Paul's Transformation Journey

Paul experienced 2 setbacks
1. Acts 13 – Pisidian Antioch. What happened? V44 - 50 they drove them out of the city.
2. Acts 17 Thessalonica V10 the result – sent Paul and Silas away by night. The government shut down revival.
Breakthrough came in Corinth in Acts 18. Ephesus Acts 19:20 – 29.

Something happened with the government. Christianity is good for the city.
Why the defeats in Pisidian, Antioch & Thessalonica? It was Pauls public perception which was purely religious. Why the victories in Corinth and Ephesus? Paul joined the Marketplace.

Acts 19:31 “Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater” Why did they defend Paul? Paul was an asset to the city/region. Let the Christians be the champions. How did Paul become an asset? Acts 20:33 – 35 “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel………And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Paul was the leading developer in the region:
1. Working hard
2. Helping the needy
3. Giving rather than receiving
4. Emulating Jesus

Acts 2:45 – 47 “….and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them amongst all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”
V47 had favour with ALL people. Adding daily to the church because the church was open to business i.e. They began to speak in tongues – praise God Acts 2:4 is the vertical dimension, having favour with the people is the horizontal dimension.

Whatever we do, do all for the glory of God. The local church is the place of scrutiny. Be faithful to the local church.

The tension between the Synagogue & the Marketplace

Paul could never have reached Asia through the synagogue alone. We cannot reach the city alone by planting churches. Work in the marketplace and be in the church. There are 4 keys for transformation:
1. To change the city, the Marketplace must be changed
2. Ministers must be recognized
3. Pulpit pastors must partner with them
4. To channel the spiritual with the resident

Take the gospel to every inch of Zimbabwe and every crevice and, it begins with us.

May transformation come to Zimbabwe and to Africa!

Summarised by Molly Manhanga