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.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
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...
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...
Sunday, December 14, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
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.
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.
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