BiblicalMastery Buddy's bible blog

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)