Acts 19:1-6
1 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John's baptism.” 4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
A baptism only for turning from sin to aim toward God with the true aim of going further to believe in the Christ to follow is what John preached. These Paul came across had not yet heard the rest of the gospel story, and so were not reborn and sealed by God's Spirit to live within them. So hearing their hearts were reborn and faith filled them to salvation. His Spirit gave evidence to them of God's work.
Friday, June 30, 2017
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Showing Jesus is the Christ
Acts 18:27-28
27 And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; 28 for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Paul was encouraged by his fellow believers who were asked to welcome him in Achaia. There he helped those fellow partakers of God's grace who were encouraged to help him. He also showed the Jews from scripture who Jesus was, the Messiah who is God's Son. Paul continued to be faithful to his call in all circumstances.
27 And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; 28 for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Paul was encouraged by his fellow believers who were asked to welcome him in Achaia. There he helped those fellow partakers of God's grace who were encouraged to help him. He also showed the Jews from scripture who Jesus was, the Messiah who is God's Son. Paul continued to be faithful to his call in all circumstances.
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Apollos' Accuracy
Acts 18:24-26
24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Apollos knew the Bible very well. He spoke well also with zeal, passion, and accuracy. But he only was baptized with the message of repentance, not of the fulfilled message in Jesus Christ whom John pointed to. So Aquila and Priscilla told him the rest of the story and God began using him for the gospel message. A reminder for us to not assume all speaking of the Bible know the Lord of it, and always be ready to give the accurate reason for our hope in the fullness of the gospel message of reconciliation.
24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Apollos knew the Bible very well. He spoke well also with zeal, passion, and accuracy. But he only was baptized with the message of repentance, not of the fulfilled message in Jesus Christ whom John pointed to. So Aquila and Priscilla told him the rest of the story and God began using him for the gospel message. A reminder for us to not assume all speaking of the Bible know the Lord of it, and always be ready to give the accurate reason for our hope in the fullness of the gospel message of reconciliation.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Strengthening the Disciples
Acts 18:22-23
22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch. 23 After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
Paul landed in Caesarea on the coast by Antioch and Tarsus, where he came from. There he first greeted everyone at the church here, then went on to Antioch to spend some time. After catching up there, he strengthened the disciples all around the area where he traveled before (Acts 16:6), following up by teaching and encouragement. He did not just preach the gospel, see fruit, and disappear; Paul cared as a good shepherd to tend the sheep and flock. A great example.
22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch. 23 After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
Paul landed in Caesarea on the coast by Antioch and Tarsus, where he came from. There he first greeted everyone at the church here, then went on to Antioch to spend some time. After catching up there, he strengthened the disciples all around the area where he traveled before (Acts 16:6), following up by teaching and encouragement. He did not just preach the gospel, see fruit, and disappear; Paul cared as a good shepherd to tend the sheep and flock. A great example.
Monday, June 26, 2017
God Willing...
Acts 18:19-21
19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, 21 but took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.” And he sailed from Ephesus.
Paul came with Priscilla and Aquila from Corinth to Ephesus, then left them to speak the gospel in the synagogue. Those there even asked Paul to stay longer after he told them he had to go to Jerusalem for the feast, and he said it was important but that he planned on returning if God so granted it. Paul took a vow to keep what most likely was the Passover with those he knew there. He had a mission to accomplish, and still kept priorities in mind as he followed God's leading, a good example.
19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, 21 but took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.” And he sailed from Ephesus.
Paul came with Priscilla and Aquila from Corinth to Ephesus, then left them to speak the gospel in the synagogue. Those there even asked Paul to stay longer after he told them he had to go to Jerusalem for the feast, and he said it was important but that he planned on returning if God so granted it. Paul took a vow to keep what most likely was the Passover with those he knew there. He had a mission to accomplish, and still kept priorities in mind as he followed God's leading, a good example.
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Frivolous Beating
Acts 18:16-18
16 And he drove them from the judgment seat. 17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things. 18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.
After the magistrate drove away a frivolous lawsuit by the Jews against Paul for preaching the gospel words of life, the others beat up the synagogue leader for stirring them up, and the law looked the other way. So Paul was able to continue safe and unhindered for a long time. Finally, he went to Syria with a godly couple in the ministry. He also had taken a vow about which we find out more a while later. Paul was faithful to minister and bring the gospel in hard times as well as good.
16 And he drove them from the judgment seat. 17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things. 18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.
After the magistrate drove away a frivolous lawsuit by the Jews against Paul for preaching the gospel words of life, the others beat up the synagogue leader for stirring them up, and the law looked the other way. So Paul was able to continue safe and unhindered for a long time. Finally, he went to Syria with a godly couple in the ministry. He also had taken a vow about which we find out more a while later. Paul was faithful to minister and bring the gospel in hard times as well as good.
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Opposition Opposed
Acts 18:12-15
12 When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, 13 saying, “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” 14 And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you. 15 But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters.”
Opposition to the gospel by Paul arose again after a year and a half, this time with all the Jews dragging him before the law. They wanted him tried for religious law, but they brought Paul to a civil magistrate. Since he committed no crime, Gallio would not put up with a trivial case and told them to take care of,it among themselves in their religious community. A good pattern for modern lawmakers to stay out of God's and the church’s matters on things like speaking the gospel as a public official , or telling churches to perform ungodly weddings.
12 When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, 13 saying, “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” 14 And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you. 15 But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters.”
Opposition to the gospel by Paul arose again after a year and a half, this time with all the Jews dragging him before the law. They wanted him tried for religious law, but they brought Paul to a civil magistrate. Since he committed no crime, Gallio would not put up with a trivial case and told them to take care of,it among themselves in their religious community. A good pattern for modern lawmakers to stay out of God's and the church’s matters on things like speaking the gospel as a public official , or telling churches to perform ungodly weddings.
Friday, June 23, 2017
Don't Fear Speaking Out
Acts 18:9-11
9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
God assured Paul that he would not be attacked for the present in Corinth, so he did not have to hold back in speaking all of God's word (including judgement, resurrection, and repentance to life no doubt). He was also assured that there were many belonging to God there as an extra assurance to press forward. For a year and a half Paul had rest from persecution and was able to grow and shepherd the flock there. The results of his faithfulness are seen in the books of 1 and 2 Corinthians today…
9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
God assured Paul that he would not be attacked for the present in Corinth, so he did not have to hold back in speaking all of God's word (including judgement, resurrection, and repentance to life no doubt). He was also assured that there were many belonging to God there as an extra assurance to press forward. For a year and a half Paul had rest from persecution and was able to grow and shepherd the flock there. The results of his faithfulness are seen in the books of 1 and 2 Corinthians today…
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Believed and Baptized
Acts 18:7-8
7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
Paul went to those called out of the nations, finding a man who happened to live next to a synagogue to stay with. That man also worshipped God, and the head of the synagogue next door must have heard and seen, because he came to Christ along with many Corinthians. The word of God changes hearts of stone to living ones by His grace of faith, and no opposition can stop His drawing. So he drew us out of dust, so He draws us back for His breath to give new life from out of every nation and people.
7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
Paul went to those called out of the nations, finding a man who happened to live next to a synagogue to stay with. That man also worshipped God, and the head of the synagogue next door must have heard and seen, because he came to Christ along with many Corinthians. The word of God changes hearts of stone to living ones by His grace of faith, and no opposition can stop His drawing. So he drew us out of dust, so He draws us back for His breath to give new life from out of every nation and people.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Take it to the Nations
Acts 18:5-6
5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. 6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
Silas and Timothy finally caught up with Paul in Corinth, and there Paul was moved to tell the Jews directly who Jesus is - the Messiah, the Christ of God. They then turned on Paul and stood against him, even blaspheming the words of truth he spoke. They spoke evil of the God they claimed to worship. So Paul gave them over to God's judgment and moved to the Gentiles with the gospel. The promise to Abraham to be the father of many nations, the promise for Israel to be a light to the world, had begun to gain traction.
5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. 6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
Silas and Timothy finally caught up with Paul in Corinth, and there Paul was moved to tell the Jews directly who Jesus is - the Messiah, the Christ of God. They then turned on Paul and stood against him, even blaspheming the words of truth he spoke. They spoke evil of the God they claimed to worship. So Paul gave them over to God's judgment and moved to the Gentiles with the gospel. The promise to Abraham to be the father of many nations, the promise for Israel to be a light to the world, had begun to gain traction.
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Persuasive Vocation
Acts 18:1-4
1 After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. 3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
After those in Athens mocked him and stopped listening to the words of life, Paul went to Corinth. There he found a Christian couple who had the same profession (tent makers) who were kicked out of Rome for being Jewish. They worked together to earn a living while speaking of Christ every Saturday in the synagogue in order to move others to the truth of the gospel. He worked to support his work for God. A good example for vocational ministry.
1 After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. 3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
After those in Athens mocked him and stopped listening to the words of life, Paul went to Corinth. There he found a Christian couple who had the same profession (tent makers) who were kicked out of Rome for being Jewish. They worked together to earn a living while speaking of Christ every Saturday in the synagogue in order to move others to the truth of the gospel. He worked to support his work for God. A good example for vocational ministry.
Monday, June 19, 2017
Philosophic Mocking
Acts 17:32-34
32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” 33 So Paul departed from among them. 34 However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
When the Athenian Epicurean and Stoic philosophers heard of Jesus Christ's resurrection from the grave, their open questioning turned to mocking. Some did say they would listen again sometime, but there were others who believed and followed Paul. This is still the pattern of learned men, listening and questioning until they see that there is truth and conviction. Then mocking and turning away take over. But some seed falls on good ground.
32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” 33 So Paul departed from among them. 34 However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
When the Athenian Epicurean and Stoic philosophers heard of Jesus Christ's resurrection from the grave, their open questioning turned to mocking. Some did say they would listen again sometime, but there were others who believed and followed Paul. This is still the pattern of learned men, listening and questioning until they see that there is truth and conviction. Then mocking and turning away take over. But some seed falls on good ground.
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Omnipresent God of Salvation
Acts 17:28-31
28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ 29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. 30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
Even the philosophers and poets realized God who is unknown is all around us. They may even say we are God's children. But they worship gods as statues ignorantly, not knowing their accountability to the one God. So Paul told these in Athens, but he pointed out further that this one would judge all in the world by His standards of righteousness, and it would be through Jesus Christ who died and rose to life again. This is the gospel, that this is the condition of sinful man in need of God's righteousness instead of our own vain imitation of it.
28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ 29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. 30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
Even the philosophers and poets realized God who is unknown is all around us. They may even say we are God's children. But they worship gods as statues ignorantly, not knowing their accountability to the one God. So Paul told these in Athens, but he pointed out further that this one would judge all in the world by His standards of righteousness, and it would be through Jesus Christ who died and rose to life again. This is the gospel, that this is the condition of sinful man in need of God's righteousness instead of our own vain imitation of it.
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Unknown God Revealed
Acts 17:24-27
24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
As Paul spoke of the unknown God the Athenians worshipped, he pointed to where that one God lives - not in man made temples. He lives above where He made all things, and does not need the works or efforts of us to be worshipped since all life comes from His breath and being to will it to us. He sets up peoples and nations, and controls their empires. Why? So we seek Him, groping in the dark of our blinded understanding. He is near, but so far from our ability to grasp Him… unless He draws us near to Himself in Christ.
24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
As Paul spoke of the unknown God the Athenians worshipped, he pointed to where that one God lives - not in man made temples. He lives above where He made all things, and does not need the works or efforts of us to be worshipped since all life comes from His breath and being to will it to us. He sets up peoples and nations, and controls their empires. Why? So we seek Him, groping in the dark of our blinded understanding. He is near, but so far from our ability to grasp Him… unless He draws us near to Himself in Christ.
Friday, June 16, 2017
Proclaim the Unknown God!
Acts 17:22-23
22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:
Paul pointed out the religious desires of the Athenians, and used the altars and idols to point to the one God they did not know, yet acknowledged He existed. Paul began to show that the unknown God could actually be known by them. So he began to proclaim Him, to announce and explain who the only God is and how to know Him in Jesus Christ His Son alone. He preached the words of life and reconciliation in Christ.
22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:
Paul pointed out the religious desires of the Athenians, and used the altars and idols to point to the one God they did not know, yet acknowledged He existed. Paul began to show that the unknown God could actually be known by them. So he began to proclaim Him, to announce and explain who the only God is and how to know Him in Jesus Christ His Son alone. He preached the words of life and reconciliation in Christ.
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Strange Things to our Ears
Acts 17:19-21
19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? 20 For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.” 21 For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.
The philosophers of Athens heard Paul telling about a foreign God, Jesus Christ, and so took him through the place of many gods to Mars Hill to let him talk to them all. They were always talking about or listening to the latest new idea or philosophy, so they were curious to hear more of this story. This was a change from being brought on charges before religious and government leaders as before, as these just wanted to hear the latest philosophical fad. But God's word always affects those who hear.
19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? 20 For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.” 21 For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.
The philosophers of Athens heard Paul telling about a foreign God, Jesus Christ, and so took him through the place of many gods to Mars Hill to let him talk to them all. They were always talking about or listening to the latest new idea or philosophy, so they were curious to hear more of this story. This was a change from being brought on charges before religious and government leaders as before, as these just wanted to hear the latest philosophical fad. But God's word always affects those who hear.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Provoked to Speak
Acts 17:16-18
16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. 17 Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. 18 Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.
Paul was irritated and moved to respond to all the people following false gods in Athens. So he spoke to both Jew and Greek in the synagogue and every day in the market to anyone there. He talked of Jesus Christ and the resurrection, pointing them to the one and only God revealed and proven in Christ and His rising from death. The philosophers called him a babbler because they could not reason out nor understand God's word and work they were listening to. So today many stare or slander without stopping to listen carefully.
16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. 17 Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. 18 Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.
Paul was irritated and moved to respond to all the people following false gods in Athens. So he spoke to both Jew and Greek in the synagogue and every day in the market to anyone there. He talked of Jesus Christ and the resurrection, pointing them to the one and only God revealed and proven in Christ and His rising from death. The philosophers called him a babbler because they could not reason out nor understand God's word and work they were listening to. So today many stare or slander without stopping to listen carefully.
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Sent to Safety
Acts 17:14-15
14 Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed.
When Paul was about to be attacked for the gospel again by those set against the progress his message was making in Thessalonica, the believers sent him away. So he was brought to Athens, leaving his fellow workers Silas and Timothy behind. Then Paul sent for them, and they hurried to rejoin Paul in the work. The team may have been split temporarily so the adversaries would not pursue Paul, but what we know for certain is there was a reason and purpose - that the good news of Christ would continue to be brought by them. They were obedient even in the face of violence and death.
14 Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed.
When Paul was about to be attacked for the gospel again by those set against the progress his message was making in Thessalonica, the believers sent him away. So he was brought to Athens, leaving his fellow workers Silas and Timothy behind. Then Paul sent for them, and they hurried to rejoin Paul in the work. The team may have been split temporarily so the adversaries would not pursue Paul, but what we know for certain is there was a reason and purpose - that the good news of Christ would continue to be brought by them. They were obedient even in the face of violence and death.
Monday, June 12, 2017
Noble Bereans of the Book
Acts 17:10-13
10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds.
After being hunted down in Thessaloniki for the offense of the gospel, Paul and Silas went to Berea where they met more noble listeners. They listened hungrily and went to the scriptures to make sure what was being preached and taught was what God really said. As they saw the truth, many believed in Christ - Jews, Gentiles, important women of the town. The receptiveness combined with checking the validity was no blind faith, but one based on God's word. So we should speak so they may believe. Even so, some will follow after to stir up trouble and doubt. Truth sets us free, however.
10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds.
After being hunted down in Thessaloniki for the offense of the gospel, Paul and Silas went to Berea where they met more noble listeners. They listened hungrily and went to the scriptures to make sure what was being preached and taught was what God really said. As they saw the truth, many believed in Christ - Jews, Gentiles, important women of the town. The receptiveness combined with checking the validity was no blind faith, but one based on God's word. So we should speak so they may believe. Even so, some will follow after to stir up trouble and doubt. Truth sets us free, however.
Sunday, June 11, 2017
King Jesus
Acts 17:7-9
7 Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” 8 And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. 9 So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
The alleged crime of Paul and Silas came down to Jesus' claim to be King - but that was tried before, and Jesus told Pilate His kingdom was of heaven. So this attempt by the mob and its leaders to avoid accountability to God as sinners fell flat as the disciples got away. Even so, they felt it necessary to take money from those harboring and helping them. Even now laws and lawless ones fight against God and Christ to avoid facing Him ... in this life.
7 Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” 8 And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. 9 So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
The alleged crime of Paul and Silas came down to Jesus' claim to be King - but that was tried before, and Jesus told Pilate His kingdom was of heaven. So this attempt by the mob and its leaders to avoid accountability to God as sinners fell flat as the disciples got away. Even so, they felt it necessary to take money from those harboring and helping them. Even now laws and lawless ones fight against God and Christ to avoid facing Him ... in this life.
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Turning the World Upside Down
Acts 17:4-6
4 And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas. 5 But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too."
When Paul reasoned through the scriptures, reading and giving the meaning, some were moved to accept the truth they heard. However, those who were not persuaded got a mob together of ruffians and attacked the house where they were staying. Since they could not find them, they grabbed the owner of the house instead, intent on violence. What they said is worth noting - "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too." The gospel shows men their sinfulness in the hands of an angry God, and our pride will not accept the cure. So it remains today.
4 And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas. 5 But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too."
When Paul reasoned through the scriptures, reading and giving the meaning, some were moved to accept the truth they heard. However, those who were not persuaded got a mob together of ruffians and attacked the house where they were staying. Since they could not find them, they grabbed the owner of the house instead, intent on violence. What they said is worth noting - "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too." The gospel shows men their sinfulness in the hands of an angry God, and our pride will not accept the cure. So it remains today.
Friday, June 9, 2017
Christ's Suffering and Resurrection
Acts 17:1-3
1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.”
Paul went to Thessalonica and headed straight to the synagogue, as he always did, to read and give the understanding of the Scriptures. This exposition of the Old Testament was to show Christ - who He is, how God told He would suffer, die, and rise from death to life. Then he revealed how Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ who did all and said all to prove the finger of God that wrote the Law on stone came in their midst as He moved His hand among men to write on their hearts.
1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.”
Paul went to Thessalonica and headed straight to the synagogue, as he always did, to read and give the understanding of the Scriptures. This exposition of the Old Testament was to show Christ - who He is, how God told He would suffer, die, and rise from death to life. Then he revealed how Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ who did all and said all to prove the finger of God that wrote the Law on stone came in their midst as He moved His hand among men to write on their hearts.
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Legal Ramifications
Acts 16:38-40
38 And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. 39 Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and asked them to depart from the city. 40 So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.
The legal ramifications of what the rulers did to Roman citizens, beating and imprisoning them, were used here by Paul to be set free. This meant a time of less persecution, but only in that town and only for a short while. God used this to move them back to Lydia's house to encourage the believers before going on to the next town with the words of this life. So the obedient Christian life leads to trials and sometimes even death; but these set the example of not loving their lives even to death, crucified daily with Christ.
38 And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. 39 Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and asked them to depart from the city. 40 So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.
The legal ramifications of what the rulers did to Roman citizens, beating and imprisoning them, were used here by Paul to be set free. This meant a time of less persecution, but only in that town and only for a short while. God used this to move them back to Lydia's house to encourage the believers before going on to the next town with the words of this life. So the obedient Christian life leads to trials and sometimes even death; but these set the example of not loving their lives even to death, crucified daily with Christ.
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Public Release
Acts 16:35-37
35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, “Let those men go.” 36 So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out.”
After illegally beating and imprisoning Paul and Silas, after an earthquake broke the cell doors down and the jailer was saved, after all these things the city rulers sent word to let them go secretly. Paul stood firm to point out as Roman citizens they were unlawfully treated, even beaten. So he told them to come personally and publicly to set them free. He used the laws lawfully to show others that he had done no wrong with the gospel, and to send a message to others to allow the words of life to continue to be made available.
35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, “Let those men go.” 36 So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out.”
After illegally beating and imprisoning Paul and Silas, after an earthquake broke the cell doors down and the jailer was saved, after all these things the city rulers sent word to let them go secretly. Paul stood firm to point out as Roman citizens they were unlawfully treated, even beaten. So he told them to come personally and publicly to set them free. He used the laws lawfully to show others that he had done no wrong with the gospel, and to send a message to others to allow the words of life to continue to be made available.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Jailer Set Free
Acts 16:30-34
30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.
When the jailer saw God's fearful work to free Paul, he was convicted of his need for God's deliverance from His judgment. So he believed on Jesus Christ as Lord, the sovereign God who moves earth and the heavens. The jailer's household heard and believed with active trust as well, and they were baptized to echo the inner transformation of God in each of them. They were washed clean from sin by His saving grace and made new.
30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.
When the jailer saw God's fearful work to free Paul, he was convicted of his need for God's deliverance from His judgment. So he believed on Jesus Christ as Lord, the sovereign God who moves earth and the heavens. The jailer's household heard and believed with active trust as well, and they were baptized to echo the inner transformation of God in each of them. They were washed clean from sin by His saving grace and made new.
Monday, June 5, 2017
Rejoicing in Jail
Acts 16:25-28
25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”
When thrown unjustly in jail for speaking the truth, Paul and Silas turned joyfully to singing praises to God. While others listened, an earthquake opened all the doors and chains to set the prisoners free. Since the guard would even be accountable for this if they ran away, he almost killed himself. So we are set free in Christ from the cell of sin that traps us under guard of our broken will. The freedom God gives deserves our praise and thanksgiving. Do yourself no harm, the jailer can be set free by grace also!
25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”
When thrown unjustly in jail for speaking the truth, Paul and Silas turned joyfully to singing praises to God. While others listened, an earthquake opened all the doors and chains to set the prisoners free. Since the guard would even be accountable for this if they ran away, he almost killed himself. So we are set free in Christ from the cell of sin that traps us under guard of our broken will. The freedom God gives deserves our praise and thanksgiving. Do yourself no harm, the jailer can be set free by grace also!
Sunday, June 4, 2017
God's Word Not Bound
Acts 16:22-24
22 Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. 23 And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
After the loss of both profit and religious control, the mob had Paul and Silas beaten and thrown jail with a command to keep close watch on them. So they were put away from walls and their feet were clamped down so they could not escape. The fear of the truth that the gospel held made the people and rulers so angry that they did all they could to shut them up. Those whose deeds were evil and were bound in broken and blind wills could not see, but God's word cannot be bound to the ones He chooses to unbind the sinful wills of.
22 Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. 23 And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
After the loss of both profit and religious control, the mob had Paul and Silas beaten and thrown jail with a command to keep close watch on them. So they were put away from walls and their feet were clamped down so they could not escape. The fear of the truth that the gospel held made the people and rulers so angry that they did all they could to shut them up. Those whose deeds were evil and were bound in broken and blind wills could not see, but God's word cannot be bound to the ones He chooses to unbind the sinful wills of.
Saturday, June 3, 2017
Truth over Profit
Acts 16:19-21
19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. 20 And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; 21 and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.”
For these slaveowners, profit trumped truth. When their slave girl was set free, they realized her demonic talents of fortune telling were gone with all the lucre that they gained from her. So they went after those responsible, taking them to court for damages. They then slandered Paul and company as troublemakers and lawbreakers. Even now when we stand for truth some will slander and bring lawsuits in retaliation. Ah, but God is always greater!
19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. 20 And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; 21 and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.”
For these slaveowners, profit trumped truth. When their slave girl was set free, they realized her demonic talents of fortune telling were gone with all the lucre that they gained from her. So they went after those responsible, taking them to court for damages. They then slandered Paul and company as troublemakers and lawbreakers. Even now when we stand for truth some will slander and bring lawsuits in retaliation. Ah, but God is always greater!
Friday, June 2, 2017
Demonic Mocking
Acts 16:16-18
16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” 18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.
This possessed girl seemed to honor God by telling everyone out loud how Paul and company were servants of God with the message of salvation. However, it was really a false attention and even mocking of Christ that annoyed Paul after some days - so he told the false spirit to leave (which it did in Christ's name). Not all who loudly use the name of Christ are necessarily His; the devil mocks and misleads by many who cry Lord, Lord, but do not do what He says or believe what He wrote. Discernment backed by God's word is needed.
16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” 18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.
This possessed girl seemed to honor God by telling everyone out loud how Paul and company were servants of God with the message of salvation. However, it was really a false attention and even mocking of Christ that annoyed Paul after some days - so he told the false spirit to leave (which it did in Christ's name). Not all who loudly use the name of Christ are necessarily His; the devil mocks and misleads by many who cry Lord, Lord, but do not do what He says or believe what He wrote. Discernment backed by God's word is needed.
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Lydia's Faithfulness
Acts 16:13-15
13 And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. 14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.
After several days in Philippi of Macedonia, Paul and the others went where people prayed. There they spoke the gospel to the women who met there, and found one who worshipped God (presumably a Jewish convert). God opened her heart to Paul's message and was reborn and baptized. Then she invited them all to stay at her house, since she had the means and wanted to help those who helped her to be set free in Christ. So we must talk to those we meet with the good news, wiring for God to open their hearts. We are ambassadors and messengers of the God who saves.
13 And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. 14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.
After several days in Philippi of Macedonia, Paul and the others went where people prayed. There they spoke the gospel to the women who met there, and found one who worshipped God (presumably a Jewish convert). God opened her heart to Paul's message and was reborn and baptized. Then she invited them all to stay at her house, since she had the means and wanted to help those who helped her to be set free in Christ. So we must talk to those we meet with the good news, wiring for God to open their hearts. We are ambassadors and messengers of the God who saves.
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