Sunday School Lesson
November 29, 2015
Our lesson title is taken from verse 11 of our text: So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. The content was not Bible exposition as much as gospel announcement. Could teaching the gospel reverse an immoral city like Corinth? Paul thought so.
Bi-Vocational Teaching
Acts 18:1-4KJV
1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
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.
3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. This is like going from the frying pan into the fire. If Athens had philosophical objections to the gospel message, then Corinth had moral objections. Paul teamed with a dynamic couple, Aquila and Priscilla. They were Jewish Christians from Pontus but had been working in Rome. They ended up being expelled from Rome as a result of Claudius’s decree. It was hard in these earliest days for the Roman government to tell the real difference between Christians and Jews. In The Twelve Caesars, Suetonius said that this expulsion was due to the controversy over “Chrestus.” Most scholars believe this to be a misspelling of Christ.
The work in Corinth was young. Silas and Timothy were still in Macedonia, so there was no financial support coming from the churches for Paul’s missionary work. Therefore Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla making tents. In other words, he was bi-vocational—at least for the time. Every young man in Torah school (Acts 22:3) was also taught a trade. While tent making was Paul’s day job during the week, he reserved his weekends for teaching the gospel. He reasoned (dialogued) in the synagogue with both Jews and Gentiles.
Full-Time Teaching
Acts 18:5-11KJV
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.
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.
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.
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.
9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Church history indicates that, more often than not, the church leaders were not professional—they had other means of employment. But at other times the church funded the leaders. When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul was able to devote himself fully to teaching the Word of God as opposed to making tents. This is probably because Silas and Timothy brought some offerings from the Macedonian churches, which freed Paul from his other job constraints. Paul had freedom in Christ to accept money for his teaching (1 Corinthians 9:15-18) or refuse it (1 Thessalonians 2:9). But the content of his teaching remained the same, namely Jesus was the Messiah.
Paul’s full-time teaching ramped up the response and the opposition to the gospel. Certain Jews opposed Paul and became abusive. Literally, they “stood opposite him and blasphemed him.” Paul used a line with his opposition that had deep prophetic roots: Your blood be on your own heads. This essentially meant, “Take responsibility for yourselves before God” (Luke 9:5; Acts 13:51; Ezekiel 33:1-9). We see a repeated formula in this section of Acts: Jewish rejection leads to Gentile inclusion, which leads to Jewish jealousy and further rejection or acceptance. That is even the way God planned it (Romans 11:11, 12).
Paul left the synagogue and went next door to Titius Justice’s house to teach. This obviously chafed the Jewish leaders. But they were even more upset that one of their own, Crispus the synagogue leader, and his family became believers and were baptized with other Corinthians.
Corinth was not Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. It was like plowing concrete. So to head off any discouragement, God came to Paul in a vision one night and encouraged him in four ways: 1. Don’t be afraid. 2. Keep teaching God’s Word. 3. I am with you (the Immanuel principle). 4. I have lots of prospects for the gospel here. Paul must have wondered, “Gospel candidates in this city? Really?” But Paul took the encouragement and stayed in Corinth longer than he had stayed anywhere else up to this point in his missionary career.
God’s Will and Teaching
Acts 18:18-21aKJV
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.
19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
20 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem:
Staying in Corinth for that lengthy period was not a walk in the park (Acts 18:12-17). The Jews stirred up the city and tried to get Gallio to weigh in against the missionaries. They even beat Sosthenes, the new synagogue leader (since Crispus had become a Christian). But the proconsul apathetically dismissed Paul’s opponents. Finally Paul took leave of Corinth and headed back to Antioch of Syria (the conclusion of the second journey). On the way he had his hair cut at Cenchreae (evidently due to a voluntary vow he had made—see 21:24). He left Priscilla and Aquila in his brief teaching stay in Ephesus and agreed to return if God willed. God would will, as the third journey would show (19:1-7). Paul was committed to teaching God’s Word—even in the most wicked of places.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens
Sunday School Lesson
November 22, 2015
Introduction :Acts 16 set the stage for the gospel going up and down the social ladder. Acts 16 illustrated the truth discerned in Acts 15. If Gentiles did not have to become Jews to be Christians, then that is good news for everyone. People like Lydia (Acts 16:11-18), the slave girl (vv. 16-24), and the jailer needed the gospel (vv. 25-40). In Acts 17 the gospel goes up the social ladder to the prominent (financially and philosophically). In Acts 18, 19 the gospel goes down the social ladder to the corrupt in Corinth and Ephesus.
Line It Up
Acts 17:1-4KJV
1Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
3 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.
4 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.
Paul and Silas left Philippi under duress yet with dignity. They had been imprisoned for the gospel but received an apology from the city officials that would ensure the church’s safety for the time being (Acts 16:35-40). They journeyed south through the military posts of Amphipolis and Appolonia toward Thessalonica. This was the capital city in Paul’s day and still flourishes today as a favorite resort city with 200,000 residents. This apostle to the Gentiles went first to the Jews in the synagogue. Paul reasoned with them from the Scriptures. The word reason is where we get our English word “dialogue.” This dialogue took the form of explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. Paul’s method of explaining (to go through the mind) and proving (to place before) seemed to line up the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah in one column and show how those were fulfilled in another column. This happened for three Sabbaths. Paul probably did not spend much more time in Thessalonica beyond those three weeks.
The method worked. Jews and Gentiles were persuaded and quite a few prominent women responded. The word for prominent is “first.” Are we sometimes guilty of not thinking about those above us on the social ladder?
Check It Out
Acts 17:10-12KJV
10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
Paul’s Thessalonian ministry was cut short by persecution. A man named Jason took the hit for Paul and Silas, who had been ushered out of town in the dead of night. The missionaries went to Berea. They followed their typical strategy in going to the synagogue. The Bereans were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica. Noble character means “good raced,” but what made them special was not their skin color; rather their eagerness to examine (critique thoroughly) the Scriptures to see if Paul was telling the truth. Paul’s ministry quickly ended in Berea with similar success between both genders of prominent people, as well as similar opposition from the Jews in Thessalonica. Silas and Timothy stayed for more ministry, but Paul was sent to Athens.
Lay It Straight
Acts 17:22-25, 28KJV
22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
When Paul arrived in Athens, the city was living on past laurels. But it was the city of the three great philosophers (Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle). Financially and demographically Thessalonica was more prominent. But philosophically Athens was still the most prominent. Paul was deeply troubled in the idolatrous city (Acts 17:16). Even though they referred to him as a babbler (seed picker, v. 18), Paul proceeded to undercut the major presuppositions of the Stoic and Epicurean philosophers. With the great Parthenon in the background, Paul stood up at the Areopagus (a large rock formation) and did more than occupy their attention with something new (v. 21)—he scratched where they itched. He admitted that they were very religious (the word almost means superstitious or demonic), but they needed knowledge of the Creator God and his Son, Jesus Christ. So Paul laid it out straight. Paul found his starting point by an idol with the inscription, to an unknown god. There is much background to the origin of this inscription, but Paul did not even document his sources. Normally in the synagogue Paul would start with Genesis 12. This time he started with Genesis 1. God made the world, so he cannot be served by human hands. God is the life giver—not some “dumb” idol. Again Paul gave evidence of his great learning by quoting one of their ancient poets: “We are his offspring.” Paul is laying it out straight to them on their own turf. Paul literally went from Genesis 1 to Revelation 20—the great white throne of judgment (Acts 17:30, 31). Some suggest that Paul’s approach did not meet with success, but try telling that to Dionysius and Damaris and others (v. 34). The gospel is so powerful that even the prominent can be saved.
November 22, 2015
Introduction :Acts 16 set the stage for the gospel going up and down the social ladder. Acts 16 illustrated the truth discerned in Acts 15. If Gentiles did not have to become Jews to be Christians, then that is good news for everyone. People like Lydia (Acts 16:11-18), the slave girl (vv. 16-24), and the jailer needed the gospel (vv. 25-40). In Acts 17 the gospel goes up the social ladder to the prominent (financially and philosophically). In Acts 18, 19 the gospel goes down the social ladder to the corrupt in Corinth and Ephesus.
Line It Up
Acts 17:1-4KJV
1Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
3 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.
4 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.
Paul and Silas left Philippi under duress yet with dignity. They had been imprisoned for the gospel but received an apology from the city officials that would ensure the church’s safety for the time being (Acts 16:35-40). They journeyed south through the military posts of Amphipolis and Appolonia toward Thessalonica. This was the capital city in Paul’s day and still flourishes today as a favorite resort city with 200,000 residents. This apostle to the Gentiles went first to the Jews in the synagogue. Paul reasoned with them from the Scriptures. The word reason is where we get our English word “dialogue.” This dialogue took the form of explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. Paul’s method of explaining (to go through the mind) and proving (to place before) seemed to line up the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah in one column and show how those were fulfilled in another column. This happened for three Sabbaths. Paul probably did not spend much more time in Thessalonica beyond those three weeks.
The method worked. Jews and Gentiles were persuaded and quite a few prominent women responded. The word for prominent is “first.” Are we sometimes guilty of not thinking about those above us on the social ladder?
Check It Out
Acts 17:10-12KJV
10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
Paul’s Thessalonian ministry was cut short by persecution. A man named Jason took the hit for Paul and Silas, who had been ushered out of town in the dead of night. The missionaries went to Berea. They followed their typical strategy in going to the synagogue. The Bereans were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica. Noble character means “good raced,” but what made them special was not their skin color; rather their eagerness to examine (critique thoroughly) the Scriptures to see if Paul was telling the truth. Paul’s ministry quickly ended in Berea with similar success between both genders of prominent people, as well as similar opposition from the Jews in Thessalonica. Silas and Timothy stayed for more ministry, but Paul was sent to Athens.
Lay It Straight
Acts 17:22-25, 28KJV
22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
When Paul arrived in Athens, the city was living on past laurels. But it was the city of the three great philosophers (Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle). Financially and demographically Thessalonica was more prominent. But philosophically Athens was still the most prominent. Paul was deeply troubled in the idolatrous city (Acts 17:16). Even though they referred to him as a babbler (seed picker, v. 18), Paul proceeded to undercut the major presuppositions of the Stoic and Epicurean philosophers. With the great Parthenon in the background, Paul stood up at the Areopagus (a large rock formation) and did more than occupy their attention with something new (v. 21)—he scratched where they itched. He admitted that they were very religious (the word almost means superstitious or demonic), but they needed knowledge of the Creator God and his Son, Jesus Christ. So Paul laid it out straight. Paul found his starting point by an idol with the inscription, to an unknown god. There is much background to the origin of this inscription, but Paul did not even document his sources. Normally in the synagogue Paul would start with Genesis 12. This time he started with Genesis 1. God made the world, so he cannot be served by human hands. God is the life giver—not some “dumb” idol. Again Paul gave evidence of his great learning by quoting one of their ancient poets: “We are his offspring.” Paul is laying it out straight to them on their own turf. Paul literally went from Genesis 1 to Revelation 20—the great white throne of judgment (Acts 17:30, 31). Some suggest that Paul’s approach did not meet with success, but try telling that to Dionysius and Damaris and others (v. 34). The gospel is so powerful that even the prominent can be saved.
Saturday, November 14, 2015
From Derbe to Philippi
Sunday School Lesson
November 15,2015
Lesson Scriptures: Acts 16:1-5; 8-15
The first missionary journey had concluded (Acts 13, 14). The Jerusalem Council had reached a decision concerning Gentile converts (Acts 15:1-35). Paul and Barnabas had split over the dispute about John Mark (Acts 15:36-41). Next the missionary enterprise of the church continued into the second missionary journey.
Be Honorable Like Timothy
Acts 16:1-5 KJV
1Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
Paul revisited the churches he had planted during the first missionary journey. He may have met Timothy first during his initial visit to Lystra (Acts 14:8-18). Perhaps Timothy was impressed with the courage of Paul as he faced opposition (Acts 14:19, 20). We assume Timothy became a believer during that first visit. Timothy’s name means, “one honored of God,” and he lived out the label. When we live lives that honor God, people will notice (Proverbs 27:2). The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. This actually means they bore witness to him. Timothy was added to the missionary team. But Timothy’s ethnicity and pedigree were issues for Paul’s missionary work. He was biracial (his father’s Greek heritage is mentioned twice in the text) and his father was most likely not a believer. Timothy did have a godly maternal influence (2 Timothy 1:5). Due to this potential distraction, Paul felt compelled to circumcise Timothy so he could be accepted into the Jewish circles where Paul evangelized. It is most ironic that Paul circumcised Timothy following what happened in Acts 15. But evidently Paul did so for expediency—not salvation. (Note Titus’s different situation in Galatians 2:1-5.)
Be Spongy Like Paul
Acts 16:8-10 KJV
8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
It is not wrong to plan, but Christians must be careful to hold plans loosely. Paul desired to swing west and then north toward Bithynia (Acts 16:6, 7). But the Holy Spirit did not allow them to do so. (The Greek word, used twice, means “to hinder.”) God had something else in mind. We are not told how the missionaries were hindered by the Holy Spirit—audible voice? through a prophet? inward impulse? The call to Macedonia (named after Philip of Macedon) meant that the gospel would reach Europe. Paul had a vision (a miracle of revelation). A man with European clothing said, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” The vision identified the country but not the city or any particulars of what the missionaries were to do. Evidently even receiving a vision from Heaven does not preclude the use of the human mind—thus we read, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. The word concluding is a cognitive word meaning to roll around in the mind. To be led by God does not mean to kiss one’s brain away. Paul was spongy (pliable) in the hands of God.
Be Open Like Lydia
Acts 16:11-15 KJV
11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
Samothrace and Neapolis are stopping off spots en route to Europe. The first city in Europe to receive the gospel was Philippi. This city was a Roman colony, with such amenities, located on the Egnatian Way (main road to Rome). Even though there was a man in Paul’s vision, it was women who welcomed the gospel onto the new continent. Evidently there were not enough Jewish men (10) to form a synagogue, but there was a prayer meeting of women by the Gangites River.
Here Paul met a successful businesswoman from Asia Minor (Thyatira) named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a God-fearer (worshipper of God) but not a Jesus follower yet. The Lord opened her heart. This could be miraculous. After all, God did want the gospel in Europe. But earlier the text said she was listening. Maybe the Lord will open the heart of anyone who listens. Lydia heard the gospel and responded in baptism with the fellow workers of her house. She not only had an open heart, she had an open home; that set the stage for one of the most generous congregations in the New Testament (Philippians 1:5; 4:10-13; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7).
If we want to see the gospel make similar advances today, we must act wisely, listen to the Spirit carefully, think judiciously, and follow obediently.
November 15,2015
Lesson Scriptures: Acts 16:1-5; 8-15
The first missionary journey had concluded (Acts 13, 14). The Jerusalem Council had reached a decision concerning Gentile converts (Acts 15:1-35). Paul and Barnabas had split over the dispute about John Mark (Acts 15:36-41). Next the missionary enterprise of the church continued into the second missionary journey.
Be Honorable Like Timothy
Acts 16:1-5 KJV
1Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
Paul revisited the churches he had planted during the first missionary journey. He may have met Timothy first during his initial visit to Lystra (Acts 14:8-18). Perhaps Timothy was impressed with the courage of Paul as he faced opposition (Acts 14:19, 20). We assume Timothy became a believer during that first visit. Timothy’s name means, “one honored of God,” and he lived out the label. When we live lives that honor God, people will notice (Proverbs 27:2). The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. This actually means they bore witness to him. Timothy was added to the missionary team. But Timothy’s ethnicity and pedigree were issues for Paul’s missionary work. He was biracial (his father’s Greek heritage is mentioned twice in the text) and his father was most likely not a believer. Timothy did have a godly maternal influence (2 Timothy 1:5). Due to this potential distraction, Paul felt compelled to circumcise Timothy so he could be accepted into the Jewish circles where Paul evangelized. It is most ironic that Paul circumcised Timothy following what happened in Acts 15. But evidently Paul did so for expediency—not salvation. (Note Titus’s different situation in Galatians 2:1-5.)
Be Spongy Like Paul
Acts 16:8-10 KJV
8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
It is not wrong to plan, but Christians must be careful to hold plans loosely. Paul desired to swing west and then north toward Bithynia (Acts 16:6, 7). But the Holy Spirit did not allow them to do so. (The Greek word, used twice, means “to hinder.”) God had something else in mind. We are not told how the missionaries were hindered by the Holy Spirit—audible voice? through a prophet? inward impulse? The call to Macedonia (named after Philip of Macedon) meant that the gospel would reach Europe. Paul had a vision (a miracle of revelation). A man with European clothing said, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” The vision identified the country but not the city or any particulars of what the missionaries were to do. Evidently even receiving a vision from Heaven does not preclude the use of the human mind—thus we read, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. The word concluding is a cognitive word meaning to roll around in the mind. To be led by God does not mean to kiss one’s brain away. Paul was spongy (pliable) in the hands of God.
Be Open Like Lydia
Acts 16:11-15 KJV
11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
Samothrace and Neapolis are stopping off spots en route to Europe. The first city in Europe to receive the gospel was Philippi. This city was a Roman colony, with such amenities, located on the Egnatian Way (main road to Rome). Even though there was a man in Paul’s vision, it was women who welcomed the gospel onto the new continent. Evidently there were not enough Jewish men (10) to form a synagogue, but there was a prayer meeting of women by the Gangites River.
Here Paul met a successful businesswoman from Asia Minor (Thyatira) named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a God-fearer (worshipper of God) but not a Jesus follower yet. The Lord opened her heart. This could be miraculous. After all, God did want the gospel in Europe. But earlier the text said she was listening. Maybe the Lord will open the heart of anyone who listens. Lydia heard the gospel and responded in baptism with the fellow workers of her house. She not only had an open heart, she had an open home; that set the stage for one of the most generous congregations in the New Testament (Philippians 1:5; 4:10-13; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7).
If we want to see the gospel make similar advances today, we must act wisely, listen to the Spirit carefully, think judiciously, and follow obediently.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Saved by Grace
Sunday School Lesson
Introduction:
Church growth can be a pain. It demands more space, time, effort, and personnel. For some people it’s a real threat, but most believers know that it’s eternally worth it. What is typically called the first missionary journey (Acts 13, 14) was incredibly successful. Here are the statistics: two years, 1,200 miles, and six new churches. More than one church has had to call a meeting as a result of church growth. The stakes were high regarding this special council meeting in Acts 15. So many Gentiles were responding to the gospel that the church had to decide how it would deal with this growth.
The Threat to Grace
Acts15:1-3kjv
1And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
The Antioch church began to overshadow the mother church in Jerusalem with regard to evangelistic zeal (Acts 11:19-30). When this growth became well-known in Jerusalem, certain people came down (went north) to Antioch. These people belonged to the party of the Pharisees. The Pharisees were closer to the gospel because they believed in resurrection (Acts 6:7).
But their problem was that they wanted a gospel that consisted of Jesus “plus.” In their case the addition was circumcision (a sign of the covenant for Israel). They said, “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” These people taught that the Gentiles must be required to keep the law of Moses.
The threat to grace was real. The missionaries, Paul and Barnabas, ended up in a sharp dispute with these believers. The debate was so significant that the missionaries and others were sent to the mother church to receive help on this important doctrinal topic.
The Report on Grace
Acts 15:4-5
4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
This potential threat did not deter Paul and Barnabas from spreading the message that people are saved by grace. As they journeyed south through Phoenicia and Samaria to Jerusalem, they spread the good news of Gentile conversions.The result of this report was joy. The people who were told en route as well as the people in the Jerusalem church took great joy that it was just Jesus, not “Jesus plus,” who saved them. No doubt as these reports on grace were given, the circumcision party which accompanied Paul and Barnabas on this trip south felt chided. This gave rise to their strong plea in verse 5.
Testimonies Of Grace
Acts 15:6-12
6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
Three groups were involved in this special meeting—apostles, elders, and the whole church. Watching how these three groups interacted in this meeting is a crash course on effective leadership. James, the brother of Jesus and author of the epistle that bears his name, presided at the meeting (Acts 15:13).
In church meetings it might be important for people to have their say. But not everyone can have his or her way. And not all testimonies are equal. Peter gave the first testimony as a way to take the pressure off of Paul and Barnabas as lightning rods of this debate. His voice was significant—he could point to God’s activity at Cornelius’s house. He reminded the audience of the content of Acts 10:1–11:18. He reminded the audience that he opened the door of faith to the Gentiles with the keys that Jesus gave him (Matthew 16:19). He reminded the audience that God gave the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles like God had done for the Jews at Pentecost. He reminded the audience that God shows no favoritism and desires to save all people by faith.
Next Peter challenged the audience that the yoke of the law did not do the Jews any favor. They could not keep it, so why would they impose it on the new Gentile believers? Peter’s last words in the book of Acts are, “We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” Essentially Peter endorsed Paul’s gospel.
Barnabas and Paul had the second testimony. They told the crowd about the miracles that happened on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:11; 14:3, 9, 10, 19, 20). James then summarized the meeting, told the crowd that the testimonies matched the teaching in the Word of God (Acts 15:16-18; Amos 9:11, 12), and suggested the writing of a letter (Acts 15:23-29) to preserve the unity of the church in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).
The Bible is clear. We are saved by grace (the love of God, that we do not deserve, expressed in Christ). Grace is not opposed to the imperatives of salvation (things we must do to be saved). Grace is not opposed to human effort—though it is the opposite of earning. At the end of the day Christian living is gratitude for grace. We are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8).
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Prayer Works
Sunday School Lesson
Lesson Scripture: Acts 12:1-11
Key Verse: Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Acts12:5kjv
Rescue is at the heart of the gospel. Germane to the meaning of the word salvation is deliverance or rescue. The Bible often uses salvation in its most spiritual sense—redemption, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life (Colossians 1:13). But since salvation also includes the healing of all creation, salvation has a physical dimension as well (2 Timothy 3:10, 11; 4:18). That physical dimension is the one being emphasized here.When we left Peter last, he was defending his actions to the Jerusalem church about taking the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 11:1-18). Now he will need some defending of his own—as well as some help from on high.
3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
The rescue of Peter was different than that of James. In a sense, both apostles were rescued. Herod Agrippa I arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. “Some” could refer to more than just James and Peter, but our text focuses on just these two apostles.
James was put to death with the sword. This could refer to being run through with the sword (like the prophet Isaiah) or it could refer to a beheading. Jesus predicted that suffering like this would happen (John 15:18-20). James, the brother of John and son of Zebedee, was the first apostle to die a martyr’s death. However what Herod intended as evil became James’s path to eternal life. There is a rescue that goes beyond anything we know here on earth. Paranoid Herod showed his true political stripes when he saw how the Jews approved killing James. Wanting to ride the waves of popularity he proceeded to seize Peter and intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. Two providential things hindered Herod’s plans for Peter: it was Passover time. Religious festivals sometimes gave rise to political unrest. To ensure that nothing went wrong, Herod had Peter guarded with four squads of soldiers. Herod did not want to take any risk. After all, incarcerating Peter did not always work well (Acts 5:19).
Prayer and God's Deliverance
Acts12:5-11kjv
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
The church prayed. Here was the human dilemma—So Peter was kept in prison. Here was the divine alternative—but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. God could have rescued Peter without the church’s prayers. But when Heaven and earth collide, the result is miracle. Some have suggested that the church did not really believe in their prayer in light of their surprise when Peter was released (Acts 12:12-17). But the text did not say that they prayed for his release. Peter had caved in previously (Mark 14:66-72). Perhaps the church prayed for him to stand strong in the prospect of his upcoming death. Nonetheless, prayer made a difference. Angels are God’s messengers assigned to glorify him (Revelation 5:11, 12) and serve as ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14). The Passover was over and Herod planned to bring him to trial the next day. God is rarely early but never late. The account is miraculous and humorous. Peter was guarded carefully (with guards chained to him and guards at the door) while sleeping soundly. After all, you don’t want to go to your trial and execution being exhausted. Peter’s ability to sleep says something about his faith (Psalm 121:3, 4; see also Mark 4:35-41 for how Jesus slept through a storm). Peter was sleeping so soundly that the angel had to slap him awake. Peter remained almost subconscious as the angel rescued him from prison. In fact, Peter thought he was seeing a vision. He had good reason to think this (Acts 10:9-16). Peter and the angel made their exit like ninjas. The guards were clueless and the iron gate . . . opened for them by itself. When Peter was safe, the angel left. Peter came to himself. A very similar Greek phrase occurs in Luke 15:17 about the prodigal son. Some refer to it as an “Aha” moment. Peter had several of these in Acts (10:28, 34; 15:7-11). God rescued Peter. The word means “to take out.” God took Peter out of prison so that his ministry could be preserved for another 20 years.What irony. The one to be tried was miraculously delivered from jail. The one in power was overthrown and eaten by worms (Acts 12:19b-23). The church that prayed was overjoyed (vv. 12-17) and continued to increase and grow (v. 24).
Lesson Scripture: Acts 12:1-11
Key Verse: Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Acts12:5kjv
Rescue is at the heart of the gospel. Germane to the meaning of the word salvation is deliverance or rescue. The Bible often uses salvation in its most spiritual sense—redemption, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life (Colossians 1:13). But since salvation also includes the healing of all creation, salvation has a physical dimension as well (2 Timothy 3:10, 11; 4:18). That physical dimension is the one being emphasized here.When we left Peter last, he was defending his actions to the Jerusalem church about taking the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 11:1-18). Now he will need some defending of his own—as well as some help from on high.
Persecution and Herod's Plan
Acts 12:1-4kjv
1Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
The rescue of Peter was different than that of James. In a sense, both apostles were rescued. Herod Agrippa I arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. “Some” could refer to more than just James and Peter, but our text focuses on just these two apostles.
James was put to death with the sword. This could refer to being run through with the sword (like the prophet Isaiah) or it could refer to a beheading. Jesus predicted that suffering like this would happen (John 15:18-20). James, the brother of John and son of Zebedee, was the first apostle to die a martyr’s death. However what Herod intended as evil became James’s path to eternal life. There is a rescue that goes beyond anything we know here on earth. Paranoid Herod showed his true political stripes when he saw how the Jews approved killing James. Wanting to ride the waves of popularity he proceeded to seize Peter and intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. Two providential things hindered Herod’s plans for Peter: it was Passover time. Religious festivals sometimes gave rise to political unrest. To ensure that nothing went wrong, Herod had Peter guarded with four squads of soldiers. Herod did not want to take any risk. After all, incarcerating Peter did not always work well (Acts 5:19).
Prayer and God's Deliverance
Acts12:5-11kjv
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
The church prayed. Here was the human dilemma—So Peter was kept in prison. Here was the divine alternative—but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. God could have rescued Peter without the church’s prayers. But when Heaven and earth collide, the result is miracle. Some have suggested that the church did not really believe in their prayer in light of their surprise when Peter was released (Acts 12:12-17). But the text did not say that they prayed for his release. Peter had caved in previously (Mark 14:66-72). Perhaps the church prayed for him to stand strong in the prospect of his upcoming death. Nonetheless, prayer made a difference. Angels are God’s messengers assigned to glorify him (Revelation 5:11, 12) and serve as ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14). The Passover was over and Herod planned to bring him to trial the next day. God is rarely early but never late. The account is miraculous and humorous. Peter was guarded carefully (with guards chained to him and guards at the door) while sleeping soundly. After all, you don’t want to go to your trial and execution being exhausted. Peter’s ability to sleep says something about his faith (Psalm 121:3, 4; see also Mark 4:35-41 for how Jesus slept through a storm). Peter was sleeping so soundly that the angel had to slap him awake. Peter remained almost subconscious as the angel rescued him from prison. In fact, Peter thought he was seeing a vision. He had good reason to think this (Acts 10:9-16). Peter and the angel made their exit like ninjas. The guards were clueless and the iron gate . . . opened for them by itself. When Peter was safe, the angel left. Peter came to himself. A very similar Greek phrase occurs in Luke 15:17 about the prodigal son. Some refer to it as an “Aha” moment. Peter had several of these in Acts (10:28, 34; 15:7-11). God rescued Peter. The word means “to take out.” God took Peter out of prison so that his ministry could be preserved for another 20 years.What irony. The one to be tried was miraculously delivered from jail. The one in power was overthrown and eaten by worms (Acts 12:19b-23). The church that prayed was overjoyed (vv. 12-17) and continued to increase and grow (v. 24).
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