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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 Apollos 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 located there was considered a refuge for any criminal who could reach its grounds, thus the city was full of those fleeing from prosecution.
• Center of pagan superstition. Parchments called the 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 went on the road again.  Taking a different route he traveled 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 these verses a new figure appears on the Scene, Apollos of Alexandria.  Some say that the church in Alexandria was started by John 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 by Paul in Ephesus, heard him speak they began mentoring him giving him private sessions.  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 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 an incomplete understanding of salvation, 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

After Apollos had moved on to Corinth, Paul once again came to Ephesus. He found some disciples who were in the same spiritual condition 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, not salvation.  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 to whom John pointed was the One who had brought 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 previously 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 they 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?

From what we have seen in these verses:

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, Priscilla’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 be evidence that we are change agents for Christ.  If 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 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 let’s symbolically burn those things that hinder us from being the kind of Church God wants us to be.  We are not be blinded to what needs to take place in each person’s life 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)