August 10, 2008
Salvation And Obstacles
Mark Reeves
The man named Crispus in Acts 18:8 is a wonderful example of overcoming obstacles that would keep us from saving our souls. Note some of the things Crispus overcame when he “believed on the Lord with all his household.”
Obstacles
Crispus was the chief ruler of the synagogue in Corinth when Paul first came to preach the gospel; he was in a highly “visible” position, scrutinized by his peers. Now judging from the reaction of the rest of the synagogue, Crispus no doubt faced much opposition from his own peers. You see, many of the Jews had rejected the gospel and even “blasphemed” (Acts 18:4-7). You know they would have expected Crispus to follow with them, after all, he was one of their rulers. Crispus however, knowing the value of the kingdom of Heaven (Matt. 13:44-46), chose to join Christ and His apostles rather than keep from “rocking the boat”.
Crispus did the unpopular thing, not only in regard to his but peers, but also in regard to the general life-style of his city. Licentious living and idolatry were the norm at Corinth (1 Cor. 6:9-11), yet in obeying the Lord, Crispus knew he would have to “separate” himself from such ungodly living (cf. 2 Cor. 6:14-18). It would not have been a popular choice then, nor is it today.
It Was Worth It
Keep in mind that the letters of 1 and 2 Corinthians were written by Paul to the same people he had converted to Christ in Acts 18. Crispus is mentioned by name in one of these letters (1 Cor. 1:14). Paul can now write to these people and tell them they have been washed, sanctified, and justified. This is quite a statement considering many of them had been adulterers, homosexuals, sodomites, thieves, drunkards, and so forth (1 Cor. 6:9-11)! How happy a person can be when there is nothing that condemns him!
Furthermore, Crispus and others now enjoyed a right relationship with God. “Paul . . . to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to] [be] saints . . .” (1 Cor. 1:1 2). A saint is not some extraordinary individual who lived centuries ago that we now worship. A person today who follows the example of becoming a Christian like Crispus and the other Corinthians can enjoy this relationship with God also.
Finally, Crispus enjoyed a hope of living after he died here on the earth. He had hope beyond this life (1 Cor. 15). Whether you've committed fornication or been a drunkard, you can be “washed” (cf. Acts 22:16). You can live after this life and not suffer punishment eternally (Jn. 5:26-29).
Why not follow the example of Crispus and put service to the Lord above popularity or tradition? Crispus was indeed a religious and godly man, yet he needed to put aside his past life and follow what Christ taught (cf. Phil. 3:4-9). He was able to overcome the “in crowd” and do what he knew was right.
What about you? - mhr.