Christians can never lie, because they must be like Christ, who is the Truth (John 14:6). Never tell someone what you don't want them to know. If someone outside your family asks you for an explanation, keep quiet. Some people act as if we have an obligation to answer any questions, simply because we belong to Jesus. Let's not give way to prying people; after all, our actions are none of their business. Because they don't understand the faith, they can slander us. Being wise pleases God.

           Paul was beginning his ministry and ran into trouble in Antioch of Pisidia, located in present-day Turkey. He was preaching in the synagogue, but the Jews envied him and wanted to kill him. So they convinced the city's leaders and incited some women to put a stop to outsiders who wanted to change their customs. This excuse was given everywhere, but it was a trick of the devil to hinder God's work.

        The attitude of the physician Luke, who accompanied Paul on his missions and accurately recorded the Lord's wonders in every place where the apostle went, was beautiful. His reports made the Gospel known: Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also, and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father (John 14.12).

           As well as showing the overall picture of Jesus' ministry in His days on earth, Luke narrated what happened on Paul's journeys, when the Word was ministered, without failing to mention the persecutions and threats. The healings proved Jesus' operations among the people. Everyone could seek out the Savior in these meetings and witness the same miraculous deeds performed by Him when He was here.

           If Luke hadn't been correct, when he saw some women rising up to persecute the apostle, he would have said that they were dishonest religious women who were up to no good. But that wasn't true. Now, if we are servants of the Almighty, we will never lie. Our faith and our love for God are based on the Father's character. Luke declared that they were honest!

           The persecution against Paul and Silas was intense. God worked wonders there, but they were still expelled. However, this is nothing for those who fulfill the Lord's call. The two left Antioch and went to Iconium, near where they were. Once there, they began to minister as they had done in the city from which they had been expelled. God was with them and so they succeeded in their new location.

           Those who persecuted Jesus will also persecute us: Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they keep My word, they will keep yours also (John 15.20).

         In Christ, with love

         R. R. Soares