Paul had arrived in Corinth and the first place that he taught was in the synagogue. Acts 18: 4 Each Sabbath he would engage both Jews and Greeks in debate in the synagogue in an attempt to persuade them of his message.[1] Paul had a God given burden for the lost. It was the same burden that Jesus felt.
Matt.9: 35 Jesus went through many towns and villages. He taught in their synagogues. He preached the good news of the kingdom of God. He healed every disease and sickness. 36 Whenever crowds came to Him, He had compassion for them because they were so deeply distraught, malaised, and heart-broken. They seemed to Him like lost sheep without a shepherd. 37 Jesus understood what an awesome task was before Him, so He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest to send more workers into His harvest field.”[2]
Paul knew that the people in Corinth were the same as the ones Jesus dealt with. He also knew that they couldn’t believe unless they heard the message. Rom. 10: 14 How can people invoke His name when they do not believe? How can they believe in Him when they have not heard? How can they hear if there is no one proclaiming Him? 15 How can some give voice to the truth if they are not sent by God? As Isaiah said, “Ah, how beautiful the feet of those who declare the good news of victory, of peace and liberation.”[3]
How can we all become aware of how much God loves each person? How can we become aware of how God wants all to be saved? I think meditating on Paul’s actions on his mission trip will give us a model. It may be that God will give us all a burden for the lost and move us to action.
To hear more about Paul’s burden for the lost, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/mission-trip-two-radio-show/a-heart-for-the-lost
[1,2,3] The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society