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Lesson 35

Best Laid Plans – Different Results

Acts 19:21-41

Back when I was working a strange dynamic would sometimes occur. There would be meeting that would be held to deal with issues that would affect the section in which I worked. We would sit down before the meeting and discuss exactly what we were going say and what would be our position. When we got into the meeting our lead person who had been privy to all of the planning would flip-flop and take the side of the opposition. I would come away from the meeting trying to figure out what happened. I would be both disappointed and frustrated with the decisions that were made, because they certainly would not been what I expected.

We have all probably experienced this sort of thing in the church. The church will do a lot of planning and have all kinds of discussions on some direction to be taken. Everyone will seem to be excited by what is happening and seem to be on board. Then because of some opposition to the idea it is scuttled. We then find ourselves in the same position that we were before the idea was ever put forth.

Acts 19:21

Paul sensed that his work was done in Ephesus. As will be noted in the next chapter he had established a strong vibrant church with good leadership in the form of elders. His plans upon leaving there was to once again travel through Macedonia and Achaia on his way to Jerusalem. Once that was completed, he wanted to go to Rome. See Romans 1:11-14 and 15:20 for the reasons he wanted to travel to Rome.

1. As the Scripture says, “what things were finished?”
2. Why did Paul plan to leave Ephesus?
3. Why would he want to go back through Macedonia?
4. What did he hope to accomplish in Rome?
5. Why was that city so important in the mind of Paul?

Acts 19:22

Paul did not leave immediately but sent Timothy and Erastus ahead of him. He then remained in Asia for some time.

1. Why did Paul send Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia and Achaia ahead of him?
2. For what reasons did Paul remain in Ephesus?
3. Why would he go back into Europe from Asia before going to Jerusalem?

Acts 19:23-27

Before Paul could leave trouble ensued concerning Christianity. One of the silversmiths named Demetrius made statues of Artemis to sell. This trade was profitable for all of the craftsman who were engaged in the business. He determined that Christianity, and the work of Paul in particular was detrimental to their business. According to Demetrius Paul was stating that gods made with hands were not gods at all. Demetrius saw three outcomes if the trend of more and more people becoming Christians was allowed to continue.

• Their business would be gone.
• The temple of Artemis would be “regarded as worthless.”
• The goddess who all of Asia worshipped would be dethrone and lose “her magnificence.”

 

1. What happened in Ephesus that immediately altered Paul’s plans?
2. What affect would Christianity have on the trade of Demetrius?
3. What did he fail to acknowledge in his evidence shared with the other craftsmen?
4. Which of the three trends would be truer than the others?
5. In what ways can gods or goddesses like Artemis be dethroned?

Acts 19:28-31

What started out with the outrage of a few angry artisans soon grew into a full scale riot involving the whole city. One of the first acts of the mob was to drag two of Paul’s travelling companions, Gaius and Aristarchus into the theater. The theater mentioned here has been excavated by archeologists and was able to hold over 20,000 people. When Paul tried to go into the meeting his friends including the Asiarchs prevented him from doing it.

1. What was the true underlying reason that Demetrius and the others started the riot?
2. Why did they use religion to mask what really upset them?
3. Why would the mob drag the companions of Paul into the theater?
4. Why did Paul’s friends keep him from going into the assembly?
5. What would he accomplish by doing so?

Acts 19:32-34

What took place in the theater was a scene of mass confusion. Because most of the people there had not heard the accusations of Demetrius they were swept along by the mob mentality. Each of them had a different story and no one knew why they were there. The crowd decided that Alexander the coppersmith was responsible and put him forth to explain what was taking place. His defense was to distance himself and his fellow Jews from Paul and those with him. When the crowd determined he was a Jew making him part of the opposition to Artemis they began to shout him down. For two hours the people continued to shout one thing. “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians.”

1. Why does a scene like is seen here result in one of mass confusion?
2. What are some clues that indicate that the people did not know what was taking place?
3. What did Alexander try to explain to the people?
4. Why would he be considered the opposition even though he was not a Christian?
5. Going back to the previous verses how did the Asiarchs prove to be wise?
6. What was the advantage to those who had been dragged into the theater because of the crowd’s confusion?
7. What was the rallying cry of the mob?
8. Out of all the confusion how could they know why they were shouting for Artemis?
9. When may there have been times when you have been swept up in what became a crowd and did not really know what was going on?

Acts 19:35-36

The town clerk was finally able to restore order. Once they were quiet he gave a defense of Artemis that would satisfy them. His points were

• Everyone knows that Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of Artemis and the statue that fell out of heaven.
• Since that was an undeniable fact there was no reason for their actions.

 

1. How was the town clerk able to calm the situation?
2. What were the points that he used to get them thinking about what they were doing?
3. How is this a pattern that can be used to diffuse many volatile situations?

Acts 19:37

His actions showed his impartiality in this situation. He first defended the Paul and those with him. His words indicate he was aware of what was going on in the city. Paul and the others did not need to defame Artemis. All they needed to do was preach Jesus. The natural outcome would be that people would turn from the false goddess to the one true God and His Son.  The town clerk was right they had committed no crime.

1. In what ways did the town clerk show his impartiality in this situation?
2. What was the one thing of which Paul could be accused?
3. In what ways did fact that the town clerk understood the real issue indicate that the Romans did not see Christianity as a threat at that time?

Acts 19:38-39

After addressing the crowd he brought clarity to the real issue. It was not about religion at all. Pointing out that Demetrius was behind the riot indicated that it was all about economics. The craftsman had couched their accusations in religious issues knowing that that was the only way that they could get the reaction they wanted. The town clerk saw through their ploy and basically called them on the carpet. It is interesting that he had said that Paul had not committed a crime and if Demetrius really had a case it should have been tried in the proper courts not in the court of public opinion where the facts could be skewed.

1. How do we sometimes muddy the water in our discussions?
2. Why do we need someone like the town clerk in the church?
3. Why do we beat around the bush with the statements we often make?
4. How was it that the town clerk was able to see clearly the situation?

Acts 19:40-41

The greatest fear that the town clerk had was that the Romans would accuse them of rioting. One thing that was not tolerated was that kind of unruly mob activity. The Romans prided themselves on being a law abiding orderly society. The second concern was there had been no legitimate reason for the outburst. The town clerk also could have lost his position if he could not maintain a peaceful environment and the city may have been brought under martial law. There were no objections when he dismissed the crowd.

1. What was the greatest fear of the town clerk?
2. Why should he have been concerned?
3. What would have happened if he had not been able to regain control?
4. What would have happened to the city?
5. When a business section in the church gets out of hand what could result?
6. What are the real consequences when we act like the Ephesians?
7. What are some things over which we get worked up that do not have validity in the ongoing activity of the church?
8. In what way did the town clerk show that he was the one with a cool head and right perspective on the situation?
9. What lessons can be learned from the attitudes of the players in this narrative?

You-

1. Before making a decision be sure that you have all of the facts.
2. Never let yourself get caught up in a mob scene.
3. Think of ways that you can diffuse destructive conversation and actions in the church?
4. Learn to be the person who displays wisdom by keeping a cool head and the right perspective.
5. Make sure that any discussion reflects the kingdom purpose for the church.

We do need to learn that there are at least as many different opinions in the church as there are members, and maybe more. The problem does not lie with opinion itself but the ways we try to influence others to our way of thinking. As was seen in the lesson today, Demetrius saw a problem that needed to be addressed. Rather than being straight-forward he attempted to twist the truth. He knew that the ephesians were proud of and sensitive of the goddess Artemis and the temple in the city named for her. He used this issue rather than the economic one to try to dismantle the work by Paul thus drawing his customers back to him.

We do need to be very careful that we always present the facts in a clear and truthful way. If the church does this it can be sure that God will honor the decisions that are made. The last thing that any of us want is to bring confusion and divisiveness to the Church. Let us take the difficult road that leads to a Christ-like attitude that He will be glorified.

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Notes:

C-Timothy and Erastus were sent ahead into Macedonia while Paul remained a while longer in Ephesus. (Acts 19:22)

C-Demetrius, a silversmith, became upset because his business was being affected because many of the Ephesians were turning to Christ and were no longer buying the idols be made in the image of the goddess Artemis. He was able to convince others to join him. These men became an angry mob who tried to stop Paul from continuing preaching to the people. When Paul could not be found they dragged Gaius and Aristarchus, his travelling companions into the theater where the assembly was taking place. Fortunately, the town clerk was finally able to quell the riot. (Acts 19:23-41)

GC-We are to be so concerned with the spiritual welfare of others that we take every opportunity to persuade them to turn away from meaningless gods m ade by men.       (Acts 19:26)

RT-There are those who will follow the crowd even if they have no idea where it is going or for what it stands. (Acts 19:32)

 

 

Lesson 34

The Powerful Impact of the Gospel

Acts 18:23-19:20

Teaching is such a privilege. With it however comes a great responsibility. To me the responsibility is how do I impact the lives of those I teach? Because I have such a passion for God’s word my greatest challenge and desire is to pass on what I have learned so that the next generation of believers will also share in that desire to share what they have learned.

I do not know how my teaching has affected the many over the years that have sat in classrooms in two different churches. Only God knows if anything that has been said has taken root. It is not for me to know what will occur in the lives of those individuals. I am to be faithful to the task to which God has called me.

I believe that we as a church are very close to losing a whole generation or more because we have not taken seriously our responsibility to truly mentor those who would follow us in the faith. A number of books have been written by men who are concerned that the church has drifted in emotionalism and entertainment and left behind the intellectual pursuit of knowing God. Unless we, like Paul, recognize the need to raise up a whole new generation of godly leaders who know God’s word and are able to teach it we are in deep trouble. The Scripture in Deuteronomy 6 gives us the model we are to use in making sure that the Church continues strong in the face of the onslaught of a godless society.

The main focus of the study will be about the people of Ephesus. Paul had left Aquila and Priscilla there. It was to that city that Appolos came to share what he knew about Jesus.

Ephesus was:

• A primary market city in that part of Asia Minor.
• A city where the Roman governor often tried cases of importance
• The place where the Pan-Ionian games were held. To be chosen to organize these games were a great honor. The title of these organizers was Asiarchs.
• The home of criminals. The Temple Artemus which was located there was considered a refuge for any criminal who could reach its grounds, thus the city was full of these refugees.
• Center of pagan superstition. Parchments called Ephesian Letters were supposed to bring good luck to those who possessed them. They were so popular that they were purchased by people from all over the world.
• As mentioned the location of the Temple of Artemus in Greek and Diana in Latin. Artemus was the goddess of fertility.

This is the place in which Paul was to have success and his some of his greatest challenges.

Acts 18:23

After spending time at Antioch, Paul goes on the road again. Taking a different route he travels through Galatia and Phrygia with the main purpose of strengthening those who had become followers of Christ.

1. Why did Paul feel it necessary to take a third missionary trip?
2. What was he trying to accomplish as he went through Galatia and Phrygia?
3. By strengthening the brethren what did he expect to happen in those regions?
4. What does his example say to us about our responsibility to those in the church?

Acts 18:24-25

In the verses a new figure appears on the Scene, Apollos of Alexandria. Some say that the church in Alexandria was started by Mark. How ironic that the one rejected by Paul would be instrumental in the conversion of Apollos, who would in a way become a co-worker of Paul.

For a moment let’s look at this city that produced Apollos. Alexandria would be a city described as:

• A port city on the Mediterranean Sea on the northern coast of Africa in present day Egypt.
• An important commercial center because of its location in the Roman Empire.
• Having a large population of Jews.
• The place where the Greek translation of the Old Testament was begun.
• A city of scholarship with one of the largest libraries in existence at that time with over 60,000 volumes.
• Home of some of the earliest church fathers like Clement and Origen.
• The city where allegorical interpretation of the Old Testament began.

Having the opportunities available to him Apollos was described as:

• A man of learning
• Mighty in the Scriptures
• One who had been instructed in the way of the Lord
• Fervent in Spirit
• One who accurately spoke and taught about Jesus
• One who was only familiar with the baptism of John.

 

1. Why is it important to know about the place from which Apollos came?
2. In what way could that type of environment shape a young man like Apollos?
3. How did he differ from the men of Athens?
4. What are the qualities that most stand out about him in your mind?
5. Why are they important to you?
6. What was the one thing he was lacking?

Acts 18:26

With his background, Apollos was able to begin speaking immediately in the synagogue. His message was presented with the authority of one who knew the Scriptures and was able to present the facts of Jesus with all boldness. When Aquila and Priscilla, the couple left in Ephesus, heard him speak they had private sessions with him. Luke tells us that they, “Explained the way of God more accurately.” Apollos had his facts straight about Jesus, head knowledge, but was lacking the infilling of the Holy Spirit, heart knowledge. He was like so many in church today that think that because they know who Jesus is they are fine but in fact have not given their heart to Him. Aquila and Priscilla realized that Apollos was living under a delusion thinking that the baptism of John for the remission of sins was enough.

1. What was the message of Apollos before he met Aquila and Priscilla?
2. What did the couple see missing from his message?
3. Why is it important to have people like Aquila and Priscilla in the church today?
4. What is their role?
5. How effective can a church be without them?
6. What did Luke mean by the statement “they explained the way of God more accurately?”
7. In what ways was Apollo like so many in the church today?
8. What is missing in the lives of so many people?
9. How effective can the ministry be of those who only have head knowledge of Jesus?
10. What will have to those who are not totally committed to Jesus when life challenges come their way?

Acts 18:27-28

After receiving instruction from those in the church in Ephesus Apollos left Asia Minor and crossed over to Achaia in Greece. He was sent off with a letter of recommendation. Notice the change in him. When he arrived in Achaia he was an encouragement to those who had believed in Jesus by grace alone. He continued the work started by Paul, refuted the inaccuracies of the arguments of the Jews by showing that Jesus was the Christ according to the Scriptures.

1. What was the result of the instructions of Aquila and Priscilla?
2. Why did the disciples give him a letter of recommendation?
3. What is the evidence that showed that he understood salvation by grace alone?
4. What is the best evidence that he had had a life changing experience in Ephesus?
5. What was different about his messages to the Jews in Achaia than what he had shared in Ephesus?

Acts 19:1-7

Apollos had moved on to Corinth. Paul came to Ephesus. He found some disciples who were in the same position as Apollos had been previously. They were believers but had only been baptized in the baptism of John and not of the Holy Spirit. As has been stated this was a baptism for repentance of sins. To be truly saved one must receive Jesus as Savior through the work of the Holy Spirit. These men had not received the sealing of the Holy Spirit. Paul explained that Jesus was the One to whom John pointed as the One who would bring salvation to mankind. When they heard it they were then baptized in, “The name of the Lord Jesus.” Paul then laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit as evidenced by the speaking in other languages. They also began to prophesy.

1. How is that so many only go part way in their understanding of salvation?
2. Why were these men so receptive to Paul’s message to them?
3. Why will John’s baptism never bring salvation to man?
4. Why did the Holy Spirit cause these particular men to speak in other languages and prophesy when there is no evidence that this occurred in the life of Apollos?
5. What does it mean when men are sealed by the Holy Spirit? (See Ephesians 1:13-14)

Acts 19:8-10

Even though Paul had been called to minister to the Gentiles he once again went to the synagogue of the Jews. There is no need to once again discuss the reasons. Suffice it to say that the results were similar to what took place in previous cities.

Paul spent his first three months reasoning with the Jews in the synagogue trying to convince them about the real kingdom of God. As has been seen before, eventually they refused to listen to his message and began speaking against Christ. He then moved in the School of Tyrannus where he continued to teach the disciples for about two years. Both Jews and Gentiles from Asia came to hear the message of Christ.

1. Why would Paul expect different results than he had previously experienced?
2. How did what happen help him begin a new church in the city?
3. Why was it important for him to have a place like the School of Tyrannus as his base of operation?
4. What does it say about what Paul did there that he was able to remain for two years?

Acts 19:11-12

Not only was Paul able to teach but God began to perform miracles through him. God used even part of Paul’s personal items like aprons and handkerchiefs to bring about the healings. In addition to physical cures demons were also exorcised from the people.

1. Why did Luke give more emphasis to miracles here than previous discussed in other cities?
2. Why did God use Paul’s personal possessions to bring about the healings?
3. Why was demon possession specifically mentioned?

Acts 19:13-16

Some Jewish men claimed to be exorcists. When they attempted to cast an evil spirit out of a man using the name of “Jesus whom Paul preaches” the demon turned on the seven sons of Sceva and wounded them. The demon knew Jesus and he knew Paul but he did not know those seven men and responded based on that fact.

1. Why did the seven sons of Sceva invoke the name of Jesus?
2. What indicated that they did not have the power of Paul?
3. What might happen in the city when what Paul had accomplished was compared to the seven men?

Acts 19:17-19

The news of this event reached the ears of both the Jews and Greeks. Luke wrote, “Fear fell upon them all in the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified.” This became a time of confession and repentance for the people of Ephesus. As has been mentioned these were a very superstitious people. Many of them practice magic. When confronted with true miracles and the actions of God in casting out evil spirits they brought the tools of their trade, books of magic and burned them.

1. Why would the actions of the demon possessed man have such an impact on the people?
2. Why did they become so afraid?
3. To whom did they give credit for all that had occurred?
4. What changes did the acknowledgement of what God had done make in their lives?
5. How much attention do we give to all that God is doing in our world?
6. What impact does all of the chaos have on us?
7. What have we done as a result of hearing the truth?
8. How has it changed our lives?

Acts 19:20

Ephesus at that point had to be an exciting place to be. God’s word was being proclaimed and impacting the lives of the people in a mighty way.

1. What brought the people to the point that God’s word was growing in their hearts in a mighty way?
2. How far had these new believers come?
3. In what way did the patience and courage of Paul pay off?
4. What could happen in the life of a city where the gospel had such an impact?
5. What lessons can we learn from the actions of Paul?

You

1. Consider the ways your life has impacted others?
2. Have the things you have done drawn people closer to God?
3. Think about the ways you might impact the next generation so that from among them might come the next Timothy’s, Aquila’s, Prisicilla’s and Apollos’ of the faith.
4. Consider ways that you might stir up your family and community for Christ.

All too often we get stuck in a rut in our faith. There needs to evidence that we are change agents for Christ. We allow ourselves to continue in the same way that have operated in the past we can only expect that the next generation that we are to impact will do the same. We need to re-examine ourselves to see if we are a catalyst for Christ. Without dynamic life-changing people the church including Bethany Place will become not a place that brings fear of the consequences of sin but a place that condones what is taking place in the world. Like the Ephesians lets symbolically burn those things that hinder us from being the kind of Church God wants us to be. Let us not be blinded to what needs to take place in each of lives to advance the kingdom of God. Immediate action is necessary to save us from mediocrity. God please open our hearts and minds to what needs to be done.

 

Additional Notes:

C-Paul made a third missionary journey. His travels took him through Galatia and Phrygia where he spent time strengthening the disciples. (Acts 18:23)

GC-Apollos displayed the qualities that each of us should possess. He was:

1. Mighty in the Scriptures
2. Instructed in the way of the Lord
3. Fervent in spirit
4. Able to teach and speak accurately the things concerning Jesus.                       (18:24-25)

C-Apollos, a Jew, from Alexandria came to Ephesus teaching about Jesus. He only knew about the baptism of John. Priscilla and Aquila heard him speak. They took aside and gave him instructions in order for him to more clearly understand the ways of God.   (Acts 18:24-26)

GC-We are to never reach the point that we are not willing to learn. (Acts 18:26)

GC-We must have the attitude of one who is teachable. Furthermore it is a reality that learning is a lifelong process. (Acts 18:26)

GC-There may be different needs but a believer should be ready to give help to other believers. (Acts 18:27)

GC-It is only as we gain knowledge of God’s word are we able to refute the arguments of the opponents of Christ by using the Scriptures to show that He is indeed the Son of God and the Messiah. (Acts 18:28)

C-After spending time with Aquila and Priscilla, Apollos wanted to go to Achaia. The brethren provided him with a letter of recommendation. When he arrived he began to help those who had believed through the grace of God. He was able to refute the arguments in a powerful way. They were shown through the Scripture that Jesus was the Christ. With people like Apollos, Aquila and Priscilla we are beginning to see the third generation of leaders come on the scene. (Acts 18:27-28)

GC-RT-It is always with the word of God that arguments are destroyed. God is always shown to be greater than any of His detractors. (Acts 18:28)

OC-The truth of Jesus will always overcome the doctrines of man. (Acts 18:28)

TM-There is only one source for convincing people that Jesus is the Messiah. It is through God’s word that man learns of Jesus. The Scriptures that Apollos used would have been the Old Testament. (Acts 18:28)

C-Paul travelled to Ephesus. Some disciples who had only received the baptism of repentance heard the message of Jesus. They were then baptized in His name. Paul laid hands on them and the Holy Spirit came upon them. Like many before them they began to speak in tongues and were prophesying. (Acts 19:1-7)

DM-Paul did not continue to reason with and teach those who became hardened and disobedient to the word. There were those who were not satisfied with just turning away but began, “to speak evil of the Way.” It was at this point that Paul moved his teaching point to the school of Tyrannus. There he spent about two years teaching the new disciples. (Acts 19:8-10)

C-When Paul arrived in Ephesus he entered the synagogue which was his normal practice. For three months he spoke with great boldness, reasoning and persuading the Jews about God’s kingdom. As is found wherever the gospel is preached there will those who harden their hearts. Ephesus certainly was no different. These men were disobedient and spoke evil about the Way. Paul therefore left the synagogue and took with him the new disciples of the city. He spoke daily after that in the school of a man named Tyrannus. For two years he worked among the people of Ephesus. We are told that during that time all who lived in Asia heard the word whether they were Greek or Jew. (Acts 19:8-10)

GC-Sometimes we can understand the qualities that we are to possess by looking at the opposite of those characteristics. A follower of Christ is not to be:

1. One whose heart is hardened
2. Disobedient
3. One who speaks evil of Christianity
4. One who loses the opportunity to hear because the messenger has left and taken the good news to someone else. (Acts 19:9)

GC-Christ’s followers are to be in God’s word daily. (Acts 19:9)

C-Miracles such as had never been seen before in Ephesus were being performed through Paul. (Acts 19:11-12)

C-There were seven Jews who went about trying to perform exorcisms by invoking Jesus’ name through Paul. The demons did not recognize the men and saw that they had no power and beat them badly. As a result great fear fell on both Jew and Greek. The name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified and many began to believe. Those who had practiced magic brought the books they possessed to be burned. “The word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing.” (Acts 19:14-20)

RT-The gods and goddesses of this world have already been dethroned. Their worshippers and adherents just have not realized it yet. They keep trying to force their world view on the rest of us who do not hold to the humanist ideology. (Acts 19:20)

Lesson 33

The Tale of Two Lost Cities Part Two

Acts 18

Over the years I have looked at people I have known and have tried to discern what makes one person a strong follower of Christ while others who have been in church all of their lives seem to be more apathetic. What I have discovered that the most dynamic Christians are those who were either anti-theist or led a very rough life when they were young. While I was working for the International Mission Board I came to know a young man who I considered to be one of the most on fire Christians I have known. He grew up in a family of non-believers. It was not until he attended the Air Force Academy that he came to know Christ. One of the tools God used to bring him to salvation was some books by C. S. Lewis. I am so thankful for him. He helped me to begin to memorize Scripture which I had never done before in my life.

When we think about the circumstance of our church and so many other churches and wonder why we are not growing, we have to look at our relationship with Christ. The question then becomes, are we sold out to Jesus or just getting by. There is a rule that is found in many organizations. It is what is called the eighty twenty rule. Basically it states that only 20 percent of the people do 80 percent of the work. How then can we expect to accomplish anything for Christ if just 20 percent of us care enough to serve Him? How do we expect to impact the world with so few dedicated followers?

We will see today’s lesson how this dynamic is played out. When we think about what happened at Corinth it almost appears that it was easier to lead people to become Christians in a totally debased city than in cities like Athens where they had all of their gods, philosophy and intellect to worship. They almost knew too much to surrender to Christ.

Acts 18:1

After a disappointing time in Athens, Paul travelled to Corinth. Other sources of information need to be used to find out what kind city in which Paul would now be ministering. Corinth of that day could be described as:

• A key city located on the southern edge of the isthmus that connected the upper and lower part of Greece. Any person travelling to southern Greece would have to pass through this city.
• It was the market place of Greece
• The location of the Isthmian Games which were second only to the Olympics.
• It was also a very wicked city full of all types of debauchery. The word “Corinthian” was synonymous with immorality.
• Finally it was the home of the temple of Aphrodite who was the Greek goddess of love, beauty and sexuality. At its height there were over a 1000 prostitutes. The Roman equivalent would be the goddess Venus.

 

1. Why did Paul travel to Corinth?
2. What kind of city did he find upon his arrival?
3. Why would this be one of the most difficult places to share the gospel?
4. On the flip side why might this be the best of all places to share the gospel?
5. Why do we avoid the difficult places and people?

Acts 18:2-4

Paul met a Jew named Aquila who was from Pontus. Both he and his wife Priscilla were in Corinth because the emperor, Claudius had chased all of the Jews out of Rome. The three began working together because they were tent-makers. During the week Paul would have plied his trade but on the Sabbath he would spend time in the synagogue reasoning with the Jews. He spent this time trying to convince both Jews and Greeks. Although not mentioned this is where his new friends heard the gospel.

1. Why did Aquila and Priscilla find themselves in Corinth?
2. What was their connection with Paul?
3. What opportunities would Paul have to share with them?
4. Why would Corinth be a good city in which to ply his trade?
5. How Paul use his time when not working on tents?

Acts 18:5-6

When Silas and Timothy arrived from Athens, Paul, as Luke wrote, “began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.” The two men may have brought the news that Paul need not try to return to Athens any time soon. Hearing this news freed him to begin to spend time ministering to the Corinthians.

This new approach by Paul brought opposition from the Jews. Not only did they resist his teaching but also committed blasphemy.

1. Why did Paul wait for Silas and Timothy before ministering fulltime?
2. What is the plausibility that the door was closed and this led to the new work of Paul?
3. Why did Paul experience such opposition once he began to testify of the gospel fulltime?”
4. Why was this different than sharing only on the Sabbath?

Acts 18:6-7

Paul seems to hold out this greatest condemnation for the Jews of Corinthians. In no other place that Paul had ever visited had he reacted in this way. He used very strong words in describing the future of Jews who blaspheme Jesus by saying, “Your blood be on your own heads!” In his heart and mind he believed the Jews of Corinth had completely rejected Jesus as the Son of God and therefore had brought judgment upon themselves. He formally now states his new focus. From that point on, he would work with the Gentiles. To back this up he moved his operations to the home of Titius Justus who worshipped God. His headquarters was right next door to the synagogue.

1. Why was Paul so harsh on the Jews in Corinth?
2. What did he mean when he said, “Your blood be on your own heads?”
3. What might have been Paul’s mood at this point?
4. What could have been the one thing that he forgot?
5. Why did he move so close to the synagogue?
6. Why did he now focus his ministry on the Gentiles?

Acts 18:8

It had to be encouraging to Paul that Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue became a follower of Christ with his whole household. A ruler of the synagogue would be someone like an administrator of the synagogue with responsibility for the building and guest speakers. Along with Crispus there were many other Corinthians who after hearing the message of the gospel became believers also. While Paul was dealing with the situation from a human perspective God was working behind the scenes to bring about the harvest? From failure to success would be what Paul experienced.

1. Why might Paul at this point viewed himself as a failure?
2. How may what we consider a failure affect how we minister to others?
3. What could he not know at this time?
4. How does God take what seems to be failure and turn it into a situation which will bring glory to Himself?
5. After the above statements what would be the one thing that would bring encouragement to Paul?
6. What would cause someone like Crispus who was a ruler of the synagogue become a believer?

Acts 18:9-11

There was last piece to the puzzle to let Paul know that God had not deserted him and still had a plan for him. After Paul’s decision to begin ministering to the Gentiles God came to him in a vision. There were several points that He shared to encourage him:

• He was no longer to be fearful
• He was to continue speaking
• God was with him
• No harm would come to him
• God had people in the city

After this vision Paul spent another year and a half teaching the word of God among the people.

1. Why did God appear to Paul in a vision?
2. What had caused Paul to become fearful?
3. What had God called to do?
4. How would God’s assurance that no one would attack him or harm him help him in his ministry?
5. When have times when you feared what the future may bring?
6. How has God helped you overcome that fear?
7. How different has been your service been since that occurred?

Acts 18:12-17

The Jews had finally had enough of Paul and brought him before the Roman proconsul Gallio. Their accusation was that Paul was causes people to break the law by worshipping Jesus Christ. Gallio took an impartial position and dismissed the case. He refused to rule in a case involving religious ideology.

Sadly the Corinthians took advantage of the ruling and began beating Sosthenes the leader of the synagogue. Here again Gallio refused to become involved.

1. Why would Gallio refuse to hear the case against Paul?
2. In what way was his decision a result of the promise made by God to Paul?
3. To what law were the Jews referring?

Acts 18:18

Following the trial Paul remained in Corinth for a while. With his departure from the city the second missionary journey was over. He was heading back to the place from which he started even though he would take a different route before arriving there. He took Aquila and Priscilla with him.

1. Why did Paul spend more time in Corinth?
2. If he was having success why did he feel it was time to leave?
3. Why did he feel that he could take Aquila and Priscilla with him?
4. Who may have been one of the elders that Paul left to provide leadership?
5. Why would he have confidence in that person?

Acts 18:19-22

The following verses show the number of stops that Paul made as he finished the trip.

• He set out for Syria as mentioned in verse 18.
• In Cenchrea in Greece he cut his hair because he had made a vow. This would have been a Nazirite vow. As one commentator mentioned it was probably out of thankfulness for all that God had done in Corinth.
• He arrived in Ephesus and left Acquila and Priscilla there. At that time he declined to stay there but promised to return if possible. More than likely this had to do with the vow he had made.
• His next stop was at Caesarea.
• From there he journeyed up to Jerusalem where he greeted the church and probably fulfilled his vow.
• The last leg of his journey took him back to Antioch.

 

1. What was a Nazirite vow?
2. Why did he leave Aquila and Priscilla at Ephesus?
3. Why did Paul not remain at Ephesus at that time?
4. Why did he go up to Jerusalem?

You-

1. Take time to reflect on the events of your life when you faced what seemed to be an almost impossible situation.
2. As you look back, think about the ways that God was working behind the scenes for you
3. Praise Him for all the times He has taken to you from the point that you considered failure to ultimate victory.
4. Remember with each new life situation there will be new challenges to be overcome.
5. Remember God is with you in all of those times.

As a church we need to learn how to have the courage to face each new challenge. It is so easy to become discouraged when things are not working out according to our own plans. We have to remember that this is God’s Church and He expects us to trust Him in every aspect of the church’s life. Like Paul we are not to give up. Sometimes we will have to make difficult decisions that run counter to our view of a situation, but we do so because it is the right choice. In the long run God will bless us as we remain faithful to His purpose for us. Be of good courage the battle and the victory belongs to the Lord. Let us shake the dust off of the past and move out into a God directed path.

Additional Notes:

C-When Paul left Athens he went on to Corinth. In Corinth he met Aquila and Priscilla. They had fled Rome when Claudius had forced all the Jews to leave. They formed and alliance since they were all tent makers. What an opportunity for Aquila and Priscilla to learn firsthand about Christ. (Acts 18:1-3)

C-Paul spent his free time, when he was not making tents, speaking to the Jews and Greeks trying to persuade them that Christ was their only hope. (Acts 18:4)

C-With the arrival of Silas and Timothy, Paul began to spend all of his time completely devoted to the testifying of the word of God to the Jews. When they refused to listen and were even guilty of blasphemy, Paul turned his full attention to the Gentiles.             (Acts 18:5-6)

GC-A follower must come to the point that he has gained the wisdom to not cast pearls before swine. (Acts 18:5-6; Matt. 7:6)

C-While in Corinth Paul went to the home of Titius Justus who lived next door the synagogue (Acts 18:7)

C-Crispus, the leader of the synagogue and his whole household became believers. Many of the Corinthians believed and were baptized. (Acts 18:8)

GC-One who comes to know the Lord is one who has not resisted Him. (Acts 18:8)

GC-A true believer testifies that Jesus is the Christ. (Acts 18:8)

GC-We do have to fear others because God is our source of strength. (Acts 18:9-10)

GC-As God admonished Paul, He also is encouraging us not to be afraid but to keep speaking out to our own generation. (Acts 18:10)

C-Paul stayed in Corinth one year and six months. (Acts 18:11)

C-The Jews of the city brought Paul before the proconsul, Gallio, accusing him of trying to worship Jesus. Gallio dismissed the charge. (Acts 18:12-17)

C-After some days Paul left Corinth taking Aquila Priscilla with him. (Acts 18:18)

C-Aquila and Priscilla were left at Ephesus while Paul continued his journey on to Antioch. (Acts 18:21-22)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 32

A Tale of Two Lost Cities Part One

Acts 17:16-34

Over the years I have come to realize that many of the decisions I have made are based quite often on limited knowledge. I say this because many of them have come from a desire for something to happen. Many times I have come to a conclusion based on emotion, something that will make me feel good, the avoidance of pain, taking the easy way out, or because it is the way that it has always been done. All of these ways showed little regard for what God’s word says I am to do. This same characteristic seems to be prevalent in almost everyone. I have notice how politicians, children and parents all too often evade the truth because of the adverse affect it may have on the lifestyle they have chosen. If I would just turn to the source of true knowledge in making decisions my life most likely would be much simpler.

The church is not exempt from this malady. Our discussions revolve around personal desires. The decisions then are made based on those desires and emotions. We do not seem to want search God’s word for direction but want to continue on the path we have always followed. In many ways we are like the Jews that we have already studied and the Athenians upon which we will focus today.

Athens-

Although no longer a world power and had not been for some time, it was still the center of great learning in the world. It housed a great university. The discipline of philosophy if not started there was certainly refined by the people of that area. From among the people had arisen the great philosophers Aristotle and Socrates among many others. An outgrowth of this adherence to this man made wisdom was the rise of Greek mythology. We can say that the Greeks were a very spiritual but superstitious people who were totally ignorant of the true God.

Acts 17:16

Paul has been left alone in Athens awaiting the arrival of Silas, Timothy as possibly Luke. This time alone provides him with the opportunity to assess the spiritual environment in the city. What he sees disturbs him greatly as he observes a city full of idols.

1. Why is it sometimes good to be alone to evaluate your life and what is going on around you?
2. What kind of idols may you have built in your life?
3. In what ways does it disturb you to live in society full of godlessness?
4. What kind of strategy might be used to reach the hearts of the lost?

Acts 17:17

During those days spent looking at the situation, Paul was not inactive. Time was urgent and he must be about the Father’s work. As always if possible he began speaking with the Jews and God-fearers in the synagogue. In Athens he expanded his work to include those found in the market place of the city.

1. Why did Paul not wait until the others arrived to begin presenting the gospel?
2. Why was Paul able to continue his work in Athens even though he did not have the support of his team?
3. What was different about his approach this time?
4. What does this say to us about our own call?

Acts 17:18

Two of the distinct groups of philosophers began to have discussions with Paul. They were the Epicureans and the Stoics. Each of these had a different view of life.

The Epicureans held that:

• Everything that occurred in life happened by chance.
• There was no eternal life.
• The gods they worshipped were remote from and did not care what happened to man.
• Pleasure that brought no pain was the chief end of man’s endeavors.

The Stoics believed that:

• Everything was God. When man died the spirit that was in man returned to God.
• Everything that happened was the will of God and must be endured without any resentment.
• Every so often the world would be destroyed by fire and then started over again with the same cycle of events.

Among these philosophers there were two different responses to the message of Paul.

• He was called an idle babbler. Today he might be called one is knows a lot of trivia but nothing of any substance.
• Proclaimer of some strange deity. Jesus did not fit in with the list of gods they worshipped, nor was He like the gods they knew. Paul was preaching that Jesus had come back to life.

It is interesting that these two groups would such derisive terms since they followed Greek mythology and were also very superstitious. Because Paul did not follow their philosophy or manner of discussion he would have been considered unlearned.

1. What do you think about the philosophy of the two groups?
2. How does it compare to the words of Paul?
3. Why would they make such derogatory remarks about Paul?

Acts 17:19-21

Although the philosophers spoke as they had about Paul they were still curious enough about the new teaching to bring him before the court that met at the Areopagus, better known as Mars Hill. What Luke wrote gives a view of the Greeks. He said, “Now all of the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.” This court was made up of about 30 men who would hear cases brought to them. To them Paul was brought to present his case.

1. Why did the philosophers bring Paul before the Areopagus?
2. Why did the Athenians spend so much time trying to learn new things?
3. From what we have seen already what good did all the learning they had help them?
4. How would the passage from Luke 9:25 which reads, “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world and loses his soul,” apply here?

Acts 17:22-28

As Paul appeared at the Areopagus he began by noting that the Athenians were a very religious people. He particularly spoke of the “ALTAR TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” This would be at the heart of his defense as he contrasted God with their multiple gods. Throughout these verses he would make the comparisons between the state of the religion of the Greeks and the worship of the One true God.

He begins by telling them their worship was rooted in ignorance. The evidence was presented in a way that the Greek mind could understand. Step by step he laid out for them God’s activity in the world explaining His relationship to man. Since God created all things including man He is not limited to buildings or statutes but is Lord of heaven and earth.

Man is a result of God’s creative work receiving the very life he has from Him. The gods of the Greeks had no interest in the activities of man. Paul told them that God knew everything about man. If man chose to do so he could even come to know God. Luke recorded the words, “He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist.”

1. Why had the Greeks built an “Altar to An Unknown God?”
2. What did Paul say about their religious practices?
3. In what ways did he compare God to the gods of the Greeks?
4. In what ways are we sometimes like the Greeks?

Acts 17:29-30

Being the divinely created children of the infinite God, Paul admonished the Greeks not to try to reduce Him to things made by man’s hands. The Creator cannot be compared with the created. The Greeks were now being challenged to move away from idols and the worship of them done in ignorance. The time was past that that ignorance would be overlooked by God? When the truth comes old ways must be put behind man. In each man’s life there comes a time to repent of past deeds.

1. Why did Paul identify the Greek’s as children of God?
2. In what ways do men still worship God in ignorance?
3. What is our role in seeing that this is changed?
4. Why is heart attitude not acceptable to God?

Acts 17:31

There is going to be a day of judgment. All of the things that Paul had said about God gave Him the right to “judge the world in righteousness.” The judgment came through God’s anointed Jesus Christ. As proof of this fact Paul told the Athenians that He raised the Anointed one from death.

1. What is God going to judge on the day of judgment?
2. Why would Paul share this with the godless Athenians?
3. What does it say to us in our own day?
4. How can we use the framework of what Paul said as a witnessing tool?
5. How does this differ from what he had shared in other cities?

Acts 17:32-34

Paul received three different reactions to his defense of the gospel.

• Some sneered
• Others were still open and wanted to hear more.
• A few became followers of Christ. Two of those mentioned are Dionysius who was an areopagite and a woman named Damaris.

Many have commented on why Paul did not experience more success in Athens. One of the reasons put forth was the fact that Paul did not put forth a straightforward message of Christ. Today we would say that this was being culturally relevant.

1. What were the different reactions to Paul’s defense?
2. In what ways have you experienced some of the same reactions?
3. Why did Paul not meet with more success in Athens?
4. What might he have done differently?
5. How would you react to the disappointment of having people reject the testimony to the gospel you present?

You

• Continually prepare your heart and mind to be able to give an answer to what you believe in a way that will touch the hearts of man?
• Pray that God will give you opportunities to stretch and challenge your faith?
• Learn to deal with failure. Remember it is not you that people are rejecting but God?
• Pray that own community and surrounding areas will not be an area like Athens.
• Eliminate from your own life any gods that may hinder you from knowing the true God and His Son.

We face a world much like Athens today. It is a place that is rejecting the relationship with God in ever increasing numbers every year. Idol worship has become prevalent and there is even the danger of it taking over much of what we do in the church.

It is more imperative today than any time in my lifetime for us to be vigilant in our preparation through the study of God’s word, prayer and worship to face the challenges we are going to face. Paul addressed the fact that the people of Athens had all their gods and did not have life. He spoke of the unknown god which was probably the supposedly security blanket just in case they may have excluded the very one they needed.

In our lives we do not need to search for life and joy. God is near and wants to live within each of us that we may have those things. He is the answer. It is He who we should be anxious to share with the world.

Next week we will look at another city in that part of Greece. Corinth will be a contrast to Athens that will be of benefit as we see God working in all types of situations.

Additional Notes:

C-When Paul was driven out of Berea he left behind Timothy and Silas to continue ministering to the people of Berea. This was the first time that Paul went into an area by himself.   He travelled to Athens. Timothy and Silas were instructed to follow him as soon as possible. (Acts 17:14-15)

GC-We also should be disturbed by the signs and actions of people living contrary to God’s will. (Acts 17:16)

GC-Our spirit should be provoked at all the false gods being worshipped. (Acts 17:16)

C-While in Athens Paul became deeply troubled as he saw a city full of idols. He began witnessing in every venue where he was given opportunity. He spoke at the Areopagus comparing a religion that worshipped idols to the one who worshipped the living God. He argued that the living God was the only one capable of bringing judgment but also forgiveness through His resurrected Son. (Acts 17:22-31)

GC-The one who seeks God will find Him. (Acts 17:27)

GC-In Christ we live and move and have our very existence. (Acts 17:28)

DM-As He did in Athens almost two thousand years ago, God is still “declaring to men, that all everywhere should repent. There is a day of judgment coming at a fixed time through Jesus Christ.” There will always be those who ridicule the message of the resurrection, some will always be curious of its meaning but thankfully there will those who become followers of Jesus Christ. (Acts 17:30-34)

C-Paul found a much more difficult audience among the Athenians for his message. After speaking out for Christ only a few people followed him. (Acts 17:34)

Lesson 31

Upsetting the World

Acts 17:1-15

On each of the trips I made to Russia a number of years ago, each group of which I was a part visited the mosque established by Kathryn the Great back in the 18^th century. As the Iman was explaining to us about Islam there was one statement he made that really caught my attention. He said basically that the Russian Orthodox Church and the adherents to the Muslim faith got along very well. My initial reaction to that statement was shame on the Orthodox Church. My question, in my own mind but not spoken out loud, was why were they not doing a better job of witnessing to the Muslims?

As I have reflected on that moment I have to ask myself am I doing any better? This brings to mind a number of thoughts. In what ways am I so much like the world that it is does not feel threatened or offended by what I do or say in the name of Christ? Why is it that my life has so little impact on those around me? Looking inward I would have to say that often I lack the courage, confronting the world can be very messy, and at other times I do not reflect the love of Christ.

Since you and I are the church what I have shared is being multiplied all over the world. We as the church are no longer displaying the courage and boldness for Christ to change society. Society has moved on and the church has become marginalized in its influence on the lives of even those who call themselves spiritual. All we have to do is look at most denominations and see the decline in attendance as a true indicator that this is happening. There are some churches who have taken hold of the mandate given in the Bible to reach the lost of the world, but far too many have compromised with and become too much like the world. Here in our country there is little mention of our upsetting the whole world by our efforts to share the gospel with the unsaved. It just is not happening. In other parts of the world there are people being persecuted and killed for their stand for Christ but not here.

Today we will see what happened when Paul tried to bring the gospel to Europe. Last week we looked at the impact he had on three lives. What will happen when he brings the idea of a whole new belief system to these cities?

Acts 17:1

After Paul and his companions left Philippi they made their way about 100 miles west by-way-of Amphipolis and Apollonia to Thessalonica along the Egnatian Way. Let us back track a moment to the Introduction of Acts. One of the reasons given for the coming of Christ during that time period was that the Romans had built an excellent road system. This would allow for easy travel and the rapid spread of the gospel. The Egnatian Way was part of that road system and ran down through the heart of Thessalonica. If a church could be established in this strategic city then the gospel could be carried from the Adriatic Sea all the way into the Middle East.

It was to this city came. There was a larger assembly of Jews there because they had a synagogue.

1. Why did Paul choose Thessalonica as the next city on the missionary journey?
2. Why was would it be considered a strategic city in his ministry?
3. What was the importance of the Egnatian Way?
4. What did Paul find there that would provide him with inroads into the life of the city?

Acts 17:2-4

As has been seen in other places the synagogue would have been the place where Paul would begin sharing the gospel. He would spend three weeks with them as the Scripture says, He

• Was reasoning with them from the Scriptures
• Explaining and giving evidence about the death and resurrection of Jesus.
• Proclaimed Jesus as the Christ, the Anointed One, The Messiah.

Upon hearing the message “some were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas.” This phrase probably refers to the Jews. Luke then says that beyond that number there were two other groups that believed.

• God-fearing Greeks
• Leading woman in the city

1. Why did Luke use three different words, reasoning, explaining, giving evidence to tell us about the activities of Paul?
2. What were the results of the testimony of Paul?
3. Who were the some to which Luke refers? What would be a clue to the answer?
4. Who were the most receptive to his message?
5. Why do you think that this is true?
6. Why would the leading women be specifically mentioned?
7. What does it say about those who we might reach with the gospel?

Acts 17:5-9

It should not be surprising that the Jews would react as they did. Paul before his conversion had tried everything he could to destroy the church. What is surprising that the Jews resorted to gathering what Luke calls, wicked men from the secular market place. They became a mob which caused an uproar in the city. Attacking the house of Jason, they hoped to find Paul there. When that failed they dragged Jason and other brethren before the authorities. The charge that they brought against Paul was that, “These men who have upset the world have come here also.” They went on to claim that he was “they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.

The authorities got caught up in the incident and received a pledge from Jason and the others. Having nothing else with which they could charge the men they released them.

1. What would have been surprising about the behavior of the Jews?
2. Why would Paul have expected them to react as they did?
3. In what way were the accusations brought against Paul true?
4. In what way were they incorrect?
5. Why did they attack Jason and the other brethren?

Acts 17:10

Fearing for the lives of Paul and Silas the brethren sent them away by night. They would travel on to Berea which was about 60 miles west of Thessalonica. Upon arriving at Berea Paul did not alter his pattern at all. He went into the synagogue of the Jews.

1. Why did the believers in Thessalonica send the two men on their way?
2. Why would new believers have thought that the Jews were capable of bringing harm to Paul and Silas?
3. After his previous experience why would Paul once again go into the synagogue?

Acts 17:11- 12

Paul found among the people of Berea a totally different attitude. Luke writes that the Bereans were more noble-minded than those at Thessalonica. This description was not used of any other people that the missionary team met. What did mean when he spoke of the Bereans in this way?

The dictionary describes one who as noble as:

• One possessing outstanding qualities: Illustrious
• One who is good or excellent
• One characterized by or arising from arising from superiority of mind or character or of ideals or morals: lofty

 

It would be expected that the Bereans then would have:

• Received the word with great eagerness.
• Examined the Scriptures daily to see if the things that Paul was teaching were true.

As a result many of the Jews became believers. Remember in Thessalonica only some of the Jews became followers of Christ. Again a number of prominent women and Greek men also became believers.

1. What characteristic made the Bereans stand out differently than those in the previous places Paul visited?
2. What does it mean to speak of them as more noble-minded than the Thessalonians?
3. What part would their character qualities play in the reception of God’s Word?
4. What part of God’s word would Paul have used to open their eyes to the gospel?
5. What part of the Scripture did they possess?
6. Why was it important for them to examine the Scriptures for themselves?
7. Why is it important for us to understand the Old Testament?

It is interesting that there is no written evidence that Paul ever penned any letters to the church at Berea. Could it be that because of the qualities they possessed they did not have the problems that are seen in the churches to which he wrote?

1. What qualities would we expect for a church to have that would minimize problems?
2. What kinds of problems arise when those of the church are not noble-minded?

Acts 17:13

The Jews of Thessalonica did not give up on their attempt to disrupt the work of Paul. Luke wrote that it was because they heard that the “The word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea” that they followed him. The same highway system that allowed for the rapid spread of the gospel could also be used by those who were opponents of Paul. When the Jews from Thessalonica arrived they immediately began to stir up the crowds of the city.

1. Why did the Jews of Thessalonica go to Berea?
2. What did it say about them that they would have a problem with the word of God being preached to the Bereans?
3. What are some examples of how methods of communication may be used for good and evil?
4. Why did the Jews stir up the crowds and not go to the new believers in Berea?
5. What affect would their actions have on the followers of Christ in that city?

Acts 17:14-15

Paul was immediately sent away. Silas and Timothy remained at Berea for a while. As is seen in some of his letters, Paul probably left them there to help the church get organized. Elders probably were probably selected to provide leadership and spiritual guidance to the new believers. Those from Berea who accompanied Paul carried him all the way to Athens in the southern part of Greece. Athens was far enough from Berea and not in Macedonia that Paul would not be followed by the Jews. As will be seen, Athens was a very pagan city with almost no Jewish presence there. He gave instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him there as soon as they could.

1. Why was Paul sent away?
2. Why was he able to leave Silas and Timothy behind?
3. What were they to do while they were there?
4. Why did he go as far as Athens to wait for them?

You

1. During your meditation this week reflect on whether you possess the quality of being noble-minded.
2. Ask yourself if in your daily walk do you present more of an image of the Bereans or one who in small ways opposed the word of God?
3. Think about the importance of understanding the Old Testament in light of the way you may share the gospel with someone?
4. Think of ways that you can be more like those in the city of Berea.
5. Is there evidence in your life that your words and actions will make an impact on the world for Christ?

Although the name of the church is not Berea we still can make it our desire to possess the qualities that Paul found in that city so long ago. To be a people who have all of the qualities associated with being noble-minded will cause others to want to be part of an assembly that glorifies God in our words and actions. Each time we come into the building there should be an eagerness to receive all that God’s word has to say to us. There is probably not a family who attends Bethany Place that does not have at least one Bible. We should therefore use every opportunity we have to read and examine God’s word in light of what we have heard in Bible Study and the Worship time message.

Finally may everything we do glorify God. May we never find ourselves in opposition to what He is trying to do in the Church and His World because we have chosen to disregard the true message from His word.

Additional Notes:

C-After leaving Philippi Paul made his way to a new city. He travelled through two different cities to get to Thessalonica. There he preached for three weeks in the synagogue. After that a period of time some Jews, many God fearing Greeks and a number of prominent women became followers of Christ. (Acts 17:1-4)

GC-Every believer needs to understand not only what he believes but also why. This will give him the ability to reason, explain and give evidence in his own life of the truth’s surrounding Jesus suffering and resurrection. (Acts 17:3)

C-Facing the fact that the Jews in Thessalonica were losing control over not only their own, but the Gentiles who had become Jewish proselytes, they became jealous of Paul and Silas. They associated themselves with worthless men who frequented the marketplace. They became a mob who caused an uproar. They attacked the house of Jason, supposing Paul and Silas were there. When Paul was not found Jason and others were brought before the city officials accusing the men of harboring those who were upsetting the world. Paul and Barnabas were even accused of treason. (Acts 17:5-9)

GC-All we have to do is listen to the critics of Christianity to know that the message we have to share is upsetting to those who follow the ways of the world. The words of God prick the conscience of the unbeliever. They then have the choice that each of us face, either to accept it or rebel sometimes in violent ways. (Acts 17:6)

RT-The word of God is the message of Christ. If indeed the one who railed against Paul had understood this fact then they would have accepted the truth of what he was proclaiming. All Paul did, was affirm the word of God. It was for this one reason that he was persecuted. (Acts 17:10-13)

C-Once again the missionaries were forced to change mission fields. Because of the danger to Paul, particularly, the believers sent him and Silas to Berea. In Berea they found people as the Scriptures tells who were more noble-minded and were willing to receive the words of Paul with great eagerness. We are told that they “were examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things (those things being shared by Paul) were so. Things went well there until the Jews from Thessalonica came and stirred up the crowds.   (Acts 17:10-13)

GC-A believer receives the word with eagerness and examines the Scripture daily determining whether those things heard are true. (Acts 17:11)

TM-It is good to listen to a teacher or preacher then example the Scriptures to verify if what has been shared is the truth. (Acts 17:11)

RT-The truth as found in God’s word against which the Jews and Gentiles railed in places like Thessalonica was received with gladness by the Bereans. They were willing to hear Paul and compare it with the Old Testament to see if the words he spoke were accurate. As they searched the Scriptures many became followers of Christ.               (Acts 17:11-12)

C-When Paul was driven out of Berea he left behind Timothy and Silas to continue ministering to the people of Berea. This was the first time that Paul went into an area by himself.   He travelled to Athens. Timothy and Silas were instructed to follow him as soon as possible. (Acts 17:14-15)

 

Lesson 30

The People of Philippi

Acts 16:13-40

When I had an opportunity to travel to Russia for the first time I did not know what to expect. So many stories had been written about that country. Many of those did not depict it in glowing terms. I still believed that it was meant for me to travel there. I had made up my mind before the trip that no matter what took place I would be flexible enough to adapt to a new environment and culture for approximately two weeks. The nine days actually in Russia flew by all too quickly. What I discovered was a people who were loving and open to having a total stranger in their midst. The trip impacted my life to the point that went back two more times. The lesson I learned from that experience was that circumstances do not match what one anticipates them to be. It became apparent that I was to be faithful to the urging in my spirit to spend time with a people I did not know, hoping that my life would somehow impact them to come to know Jesus. Only time will tell if that is true. I probably will not know this side of heaven.

God’s church is made up of many different kinds of people. That statement may seem obvious. Even though we know it to be fact our actions sometimes would just the opposite about us. Our tendency is to surround ourselves with people just like us. All we have to do is look at all the little groups in the church to know this is true. We say we are open and receptive to many kinds of people but in reality most of the time we are more isolated than we realize.

Paul is going to experience this type of diversity in the city of Philippi. He would meet three different kinds of people. Each would be impacted by Paul with two different results. We will pick up the narrative on the first Sabbath.

Acts 16:13

On the Sabbath Paul found himself down by the river side where he expected to find the Jews praying. Obviously there was no synagogue in Philippi. It would have taken ten Jewish males to establish one. The Jewish population must have been very small. When he came to the place of prayer he found only women there so he began to have conversation with them.

1. Why did Paul go down to the river bank?
2. Why was there no synagogue in the city?
3. What does the fact that Paul was willing to speak to the women say about his view of the reach of the gospel.
4. Why did he not find any men there?
5. What might have been the object of their prayer?

Acts 16:14

One of those praying on that Sabbath was a woman named Lydia. Luke gives us some information about here and there is one thing that can be concluded from his description. She was:

1. A woman from Thyatira, one of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation, who was living in Philippi.
2. A business woman, a merchant who dealt in fabrics dyed purple.
3. Probably a woman of some means. This can be gleaned from the fact that she sold fabrics that were very expensive to produce. The purple dye use had to be extracted from a shell fish one drop at a time.
4. Worshipper of God. This verse did not even indicate that she was a Jew but more than likely a God fearer.

God was working in the heart of Lydia. As Paul spoke, God opened her heart to receive the message of Jesus and she became His follower. She must have been the spiritual leader in her household, because the Bible tells us that she and her whole household were baptized. Upon becoming a follower of Christ she put her new found faith into action by persuading Paul to stay with her.

1. What had prepared Lydia to be receptive in the message from Paul?
2. What event showed her influence in her household?
3. What might we conclude about her husband?
4. What did her invitation tell us about her new faith?
5. In what ways should we follow the example of Lydia in our community and home?

Acts 16: 16-18

Paul continued to go to the place of prayer on the river bank. A demon possessed slave girl began following him around. Her owners were using her to make a profit for them as a fortune teller. As she followed Paul she kept repeating, “These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.” This went on for several days. Finally Paul had had enough and commanded the demon to come out.

1. Why did Paul continue to go to the place of prayer?
2. How did the girl know that Paul and the others were bond-servants of God?
3. What about the girl’s actions annoyed Paul?
4. What would be the consequence of Paul’s action?
5. What benefit would being free of the demon be for the girl?

Acts 16:19-21

There was immediate reaction from the owners. Those saw that any opportunity for profit just went out the window. They brought Paul and Silas before the authorities. The charge they made against the two men was false but as it obtained the result they desired. The accusation was that, “these men are throwing our city into confusion, being Jews, and are proclaiming customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe being Romans.” Although we will never know for sure, the quick action by the owners and the authorities may have kept Paul from leading the young lady to the Lord. How sad it is when men are only concerned for personal gain and do not care at about the people they use and abused to get what they want.

1. What was the real reason that the owners brought Paul and Silas to the authorities?
2. Why do we not hear anymore about the girl?
3. Which parts of the charges were false? Explain.
4. Why did the men not bring accusations that were true?
5. When have there been times when we may have changed the facts to suit our purposes?
6. What have we done that may have hindered someone from becoming a follower of Christ?

Acts 16:22-24

This sham trial resulted in Paul and Silas being beaten with rods. They were then placed into the hands of the jailer who put them into the most secure part of the jailed and to make sure they did not escape put their feet into stocks.

1. Why would what happen to Paul be called a sham trial?
2. Why did the authorities not investigate further the claims of the owners?
3. Why was Paul and Silas considered such dangerous criminals that the authorities took such measures to ensure they would not escape?
4. Why did the Jailer go to such extremes?
5. How often are we willing to listen to gossip and pronounce judgment on another before finding out the truth of what is being shared?

Acts 16:25

Paul and Silas spent their evening in jail praying and singing hymns. What a testimony the singing and praying was for others in jail.

1. What choices did the two men have as they spent the evening in Jail?
2. What impact did the singing and praying have on the other prisoners?
3. What do you do in times of crisis or challenges?
4. How does what we do impact others for Christ?

Acts 16:26-28

Luke writes almost in a matter of fact way, that a great earthquake occurred at midnight while the men were singing hymns. The amazing thing about the earthquake was it seemed to be localized at the jail. No one in the city came to check out what was going on. It was so strong that it shook the foundation of the building, opened the doors and caused the chains and in the case of Paul and Silas the stocks to be unlocked.

The response of the jailer would have been a natural one. Awaking from sleep by the earthquake his first thought was that if his prisoners had escaped he would be executed. Assuming the worse he decided to take his own life and not have to face the humiliation of going before the authorities.

1. Why did an earthquake occur at midnight?
2. Why did Paul and the others not attempt to escape?
3. What would the jailer immediately think was happening?
4. Why was the jailer going to take his life?
5. How was Paul able to keep him from committing this act?

Acts 16:29-32

The Jailer immediately called for someone to bring a light. He did some expected things. He

1. Rushed in
2. Fell on his knees trembling with fear
3. Brought them out of the cell
4. Asked what did it take for a man to be saved?

Paul responded by telling him that he needed to “believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved and household.” He then went on share the gospel with the jailer and his household.

1. Why do we see such unexpected actions by the jailer?
2. What may have been his idea of salvation?
3. What may have been some other influences on his life that would have brought him to the point of decision? Remember nothing takes place in a vacuum.
4. Why did the jailer take the unprecedented step of releasing Paul from jail?
5. What brought him to the point of seeking salvation?
6. Why did Paul indicate that if the man were to be saved so would his whole household?

Some last thoughts before we move on to the next verses. In this incident it is evident that God has been moving behind the scenes. For a Roman jailer to come to Christ there had to be something happening in his life of which there is no record. One thing is sure there had to be a direct link between the summoning of Paul to Macedonia, the women praying, Paul and Silas praying and singing, the earthquake and salvation coming to the jailer.

One other point that must not be overlooked is the timing of the earthquake. A question asked above why midnight? The answer has to do with God’s timing. If the event had occurred during the day the jailer may have been distracted by the people coming to see what had taken place or other duties. It may not have had the impact on him that it did.

Acts 16:33-34

Like Lydia, the jailer took immediate action based on his new found faith which he would have not done previously? He first saw to the physical needs of Paul and Silas by washing the wounds.   Then upon the completion of the ministering to Paul, he and his household were baptized. The final act carried out on behalf of Paul would have been unusual before his conversion. Men who had only a short time before had been prisoners of the state were taken to his home and fed. The change in the life of the jailer was dramatic to say the least. Luke ends with the fact that the man, “Rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household.

1. What was the first priority for this follower of Christ?
2. Why did Paul baptize him immediately?
3. What evidence is there that the change in this man’s life had an impact on his household?
4. In what instances has there been seen this same pattern taking place?
5. In what ways was it evident that God was working behind the scenes?

Acts 16:35-39

The next day the authorities were going to release Paul and Silas. Paul realized that they were trying to get him out of town secretly. He exposed them by claiming that they had acted against Roman law. They had beaten a Roman citizen in public without a proper trial. Then the two men had been thrown in prison. Paul however did not play into their hands but demanded that they come and formally release him.

The report of Paul’s words brought fear to the chief magistrates because Paul was a Roman citizen. They came and formally released him begging him to leave town.

1. Why did the chief magistrates want Paul to leave the city in secret?
2. Why did Paul share with them that he was a Roman citizen?
3. Why did he want to be release formally and above board?
4. What occurred when the men found out Paul was a Roman citizen?
5. Who would benefit from Paul’s actions?

Acts 16:40

Once released Paul headed to the home of Lydia. He wanted them to know he was all right. This time was also used to encourage them in their new faith. Although not said he would probably shared with them that they would experience persecution from the people of Philippi.

1. Why did Paul not leave Philippi immediately?
2. What did he share with the new believers at the home of Lydia?
3. Why would they need to be encouraged?
4. For what reasons do we need to gather together to receive encouragement?

You

1. As the women did in Philippi spend time praying that dramatic changes will occur in our church, community, county.
2. Remember to others you are different so be accepting of a diversity of people coming in to the church.
3. Look for opportunities to share with others as Paul did.
4. No matter what you might be experiencing right now use the time to continue to praise God in spite of the circumstances.
5. Be ready to share the truth no matter the situation in which you find yourself.

We now find ourselves in a different world than many of us have ever experiences. The circumstances that surround us may cause us to want to withdraw in to our own little world. Instead we should them as an opportunity to be a witness for Christ. We are not to do anything that will hinder us from helping those around us see Christ in us. Like Paul we are not to be frightened or intimidated by what others might do or say.

Finally the church, the gathering of the followers of Christ, should be a place of true worship, instruction and encouragement. All of these are needed to face a world that is on the surface hostile to the gospel. I say on the surface because if we dig deep enough, pray and sing the unexpected may just occur and we will find a Philippian jailer just waiting to hear the good news of salvation for he and his household.

Additional Notes:

C-On the Sabbath they went down to the riverside thinking they would find a place of prayer located there. By the river he found a number of woman with whom Paul began to speak. (Acts 16:13)

RT-Prayer was not taking place in institutions of worship if indeed there were any in Philippi. (Acts 16:13)

RT-The women of Philippi were doing the praying. They had been praying prior to the coming to Paul coming to Philippi. (Acts 16:13)

C-Lydia of Thyatira became the first in Philippi. (Acts 16:14)

DM-The decision to go to Philippi led to the conversion of Lydia, the first convert in Europe and the Philippian Jailor and his family. (Acts 16:14-15; 30-34)

RT-Lydia may have invited Paul into her home, but it was also in the jail that the lives of people were changed. (Acts 16:14-15, 25-33)

RT-The first convert in Europe was a lay person named Lydia. She was:

1. Seller of purple (a business woman)
2. Worshipper of God in a pagan society
3. A listener
4. One with a open heart
5. One who responded to the gospel
6. An influence in her home.                                                                                     (Acts 16:14-15)

C-The slave girl who had followed Paul for many days was freed from the demon who possessed her. She had been the main source of income for her owner having the spirit of divination (fortune telling). When the owner say that he could no longer use the girl in this way he stirred up the city against Paul and Silas. The charges were only partially true. Yes, they were Jews. Yes, radical Christianity would throw a city into confusion by the mere fact that people would be faced with the life changing decision. The teaching of Paul brought them to the crossroads of accepting the truth or to continue to live a lie. Part of the accusation made against Paul was wrong. The message he was proclaiming was not invalid for the Romans to accept or observe. He understood that the gospel was for all people not just the Jews. (Acts 16:16-21)

C-As a consequence of the events that took place when Paul had healed the slave girl, he and Silas were beaten and thrown in jail. (Acts 16:22-24)

RT-Where were the men of Philippi who would stand up to the evils of that city. It was a city that would jail a Paul and Silas because they supposedly brought confusion there, but rather they brought God’s order. (Acts 16:23-24)

RT-The earthquake felt in the jail was the drastic means used by God to open the opportunity of witnessing. Why did it occur at that particular time?

1. Could it have been the result of the prayers of the women seeking a change in the lives of the citizens of Philippi?
2. Could it have as a response to the prayers and praises of Paul and Silas?
3. Whatever the cause it touched the heart of the jailer and changed him and his family forever.                                                                                                     (Acts 16:13, 25, 29-33)

GC-Those who truly want to know God;

1. Is willing to listen to His message
2. Has an open heart
3. Responds to the good news.

(Acts 16:14)

RT-Lydia may have invited Paul into her home, but it was also in the jail that the lives of people were changed. (Acts 16:14-15, 25-33)

RT-What affect if any did Paul and Silas praising God and singing have on the prisoners to cause them not to flee when the doors were opened by the earthquake? Or were they just afraid of the event that had occurred. What was the correlation between the earthquake and their actions? Did they see it as the hand of God in action? What would it take to affect our lives in a like manner as the jailer experienced and the impact on the prisoners? (Acts 16)

RT-Do we think of the places in which we find ourselves as prisons or do we view them in light of opportunities to witness for our Lord. (Acts 16:22-33; Phil. 1:12-13)

OC-Paul and Silas did not allow the beatings and being thrown into prison stop them from praying to and praising the Lord. As result of their prayer and praise God sent an earthquake. The real reason for the things that occurred was the conversion of the jailer and his family. Often our strongest witness for Christ can take place in the midst of a personal turmoil. (Acts 16:25-32)

GC-The follower of Christ is able to rejoice even in times of distress because he knows that greater is He who is in us that he who is in the world. Christ is our example. If he willingly suffered how we expect anything less in our lives. (Acts 5:41; 16:25)

GC-Even when times are difficult the believer;

1. Praises God
2. Sings hymns of praise in those times of trial and tribulation.
3. Remains steadfast in the face of great adversity                                                   (Acts 16:25)

RT-Sometimes it is the verses that almost appear incidental to the events that occurring that carry a very powerful message. We find just such a verse when Paul and Silas were in jail having been beaten by the public officials. What were they doing? They were praying and singing hymns of praise. While this was happening we are told in Acts 16:25, “And the prisoners were listening to them.”

The two men could have fed the others the poison of a bitter spirit. Instead of gripes they prayed and sang praise music. The lesson we learn from their example is by the way we respond to adversity we can make a tremendous impact on the lives of others.

Paul certainly did not want to be beaten and stoned or chased out of almost every city he visited. The thing he did was to turn problems into praise and woes into worship and oppression into opportunity to share the good news of Jesus.

And it said, “And the prisoners were listening to them. We truly need to understand in our own situations that the world is listening to us. What are they hearing? (Acts 16:25)

C-While Paul and Silas were praying and singing about midnight an earthquake hit the prison house where they were being held. I believe this was a localized event that only occurred at the jailhouse. All the doors were opened and all of the chains fell from the prisoners. Every prisoner was released not just Paul and Silas. (Acts 16:25-26)

OC-While Paul and Silas were praying and singing about midnight an earthquake hit the prison house. The door was opened and all the chains fell from the prisoners as a result of the earthquake. (Acts 16:25-26)

RT-Because the jailer knew that to allow a prisoner to escape, especially one of the stature of Paul, that he himself would be executed he decided when the earthquake occurred to take his own life. For him that meant sure death and separation from God. In a short period of time he moved from death to eternal life as Paul shared the message of salvation to the jailer and his family. Paul said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Then because of the influence that the husband and father would have with his family, Paul added, “you and your household.” Paul shared the gospel before he and Silas were even treated for their wounds. The Bible tells us that, “Immediately he (the jailer) was baptized, he and his entire household. Just think in the darkness of the night, the jailer and his family came to the light. (Acts 16:25-33)

C-Out of fear that all of the prisoners had escaped, the jailer was about to take his own life when Paul stopped him with the assurance that they were all still there.               (Acts 16:27-28)

GC-Each of us at some point have been confronted with our awesome Father. Our only response is to come before Him with fear and trembling asking the question, “What must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:28-30)

GC-When comes face to face with obvious acts of God and the witness of His people, he will brought to the place critical point in his life when he will ask with all honesty, “What must I do to be saved?” Receiving the answer for which he has longed to hear, he chooses that eternal salvation offered to him. (Acts 16:30-31)

RT-Paul did not use the name Christ when speaking with the Philippian jailer. It would have been a foreign to him. The idea of Jesus being the Anointed One was a Jewish concept. The characterization of Jesus as Lord was all he needed to hear. Paul said just enough for the jailer and his family to become believers. Anything said would have been over kill. (Acts 16:30-32)

C-The jailer then asked his own key question, “What must I do to be saved?” The answer has never changed. It is “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” The jailer and his whole household was saved and baptized that night. (Acts 16:30-33)

RT- Paul spoke with confidence when he told the Philippian to “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” What a radical change this would bring in the life of this hardened Roman official. Paul went even further and said, “You and your household.” The impact on the man’s life would cause his family members to desire the same salvation that he had discovered through Christ. (Acts 16:31-34)

GC-The answer we all need to hear to our cry out to God is to believe and be saved. There must be no delay in the decision upon hearing the word of the Lord.                 (Acts 16:31-32, 34)

GC-See note on Acts 10:44 (Acts 16:31-32)

GC-To find salvation brings rejoicing in the life of a new Christian. This is a characteristic that should never diminish no matter how long one has known the Lord.

C-Paul and Silas were taken from the jail to the jailer’s home where he dressed their wounds and provided food for them. (Acts 16:34)

RT-After his baptism the Bible says of the jailer, “He rejoiced greatly, having believed in God, with his whole household.” (Acts 16:34)

C-The men who had been so belligerent the previous day now had to apologize to Paul. They found out that he was a Roman citizen. Their only desire was for Paul to leave Philippi. (Acts 16:38-39)

C-Paul left Philippi but only after saying goodbye to Lydia and the other believers and encouraging them in their walk. This encouragement was important after being witness to the events of the preceding day. (Acts 16:40)

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 29

Where the Spirit Leads

Acts 15:36 – 16:12

There have been times in my life, probably far too many, when according to the standards I have set or my personal agenda someone has done something to hurt me. My usual reaction is to no longer have anything to do with that person. This of course is not always possible, but the way which I deal with them certainly changes. When that happens, the level of trust that once was there or easy give and take between them and me no longer exists. One of the areas that has been the most difficult has been the way I see Church members treating each other or hurting the body of believers by their words or actions. This is something I will struggle with the rest of my days. Only God can bring peace in to such situations.

I am afraid that my feelings are sometimes multiplied exponentially within the body of Christ. Each of us does not leave who we are at home. All of our different ideas of how church is to be done are brought with us every time we come together as a community of believers. All we have to do is look around and see what “self” has done to the body. It is amazing that God can still use any of us when we keep getting in the way of His purpose for the church.

In this lesson we start off with conflict between two strong followers of Christ. It would typical to immediately place blame on one or other of the parties. We have to be careful to be objective even though we not like what we see. Remember in the scheme of things God is able to use fallible humans to accomplish His work in spite of our shortcomings.

Acts 15:36

Paul must have concluded that the church at Antioch was on stable enough footing that he and Barnabas could leave and check on the churches they had established on the first missionary trip.

1. What caused Paul to make the decision to once again embark on a new missionary journey?
2. Why is there no mention of the Holy Spirit in this decision?
3. What does this say about the church at Antioch?
4. Why did he want return to the same cities that he had visited before?
5. What could he have happened since he had left them?

Acts 15:37

Barnabas was willing to go. There was one condition to him making the trip. He wanted to take John Mark along with them.

1. Why would Barnabas want to take John Mark along?
2. In what ways would they be taking a chance by including him on the team?
3. What did Barnabas see in the young man that made him want to give him a second chance?

Acts 15:38

Paul was inflexible. Notice that Paul was persistent in his opposition. He spelled out the sequence of events that taken place on the previous trip and added that John Mark, “had not gone with them to the work.” Because John Mark had deserted them before he was not willing to take the risk that it might happened again.

1. In what instances would the actions of Paul be justified in his refusal to let John Mark go with them on the next missionary trip?
2. What does this say about the personality of Paul?
3. What attribute of a prophet is on display in this incident?
4. In what ways could it be said that Paul was a result oriented person?
5. What effect would Paul’s attitude have on John Mark’s life?
6. What effect could the desire of Barnabas to include him on the team have on the John Mark?
7. What does it say about Barnabas?
8. If you were in Paul’s place, how would you have handled the situation?

Acts 15:39

Because the two men could not come to an agreement about the young man they went their separate ways. Luke tells us that before they parted there was a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. Here were two godly men who had such opposite views that it resulted in them going in two different directions. Barnabas still true to his personality as one who encourages, took John Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus.

This incident is full of dangers for the church. On the one hand Paul may have concluded that John Mark had done nothing prove that he was capable of handling the stresses and hardships of another missionary trip. Remember before he left with the team he had been in the safe and comfortable environment of the Jerusalem Church. Paul was looking for someone who could eventually take over for him in the work. In his mind John Mark was not that man. The other danger is that Paul may have focused too much on the past failure and therefore could not see the strengths that Mark may have possessed.

Barnabas could have been just as culpable in his zeal to take Mark along. He may have let his own personality get in the way of the reality of the fitness of Mark to become an asset to the team. He was willing to overlook his weaknesses and focus on the strengths he perceived that the young man possessed.

Both men may have been right in their assessment. Paul was about to embark into places where he had already experienced opposition. Barnabas wisely chose familiar territory and went off to Cyprus where the team had previously met with some success and no persecution. If Mark was going to prove himself what better situation could be found than that chosen by Barnabas.

1. What are your feelings on the final decision?
2. What if both men were right, how could this conflict been resolved differently?
3. Of the two types of men which are needed in the church? Why?
4. What do we see in Barnabas’ character that we might want to copy?
5. What good might be seen in the separation?
6. What dangers does a situation like this present to the church?

Acts 15:40

Paul did allow this incident deter him from his plans. He selected Silas, a prophet and one of the men who had come to Antioch from the church in Jerusalem, to travel with him. He took with him a man of proven character and ability. The church in Antioch again showed their support for the work and sent them on their way committed to the watch care of the Lord. The two men then travelled by land through Syria and Cilicia. From what is said other churches must have been formed which were not as a result of Paul’s first trip. They must have been started in the same way that the church at Antioch had by those fleeing from the persecution of the Jews. Paul still saw it as his responsibility to encourage followers of Christ wherever he found them. Notice this route would take him through his home town on Tarsus. Remember he had ministered in that city a number of years before going to Antioch.

1. Why would Paul select Silas to go with him?
2. What part did the church play in the decision of Paul?
3. Why do we not find the same words of commission for Barnabas as we do for Paul and Silas?
4. Why did Paul take a different route than he had previously?
5. What news would he be able to bring to the churches in Syria and Cilia that would provide encouragement?
6. Why would Paul want to visit his home town?

Acts 16:1-3

On his third visit to Lystra Paul became acquainted with a young man by the name of Timothy. Luke gives a good biographical sketch of the young man. He is described as:

• A disciple
• The son of a Jewish believer. In the book of 2 Timothy we find her name, Eunice and the name of his grandmother (Lois).
• His father was a Greek.
• He had a good reputation among the people of Lystra.

Paul saw the qualities first hand and wanted Timothy to travel with him. The first thing he did was to circumcise him because of the Jews and the fact that his father was a Gentile. Although the Gentiles were exempt from the ceremony of circumcision the Jews still performed this ritual. This would allow Timothy to move freely among both Jew and Gentile.

1. What were some of the qualities Timothy possessed that would make him a good travelling companion?
2. In what way was Timothy different than John Mark at this point?
3. Why did Paul need another person to go with him? Silas was already part of the team?
4. How important was it for the growth of the church for young men to be brought alongside someone like Paul?
5. What was Paul going to do with Timothy?

Acts 16:4-5

Part of the message that Paul and the others shared with all the churches in the cities they visited were the decrees that had been approved by the Church in Jerusalem. When the believers heard the words of Paul they were:

• Being strengthened in their faith
• Increasing in number each day.

 

1. What was the message Paul spoke to the churches of Asia Minor?
2. Why would the words strengthen them and bring new people into the church?

Acts 16:6-8

Paul’s ministry was about to take a new turn. Up until that point he had only preached in the areas of Syria and what today would be southern Turkey. As he tried to move north and east the Holy Spirit prohibited him from going into Asia. Some commentators suggest that Paul’s illness kept him from those areas. One piece of evidence that might confirm that fact is that Luke, the physician, joined the missionary team as is seen in verse 10. Paul’s journey then took him between Phrygia and Galatia. Being forbidden to go into Bithynia they found themselves in Troas in Mysia.

1. Why did the Holy Spirit forbid them to go into Asia or either Bithynia in the northern part of Turkey?
2. What indicates that Paul was obedient to the prohibition?
3. Who was actually in charge of this missionary Journey?
4. What evidence do we have that this was true?
5. What is our tendency when we decide to do something?
6. How much like or unlike Paul are we in carrying out the ministry of the church?

Acts 16:9-10

Finally there was a break-through for Paul and others as to the direction God wanted the team to take. It came in the form of a vision. A man from Macedonia, some believe that this was none other than Luke, made an appeal for the team to come over to Macedonia which is present day Greece. Paul took this as an affirmation that God wanted him to proceed into Macedonia. Notice he was not given a specific city but a region in which he was to share the gospel. Arriving in Neapolis, present day Kavala, they did not stay there but travelled on to Philippi.

1. Why was Paul willing to wait at Troas for further instruction?
2. Why did it take the dream or vision as a sign that he was to go into Macedonia?
3. How sensitive are we to the different ways God desires to communicate with us?
4. What is our usual response to the message of God given to us?

Acts 16:12-13

Philippi is described as a leading city of that district. It was also a Roman colony. The Romans had a unique way of guaranteeing loyalty in cities they considered strategic. They would place in those cities a number of former soldiers who had finished their service. Therefore the city became Roman in every way from the way people spoke to maintaining Roman law. It was into this environment that Paul and the others came. Before they started sharing the gospel with the citizens they spend several days there?

1. Why did Paul choose the city of Philippi in which to start his teaching in Europe?
2. What did it mean for Philippi to be called a Roman Colony?
3. Why did Paul delay presenting the gospel for several days?
4. What did he hope to discover by waiting?

In the next lesson we will be introduced to three different people who lived in Philippi and their relationship with Paul and Silas.

What are the lessons that you can take away from these chapters in Acts?

1. Determine your motives as you interact with people at Church.
2. See if the decisions you make or based on a foundation of God’s word.
3. Look carefully at the leadership with an eye to encouraging them in the areas of their strengths without putting too much emphasis on their shortcomings.
4. Ask yourself if you would want to be judged in the same way as you judge others.
5. Prayerfully consider whether are those with whom you need to be reconciled.

God truly wants His church to be a discerning people. Quite often we are going to be called on to make difficult decisions. We are to prayerfully consider the direction we are to take to build God’s kingdom. There will be times when we need both those who see things in black and white and others who always see the best in others. God put the church together as a mosaic of people, each wired differently. We are to be careful that we do not discount those who may have a different opinion than ours. Their viewpoint may save us from a lot of heartache and mistakes in the future. This is God’s church. It is His world. The decisions we make and the leadership we put in place will determine how we impact the world for Christ.

Other Notes:

C-Paul and Barnabas could have remained in Antioch teaching and preaching. He decided, however, to revisit the churches he had established on his previous journey.   (Acts 15:35-36)

RT-Like so many churches that have splits or people leave, the reason for the division quite often has nothing to do with the teaching of doctrine but some peripheral issue. In this particular situation John Mark became the center of the controversy.

Barnabas was a man who believed in giving people a second chance while Paul was not willing to take the chance that Mark would fail them again. It is interesting to note that in the latter years of his life, Paul came to depend on Mark as a vital part of his ministry. (Acts 15:37-39; 2 Tim. 4:11)

C-Barnabas agreed to go and wanted to take John Mark with them. Paul balked at that idea because John Mark deserted them on the earlier trip. When the two men could not come to an agreement, they went their separate ways. Barnabas teamed with Mark and went to Cyprus. Paul selected Silas and began on his trip “travelling through Syria and Cilicia strengthening the churches. (Acts 15:37-41)

DM-Paul and Barnabas went their separate ways not being able to agree on taking Mark with them because he had deserted them earlier. (Acts 15:37-41)

GC-As difficult as it is to practice there is to be no division among believers.             (Acts 15:39)

GC-Before we begin any ministry we are to be affirmed by the body and place under the guidance and watch care of the Lord. (Acts 15:40)

C-Paul travelled in Derbe and Lystra. There he met a man of good reputation named Timothy. Paul wanted Timothy to become part of his team so he circumcised him because his father was a Greek while his mother and Grandmother of Jewish descent. (Acts 16:1-3)

C-The churches Paul and the others visited were being strengthened in the faith and others were also joining them daily. (Acts 16:4)

S-It was obvious that the Holy Spirit was not sending them into Asia. We are told that Paul and Silas were not permitted to travel there. (Acts 16:6-7)

DM-Paul did not try to go through doors that were closed to him but into he went to Macedonia the place opened to him by the Holy Spirit. When his travels took him into Macedonia he began the first missionary work ever into Europe. (Acts 16:6-10)

GC-A godly man must always be sensitive to the leading of God’s Spirit.                   (Acts 16:6, 9-10)

C-The plans of the missionary team were altered when the Holy Spirit forbade them from going into Asia. At Mysia they were also redirected from Asia so they journeyed on to Troas. Paul had a vision of a man beseeching him to come to Macedonia. Based on that vision the team immediately set out for Macedonia finally arriving in Philippi where they stayed for several days. (Acts 16:6-12)

GC-The believer proceeds only under the guidance (direction) of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit may forbid certain which on the surface may seem right. He, however, has the best results for us at the core of who He is and the actions He leads us to take. Paul is a good example of one who obeyed. (Acts 16:7)

RT-Paul certainly understood his mission was to carry the gospel to the Gentile world. He left the how, when, where and what he was to share up to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 16:9-10; Col. 4:4)

S-After Paul had the vision of the man calling him to come to Macedonia, he concluded that God was sending him there. (Acts 16:9-10)

Lesson 28

Why Antioch?

Acts 15;1-35

One of the most fascinating studies that I have done was one a called critical moments. As I read through the Scriptures I wanted to understand how the decisions made by the men and woman of the Bible affected the rest of their lives. Of course there were the devastating decisions of Adam and Eve, the selling of his birthright by Esau, the brothers of Joseph and myriad of others. In my own life there have been times when I have made some poor decisions that impacted both me and my family. There have been other times when with the help of God He has kept me on a path of growth because I depended on Him. As far as I am concerned the decision that has impacted my life more than any other, except for accepting Christ and my marriage, was to begin reading and studying the Bible on a consistent basis.

There have been times when I have not understood why God has given me such a passion for His word. What I have learned was the road travelled was just preparation for the unexpected in my life. If someone had told me that at this stage in my life that I would have the opportunity to write Bible Study Material, or be ordained and the myriad of other things that have occurred in my life I would have thought them to be crazy. The only things that God ever expects is for us to be faithful to the task and obedient to the call on our lives.

As in the individual life of each of us the church comes to those crossroads, those critical moments in its history that have tremendous impact on its future. Sometimes looking back and determining what those decisions were will help us to make mid-course corrections in the direction God wants us to take. If we look at the critical moment as an end itself we may miss the greater blessing for what God has in store. It may be only the intermediary step to something more exciting and challenging. Depending on how we respond we will either find success and the church will grow but if we choose to leave God out and make our own choices then we can almost assuredly expect failure. The earlier church came to such a crossroads. We will see in today’s lesson how it all turned out.

Acts 14:27-28

Although these verses were taught last week there may be a tendency to gloss over them. What took place is important in light of the events to come. Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch after only spending a relatively short time in districts in Cyprus and then Asia Minor. Upon coming back to the church at Antioch they encouraged the believers by telling them:

• How God had used them
• How God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles

We are then told that they spent a long time with the disciples there in Antioch. Their return came at a time when the church would need to be strengthened in light of the testing of its faith that would soon come upon them. This was crucial time for the church. What the disciples heard and were now taught by the two men would be needed to face men who were about to come from Jerusalem.

When Paul and Barnabas were called back in chapter 13 to the task to which God had appointed them it might be assumed that the work was to be as long term missionaries. What if the first missionary trip was to prepare the two men by showing them the work that God wanted to do in the hearts of the Gentiles they met along the way.

The fact that He brought them back to Antioch so quickly may indicate that the real task lay ahead for them. What if they returned for the purpose of preparing the church in Antioch for the confrontation with the men from Jerusalem. It is questionable that they would have been able to deal with the false statements without Paul and Barnabas.

1. By the things shared with the church at Antioch what had God taught Paul and Barnabas as they travelled?
2. Why do I say that the first missionary trip was not the final task for which God had called them out?
3. Why was it important that the church heard what Paul had to share with them?
4. Why did the two men spend so much time with the disciples there and not go back on another trip?

Acts 15:1

Men from Judea came down to Antioch and began teaching a false gospel. They challenged the validity of becoming believers without being circumcised. The men were trying to once again enslave the Gentiles saved by grave with the requirements of a worn out and failed religious system. Without the teaching of Paul the church may have impacted in a negative way. The requirements the men tried to thrust upon them may have been enough to rip the church apart and destroy their new found faith. In many of his later letters Paul would deal with this issue stating over and over the salvation is based on faith alone. One can only surmise why these men came to the church at Antioch anyway. The fact that the Scripture refers to them as men would indicate that they had no official authority to make such demands on the church. So why had they come to Antioch? What was their motive? If is possible that influence of the church in Antioch was reaching further and further into the Gentile world. Evidently some in Jerusalem thought that it needed to be reigned in before there would be more Gentile believers than Jewish. In the minds of those individuals anything taught contrary to the law would have been heresy. It is interesting that this subject had not been brought up with the conversions of the Samaritans and Cornelius.

1. Why would the things taught by the men from Judea be considered a false gospel?
2. What would indicate these men had no formal authority?
3. Why after all this time did the men suddenly began to question the salvation of the Gentiles?
4. What was the true fear of these men being expressed in their demand?
5. What could have been the effect on the church after listening to those who had come from Judea?
6. Why was the teaching of Paul and Barnabas key in helping the church to be victorious in the face of this challenge?
7. What restrictions do we sometimes imposed on those who want to become followers of Christ?
8. How do our prejudices sometimes come through on these occasions?

Acts 15:2

Paul and Barnabas actively opposed these men. When there was not resolution it was decided that the two men along with some others would go to the leadership in Jerusalem for a final decision.

1. Why did Paul and Barnabas take front stage in the dispute with the men from Judea?
2. In what ways had God prepared them for this important task?
3. In what ways were they more qualified than any of the others in the church to have the discussions with the Judeans?
4. If Paul and Barnabas already understood that salvation comes by grace to all who believe why was it necessary for them to go up to Jerusalem?
5. Why did they take a number of men with them?
6. Who made up the leadership of the church in Jerusalem?

Acts 15:3

The group from Antioch left immediately for Jerusalem taking the shortest possible route. As they travelled they continued to share the good news to the Phoenicians and Samaritans of what God was doing in the lives of the Gentiles. They did not wait for the final decision from Jerusalem because they knew what they were doing was within God’s will. God would not have called them to do something totally opposed to His purpose for the people.

1. Why did the group from Antioch leave quickly for their journey to Jerusalem?
2. Why did they not wait for a decision from the leaders in Jerusalem before continuing to teach the people of Phoenicia and Samaria as they travelled?
3. What was the reaction of the people to news that was being shared with them?
4. What does this say about the evangelistic effort of these men?
5. In what ways did their activities indicate they believed that they were serving out God’s purpose for their lives?

Acts 15:4-5

Upon arriving in Jerusalem they went straight to the church. They met with the apostles and elders and began to share what God had done among the Gentiles. It did not take long for the opposing views to be brought out into the open. The believing Pharisees immediately expressed the same feelings that had been put forth in Antioch. Up to this time circumcision had not been an issue because most of those who part of the early church had come from a Jewish background. At the end of the day the question that was before the church which had to be answered, Was the Law of Moses or grace going to rule the future actions to be taken?

1. What was the true desire of the Pharisees?
2. Why would they desire for the law to take precedent over salvation by grace?
3. What would have happened to churches like the one at Antioch if this was true?

Acts 15:6

The fact that the leaders came together to discuss this matter showed that the decision could have gone either way. This was new territory for them and they wanted to make sure they got it right. The whole future of the church would be determined by the decision they made.

1. Why did the leaders find it necessary to meet?
2. What was the importance to the present day church of that meeting?
3. What do we need to do when we are dealing with new territory in the church?
4. Why was the whole church not involved in this council?
5. Who were the representatives who met, and what insight does it give us as we decide the direction of Bethany Place?

Acts 15:6-12

After much lively give and take (a debate) Peter stood up and gave an account of his ministry to the Gentiles in the first years of the church. From everything he had experienced he came to three conclusions:

• No one could keep the law not Jew of Gentile so put that burden on the Gentiles which circumcision represented.
• Salvation comes through the grace of Jesus Christ.
• The Jew could not be saved by the law but by grace.

The fact that they listened carefully meant the words he was speaking were striking at the heart of the issue. The Pharisees who had started the discussion were silent. It would indicate that these were godly men who were open to what God was doing in the lives of people.

1. Why after the initial debate do we not hear from the Pharisees again?
2. When is a healthy debate good? When is it destructive?
3. Why was important for Peter to speak first?
4. What was his message to those gathered their?
5. In what ways should his message resonate with us?
6. When people like the council are willing to listen what does it say about what is being spoken by someone like Peter?
7. What does it say about the attitudes of all the participants including the Pharisees?

Acts 15:12

When Peter had finished Paul and Barnabas began to speak to the gathering. The Bible does not tell us the exact words of Paul and Barnabas. There is also no indication that they said anything to inflame the situation. They only spoke of the signs and wonders God had done through them as the ministered to the Gentiles.

1. How did Paul and Barnabas handle their opportunity to speak to the leadership of the church?
2. From what is read in Scripture what was their approach to the issue?
3. How does this differ than the way we often handle difficult issues?
4. How would what Peter, Paul and Barnabas had to say have an impact on the decisions that had to be made?

Acts 15:13-21

Peter, the early leader of the apostles, had spoken how God used him. Then representatives from the church in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas along with their travelling companions had shared how God had reached out to the Gentile world through them. Now the leader of the church in Jerusalem, James the half-brother of Jesus, spoke. It his words he affirmed the word of Peter by using the prophecies found in the Old Testament. Specifically he recalled the words of Deuteronomy, Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah and others.

The proposal he presented to the group contained three elements to it:

• Do not eat meat offered to idols
• Abstain from sexual immorality
• Do not eat meat with the blood in it or which had been strangled.

The leaders along with the whole church accepted these and decided to send a letter with these ideas to the church in Antioch. Paul, Barnabas, Judas called Barsabas and Silas were chosen to carry it to be read at Antioch.

1. Why did the church respond to the words of James?
2. What had the others left out of their testimony?
3. What do you think of the ideas proposed by James to the leaders?
4. Why do you think of the decision?
5. Why was it important to send others with Paul and Barnabas to testify to what the church at Jerusalem had decided?

Acts 15:22-29

The letter contained encouragement for the church to continue in what they were doing previously. It also called the church live by the items decided on by the church in Jerusalem. The issue of salvation coming only to those who had been circumcised became a non-issue. The door had been opened to all who came to Jesus by faith to be saved.

1. How do the ideas written in the letter impact us today?
2. Why is what was left out of the letter more important to us today than what it contained?
3. Why did they include the admonishment not to eat meat offered to idols?
4. If we were faced with a similar situation what might be some of the non-issues upon which we spend too much time?
5. In what way did the letter encourage further evangelization of the Gentile world?

Acts 15:30-34

The church in Jerusalem having finished its business sent the Paul and those who had witnessed the events in Jerusalem to Antioch. Notice on this trip there was no side trips to Samaria and Phoenicia. The matter decided was far too important for the church in Antioch for the men to delay in delivering the account of all that had occurred.

Upon arriving they called the church together and shared the good news with them. As one might expect they were greatly encouraged by the news resulting in a great rejoicing among the disciples. Silas and Judas, both prophets in their own right, reinforced the words of Paul. They spent time encouraging and strengthening the church. When it came time for the men to return to Jerusalem, Silas decided to stay there in Antioch.

Paul and Barnabas both remained in there. This additional time was spent in teaching and preaching the word. They shared the preaching with many others in the church

1. Think about the critical decisions that you have made and how they have impacted your life.
2. What do you consider is the most important decision you have ever made. How did it change your life?
3. How you prepared for the challenges that may face you as we saw in the lesson today?
4. Think how your defense of a position might have influenced the decisions in the church or organization to which you have belonged.

As we have seen in the lesson today we never know when we may be thrust into a situation which calls for wisdom and knowledge to bring about a beneficial conclusion. We are facing our own critical moment at Bethany Place as we try to make decisions today that will help us deal with the challenges of tomorrow. We need to make sure that every discussion that takes place and decision made will bring encouragement to the church and will strengthen our faith. The claims made by the men from Judea and the Pharisees in Jerusalem could have torn the place without the people like Paul and Barnabas who brought the experience and knowledge of how God had already brought the Gentiles into His kingdom. May we approach everything we do with the same kind of knowledge and wisdom possessed by the men in the early church.

 

 

 

 

Additional Notes:

OC-The church overcame the barriers between Jew and Gentile, between law and grace. Grace was triumphant. (Acts 15:1-21, 31)

RT-The council at Jerusalem is a good example of a group of people trying to hold on to old traditions. Paul and Barnabas realized that the new Gentile believers who were coming into the Church were not like the Jews and therefore were entering into the fellowship by faith and not works of the Law. (Acts 15:5, 7-9)

C-For Jew and Gentile alike, salvation comes only by the grace of God. This was the lesson Peter learned and shared and shared with the whole church when he was sent to the home of Cornelius. It is strange that after all that transpired that the Pharisees would now called for the ritual of circumcision as a requirement to be a part of God’s kingdom. Circumcision had not brought about the change in their own lives and would not make any difference in the lives of the Gentiles. (Acts 15:7-11)

RT-The church cannot expect to lay the old traditions onto new believers who have come to the knowledge of Jesus by the same faith by which each person is saved.                 (Acts 15:10-12)

DM-There was a call by Pharisees who had become believers that everyone who became a follower of Christ still needed to be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses. It was Paul’s and Peter’s position that God had saved Gentiles without them having to be circumcised, therefore it was not necessary for salvation. The council at Jerusalem agreed with Paul, Peter and James. A crisis had been averted in the still young church.   (Acts 15:5-22, 28-29)

GC-One never burdens (weighs down) or troubles others with rules, traditions or practices that they we ourselves are unable or unwilling to bear in our own lives. Our only yoke is to be the yoke of Jesus that fits each of us perfectly. Acts 15:10, 19, 28)

GC-The only thing that each person must understand and accept is that we are saved by grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the only means for salvation.         (Acts 15:11)

C-After much debate it was determined by the leadership in the Jerusalem that the Gentiles, who were coming to Jesus would not be required to be circumcised. They were only asked to keep from eating things with blood, things offered to idols and to keep themselves morally pure. (Acts 15:13-21, 28-29)

GC-True believers are able to come to an agreement on controversial subjects that may tear the church apart. We are to become of one mind on those things that are non- negotiable in our faith. (Acts 15:22, 25)

GC-One of the virtues that was agreed to by both the Jerusalem church and the church at Antioch was the whole idea of sexual purity. This was a radial concept for those coming out of a pagan background. It is one that must be emphasized in the promiscuous society in which we live today. (Acts 15:29)

RT-The Pharisees were trying to hold onto a failed institutional tradition laden system. For that reason they had difficult time accepting the Gentiles into the body until the body until they had performed all of the correct rituals beginning with circumcision. (Acts 15)

RT-Even when dealing with a controversial subject as the one faced by the early church concerning circumcision, they were able to send instructions to the Gentiles which stated, “It seemed good to us having become of one mind.” (Acts 15:25)

C-Silas one of the men who went back to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas decided to remain there rather than returning to Jerusalem. (Acts 15:34)