Character Studies - ElectronicGospel

3. Silas begins and ends his Bible career as a faithful messenger, a leading man locally, willing togo abroad to be of service4. the work of the gospel emissary is not exclusive to full-time gospel preachers, but is open toanyone who has proven his honesty and who is willing to serve (Romans 12:4-8)5. moreover, it should be our privilege to receive such messengers and evangelists withhospitality and honor (Hebrews 13:1-3 and Third John 5-8)B. Hearing the Macedonian Call1. when Paul and Silas heard the Macedonian call, they were quick to answer, having beenforbidden to travel to Asia and Mysia, “concluding that God had called [them] to preach the gospel tothem” (Acts 16:10).2. we seldom hear the gospel call much anymore from western Europe, for so many there in theAmericas have wearied of the ancient messagea. that of course, only makes it more necessary, but today the Macedonian call is more likelyto issue from places where it has enjoyed less scrutiny–eastern Europe, Africa and Asia–“Come over hereand help us,” they sayb. like Silas, we are sometimes prevented from sharing the truth where we would prefer orwhere it is more convenient or according to our plans, but then God raises an opportunity elsewhere3. we need to be ready to answer the call whether that means answering an opportunity at home,traveling abroad to meet an urgent need, or funding such an effort by another faithful messenger(Philippians 4:14-19)C. Persecution1. Paul would later conclude that, “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will bepersecuted” (Second Timothy 3:12).2. he learned that axiom while with Silas, among so many other occasions; the reason that Silasand Paul were persecuted was that their convictions were on display in a way that shook things up3. we should never doubt that our faith is going to bring us into derision if exercised publicly, butneither should we fear sharing truth with the lost and standing opposed to immorality whenever asked(Second Timothy 1:7)4. if we are not suffering persecution–physical, verbal, emotional, professional, etc.–it is probablya signal that we are either not really living a godly life or that we are doing so in such a discrete mannerthat no one can tell, and that just might be because we have grown afraid; “Do not be afraid, but go onspeaking and do not be silent” (Acts 18:9)D. Faithful Brother1. the epilogue on Silas’s life is that he was a faithful brother and messenger, an exemplar of theexhortation Peter sent to the dispersed brethren of first century persecution, standing firm in the true graceof God (see First Peter 5:12)2. we must be proven faithful–in answering opportunities to proclaim the Lord, in standing fastfor the truth, in enduring persecution (First Peter 4:19)ConclusionSilas is what most Christians can be, simply a good and faithful person, ready to answer the call toservice.226