands. He lived in the midst of everyday life and used that very place to make God’s kingdom visible.
This principle becomes clear in other passages as well. In Colossians 3:23 (NKJV) it says:
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
Whether school, training, university, or work—God can work exactly where we are right now.
Our everyday life is not an obstacle to God’s work. On the contrary, it is precisely there—in conversations, encounters, and ordinary moments—that God wants to work through us.
Courage Despite Opposition
While Paul is preaching the gospel in Corinth, he also experiences opposition.
In Acts 18:5–6 (NKJV) we read:
“When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, ‘Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.’”
Not everyone wanted to hear what Paul had to say. Some even openly opposed him.
Yet Paul remains courageous. He trusts that God is guiding his path—even in the midst of resistance.
God’s Encouragement
Right in the middle of this difficult situation, Paul experiences something special: God Himself encourages him.
In a vision during the night, the Lord speaks to him. In Acts 18:9–10 (NKJV) we read:
“Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.’”
What a powerful promise.
God sees Paul. He knows his situation, his challenges, and perhaps also his fatigue or discouragement. And right there God speaks to him: Do not be afraid. I am with you.
This promise was not only for Paul. We too can know that God is with us—right in the middle of our everyday lives.
Serving Together
Later Paul travels on to Ephesus. There Aquila and Priscilla meet a man named Apollos.
Apollos knows the Scriptures well and speaks enthusiastically about God, but his understanding is not yet complete. Patiently, Aquila and Priscilla take him aside and explain the way of God to him more accurately.
Here we see a beautiful picture of how God works through different people. Each person has a different role, yet all serve the same purpose.
In 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NKJV) Paul describes this cooperation:
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”
Some plant, some nurture, some encourage—but it is God who changes hearts and gives growth.
Final Thoughts
Chapter 18 shows us several important truths:
God works in the midst of everyday life—even through our work and daily encounters.
Opposition sometimes comes when we live out our faith.
God encourages us and reminds us that we are not alone.
Many people work together in God’s work, but God Himself gives the growth.
Action Step
Think about this:
Where can I see and live out God’s presence today?
Maybe in a conversation with a friend, at school, during sports, or at work. Look for a specific opportunity where you can encourage someone or share God’s love.
Reflection
Where do I experience God working in my everyday life?
In which situations do I need courage to live out my faith?
How can I encourage others in their faith—just as Aquila and Priscilla helped Apollos?
Prayer
Father, thank You for encouraging us and for always being with us—in everyday life, at school, at work, and in our encounters with others.
Help us to serve You where we are right now. Give us courage and the right words to encourage and strengthen the people around us.
Amen.
Quiet Time
Read Acts 18 again slowly and quietly.
When we find ourselves discouraged, shy, not ready, or faced with opposition we shall always remember that God is omnipresent and only one prayer away. He will not put us in situations that we cannot handle and will work a way out for us, so we are able to share our faith. He will make sure, that we are equipped to fulfill our Mission in our given role "We can make our own plans but the Lord gives the right answer" ( Proverbs 16) He knows when we are ready. The same way he encourages us at the right time, we can encourage others at the right time wherever we are. Thank you for this insight, GOD BLESS
Acts 18 is so beautiful. This month we are truly learning that our job isn’t hindering us—it is actually our pulpit.
Everyday life, like work or school, can be a place where God works through us.
Following God sometimes brings resistance, but that doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path (Galatians 6:9).
God sees when we are tired or discouraged and gives us encouragement (Acts 18:9–10).
“One plants, another waters, but God gives the growth.”
This is also very powerful, because we can do many things, but if God isn’t the source of it all, it is for nothing.
God’s work happens in ordinary life, not just in “church moments.” Even when there is opposition, God is with His people,…