We read in this chapter that the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. Now, we may ask, when does this happen? Well, it happens when we confirm our faith. You see when you believe in Jesus Christ, you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Many people think they are converted but do not have the Spirit’s witness within. Paul could not build a church on men with an inadequate spiritual experience. And you know what? Neither can we today.

We must be honest with God. It happens when we confess our sins. That’s what happens when the Word of the Lord grows mightily and prevails when we confess our sins, the devil sees a great imitator, a great counterfeiter but in this case, his attempt was a humiliating failure.

The Lord used it for good because the believers became convicted about their secret sins and confessed them. Then the Spirit could work in mighty power, and the word increased. And when we confront the enemy, Paul did not openly attack their idolatry by picketing the temple of Diana or petitioning the city government. No, he simply shared the Word, and lives were changed. Of course, the real issue was money, not religion.

Paul was wise not to go into the theater, although we admire him for his courage. But the riot only called attention to the gospel and gave the believers more opportunity to witness. Circumstances that look like obstacles are really opportunities when you let God hard work.