Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized. (Acts 18:7-8)
When I went to Costa Rica, homes were attached to businesses in townhouse fashion. In the same way, Titius Justus’ house, a home church, shared a wall with the synagogue.[1]
Whenever two or three (or more) are gathered in His name, Jesus promises to be there. (Matthew 18:20) Therefore, He was present in Titius Justus’s home next to the synagogue. I believe the closeness of Jesus had an overwhelming effect because the synagogue leader, Crispus, and his entire household believed.
God made us to desire unfailing love, (Proverbs 19:22 NIV) and Jesus is available to give it. His intimacy allows us to diminish anxious, doubtful, bitter, fearful, and guilty thoughts so we can better love others.
These early Christians who worshipped next door to the synagogue were so filled with the Spirit of Love, they couldn’t keep it contained. They stepped outside of their church to spread it to the Jews walking to the temple. And Paul spoke to them about Jesus. Because of Jesus’ and Christian love many Corinthians believed.
Father, I praise You for helping me remove anxiety, doubt, bitterness, fear, anger, and guilt from myself because these emotions keep me from loving and feeling love. When I leave my house, help me spread Your love like these early Christians did. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
[1] (taken from https://pastorsteverhodes.com/2014/11/05/acts-185-11-sermon)