Last chapter, Apollos is instructed by Priscilla and Aquila in "the rest of the story". In 19, we see how Paul deals with faithful followers that don't have all the Gospel either. It helps us to see how we should encourage others in love, when they don't have the full meaning of Christ. We are not to judge, belittle or point out their shortcomings. We are to challenge, instruct and encourage.
Paul meets a group of men who are also "partially saved". It seems that the concern of the church now is to make sure believers have all the info. These days you will find people who have just attended a revival, concert or some Christian retreat. They "get saved" but then what happens afterwards? What is the next step?
Discipleship!
These men are quite possibly believers of John the Baptist's ministry or they could be Apollos' converts--which would make sense since we just met him in chapter 18.
So once Paul instructed them, they believed and received the Holy Spirit. The evidence of this is that they spoke in different languages and prophesied. What better place to start preaching in another language than in Ephesus, a coastal city and Rome's capital for Asia!
Notice how he approaches them, he asks a question that would answer their level of knowing. One question we could use today is, "When you attend church, where do you go?" Their answer will tell you if they are regular attenders or if they hit Christmas and Easter only.
Then he asks what were they baptized into? This is also a key question when you relate to others. "When were you baptized?" If they say infant or grown up...it's a huge clue where their walk is.
This question by Paul implies that the reception of the Holy Spirit is closely tied to proper baptism. (Acts 2:38)
The People's New Testament says this about this "second" baptism: "Why, then, were these disciples re-baptized? The only explanation is that their baptism took place after John's baptism had been superseded by that of Christ, or after the Savior had been crucified."
Remember, these people had no internet, no newspapers. So it might be a long while before the word gets to them about Christ. John told them Christ was coming, they had no idea He had already come.
The Matthew Henry Commentary says this, "yet all who profess to be disciples of Christ, should be called on to examine whether they have received the seal of the Holy Ghost, in his sanctifying influences, to the sincerity of their faith."
In verse 8 Paul proceeds to the synagogue to teach. We are now 17 years after his conversion. He remains there for a few years.
In verse 9, the men of the synagogue started to speak out and blaspheme. They have heard enough. Can you imagine these men? All their lives they were told to look for the Messiah, and this man Paul tells them He's already been and gone...and they missed Him? I wonder if that anger was frustration, turned into denial...
So Paul removes his disciples and goes to another venue: Tyrannus' rabbinical school or lecture hall. He had access to this from the sixth to the tenth hour. The hottest part of the day, so it would have been available since nobody wants to teach in the midday heat. He used this building for 2 years. Which means he spent 3 years total in Ephesus. Paul had a huge impact on this pagan town, just by the reaction of the citizens.
Paul continued to teach, preach and perform miracles. God even used pieces of fabric that Paul touched to heal people. God can and will use any person or any thing for His glory.
In verse 13-16 we see an example of some traveling Jewish exorcists. It was common for some Jews to claim they could expel demons. And they see Paul working his "magic" with the name of Christ and they try this new "incantation". These seven sons of a chief priest named Sceva, tried to use this on a man possessed.
I am reminded of James 2:19--You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.
In verse 15, the evil spirit answered and said to them, "I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?"
And they were promptly pounded by this possessed man and chased.
Before you do spiritual battle, it is good to make sure you have your armor on! And the pieces is the helmet of salvation--be sure you know that you know you are saved.
Matthew Henry said, "If we resist the devil by faith in Christ, he will flee from us; but if we think to resist him by the using of Christ's name, or his works, as a spell or charm, Satan will prevail against us."
Like the pagan converts in Ephesus, we need to have true repentance of our past sins. Have you "burned the bridges" to those sins?
"If we desire to be in earnest in the great work of salvation, every pursuit and enjoyment must be given up which hinders the effect of the gospel upon the mind, or loosens its hold upon the heart." MH
Hmmm...I think we got confirmation of that message in Pastor Randy's sermon today! Are we lukewarm or on fire for Jesus?
The example of repentance in verses 17-20 was huge. Ephesus was crawling with the occult, so this burning of priceless incantation books made it clear where they stood. When the people who really know you see your repentance--they will believe there's something better. Do we reflect Christ? Do we glorify God in our lives enough so it's plain where we stand?
Paul makes "purposes in his spirit" to travel to Jerusalem and wants to see Rome. Sometimes when we make plans, God has something else in mind.
In Ephesus, there was a world renown temple built for the god Artimis. Most know her as Diana. This temple was built out of white marble, 425 ft long by 220 ft wide, with 127 columns. It contained an image that was to have fallen from heaven. It was visited by thousands and of course with all those "spiritual tourists", someone had to make money off them. So we meet a silversmith...who employs artisans to make miniature silver temples. These were sold to tourists. I am sure it was quite the income for this group of people. And they see in Paul a threat to their livelihood.
When you threaten some one's way to provide for their family, as well as their religion, you've got quite a fight on your hands. This Demetrius really stirred up the people, so much so that there was a mob of thousands that made their way into the local theater. They carried many who weren't sure what was going on. Have you ever been caught up in a mob? It's a scary thing, much like a tsunami--people are carried by the swell of their violent emotions.
When Alexander, a Jew, was pulled out of the crowd to say...hey, these guys are not with us...the Gentiles in the mob wouldn't hear it. In fact, it took the city clerk to stand up and remind them that if the ruckus kept going, that Rome would step in and not only would they lose their income and religion, they could quite possibly lose their lives.
The politician got through to them, and disbanded the mob.
Paul was kept safe by his disciples, even though he wanted to speak. I wonder, what effect he would've had...
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Acts 18
Paul arrives at Corinth--a large Roman city. It's largest temple is for Venus, with 1,000 courtesans or prostitutes. They would go out at night into the city to entice "worshippers".
We thought about how awful that must've been like. To have that flaunted throughout the city, 1,000 is a lot of painted ladies! Then we realized...we see it every day on tv, in print ads, music...the siren song of "love" with no strings attached...There certainly is nothing new under the sun! Ecclesiastes 1:9
A Jewish man named Aquila and his wife Priscilla were driven out of Rome by decree of Emperor Claudius. A historian named Suetonius believed it was due to disturbances by some religious sect who followed "Chrestus", which was a misspelling of "Christus" or Christ.
So this couple were believers and had been through persecution. Paul stayed with them because they had the same trade: tent making. Remember, every Jewish boy was taught a trade if he didn't go on to be a Rabbi after "grade school". Normally they would take up the family trade.
Paul had taken up tent making. These tradesmen would work with the tanners, since tents were made from animal skins.
Timothy and Silas return to Paul at Corinth. When they arrived he was "pressed in the spirit" or "constrained by the word". Some would say that he was compelled by the Spirit to continue in his preaching.
Are we sensitive to the Spirit? Do we speak when we're prodded in our spiritual gut? Have you ever really stepped out and spoken to someone that God said, "THAT one!" It's an amazing feeling. You don't know where the words come from, but they come.
Since Paul was able to stop his trade for a time, I wonder if Paul and Silas brought provisions from Thessalonia...the letters to the Thessalonians spoke of them sending things.
At this time, you might read some in the letters to the Corinthians. It will give you some more insight to Paul's thoughts as he ministers to this city that is buried in gods of all shapes and sizes.
At the synagogue, they rejected Paul's' teaching. He actually shook his coat, letting them know he wasn't responsible for their future now.
He left the synagogue and started a church next door at Justus' house. (Some say this is Titus Justus, possibly the one to whom the Book of Titus was written for.)
Though the Jewish people rejected the Gospel, Crispus was converted--he was their head ruler. He was basically the synagogue's "operations manager". He made sure the place ran smoothly, decisions were made, legalities were settled. And when this knowledgeable leader accepted Christ, along with his whole family, many Corinthians believed.
Again we see the steps of conversion: the word is preached, the people hear it and faith is spurred, confession and baptism ensues.
God spoke to Paul this time, not just an angel. And confirmation came in the growth of the church. Paul wrote two epistles to the Thessalonians while there. Paul stayed a year and six months there.
Be assured, if we are obedient to God's call, we will hear from Him sooner or later!
But the Jews were not happy, they didn't like Paul's success. Think about it, he had converted their leader and he was taking away their people. The people who supported the synagogue with their offerings and donations.
In verse 12 we meet Gallio--a proconsul or governor. He was the brother of Seneca, tutor of Nero. He was a cultivated, polished man of the world. The Jews brought Paul to judgment and accused him of a new, non-government approved religion. Which was completely legal, you had to have your religion approved before you could spread it. I am wondering with the sheer volume of gods in their city, it must not have been a very hard process to get approved!
So while they were holding Paul before the judgement seat and charging him with this, Gallio cuts them off. He had no time for this. He assumed that Christianity was just another sect of Judaism. He refused to get involved. Sound familiar? We remembered another governor who didn't want to get involved, remember Pontius Pilate?
The Matthew Henry Commentary states, "Gallio spoke as if he boasted of his ignorance of the Scriptures, as if the law of God was beneath his notice. Gallio cared for none of these things. If he cared not for the affronts of bad men, it was commendable; but if he concerned not himself for the abuses done to good men, his indifference was carried too far. And those who see and hear of the sufferings of God's people, and have no feeling with them, or care for them, who do not pity and pray for them, are of the same spirit as Gallio, who cared for none of these things."
I must say one thing about the people of Haiti. I know that the news media has saturated the airwaves with every possible story about their plight. But I must say to you, as you listen to the children and the women singing familiar Christian songs in the streets...how can we NOT do something as our brothers and sisters in Christ are in peril? Are we like Gallio turning a blind eye...or will we do what we can and pray, weep and care for them? Dear sisters, listen with your heart to what God is calling you to do. Step out in faith and do what only you know you can do. It can be prayer, it can be giving, it can be going. It's between you and God.
As the Jewish people were dismissed, they immediately turned on Sosthenes and beat him. He was probably Crispus' successor and chief accuser. So since Paul could not receive the brunt of their anger, Sosthenes would.
The scripture doesn't say how long Paul remained, but since it doesn't say he was "whisked away by the brethren", we can assume he remained there for a while longer.
He sailed on to Syria, to Antioch...the "base church" that launched so many missionaries. He had taken a vow and shaved his head in Cenchrea. We wondered what his vow was that he took, but figured it was a Nazarite vow. We read about it in the Old Testament. (Numbers 6:1-21) Could it have had something to do with handling animal skins in his tent making?
Paul arrives at Ephesus. He preaches at the local synagogue and they want him to stay this time, but he wants to get back for "the feast". Some commentaries think this was Pentecost. He promised to return.
Paul lands at Caesarea and went to Antioch. He stayed a while and then left to visit previous church plants in Galatia and Phrygia...his third missionary journey.
We meet Apollos, a native of Alexandria where there were thousands of Jews. He was a disciple of John the Baptist but didn't know all about Christ. He knew Jesus was the one coming after John, but he was ignorant about the Commission and Pentecost. Priscilla and Aquila came along side him after he preached. They didn't jump up during his speaking to admonish him. They took him aside and taught him all they knew. He went on to be a great evangelist. The letters that followed him showed that the bearer was "worthy of their confidence". Paul refers to these letters in 2 Cor 3:1.
How often do we encourage each other as we learn in our Bible study? I am so thankful to be in a group of ladies that are not afraid to ask questions, to call up scripture, to challenge each other! It says in Proverbs 27:17 that as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. As women, we are doing the same thing...sharpening each other with the Word. By wielding our swords every Wednesday night, we sharpen our minds and our souls as we dig in God's worth together.
May God continue to bless us with His wisdom as we challenge each other in the Word, the Truth and the Way!
We thought about how awful that must've been like. To have that flaunted throughout the city, 1,000 is a lot of painted ladies! Then we realized...we see it every day on tv, in print ads, music...the siren song of "love" with no strings attached...There certainly is nothing new under the sun! Ecclesiastes 1:9
A Jewish man named Aquila and his wife Priscilla were driven out of Rome by decree of Emperor Claudius. A historian named Suetonius believed it was due to disturbances by some religious sect who followed "Chrestus", which was a misspelling of "Christus" or Christ.
So this couple were believers and had been through persecution. Paul stayed with them because they had the same trade: tent making. Remember, every Jewish boy was taught a trade if he didn't go on to be a Rabbi after "grade school". Normally they would take up the family trade.
Paul had taken up tent making. These tradesmen would work with the tanners, since tents were made from animal skins.
Timothy and Silas return to Paul at Corinth. When they arrived he was "pressed in the spirit" or "constrained by the word". Some would say that he was compelled by the Spirit to continue in his preaching.
Are we sensitive to the Spirit? Do we speak when we're prodded in our spiritual gut? Have you ever really stepped out and spoken to someone that God said, "THAT one!" It's an amazing feeling. You don't know where the words come from, but they come.
Since Paul was able to stop his trade for a time, I wonder if Paul and Silas brought provisions from Thessalonia...the letters to the Thessalonians spoke of them sending things.
At this time, you might read some in the letters to the Corinthians. It will give you some more insight to Paul's thoughts as he ministers to this city that is buried in gods of all shapes and sizes.
At the synagogue, they rejected Paul's' teaching. He actually shook his coat, letting them know he wasn't responsible for their future now.
He left the synagogue and started a church next door at Justus' house. (Some say this is Titus Justus, possibly the one to whom the Book of Titus was written for.)
Though the Jewish people rejected the Gospel, Crispus was converted--he was their head ruler. He was basically the synagogue's "operations manager". He made sure the place ran smoothly, decisions were made, legalities were settled. And when this knowledgeable leader accepted Christ, along with his whole family, many Corinthians believed.
Again we see the steps of conversion: the word is preached, the people hear it and faith is spurred, confession and baptism ensues.
God spoke to Paul this time, not just an angel. And confirmation came in the growth of the church. Paul wrote two epistles to the Thessalonians while there. Paul stayed a year and six months there.
Be assured, if we are obedient to God's call, we will hear from Him sooner or later!
But the Jews were not happy, they didn't like Paul's success. Think about it, he had converted their leader and he was taking away their people. The people who supported the synagogue with their offerings and donations.
In verse 12 we meet Gallio--a proconsul or governor. He was the brother of Seneca, tutor of Nero. He was a cultivated, polished man of the world. The Jews brought Paul to judgment and accused him of a new, non-government approved religion. Which was completely legal, you had to have your religion approved before you could spread it. I am wondering with the sheer volume of gods in their city, it must not have been a very hard process to get approved!
So while they were holding Paul before the judgement seat and charging him with this, Gallio cuts them off. He had no time for this. He assumed that Christianity was just another sect of Judaism. He refused to get involved. Sound familiar? We remembered another governor who didn't want to get involved, remember Pontius Pilate?
The Matthew Henry Commentary states, "Gallio spoke as if he boasted of his ignorance of the Scriptures, as if the law of God was beneath his notice. Gallio cared for none of these things. If he cared not for the affronts of bad men, it was commendable; but if he concerned not himself for the abuses done to good men, his indifference was carried too far. And those who see and hear of the sufferings of God's people, and have no feeling with them, or care for them, who do not pity and pray for them, are of the same spirit as Gallio, who cared for none of these things."
I must say one thing about the people of Haiti. I know that the news media has saturated the airwaves with every possible story about their plight. But I must say to you, as you listen to the children and the women singing familiar Christian songs in the streets...how can we NOT do something as our brothers and sisters in Christ are in peril? Are we like Gallio turning a blind eye...or will we do what we can and pray, weep and care for them? Dear sisters, listen with your heart to what God is calling you to do. Step out in faith and do what only you know you can do. It can be prayer, it can be giving, it can be going. It's between you and God.
As the Jewish people were dismissed, they immediately turned on Sosthenes and beat him. He was probably Crispus' successor and chief accuser. So since Paul could not receive the brunt of their anger, Sosthenes would.
The scripture doesn't say how long Paul remained, but since it doesn't say he was "whisked away by the brethren", we can assume he remained there for a while longer.
He sailed on to Syria, to Antioch...the "base church" that launched so many missionaries. He had taken a vow and shaved his head in Cenchrea. We wondered what his vow was that he took, but figured it was a Nazarite vow. We read about it in the Old Testament. (Numbers 6:1-21) Could it have had something to do with handling animal skins in his tent making?
Paul arrives at Ephesus. He preaches at the local synagogue and they want him to stay this time, but he wants to get back for "the feast". Some commentaries think this was Pentecost. He promised to return.
Paul lands at Caesarea and went to Antioch. He stayed a while and then left to visit previous church plants in Galatia and Phrygia...his third missionary journey.
We meet Apollos, a native of Alexandria where there were thousands of Jews. He was a disciple of John the Baptist but didn't know all about Christ. He knew Jesus was the one coming after John, but he was ignorant about the Commission and Pentecost. Priscilla and Aquila came along side him after he preached. They didn't jump up during his speaking to admonish him. They took him aside and taught him all they knew. He went on to be a great evangelist. The letters that followed him showed that the bearer was "worthy of their confidence". Paul refers to these letters in 2 Cor 3:1.
How often do we encourage each other as we learn in our Bible study? I am so thankful to be in a group of ladies that are not afraid to ask questions, to call up scripture, to challenge each other! It says in Proverbs 27:17 that as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. As women, we are doing the same thing...sharpening each other with the Word. By wielding our swords every Wednesday night, we sharpen our minds and our souls as we dig in God's worth together.
May God continue to bless us with His wisdom as we challenge each other in the Word, the Truth and the Way!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Acts 17
Thessalonia is the capital of Macedonia.
Paul sticks to his procedure of visiting the synagogues first and reasons with them for three Sabbaths. I wondered why three? Three is a significant number in the Bible, it symbolizes completeness.
Jews, Greeks and leading women are converted. Again, women are listed...this should prove to those who say the Bible is anti-women that women made a difference. If they didn't they would've never mentioned this incident in scripture. Are you a "leading woman"?
The Jews gathered a mob and persecuted Jason and the Roman brethren. You see, this is where Paul was staying. And Paul wasn't to be found, so they pick on Jason.
Remember, just because you are not a "leader" doesn't mean you won't have trouble. In fact, if you don't have some persecution, maybe it's not that obvious who's team you are on!
In verse 7, note the mix of truth and lies. That is the enemy's procedure...he'll take a little bit of truth and mix it with lies. Always always check your source of information!
So my question for you is when are we called to civil disobedience? Is it Christian to step across the legal line? We discussed this issue at length and decided that when man's law breaks God's law, it's time to make a choice. But...you must accept the consequences. Whether it's losing a friend, a job or your freedom!.
If you'd like to know more about Christian civil disobedience, check into
http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/.
As we read about this visit to Thessalonica, refer to the first letter to Thessalonians by Paul. It will give you a good feel of what was going on there.
So as Paul teaches, he meets two Roman "think tanks", the Stoics and the Epicureans. They are opposite ends of the spectrum...stoics were all for reason and discipline, where epicureans were all for pleasure. Paul looks out on the city and could see all the temples built for all sorts of gods. And he uses this to talk to these Greeks. You see, if he followed normal procedure, talking to them using the Old Testament they would've shut him down immediately. But he talked to them knowing where they were coming from.
When you share the Gospel, there are those who will be drawn and others will be repelled. Talk to people from your own life-lessons. Do not be afraid to share your background with someone, God pulled you up out of some stuff before. Why can't you help someone who is in the same spot you were?
What idols are prevalent today? How would you, keeping Paul's sermon in mind, compare one of today's idols with God? How would you contrast the differences and give them a picture of who God is to you? It's a super way to pick up on conversation and turn them toward Christ.
That is your homework for this week. (Besides reading Acts 18!) Use a news story, an incident or an observation and test the waters of some one's heart. Remember to pray first, then let it happen!
Paul sticks to his procedure of visiting the synagogues first and reasons with them for three Sabbaths. I wondered why three? Three is a significant number in the Bible, it symbolizes completeness.
Jews, Greeks and leading women are converted. Again, women are listed...this should prove to those who say the Bible is anti-women that women made a difference. If they didn't they would've never mentioned this incident in scripture. Are you a "leading woman"?
The Jews gathered a mob and persecuted Jason and the Roman brethren. You see, this is where Paul was staying. And Paul wasn't to be found, so they pick on Jason.
Remember, just because you are not a "leader" doesn't mean you won't have trouble. In fact, if you don't have some persecution, maybe it's not that obvious who's team you are on!
In verse 7, note the mix of truth and lies. That is the enemy's procedure...he'll take a little bit of truth and mix it with lies. Always always check your source of information!
So my question for you is when are we called to civil disobedience? Is it Christian to step across the legal line? We discussed this issue at length and decided that when man's law breaks God's law, it's time to make a choice. But...you must accept the consequences. Whether it's losing a friend, a job or your freedom!.
If you'd like to know more about Christian civil disobedience, check into
http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/.
As we read about this visit to Thessalonica, refer to the first letter to Thessalonians by Paul. It will give you a good feel of what was going on there.
So as Paul teaches, he meets two Roman "think tanks", the Stoics and the Epicureans. They are opposite ends of the spectrum...stoics were all for reason and discipline, where epicureans were all for pleasure. Paul looks out on the city and could see all the temples built for all sorts of gods. And he uses this to talk to these Greeks. You see, if he followed normal procedure, talking to them using the Old Testament they would've shut him down immediately. But he talked to them knowing where they were coming from.
When you share the Gospel, there are those who will be drawn and others will be repelled. Talk to people from your own life-lessons. Do not be afraid to share your background with someone, God pulled you up out of some stuff before. Why can't you help someone who is in the same spot you were?
What idols are prevalent today? How would you, keeping Paul's sermon in mind, compare one of today's idols with God? How would you contrast the differences and give them a picture of who God is to you? It's a super way to pick up on conversation and turn them toward Christ.
That is your homework for this week. (Besides reading Acts 18!) Use a news story, an incident or an observation and test the waters of some one's heart. Remember to pray first, then let it happen!
Acts 16
The Gospel goes to Europe
We meet Timothy who was converted on a previous journey to Lystra. He had a reputation with the believers, he was young, but was ready to lead. The name Timothy means "one who fears God". He was a Greek by birth-his father was Greek. He was not circumcised. His mother and grandmother were Jewish. In those days, the Jewish lineage followed the mother's line. (1 Corinthians 4:17)
His circumcision was not to cow tow to the Jews, but so it would not arouse suspicion while witnessing in synagogues and to the Jewish community. (1 Corinthians 9:19-20)
We are to accommodate ourselves to the prejudices of others as far as we can without sacrificing principle.
They delivered those letters of encouragement, the guidelines for Gentiles.
The Holy Spirit forbid them to enter to preach in what Rome called Asia...not present day Asia. This is an area where Ephesus was the capital. Another call to labor in fields unentered came: Macedonia.
This kingdom was under Philip and Alexander and had absorbed Greece, conquered Persia and spread the Greek language all over Western Asia. It had fallen to Rom and Thessalonica was the capital. So Tim, being fluent in Greek, was good to have along!
In verse 10, it is supposed that Luke joined the band of travelers because the language changes here:
When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
It's a small speed bump when you read it.
They seem to stop at key cities, any city that had more than 10 Jewish men could have a synagogue. And their usual sequence was to speak at the local synagogue first. There was no synagogue in Phillipi. There was an inscription on the gate that said no "unofficial" religion could meet in their city. Sounds like it was only government approved religions. Do we know a place like that today? Yes, China is one.
So they go outside the city gate to the river. They find a group of women there, it is the Sabbath so they weren't doing laundry or any chores.
They meet a businesswoman named Lydia. She sold purple cloth. Purple was a royal color. A common man would not wear purple, it was too costly. So, she was a high-end merchant with access to homes of officials, maybe royalty. She would sell her goods to the ones who created the garments for the wealthy. Can you imagine the impact her witness could have on that city?
So think about who you have access to. We're not talking about job prestige here...we're talking having the ear and maybe the heart of someone that could impact large groups of people. It's a matter of getting The Word out! We're not dealing in Tupperware or life insurance...it's something so much more!
Later the travelers meet another type of businesswoman. She is a slave girl who made money for her owners by telling the future to people. If you ever come across someone who is being controlled by something that is not of this world, it can be scary. Hollywood makes it oh so visual...but really, this woman was a prisoner in her own body. The spirit that controlled her could not help by cry out about Paul and his group.
You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. James 2:19
You see in the spiritual realm, the enemy must bow his knee to Christ. And since we are covered by His blood, we have that same authority. And Paul wielded that authority and simply spoke to the spirit and it came out of her.
Again, it's a question of access. Who do you know who is a slave to something that needs deliverance? Maybe it's time you spoke to them "in the name of Jesus".
This act of healing the girl gets them in trouble. It dries up a source of income that the slave girl's owners had. So now the owners take them to court. They are charged by the Romans with disrupting their lives with unlawful customs. Remember, this is a city with "government approved" religions. So it was legal civil disobedience they were charged with. And note, never once do Paul and Silas mention they are Roman citizens. Which would've stopped all this in it's tracks. They had something bigger to do.
They are thrown into jail. They are chained and shackled. About midnight, about the time of the night services in the temple courts--they were singing songs and praising God where they were. Don't wait a moment longer--praise God even when you feel defeated and locked up. Praise is powerful! (Psalm 77:6)
They experience an earthquake and the chains fall off and the doors open. But...they stay put. The jailer comes running to the jailhouse and assuming they all left, prepares to commit suicide. Because an escape of this magnitude he would surely pay with his life anyway. But Paul yells that they're all there. And he says, "What must I do to be saved?" The jailer is saved, and so is his whole household.
Their actions spoke louder than words. These men were different and he wanted what they had. Again...who do you have access to? There is no prestige in prison. The jailer realized he was in his own prison that had no bars. Who do you know that is locked up in their heart or literally in jail? Who needs to hear about the freedom that Christ brings, even in jail?
Now Paul and Silas finally reveal they are Roman citizens and the magistrates send word to free them. Paul tells them to come to them and release them. They didn't want this swept under the rug...note they didn't witness to the magistrates. This is evidence that Christians are not to be doormats.
Christianity is never about prestige, name-dropping or hanging with the elites. That person who seems to "have it all" sitting next to you in church could have just lost it all the night before. Church is not a social club, or the way to happiness. The only name we should be dropping is Jesus. His name gives you full access to eternal life. Sharing that name with whoever you have access to is what mission work is all about!
We recently had two men from Central travel to Africa to work at a mission there. Every year they do a special Bible school for kids and teach them songs, and work on the orphanage. They went there recently to do more work and expected to hang out with the kids again. They got word that the chief of that area wanted them to come to a ceremony. So here sits our two guys in large chairs with the chief, with TV cameras and there is dancing and celebrating...and oh what access they had!
Where is God putting you today?
We meet Timothy who was converted on a previous journey to Lystra. He had a reputation with the believers, he was young, but was ready to lead. The name Timothy means "one who fears God". He was a Greek by birth-his father was Greek. He was not circumcised. His mother and grandmother were Jewish. In those days, the Jewish lineage followed the mother's line. (1 Corinthians 4:17)
His circumcision was not to cow tow to the Jews, but so it would not arouse suspicion while witnessing in synagogues and to the Jewish community. (1 Corinthians 9:19-20)
We are to accommodate ourselves to the prejudices of others as far as we can without sacrificing principle.
They delivered those letters of encouragement, the guidelines for Gentiles.
The Holy Spirit forbid them to enter to preach in what Rome called Asia...not present day Asia. This is an area where Ephesus was the capital. Another call to labor in fields unentered came: Macedonia.
This kingdom was under Philip and Alexander and had absorbed Greece, conquered Persia and spread the Greek language all over Western Asia. It had fallen to Rom and Thessalonica was the capital. So Tim, being fluent in Greek, was good to have along!
In verse 10, it is supposed that Luke joined the band of travelers because the language changes here:
When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
It's a small speed bump when you read it.
They seem to stop at key cities, any city that had more than 10 Jewish men could have a synagogue. And their usual sequence was to speak at the local synagogue first. There was no synagogue in Phillipi. There was an inscription on the gate that said no "unofficial" religion could meet in their city. Sounds like it was only government approved religions. Do we know a place like that today? Yes, China is one.
So they go outside the city gate to the river. They find a group of women there, it is the Sabbath so they weren't doing laundry or any chores.
They meet a businesswoman named Lydia. She sold purple cloth. Purple was a royal color. A common man would not wear purple, it was too costly. So, she was a high-end merchant with access to homes of officials, maybe royalty. She would sell her goods to the ones who created the garments for the wealthy. Can you imagine the impact her witness could have on that city?
So think about who you have access to. We're not talking about job prestige here...we're talking having the ear and maybe the heart of someone that could impact large groups of people. It's a matter of getting The Word out! We're not dealing in Tupperware or life insurance...it's something so much more!
Later the travelers meet another type of businesswoman. She is a slave girl who made money for her owners by telling the future to people. If you ever come across someone who is being controlled by something that is not of this world, it can be scary. Hollywood makes it oh so visual...but really, this woman was a prisoner in her own body. The spirit that controlled her could not help by cry out about Paul and his group.
You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. James 2:19
You see in the spiritual realm, the enemy must bow his knee to Christ. And since we are covered by His blood, we have that same authority. And Paul wielded that authority and simply spoke to the spirit and it came out of her.
Again, it's a question of access. Who do you know who is a slave to something that needs deliverance? Maybe it's time you spoke to them "in the name of Jesus".
This act of healing the girl gets them in trouble. It dries up a source of income that the slave girl's owners had. So now the owners take them to court. They are charged by the Romans with disrupting their lives with unlawful customs. Remember, this is a city with "government approved" religions. So it was legal civil disobedience they were charged with. And note, never once do Paul and Silas mention they are Roman citizens. Which would've stopped all this in it's tracks. They had something bigger to do.
They are thrown into jail. They are chained and shackled. About midnight, about the time of the night services in the temple courts--they were singing songs and praising God where they were. Don't wait a moment longer--praise God even when you feel defeated and locked up. Praise is powerful! (Psalm 77:6)
They experience an earthquake and the chains fall off and the doors open. But...they stay put. The jailer comes running to the jailhouse and assuming they all left, prepares to commit suicide. Because an escape of this magnitude he would surely pay with his life anyway. But Paul yells that they're all there. And he says, "What must I do to be saved?" The jailer is saved, and so is his whole household.
Their actions spoke louder than words. These men were different and he wanted what they had. Again...who do you have access to? There is no prestige in prison. The jailer realized he was in his own prison that had no bars. Who do you know that is locked up in their heart or literally in jail? Who needs to hear about the freedom that Christ brings, even in jail?
Now Paul and Silas finally reveal they are Roman citizens and the magistrates send word to free them. Paul tells them to come to them and release them. They didn't want this swept under the rug...note they didn't witness to the magistrates. This is evidence that Christians are not to be doormats.
Christianity is never about prestige, name-dropping or hanging with the elites. That person who seems to "have it all" sitting next to you in church could have just lost it all the night before. Church is not a social club, or the way to happiness. The only name we should be dropping is Jesus. His name gives you full access to eternal life. Sharing that name with whoever you have access to is what mission work is all about!
We recently had two men from Central travel to Africa to work at a mission there. Every year they do a special Bible school for kids and teach them songs, and work on the orphanage. They went there recently to do more work and expected to hang out with the kids again. They got word that the chief of that area wanted them to come to a ceremony. So here sits our two guys in large chairs with the chief, with TV cameras and there is dancing and celebrating...and oh what access they had!
Where is God putting you today?
Acts 15
The first Church finds their first hurdle with false teaching.
How should we handle it? What do you do when someone quotes scripture that's not really in the Bible? One of the quotes I've heard the most is, "God helps those who help themselves." That sounds very Biblical doesn't it? But it didn't come from the Bible, it came from a forefather of the United States: Benjamin Franklin...and he got it probably from a fable about Hercules, a Roman god!
If it's one thing I've learned in our Bible study it's to remember that no matter who said it...look it up! I don't care of Billy Graham said it and you think it's true...If it's not in the Gospel, it's NOT gospel! John 1:5-14
So in Acts 15 we find "false brethren" trying to lead new Christians astray by saying they need to convert to Judaism first, get circumcized and then they could become Christians. That's a lot of hurdles, wouldn't you say? As Christians we are delivered from the law into Grace, the unmerited favor of a living God. The thief on the cross was welcomed that day into Paradise, and he probably hadn't been to synagogue in a while.
These false brethren were missionaries sent out to teach "except ye be circumcised". Being from Jerusalem, they seemed to have authority over the Apostles so there was "no small dissention".
As the Apostles reported their work being successful, it spurred more dissention--maybe even from some of Paul's old friends? He used to be an official, he knew people in high places.
This was a meeting of the remaining Apostles and elders of Jerusalem in A.D. 51, some 20 years after Christ's ascension. James, the brother of Jesus, was not an apostle but a leader in the Christian church in Jerusalem. Historians say he was like a pastor or bishop. He has since been regarded as a leader of the Judaizing Christians. Galatians 2:12 supports this:
For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he {began} to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision.
Peter makes a point that it's the circumcision of the heart that matters the most! James answered with Amos 9:11-12. It was the scripture that spoke to men's hearts.
So a letter was written, a standard that was particularly for the Gentiles. It gave an outline of common practices:
1. Abstain not just from food from idols, but idolatry
2. Chastity
3. Do not eat cooked meat from animals that were strangled. This was a dietary law from the Jews. You see, if an animal was strangled, the blood was not allowed to flow from the animal, it remained in the flesh. In those days, the Romans drowned fowls in wine and then cooked them. It was also common to drink wine "fortified" with blood.
So with a clear guideline, the new Christians could be more unified when facing false teachers or prophets.
So it is with us. When we stay in the word, we study it and allow the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the wrong things the world wants us to do, we are stronger and can resist. Slowly the world is turning up the heat on people and testing the boundaries of what is right and wrong morally. So many have fallen into the trap and sipped from the cup...so many have been lied to.
And we, as women, have listened to those lies. Get back to the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Don't let false teachers lead you astray.
Later, Barnabas insists on taking his relative John Mark on the trip. Paul refuses and pairs with Silas. If you think about it, Paul is very black and white. John Mark was either sick or homesick on that last trip. And Paul didn't want anything hindering the Gospel.
As we walk in our faith, we need to beware of Christians who try to tie on extra baggage during our walk. If a church teaches more than what scripture says, RUN!
Beware that you yourself do not add any requirements to those you evangelize. It's easy to fall into that trap. Stand strong, stay studied up and pray at all times my sisters!
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