Day 245: Acts 13:42–52

The Jews incited the religious women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them (v. 50).

Acts 13:43 shows that Paul and Barnabas’s first experience in Galatia was positive. “Many of the Jews and devout proselytes” met with them after the message and received their encouragement. But although the initial reception was so positive, can Satan be far behind when God is at work? The Jewish leaders “were filled with jealousy and began to oppose what Paul was saying by insulting him” (v. 45 hcsb).

This group of ancient Jews was privileged to receive the ministry of the apostle Paul himself, but in a flash they went from being subjects of ministry to being sources of opposition, inciting other men and women of influence to give additional weight and volume to their criticism. Ultimately, of course, the enemy of salvation was the one using these Jews, just as they used the leading women and men of the city. All were puppets on his strings. Little has changed. Satan still takes advantage of women and men, seizing their powers of influence for his own purposes.

I want to ask the Holy Spirit to help us with a special assignment. Meditate on your last seven days for several moments. Picture yourself in your usual roles as well as specific encounters. Think of ways you exerted the power of influence, whether rightly or wrongly. I will get you started with a few questions I am asking myself: Did you influence your spouse in a decision at work? Did you influence a friend who was upset with someone? Did you influence a class or a group of people in a meeting? Did you influence your boss or employees? Did you influence your children in situations they were in? Consider every point of influence you can remember, and add to your list as the Holy Spirit reminds you of others.

You’re probably more influential than you thought. If you had lunch with friends this week, you probably influenced someone in some way. If a friend shared a problem with you, you influenced him or her somehow with your response. If you gave your opinion on a matter recently, you very likely affected someone else’s. We are constantly exerting influence. Influence is a gift, a trust. We must be careful how we use it. Take heed. Satan can affect masses of followers through a few leaders.