Acts 20

Acts_20
12/28/08

Acts_20
I. Greece
Acts 20:1-6 (NKJV)
1 After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia.
2 Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece
3 and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.
4 And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.
5 These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas.
6 But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days.
A. A challenging consideration.
1. Picture of George Washington kneeling by his horse in the snow and I was thinking how soft we have become.
2. I consider the sacrifices made by so many so that we might enjoy freedom, and I pondered how little we are willing to sacrifice for freedom.
3. And as I read the accounts of the Apostle Paul's ministry I am impressed and challenged by his example.
a. His was not a soft or easy life; he sacrificed much for the sake of the gospel, the glory of God, and the church of Jesus Christ.
B. We read here that after the riot at Ephesus, and when the uproar that led up to it settled down Paul called the church together to say goodbye and departed for Macedonia.
1. He evidently had arranged to meet Titus in Troas for a report on how things were going in Corinth before crossing the Aegean sea to Macedonia We read in 2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians 2:12-13 (NKJV)
12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,
13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.
2. They eventually met up in Macedonia and Paul was encouraged by the report of Titus concerning the Church in Corinth.
2 Corinthians 7:5-7 (NKJV)
5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears.
6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,
7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.
3. Traveling through Macedonia encouraging the church and then on to Greece for three months undoubtedly doing the same there.
C. After three months as Paul was about to depart from Greece and sail to Syria, he uncovered a plot against his life by the Jews who were evidently plotting to kill him at seas, Paul decides to return back through Macedonia and sail from Philippi to Troas and then on around to Syria.
1. Imagine how wearisome it would be to constantly have people plotting to kill you on account of your service to Christ and His church and not letting it stop you.
a. Commitment and sacrifice like that surely must be born out of love.
b. I have a pastor friend that has had numerous credible death threats over the years I have known him, but never let it stop him.
2. But I would also like you to note that at least at this point Paul has a group of faithful men traveling with him and what an encouragement it is to know that there are others whom you can trust in the thick of battle, to know they have your back so to speak.
a. Partners like that are few and far between today.
b. Now these seven men sailed ahead to Troas and Paul and Luke who appears to have rejoined Paul at this time, went around by land and sailed from Philippi to Troas staying there for seven days.
5 These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas
II. Ministry at Troas.
Acts 20:7-12 (NKJV)
7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.
8 There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together.
9 And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.
10 But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.”
11 Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed.
12 And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.
A. The day before Paul and party were to depart from Troas they were gathered together on the first day of the week which would be a Sunday for a communion service.
1. They were in an upper room till late in the night with many lamps flickering in the room, and Paul had much to say before his departure, speaking to them through the night.

2. And there during the coarse of Paul's message as he went on and on, a young man named Eutychus got sleepier and sleeper as Paul's message went on and on, not only did he fall asleep but he fell out of the window, a third story window and apparently killed by the fall.
a. But Paul went down and fell on the young man and embraced him much as the prophets Elijah and Elisha in the OT had done and his life came back into him.
(1) And they were much comforted by this.
3. Paul had something to say and he said it, God had something to say for God and the people listened to it.
a. Today we must have our three point or five point message and don't dare go over, in fact they say the average adult attention span today is around twenty minutes.
(1) What a sad commentary this is on our society, on our desire to hear what God wants to say to us!
(2) I've watched the clock many times, and it wasn't because the speaker or the message was boring, it was simply because I had a competing priority.
4. And at daybreak Paul departed for the next part of his journey toward Jerusalem, and Rome.
III. Troas to Miletus
Acts 20:13-16 (NKJV)
13 Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot.
14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene.
15 We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus.
16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.
A. The group sailed to Assos and Paul went there by foot, Paul evidently sent them ahead because it took longer to sail than to travel by foot which probably gave him more time in Troas than he had intended to spend.
1. From Assos they sailed to Mitylene, then Chios, Samos, and then Miletus, the voyage to these last three ports taking one day each.
2. Paul was trying to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost, so he sailed past Ephesus, but sends for the elders from Ephesus to meet him in Miletus.
IV. Exhortation to the Ephesion Elders
A. Paul the Pastor
Acts 20:17-21 (NKJV)
17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.
18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you,
19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;
20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house,
21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
1. When the Elders from Ephesus arrived he began to exhort them and while we often see Paul the evangelist we catch here a glimpse of Paul's heart as a pastor and what was important to him as a leader and shepherd of the church.
a. His example to them was as one who lived and worked among them not as a celebrity or VIP.
b. He kept nothing back that was profitable to them, but told them the truth, whether it was popular to him or them or not popular...
c. And he didn't limit his message or his audience but taught the truth to all regardless of who they were.
(1) The demographics of churches today are a tragedy I believe.
B. Paul's heart and mind.
Acts 20:22-27 (NKJV)
22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,
23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.
24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
25 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.
26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.
27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
1. Paul feels compelled by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing what awaits him there, only that every indication is that is trouble and will be a difficult road for him.
a. But he is not concerned for his own safety only that he finishes well the race God has set before him.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
(1) Let me encourage you, if you have gotten yourself out of the race somehow or you have not got your eyes on Jesus, put them back on Him now.

2. Paul lets them know that this is the last time they will see his face, and declares himself to be innocent of the blood of all men, because he did not hold back, but taught the whole counsel of God.
a. He considered himself to be a watchman.
Ezekiel 33:7-9 (NKJV)
7 “So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me.
8 When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.
9 Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.
b. Desire the whole counsel of God and nothing less...
C. Continue in Godly ministry
Acts 20:28-35 (NKJV)
28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.
31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel.
34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.
35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
1. Take heed to yourselves and the flock
a. Ministry is the outflow of life not an act, so keep yourselves in and encourage the flock to maintain relationship with God the flock Christ purchased with His own blood and whom the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.
(1) Be shepherds who feed and protect the flock, not those who prey upon her.
(a) Feeding is the first duty of the shepherd.
2. He warns them that after he departs savage wolves will come in (false teachers from outside, as well as false teachers from within.
a. Those fro outside are often easier to guard against than those from within.
(1) Those from within Paul says are looking for a following, they want to be popular and have impress others.
b. He warns them to beware and to remember his example, his heart for them and for God, which came through in his tears, and his message.
c. Also reminding them that he wasn't in it for money and thus watch out for those who are in it for money.
3. I am amazed at how many times I have warned and my warnings have gone unheeded...
D. Finally an emotional goodbye
Acts 20:36-38 (NKJV)
36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
37 Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him,
38 sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.
1. Then with a prayer he says goodbye and we see their heart of love expressed for him as they weep on him and kiss him farewell.
a. Grieved not only by the typical sadness that comes when we say goodbye to someone who live far away and we don't see often, but even more so because his words to them that they would not see him again.

December 21, 2008

Christmas_08
12/21/08
Sunday

Christmas_08
I. Matthew's gospel (good news - so this is in effect Matthew's good news report) opens with a genealogy of Jesus Christ, and in verse-16 we read
Matthew 1:16 (NKJV)
16 And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.
A. It does not say that Joseph was the father of or that he begot Jesus, but simply that he was the husband of Mary who gave birth to Jesus who is called Christ
1. This is an unusual statement for a Jewish Genealogy and requires further explanation which will be given to us beginning in verse-18
II. The birth of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 1:18-21 (NKJV)
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
A. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: - What an interesting phrase
1. And it serves two purposes:
a. First it ties what follows back to verse-16 which needs further explanation
b. Secondly it introduces the explanation which follows, and what an interesting introduction it is in light of what follows.
2. Once upon a time often precedes a fairy tale, but these words; imply "fantastic as it may seem here are the facts".
a. In light of the facts it is almost like our exclamations - Too good to be true, I can't believe it, wow someone pinch me I must be dreaming,
B. The existence of God in the mind of man demands a choice of faith, because God is ethereal, supernatural, and altogether different than men.
1. Because we can't see God, or measure God by some kind of gauge or instrument, we are forced to look at the facts we are given and to determine whether we believe them or not, but the facts will always stretch or exceed our natural comprehension or understanding, because that is the very nature of God, God is more and we are less.
a. He is infinite we are finite, He is creator, we His creation.
2. So the birth of Jesus, who is called Christ (Messiah, the annointed one of God, Savior) was as follows:
a. After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
(1) Betrothal for a year or so, where they were considered husband and wife but the marriage was not consummated till after this time was allowed to demonstrate faithfulness and purity.
(2) So during this year of betrothal, Mary discovers that she is pregnant and so does Joseph, and this presents some difficulty for each of them.
(a) Imagine Mary...
(b) Imagine Joseph...
3. But they like we are told, this is not a natural pregnancy, but a supernatural pregnancy, and this is to be no ordinary man child.
a. And this leads them and you and I to a crisis of belief or faith; do we or don't we believe?
C. Now we find some facts that are here to help us make a decision, look at verses 22-25
Matthew 1:22-25 (NKJV)
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife,
25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
1. First we are told that this happened this way and it fulfills what the prophet Isaiah proclaimed would happen, 700 years before its fulfillment here.
a. What are the chances of such a crazy thing happening, if it were not true.
(1) What a difficult ruse to pull off.
b. Now Joseph evidently believed or he is in conspiracy with Mary, but there in no gain, only difficulty in this venture...so the only reasonable conclusion is that Joseph was convinced that this child was indeed the child of God.
(1) And look at the sacrifice he was willing to make; Joseph had no physical relation with Mary until after the birth of her firstborn Son, Jesus.
2. And if all this is true think about the implications and the wonder of God stepping physically into our world, Immanuel, "God with us" in order to help us.
III. But we also have the facts of the wise men from the East and Herod.
A. Wise men that were watching, waiting, and believed.
Matthew 2:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,
2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
1. A report had been given to them, a prophecy and they took it to heart and were looking, and when the star appeared, at great inconvenience to their lives they went to worship this child who was born.
Numbers 24:17 (NKJV)
17 “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, And batter the brow of Moab, And destroy all the sons of tumult.
B. Herod
Matthew 2:3-8 (NKJV)
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”
7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

1. Herod took this seriously, he believed the prophecies at least to the point that they spoke of a great king that would be born
a. He believed that the scriptures of the Jews had the information as to where this child was to be born, and that the information would be accurate.
2. He was so convinced of that this babe was a great king and therefore posed a threat to his throne that he had hundreds if not thousands of babies killed to protect his throne from this child.
Matthew 2:16-18 (NKJV)
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying:
18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more.”
a. The deception of the wisemen was because they did report back to him after they found the child.
3. The wise men
Matthew 2:9-12 (NKJV)
9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
a. They were led to the babe supernaturally, and they worshipped Him.
b. They were warned by not to return to Herod, and they believed it to be a divine message and acted on it.
c. The gifts they brought were fit for a king, but were even more unique to this king
(1) Gold speaking of his royalty
(2) Frankincense a perfume speaking of the fragrance of his life, i.e. His deity.
(3) Myrrh was used in embalming, thus foreshadowing his sacrificial death (which is the purpose for which He was birthed into this world).
C. Decisions.
1. Mary had to make a choice - believe and trust and it reuired faith on her part that God was good.
2. Joseph had to believe and trust and it took faith on his part pride and reputation, as well as overcoming doubts that for most would be insurmountable.
3. The wise men, and Herod demonstrated belief and trust in the prophecies as well as the scriptures.
a. They demonstrate for us that the scriptures are true and trustworthy.
4. May you and I be convinced of the supernatural truth, the divine truth presented here, and place out trust in the one who was born Christ, who came intop this world to save us...
a. And may we join the heavenly host of heaven who proclaimed to shepherds in a field on that first Christmas night.
Luke 2:8-14 (NKJV)
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
D. Have a blessed Christmas, the greatest gift you could ever get has been given to you already, make sure you are unwrapping him...

Acts 19

Acts_19
12/14/08

Acts_19 Paul in Ephesus
I. Twelve filled with the Holy Spirit
Acts 19:1-7 (NKJV)
1 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples
2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”
4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
7 Now the men were about twelve in all.
A. While Apollos who we met last time was building on the foundation laid by Paul in Corinth, Paul made good on his promise (18:21) to return to Ephesus after his trip to Jerusalem.
1. Arriving back on Ephesus Paul encounters several people who are described to us as disciples depending (about twelve men according to verse-7).
a. Debate is ongoing as to whether they were actually believers or not, they were apparently disciples of John the Baptist, similar in understanding to Apollos having incomplete knowledge.
(1) They are not likely representative of any believers Aquila and Priscilla had been ministering to in Ephesus.
2. Here is what we can say for sure about them they had faith but incomplete knowledge, and there was something lacking spiritually in them that Paul noticed.
a. He asked them "did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" to which they responded “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
(1) Most commentators suggest that this probably means that they had not heard that He had been given or was being given which would be consistent with what Jesus taught in.
John 7:39 (NKJV)
39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
b. And then he asked them “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”

c. Paul clarified the message of John the Baptist for them explaining that his message wad fulfilled in Jesus, believing they were baptized again only this time in the name of the Lord Jesus, publically identifying their selves with Jesus by faith.
d. And when Paul laid hands on them the Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
3. We are not told what it was that Paul saw lacking in their walk that prompted him to ask if they had received the Holy Spirit, but it is a question pertinent to all of us.
a. Chances are that if God's word is drudgery for you, witnessing is a burden, worship is dull and you have no heart for it then you have not received the Holy Spirit.
(1) Perhaps you have incomplete knowledge or you have never asked for God's Spirit to come upon you for His enabling power for your walk and witness, we will be available after service to pray with you.
b. Or perhaps you once had that excitement for the things of God, but you have lost it, maybe you are filling your life up on other things and they are crowding out the things of God, kind of like filling up on junk food and not feeding on anything nutritious.
(1) Ask God to show you what you’re letting into your life and allowing to crowd Him out.
(a) Then respond, tell someone you trust to help you and encourage you...
II. 8-10
Acts 19:8-10 (NKJV)
8 And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.
9 But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.
10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
A. Then Paul began ministering in the synagogue we are told "boldly" for three months ( which is probably a record for Paul) reasoning and persuading them concerning the things of the kingdom of God.
1. This boldness that Paul had came from the Holy Spirit at work in his life, it wasn't natural but supernatural, and it was something Paul didn't take for granted as being a permanent part of him, but he saw it as something to be maintained.

a. I know this because of his prayer request in his letter to the Ephesians and the context was spiritual armor needed for the day to day battles we face.
Ephesians 6:18-20 (NKJV)
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
(1) If Paul needed such help so do you and I.
(2) But it is also true if Paul received such help so can you and I.
(a) So be encouraged to seek the Holy Spirit and the help He gives.
B. Now at the end of three months of reasoning in the synagogue some (not all) were hardened and did not believe and so Paul moved shop with those who believed and began to teach daily in the school of Tyrannus.
1. Paul wrote to Timothy a young pastor:
2 Timothy 2:14 (NKJV)
14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.

2 Timothy 2:24-26 (NKJV)
24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
a. So most likely when the reasoning got to the point where it was more about winning a debate than effective reasoning Paul simply withdrew and ministered to those that were interested in truth and not simply wanting to debate.
(1) What a great lesson for us, be ready to give answers and to reason, to present and represent Jesus to others, but don't just look to win debates, there comes a point where we need to walk away and pray more...
2. Teaching daily in the school of Tyrannus - so many of us have a hard time committing to weekly attendence, let alone coming to the midweek study, and personal reading and study time; but the implication of this statement is convicting:
a. One Greek manuscript adds that he was teaching daily from 11 to 4 which is consistent with the pattern of there work day.
7:00 - 11:00 work
11:00 - 4:00 break
4:00 - 9:00 work
b. We know that during this time Paul was working at his trade.
Acts 20:34 (NKJV)
34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.
c. So Paul would work then during the hours of his break time would teach, and undoubtedly there many who were being taught by him who were there on there break time to hear the word of God.
(1) For Paul clearly a labor of love.
d. And the teaching hall of Tyrannus was available because they were at break.
e. What might be said for the priority of God in our lives when we compare ourselves to this example, and I wonder if this might explain why so many of us go through such dry seasons spiritually.
(1) Watch out for pride and legalism here though.
3. And this was the routine for two years.
a. And so effective was the work going on that gospel “went out” from Ephesus throughout the province of Asia (on the west coast of modern day Turkey.
(1) The churches at Colosse, Laodecia, and Hieropolis were founded during this time, and some believe that all seven churches of Revelation 2-3 were founded at this time.
III. 11-12
Acts 19:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul,
12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.
A. God worked UNUSUAL miracles by the hands of Paul, so that people were healed by and demons cast out through contact with Paul's sweat bands and aprons.
1. These were unusual miracles
2. There was no magic power in the items, they no doubt were useful in triggering faith in those needing healing.
3. We know that Ephesus was city full of superstition and magic practices.
4. We also know that God used miracles to validate the ministry of the Apostles, so evidently God granted these miracles in unusual ways to validate the ministry of Paul.
IV. 13-16
Acts 19:13-16 (NKJV)
13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.”
14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”
16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
A. There were itinerate Jewish exhorsist who would travel about and attrmpt to conjure up evil spirits to bring them out of people
Matthew 12:27 (NKJV)
27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges.
1. And seven son of Sceva who is described to us as a chief priest attempted to invoke the name of Jesus whom Paul preached to cast out the demons, themselves having no relationship with Christ personally.
a. The demonic spirit spoke to them Jesus I know (ginosko by interaction and experience), and Paul I know (epistami - to know about and understand) but who are you.
b. Then the man in whom the demon was became supernaturally strong and beat them all up, and they ran out of the house naked and wounded.
B. Jesus we know and Paul we know...
1. Indicative of an organized effort against those who are God's, an enemy with a strategy!
V. 17-20 The result of this encounter
Acts 19:17-20 (NKJV)
17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.
19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.
20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
A. The result was fear fell on both Jews and Greek throughout the city health fear both of demons and esteem for Christ
1. It would seem that many Christians (many who had believed) had become caught up in spiritism and sorcery and they came confessing their evil deeds
a. The power was thought to be in their secrecy and was renounced in the telling of them.
2. Also many who practiced magic (perierga curious an old word which originally meant a piddelr about trifles, a busybody if you will, but had come to mean impertinent and magical things. It is a technical term for magic) brought their book of magic and burned them.
a. And there were a lot of them brought and burned.
B. And in addition to the repentance of evil deed and the destruction evil materials, we read that the word of God grew and prevailed or gained strength.
VI. 21-22
Acts 19:21-22 (NKJV)
21 When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”
22 So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.
A. Now prompted by the Holy Spirit sets his sites on Jerusalem then Rome, another shift in ministry begins at this point in Acts.
1. Paul sent Timothy and Erastus ahead of him to Macedonia while he stayed a little longer in Ephesus.
2. He would then travel through Macedonia and Achaia on his way to Jerusalem, probably to pick up the collection which was being taken for the believers in Jerusalem.
VII. 23-28
Acts 19:23-28 (NKJV)
23 And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way.
24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen.
25 He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade.
26 Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands.
27 So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.”
28 Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”
A. Ephesus was the capital city of the region larger and more spectacular than Corinth, and the temple of Artemis that was there was considered one of the seven wonders of the world.
1. The idol makers were getting rich from trinkets and such that they sold to tourists and pilgrims.
2. But as the word of God was preached and the truth was embraced, the demand for such things as Demetrius and those of his profession produced was drying up.
a. During the Welch revival of 1901 the bars in Wales all closed up because there was no interest or demand for alcohol.
3. Paul was persuasively teaching people that things made by the hands of men were not gods.
4. The speech of Demetrius instigated a riot and
VIII. 29-34
Acts 19:29-34 (NKJV)
29 So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions.
30 And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him.
31 Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater.
32 Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together.
33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people.
34 But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”
A. The riot gains momentum and the whole city rushes to the theater grabbing Gaius and Aristarchus along the way
1. Paul wants to go in and make a defense but the disciples would not let him.
2. Then they grab Alexander a Jew and monotheist out of the crowd to make a defense but anti-semitism took over and the crowd went crazy chanting “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” for two hours.
IX. 35-41
Acts 19:35-41 (NKJV)
35 And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus?
36 Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly.
37 For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess.
38 Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.
39 But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly.
40 For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.”
41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.
A. Finally the city clerk comes in quiets and disperses the crowd letting them know that there was a lawful way to deal with their complaint if they had one, but as it was they were at risk of evoking the wrath of Rome for their unlawful assembly.
1. Note what he says 37"For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess."
a. So we know Paul and company were preaching a pro Jesus message, and not an against everything else message.
(1) While there is a time and a place to point out what we disagree with or to call out problematic teaching and teachers the primary message we need to take to the world is who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
X.

Acts 18

Acts_18
12/07/08

Acts_18
I. Review
A. Paul had preached his sermon on Mars Hill in Athens and it had born little fruit, though there were some converts in the time he spent in the city.
1. We made the point that what matters is what you and I do in response to the gospel message, and how we let it impact our lives.
2. Now its on to Corinth.
II. Corinth
A. Corinth
Acts 18:1-4 (NKJV)
1 After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth.
2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them.
3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.
4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
1. Luke doesn't detail for the circumstance of Paul's departure from Athens only that he left and went on to Corinth which is about fifty miles distance from Athens.
a. Though geographically they were not far apart, they were very different in character.
(1) Athens was known for its culture and learning, Corinth for its commerce, extravagant indulgence and licentiousness.
(2) It was a center for the worship of Aphrodite the goddess of love, which promoted immorality in the name of religion.
(a) The New American commentary on Acts writes:
Among the Greeks the word translated "to live like a Corinthian" (korinthiazesthai) meant to live immorally.
Polhill, John B.: Acts. electronic ed. Nashville : Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1992 (Logos Library System; The New American Commentary 26), S. 381
2. In his first letter to Corinth Paul writes describing that it was with weakness, fear, and trembling that he came to the city.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NKJV)
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
a. It may be due to the unfruitfulness of ministry in Athens that Paul determined to preach as he states here "Christ, and him crucified" the crucifixion not being something mentioned in his Mars Hill sermon as we noted last time.
b. A couple of things may account for this weakness and fear.
(1) First he arrived alone in this city, which undoubtedly would be a difficult city to minister in especially for a single man.
(a) He hooks up fairly quickly with others who are Godly, likely to provide strength and accountability to each other.
(b) He even baptized some in Corinth (see 1 Corinthians 1:14-17) which he normally delegated to others, there is sometimes strength in numbers and so establishing a community of spiritual support may have been all the more important in this city filled with so much outward wickedness.
i) We would learn well from this the importance of involving ourselves in fellowship with believers that can encourage us in Godly living.
(2) Secondly he had already experience much difficulty since coming to Macedonia and this probably added apprehension to him about what might happen in this city.
B. Aquila and Priscilla
1. In Corinth Paul meets a man and his wife Aquila and Priscilla who became faithful friends and co-laborers with Paul in the ministry.
a. They had left Rome because of the order by Claudius, and anti-Semite who drove the Jews out of Rome.
b. They were of the same trade tent makers so they dwelt together.
(1) They worked and ministered together, following Paul's pattern of ministering in the synagogue.
2. The bond of friendship between Priscilla, Aquila, and Paul was life long and full of love and like-mindedness.
a. Let God develop these kinds of relationships for you by submitting yourselves to fellowship, rather than isolating yourself through nonparticipation.
C. The ministry in Corinth becomes more defined
Acts 18:5-8 (NKJV)
5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.
8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
1. It would appear that Silas and Timothy brought some financial support with them and so they were able to devote themselves to ministry.
a. Devoting himself to occupying his time with preaching the word is what is meant when it says "Paul was compelled by the Spirit..."
2. Along with this came more opposition, and so Paul shakes out his garments and shifts the primary focus of his ministry toward the gentiles.
a. He begins ministering out of the house of Justus which was right next door to the synagogue, which undoubtedly was designed to provoke the Jews to jealousy.
(1) The life that was in this fellowship of believers eventually impacts the chief of the synagogue (Crispus) who becomes a believer.
(a) Many are now getting saved and being baptized in Corinth.
(b) It is an exciting thing to watch God work through the life of a fellowship.
i) You can't enjoy the wonder of it to the fullest if you are only showing up and not participating.
3. The impact of Crispus being converted, caused others to believe
D. Persecution intensifies as ministry increases.
Acts 18:9-17 (NKJV)
9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent;
10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”
11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
12 When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat,
13 saying, “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.”
14 And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you.
15 But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters.”
16 And he drove them from the judgment seat.
17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things.
1. The implication of vv-9 is that Paul was beginning to experience some fear but God comes to him and encourages him.
a. This was not to be a short stop like most of the other cities but Paul would be here 1.5 years and so God gave Paul a promise he could stand on whenever fear began to grip his heart.
(1) And he was there TEACHING the word of God for that time.

(a) God had many people in Corinth, this city known for its wickedness and they needed to be established in the Word of God.
(b) So it is in our world and in our day!
(2) Today we focus so much attention on the external building of the church, activities etc.
(a) There are times when I consider the intensity of the warfare we have experienced, that I and others close to me have experienced, I get perplexed wondering where is the great or intense ministry at that would merit such opposition.
i) But then I stop and realize that it is a fleshly measure to look at what this world calls success.
ii) I am convinced more that ever that the success and life of ministry here @ St. Joe is happening on the inside of people, and that one day it will work itself out in ways that would surprise us if we could see it.
Paul wrote to the Ephesians
Ephesians 3:14-19 (NKJV)
14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—
19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
2. With Crispus getting saved there was a change in leadership at the synagogue and the Jews thought they could get rid of Paul by taking him before the proconsul of Achaia Gallio charging him with propagating a new religion which Rome did not allow.
a. Gallio was the brother of Seneca; Seneca was a philosopher as well as a tutor to Nero.
b. Gallio throws them out basically telling them that the issue is not a civil matter but a religious matter and they would have to figure that out for themselves, he wasn't going to get involved.
(1) He saw Christianity as an aspect of Judaism which was recognized as a legitimate religion by Rome, the significance of this was almost the equivalent of legitimizing Christianity in the eyes of Roman law.

3. Verse-17 says "Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things."
a. Sosthenes was evidently the man who replaced Crispus as the ruler of the synagogue and we are told that the Greeks took him and beat him before the judgment seat.
(1) Newer translation say the Jews (not the Greeks) beat him
(2) Whether it was Jews who did so because his stand against Paul wasn't strong enough, or the Greeks because Sosthenes and the Jews were being to much trouble with their complaints it is interesting to note that we read in 1Cor. 1:1 where Paul writes "Greet Sosthenes", (and while we don't know for sure it was him) guess who may eventually have become a Christian!
(a) Sometimes those that seem the hardest or most hostile are really the closest.
b. When we read "But Gallio took no notice of these things." it is not indicating his indifference to religion, but simply that he chose not to get involved.
E. Heading to Jerusalem
Acts 18:18-23 (NKJV)
18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.
19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
20 When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent,
21 but took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.” And he sailed from Ephesus.
22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch.
23 After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

1. So after a long period of establishing the church in Corinth Paul heads to Jerusalem.
a. Aquila and Priscilla now traveling with him.
2. Why the haircut?
a. Evidently Paul had taken a Nazarite vow.
a) Touch no grapes
b) Drink no wine
c) Touch no dead body
d) And allow his hair to grow before cutting it off as a sign of purification.
b. Undoubtedly so he might minister to the Jews in Jerusalem once he arrived.
1 Corinthians 9:22 (NKJV)
22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
3. Stopping in Ephesus they wanted Paul to hang out for awhile (primarily to hear his teaching…)
a. But Paul wanted to be in Jerusalem by a certain date and so went on promising to return again God willing.
b. Sailing from Ephesus to Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem (that is the meaning of the words "gone up and greeted the church") and then home to Antioch a short visit.
III. Verse-23 introduces the beginning of Paul's third missionary journey.
A. Paul is on his way back to Ephesus and Luke is going to emphasize Paul's ministry in Ephesus,
1. For this reason with brevity Luke lets us know that on the first part of the journey Paul traveled through Galatia, and Phrygia strengthening the brethren.
IV. In Ephesus Paul had left Aquila and Priscilla behind and in vv-24-28 we are introduced to Apollos.
Acts 18:24-28 (NKJV)
24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John.
26 So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
27 And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace;
28 for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
A. Apollos was a Jew born in Alexandria which was the second largest city in the Roman Empire and 1/3 of the population was Jewish.
1. Alexandria was a city of such intellectual wealth that an Alexandrian Library that was uncovered contained 700k volumes.
2. Apollos was not only intellectually brilliant, he had a fervent heart spiritually.
a. He evidently had not heard of the death and resurrection of Jesus, but was familiar with the message of John the Baptist, repent, Messiah is coming.
(1) He didn't know much, but what he knew he shared.
b. Notice when Aquila and Priscilla heard him they did not look at him with an heir of superiority (we are advanced above that), but realizing he didn't have the whole story privately shared the gospel with him.
(1) They were humble servants sharing the gospel to any who would listen.

c. And look at the humility of Apollo’s, he was teachable and correctable, he did not look at them and say you are only a couple of tent makers why should I listen to you.
(1) And he took what he learned and what he knew and he put it to use.
B.

Acts 17

Acts_17
Sun. 11/30/08

Acts_17
I. Review
A. Paul and Silas had been ministering in Philippi where they were beaten and thrown into prison.
1. In spite of the persecution and suffering through supernatural events they had led the jailer and his household to faith in Christ.
2. The magistrates had sent word to release them the day following the arrest but they confronted the magistrates concerning their unlawful arrest.
a. They finally agreed to go but do so on their own terms, first taking time to visit the believers who were now meeting at the home of Lydia one of the new converts, in order to encourage them.
II. Which brings us to chapter-17 and our text for today, beginning with ministry in Thessalonica.
Acts 17:1-4 (NKJV)
1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.
2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.”
4 And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.
A. Leaving Philippi they traveled through a couple of small towns on their way to Thessalonica.
1. No indication given of ministry by them in the two smaller towns.
2. Paul's pattern was to minister in the larger towns that had a synagogue.
a. And he had the expectation that new believers would evangelize the smaller towns around them.
B. The fact that Paul ministered three weeks in the synagogue is not indicating the length of his stay in Thessalonica.
1. We know he was there long enough to receive financial support from Philippi twice.
Philippians 4:15-16
Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.

2. He also spent time working in his trade as a tent maker part of the time.
1 Thessalonians 2:9 (NKJV)
9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 (NKJV)
7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;
8 nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you,
9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.
10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
C. He presented Jesus to them as the Christ (Messiah)
1. The Jews were faced with a dilemma in the scriptures, because they were familiar with passages like Isa. 53 which speaks of a Suffering Messiah and Psalm-2 which speaks of a Reigning Messiah.
a. The only way to reconcile this in their minds was to have two Messiahs.
(1) The Reigning Messiah they referred to as Messiah Ben David, and the Suffering Messiah they referred to as Messiah Ben Joseph…
2. But Paul laid out to them how both sets of prophecy were fulfilled in one Person - Jesus, who suffered when He was crucified on the cross, but rose from the dead to rule and reign forever.
a. The key to opening the scriptures is to focus on the Person of Christ.
D. The result; a few Jews, a multitude of Greeks, and many of the prominent women believed!
1. That is the result of the word being taught!
III. But not all were persuaded; vv-5-9
Acts 17:5-9 (NKJV)
5 But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.
7 Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.”
8 And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things.
9 So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.

A. The unbelieving Jews, prompted by envy decided to take action against Paul and Silas.
1. The accusation is that they are acting contrary to Caesar, but the accusation is really only a cover for their envy.
a. Often those who bring accusation, have a deeper reason or undisclosed motive.

2. And they get together some trouble-makers to start a riot, and attack the house so that they might get to Paul and Silas.
a. Not finding Paul and Silas they drag Jason and some of the brethren to the government officials.
(1) Church historians tell us that six million Christians were killed in the first 2.5 centuries for refusing to say "Caesar is Lord"
3. They refer to the Christians as those who have turned the world upside down! Wow what a great testimony…
a. Since the world is upside down to begin with, they are guilty of making it right again.
b. What contrast there is between God's plan and intent, and the ways and values of man!
4. They make a deal with Jason that as long as Paul and Silas leave they won't press charges, so desiring to see Paul and Silas go free they agree to the deal.
IV. On to Berea vv10-15
Acts 17:10-15 (NKJV)
10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men.
13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds.
14 Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there.
15 So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed.

A. Paul and Silas rather than being discouraged were ready to go on.
1. And they jumped right back into the pattern of ministry they had established, going right to the synagogue.
B. What an encouragement the Berean's must have been as we consider what vv-11 says.
1. The man or woman who receives the word of God, with a ready mind, that is they embrace it, the welcome it, but they diligently examine and scrutinize it for themselves to see if what has been said or taught concerning it is accurate, are considered of noble mind.
a. We are exhorted by scripture
2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV)
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

b. The Berean’s, heard it, they searched it out, and they formed an opinion about it!
c. Look at verse-13 "But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds."
(1) It was the word of God, i.e. what God has said, and that is what they preached and that is what changes lives.
(a) Not the theories and opinions of men.
C. The unbelieving Jews from Thessalonica heard that Paul and Silas were in Berea and followed them there and stirred up opposition.
1. The brethren having heard and having received the word of God sent Paul on realizing that it would be better for him to keep moving.
a. But Silas and Timothy remained in Berea.
2. Leaving Berea, Paul traveled on to Athens
a. Athens was the intellectual capital of the world.
(1) It was the city of Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates.
b. When Paul arrived in Athens, Paul immediately sent word back for Silas and Timothy to join him as quickly as possible.
V. Athens
Acts 17:16-21 (NKJV)
16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.
17 Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there.
18 Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.
19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak?
20 For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.”
21 For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.
A. As Paul waited his heart was greatly stirred for this incredible city, so full of the wisdom of men, but so devoid of God's truth.
1. Here in this intellectual center of the world there were over 3000 altars and temples built to different deities.
a. Temple to Aphrodite, abounding with prostitutes, man's attempt to justify sexual promiscuity.
b. Temple to Zeus, for the "make my day mentality" for those into savagery.
c. The temple to Bacchus for those into alcohol.
2. Paul's heart was stirred but he didn't jump up and form committees or political protest groups against idolatry.
a. Instead verse-17 tells us that he began to dialogue (reason), discuss, and dispute, in the churches and on the street (market place) with those in the city who were gripped by idolatry.
3. As he does this the Epicureans and the Stoics get involved.
a. Epicureans - philosophers who taught that man ought to live for pleasure.
b. Stoics - those who taught a disciplined lifestyle, avoiding anything, emotional, sensual, or material.
(1) Enjoy life or Endure life.
c. Neither group believed in eternal life, so talk of the resurrection caught the interest of both groups.
B. They took him to the Areopagus (Mars Hill) where the philosophers and the council of education (which sort stood watch over new teachings) could hear him.
1. The smartest men in the world had the understanding that religion and education could not be separated, how far we have drifted from that idea today.
C. The Athenian's were caught up in the endless analysis of new truth.
1. It has been said that "if it's true it's not new" and if it's new, it's not true". It is not some new novel truth we need but a return to the old truths, which have been with us from the beginning.
a. As we look in scripture we find that we have all the truth we need, and we would do well to learn as much of it as possible.
D.
Acts 17:22-34 (NKJV)
22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious;
23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:
24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.
25 Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.
26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,
27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’
29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising.
30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,
31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.”
33 So Paul departed from among them.
34 However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
1. Paul seized upon his observation of their culture and used it as a launching pad to present the truth.
a. He speaks of
God's greatness(vv24),
God's goodness (vv25),
the government of God (vv26-27),
the glory of God (vv28,29),
and the grace of God (vv30-34).
b. He quotes from two poets popular within intellectual circles, to support his logic.
(1) Quoted from Epimenides, the Cretan poet
(2) The poet Aratus, from Paul's homeland Cilicia:
2. Yet it wasn't a very fruitful endeavor.
a. While some have said this should be the model of a good sermon (great intro, applicable illustrations, and sequential order of thought)
b. Jon Courson believes it is here as an example of failure, in that it lacks mention of the crucifixion, and the name of Jesus.
(1) That Paul was trying to make it culturally relevant instead of preaching Christ and Him crucified and thus it had little impact!
(2) Certainly there is some food for thought in his notion.
VI. All important is what you do with the message of the gospel
A. Just as Paul points out
29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising.
30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,
1. Since we are the created and He is the creator we are not free to worship the work of our hands.
2. And He has overlooked for awhile our ignorance and has suffered long with us.
a. We have had general revelation, but now in hearing the gospel message we have received specific revelation and we are responsible for how we respond to it.
b. What is your response?

Sunday Nov 23, 2008

Acts_16_11-40
Acts_16_11-40

I. As we left off
A. Paul has invited young Timothy to join him in this missionary journey, Silas and Luke are a part of the team traveling with them.
B. The Holy Spirit had forbidden them to go into Asia (Roman Asia) or into Bithynia, and they had come down to Troas a sea port where in a vision Paul had seen a man of Macedonia calling to him to come and help them.
1. By this they had determined that God was calling them to preach the gospel in Macedonia, and they immediately set out to travel to Macedonia.
II. Ministry in Philippi
A. Lydia Baptized
Acts 16:11-15 (NKJV)
11 Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis,
12 and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days.
13 And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there.
14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.
15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.
1. They had to cross the Aegean sea sailing from Troas to Samothrace an Island in the Aegean and then on to Neapolis.
a. Samothrace is about halfway between Troas and Neapolis.
b. They ran a straight course means that they had favorable winds and we see that they made the journey in two days where as later in the reverse direction it took them five days.
2. Then traveling over land they came to Philippi which was a larger city in that part of Macedonia.
a. Paul would target the major cities knowing that it was much easier for the gospel to go out from the large cities than it was for the gospel to come in to the large cities.

b. Luke tells us that it was a colony meaning it was a Roman colony let me read what the "Bible Knowledge Commentary" says here as it is often kind of fun to catch a glimpse of history as we move along.
Philippi, originally named Crenides ("Fountains"), was taken by Philip of Macedon and renamed after him. In 168 b.c. Philippi became a Roman possession. After Mark Antony and Octavian defeated Brutus and Cassius, the assassins of Julius Caesar, near Philippi in 42 b.c., the city was made into a Roman colony. This gave it special privileges (e.g, fewer taxes) but more importantly it became like a "transplanted" Rome (cf. comments on Philippi in the Introduction to Phil.). The primary purpose of colonies was military, for the Roman leaders felt it wise to have Roman citizens and sympathizers settled in strategic locations. So Octavian (who became Caesar Augustus, the first Roman emperor, in 27 b.c.) settled more colonists (primarily former soldiers) at Philippi after his defeat of Antony at Actium, on Greece's west coast, in 31 b.c.

Walvoord, John F. ; Zuck, Roy B. ; Dallas Theological Seminary: The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL : Victor Books, 1983-c1985, S. 2:399
3. On the Sabbath "we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there."
a. Evidently the Jewish population was small in Philippi, they were gathering by the riverside for prayer there not being enough men in good standing to open a synagogue.
b. And to the women gathered there, Paul and company sat down and preached the gospel.
4. Among the women who had gathered was a woman named Lydia who was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God.
a. The dyes used for coloring things purple were very expensive and sellers of purple were dealing with very luxurious and highly desired products.
(1) Lydia was apparently successful and had a house large enough to accommodate Paul and his team.
b. We are told that she worshipped God, so likely she was not a proselyte who had converted to Judaism, but had come to believe in and worship Jehovah.
(1) And as Paul preached the Lord open up her heart to believe the message of the gospel and heeding the message she and her household were subsequently baptized.
(2) After her baptism she begs Paul and company to come and stay at her house which they did.
c. Lydia has the distinction of being the first European convert of the Apostle Paul.
(1) Many like to speculate on how history may have been different if the Gospel had gone first to Asia before it went to Europe.
B. A demon possessed girl is delivered
Acts 16:16-18 (NKJV)
16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling.
17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.”
18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.

1. A group of men were exploiting a slave girl who was possessed with a demon of divination and were profiting off her fortune-telling.
2. And the girl sort of latches on to Paul and company following them around and declaring who they were ( the servants of the Most High God) and what they were doing (who proclaim to us the way of salvation).
a. And after many days of her doing this, Paul being greatly annoyed by what she was doing commands the spirit to come out of her, and the spirit obeys, and she is set free from it.
b. Interesting that they were not interested in the free advertisement she brought, they did not want to be in any way identified with sucha spirit even if it was telling the truth.
2 Corinthians 6:14 (NKJV)
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?
(1) I marvel at the way much of the church is chasing after the endorsement of the world today...
C. Paul and Silas are persecuted because of this
Acts 16:19-24 (NKJV)
19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.
20 And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city;
21 and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.”
22 Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods.
23 And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely.
24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
1. Caring nothing for the well being of the girl and motivated solely by their loss of income from their fortune-telling enterprise, the masters of this girl turn on Paul and Silas and drag them before the magistrates of the city.
a. Paul and Silas are singled out because they are Jews and less likely to be Romans there were one set of laws for Roman citizens and quite another for those who weren't.
(1) Roman citizens had civil rights which were zealously gaurded, non-citizens did not have civil rights.
b. The accusation these men being Jews are trouble makers troubling the city;
(1) Took place shortly after Claudius had expelled Jews from Rome
Acts 18:2 (NKJV)
2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them.
(2) And the people were permitted to have their own religions but were not permitted proselytize Roman citizens.
2. So moved by the crowd the magistrates beat Pail and Silas then threw them into prison (in stocks)
a. The jailers being given specific instructions to keep them securely.
D. Conversion of the Philippian jailer.
Acts 16:25-32 (NKJV)
25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.
28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”
29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.
30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.
1. In spite of their circumstance Paul and Silas are full of joy and singing to God.
a. Joy comes when we keep in mind not our circumstances but the promise and knowledge that God is in control of our circumstance.
2. The other prisoners were listening, the world watches and listen to us, what example do they see???
3. Suddenly a supernatural earthquake which loosens the chains of everyone of the prisoners including their doors.
a. With good reason the jailer awakened by the earthquake and seeing all the doors opened was about to kill himself, because the penalty for letting a prisoner escape was that you had to fulfill their penalty.
b. Paul realizing that the jailer would likely harm himself cries out and intervenes.
(1) Paul and Silas care more about the others then they do about their own freedom!!!
4. Now the jailer is really shook up and asks them what he must do to be saved...
a. Paul responds “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
(1) Salvation is through grace by faith.
(2) Promise of household many feel is specific to the jailer...
5. And they believed and are baptized.
Acts 16:33-34 (NKJV)
33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.
34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.
a. And he is now ministering to them.
E. They don't go quietly
Acts 16:35-39 (NKJV)
35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, “Let those men go.”
36 So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace.”
37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out.”
38 And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans.
39 Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and asked them to depart from the city.
1. The earthquake was about the salvation of the jailer and his household and not the release of Paul and Silas or why would the message now come to let them go (God surely knew what would happen)!
2. At any rate the magistrates are now ready to let them go, they have made an example of them which will surely keep everyone else in line.
a. But Paul and Silas are not going to let them off the hook so easily and reveal that they are Roman citizens which they had unlawfully beaten without a trial.
b. I would have been anxious to let the matter go, but they are standing up for the others by their protest.
3. They go on their own terms
Acts 16:40 (NKJV)
40 So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.
a. first ministering to Lydia and the other believers before they depart...
III. God wants you!!!
A. Your heart
1. Two ways
a. First in relationship...
b. Second in relationship...

Acts_16_1-10

Acts_16_1-10
11/16/08

Acts_16
I. Introductry
A. Paul and Barnabas had returned to Antioch from Jerusalem after the event known as the Jerusalem council, where the church officially ruled that circumcision and keeping the law are not requirements for salvation.
1. After some time Paul and Barnabas determined to take a second missionary journey to strengthen the churches they planted on their first trip.
2. But a sharp division occurred between them over young John Mark whom Barnabas wanted to take along but Paul refused because he had abandoned them during the first trip.
3. The division was so sharp that Barnabas took Mark and went to Cyprus, and Paul took Silas and traveled through Syria and Cilicia strengthening the churches he and Barnabas had established there.
II. Timothy joins the team.
Acts 16:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek.
2 He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium.
3 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek.
4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.
5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.
A. They are traveling in the reverse order from the first missionary journey their approach being from the east this time and thus they came to Derbe first.
1. And at Lystra is a young man named Timothy described as a disciple.
a. Timothy was probably a convert of Paul who refers to him as "his own son in the faith"
1 Timothy 1:2 (NKJV)
2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 4:17 (NKJV)
17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.
(1) Certainly it is clear through the NT references to this young man that Paul Mentored him and trained him for ministry.
b. Here he is referred to as a disciple already, and he has full of knowledge of the persecutions including the stoning which Paul endured on his first trip to Lystra, which indicate he was a convert on that first trip.
2 Timothy 3:10-11 (NKJV)
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,
11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me.

c. He was the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, she and his Grandmother had passed along a Godly heritage to him.
2 Timothy 1:5 (NKJV)
5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

2 Timothy 3:15 (NKJV)
15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

(1) Both by example and by instruction in the scriptures they passed along this Godly heritage to him.
2. His dad was Greek and beyond that we are not told anything about his dad.
3. Timothy himself we are told had a good reputation among the local churches, and the gifting and grace for ministry were evident in his life and attested to by those that knew him.
a. What a great report, and this is as it should be, ordination for ministry should simply be man saying amen (we agree) to what God is already doing in someone’s life.
(1) This sadly is misunderstood and many fill the pulpit of today’s churches simply because they completed a series of prescribed classes, for a profession they chose, rather than being chosen by God to fulfill.
B. So Paul wants to take Timothy along for the rest of the journey, but on account of Jews who lived in the areas they would be ministering to, Paul first circumcises Timothy, who was not already circumcised because his dad was Greek and circumcision was not a common practice of the Greeks.

1. After all the fuss over circumcision in chapter-15 we naturally stop and ask why is Paul first circumcising Timothy before taking him along in ministry.

a. In chapter-15 the issue was over circumcision as a requirement for salvation, that is not the issue here, Timothy is already a believer, having received salvation by faith, and circumcision has nothing to do with it.
b. But in order to avoid conflict with Jews since they would be ministering to both Jew and Gentile, this would allow Timothy to be more effective in the ministry to which God was calling him.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NKJV)
19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;
20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law;
21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law;
22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

(1) This was all the more important because Timothy was both Jewish and Greek.
(a) Lack of circumcision would have prevented him from being able to preach in the synagogues.
(2) How willing are we to sacrifice personally in order that we might minister to others?
2. And so as the trip continued, Timothy joined them and as they went through the cities and as they did so they delivered the decrees made by the church at the Jerusalem council.
a. And the churches were strengthened both in their faith and in their numbers as new converts were made through the preaching of the gospel and the teaching of God's word.
III. The Macedonian call.
Acts 16:6-10 (NKJV)
6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.
7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.
8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.
9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.
A. After traveling through the Phrygian region of Galatia, they attempted to turn and go into the Roman province of Asia of which Ephesus is the capital but the Holy Spirit forbid them to preach the word in this region.
1. Then as they reached Mysia they attempted to turn up and go into Bithynia, but again the Spirit refused to let them go that way, so passing by Mysia, literally skirting by it and not preaching or ministering anywhere, they came to Troas.
a. Paul would eventually preach in the Roman province of Asia, but now was not the time, God had something else in store for them.
(1) What a great lesson this is for us, we somehow get the idea that we can go what ever way we want to for ministry, but that isn't true.
(a) We can minister wherever we go but that is different than picking a place that we want to go to and establish ministries.
(b) Rather we are to be Spirit led, having a great idea, or simply having a burden for something is not enough, we must be God directed, Paul and his group are sensitive to what God is telling them.
i) I imagine that there may have been some disappointment in this, perhaps some frustration, but they didn't give up, they continued to seek out what God had for them.
B. But there in Troas which is a port town on the Aegean sea (near the site of Ancient Troy) Paul has a vision in the night, a man pleading with him to come over to Macedonia and help them.
1. A plea for help would be a very moving event and immediately Paul and team make plans to cross over to Macedonia, concluding that God was calling them to preach the gospel to them; and thus the gospel is headed to Europe.
a. So Paul and company fall in line with how God is working, and in line with God's divine plan, which they have readily allowed to redirect them and turn them aside from their own plans.
b. Note that Luke says "WE sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called US to preach the gospel to them." and so we see that Luke has at some point joined them in this trip and is now eye witness to the events at this point in time.
2. God has a plan and work for us, something that He is doing and that He wants us to join Him in, may we be more diligent in seeking His direction for us, more sensitive to hear, and more diligent in doing what He shows us to do.
IV. Now then what we are reading is a report of what this missionary group did and what they encountered, a report given to the church, so today we are going to take time to hear an actual report of missionary trip that Peggie and her son Michael recently participated in.

Acts 15 Sunday November 9, 2008

Acts_15
11/9/08

Acts_15
I. Opening Statement
A. The scriptures record for us not only the successes of the church but also some of the churches struggles, failures, and conflicts.
1. In Acts 15 Luke sets before us a couple of struggles and conflicts, we can learn much from them if we will.
II. A conflict arises.
A. The conflict
Acts 15:1-2 (NKJV)
1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.
1. Certain men came from Judea, they were driven to persuade other Christians to embrace their belief system.
a. Because they were from Judea, Galatians indicates they were from the mother church in Jerusalem; they had an appearance of authority, though they had not been sent out by the church in Jerusalem, especially with the doctrine they were presenting.
b. What these men were teaching the brethren in essence was that in order to become Christians they would first have to become Jews by submitting to Jewish rituals including circumcision.
(1) It was a hard thing for the Jewish mind to embrace the fact that Gentiles could be admitted to the church as equals to the Jews w/o submitting themselves to the law.
(2) Such teaching says that the work of Christ on the cross was not a finished work, that salvation is not by faith alone, and puts men in bondage again to the law.
(a) There teaching contradicts what Paul taught at Antioch of Pisidia in Acts 13:39
Acts 13:39 (NKJV)
39 and by Him [Jesus] everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

c. Jesus taught a parable that addressed this when He taught that you cannot put new wine into old wine skins because it does not work, the church is a new work, and it can't be mixed in with Judaism.
d. We can never work our way into heaven, but heavens work can and should flow out of us.
2. These Judaizers taught that salvation was dependent on keeping the law, so this no small issue where parties could agree to disagree, the doctrine of salvation was and is a core doctrine, and it had to be resolved.
a. Today the doctrine of salvation is finding renewed opposition amongst those who have progressive ideas about how the church should function and what its mission is.
3. Their teaching brought about a sharp dispute and debate from Paul and Barnabas and when no resolution was reached, the Church in Antioch determined that Paul, Barnabas, along with others to act as witnesses should travel to Jerusalem to get an official ruling from the mother church.
a. There is no way that this theological issue is beyond Paul and Barnabas, ant the rest of the leaders of the church in Antioch, there is no confusion on their part.
(1) But they recognize the significance of the issue and that it needs to be settled officially and put to rest or many may be led astray by this false teaching and these false teachers...
B. Back to Jerusalem
Acts 15:3-5 (NKJV)
3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.
4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them.
5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”
1. As they traveled to Jerusalem they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, sharing along the way (giving testimony) describing the work of salvation God was accomplishing among the Gentiles.
a. This report brought great joy to the brethren that heard it. (the salvation of others ought to be a source of great joy)
2. Arriving in Jerusalem there was a public welcome for Paul and his associates (they were received by the church), and then probably a private meeting with the leaders (and by the apostles and the elders), at which time they gave a report of what God was doing through them.
a. Then in a second public meeting the Judaizers presented their case concerning salvation and keeping the law.
b. And then a fourth meeting probably public, where the issue is debated in an event known as the Jerusalem council, and where the church will ultimately make a ruling of official church doctrine concerning the issue at hand.
III. The Jerusalem Council
A. Peter speaks first
Acts 15:6-11 (NKJV)
6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.
7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.
8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us,
9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”
1. They came together to consider the issue, it was not left to individual conscience.
2. Doctrinally speaking this is a huge issue raised by the Jerusalem council, are Christians saved faith in Christ alone, or by a combination of faith and obedience to the Law of Moses.
3. "And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them..."
a. Peter evidently sat there and heard things out before finally speaking,
Proverbs 18:13 (NKJV)
13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.
b. and he gives them a history lesson reminding them of how God had already opened the door to the gentiles through him, and how God acknowledged them and gave His Spirit to them even though they were uncircumcised, the same way that He had given the Spirit to them.
(1) And that God has spoken to him in a vision that he was not to call what God had clean common or unclean, that is that God makes no distinction between Jew and Gentile.
(a) But that their hearts were purified by faith, not by keeping the law.
c. And Peter makes this observation "Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?"
(1) The law was a yoke that they were not even able to bear.
d. Peter concludes his argument with this statement "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we [Jews] shall be saved in the same manner as they [Gentiles].”
(1) It is backwards from the way you would think he might state it
(2) And he is thus making the point, that it is only by grace through faith that anyone could be saved, the Jews were not saved by grace and keeping the law.
B. Paul and Barnabas
Acts 15:12 (NKJV)
12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles.
1. Paul and Barnabas then affirm or support what Peter has said by testifying to the way God was working greatly among the Gentiles.
C. James Speaks
Acts 15:13-21 (NKJV)
13 And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me:
14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name.
15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:
16 ‘After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up;
17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the Lord who does all these things.’
18 “Known to God from eternity are all His works.
19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God,
20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.
21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
1. James who is the brother of Jesus then speaks, making the point that God had already settled the question in the declaration of Peter as to how God had already visited the Gentiles (ethne- nations) taking out of them a people (laos) for His name.
a. And then he turns to the true authority on which doctrine and any work of God should be judged and that is by the word of God, and he quotes from Amos chapter-9 verses 11-12 demonstrating that the prophets agree with this work among the gentiles with no mention of their keeping the law.
2. "Therefore I judge" which indicates that James had a position of great authority in the church.
a. It is stated as a mutual decision when his determination is published, so his judgment was followed and ratified by all officially.
3. What he determined is that the gentiles should not be troubled that is "we should leave them alone", but that they should abstain from
a. things polluted by idols, strangled, or meat not properly bled, and from sexual immorality, (marriage within the family...)
(1) These were all related to laws found in Leviticus 17 & 18, and the idea was not so much to keep the law but to practice the law of love and by abstaining from these things they would not antagonize or provoke their Jewish brethern.
(a) And thus it would prevent division in the church.
4. Bottom line is he ruled that Peter, Paul and Barnabas were right and the Judaizers were wrong.
D. A letter of decision is drafted.
Acts 15:22-29 (NKJV)
22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.
23 They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.
24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”—to whom we gave no such commandment—
25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth.
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:
29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.
1. This makes it clear that the issue was ultimately determined by the Holy Spirit who led them and helped them to understand how the scriptures spoke to the issues they discussed.
a. And to their credit they listened and obeyed.
b. Thus they sent a letter back, as well as the men to bear witness and confirm the words of the letter which Paul and Barnabas carried back.
2. And this issue was settled early in the beginning days of the church, that salvation is by grace through faith alone and not mixed with keeping of the law.
E. The letter is well received.
Acts 15:30-31 (NKJV)
30 So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.
31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.

1. Paul and Barnabas return with the ruling and gather the church together, and when the letter was read, it caused the church in Antioch to rejoice over the encouragement it contained.
IV. Work in Antioch continues
Acts 15:32-35 (NKJV)
32 Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words.
33 And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles.
34 However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.
35 Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
A. Judas and Silas minister to the church in Antioch for a time, ultimately Silas remained in Antioch ministering, along with Paul and Barnabas, but Judas headed back to Jerusalem.
V. Contention over John Mark
Acts 15:36-41 (NKJV)
36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.”
37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark.
38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.
39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus;
40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God.
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
A. Paul suggest to Barnabas that they return to the cities where they had planted churches on their first missionary journey in order to see how they are doing, which they evidently thought was a great idea.
B. but they divide over the issue of taking Mark with them, who had left them on their first missionary journey.
1. Barnabas was determined to take young Mark with them (ever the man of Grace)
2. But Paul insisted that they not take him, since he had departed from them the first time (Paul obviously thought his departure to be inappropriate)
3. And the contention between them became so sharp that they parted from one another going their separate ways.
a. This seems an unfortunate development, we need to be careful not to simply step over people in the ministry...
b. Barnabas and Mark head to the churches in Cyprus
c. Paul and Silas through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.