Persecution In Jerusalem

Persecution In Jerusalem

Book of Acts Chapter 21

When we left off last week the Apostle Paul had had an emotional goodbye with the elders of Ephesus. There had been great sorrow because they knew they would never see the Apostle Paul again on this Earth.

Paul returned to Jerusalem to witness to the Jews but he also had other purposes.

Paul wanted to make known the progress of Christianity that had been made in the Gentile churches.

When Paul traveled to Jerusalem he did not know that in a few short years the Romans would completely destroy the city and the Temple.

But the Gentile churches had sent a love offering to the poor Saints in Jerusalem and Paul was delivering that support.

Paul had just recently written the Book of Roman before ending this trip at Jerusalem.

Proof:

Rom 15:25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

Rom 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

We should remember that it was not the church at Jerusalem that had sent out the Apostle Paul it was the church in Antioch, but at Jerusalem was the first Christian church established and each missionary should report the progress of the gospel to every church they have an opportunity to attend. The Apostles were still home based at Jerusalem at this time.

The first few verses in Chapter 21 described Paul's return home so we will begin at verse 4:

*****Act 21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

One of the things that I noticed on this return trip was the fact that Christianity was spreading and disciples were found at every location.

At the city of Tyre, the ship that the Apostle Paul was on, was in that port for a week. The apostle and those with him spent that time worshipping and fellowshipping with the members of the church that was in Tyre.

We may not know when this church was established but we do now know that one existed.

The Apostle Paul had already been warned that "bonds and afflictions" were waiting on him if he insisted on returning to Jerusalem.

It actually seems, that the Holy Spirit was commanding Paul not to go and this may have truly been the case but what is certain is, that Paul understood that it was their earnest wish for him not to go to Jerusalem and certainly Paul would not defy the Holy Spirit in disobedience.

Actually Paul had better knowledge from the Lord to understand this than we do and his interpretation was doubtless, correct!

BUT, it is clearly understood that by this prophetic warning that Paul went to Jerusalem at the risk of his own life!

*****Act 21:5 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.

Act 21:6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.

Another thing I noticed in this chapter is that, the Body of Christ "is a family organization", including wives and children, "whosoever" trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior!

This was not the case in the other religions of that time where most women had no role in religion nor in government.

When those seven days were up the entire congregation of this little church including wives and children accompanied Paul back to the ship and when they had reached the water's edge they all knelt in prayer.

While Paul prayed for the church, the church prayed for the Apostle Paul and then they return to their homes.

*****Act 21:7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

Ptolemais was 30 miles from Tyre and here again the ship stopped for one day and in this brief time the Apostle Paul had a chance to visit with members of the church located in Tyre.

Christianity was spreading throughout Israel and the nearby cities!

From here it seems that Paul and those with him set out on foot to Caesarea.

*****Act 21:8 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.

Caesarea was still the seat of the Roman government in Palestine at this time.

This group of men stayed with Philip and this verse tells us that this was the same Philip who was one of the original seven chosen to serve as deacons of the church in Jerusalem.

We can only imagine this first meeting of the Apostle Paul and Philip, remember Paul had held the coats of those that had stoned Stephen.

Philip would have had to have forgiven Paul to allow him to stay in his own home!

By this time Philip had made his home in Caesarea for at least 20 years.

Proof:

Act 8:40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Phillip was an evangelist, and it is very likely that is because of the preaching of Philip that the gospel had spread in this entire area.

In fact, Philip is the only person who is actually called an evangelist in the New Testament.

An evangelist is a preacher of the gospel to those who have never heard it. Philip had done this to the Samaritan. Philip had done this to the Ethiopian eunuch and to all the towns from Azotis to Caesarea.

*****Act 21:9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

We can see that during this time that Philip had raised a godly an Christian family. His four daughters had been entrusted with the gift of prophecy.

It also appears in this verse that these women had chosen to remain unmarried so they could devote themselves fully to the service of God.

It is the Apostle Paul that gave us these words:

1Co 7:34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

*****Act 21:10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

Act 21:11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

Act 21:12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

There are many that question whether it was right for the Apostle Paul to continue with his trip to Jerusalem.

I personally think that it is very wrong to question one of God's apostles!

These men were specifically chosen by God and for a specific purpose!

But these men were also human and as humans none of us are perfect!

It could be said that these prophetic things could be as warnings to prepare the Apostle Paul for what was coming.

The prophet Agabas did not forbid Paul to go to Jerusalem but he did tell him what to expect if he did!

Paul had met this prophet earlier and he had prophesied the coming famine that would be especially hard on the churches of Judea and this had been a fact.

God's prophets still had to meet the same requirements of the Old Testament:

Deu 18:21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?

Deu 18:22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it

Agabus was very careful to declare that this warning had come to him from the Holy Spirit!

Agabus also left little doubt that Paul's trouble would come from those certain Jews that had been so much of a problem to the early church!

It would be from the hands of these men that the Romans would take custody of Paul!

All those with Paul tried to convince him there was no need for him to go to Jerusalem but Paul would not be persuaded.

*****Act 21:13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Act 21:14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

Again we see that Paul felt it more important to take his life into his own hands "for the good of the church" than to yield to the legalistic Jews of Jerusalem.

Ever since the conference that had happened in Jerusalem earlier, trouble had been brewing and those legalist Jews had been following Paul causing havoc it to the church.

Paul felt like it was time to take a stand in Jerusalem and he felt he had to do this personally!

And certainly the Lord's Will, will always be done!

*****Act 21:15 And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.

Act 21:16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

Paul loaded up his luggage and went to Jerusalem but he did not go alone. Not only did those go that traveled with Paul which included Luke, but also many disciples of Caesarea and even one man named Mnason who had a home in Jerusalem for them to stay.

This would be a journey of 65 miles that would take three days by foot and two days if they had animals.

BUT, Paul had many friends to encourage him along the way to Jerusalem!

The city would be full of pilgrims for the festival but Paul would not have to find a place to dwell.

*****Act 21:17 And when "we" were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

We can see with that word "we" again that Luke was still with the Apostle Paul at this time.

Paul had brought a great love offering to the brethren at Jerusalem and he received a warm welcome from the church.

*****Act 21:18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

Act 21:19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

There may have been many things that had changed since Paul's last visited Jerusalem but James, the half brother of Jesus, was still head of the church.

We can see that even the leaders of the church rejoiced when they learned of Paul's successful ministry among the Gentiles in Europe and the many other places where the church had been established.

BUT, James and the Elders of the Church were very aware that many Jewish Christians, "babes in Christ" had suspicions against Paul because he preached differently from the law of Moses.

Paul knew of this type:

1Co 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

1Co 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

1Co 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

*****Act 21:20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

James and the Elders of Jerusalem had agreed many years before that Paul should be the minister to the Gentiles.

Proof:

Gal 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

But there was still great rejoicing from what they have heard!

Paul gave a full and accurate account, not what he had done, but what the Lord had gone through his ministry.

Proof:

1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

As soon as Paul had reported these things he was informed of how legalism was spreading through the church by these who were rejecting God's "Grace".

*****Act 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

Act 21:22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

There is no doubt that these were false charges spread by the Jews who had opposed Paul in the cities of Asia!

As we will see many of the same Jews had also come to Jerusalem for the festival of Pentecost and had stirred up the citizens when they saw Paul there also.

*****Act 21:23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

Act 21:24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

Here we see that James and the elders had come up with a strategy that showed that the apostle Paul did also obey the Jewish law.

But this strategy would fail!

Paul was asked to associate himself with certain Jewish believers who had taken a Nazarite vow. Paul was even asked to pay the expenses involved in this Jewish ritual.

We will find out in the next few verses that these people would actually use Paul's attempt to a appease them to bring their false accusations against him and get him arrested.

We may ask did the Apostle Paul keep the Jewish rituals?

We should only use the words of the apostle Paul to answer this question!

1Co 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

1Co 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

1Co 9:21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

1Co 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

1Co 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

Paul was not concerned so much concerned whether the plan would work, because Paul was willing to do whatever it took so that others could come to know Jesus.

BUT, This did not include sin in anyway, in any form, or in any fashion!

*****Act 21:25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

These enemies of the church and of Paul were saying almost the same things they had said about the Lord Jesus Christ and even of Stephen.

The same lie, that said that Paul was teaching the Jews to forsake the laws and customs given by Moses and the fathers!

James and the elders were not worried about what Paul taught the Gentile believers because the relationship of the Gentiles to the law had been settled at that conference in Jerusalem that had taken place earlier.

These elders of the church at Jerusalem were mainly concerned that Paul's presence in the city might cause division or disruption among the thousands of Jews who had confessed to believe but were still babes in Christ.

We know that old customs are hard to change and in reality we know that the Book of Hebrews was a special letter written to the Jews to explain the relationship between the old and the new covenants.

The Book of Hebrews was written to the Hebrews to tell them to stop being Hebrews, but it was not until the city and the Temple were destroyed in A.D. 70, that traditional Jewish worship ceased.

We also know that Paul did warn the Gentiles not to get involved in the Jewish religion!

*****Act 21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

We can see that Paul reported to the priest the next day and shared in the purification ceremony but he himself did not take any vows.

He and the men had to wait seven days and then offer the prescribed sacrifices!

This plan seemed to be the wise thing to do but it did not work!

Instead of bringing peace it caused an uproar and the Apostle Paul ended up as a prisoner.

This fulfilled the prophecy that had been told him by Agabas!

*****Act 21:27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

Act 21:28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

These Jews were from Asia and most probably from Ephesus!

Proof:

1Co 15:32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

These,"Beast of Ephesus" saw the Apostle Paul and began crying out for others to help them hold to him.

They accused Paul of four things which were all false.

1) They said that Paul taught all people everywhere to be against the Jews, which was a lie.

2) They said that Paul preached against the law of Moses, which was another lie.

3) They said that Paul preached against the Temple as a place of worship, another lie.

4) They said that Paul had polluted the Temple, and the holy place, by bringing non-Jews into a courtyard that was restricted to Jews only, "Again another lie"!

*****Act 21:29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

The proof, that at least some of these Asian Jews were these Ephesians, is the fact that they had recognized Trophimus who was also an Ephesian.

Paul had brought several Gentile Christians with him to Jerusalem from various cities.

These Jews had not actually seen Trophimus inside the Temple complex but they merely assumed, without any basis at all, that Paul had taken him into one of the courtyards to desecrate the Temple grounds.

This is something that the Apostle Paul would have never done!

*****Act 21:30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

Act 21:31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

There had been many Jews who had traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Pentecost.

This mob apprehended Paul and were dragging him away from the Temple and probably taking him into the Court of the Gentiles, were they would determine what to do with him.

The doors of the Temple were shut and this turmoil was kept outside the Temple complex!

This leaves any doubt that this mob intentioned to kill the Apostle Paul. They had not chosen stoning, but to actually beat him to death!

However, this uproar was noticed by the Roman military commander of Jerusalem.

And, a "band" of Romans would be approximately 500 soldiers.

*****Act 21:32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.

Act 21:33 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

We should remember that these Roman soldiers were garrisoned at the Fortress of Antonio, which was very near the Temple and their job was to keep watch over such disturbances.

More than one Centurion is mentioned in this verse and each Centurion would have under his control, at least 100 soldiers, so we can see there were at least 200 soldiers that had been dispatched to stop this riot.

History tells us that during these festivals in Israel the Roman garrison were always on alert.

For Paul to be bound with two chains would normally mean that each arm was attached to a different soldier.



SO, The beating of Paul was stopped.

*****Act 21:34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

Act 21:35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

Act 21:36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

When the Roman captain had control of the situation he asked this mob what Paul had done.

"This was a mob" and mobs usually have no answers to such questions!

It became apparent to this commander that he needed to take Paul to a place where he had control of the entire situation.

But when they came into the steps leading to the citadel, Paul's chains slowed him down so much because of the beating he had already had, that the soldiers had to bodily carry him to this entrance of the fortress.

That phrase "away with him" meant that they wanted Paul executed, and they would have been pleased to kill Paul themselves if they had been permitted to do this.

This sounds a whole lot like what had taken place in the time of Jesus!

Joh 19:15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him.

*****Act 21:37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

At the entrance to the citadel there evidently was a porch or balcony. The soldiers intended to take Paul inside the building but he was able to ask the Roman commander a question first.

Paul spoke to this officer in Greek. So, This officer realized that Paul had to be a more learned and a cultured person that he had first thought.

*****Act 21:38 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

There had been a false prophet who was an Egyptian and had a large following when Felix was governor of Judea.

Felix with his army, had dispersed his following, but the Egyptian "who was considered a terrorist" had escaped!

Act 21:39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

Paul now informed this Roman commander by stating that he was a Jew from the city of Tarsus in the province of Cilicia.

The Romans were well acquainted with the city of Tarsus and this commander would have had knowledge of any recent troublemakers from that region.

Paul informed this Roman officer that he was not a terrorist and only asked if he could be allowed to address the Jews at this time.

*****Act 21:40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

That word "license" means that Paul was granted permission to speak. So Paul stood at the head of the steps leading to the entrance to the Citadel and faced those that were attempting to kill him.

And when this crowd became quite enough for him to speak Paul began speaking to them in Hebrew.

Paul had already impressed this Roman soldier with his ability to speak the Greek language.

But the custom of the Jewish elders was to speak in the Hebrew.

It is clear that Paul was about to say some things that these Romans would not understand.

Aramaic is an offshoot of Hebrew and this would be the language that was normally spoken in Jerusalem though at this time there would be many visitors that spoke Greek.

Paul was directing his testimony to a specific group of people!

But we are not going take time today to go into what Paul said as that will be in our next lesson.

Questions?

Then let's pray!

The Seven Pillars Of Wisdom

The Seven Pillars Of Wisdom

　

The Book of Wisdom, Proverbs let's us know that there are 7 pillars of wisdom:

Pro 9:1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

And Job asked this question:

Job 28:12 But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?

The Bible tells us that "wisdom" is the principle thing, or the most important thing for understanding.

Pro 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

The Bible says that without wisdom we cannot apply our heart to understanding.

The Bible tells us where to find this wisdom:

Pro 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

So what are these 7 pillars of wisdom that we can build our house of understanding.

James the Half-Brother of Jesus gives them to us:

Jas 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

1) The wisdom from God is first "Pure":

In other words these 7 pillars of wisdom must first be built on Jesus Christ:

Jesus is our foundation for wisdom:

Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

This can happen only one way:

Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Tit 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

Without the purity of Jesus the other pillars will fall.

2) The wisdom from God is next "Peaceable":

The Bible says:

2Ti 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

2Ti 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

2Ti 2:6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

3.) The man of wisdom must be "Gentle":

Every child of God must be a gentleman or gentlewoman.

Again the Bible says:

Tit 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

4) The man of wisdom must next be "Easy To Be Entreated":

This is being reasonable when it comes understanding the Word of God.

2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

5) The man of wisdom must next be "Full of Mercy and Good Fruits":

Always helpful and considerate!

The Bible says:

Col 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

6) The man of wisdom will next be "Without Partiality"

The Bible says:

1Ti 5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

7) And the man of wisdom must be without "Hypocrisy"

Again the Bible says:

1Pe 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Being a Christian is not putting a show but it is being sincere in speech and in our actions.

There is no "Wisdom without the Lord" and your house of "Wisdom" will fall without these "Seven Pillars"!

Let's Pray!

Strengthening The Brethren

Strengthening Brethren In Miletus

Book of Acts Chapter 2o

No matter how successful our work may be, it will one day come to an end.

The ministry of "spreading the gospel" by the Apostle Paul in Ephesus, had gone on unto the entire region of Asia.

Today we will see Paul's farewell address to the Elders of the Ephesians church.

Paul was going to Jerusalem and his ministry would take him away from Asia but he would always keep them in his heart.

The Apostle Paul had a great respect for all who spread the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ!

AND, We can see this great concern for the church in the book of Ephesians and the letters to Timothy.

The Apostle Paul is therefore our example of a church planter and of a missionary of "the gospel" of Lord Jesus Christ.

But before we get into Paul's example let's take a quick look at Paul's farewell.

After the riot that had come about in the city of Ephesus, Paul left and headed toward Macedonia. Paul had expected to meet Titus at Troas, and to get a report of the things that were happening at the Church in Corinth.

The Apostle Paul had spent three years ministering the "gospel" in Ephesus but he had also requested a love offering to be gathered for the poor, excommunicated saints in Jerusalem. (Excommunicated by Judaism)

Under his direction, the churches of Macedonia and Achaia were to collect money to be used to help those that were in poverty in Jerusalem.

But Titus had not come and Paul would not see Titus until he reached Macedonia.

Our lesson does not begin today until we get to verse 18 but I think it is important that we take a look at a few verses before that verse.



*****Act 20:7 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.

Act 20:8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

Act 20:9 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.

In this verse we see the first mention of the church meeting "on the first day of the week" but it seems to have soon become a regular practice.

We can see this is verified in Paul's letter to the Corinthians:

1Co 16:2 Upon [the first day of the week] let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

The first day of the week was already kept sacred by Christians, because it was the day of the Lord's resurrection. (John 20:1)

And, this day was referred to as the Lord's day in the Book of Revelation!(Rev 1:10)

We should also realize that the first day of the week was the day that God began the physical creation of this world we live in. (Gen 1: 1-5)

But also the first day of the week represents the beginning of the Church and also the "Church Age".

It is very appropriate that we remember the first day of the week as a day to gather in the Lord' name.

If we remember that the Jewish day began at 6 PM, then the phrase "at evening time" helps us to understand how Paul preached the gospel until midnight.

When Luke wrote about this in verse 9, he said the Apostle Paul was "long preaching".

Paul's sermon was long because this was also his farewell address to these people.

At this time, Sunday, the first day on the week, was not a day in which people were free of daily employment.

So the church began with an evening service.

And, it was during the Preaching service that this young man Eutychus fell asleep and fell from that third loft, which would make this building a three-story building.

This the last instance of someone being raised from the dead, by an Apostle in the Bible.

Whenever Christians assemble, the Word of God should always be heard and it should always include some reading of the Scriptures.

The Apostle Paul did not hesitate to stop preaching but went down to this young man and we can say that he raised him from the dead because that is exactly what happened.

In verse seven we saw that the Apostle Paul observed the Lord's supper but in verse 11 we can see that this group of people took time to eat a meal and the Apostle Paul talked with these people until daybreak.

*****Act 20:11 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.

Act 20:12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

Act 20:13 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.

The Apostle Paul chose to walk from Troas to Assos which was about 20 miles. This gave him more time to spend with the saints.

It would take two days for a ship to sail this distance but probably only about 10 hours to walk this distance.

The Apostle Paul probably also needed some time alone with the Lord, as we all do!

There are 50 days between Passover and Pentecost. Paul's trip from Philippi to Troas had already consumed 12 of those days.

It took Paul 4 more days to get to Miletus so Paul decided he did not have time to make it to Ephesus.

So he invited the leaders of the church of Ephesus to travel the 30 miles to meet him in Miletus. This is where the ship would wait to unload its cargo.

And this is were we will pick up our lesson for today:

Verse 18:

*****Act 20:18 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,

Act 20:19 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:

The Apostle Paul began his remarks to these elders by reminding them of his faithful service even in the face of adverse circumstances and much persecution.

The Apostle Paul was not ashamed of the gospel!

And we cannot be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!



Paul had spent three years in Ephesus and had to endure fierce opposition much of this time. He had had much trouble with the Jews. He had battled with the labor unions and even had some problems with the local

government.

Despite all these things, Paul serve the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears and temptations.

The Apostle Paul did not exalt himself above others.

The Apostle Paul was a humble man in his life BUT very bold when preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

There had even been many attempts on his life by men from his own nation.

*****Act 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

Act 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

In addition to his teaching in the synagogues, Paul had actually went house to house which led to churches being established in individual homes.

We know that the church in Corinth began in the home of Aquila and Priscilla.

We know that it is very possible that the Colossians church met in the home of Philemon.

And it is also very possible that the Laodicean church first met in the home of Nymphas.

Both repentance and faith were the central message of the Apostle Paul to all non-Christians.

Paul preached to "whosoever" would listen which included Jews and Gentiles.

Repentance toward God and faith in Christ are like two sides of the same bread!

Both sides are distinct but there can be no true repentance without true faith, one cannot exist without the other!

*****Act 20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Act 20:23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

That phrase "and now" shifts the emphasis from the past to the present as the Apostle Paul opens his heart and tells his friends just how he feels.

He did not hide the fact that he was bounded his own spirit to go to Jerusalem and even though he knew that danger and possibly death awaited him there.

The Holy Spirit had witnessed this message to him in city after city.

*****Act 20:24 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 explained why he would not quit the gospel.

Paul had decided to put Jesus in front of everything in his life.

Paul was not a quitter and wanted to finish all the things that the Lord had given them to do.

Paul had received his ministry from the Lord and he knew that the Lord required his faithfulness and he also knew that one day he would have to give account for the message he preached.

Paul knew that the message of the gospel is a matter of life or death to those that hear it and Paul was a fighter, with both the life he lived and the message that he preached.

Paul was a preacher. He was commissioned and called by the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul was also a watchman. He had to be faithful and was not fearful, because the safety of many people rested with him.

Paul had to declare to sinners and saints all the counsel of God!

The Apostle Paul preached the entire Bible from cover to cover!

Those that do not preach the Bible from cover to cover are not only useless to the nonbeliever, but also to the believer.

The Apostle Paul had not allowed any of these things in Ephesus to distract him from his ministry.

*****Act 20:25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Again we see these words "and now".

Somehow God had impressed upon Paul that this would be his last time to see these elders of Ephesus.

Remember Paul had met 12 of these elders when he first came to Ephesus.

The message Paul preached regarding the kingdom, referred to the Kingdom of Heaven and how to get there.

*****Act 20:26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

Act 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

The Apostle Paul was confident that he had done what God had sent him to do in that city to both believer and the unbeliever.

The Book of James teaches us:

Jas 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Paul said "I take you to record" and what he was saying is that he was letting his own actions be his testimony.

And there was no one in this area that could hold the Apostle Paul accountable or responsible for eternal damnation.

The sermons that the Apostle Paul had preached in Ephesus were the messages that God has specifically revealed to him or what he had directly led His Apostle to teach.

Jesus Christ had commissioned the apostles to teach the disciples to observe all things whatsoever he had commanded.

Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen

The Apostle Paul had done this very thing everywhere he preached.

*****Act 20:28 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.

Therefore, Paul told these elders that each of them should do the same thing.

That word "overseers" is the same as "bishops".

These were the same as "elders" of the church.

These were the "pastors"!

In all these cases these are the "spiritual shepherds" of the church.

The job of the shepherd has always been "to guard the sheep", "to groom the sheep", "to gather the sheep", and "to deliver the sheep to green pastures".

We can see all these things in Psalms 23.

*****Act 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Act 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

The Apostle Paul brought his message to a close by issuing a warning.

Each pastor and preacher, and each missionary and evangelist, need to recognize the dangers that they will have to deal with if they are to protect and lead the church.

We must never underestimate the great importance of the church to this world we live in!

The church is important to "God" because it has His name on it!

The church is important to the "Son of God", because He shed his blood for it!

The church is important to the "Holy Spirit", because He is convicting sinners to join the church and equipping the saints to minister to the church!

It is a serious thing to be a spiritual leader in the Church of the living God!

There are many threats to the Church from the world we live in, but there are also serious threats from within the Church and in each church.

There are always wolves that want to destroy the church.

A Wolf is crafty, greedy, and ravenous and kill sheep and other domestic animals without remorse.

In Scripture, the Wolf is an emblem of treachery and cruelty.

Wolves are the dread of the shepherd!

Jesus said this about wolves:

Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Joh 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Joh 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

The Apostle Paul warned the church that there would also be false brethren come from inside the church who would also try to lead people away from the truth.

They would have, "distorted doctrines" that would contain some truth but more error, to lead people astray.

We know that this is true especially in our day as we get closer to the end of the Church Age.

*****Act 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

We must remember that the Apostle Paul was meeting with the pastors and preachers of this newly found churches. He warned them that they were to be vigilant in defending their flocks against false teachings.

But the Apostle Paul also said for them "who would come after him", to follow his example.

*****Act 20:32 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.

As Paul winds down his sermon he uses that phrase "the Word of His Grace" .

This phrase refers to the Scriptures in which we see the "grace" of God is prominent.

These words are the means for spiritual growth!

These words are the means for spiritual maturity!

And these words are the means for spiritual instruction which leads to good morals and holiness!

And then inheritance among all those that sanctified means, is being a part of the family of God, here on earth and especially in Heaven.

*****Act 20:33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

Act 20:34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

When God gave the 10 Commandments, the very last one said "thou shalt not covet". When we covet we will break the other nine Commandments because it will cause us to steal, and to lie and to murder to get what we want.

And it will also cause was to dishonor our parents and especially dishonor Our God.

Coveting is idolatry because it is always trying to find something greater than the Living God!

In the qualifications for the preacher in 1 Timothy the sin of covetousness is also mentioned.

But the apostle Paul also mentions laziness.!

Even though Paul had some support, he was a working preacher as a tent maker.

The Apostle Paul could have demanded support that would've made his life easier and it is not wrong for Christian workers to receive salaries.

1Ti 5:18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

But every preacher should be certain they are really earning those salaries and Paul was!

It was a personal thing with Paul at this time of the early church to not be a burden to any church.

*****Act 20:35 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.

A true pastor will always have the needs of his church in mind.

This verse implies that no pastor should burden any church that cannot meet the needs of it's members!

True ministry is giving and not getting, and it definitely means following the example of the Lord Jesus Christ.

*****Act 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

This verse teaches us that every sermon should be followed with prayer!

*****Act 20:37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

Act 20:38 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.

It is always difficult to say goodbye. Everyone that was at this location this day knew they would never see each other again.

But that's not entirely true!

We have the blessed assurance that we will all one day see our Christian friends and loved ones in Heaven!

Jesus promises us these things when He returns:

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Questions?

Let's Pray!

Church Planting In Ephesus

Church Planting In Ephesus

Book of Acts Chapter 19

We saw last week that the Apostle Paul had stopped by Ephesus on his way to Jerusalem to complete his vow.

This week will see his return.

Today will begin the 3rd missionary trip of the Apostle Paul. He also began this trip from Antioch of Syria. He traveled through Galatia and Phrygia, places he had visited previously.

Paul had met Apollos in Ephesus on his second trip and Priscilla and Aquila had taught Apollos the "Gospel".

Apollos had gone on to Corinth and preached there to strengthen that church. So let's look at what Paul found in Ephesus.

*****Act 19:1 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,

Act 19:2 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.

Ephesus was the greatest commercial city in Asia minor and it was the capital of the province of Asia. Ephesus was also the home of the Temple of Diana. It is said at one time, the Temple of Diana was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Those that worship in this Temple believed that the image they worshiped had fallen down from Jupiter.

Meteors and particles from space hit this Earth every day but not a one of them is a god or an image of a god.

The first thing that Paul noticed in Ephesus was some disciples of John the Baptist. They believed, but they did not believe on the right things. They did not know the "Gospel", the "Good News" of Jesus Christ!

We know that John the Baptist had preached that Jesus was the promised Redeemer and was truly the Lamb of God. They had totally understood John's emphasis on "repentance" but they had failed to see the role of Jesus Christ as the "object" of "all" our faith.

They had not been taken "to the cross" on Calvary's mountain. They had not recognized that true baptism represented the death, the burial, and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ!

AND, what they had learned did not include the knowledge of the Holy Spirit!

It is the Holy Spirit that is the most infallible proof that a Christian has true salvation.

There are some denominations that insist on seeing the proof of the Holy Spirit and they use this as an excuse to speak with tongues and do other such things.

The Bible gives us the real proof of the Holy Spirit:

Some are listed in the Book of Galatians:

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Notice the word "fruit" is not plural. Everyone that is filled with the Holy Spirit will possess all these things as evidence of the Holy Spirit. And, if "we live in the Spirit" we will also "walk in the Spirit"!

*****Act 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

Act 19:4 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.

Act 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Why did Paul ask about their baptism? Because in the Book of Acts, baptism was a sign of a person's spiritual experience.

They were truly disciples of John either through him or through other disciples of him. In the New Testament, baptism always comes after saving faith and it is then followed by discipleship.

This is probably the only case mentioned in the New Testament of anyone being re-baptized. We have already heard a similar story of Apollos but there is no mention him him being re-baptized.

What happened before Pentecost was under the Old Covenant but what happened after Pentecost had to be on the New Testament blood of Jesus Christ, the New Covenant.

John the Baptist baptized for repentance and the belief in the coming of the Messiah.

But Jesus told his disciples these words:

Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send "in my name", he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

The Holy Spirit can only come when we are saved in the name of Jesus Christ!

And, He will then come with all His "fruit", which is the evidence of His coming and not some "babel" in some unknown language!

When we are not certain about what the Holy Spirit does we cannot be certain about our salvation!

Every "Born Again" child of God is a "Temple" for the Holy Spirit!

1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

*****Act 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Act 19:7 And all the men were about twelve.

Just as the things that had happened at Pentecost in the upper room these men spake in different languages and started preaching. We must still realize that the Jews still require a sign.

The number 12 is a significant number that corresponds with the 12 apostles. There can be little doubt that these 12 men would form the nucleus of the church that would be started in Ephesus and more probably that these would be the elders of that church.

What God did to Paul and for these 12 men was not normal and is not seen in any church today!

And, It was not repeated after this time in the Bible!

The people who were converted in Ephesus under Paul's ministry received the gift of the Holy Spirit when they trusted on the Lord Jesus as their Savior just as what happens today when some one is saved.

The Apostle Paul later wrote in the book of Ephesians these words;

Eph 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Eph 1:13 "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise",

Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

At this time in the early church the appearance of the gift of tongues, "speaking in different languages",(those that were in the room) and "prophecy", which is preaching, revealed the reality of the Holy Spirit coming. This was a supernatural happening which soon disappeared from the early church. This was a sign for the Jew!

Joe 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and "your" sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

We should guard against expecting this to be normal or usual today. The Holy Spirit is God and God does what God does, but God's Word tells us that we are filled with the Spirit immediately on accepting of the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior.

Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: [in whom also after that ye believed, "ye were sealed" with that holy Spirit of promise,]

Eph 1:14 Which is "the earnest of our inheritance" until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

It is the Holy Spirit that washes us clean and provides us with eternal life.

Tit 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Tit 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

It is Our Father in Heaven who sent our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ!

1Jn 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

1Jn 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

*****Act 19:8 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.

Act 19:9 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.

We see in this verse that the Apostle Paul again began his ministry in a Jewish synagogue. But this time he changes his message. He did not begin with the preaching of the "gospel" nor the preaching of "creation" but he actually began with things "concerning the kingdom of God" which was directed to the Jew.

The Apostle Paul was a little more cautious in his approach to the Jews in Ephesus and the results of that was that he preached boldly for three months without causing a major disturbance.

But still during that time the message that Paul truly had stirred up these stubborn Jews!

Their reaction became so violent that Paul was forced to move out of the synagogue and find another place to continue his teaching.

So, Paul begins preaching and teaching in a school that belonged to Tyrannus.

*****Act 19:10 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.

The Apostle Paul was in Ephesus longer than in any other city which he visited.

We are not told very much about this Tyrannus but it does appear that this school was well-known. We will learn many more things about this time in next week's lesson.

We know that the Apostle Paul had to provide his own support during this time.

And we know that the Apostle Paul taught the Bible in this school of Tyrannus daily.

So the gospel spread throughout Asia.

There can be little doubt that disciples from this school went out informed the seven churches of Asia that we read about in Revelation 2-3.

AND, it is probably during this time that the churches of Colossae and Hierapolis were founded.

And years later history records that the Apostle John was the chief preacher at Ephesus.

And, it is in Ephesus that we find the traditional burial place of Mary, the mother of Jesus who was still traveling with John until her death.

*****Act 19:11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

Act 19:12 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.

God enabled Paul to perform special miracles here in Ephesus probably because Ephesus was the center for the occult and the Apostle Paul was demonstrating God's power right in the middle of Satan's territory.

And we will see that Satan tries his best to "imitate" whatever God's people are doing because he knows that the unsaved world "cannot tell the difference"!

*****Act 19:13 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.

The city of Ephesus was notorious in the ancient world not only for its idols but also for an abundance of magicians and occultist. Demon possession was common so therefore, the practice of exorcism was common!

These wandering Jews [vagabond] who made their living as exorcists, when they saw all the miracles of Paul, decided that there own business could improve if they used the name of Jesus.

*****Act 19:14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.

The Commandments of God said that a Jewish chief priest would have been from the tribe of Levi and could serve only in the Temple or the Tabernacle.

And the Temple was still standing at this time!

These seven sons of Sceva were not Christians but they did see that the Apostle Paul was much more effective than other exorcist at casting out demons.

*****Act 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

Act 19:16 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.

Since these men had no relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and by also using the name of the Apostle Paul in this exorcism, this brought on a bizarre incident.

That evil spirit that possessed this man confessed that he did know both his Lord Jesus and the Apostle Paul but he did not know any of these sons of Sceva.

So under the demonic influence that possessed this man, he became so violent that he attacked these seven sons and prevailed against them and left them naked and wounded.

*****Act 19:17 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.

Act 19:18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

This incident produced so much respect for Jesus, among these superstitious people that many abandoned their pagan and occult practices and some of the results are in our next verse.

*****Act 19:19 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.

As these people began to abandon their false religion they also began to publicly burned the books associated with those occult practices.

In today's prices the value of these books would be over $1 million. This gives us some idea of how prevalent pagan worship and the occult was at this time in Ephesus.

And the results are in our next verse.

*****Act 19:20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

The Word of God not only grew but it also prevailed as the "power of the gospel" again overcame "the evils" of this world.

And the true "Gospel"and not some watered down version of the Bible can still have this same effect in our day!

*****Act 19:21 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.

Act 19:22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

In this verse we have the first mention of the Apostle Paul's plan to go to Rome. So we know at this time the Book of Romans had not been written but it would be written before Paul actually went to Rome.

Paul first had to visit the churches in Macedonia and Achaia in order to obtain the love offerings that were being taken up for the poor saints in Jerusalem.

In fact while he was still in Ephesus he sent Timothy to help finish that job.

*****Act 19:23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

It was during this time that Satan began a full-fledged attack on the "gospel" that was preached here at Ephesus.

*****Act 19:24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

Act 19:25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.

We should be well aware that wherever the true "gospel" was preached in power, it will be opposed by people who make money from superstition and sin.

And this should also show us the extent of how the "gospel" was spreading throughout this entire area.

The Apostle Paul was not staging riots, he did not have picket lines, and he was not downgrading the Temple of Diana!

The Apostle Paul was preaching and teaching the truth of the "gospel" and his converts went out to witness to the lost people in the city.

As more and more people got converted, there were fewer and fewer customers that were available to these jewelers.

It is said back in the 40s and 50s that the traveling evangelist could come into the city and by the preaching of the gospel they could shut down the liquor stores and the bars in that city.

This is the revival that we need now in America!

We simply do not have enough of the preaching of the "gospel" in America today!

*****Act 19:26 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:

Act 19:27 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.

I probably shouldn't mention this but we can see that our president here in America today, is totally surrounded and engulfed with the working unions of America.

This can only be about money!

Remember what the Bible says in first Timothy is, that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, and above all things, this is what's wrong with America today.

These silversmiths were only concerned about their jobs and their income and "not at all" about their own false

religion!

If we do not believe that the preaching of the "gospel" has this kind of power then all we need do is look at the evidence!

As our own nation tries to remove the Lord Jesus Christ, in order to promote immigration and visitors from foreign lands, with the excuse that some may be offended by the truths of the "gospel", is our proof.

Everyone has freedom in America of speech except for the Christian who speaks the Word of God!

When the Word of God causes conviction it is because it is the truth and people simply do not want to hear the truth!

But it is still true that America was started by those that believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

We as Christians should never forget our heritage!

*****Act 19:28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

Diana was the false goddess of fertility and was considered, at least in Asia, and many other places in the Greco-Roman world to be the mother goddess of all nature.

There are still many today in this world that worship this false goddess! Today she is known as Gaia or probably better known simply as Mother Earth.

This false goddess is the basis behind most of the New Age movement, not only in America but in this world.

This false goddess is also behind the panic of global warming and the major movements in America.

*****Act 19:29 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.

We can see that the action of these unions and these government officials brought confusion to the city of Ephesus.

Again we can see that it was not the Christians that brought confusion to the city and these theaters were used for public meetings.

When they could not find the Apostle Paul they captured Gaius and Aristarchus who were two of the men that traveled with Paul on this journey.

Aristarchus would stay with the Apostle Paul from now, at least until Paul got to Rome

Archeology has revealed that this very theater has been excavated and could have seated about 25,000 people

*****Act 19:30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.

Act 19:31 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.

When Paul's friends were seized by this crowd he felt compelled to go into the theater himself but the disciples prevented him from getting involved in the uproar.

We can also see that during this period of time that Paul had made friends with certain other men who were the chiefs of Asia.

Most Bible scholars believe that these men were Asiarchs.

These were men who were chosen annually from the chief towns, handled problems that arose but would also preside over games and festivals, and the president of this group of men always lived in Ephesus.

We can see that the preaching of the gospel had not made enemies of these men, but they had actually become friends of the Apostle Paul.

Here is a case where friendship was more important than religious differences as it still should be!

The convictions of the Apostle Paul did not blind him with prejudice where he could not be friendly with pagans who practiced false worship.

This shows the fruit of the Spirit that is called "LOVE"!

God still tells us to pray for and to love our enemies!

*****Act 19:32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

The people who had assembled in the theater were confused and most of them did not even know why they had gathered. This is usually what happens when someone stirs up any riot.

*****Act 19:33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defense unto the people.

There were a group of Jews in this confused mob and they chose a man named Alexander to defend the Jewish citizens and clear them of any charges, if Paul had defamed this false goddess Artemis.

*****Act 19:34 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.

But when this unruly crowned recognize that Alexander was a Jew they shouted him down and did not give him an opportunity to speak.

This is possibly that this same Alexander, who was the Coppersmith who caused Paul much harm that we read later in the book of Timothy.

2Ti 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

2Ti 4:15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

*****Act 19:35 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?

It is very sad thing when people are so foolish to find a meteorite that fell from the sky, and built such an enormous false religion from it!

BUT, the town clerk who finally got this matter under control, "But" we see that he did this for political reasons only.

Ephesus was permitted to exist as a free city with its own elected assembly but Rome needed very little excuse for removing these privileges!

*****Act 19:36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

Act 19:37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

We can see that this man was indeed a politician as we listen to what he said.

The Christians in Ephesus had committed no crime!

Throughout the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit makes it very clear that the persecution of the Christian church was caused by unbelieving Jews and not so much by the Romans.

In fact the Apostle Paul used his Roman citizenship to protect himself and his friends and the local assemblies.

*****Act 19:38 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.

The city clerk realized that it was Demetrius and these labor unions that had caused this riot, and if they had any grievances they should take their charges to the court.

There would probably have been a Roman Pro counsel that lived in Ephesus at this time.

*****Act 19:39 But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

Act 19:40 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.

Act 19:41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

We have been free in America since the Revolutionary war and it's hard for us to realize what it's like to live under the control of any foreign power.

The Romans were very intolerant when any sort of riot was created in the lands that they ruled!

When they favored a city with self-government, they expected those people to avoid all disturbances and keep the peace.

The real danger in Ephesus was not the Temple of Diana, nor the losses that might happen financially to these unions!

Of more importance to the government of Ephesus, was the fact that Rome might see this protest and nullify the government of Ephesus.

So this crowd was dismissed!

All these involved knew they did not want Rome to control their city.

At this point and after three years of labor, the Apostle Paul realized that his work in Ephesus was over. The Apostle Paul was a church planter, and he never intended to stay in one place.

The Apostle Paul had laid a good foundation for the church in Ephesus and the gospel had spread throughout Asia from this location.

The work of the Lord Jesus was not about the Ephesians, it was not about Apollos, and it was not about the Apostle Paul.

The Apostle Paul had began by preaching the kingdom of God, and when he left these people understood the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

This is the message to the World, Salvation can come only through Jesus!

Questions?

Let's Pray!

Church Planting In Corinth

Church Planting In Corinth

Book of Acts Chapter 18

The Apostle Paul had a clear understanding that God had raised Christ from the dead in order to call all people to repent.

Those in Berea had been willing to hear the gospel with an open heart.

Those in Athens were mostly just curious and had no respect at all for the preaching of the Word.

But even there some did believe and were saved.

But Paul was now Corinth. Corinth was the capital city of the Roman province of Achaia. The old city had been destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC, but Julius Caesar began to build the new city in 46 BC.

BUT, even in the time of Jesus, the new city of Corinth was a commercial center and already had a reputation for immorality.

So let's begin:

(Show map)

Act 18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

Act 18:2 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.

As I said Corinth was a very prosperous and very immoral commercial center and was just south of Athens and Corinth also had a very large Jewish colony.

Priscilla and Aquila had apparently become Christian believers while they had been in Rome but Claudius Caesar had demanded that all Jews depart from Rome and this probably included all Christian converts, Jew or Gentile.

*****Act 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

It was the custom of the Jews to bring up their children in some trade and the Apostle Paul normally tried to provide his own material needs in order not to give occasion for complaint by the churches where he was preaching.

Paul did not want his support to interfere with the beginning of any new church and Paul might have gotten some support from the church but it was in the form of love offerings and "not because he had made a request for it".

*****Act 18:4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

Paul lived and worked with Aquila and Priscilla six days a week but every Sabbath day he witnessed in the Jewish synagogue.

We should also notice that some Gentiles were also at these synagogues.

The two words we should notice in this verse are "reasoned" and "persuaded"!

The apostle Paul took the Scriptures of the Old Testament which they had, and "reasoned" or proved to them that Jesus Christ was the Messiah they were waiting for to come.

And when they were "persuaded", Paul would show him how to be saved by preaching the salvation by the Cross to them.

Paul would then teach them of the death, the burial, and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and how to be washed in His "blood"!

*****Act 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

When Silas and Timothy had returned from from Macedonia, they also had brought some support from some of the other churches and this allowed the Apostle Paul to preach full-time again.

We find this proof in the Scriptures:

1Th 3:6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

2Co 11:9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself

Php 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

Here we see the importance of supporting our missionaries "in every way we can" so they can devote full time to the preparing and the preaching of the "Gospel" of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Everyone agrees that Paul was a great Christian and a great church planter but Paul could not do all these things alone. He much needed the support from the church but also from his friends, it was good to be rejoined by Timothy and Silas.

Our missionaries need to hear from us as much as we need to hear from them and they certainly need our encouragement!

But this also holds true as we witness day by day!

We need to encourage each other in the work of the Lord!

We all know that it is not easy to be a Christian in this evil world and God never said it would be!

But God promises to always be with us!

There could never have been a church in Corinth if it were not for "the devotion and service of many different people" and the zeal of the Apostle Paul for the lost.

We must all have a zeal for the "lost" because such were some of us before we came to know Jesus!

***Act 18:6 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.

We can see that those that attended this synagogue in Corinth did not have a problem with hearing the Apostle Paul one day a week.

Satan did not mind that too much either, BUT when Paul started preaching seven days a week, Satan stirred up these people again.

Again we see that not everyone believed but Paul said they were "opposing themselves".

By shaking his garment, Paul was saying to those of this synagogue that they had, had their opportunity and they may not get another one.

Today we might say that Paul was washing his hands of this situation such as Pilate did at the trial of Jesus.

The Apostle Paul never stops witnessing to the Jews BUT he did begin to spend most of his time witnessing to the Gentiles.

To have blood on your hands means that you are to blame for your own judgement!

This means that you had the opportunity to be saved but you turned it down!

They had been under conviction but had rejected the Holy Spirit!

1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

1Pe 2:10 [Which in time past were not a people], but are now the people of God: [which had not obtained mercy], but now have obtained mercy.

These people have been called out of darkness but they had refused to come to the light!

You see when we have been obedient to witness the truth of God, then those that choose to ignore God's truth have their blood on their own hands!

*****Act 18:7 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.

Just when Paul needed a friend, there was one next door to the synagogue named Justus.

Paul still stayed with Aquila and Priscilla but he began a house church in the home of Justus which also shared a wall with the Jewish synagogue.

*****Act 18:8 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.

Crispus would have been the man that directed all the services at the Jewish synagogue and also the caretaker of the building.

No doubt as he continued to hear the preaching of the gospel by the apostle Paul he believed AND with his conversion his family also came to the Lord.

We know what we read the book of Corinthians that Crispus was one of the few people that the Apostle Paul baptized himself.

Paul's ministry would have an impact on the entire city of Corinth. When Crispus was saved along with his family many other Jews took notice along with Gentiles and many were saved.

But, this also stirred up the opposition against the Apostle Paul.

And Jesus, who had said to us all: "I will never leave you or forsake you" came to the Apostle Paul in a night vision.

*****Act 18:9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

Act 18:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

Jesus Had already appeared to Paul on the Damascus Road, we read about that in Acts Chapter 9.

We know that the Lord had also appeared to the Apostle Paul while he was in Jerusalem and we will read about that and Acts Chapter 22.

We know that the Lord will comfort the Apostle Paul again when he becomes imprisoned in Jerusalem in Acts Chapter 23 and again when he is imprisoned in Rome.

We can see that the Lord will comfort us with His presence but we let's not miss these promises He made to the Apostle Paul.

Paul was promised that he could not be hurt while he was in Corinth!

But more important the Lord promised that there would be many souls saved in this city.

We already know that Paul had washed his hands with these people!

We can actually see in this verse the "omniscience" of the Lord and we know that God knows all things!

God already knew that many of these lost Corinthian's would be saved by the preaching of the gospel by the Apostle Paul.

God had already regarded them as His own people even before they had become believers.

The Holy Ghost had already been very busy in this evil city of Corinth!

*****Act 18:11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

So Paul stayed in Corinth for 18 months teaching the word of God among God's people.

This church in Corinth was not made up of many mighty and noble people as Paul wrote in the book of 1st Corinthians but it was filled with sinners saved by the "grace" of God.

God's Riches At Christ's Expense!

It is believed by most Bible scholars that it is during this period of 18 months that the Apostle Paul wrote the two letters to the church of the Thessalonians.

*****Act 18:12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,

History tells us that Gallio at one time was a minister to the Emperor Nero, BUT at this time he was pro-counsel of Achaia under the Emperor Claudius.

It is during the time of this man Gallio, that the unbelieving Jews found that Rome had declared Christianity to be an illegal religion.

So, they broke the law by attacking Paul and forcing him to go to court.

Paul was a Roman citizen and he was prepared to defend himself at this time but that became unnecessary.

*****Act 18:13 Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.

These Jews tried to convince Gallio that Paul was persuading men to worship a God that was contrary to Roman Law. In other words Paul was preaching a new and unlawful religion. Rome did show some tolerance to various religions in order to keep the peace and this included Judaism.

*****Act 18:14 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:

Act 18:15 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 a proconsul Gallio had more power than what we would call a governor and these Jews may have requested that Gallio ban Christianity as an illegal religion. They also insisted that Paul led people to worship contrary to Roman Law.

They were astonished that Gallio classified their dispute as an internal Jewish issue and refused to judge this matter.

This decision from such a high ranking Roman set a precedent that was followed by Roman provincial governors for several decades.

Rome had now allowed a tolerance for Christianity!

*****Act 18:16 And he drave them from the judgment seat.

Gallio cleared the court room and this did not set well with these Jews!

Again Satan lost the battle!

*****Act 18:17 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.

Sosthenes had become ruler of the synagogue when Crispus had converted to Christianity.

When Gallio rejected the complaint of the Jews this gave these pagan Greeks an excuse to beat Sosthenes because they too hated the Jews.

What we do know is that Sosthenes later became a Christian and a leader in the church in Corinth.

The proof of that is 1Cor1:1.

None of these things impressed Gallio and he stayed clear of these religious squabbles but this also meant that Christianity was at last recognized by Rome as a religion, and not just some offshoot of Judaism!

*****Act 18:18 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.

After this Paul stayed a good while in Corinth before he decided to return to Antioch in Syria.

For some reason Paul decided to take a vow.

It is not likely that this was a Nazarite vow!

It was probably some vow that Paul would make when he was facing difficulty or danger.

But once this vow was made, then Paul had 30 days to get to Jerusalem to offer a sacrifice to end the vow!

This is according to the Jewish historian Josephus.

This would explain why Paul was in such a hurry to leave Ephesus and we will see this further when we get to chapter 21.

*****Act 18:19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

Luke does not tell us how long Paul was in Ephesus but it had to be a very short time.

*****Act 18:20 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;

Act 18:21 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.

These Jews were receptive and wanted Paul to stay, but Paul had to get to Jerusalem to complete his vow and after that he would return to Antioch to make a report of his second missionary journey.

We will see that Paul will keep this promise in chapter 19.

*****Act 18:22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

After Paul had landed in Caesarea, he went to Jerusalem to greet the church and complete his vow and then he returned to Antioch of Syria.

*****Act 18:23 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.

We do not know how long Paul was in Antioch before he began his third missionary journey, but he began by visiting the previously established churches.

It was on this visit that Paul explained the weekly tithes to the Churches and teaching also the support of the missionaries for the spreading of the Gospel.

*****Act 18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

And, we see that Luke does not give us a lot of details until we get to Ephesus.

Ephesus was the capitol of the Roman province of Asia and many of these people were Greeks from Athens.

It is in Ephesus where the great Temple of Diana was located. This Temple was at one time considered to be one of the seven wonders of the world.

Apollos was a Jew who had been born in Alexandria Egypt.

Apollos was taught very well in the Old Testament.

It was in Alexandria that the Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek. This is what was called the Septuagint and it is said that 70 men did this work over a period of 80 years.

So, Apollos was schooled in this book!

*****Act 18:25 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.

Apollos had a clear understanding of the coming of the Messiah from the teachings of John the Baptist which was all about repentance.

Apollos did not have know the "Gospel"!

Apollos did not know the truth of being washed in the blood of Jesus!

*****Act 18:26 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.

The ministry of John the Baptist was an important part of God' plan!

John was sent to prepare the way for the Lord Jesus Christ and even after his death, he was still doing this through men like Apollos.

John had taught the baptism of repentance but not the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Apollos knew about all the promises of the scriptures and of John the Baptist, but he did not realize their fulfillment in the Lord Jesus Christ.

What Apollos taught was not wrong it was just incomplete!

*****Act 18:27 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:

Act 18:28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Once Apollos understood the "Gospel" he became a mighty preacher like Paul.

And, Apollos went on to Corinth and continued to establish that church.

It is in Corinth that we find some later who worship the preacher more than they did the Savior.

We will learn more about Ephesus next week.

Questions?

Let's Pray!