June 12

Aquila,... lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla. — Acts 18:2

There is a Hand that directs our movements and shapes our lives. An old English poet wrote of what we call chance:

“It chanced – eternal God that chance did guide.”

Aquila and Priscilla were brought to Corinth by a hardship. But if they had not been at Corinth they would not have met Paul. They needed Paul and Paul needed them, so it was a blessed chance that brought them together. He was working at Corinth, lonely and a bit discouraged. Then two friends joined him, and at once we read that he preached with new earnestness.

A good friend is a mighty impulse in any man’s life. Christ is always an encourager. Paul was again disheartened. Then the Lord said to him, “Be not afraid, but speak, … for I am with thee.” Paul took fresh courage and preached with new power.