><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 16:16-40 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- 1)Verses 16-24. What was the origin of the persecution, and in what way did it differ from all those hitherto recorded? Note the successive stages of it, as described in Luke's very vivid account. Do you find yourself tempted or persecuted in new ways in your Christian life? 2)A beating with rods(verse 22)was very severe. Yet Paul and Silas are calm and rejoicing. What caused them to triumph? Cf.Pil. 4:13;2Tim1:7,8. Paul insists that a public declaration of their innocence is made(v37). What use would this be to the advance of the gospel? Are there any ways we can use public authority to help advance the gospel? 3)What caused the jailer to believe? What was essential to his salvation? What change was immediately found in his life?Cf. 8:39;13:52. Does your salvation give you the joy of the Lord? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 16:16-40 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- *Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) P&S had cast out a demon from a slave girl who was being used by her master's to tell the future. The crowd attacked them and had them stripped and beaten. The humiliation and cruelty of this act are unbelievable, especially the motivation of humiliation. When we look at our "persecution" in our Christian life, we should look back to this example as a bench mark and realize that no matter how much we think we "suffer" we have barely even begun to be persecuted the way P&S were. 2) P&S were still motivated by the call to spread the Truth even in jail under the knowledge that all is possible through God. I am reminded of a chorus which I am including called He is Able. He is Able Copyright 1988 Noland and Ferguson He is able, more than able to accomplish what concerns me today He is able, more than able to handle anything that come my way He is able, more than able to do much more than I could ever dream He is able, more than able to make me what He wants me to be 3) The jailer believed because of the testimony of Truth displayed by P&S and agreed to by the other prisoners not to leave the jail. He then received the message of Truth and had his whole household baptized. Let us remember that though persecution comes, God is Able and willing to help us through it, we must have faith that He is Able. -------------------------------------------- *RJ Carr -------------------------------------------- It's only through the grace of God that Paul and Silas could have the strength & character to endure such harsh punishment and humiliation. It has been said by the great football coach Tom Laundry "Most of our character is established early in life. The only thing I've seen that can radically change a person's basic character is a relationship with Jesus Christ". Many Roman citizen's changed because of God's spirit working through Paul and Silas. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) The Demon Possesed Slave Girl: This case was not record as a miracle in this chapter; because it is God's plan (1) to initiate this case for the salvation of the Jailer and his family, 16:33. The result of this event brought about an important salvation truth that BELIEVE ON THE lORD jESUS, cHRIST, AND YOU WIL BE SAVED, YOU AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD.,16:32. and (2) to demonstrate God's power to the prisoners. Is it unusual that all the prisoners would listen attentively to P&S's praying and singing at midnight?! 16:25. (ii) The Magistrates Faced Challenges: As Christians, we are trained by the teaching that we should be peaceful as much as possible with all men. However, whatever is right is right. In this case, P told the officers that LET THEM COME THEMSELVES AND GET US OUT, 16:37. We need to live peacefully and yet wisely in the world. There are times we need to stand up to defend our positions. May God give us wisdom to face those issues. (iii) The fellowship of the Body: 16:40a: SO THEY WENT OUT OF THE PRISON AND ENTERED THE HOUSUE OF lYDIA; Also16:15, AND WHEN SHE AND HER HOUSEHOLD WERE BAPTIZED, SHE BEGGED US, SAYING, "IF YOU HAVE JUDGED ME TO BE FAITHFUL TO THE lORD, COME TO MY HOUSE AND STAY." AND SHE CONSTRAINED US. It is not easy for a newly converted Christian to do so. So often, by reading the Word like this gives me a guilty feeling that I should do better. Heavenly Father, help me to do better. -------------------------------------------- *Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 16: The sense of "...we were going to the place of prayer..." indicates that the team had a special place for prayer and that they made a habit of going apart for prayer together. It is interesting to note that the girl is not referred to as being a prophet. Luke is making a clear distinction between the secular and the spiritual, between for telling the future and the spiritual gift of prophesy or the forth telling of truth. In the original language she is referred to in terms relating to a demonic spirit. 17: James 2: 19 " You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that -- and shudder. 18: It is said that every encounter with Jesus is a confrontation. Here, the HS confronted the demon spirit. 19: People notice changed lives -- particularly, as in this case, the change is perceived to have a negative effect on those around the one experiencing the change. It seems to be routine for Paul to get crossways with the people and the authorities as he went about his ministry. 20: The movement of God is disruptive to the secular mind. 21: PS&T were preaching the Gospel, a message that contradicted Judaism- an officially accepted religion. Further, Christianity was not an officially accepted religion. It would appear that the casting out of the demon was the turning point for the people. They had been hearing the Gospel for several weeks and it apparently through them into a turmoil. Now the team had over stepped their bounds by affecting the livelihood of the girl's "owners." 25 Their response to persecution and adversity -- praying and singing hymns. A witness to other prisoners! 26: Not only P&S's chains but the chains of the other prisoners! 30: The jailer recognized the connection between the spirit (attitude) of P&S, the earthquake, and the fact that they had not attempted to escape. God was at work! 31: No long sermon here! This is the Gospel! 33: The jailer, acting on his new found faith! -------------------------------------------- *Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The owners of the slave girl were angry because P cast out the fortune-telling, money making spirit form the slave girl. They wanted to repay him by getting him in trouble. Christianity did not have legal recognition at that timeyet. They were charged with advocating unlawful customs. It's amazing to me that they were severly flogged and thrown into prison, all due to Paul's casting out the spirit. In fact, if we are truly walking the walk, we can expect persecution. You never know what you might do to set someone off. 2) The power of God gave them victory over circumstances. The public declaration is good, to let people know the truth and to set things right. Anything else would be too passive, considering what was done to them. This would help advance the gospel by showing that they were mistreated unjustly, not that they did anything deserving that punishment. People in leadership roles can support Biblical principles. 3) I believe it was two things - both the miracle of the earthquake and certainly Paul and Silas's testimony and mercy towards the jailer. Faith was essential to his salvation. His life was immediately "filled with joy", as well as his whole family (v. 34) I allow too many cares of the world to choke out the word in my own life much too often. Recently, though I have felt the need to stop worrying so much. It displeases God and shows little faith. Lord, teach us all to be (PHil. 4:6-7)..."do not be anxious about ANYTHING, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God..." ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 17:1-15 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Thessalonica was the metropolis and most populous city of Macedonia, a center for both inland and maritime trade. Berea was a smaller town some sixty miles to the SW. 1)What do we learn from Paul's visits and preaching at Thessolonica and Berea about (a) the places where he preached (b) the features of his preaching(c)his chief message(d)those who believed and (e)the persecution that arose? The same events are written about by Paul in 1Thes1:1-2:16. Do you realize that opportunities for strategic Christian witness may last only a short time? What ought you to do? 2)Verses 11,12.How are those who attended the Jewish synagogue in Berea described, and why are they commended? Are these features found in your life and Bible study? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 17:1-15 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- *RJ Carr -------------------------------------------- The Gospel is available to all, but not all listen. In Thessalonica, Paul persevered to reach hearts that were open to Christ. I know I get discouraged when someone is not open to the Gospel. Paul's tribulations in ACTS make my troubles seem insignificant. My focus should be those who will listen, not on those that do not. -------------------------------------------- *Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) We see in this chapter the broad types of audiences Paul was able to preach to. He was able to preach in the largest cities as well as the rural towns. His message was both for the "city mouse" and the "country mouse" His chief message was that of Christ necessity of dying and being raised from the dead. Those who were lead by the Spirit received his message and believed. Each time, we see Paul facing resistance of some form, whenever he Boldy speaks the Truth, he is persecuted. Let us too strive to be bold and to seize those opportunities that the Spirit presents to us. 2) The Bereans were Noble in character, they were in the Scriptures daily. That is the reason for this Estudy, not that we should perform a rote reading of some passage of scripture, but that we study and grapple with the Truth and turn it over to see how it best applies to our lives and how we can better present it to those in need of "The Answer" Let us too EAGERLY receive the message and EXAMINE it for ourselves on a daily basis. -------------------------------------------- *Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Sophisticated city, had to be very persuasive teaching that Christ rose from the dead and is the CHRIST. Much jealousy from Jews. Yes, moments are fleeting, yet precious. That is what life is all about. We must be prepared "inseason and out of season" with the Word as our sword of the Spirit. Our church sermon was on this - the centrality of God's Word in worship. II Tim. 3 is excellent support. 2) Described as being of "noble character". Commended for they examined Scriptures every day to test verity of Paul's words. They sound really cool! I hope to say that my life has some noble character, due to being in Christ. He is our everything, and we must be full of light and salty for Him. (I hope to be a student like the Bereans too, to the glory of God, though I'm still working on it!) -------------------------------------------- *James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) The More Fair-minded Jews in Berea: When P&S were in Phillippi, they were beaten, put in prison and expelled. Then they moved on to Thessalonica and persuaded some devout Greeks to join them and caused Jews to become envious. For that reason, the brothers there sent P&S away to Berea. God commended the Jews in Berea as MORE FAIR-MINDED THAN THOSE IN THESSALONICA. Because they did not set an uproar and attack them or confine them in prison. Instead, these religious Jews in Berea searched the Scriptures DAILY to find out whether these things were so, 17:11. THEREFORE MANY OF THEM BELIEVED, ----, 17:12. (II) Why is it that Other Jews Searched the Scriptures and Were Still not Saved? In John 5:39-47 Jesus told them that YOU SEARCH THEsCRIPTURES, FOR IN THEM YOU THINK YOU HAVE ETERNAL LIFE; AND THESE ARE THEY WHICH TESTIFY OF mE. BUT YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO COME TO mE THAT YOU MAY HAVE LIFE. ------- HOW CAN YOU BELIEVE, WHO RECEIVE HONOR FROM ONE ANOTHER, AND DO NOT SEEK THE HONOR THAT COMES FROM THE ONLY gOD? -----. -------------------------------------------- *Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 16: Paul demonstrates sensitivity to the secular pressures of his environment. 17: Once again, Paul's starting point -- the Jews, then the Gentiles. Paul must have been a real people person. He found it easy to engage people in conversation.... 18: ...and debate. Paul appears to have had only one sermon: Jesus and the resurrection. 19: While some thought he was a babbler (v18), others apparently were curious about his message. What he was saying had some appeal to the mind to the point that the men wanted to hear more and hear it in the give and take of the Areopagus. 21: The HS used Paul's words to raise the level of curiosity to the point where the Athenians were willing to give his message a public hearing (as opposed to creating riots and controversy. 22: First, acknowledge the interests of your listeners. 23: Eventually, through one means or another, the conversation comes around to the missing piece in the lives of the listeners. In this case Paul pointed it out. In other cases the listener may reveal it themselves by statement, facial expression, etc. 24: The God who is far away (Jer 11:11). 27: The God who is near by. (Jer 11:11) 29: The God who is far away. 31: The God who is near by (by virtue of the resurrection). 34 Results! "A few men became followers" implies that the results were not overwhelming. Is that because of the intellectual environment, i.e. the head before the heart as practices of the Athenians. The Lord had prepared a few hearts! ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 17:16-34 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Paul at Athens faces philosophers, who are eager to hear another man's views in order that they may add these to their rag-bag of ideas, and who also have no background understanding of the Old Testament. 1)Verses 16,21.From what motives, and by what methods, did Paul proclaim the gospel? Do you know anything of a divine jealousy provoked by the fact that people do not give Christ the allegiance which is His right? 2)Vs 22-34. Study Paul's sermon and note(a)how he gained the interest of his hearers(v22,23)(b)what he taught about God in relation to the Universe, mankind, idols, and images(v24-29) and (c) the response he argued which men needed to make to God(v30-34) Paul sought to make the Christian message relevant to the thought and background of his hearers. He had no slick phraseology. What do you learn from this about preaching today? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 17:16-34 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- *Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In a way that would persuade philosophers; he did it because he saw a need (they were idolaters). We as Christians often don't give Christ the glory. We too are idolaters by nature. It is human nature to worship things, but let us remember who is the Creator of all that we might idolize. v 25 - (God) gives all men life and breath and everything else.(!) 2) He directly addressed their appearances. Quite a hook. What he said about God was really what the Areopagus needed to hear, being so philosophical and sophisticated. this God is an all-powerful one - He is THE ONE to worship. He said that they must REPENT! Humility and submission with action afterwards. I really appreciate those speakers who can speak for many levels of educated people to hear, yet to present in an interest-capturing way. Paul had a gift. This is one of my favorite passages about God in the Bible. -------------------------------------------- *Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Paul out of conviction of the heart preached the word to those in Athens. He felt almost jealous as God would that the people were into so many idols in their worship. The concept of God being a jealous God is tough to grapple with. We always think of jealousy as a bad thing, is it a 'good' thing here that Paul out of a religious jealousy is stirred to preach? 2) Paul seemingly commends the Athenians for their religiosness. I personally would be insulted if someone were to call me religious, because I don't want to be considered living my life in a routine, or a pattern or doing things out of duty, but out of love and living a dynamically changing relationship with Christ daily. Paul teaches that God made us and set us apart so that we might 'seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him though he is not far from each one of us' I am reminded of a phrase that sometimes the farthest a distance a man has to travel is the distance between his head and heart in his journey to reach God. God is near to us, whispering in our ear, telling us which direction to proceed. Sometimes though since we think he is far away we look for him there and can't see past our own shoulder where He is whispering to us what we need to do...Paul's words were simple and honest, the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, not our words and phrases and catchy slogans. We must preach the Truth plain and simple. This is our calling: MIC 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. This is the reward: Genesis 5:24 [24] Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. Let us strive to walk in the Truth each day. -------------------------------------------- *James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) The Heart of a Righteous Servant: While Paul was there at Athens waiting for Silas and Timothy to come, he discovered that the city was given over to idols. And ----- HIS SPIRIT WAS PROVOKED WITHIN HIM ---. (Acts 17:16). Another similar case was given in II Peter 2:8 (FOR THAT RIGHTEOUS MAN [Lot], DWELLING AMONG THEM, TORMENTED HIS RIGHTEOUS SOUL FROM DAY TO DAY BY SEEING AND HEARING THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS) What is the function of a church? Should we be content with Christian fellowship only? Or, should we reach out to save the dying world? May the Lord give us right hearts and right opportunities to share our faith with others. May the Lord bless our church that the number in the church increases daily. Heavenly Father, prune us, water us, fertilize us and aerate us to make us grow in you and be fruitful with not only spiritual fruits but also fruits of soul saving . (ii) Proclamation of "the Unknown God" to the World, Acts 17:24-31: (1) WHO MADE THE WORLD AND EVERYTHING IN IT. --- HE GIVES TO ALL LIFE - (2) ---HAS DETERMINED THEIR PREAPPOINTED TIMES AND THE BOUNDARIES OF THEIR HABITATION, (we did not come together by accident) (3) ---- BUT NOW COMMANDS ALL MEN EVERYWHERE TO REPENT, (4) BECAUSE hE HAS APPOINTED A DAY ON WHICH hE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD --- (5) BY THE mAN WHOM hE HAS ORDAINED. (6) hE HAS GIVEN ASSURANCE OF THIS TO ALL BY RAISING hIM FROM THE DEAD. God's great salvation plan addressed in these 8 (eight) short verses. I would use this powerful speach as an outreach message. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 18:1-17 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The city of Corinth was the capital of the Province of Achaia, and one of the greatest cities in the Empire. It was famous for commerce and learning, but infamous for its wickedness. 1)Consider the enormous task Paul faced in an evil and pagan city as he sought to found a church there. Note (a) the value of Christian fellowship (verses 2, 3;5:7,8) and (b) the command and promises of God's word to Paul (verses 9-Il). Cf I Cor. 2:3. Is this God's answer to a depressed Christian worker? Do these things encourage you in difficult situations? 2)Compare the three distinct stages in Paul's ministry mentioned in verses 4, 7 and 12. What hindrances did Paul face and what encouragements came to him? Notice that with the hindrances came new opportunities and new encouragements. Let us pray for grace to be equally faithful. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 18: 1-17 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- *RJ Carr -------------------------------------------- It is certainly difficult to continue preaching when all that you are saying falls upon deaf ears. Whether its with God, our family, church or friends, we all need to have support when life gets challenging. Paul got discouraged just like anyone else and had God and other believers to provide encouragement and direction when needed. Faith is a virtue because it should be consisent throughout all the challenges we face in life. -------------------------------------------- *Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 2 Surely Aquila and Priscilla must have wondered about the turn of events that forced them out of Rome. Yet, with God there are no accidents. (History notes that the expulsion of the Jews may have been over the controversy between Jews and Christians in Rome. That being the case, note how similar, yet geographically-separated events brought Aquila, Priscilla and Paul together in Corinth. 5: The team is reunited. It appears that the presence of Silas and Timothy freed Paul to focus his attention on presenting the Gospel to the Jews. Perhaps Silas and Timothy took responsibility for supporting themselves and Paul or there was a division of ministry responsibilities: Paul to the Jews, Silas and Timothy to the Greeks. 6: Paul preached until it became apparent that his message was falling on resistant hearts and deaf ears. Obviously, he took abuse before turning his attention away from the Jews. How easily do we give up? 7: While Paul left the synagogue, he did not go far, physically or relationally. There were Jews (Crispus) and Greeks (Titus Justice) connected with the synagogue with whom the Lord was dealing. Was Paul aware of this? After such a strong reaction by the Jews against Paul and a strong reaction by Paul against the Jews of the synagogue why did Paul stay so close? Did the HS constrain him so that Crispus and Titus Justice could receive and respond to the Gospel? Were Crispus (a Jew) and his family and Titus Justice the turning point in the Corinthian ministry? 8: The Greek verb used here indicates that the process of seekers hearing and believing was going on daily. 9: The results of Paul's ministry must have been encouraging. Yet God reaffirmed that Paul was on track and on target, and that he (God) was at work in the city. 13: Remember, Judaism was afforded protection under Roman law. Christianity was not. Paul's message was contrary to Judaism. In essence, Paul was being persecuted in the same manner that Saul had persecuted Christians. Paul was later to argue that what he was preaching was nothing more that the faith of the Jews and therefore protected under Roman law (Acts 24:14-15 and 26:6-7). 16: Gallio apparently saw through the arguments of the Jews. He recognized that this was really a matter of Judaic factions. Is not this the first great schism: The split among the Jews over whether Jesus was or was not the Messiah? 17: God seems to move in ways that His people do not expect or necessarily accept. We get locked in to ideas and thinking that keeps us from seeing God at work. Great awakenings seem to come in ways that are outside our orthodox thinking. Do we build boxes around God? The Jews are reacting violently to Paul's unorthodox message. But God did not stay in their box. -------------------------------------------- *Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Paul leaves Athens and enters Corinth. Corinth is much like the OT city of Nineveh. Its people were wicked and a man of God was instructed to go to the city to preach the Truth. Jonah was that man, Jonah chose not to listen to God. Paul on the other hand goes there to become a tentmaker. God calls each one of us too, to go preach his message as he asked Jonah and Paul, what will our answer be? Will we need to spend 3 days in the belly of a whale before our hearts are prepared to go preach his message? I pray that I would have the heart to proclaim the Truth without questioning God's will or running away from His call because He is calling me to a work I do not think is right. Jonah was angry with God after He spared Nineveh because they were a "Gentile" nation and an enemy of the Jews. The Lord even in the OT had to set it right that his mercy and grace were for both Jews and Gentiles. I had never looked upon Jonah as such, but today I was reminded of Jonah for some reason as I was recalling my own "3-years" at Virginia Tech[I often parallel this time to Jonah's 3-days in the belly of the whale]. Praise God for His ability to make us come upon startling Truths within the harmony of His word. As Les put it in his closing statement, are we like Jonah and boxing up the tiny image we have of God's grace and mercy? Paul sets himself up as a 'tentmaker'. This is the first time we are introduced to this model of professional ministry. This model of the working evangelist is one that I strive to pattern my life after. I personally am convinced that the Lord has called me into professional service for him with my ministries being items that I support through my professional endeavors in my working "mission field", having gone out on two mini-missions trips I have seen the Lord work through the skills he has gifted me with professionally. I have seen how all of my professional training has been in line with His will for some greater work for the advancement of His kingdom. I have now started asking when I meet another believer for the first time "Where's your mission field?" rather than "What's your job? / What do you do for a living?" Because really, what should we be doing for a living? In verses 9-11 we see the great encouragment to Paul from the Lord Jesus in a night vision "dO NOT BE AFRAID; KEEP ON SPEAKING, DO NOT BE SILENT. fOR i AM WITH YOU, AND NO ONE IS GOING TO ATTACK AND HARM YOU BECAUSE I HAVE MANY PEOPLE IN THIS CITY" What a great encouragement and commanding as well. May we too heed the Lord's command and not be afraid, speak boldly the Truth, and never be silent or forget that He is with us and we cannot be harmed, even if they take away our fleshly body, they cannot strip us of the treasure we store up in heaven! -------------------------------------------- *James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) The Additional Team Members: From the surface, we see that Aquila and his wife Priscilla came to Corinth because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome. Also, because they were of the same trade as Paul, "tentmakers". In fact, Aquila and Priscilla were called to be in Corinth to teach Apollos, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, 18:24 (meaning Old Testament). However, when Aquila and Priscilla heard him (Apollos), they took him aside and explained to him the way of God MORE ACCURATELY, 18:26, ( meaning that Apollos did not know much about Jesus Christ, 18:25). We will see God's plan in 18:18-28 the reason Apollos was added to the team. (ii) Testimony in the Spirit: 18:5: ---- pAUL WAS CONSTRAINED BY THE sPIRIT, AND TESTIFIED TO THE jEWS THAT jESUS IS THE cHRIST. Acts 4:33: aND WITH GREAT POWER THE APOSTLES GAVE WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION OF THE lORD jESUS. aND GREAT GRACE WAS UPON THEM ALL. Acts 10:42: aND hE COMMANDED US TO PREACH TO THE PEOPLE, AND TO TESTIFY THAT IT IS hE WHO WAS ORDAINED BY gOD TO BE jUDGE OF THE LIVING AND THE DEAD. Acts 20:21: "TESTIFYING TO jEWS, AND ALSO TO gREEKS, REPENTANCE TOWARD gOD AND FAITH TOWARD OUR lORD jESUS cHRIST." Acts 20:24: "bUT NONE OF THESE THINGS MOVE ME; MOR DO i COUNT MY LIFE DEAR TO MYSELF, SO THAT i MAY FINISH MY RACE WITH JOY, AND THE MINISTRY WHICH i RECEIVED FROM GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF gOD." Acts 28:23b: --- SOLEMNLY TESTIFIED OF THE KINGOM OF gOD, PERSUADING THEM CONCERNING jESUS FORM BOTH THE lAW OF mOSES AND THE pROPHETS, FROM MORNING TILL EVENING. John 15:27: "aND YOU ALSO WILL BEAR WITNESS BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN WITH mE FROM THE BEGINNING." ------------------ Amen. -------------------------------------------- *Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) We certainly need brother/sister support. We cannot survive easily without it.Basically, God seemed to reassure Paul that His blessing was with him in this city. We all need this kind of encouragement that God is working through us where we are at. Sometimes it come from God, and sometimes from the voice of God through our brothers and sisters in Christ. (Thanks Alvin). 2)The Jews were against him, but God used a believer, and a seeming "nonbeliever" who was in a high position to help Paul. God works in mysterious ways. Praise Him, for He is able. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 18: 18-28 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1)Paul ends his second missionary journey (verses 18-23) with travels of more than a thousand miles. Luke reviews many months very briefly. Note, with the help of a map, the places Paul visited and the purposes he hoped to achieve. 2)We have a thumb-nail sketch of Apollos in verses 24-28. What is said about (a) his knowledge of the Scriptures, (b) his enthusiasm, (c) the help Aquila and Priscilla gave, (d) his preaching, and (e) the value of his ministry (4: I Cor. 3: 6)? Take each of these five points and ask yourself what you can learn from the life of Apollos. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 18: 18-28 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 18:19: Again, Paul's first stop was the synagogue! 21: Imagine, leaving a potential work in Ephesus! Paul was a man on a mission. He was driven! He was always pressing on to the next stop on his itinerary. He seems to be emulating the life of Jesus as presented in the book of Mark which describes Jesus' movements with a sense of urgency. 22: A puzzling description of Paul's travel. ..."he went up..." probably refers to his going from Caesarea (at sea level) to the church in Jerusalem (elevation 2500 ft) and down to Antioch (sea level). This makes sense, since he had once before gone to Jerusalem to report on his ministry. 23: Paul, returning to encourage the believers in the churches he had previously visited. 24: The sudden appearance of Apollos on the scene indicates the power of the HS in raising up workers for the harvest. We have no record of the evangelization of Alexandria other than the missionary, Apollos. 26: Priscilla and Aquila's boldness and leadership is evident. Is this the result of mentoring by Paul while he lived with them? 27: Shared ministry. Acceptance by the brothers. Help and encouragement. 28: Apollos was a man who demonstrated great boldness and confidence. Close your eyes for a moment and you might think it was Paul. There is a message her for us. God works through many. We must be sensitive to His calling on our lives and His commissioning as was Apollos. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Paul's travels are quite extensive, a trip that would seem fairly insurmountable especially at that time, but the Lord empowered him along the way. One note is that he pressed on even under the harsh stress of being rejected by those he was delivering the message to. I think back to my own travel for work two years ago when I was on the road extensively and how the people I was going to see were mostly GLAD to see me there to provide assistance, how tired I got just with the travel itself, let alone to face great amounts of travel coupled with great resistance. 2) We are introduced to Apollos, apparently a man well versed in the Scripture - having a 'thorough' knowldege of them. He spoke boldly for in his teachings of Jesus. Priscilla and Aquila helped hone this raw talent into a master player. His ministry became invaluable and he was soon commissioned to join the cause. We can see that talent and ability alone do not make someone useful to the Lord. Without the further teaching and explanation of P&A I doubt if Apollos would have been so useful for the Lord. Also, as a prodigy, Apollos realized the mentoring of P&A was intentioned for his betterment. It is great to see these servants of the Lord using the gifts given and accepting their roles to make the whole body stronger. May we too see our role within the body and respond accordingly to God's calling on our lives. -------------------------------------------- * RJ CARR -------------------------------------------- Apollos exemplifies someone who has a heart for the Lord. He definitely had the gift for evangelism, and more importantly the right attitude. All too often we see people with all the talent in the world, but with a pessimistic approach to the world around them. Because the spirit of God was with Apollo, other believers were attracted to him and offered instruction. The moral of the story, Attitudes are much more important than Aptitudes. -------------------------------------------- *Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Paul went to strengthen and encourage the young believers, and also to preach to Jews in the synagogue. It was quite a journey. Would we be willing to do that for the sake of the Gospel? You can read in the text the exact words, but generally he was ON FIRE for God. I am reminded of the chorus "Pass it On", one I really enjoy..."It only takes a SPARK (like Apollos or like anyone on fire for Christ) to keep a FIRE going....that's how it is with God's love, once YOU (our responsibility) experience it..you've GOT TO pass it on." It should burn us up inside, so to speak, so much that we only feel natural sharing it boldly. That is the goal, I think. -------------------------------------------- *James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) Paul had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, 18:18: This is a private vow performed in any place by the Jews for thanksgiving. It is different from the Nazarite vow. Because that vow can only be done in Jerusalem by shaving, not cut only, Num. 6:1-5. (ii) Why did Apollos come to Ephesus? Apollos was a Jew who was born in Alexandria of Egypt. The Lord took him to Ephesus and Corinth because 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, --- . 18:24. Also FOR HE VIGOROUSLY REFUTED THE jEWS PUBLICLY, SHOWING FROM THE sCRIPTURES THAT jESUS IS THE cHRIST., 18:28 In first century the Alexandrian Greek Urban Bible became the Bible of the early church. The Alexandrian translation was the essential tool that Apollos used to win Jewish souls to Christ in his time. To me, that is the reason why Paul had a very difficult time persuading Jews and yet Apollos could vigorously refute them. Is it amazing how God's mercy and grace works?! Praise the Lord! The only wise God ! ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (ACTS) CHAPTER 19: 1-20 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ephesus was the metropolis of the large and wealthy Province of Asia, a centre of commerce and religion, famous for its image and its temple dedicated to the goddess Diana. 1)Apollos had taught only the baptism of John (iS: 24, 25) at Ephesus. When Paul arrived, what did he find these disciples lacked in knowledge and assured experience? Is this expenence yours? Have you realized how essential it is for you to understand fully in order to teach others accurately? 2)Verse 20 summanzes both Paul's ministry at Epliesus and Luke's whole section from i6: 6 to 19: 20, which covers the evangelization of Macedonia, Achaia and Asia. What methods and specal incident led to such a result in Ephesus (verses S-i 9) and by what power were great results achieved in the three provinces? Cf 16: 14; 18: 9 and 19:11. Does this review highlight any weaknesses in your Christian life? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (ACTS) Chapter 19: 1-20 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Les Tripp -------------------------------------------- 19:1: Were the disciples that Paul found converts of Apollos, who at the time did not have a full understanding of the Gospel until he met Priscilla and Aquila? 2: Paul, ever sensitive to the spiritual condition of the believers and seeking to encourage them to experience the full power that God made available to them in the HS. 7: Are these the same men referenced in Acts 20:17? 9: The pattern of Paul's ministry: preach until hardened hearts and unhearing ears were evident, then move out of the synagogue to another venue. Paul, building up the believers! 10: Acts 20:31 -- Paul refers to his being with them three years (any part of a year was counted as a whole year). Paul was with them a minimum of 27 months (see verse 8, above). 15: James 2:19 -- even the spirits believed! 16: One over powering seven! 19: The value was in the magic incantation they contained, not the parchment. (Note: A drachma was a silver coin worth about a day's wages.) 20: The Lord used evil spirits to lead people to himself! -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- They lacked the Holy Spirit; only had baptism of repentance (John), but not of the Holy Spirit from Jesus. It seems that they had not received their "power tools" yet, as Pastor Sawyer might say! It is a divided issue among many people. Some Christians I know are very uncomfortable with a service where tongues are spoken and people are loud and "full of the Holy Spirit". However, here we see that it is just what these believers needed. The Holy Spirit is vital and integral to living the Christian life. God worked through Paul. In extraordinary ways. But Paul also had the faith that God was able to do it. This is what I personally need to remember. I am not able, but God is, therefore I should not fear. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Paul arrived at Ephesus finding many disciples of John's baptism. They knew no other gospel. Paul immediately preached "The Way" and started acquainting them with the name of Jesus. These disciples were baptized with the HS and started experiencing the overflowing power of the Spirit. It is essential that we remember that we can do nothing on our own but all through Him who has set us free. It is definitely necessary to understand the basics well before going into comabat against Satan for the souls of men or even worse to try to cast out demons. I am reminded of the saying on TV sometimes: The actors in this show are highly trained professionals - DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME! We don't need to go to the extreme of being afraid we don't know enough to be too timid to preach the gospel, but we do need to watch how far we go within our own "abilities" and how much we trust on God to provide the answers, words, and conviction of the heart. A famous Bible teacher Derek Prince on the radio has told of times where he showers himself in prayer before trying to cast out demons. The example here in Acts is a good one of why we need to put God first and do all things in Jesus name, not our own. 2) All of the work done in the regions of Macedonia, Achaia, and Asia was done BY GOD through his servants. That is why in 20 "The word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power" Would that we too could help the word of the Lord be spread widely and grow in power. What a concept, God's word GROWING in power, isn't it so very powerful now? Yet it can GROW, but it needs to have us tend and nurture it in our lives, to water it daily through our daily Bible reading, and to be sown into the lives of others we come in contact with. If we just keep the seed in our bags, it will never spring forth into a new creation for Him. Let's get our salt out of the shaker. For He has called us to be salt and light. WE need to respond by getting the salt out of the shaker where it can be effective and letting our light shine brightly. +o+o+o+o I have been reading a book called "Becoming a Contagious Christian" in which author Bill Hybels gives an equation HP + CP + CC = MI That's not chemistry, but it can have explosive results if the elements are combined properly. Jesus calls us in Matt 5:13 to be salt and light to this world. The HP and CP are Salt and the CC is light. HP = High Potency - We need to be highly concentrated salt. We need to be working daily to increase our understanding of Scripture and praying so that we can draw closer to Christ. CP = Close Proximity (Getting the salt out of the shaker) - associating with and bringing ourselves into contact with the world(in the world/not of it) and getting into situations where we know non-Christians. Fellowshipping in the body of Christ is great, but a brother at Campus Crusade compared it to being in a hot tub. When we're in the hot tub its great, but stay in too long and you become shriveled and pruned. You need to be spending time at the water's edge fishing and at the end of the day enjoy the hot tub as a means of refreshing yourself. CC = Clear Communication - We need to effectively deliver our point to our audience. This is the illustration of light, light needs to hit the right target in order to illuminate it. Light that is shined in the right way can make things clear. We need to be able to effectively communicate our message. This means not only living the life, but telling the story. Lifestyle evangelism is the HP and CP, the next step is the CC, like the eunuch whom Phillip shared with earlier in Acts, how can they understand unless they have someone to teach them. Lastly, the MI stands for Maximum Impact. If our HP,CP (salt), and CC(light) are working together then we will have MI for Christ in winning souls to Him. Without each element in the right proportion, we will not yield the product of the equation --> MI. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- (i) Baptized in the Name of Lord Jesus, 19:5: This concept is explained clearly in Acts 2:38b - BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF jESUS cHRIST FOR [1] THE REMISSION OF SINS; AND [2] YOU SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE hOLY sPIRIT. We are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:48). We are baptized into the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). Also, we are baptized upon the name of Jesus Christ, Acts 2:38; upon the name of Jesus Christ as the base which we are standing on. By doing that our sins are forgiven. Meanwhile, we received Spiritual gifts, Rom. 12, I Cor. 12 and I Pet. 4. (ii) Laying Hands, 19:6 In Acts 8:17 - tHEN THEY LAID HANDS ON THEM (sAMARITANS), AND THEY RECEIVED THE hOLY sPIRIT. Also in Acts 9:17 - And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him (Saul) -----. It is the action that a member of the Body of Christ to initiate him into identification with the Body of Christ by the laying on of hands to unite a new member into the Body, Leviticus 1:4. On the other hand, it is impartation; I Tim. 4:14 - dO NOT NEGLECT THE GIFT THAT IS IN YOU, WHICH WAS GIVEN TO YOU BY PROPHECY WITH THE LAYING ON OF THE HANDS OF THE PRESBYTERY. In brief, laying hands has two functions: (1) identification and (2) impartation. (iii) When do We Depart from Them? In 19:8, Paul went into the synagogue to associate with Jews. Jews are usually gathering there on Sabath Day, not on Sunday. In other words, Paul went there not for the purpose to worship; rather for reasoning. But when they speak evil of the Way, that is the time we should leave them. What is the Way mentioned in19:9? It is the Way of truth, II Pet. 2:2; the Way of righteousness, II Pet. 2:21; the Way of peace, Luke 1:79; the Way of salvation, Acts 16:17 and the Way of God, Matt. 22:16, etc. aND THERE ARE ALSO MANY OTHER THINGS THAT jESUS DID, WHICH IF THEY WERE WRITTEN ONE BY ONE, i SUPPOSE THAT EVEN THE WORLD ITSELF COULD NOT CONTAIN THE BOOKS THAT WOULD BE WRITTEN. aMEN. John 21:25.