Theologically defined, providence is “the care or benevolent guidance of God.”  Missions and providence fit together like a hand in a glove.  We’ve seen this divine-human interaction throughout the Acts and we’ll see it again (Lord willing) this Sunday in Acts 18.  God is able to get two people in the same spot without coercing their will or moving them like puppets on a string.  When the principal missionary to the Gentiles decided to leave people who want him to stay, you’d think that ministry would languish.  But, God used Priscilla and Aquila to disciple a man named Apollos.  Priscilla and her husband had been kicked out of Rome and “just happened” to meet Paul in Corinth.  They all travelled together to Ephesus where Priscilla and Aquila “just happened” to meet Apollos from Alexandria, Egypt.  He “just happened” to be a Jew who was educated, eloquent and had “just happened” to have met some disciples of John the Baptist at some point in his journey.  God delights in lining up seeking and open-hearted people with those who are willing to share the gospel.  This is providence and this is how the church has expanded over the world in the past 1900 years.  It is a mystery and a marvel and our great God in the Heavens deserves our praise and adoration for His amazing work.  Understanding this means we ought to be willing participants.  We never know when our paths may providentially cross with a person seeking a relationship with God.  Therefore, we should always be ready to give an answer to those who may be curious about our hope in the Lord.