Acts 17:1 says. Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: Paul and Silas left Phillipi, passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, and came to Thessalonica. There was a synagogue of the Jews there. Verse two adds, And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Paul still went to the synagogues first, so he went to this synagogue three Sabbaths straight, reasoning with them out of the Scriptures. Paul going to the synagogue, the center of worship for the Jewish people, would be like us going to the church, the center of Christian worship, today. He reasoned with them out of the Scriptures. If we see something being taught in the church today that we know is not Biblical, then we need to reason with the members there out of the Scriptures. Verse three continues, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. Paul only had the Old Testament, but he opened it and alleged that Christ must suffer and be raised from the dead, and that Jesus was the Christ. We must base our teachings about Jesus on the Bible. Verse four states, And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. Some of the Jews believed and consorted with Paul and Silas, and a multitude of devout Greeks, and many of the women did as well. Some people accept the gospel today and others don’t, as has always been the case. Verse five adds, But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. The Jews who didn’t believe that Jesus was the Messiah stirred up trouble. The gospel has always been a dividing point. Those that believe are set apart from the world in their relationship to God, to other believers, and to the lost. We were never separated in the sense that we are to withdraw from the world, but that we are to go boldly into the world. We have to be grounded enough in our faith in God and proclaim His word. Too often today, we seem to withdraw in fear believing that what the world teaches is more powerful than the word of God. They assembled at Jason’s house and demanded that Paul be brought out based on the testimony of some lewd men of a baser sort. Verse six continues, And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Not finding Paul, they took Jason and other brethren to the government leaders and accused them of turning the world upside down which was really true, but not in the way that they were implying. We as followers of Christ should be able to be accused of turning the world upside down spiritually and pray that it is the truth. Verse seven says, Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. They basically accused Paul and Jason of treason against Caesar, though they had said nothing about overthrowing the government. As Christians, we are actually told that we are to obey the government. Verse eight adds, And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. The rulers of the city were troubled by these charges. It would be like a group of people dragging us before a policeman today and telling him we had been plotting treason, which defying Caesar amounted to.
Acts 18: 1 says, After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; Paul is in Corinth, having left Athens. Paul did not just sit back and wait for them. He continued to preach the gospel, again first in the synagogues. Verse two adds, And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. When Paul got to Corinth, he met a Jew named Aquilla, born in Pontus, and recently come from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy because Claudius had ordered the Jews to leave Rome. We have little experience in having to be uprooted from our homes and leave the country, but millions today face that way of life. We need to have a Christ like compassion for them. Paul himself was homeless at this time, but since Aquilla and he were both tentmakers, Verse three continues, And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. Paul stayed with Priscilla and him. Today, we may have an opportunity to have a travelling evangelist need to stay with us, and if so, hopefully we will welcome him. As he usually did, Verse four states, And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. Paul went to the synagogue every Sabbath and persuaded with the Jews. Verse five adds, And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. Silas and Timothy rejoined him there. They were still a team, even though they had been separated for a time. After Silas and Timothy joined him, Paul was pressed by the Spirit and testified that Jesus was the Christ. When the Spirit presses us to an action, we must respond, whether what we are led to do will be popular or not. Verse six continues, And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. In Paul's case, it wasn't popular. It says they opposed him and blasphemed. Paul shook his raiment and told them their blood was on their hands, since he had proclaimed the gospel to them, and they didn't believe. If we are faithful in witnessing to the lost and they don't believe, their blood is on their own hands. Paul changed his emphasis from the Jews to the Gentiles. Verse seven concludes, And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
Acts 18:8 states, And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. After Paul told the Jews in Corinth that he had shared the gospel with them and they wouldn't listen and he was going to the Gentiles, the first place he went was to the house of Justis. He was a believer whose house joined the synagogue. Paul did not give up on Jews being saved. He simply changed his focal point to the Gentiles. If a group of people as a whole refuse to hear the gospel, we cannot give up on the whole group. We may change our focus, but we must still pray that the gospel will take root in them. Although Paul said he was going to the Gentiles, the first we know of to accept the salvation of Christ was the leader of the synagogue, Crispus, and all his house, and many Corinthians, and were baptized. Again, even though some mocked and some waited to hear more, most importantly, some believed. We are but messengers, and as Paul would say later, God gives the increase. Verse nine adds, Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: God spoke to Paul in a night vision, telling him to not be afraid, but to speak and hold not his peace. I am not sure how God speaks to other people, but for Paul it was often in a night vision. For me, it is a still, small voice deep within my soul. I have never heard an audible voice as Paul did on the road to Damascus, and it is not a shout, but there is never a doubt in my mind that it is God. He does speak to others differently, but the key is to know His voice when He speaks. One thing we can be sure of, if it is God' talking to us, He will never tell us to do anything that goes against His nature. So, if we feel we are being told to hate or kill, for example, that is not God speaking. Verse ten continues, For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. Then, He told Paul that He was with him and would keep him from harm, because He had many people in that city. Wherever we are as God's followers, we can rest easy because He is always with us. During the beatings, imprisonment, and now a time of peace, one thing never changed- God was with Paul. When we are following God's will, no matter the circumstances of life, He is with us. Verse eleven concludes, And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. Paul stayed a year and a half, teaching them God's word, and God was with him the whole time. As long as we are where God wants us, He will be with us.
Acts 18:12 says, And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, The Jews were after Paul again. We are told that they made an insurrection and brought Paul before Gallio, the deputy of Acacia. They brought Paul before the judgment seat. They couldn't stop him from preaching with religious threats, so they went to the government's official. We can be certain that those who oppose Christ will do anything to stop His word from being preached, even if it means allying themselves with people they don't really like. Verse thirteen adds, Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. They charged Paul with teaching people about God contrary to the law. Verse fourteen continues, And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: Verse fifteen concludes, But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters. As Paul was about to answer, Gallio told them that if it was about words and names of their Law, they should look unto it. If they had been able to charge Paul with lewdness or riotous behavior, then Gallio would have judged him, but he no longer judged religious matters. If we are ever brought before government judges, let us make sure that the only thing that they can accuse us of is preaching the gospel. Remember God's promise to Paul, that he no harm would come to him while he was here. Usually, after failing to get satisfaction from the governmental officials, the Jews would beat and threaten Paul. Verse sixteen says, And he drave them from the judgment seat. Since this was a religious and not a civil matter, Gallio drove the Jews and therefore Paul from the judgment seat. Civil and religious matters are seldom the same and should not be tried in the same court. Verse seventeen continues, Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things. We are told the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue and beat him before the judgment seat, and Gallio cared nothing for the matter. We have God's chosen people dragging Paul before the civil authorities and flailing to have Paul stopped, beating their own religious leader. We can be sure that the failure of the world to stop the spread of the gospel is going to be frustrating for them, and at times they may even fight amongst themselves. Verse eighteen concludes, And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. Paul continued to preach in peace for some time. We can rest easy in God's promises, just as Paul did. He next sailed to Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila went with him. Paul had also shorn his head because he had taken a vow, but we aren’t told what the vow was. Matthew Henry says it isn’t clear whether it was Paul or Aquila who had his head shorn, which would release one from the Nazarite vow, but I understand it to be Paul. Verse nineteen states, And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. When Paul got to Ephesus, he left Pricilla and Aquilla, but he went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. If we have a difference of opinion with others about Who Jesus Christ is, we need to attempt to reason with them, and not just argue. Verse twenty adds, When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not; Unlike the Jews at Corinth, the people at Ephesus wanted Paul to stay with them a while longer, but he wouldn’t agree too. He had a destination that he felt God was leading him to, and he did not tarry too long along the way. Even if we are sharing the gospel effectively where we are, we need to move on if God has called us to. Verse twenty-one continues, But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus. Paul left them, saying he had to get to Jerusalem to keep the coming feast, but said that God willing he would return to them again. We need to place everything in God’s hands as we do His work today. Verse twenty-two says, And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch. After Paul got to Antioch, he spent some time there. It does not specifically say that he was preaching the gospel, but I think we can safely say that is what he was doing. Again, he was on his way to Jerusalem, but he was sharing the gospel as he went. We are called to share the gospel as we go. As we move about in the world, we do not need to separate witnessing from regular life. Witnessing should be our regular life. Verse twenty-three adds, And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples. Paul then traveled all over the country of Galatia and Phrygia, in that order, strengthening the disciples. Again, after we reach someone with the gospel and they become a Christian, we need to strengthen them in their life in Christ. Even those who have been Christians for years sometimes are in need of strengthening. We can become complacent or disheartened at times and need a fellow Christian to lift us up. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
Acts 18:24 says, And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria, who had come to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures. Verse twenty-five adds, This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and was fervent in spirit, and he spoke and taught diligently the way of the Lord, but he only knew the baptism of John. He was still looking for the Messiah to come. Here in the Bible belt, as we are sometimes called, there are a lot of people who know about Jesus, but they do not know Him as their Savior. Some may know what the Bible says better than about anyone, but they do not believe it is real. Some may want to accept parts what they Bible teaches, but not all. Verse twenty-six continues, And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. They may be in need of an Aquila and Priscilla, who, when they heard Apollos took him aside and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. Notice, they took him aside. We don't need public confrontation but private consultation when we hear someone who is witnessing without knowing the whole truth of the gospel. If we encounter someone who is witnessing, but we realize they don't know the truth of Christ, we need to draw them aside and expound to them the way of God more perfectly, so we can have an Apollos out witnessing with the whole truth. Their concern was for Apollos to know the truth of Christ. Verse twenty-seven states, And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: Apollos received their correction of his understanding and went to Acacia. The brethren had sent a letter to the disciples there to receive him. Apollos helped those there which had believed through grace. We weren't told why Paul brought Aquila and Priscilla with him, but we see the results. Paul was not alone, and neither are we. Verse twenty-eight adds, For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. Like Paul, all we can do is use the scriptures, the Bible to show people that Jesus is the Christ, the promised Messiah.,
Chapter 19
Acts 19:1 says. And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the upper coasts and came to Ephesus. He had told them he would visit them again, and he did. There, he found certain disciples. As the gospel spread, it became more normal to find believers, but they didn't always understand the full gospel. We can encounter people today who profess to be believers, but when we discuss Christ with them, they really don't understand Who He is. They have a semblance of the gospel, but not a true understanding. I have heard some people say that they are Christians but are not born again. You cannot be one without the other. Verse two adds, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Paul asked these disciples if they had received the Holy Ghost since they believed. They replied that they had not so much as heard there was a Holy Ghost. Matthew Henry in his commentary says that it is as impossible to be saved without the Holy Spirit as it is to be saved without Christ. When we are saved through Christ's sacrifice, we are indwelled and empowered by the Holy Ghost. Verse three continues, And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. If someone says they are saved but don't know anything about the Holy Ghost, or Spirit, then we need to ask them as Paul did whose name they were baptized in. In Paul's case, they said in the name of John. Verse four states, Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. Paul reminded them that John had said that his baptism was a baptism of repentance as they awaited the One Who would come after him, Jesus Christ. Verse five adds, When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. They believed Paul and accepted Christ as their Savior and were baptized. When they accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, they were immediately indwelled with the Holy Spirit, as are all Christians. Verse six continues, And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Did Paul transfer the Holy Ghost on them by laying his hands on them? No, they had just accepted Christ and been baptized, so they were now filled with the Holy Ghost. We cannot transfer the Holy Ghost from us to anyone else. As it states, the Holy Ghost came upon them. Why? Because they accepted Christ as their Savior. When we do one, accept Christ, the other occurs at the same time, being filled with the Holy Ghost. It would indeed be strange for Christ to save us but leave us without the Comforter He promised to send. They prophesied, or proclaimed what they now understood, that Jesus Christ was Lord. They spoke in tongues, which means they were able to reach out to people of other nations with God's word. I consulted with Matthew Henry again on this, and this was his interpretation. Since God is not the author of confusion, He bestows gifts upon us to bring unity in Christ. I use the Matthew Henry commentary because it has been in existence since 1721 and has been widely accepted since then. Verse seven concludes, And all the men were about twelve. We are told there were about twelve of them. This was not an excessively large number, but we actually reach people one at a time as God calls them.
Acts 19:8 says, And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. We find Paul once again going to the synagogue, for three months, boldly disputing and persuading about the things concerning the kingdom of God. When we encounter someone who is wrong in their understanding of the kingdom of God, we need to be bold in our attempt to correct them. Paul was not disputing just to tell them they were wrong, but to persuade them of the truth of Christ, the only way into the kingdom of God. Verse nine adds, But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. Many of them didn't believe and spoke evil of that way, Christ, so Paul departed from them. He gathered with the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. Too many people still want to dispute the fact that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, but this is one point that we can never concede. Verse ten adds, And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. He continued to proclaim Christ there for two years, so that everyone that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jew and Greek. When Paul proclaimed the gospel and a church was established, it wasn't a building, but a group of believers who gathered in homes, schools or wherever they could find. When he went back to visit, he didn't go looking for a building, but for a group of people. A church is not a building but a group of believers. Verse eleven states, And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: We are told that God wrought special miracles by the hand of Paul. Paul did not do the miracles, but God did through Paul. Verse twelve adds, So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. The people around had so much faith in what Paul was proclaiming that they brought handkerchiefs or aprons of sick people to him and the sickness or the evil spirits left them. Paul did not ask them to do this, nor do we see where he promised that they would be cured. Even though they were bringing physical items to Paul, they had to believe in the divine power of God through Christ for the miracle to occur. I say this because Paul was proclaiming the power of the resurrection of Christ, and he was there to glorify Christ, not Paul. People have always tended to want some physical representation of God, from the golden calf in the days of Moses, to the Temple, or any other part of Creation that they see as representing God. We must remember that God is not contained in His handiwork, but dwells in the hearts of His people. We cannot decide that God is going to work a miracle through us. God worked special miracles by the hand of Paul. Paul did not perform the miracles, nor did he claim to. Miracles only occur through the power of God and to bring people and honor to Him. Verse thirteen continues, Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. There were certain vagabond Jews who decided they world cast out demons in the name of Jesus. These were really Jews in name only who went around the country making money from telling fortunes and prophesying. There are people today who are Christians in name only who attempt to use Christianity to make money. For example, some people go to church because it is good for business or their image but have no real desire to follow God's will. These vagabond Jews took it upon themselves to call over those with evil spirits. They were going to cast them out in the name of the Lord Jesus, Whom Paul preached. They did not know Jesus as their personal Savior but only knew what Paul preached. We may know everything that has ever been preached or taught about Jesus, but until we have a personal relationship with Him, we had better be careful about claiming to do anything in His name. Verse fourteen says, And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. This states that there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jew and the chief of priests, who did this. Being the sons of the chief of priests did not keep them from trying to profit from their religion and attempting to discredit Paul. Matthew Henry points out that if they could do what Paul did without believing it would show that there was nothing to be gained by following Christ. I know I stated in an earlier post that there was no example in the Bible of there being a great struggle when an evil spirit was commanded to "come out in Jesus's name" and that is still true. Doing anything in Jesus's name is more than throwing the phrase in as we are doing it. For something to be done in Jesus's name means there has to be a personal relationship with Him, it must be His will for it to be done, and we must have faith in His ability to do it, and God must get the glory. Verse fifteen adds, And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? The evil spirit told them that "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?" If we are going to attempt to do something in the name of Jesus, we had better be sure that we have accepted Him as our Savior and Lord and are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Verse sixteen continues, And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. Then, the man possessed of the evil spirit jumped on them and ran them out of the house naked and wounded. If I see a movie or a book being promoted where a demon is overpowering a professed man of God, I know at least two things. The first is that I am not going to watch or read it, because it is blasphemous. The second is that the "man of God" is either has very little faith and is acting under his own power or has no faith at all. When a Christian acts in God's name and under His power, there is no battle. The victory was won on the cross. Verse seventeen states, And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. People heard about this, both Jews and Greeks, or Gentiles, and a great fear fell on them, and they magnified the name of Jesus so some good came out of the situation. Verse eighteen adds, And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many people believed and came and confessed their sins and showed their deeds. If we encounter Christ, we must believe and confess our sins, and then we can start doing good works for Him. Our deeds should show our faith. Verse nineteen continues, Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. Those who had books of curious arts brought them and burned them, and the price of them was fifty thousand pieces of silver. This was a book burning that was costly to those who were burning them, but they willingly burned them. We should get rid if anything that stands between God and us, no matter the material cost.
Acts 19:20 says, So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed. We are told that the word of God grew mightily and prevailed. Those who had accepted Christ had their lives changed, and they shared what had happened. People today may argue with us about the Bible, but they cannot argue our personal relationship with Christ and the change it brings to our lives. Verse twenty-one adds, After these things were ended, 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. Paul at this point proposed in the Spirit to go to Macedonia and Acacia and then to Jerusalem. After that, he proposed to go to Rome. Matthew Henry states basically that some see purposing in the spirit to mean Paul had decided himself but hadn't told anyone his plan. Others, of whom I am one, believe that Paul was led by the Spirit to do this. Knowing Paul as we do from everything so far, it would seem that he would not make plans without feeling the leadership of the Holy Spirit. When we make our plans today, as Christians, we must ensure that they are based on the leadership of God and are not just our plans. Verse twenty-two continues, So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season. Paul sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia, but he stayed in Asia for a season. We could say that since he didn't go immediately that Paul was just planning these actions himself, but I believe that he knew what the Holy Spirit was leading him to do, but the time was not yet at hand. There may come a time in our life as a Christian that we know beyond a doubt that God is calling us to a particular place for a particular purpose but know just as surely that we aren't to go yet. We must never try to rush God in His plans for us. The other half of that truth is we must never try to delay God in His plan for us. In order to be successful at this, we must have a close, personal relationship with God and trust Him to make His will known to us. We can never afford to tell God what we are or are not going to do for Him. I hear Christians, even preachers, say they could never go to a particular place so they are sure God would never call them there, because they would be unhappy. Again, we cannot follow God and tell Him where He can lead us. Verse twenty-three states, And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. While this was happening, we are told that here was no small stir about that way, or the gospel. We need to pray that the gospel will still stir things up today. Verse twenty-four adds, For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; There was a man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made a lot of money-making silver shrines for the goddess Diana. Diana was supposedly the goddess of the hunt and later of fertility and childbirth. Demetrius became concerned about people becoming Christians, because he knew it would affect his business. Verse twenty-five continues, Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. He brought together other silversmiths and reminded them that they made their money from people worshipping Diana. His concern was not really for the worship of Diana, but for his business. Verse twenty-six states, Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: He saw that he could not make money making idols or shrines for the followers of Christ. Today, there are people who make money off religious artifacts, such as idols or books, who don't really care about whether the god these are supposed to represent exists or not. Still, if their income is threatened, they can become very vocal. Demetrius told his fellow craftsmen that not only in Ephesus, but throughout Asia, Paul had persuaded many people to turn away from Diana, saying there were no gods made by hand. When we become Christians there is no room for idols in our lives. Verse twenty-seven adds, So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. He then told them that not only was their craft to be set to naught, but he finally mentions the effect on Diana. She would be despised, and her magnificence destroyed. He evidently had little faith in the power of Diana. If someone proclaims another god or goddess today, we as Christians can be sure they will never destroy the magnificence of Christ. Even though their concern was for their income, they stirred the people up by proclaiming the power and greatness of Diana. People today who make money off idolatry are never going to tell people that if people turn to Christ that they are going to lose money. They will try to keep people confused so that people don't turn away from their idols and the income continues. Verse twenty-eight continues, And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. The silversmiths accomplished what they wanted by claiming Paul and his associates were bringing dishonor to Diana. They caused confusion and an uproar in those around them. We don't have to look far today to see that some people will attempt to discredit or destroy Christians because of their gods. Some even destroy those of their own faith because they believe these others are not being faithful enough. If they truly believed that their gods were the true ones, their faith should not be threatened by someone preaching Christ, just as our faith should not be threatened by someone proclaiming another god. Verse twenty-nine says, And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. In the confusion, the followers of Diana caught Gaius and Aristarchus from Macedonia, companions of Paul, and brought them into the theater. This was not a place of entertainment, but a place of judgment. Verse thirty adds, And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. Paul would have gone after them, but his friends stopped him. Paul was the real focus of their anger. Though he was willing to put himself in danger, his friends felt it wasn’t a good thing to do. Sometimes, we may need to listen to our friends, unless we know beyond a doubt that God is leading us into a dangerous situation. Verse thirty-one continues, And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. We are told a chief of Asia, a friend of Paul's, also asked him not to go. I believe this would have further reinforced what Paul’s friends were advising him to do.Acts 19:32 states, Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. We are told that the assembly was confused, not knowing why they had come together. We often see the mob mentality today, with people caught up in the crowd but not really knowing why they are there. We can get quite a mixture working together against Christians, with humanists, agnostics, atheists, and other religions combining in their opposition to Christ. We have already been told that those who are not for Christ are against Him. There really can be no neutrality. Though Paul would have willingly been in the midst of the confusion, he listened to his friends and trusted God to be with them. We cannot be in every battle the world wages against Christians, but we can be sure God is. No matter the outcome, if we remain faithful to Him, we win. Verse thirty-three adds, And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. Though they were not the ones stirring up trouble for Paul and the other Christians, the Jews finally got involved. We are told they drew out Alexander from the multitude, the Jews putting him forth. He beckoned them with his hand and was going to make his defense. Remember, there was a lot of confusion, and the people were trying to figure out why they were there. In the midst of confusion and uproar today, someone may be put forth to give an answer as to what is going on, but they may find that when people realize who they are and what they represent they are no longer willing to listen. Verse thirty-four continues, But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. This is what happened when the crowd realized Alexander was a Jew. Whatever Alexander was going to say, most likely against Paul, the worshippers of Diana knew the Jews opposed all idolatry, so they didn't give him a chance to talk. For two hours they cried out, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” Even when people are unified in their opposition to Christianity, they do not always listen to each other's religious beliefs. Verse thirty-five states, And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Then a town clerk appeased the people. Since his claim was the image fell from heaven, it was not made by man. When we hear of religion based on books or images or anything else that fell from heaven, we can be sure it is false. Verse thirty-six adds, Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. The clerk told them that since these things could not be spoken against, they shouldn't do anything rash. If the city of Ephesus did worship Diana, and she was a real goddess, then nothing could be said against her that would change that fact. Since God is indeed the only real God, no matter what people may say about Him will ever change that fact. Verse thirty-seven continues, For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. They had nothing to accuse Gaius and Aristarchus of. They had not robbed churches or blasphemed Diana. If people make accusations against us today, we should do our best to ensure that they are false accusations. Verse thirty-eight says, Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. He told them that if Demetrius and the craftsmen had a problem, let them take it up with the courts. This is still good advice today, even if we sometimes question certain courts. Verse thirty-nine adds, But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. He also said if they had any other complaints, it would be settled in lawful assembly. They could not take the law into their own hands, and yet people still try to do this today. Verse forty continues, For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. He said they could find themselves answering for the uproar. Since they were the ones who were making false accusations, they might have to answer to the higher authorities. It is too bad that people today are not held accountable for causing uproars by making false claims. Verse forty-one concludes, And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly. Then he dismissed the assembly. The people may have been proclaiming the greatness of Diana, but they were more concerned with the power of the government. As Christians, we must always put what God teaches above what the government teaches if there is a conflict with the two.
Chapter 20
Acts 20:1 says, And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. The next few verses are about where Paul traveled at this time. After the uproar ceased, he called the disciples, embraced them, and left for Macedonia. There may come a time in our Christian life where we have to leave where we are and head to another place that God is calling us to. Verse two adds, And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, As Paul travelled, he brought people a lot of excitement in many places by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. We should stir up excitement as we share the gospel today as well. Verse three adds, And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. Paul was in Greece for three months and was about to sail to Syria, when he learned that the Jews laid in wait for him, so he went back to Macedonia instead. I believe Paul was still following the leadership of the Holy Spirit though. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit may prevent us from going to a place where we would be in danger, but not always. Paul sometimes went to places even though he knew he would be in danger there. Verse four states, And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. Paul was not travelling alone but was accompanied by at least six others. Sometimes, God may send us alone to a particular place, but other times He may send others with us. Verse five adds, These going before tarried for us at Troas. Then we are told that the others went ahead and tarried at Troas. Sometimes, others will go before us to lay the groundwork for sharing the gospel with others, and at other times we may go before them. Verse six continues, And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. After the days of unleavened bread, Paul sailed to Troas after five days of travel, and was at Traos for seven days. Verse seven says, And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. Paul was planning to leave the next day, and to prepare, he was preaching to the disciples. If we were planning to leave the next day, we might figure we had done all we could do and be packing or sleeping. Paul, knowing his time was limited, was still witnessing, and edifying the Christians there. Verse eight adds, And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. Though it was dark, there were many lights in the upper room where they were gathered. As Christians, we will never be left in the dark spiritually. Verse nine continues, And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. He was still preaching at midnight. We sometimes call a preacher long winded if he preaches for over thirty minutes. Our mind tends to drift away to what we are going to eat or anything other than what is being said. The upper chamber where they were gathered was lit with many lights. They weren't trying to hide their worship service. We are called to be a light to the world, and we cannot do this by hiding from the world. There was a certain young man named Eutychus sitting in a window who did what many of us might have done. He fell asleep. It says that this was because Paul's preaching was long. Like the disciples in the Garden, Eutychus couldn't stay awake. I don't know what this says of Paul's preaching. Maybe he wasn't entertaining or enthusiastic enough. Eutychus fell from the third loft and was taken up dead.
Acts 20:10 states, And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. Paul went down and fell on him, embracing him, and told the people not to be troubled for his life was in him. Verse eleven adds, When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. Then, Paul went back up to where he had been preaching and broke bread and ate and continued in discussion with the disciples until dawn. We might have broken up the meeting after this accident, but Paul continued to make the most of the time he had left with them. Then, Paul departed. Verse twelve continues, And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. They brought the young man alive to the disciples and they were greatly comforted. We might hang around a little longer to hear everybody praise us for what we did. Paul had departed because the glory belonged to God Who had raised the boy up. Verse thirteen says, And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. They departed by ship for Assos, planning to pick up Paul who went by foot. Paul certainly didn’t act as someone who was afraid of what might happen to him, and neither should we be afraid to go wherever God sends us. Verse fourteen adds, And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. Verse fifteen continues, And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. They picked up Paul at Assos and sailed to Mytilene, then the next day to Chios, the next to Samos. They tarried at Trogillium, then the next day went to Miletus. Paul was on his way to Jerusalem.
Acts 20:16 says, For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. Verse seventeen adds, And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. After stopping at Miletus, Paul sent for the elders at Ephesus to come to him. He didn't want to go to Ephesus since he could not stay with them. If we feel or know that anything is going to tempt us to delay what God has directed us to do, we need to avoid it. Paul had a great love for the church at Ephesus, but he was being called by the Holy Spirit to Jerusalem. We may have a great love for a church in a particular area, but if God is calling us elsewhere, we need to move on. Verse eighteen continues, And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, When the elders came, Paul reminded them of how important they had always been to him. From the first day he came to Asia, he had been with them through all seasons. He hadn't just passed through and forgotten them. We have homecoming services at churches today to spend time sharing what the church there has meant to us. Still, unless it is our home church, we then have to go back to where God currently has us serving. Paul knew he had to move forward, and so do we. If we are members of a particular church, it needs to be because God has called us there. When God's people get serious about serving Him where He places them, then worship will naturally overflow. Verse nineteen declares, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: Paul told them that he served the Lord with all humility of mind, with many tears, and temptations, which befell him by the lying-in wait of the Jews. We see too many preachers today who serve with pride in themselves instead of humility in Christ. How long has it been since we have shed tears over the church? Due to the threats of the Jews, Paul could have been tempted to give up, but he never did. If we feel threatened for exercising our faith, we should do as Paul did and keep on witnessing. The perceived threat of possible punishment is often enough to silence us. Verse twenty adds, And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, Paul told the elders that he had kept nothing from them that was profitable to them. We need to share with others everything we know about being a Christian. We don't need to keep any part of the truth of God to ourselves. Paul shared these things with them publicly and from house to house. If the gospel is to be effective in bringing people to Christ, then it must be shared publicly. If Christians are to grow in Christ, the gospel must be taught from house to house. Verse twenty-one continues, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul testified to both the Jew and the Greek repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. This can be our only testimony, that we repented of our sins and accepted salvation through Christ. He is our Lord Jesus Christ. Though we come to him through a personal relationship, He does not belong to any person or group of people exclusively, not even Christians as we belong to Him, and not Him to us. Christ is not to be hoarded as mine, but to he shared as ours.
Acts 20:22 says, And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Paul said that he was bound in the Spirit, or compelled by the Spirit, to go to Jerusalem, not knowing what would happen to him there. Verse twenty-three adds, Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me Paul then said that the Holy Spirit Who witnessed in every city told him that he would have bonds and afflictions waiting for him there. How many of us would be in a hurry to go where God was sending us if we were told continually by the Holy Spirit that bonds and afflictions waited for us there? Verse twenty-four continues, But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Paul said none of these things moved him, and he didn't count his life dear to himself. His life belonged to Jesus, and he would follow His leadership even if it cost him his life. We need that same commitment today. Sharing the gospel under the leadership of the Holy Spirit should be more important than even our life. We need total commitment to Christ. Paul wanted to finish his course with joy. Even with the bonds and afflictions that awaited him, he wanted to finish his course with joy. The gospel should always bring us joy, even if we are called on to suffer or even die sharing it. Paul's ministry was from the Lord Jesus. Paul was not just going where he wanted to go. He was going where God sent him. Our ministry, our purpose in the church, must be from God. We must never just decide what we will or won't do. Paul did this to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. He didn't earn salvation, but it was a gift from God by His grace toward mankind. The same is true for us. We are His by His grace and our acceptance of the gift of salvation through our faith in Him. Verse twenty-five concludes, And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Paul says a personal farewell to the elders at Ephesus. He said that among them all, among whom he had preached the kingdom of God, would see his face no more. He knew where he was going and what he faced. We can never let feelings for a particular church or group of Christians keep us from going where God sends us.
Acts 20:26 says, Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men., Paul said he was pure of the blood of all men. He had faithfully proclaimed the gospel to all that he encountered, so the destination of their soul was in their hands. If God gives us an opportunity to witness, and we don't, then we cannot claim to be pure of their blood. Verse twenty-seven adds, For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Paul said that he had not allowed the things going on in his life to keep him from sharing the gospel, and neither should we. Verse twenty-eight continues, Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. He then challenges them to take heed of the flock that God had placed them over and to spiritually feed them. Christ had purchased them with His own blood. Whether we are a preacher, teacher, or just a follower, we need to be spiritually fed and to spiritually feed others. It is a lifelong requirement since we are bought by the blood of Christ. Verse twenty-nine declares, For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Paul warned them of wolves coming that would not spare the flock, and some would come from within the church itself. We don't have to look far to realize that this is true today. Verse thirty adds, Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Men speaking perverse things is nothing new. Paul warned the first Christians that they would see it in their lifetime. This will continue to happen until Jesus Christ returns. Verse thirty-one continues, Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. Paul said he reminded them of this day and night for three years, with tears. We need to be broken-hearted when we see the church attacked, especially from within. Verse thirty-two says, And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. He commended them to God and to His grace, which would build them up and give them an inheritance among all who were sanctified. There is no better place for us to be than commended to God. He will seal us to Himself for eternity. Verse thirty-three adds, I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Paul said he took no man's silver or gold or apparel. Still, this does not mean that we are not to support preachers and evangelists today, but if they are doing these things only for what they can get out of it materially, we should be wary of them. Verse thirty-four continues, Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. He supported himself by his own hands. Again, he wasn't saying a preacher should never be paid, but that a preacher should never preach just for the money. If a preacher is called by a church is bigger and the salary is greater, that alone is not a reason to move. Verse thirty-five states, I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. He also reminded them that Jesus taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Verse thirty-six adds, And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. After he had spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all. What a great way to leave, in communion with God and each other. We should always be in prayer for one another, whether in sadness or joy. Verse thirty-seven continues, And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, They cried, hugged his neck, and kissed him. We might hug and shake hands, but still they were letting him go. Verse thirty-eight concludes, Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. Their tears were more because they would never see him again, but they accompanied him to the ship. We may be sad to see a preacher go to another field, but we must accompany them to the ship, or however they are traveling. We must never selfishly stand between a person and God's will for their life.
Chapter 21
Acts 21:1 says, And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara: Paul and his group sailed to the island Coos, then to Rhodes, and then to Patara. We are not told that they stayed long at any of these places. Verse two add, And finding a ship sailing unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. We must remember that Paul could not go to a travel agent and set up his itinerary for travel. He was dependent on finding a ship sailing in the direction he was going. He could not say that the ship needed to stop at a particular port. They were moving steadily toward their destination. Too often today, if it seems that if we are going to have trouble or be uncomfortable in going where the Lord wants us to go, we decide that God must not have wanted us to go. We are not called to private plane travel and the most expensive hotels. We are called to follow no matter the cost. If we begin to think we deserve so much more than those we are called to witness to, then, in my understanding of God's calling, we are missing the real purpose of the gospel. Paul travelled as he found passage and stayed with the people. Verse three continues, Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. At Patara, they found a ship sailing to Phenicia, passed Cyprus without stopping, and came to Syria, landing at Tyre. The ship was to be unladen there, but Paul was still on schedule. Verse four states, And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. He had time to visit with the disciples there. The gospel was spreading, and this group of disciples were not some Paul had witnessed to. We are never alone in our work for God, yet we should all be working together. They were there for seven days, and the Holy Spirit revealed to the disciples there the trouble that awaited Paul and they tried to persuade him not to go. We must never attempt to keep people from going where God is sending them, even if God reveals to us that trouble awaits them. Verse five adds, And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. Still, the next day, when Paul was to depart, these disciples, with their wives and children, accompanied him to the ship. They knelt down on the shore and prayed together. Even if we know that someone is going to a place where trouble awaits them, we may warn them, but ultimately, we must support and pray for them. Verse six continues, And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again. Paul said that after this, they took their leave and returned home again. We need to go where God sends us, but we also need to be ready to return home when our time is complete. Verse seven concludes, And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. Paul and his group sailed to Ptolemais, where they saluted the brethren for one day. The disciples at Tyre had returned home after seeing Paul off. They were not called to Jerusalem but had a ministry at home. We must serve where God sends us, even if it is to just go home and continue to witness there.
Acts 21:8 states, And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. Paul and those with him separated from those they had been traveling with and went to Caesarea. There they entered the house of Philip the evangelist and stayed with him. Philip was one of the first seven deacons but had then been called to be an evangelist. We may start serving in one role in the church and know that is what God has called us to do, but that doesn't mean we may not be called to another role. A teacher may feel the call to preach or a pastor to missionary work later, but that does not mean the first calling was wrong. Paul himself went first to the Jews before being sent by the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles. Verse nine adds, And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. Philip had four daughters who prophesied. We aren't told any more about their ability than the statement, but since it was mentioned, it had to have been a real talent or ability that they had. We may want to discredit women in the work of the church, but that is not really what the Bible teaches. We are told there is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female in the eyes of God. In Joel 2:28, we are told, "And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions," (KJV). Verse ten continues, And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. Then, after they had been there many days, there came down from Judea a prophet named Agabus. Verse eleven concludes, And when he was come unto us, he
No comments:
Post a Comment