Acts 15:36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas planned to take John, who was called Mark, with them also. 38 But Paul didn’t think that it was a good idea to take with them someone who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia, and didn’t go with them to do the work. 39 Then the contention grew so sharp that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and went out, being commended by the brothers to the grace of God. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the assemblies.
On the first missionary trip Mark had abandoned Paul and Barnabas in Pamphylia. As a result Paul thought that Mark was not suited to travel with them. Barnabas wanted to take his cousin, Mark along, but Paul disagreed with his old mentor, Barnabas. Barnabas saw potential in Mark. The disagreement got so bad that Paul and Barnabas parted ways, Paul taking Silas to revisit the Churches that he had planted in Syria and Cilicia and Barnabas taking Mark back to Cyprus check on the progress of the Churches there.
However, God used this disagreement for good. Paul no longer needed Barnabas. His apprenticeship was complete. Now, instead of one missionary team heading out into the Roman world there were two missionary teams. Although Paul had lost confidence in Mark, later in life, under the tutelage Barnabas, Mark had proved to Paul that he was an asset. In Paul’s letter to Timothy Paul asked Timothy to Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 2 Timothy 4:11
And speaking of Timothy, Luke, next, introduces another missionary companion and fellow laborer.
Acts 16:1 He came to Derbe and Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess who believed; but his father was a Greek. 2 The brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium gave a good testimony about him. 3 Paul wanted to have him go out with him, and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts; for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered the decrees to them to keep which had been ordained by the apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem. 5 So the assemblies were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.
Just as his mentor, Barnabas, had taken on Mark, Paul takes on Timothy as a young protégé. This, of course, follows the teaching model that Jesus used. Jesus took on disciples who walked beside him learning “on the job” as they listened to the teaching, observed His ministry, and, in time, were given more and more responsibility. Luke 10:1
A seminary education should never just consist of all ivory tower book learning. True and complete theological instruction also must consist of practical field placements where students work closely with a seasoned mentor. But this is not just true of formal education. As Christ commanded, every believer should be discipling others.
Paul had just come from the Jerusalem Council meeting where it was determined that circumcision was not required for Gentile Christians, however, before they left on their journey Paul had Timothy circumcised.
Why did Paul do that?
As Paul taught the Corinthians: Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Circumcision was not necessary for Timothy’s salvation, however the knowledge that he was circumcised did make him more acceptable to the unbelieving Jewish community to which he would be evangelizing. Although Timothy, [was] the son of a Jewess… the Jews who were in those parts all knew that his father was a Greek. So since Timothy’s father was well known his circumcision served to make Timothy acceptable within the unbelieving Jewish community.
Acts 16:6 When they had gone through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 When they had come opposite Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit didn’t allow them. 8 Passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 A vision appeared to Paul in the night. There was a man of Macedonia standing, begging him, and saying, “Come over into Macedonia and help us.” 10 When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go out to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the Good News to them. 11 Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace, and the day following to Neapolis; 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a city of Macedonia, the foremost of the district, a Roman colony. We were staying some days in this city.
Up until now we have seen the Gospel take root in Jerusalem, Samaria, Judea, and Asia. Paul had intended to continue preaching and teaching in Asia but the Holy Spirit had a different plan. Though we are not told how, the Holy Spirit prevented Paul from going to Bithynia. That very same night Paul had a vision of a man in Europe asking Paul for help. Understanding that the vision was God calling him to preach in Europe, Paul set sail for the uttermost part of his world.
Acts 16:13 On the Sabbath day we went outside of the city by a riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshiped God, heard us. The Lord opened her heart to listen to the things which were spoken by Paul. 15 When she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.
At this point in the story Luke includes himself, writing we went outside the city. Perhaps Luke joined Paul’s ministry team of Silas and Timothy in Troas or perhaps he joined them in Philippi. In any event, Luke, the Greek physician, became a follower of Christ and joined Paul’s ministry team, spreading the Gospel in the Roman world.
As we have seen, when Paul arrived in a new town he always began preaching the Gospel in the local synagogue. However, as there was no Jewish community in Philippi, Paul went to a place of prayer outside the city. There he met Lydia, a merchant from Thyatira in Asia. Paul’s first European convert was actually a traveler from Asia and her family.
Frequently we see that after conversion the believer’s entire family is baptized. Under the Old Covenant the male children of believers were circumcised. Under the New Covenant, without distinction between male of female, Galatians 3:28, all children receive the sign of the covenant, baptism. This identifies them as being members of the covenant family. As Paul would later explain, the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 1 Corinthians 7:14 Although they receive all the blessings of belonging to the visible covenant community, the hope is that as they mature they will come to place their faith in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 6:4-8
Acts 16:16 As we were going to prayer, a certain girl having a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by fortune telling. 17 Following Paul and us, she cried out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us a way of salvation!” 18 She was doing this for many days.
But Paul, becoming greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” It came out that very hour. 19 But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. 20 When they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men, being Jews, are agitating our city 21 and advocate customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans.”
22 The multitude rose up together against them and the magistrates tore their clothes from them, then commanded them to be beaten with rods. 23 When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely, 24 who, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison, and secured their feet in the stocks.
Atheists like to pretend that they don’t believe in God, however the demons that oppose God certainly believe in God. In Mark 5 demons plead to Christ for mercy. James explains that the demons believe and tremble at the thought of God and His judgment. James 2:19 Here a demon possessed girl declares that Paul and his companions are the servants of the Most High God.
Paul casts the demon out in the name of Jesus, freeing the slave girl from demon possession. Rather than being happy for the girl and thankful to Paul, the girl’s owners, who had been using the girl and her demon induced powers to tell fortunes were furious that their means of livelihood had been taken from them.
Since the resurrection of Christ, the dragon, Satan, had been enduring defeat after defeat: cast out of heaven, he has watched his strongholds in Jerusalem, Samaria, Judea, and Asia overrun by the followers of Christ. He was not about to watch Europe fall to Christ without a fight. Paul and Silas were seized, taken before the magistrates, brought up on false charges, beaten, thrown into the most secure prison, and placed in stocks. Paul and Silas had to be stopped before they told the whole world about Christ.
Acts 16:25 But about 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 bonds were loosened. 27 The jailer, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, “Don’t harm yourself, for we are all here!”
29 He called for lights, sprang in, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas, 30 brought them out, and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 They spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house.
33 He took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household. 34 He brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his household, having believed in God.
Paul and Silas were so upset by this turn of events they decided that it would be best to abandon their European mission.
Is that correct?
No! Absolutely not. Paul and Silas were confident in their sovereign Savior’s plan. Christ is reigning in heaven and all authority has been given to Him. Matthew 28:18 With that assurance, even though they are locked deep within the most secure prison, Paul and Silas presented the Gospel to their fellow prisoners by praying and singing hymns.
In answer to their prayers God used an earthquake to open all of the prison doors and release all the stocks and chains that bound the prisoners. The jailer fearing retribution from the authorities for the prison break decided it would be less painful to commit suicide than to withstand the torture and wrath of the Roman magistrates. But Paul stepped in to save the jailer’s life.
First, though miraculously freed, none of the prisoners ran away.
Second, the jailer, who, no doubt, was aware of why Paul was in prison, and aware of his message, asked Paul the perfect question. What must I do to be saved?
How would you answer that question?
Paul answered, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. Paul then explained the Gospel to the jailer and his family who accepted Christ’s free gift of salvation and were baptized.
Acts 16:35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying, “Let those men go.”
36 The jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go; now therefore come out and go in peace.”
37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly without a trial, men who are Romans, and have cast us into prison! Do they now release us secretly? No, most certainly, but let them come themselves and bring us out!”
38 The sergeants reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans, 39 and they came and begged them. When they had brought them out, they asked them to depart from the city. 40 They went out of the prison, and entered into Lydia’s house. When they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them, then departed.
Paul had been arrested, beaten, and put in prison on the accusation that he advocated customs which were not lawful for Romans to accept or to observe… however, when the magistrate learned that Paul was actually a Roman citizen himself, and that he had been punished without due process, the magistrate was afraid. The magistrate hoped to put the whole incident behind him by secretly releasing Paul. Although Paul could have made trouble for the magistrate he simply demanded that the magistrate personally release him. Paul wanted the magistrate to look him in the eye and personally own up to the miscarriage of Roman justice. When they met, the magistrate begged Paul to leave town.
Acts 17:1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 Paul, as was his custom, went in to them, and for three Sabbath days 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 proclaim to you, is the Christ.”
Wherever there was a synagogue Paul went first to the Jews. Notice that he reasoned with them from the Old Testament Scriptures. His goal was to persuade the Jews that the Old Testament pointed exclusively to Christ. He did not appeal to felt needs as many churches do today. No, his appeal was to the word of God. Whatever a person’s needs are, their primary failing, whether they realize it of not, is that they are rebels, sinners against their Creator God.
Friend, you are at enmity with God, and God is angry with you; but on His part there is every readiness for reconciliation. He has made a way by which you may become His friend – a very costly way to Himself, but free to you. He could not give up His justice and so destroy the honor of His own character; but He did give up His Son, His only Begotten, and His well Beloved, and that Son of His has been made sin for us, though He knew no sin…
If sinners be damned at least let them leap to hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish let them perish with our arms wrapped around their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let no one go unwarned and unprayed for.
(Charles Spurgeon, “Spurgeon’s Sermons”, Baker Books, 1996)
In the back of the book, make a list of unbelievers that you will commit to pray for.
Acts 17:4 Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and not a few of the chief women. 5 But the unpersuaded Jews took along some wicked men from the marketplace, and gathering a crowd, set the city in an uproar. Assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them out to the people. 6 When they didn’t find them, they dragged Jason and certain brothers before the rulers of the city, crying, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here also, 7 whom Jason has received. These all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus!” 8 The multitude and the rulers of the city were troubled when they heard these things. 9 When they had taken money from Jason and the rest, they let them go. 10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea.
The preaching of Paul and Silas made an impact in Thessalonica. Jews, a great multitude of Greeks, and even the influential chief women of the community became Christians. So much so that the unbelievers saw their world being turned upside down.
The ultimate irony is that when the sinner’s world is turned right side up, being refreshed by the forgiveness from sins and the salvation of Christ, those who have rejected the offer of life interpret it as the world being turned upside down. In order to maintain the old status quo they come up with all kinds of false charges to keep the truth out of public view: believers are intolerant, believers oppose our customs, believers offend our gods, believers hurt our feelings…
Unable to find Paul and Silas, the mob went to the house church of Jason, dragged him before the city counsel, and accused him of sedition because the Christians proclaimed that there was an alternative, parallel kingdom in the world ruled by Christ as King. In an attempt to silence the Christians the town council extorted money from Jason and the other believers before releasing them.
To protect Paul and Silas from the mob the Christians warned them that the town council was out for blood and then helped them escape out of Thessalonica under the cover of night.
Acts 17:10 When they arrived, in Berea they went into the Jewish synagogue.
11 Now the Bereans were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed; also of the prominent Greek women, and not a few men. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there likewise, agitating the multitudes. 14 Then the brothers immediately sent out Paul to go as far as to the sea, and Silas and Timothy still stayed there. 15 But those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens. Receiving a commandment to Silas and Timothy that they should come to him very quickly, they departed.
The Bereans were more noble than the Thessalonicans.
How were the Bereans more noble?
They received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
Paul, a converted Pharisee, was very good at showing everyone how Christ was the fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures. Remember there was no canon of New Testament Scriptures yet at this point. As such, the Bereans were so intrigued by Paul’s message that they went to the synagogue, where, most likely, the only local copy of the Old Testament Scripture was kept, to fact check Paul. Finding that Paul’s message of salvation through Christ alone was indeed confirmed by the Scriptures, many people became Christians, including prominent Greek women; women with social standing.
Do you notice the contrast that Luke set up here?
When Paul and Silas were in Thessalonica the Gospel was rejected by many who preferred to cling to their own ideas of what truth was. They wanted Paul silenced. They did not want their assumptions and beliefs challenged even if the challenge came from the Scriptures. Subsequently Paul was run out of town.
In contrast, when they came to Berea Luke tells us that the Bereans were more noble than the Thessalonicans because they examined the Scriptures to see if the things Paul taught were true. Although they were challenged they were willing to allow the Scriptures to inform their thoughts and actions. They turned from error and embraced the truth.
Are you willing to have your beliefs and opinions fact checked against the scriptures?
While Paul welcomed the fact checkers, how do you think most pastors would react today if their congregations fact checked their teaching?
Would their questions be welcomed or would they be told that perhaps they should consider looking for another Church to attend?
All Christians should welcome being fact checked against the Scriptures. By contrast, today, many people prefer to fact check the Scriptures against their feelings. In other words they are willing to discard those Scriptures which contradict their dearly held feelings and beliefs rather than submit their feelings to God’s Word of truth.
When the Thessalonican mob learned that the Bereans were becoming Christians they travelled to Berea to incite a riot to get Paul silenced. In His providence God used this incident to have Paul set sail for Athens.
Acts 17:16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw the city full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who met him. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign deities,” because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.
19 They took hold of him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is, which you are speaking about? 20 For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean.” 21 Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.
As Paul was waiting for his traveling companions Silas and Luke to arrive he toured the great city, taking note of all of the idols, Paul was distressed at all of the false and destructive beliefs swirling around the city. Paul also went into both the synagogue where he reasoned with the Jews and into the public square where he spoke to the leading philosophers of the city.
Intrigued, the philosophers invited Paul to speak in their public forum, where he was asked, May we know what this new teaching is, which you are speaking about?
Acts 17:22 Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus, and said, “You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, I announce to you. 24 The God who made the world and all things in it, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands. 25 He isn’t served by men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself gives to all life and breath, and all things. 26 He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons, and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live, move, and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’ 29 Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by art and design of man. 30 The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent, 31 because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; of which he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.”
32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked;
but others said, “We want to hear you again concerning this.”
33 Thus Paul went out from among them. 34 But certain men joined with him and believed, among whom also was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
Here we see that Paul exposed the folly of the philosopher’s worldview. We know that every worldview and every religion that men rely on will have holes, contradictions, and inconsistencies. These contradictions give us a place to start a conversation about the truth.
Paul began by complimenting the philosophers for their religious sincerity. However, after the compliment he went on to show how, though the philosophers were sincere, they were sincerely wrong. Paul quoted some of their philosophers and then praised them for their humility in their acknowledging that they did not know everything, as they had an altar to an unknown god.
Having met them where they were and established a common groundwork, Paul then exposed the folly of their beliefs. The God who made the world… isn’t served by human hands as if He needed anything. In other words, your little gods need placating, need sacrifice, and need you to do stuff, but the true God is the giver of life. Paul went on to explain that their unknown god was actually their Creator, ruler, and Judge of the cosmos. Because this God was the Judge the philosophers needed to pay attention. If they didn’t turn from their ignorance they would be condemned by this Supreme Judge for their sins. Paul implored them, if they would acknowledge this unknown God, and repent, this God, in the person of Jesus Christ, who had conquered death, would grant them resurrection from the dead.
What was their reaction?
Some believed on the spot.
Some wanted more information.
Some mocked him for speaking about resurrection from the dead.
Just as Paul encountered ignorance and unbelief, our world follows many false philosophies, many counterfeit religions, and many would be saviors; Hinduism, Islam, Mormonism, Buddhism, Atheism, Satanism, Communism/Socialism. Rather than accepting, adapting to, or bringing these philosophies into the Church, we must, as Paul did:
First, listen so that we understand the false teachings that people are placing their faith in.
Second, point out the inconsistencies, showing how their worldview will ultimately fail them.
Third, offer Christ as the truth that their system of belief lacks.
And, just like Paul experienced, we should expect three outcomes. Some will believe. Some will want to hear more. And some will say that we are stupid, deplorable, and an unsophisticated danger to our tolerant society.
“The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. It must be the guide and the critic of the state, and never its tool. If the church does not recapture its prophetic zeal, it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority.” (Martin Luther King Jr., “Strength of Love”, Beacon Press, 2019)
Paul’s next stop was Corinth.
Acts 18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth. 2 He found a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, who had recently come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome. He came to them, 3 and because he practiced the same trade, he lived with them and worked, for by trade they were tent makers. 4 He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath and persuaded Jews and Greeks. 5 But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 6 When they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook out his clothing and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now on, I will go to the Gentiles!”
In around 46AD Emperor Claudius issued a decree expelling all Jews from Rome. Fleeing from Rome, a Jewish couple, Aquila and Priscilla, settled in Corinth where they set up a tent making business. After he arrived in Corinth, Paul, himself a tent maker by trade, moved in with them and joined with them in the business. In God’s providence this arrangement worked out well all around. Aquila and Priscilla, learning that Christ was the fulfillment of the Old Testament had became Christians. Paul had a place to live and a means of support so that he could continue his ministry. Living in their home, Paul was able to disciple Aquila and Priscilla so that they would later go on to become valued missionary companions.
As was his custom, every Sabbath Paul went to the synagogue to persuade everyone there, Jews and God fearing Greeks, that Jesus, the Christ, was the way of salvation and life. However, Paul had little success. After Paul was joined by Silas and Timothy, the Jews in the synagogue had had enough. They opposed Paul and blasphemed Christ. At that point, seeing that he had worn out his welcome in the synagogue Paul switched tactics. He abandoned gentle persuasion and reason and embraced fire and brimstone, warning them in no uncertain terms that to reject Christ is to face the wrath of God. They will have no place to hide. Your blood be on your own heads.
While preaching the judgment of God is considered harsh and unloving by today’s misguided standards; standards which demand acceptance of everyone’s “truth”, no matter how false and destructive those “truths” may be, there comes a time when hard hearted unbelievers need a wake up call. While it is necessary and essential that we should reason, persuade, and plead; Present your case, Isaiah 41:21, there are times when countering and debunking the truth becomes nothing more than an intellectual game for the unbeliever. Paul says, no more playing games. Rejecting Christ is not a game. Rejecting or accepting Christ is the difference between eternal life and eternal death. In such instances we must be clear and honestly speak the truth. If you reject Christ’s free gift of eternal life your blood will be on your head. You will, by your own choice, be condemned to hell.
Are you bold enough, do you love people enough, to tell them the truth: if they reject the free gift of eternal life their blood will be on [their] heads?
What do you think the result of Paul’s final fire and brimstone warning to the members of the synagogue was?
Acts 18:7 He departed there, and went into the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house. Many of the Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptized. 9 The Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Don’t be afraid, but speak and don’t be silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city.”
Because Paul had announced that he would no longer try to persuade the Jews about how Jesus was their Christ but would, instead, focus on the Gentiles, Paul moved into the home of a Gentile named Justus. Interestingly, this move must have deeply offended and incited the Jews because Justus lived right next door to the synagogue! Right next door…
In any event Paul’s final warning to the Jews in the synagogue had made an impact. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house. Additionally, Many of the Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptized.
Why are you afraid to tell everyone about Christ’s offer of salvation?
Let’s face it. We are all fearful. Even Paul was fearful and, given his history of beatings and imprisonment, he had good reason to be fearful. But because of Paul’s faithful witness Crispus, the influential leader of the synagogue who had blasphemed Christ had become a Christian. Many others, learning of Crispus’ conversion, became believers and were baptized. This was bound to enrage those who opposed the Gospel.
From past experience Paul feared that he was about to be stoned, or imprisoned, or worse. But the Lord said to Paul in the night by vision, Don’t be afraid, speak and don’t be silent, for I am with you… No matter what unbelievers do to us, Christ is always with us. We may be attacked. Many Christians have lost their lives because of their unwavering faith, but if that is the case, Christ has accompanied them into their heavenly home.
After moving in with Justus, Paul lived next door to the synagogue for a year and a half. Paul’s success in bringing the residents of Corinth to Christ constantly ate at Sosthenes, the new ruler of the synagogue, until he couldn’t stand it any more. Something had to be done. He and the Jews came up with a plan. When they couldn’t silence Paul by reason and argument Sosthenes turned to the power of the government hoping that the civil authorities would deal with Paul.
How many times through out history have unbelievers appealed to the ruling secular, civil authorities to harass, intimidate and silence Christians?
Is that tactic still used today?
Sixteenth-century reformer Hugh Latimer, recounting a conversation that he had with himself after being summoned to defend himself before King Henry VIII said, “Do you remember that you are speaking before the high and mighty king Henry VIII; who has the power to command you to be sent to prison, and how he can have your head cut off, if it please him? Will you not take care to say nothing that will offend royal ears?… Do you not remember that you are speaking before the King of kings and Lord of lords; before Him, at whose throne Henry VIII will stand; before Him, to whom one day you also will have to give account of yourself? Latimer! Latimer! Be faithful to your Master and declare God’s Word.” (J.C. Ryle, “Is All Scripture Inspired?” The Banner of Truth, 1999)
Although King Henry VIII spared Latimer’s life, Henry’s daughter, Queen Mary, was not so forgiving. Bloody Mary had Latimer burned at the stake in Oxford.
Down through the ages, civil authorities, not wanting to hear God’s Word have continually persecuted Christians.
What should our response be to the demands of the civil authorities?
Earthly princes deprive themselves of all authority when they rise up against God, yea they are unworthy to be counted amongst the company of men. We ought rather to spit in their faces than when they deal so proudly and stubbornly, that they will spoil God of His right, and as it were, occupy His throne, as though they could pluck Him down from heaven. (John Calvin, “Daniel”, Banner of Truth, 1965)
Our primary allegiance always must be obedience to God and His Word. We see that whenever the religious authorities or whenever the civil authorities tried to silence Paul his response always echoed the response of Peter: We must obey God rather than man. Acts 5:29
Acts 18:11 He lived there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, 13 saying, “This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.”
14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked crime, you Jews, it would be reasonable that I should bear with you; 15 but if they are questions about words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves. For I don’t want to be a judge of these matters.” 16 So he drove them from the judgment seat.
17 Then all the Greeks seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. Gallio didn’t care about any of these things.
Sosthenes had Paul hauled off to the court presided by proconsul, Gallio. But Sosthenes’ plan fell apart when he charged Paul with persuading men to worship God contrary to the law. Paul was prepared to defend himself, however, there was no such Roman law. Gallio didn’t care how the Jews worshipped their God as long as they obeyed Caesar and paid their taxes. Gallio not only refused to hear the case but to teach Sosthenes a lesson for wasting his time in bringing a frivolous case before the court, Gallio allowed the Greeks to beat Sosthenes.
Christ’s night vision promise to Paul, no one will harm you, had been fulfilled. But even further, this entire episode made a lasting impression on Sosthenes because in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians we learn that Sosthenes had become both a brother in Christ and a co-laborer with his former adversary, Paul. 1 Corinthians 1:1
Think of it, consecutive rulers of the synagogue, Crispus and Sosthenes had become Christians. The lions opposing Christ and his Church had become lambs. Isaiah 11:6 They had become fellow believers because of the bold and uncompromising testimony of Paul and his associates; Justus, Aquila, Priscilla, Silas, Timothy…
Fear of man brings a snare but whoever puts his trust in the Lord will be safe. Proverbs 29:25
Will you fear the mocking and threats of men or trust, instead, in the Lord?
What will trusting the Lord look like in your life?
Acts 18:18 Paul, having stayed after this many more days, took his leave of the brothers, and sailed from there for Syria, together with Priscilla and Aquila. He shaved his head in Cenchreae, for he had a vow. 19 He came to Ephesus, and he left them there; but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay with them a longer time, he declined; 21 but taking his leave of them, he said, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem, but I will return again to you if God wills.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.
After establishing house Churches in Corinth for a year and a half, Paul and his missionary team, now including Aquila and Priscilla sailed to Ephesus. Paul’s ultimate destination was Jerusalem. However, upon arriving in Ephesus, Paul went immediately to the synagogue to reason with the Jews. There, though he found a receptive audience, he could not stay as he had a ship to catch. However, Paul left Aquila and Priscilla behind to continue spreading the Gospel while he travelled on.
As Paul journeyed to Jerusalem he made it a point to stop and revisit the Churches that he had established along the way in order to encourage the fledgling Christian fellowships. Paul went to Caesarea before heading to Jerusalem. He went to Antioch, Galatia and Phrygia. It was never enough for Paul to make disciples and establish a Church. He worked hard to visit the new Churches in person and to also write to the Churches, encouraging, instructing, and even frequently rebuking them so that they could grow mature in the faith. More than being a preacher, Paul was a pastor caring for the sheep.
Acts 18:22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the assembly, and went down to Antioch. 23 Having spent some time there, he departed, and went through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples.
While Paul was traveling, Aquila and Priscilla were discipling believers in Ephesus.
Acts 18:24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Aquila and Priscilla met an evangelist named Apollos who knew only the teachings of John the Baptist. Apollos understood that Christ was the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, John 1:29, but he had no understanding about the resurrection of Christ and the Gospel, Christ’s substitutionary death. Aquila and Priscilla took him aside and taught him the whole Gospel. With this complete understanding, and with the help of other believers, he travelled to Achaia where he powerfully refuted the Jews, publicly showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
Acts 18:27 When he had determined to pass over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he had come, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews, publicly showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
Apollos had been a God fearing man. He was willing to teach others what he knew about God, but before meeting Aquila and Priscilla his knowledge was incomplete. After he arrived in Achaia he sought out God-fearing Jews. Because they too had an incomplete understanding of the Scriptures, Apollos showed them, from the Old Testament Scriptures, that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah. But notice, when the Jews questioned and argued against his message, Apollos didn’t back down or compromise, agreeing to disagree. No, Apollos powerfully refuted the Jews.
Do you know anyone with an incomplete or confused understanding of the Gospel?
The Church in the West has, for too long, been willing to compromise or be silenced by the world, forgetting that Christ is reigning with all authority over heaven and earth, and that He has commissioned Christians to be His ambassadors. But Paul, Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos had not forgotten that the Savior is reigning and victorious. They understood that the stakes were life and death. They would not be silenced. And when the situation called for it, when gentle persuasion had failed, Paul condemned Crispus, Aquila and Priscilla interrupted Apollos and took him aside to instruct him, and Apollos powerfully refuted those who rejected Christ. After visiting Jerusalem, Paul made his way back to Ephesus.
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