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Acts 18:7-8

And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.

Before you think me slacking in the doctrinal exposition of these passages or neglectful, look with me. As the apostle would say, 'humor me.' Now 1 Thessalonians 3:1-6 addresses a rather important matter of forbearance. It seems that Paul could not go long without preaching the gospel. Some of you know of what I speak. In Jeremiah 20:9, the prophet compared the message of God to fire shut up in his bones. Here apostle says it is an urge he can stand no longer. While I say it is like madness in my mind if I do not what the Lord would have of me. Notice that the call of God is always disruptive to you and everyone else around you. However, God would always have you doing something just like his Son. Any less than that might not be of him. Could it be that the matter with some of you is your unwillingness to go where he has sent you. Nor do some wish to do what he has called them to. Still others refuse to speak what he would have said. Little wonder then that there is disorder amongst you all. In case you missed it, note briefly the first solo missionary journey of Timothy. Look, the little minister of the gospel is all grown up. I know, 'he sure is cute.' He stayed behind to establish and comfort the church of Thessalonica as seen before. Here Paul is simply explaining all that came to be. Because of his sudden departure, it seems the church there had a need; such a need was of some building up in the faith. This is the story told of how he labored at Athens alone only to journey on with no help. Neither I nor the apostle are confused, however. There is a connection to be seen between the work and the house of Justus. Notice this man's position next to the synagogue, almost resting beside it as it were. Clearly, he was but a Gentile; yet he still held some importance among them that worshipped there. He too worshipped God and believed through Paul's ministry. See, whether you spell his name Justus or Justice, the results are still the same. I know some of you are saying, 'so you mean to tell me that by looking behind Paul foresaw the trouble to follow.' Yes, it sure seems that way. Is that not just how God does his people sometimes. It seems the source of all wisdom and knowledge is found in him. For this reason, you ought to ask him more when help is needed.

And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

In Justus there can be seen principles of administration, ruling rightly, and all faithfulness. Let me tell you what sort of man this Justus was. He is one who operates in his gift much like Paul his prophecy or Timothy his ministry. While I am at it, the title minister is mostly reserved for those who have not seen or known Jesus. Of course, this is humanly speaking; the angels do not count for he makes them his spirits and ministers of fire in Hebrews 1:7. It is Paul's respect for Justus that convinces the ruler of the synagogue. Nor did he believe alone. For the text says he came along with his house and those under his influence. Here there seems to be a relationship not seen elsewhere between the Jewish people and their Gentile friends. Unless my eyes greatly deceive me, the relationship looks almost like care. A misguided sort of care, no doubt, yet the effects thereof are undeniable. See, Paul finishes by speaking of the ministry in afflictions. Whether you are going through something now or later, we are all in this thing together. Also, some of you are more alike than any of you realize or care to admit. Whether with or without Christ Jesus, both you and I face trials and suffering in this life. Such is a fact. Yet you will find a whole lot less moving and shaking of the faith when you do not go through things alone.

How much more pleasant it is with Jesus Christ the author of this life and his believers. Here the little church is being warned of such things so that they know before it even comes to pass. When Paul waited alone, he endured so with all patience. Then came a time he could stand it no longer. He sent again for Timothy doubtless out of concern to know of their well-being. The text here uses the phrase, anxious "to know your faith." See, this is the reason Satan tempts some of you even now. He along with our Savior would like to know how you truly follow Christ. I know, some of you are saying 'this has nothing to do with those Judean believers, does it.' Hush now, else all this will be in vain. You see, the danger in isolation has caught up with Paul. But he is not all by himself. Timothy is coming up alongside him right now to strengthen him. Along with him came the good news of their faith, love, and remembrance. Look now at something special. Following Paul's stay with this very special man Justus, something happened. Crispus the synagogue ruler believed and a lot of other people with him. These not only did this. They also went down to the water and plunked themselves in by the apostles' care. Thus, were they baptized, publicly saying 'I identify with Jesus.' Remember, these followed Jesus' example of in Matthew 3:17; there the Father owned him publicly as his.