2007 06 June

In v. 23 we see for the first time the word "grace" is used in Acts with reference to salvation. (Acts 4:33 refers to the grace of God assisting believers). Grace was to become Paul's great message in years to come. Note that these Gentiles were saved by grace (v. 23) through faith (v. 21). This is what Eph. 2:8-9 teaches.
Barnabas rejoiced at finding this Gentile assembly and exhorted them to continue in their faith. Then he did a strange thing: he left the church and went to find Paul. Why did he do this? Because Barnabas, filled with the Spirit, knew that God had given Paul a commission to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15, 27).

Barnabas knew that Paul was to be the next leader, preaching the message of God's grace. For an entire year, Paul and Barnabas taught the Gentiles the Word of God. From this church they went out on their first missionary journey. The church at Antioch assumed greater importance than the church at Jerusalem when Paul replaced Peter as God's special apostle who brought the revelation of the mystery of the church.
The Jerusalem Church Gets Aid from the Gentiles (11:27-30)
These "prophets" (v. 27) were Christians who ministered in the local assemblies and revealed the Word of God. That they came to Antioch from Jerusalem indicates that there was close fellowship between these two churches. "All the world" in v. 28 can mean either all the Roman world or possibly only the land (Judea). The Gentile believers immediately sent material aid to the believers in Judea as an expression of Christian love.
In Acts 2-7, the church at Jerusalem had no needs at all; in 11:27-30 we read that these same people were in need of outside help. What had happened? The "kingdom program" with its special blessings had passed on. But when the kingdom was finally rejected with the stoning of Stephen, these unusual blessings were withdrawn, leaving the Jewish believers in need. Several times in the Word we read of special aid sent to the "poor saints at Jerusalem" (Excerpted Added to and Edited from Expository Outlines of the New Testament by Warren W. Wiersbe).

Paul instructs us to provide for our own (1 Tim. 5:8), warning that if we do not, we are worse than infidels. God's pattern for giving is that each believer give tithes and offerings to the Lord, starting with the local church. Barnabas and Saul (Paul) were chosen to take the offering to Jerusalem. They later returned to Antioch, bringing John Mark with them (12:25). In chapter 12 we will see the close of Peter's special ministry, and chapter 13 ushers in the ministry of the Apostle Paul. These chapters close the period of transition when the message of the kingdom was replaced by the Gospel of the grace of God, Jerusalem was replaced by Antioch in Syria as the center of ministry, and Peter was replaced by Paul as the leader of God's work.
Acts 12
Here we read one of the last instances of Peter's ministry among the early believers. In chapter 13 Paul assumes center stage and we do not meet Peter again until he gives his testimony (in support of Paul) in chapter 15. Here in chapter 12, we see several different powers at work.
The Power of Satan (12:1-4)
Herod Agrippa, the grandson of Herod the Great, was, like his forbears, a murderer. The Herods were Edomites, descendants of Esau. In one sense, we see Esau persecuting Jacob again, for "James" is simply another form of the name Jacob! This persecution is a picture of the time of tribulation the Jews will endure in the last days. Read again Matt. 20:20-23 where James and John were promised a baptism of suffering. James was the first of the apostles slain, and John, who lived a long life, endured great suffering (Rev. 1:9). Christ had promised the apostles that they would suffer persecution. So will all who seek to obey God's Word. There is a practical lesson here: when Satan wanted to hinder the work of the church, he went after Peter and James. He goes after the best Christians and seeks to hinder their work. Are we the kind of Christians that Satan wants to attack? (ibid)

The word "Easter" in v. 4 should read "Passover." This ceremony would last eight days, after which Herod promised to kill Peter to please the Jews. For safety's sake, he assigned four relays of four guards each to watch Peter. Two were at his side and two at the cell door. "But constant prayer was offered to God" (v. 5). How thrilling those words are to the believer! When Satan does his worst, Christians can turn to God in prayer and know that He will work.
How could Peter be so peaceful when he knew that he had only a short time to live? The prayer of the church certainly helped him, but Christ's promise in John 21:18-19 must have sustained him. Peter knew that he would not die until he was older, and that his death would not be by the sword (as with James, v. 2), but by crucifixion. Faith in the Word of God gave him peace. If we will but trust Christ's promises, we will have that same peace in the midst of tribulation.
The angel delivered Peter, but note that he did not do for the apostle what he could do for himself. The angel released him from the chains and led him out of the prison, but he told Peter to put on his own shoes, dress, and follow. When Peter was safely on the outside, the angel left him to make his own decision. We can expect God to do the impossible if we obey and do the possible.
We should never underestimate the power of a praying church. They prayed fervently (v. 5), definitely, and courageously. In spite of their unbelief when Peter did appear, God honored their prayers and drew glory to Himself. When Rhoda heard that knock at the door, she answered by faith; for all she knew, there may have been a company of Herod's soldiers outside, ready to arrest them!
The James mentioned in v. 17 is Christ's brother, who, it seems, became the chief elder of the Jerusalem assembly (see chapter 15). Do not confuse him with the son of Alphaeus or the James who was slain by Herod. See also Acts 21:18 and Gal. 1:19 and 2:9. Peter's departure remains a mystery: he went out "into another place," (v. 17) and what that place was, we do not know. (ibid)

The relationship between the seaboard cities of Tyre and Sidon and Galilee stemmed from the days of Solomon (1 Kings 5:9ff). Herod, like the Antichrist who will appear one day, exalted himself and took the place of God. The people worshiped Herod and honored him strictly for their own gain, and one day the world will receive and worship the Antichrist so that they might be fed and protected. God smote him with a terrible death. Note that the angel who "smote" Peter in v. 7 brought salvation; but when he smote Herod, he brought condemnation. God hates pride and will not allow another to take His glory. Read Dan. 11:36 and 2 Thes. 2:3-8 to see how Herod typifies the coming man of sin, the Antichrist.
IV. The Power of God's Hand (12:24-25)
What a contrast! The great Herod was eaten with worms, "but the Word of God grew and multiplied." Whether Satan attacks as the murderer (as slaying James) or the liar (as in vv. 20-23), God's Word can overcome and bring victory. James was dead, but God's work went right on, for we see Paul and Barnabas, and their helper Mark, returning to Antioch after their ministry to the poor saints in Jerusalem (see 11:27-30). Mark had a godly home, for it was in his mother's house that the believers had met to pray (12:12). He was the cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10) and was later to be a cause of contention between Paul and Barnabas. He wrote the Gospel of Mark and eventually won Paul's approval (2 Tim. 4:11), although he had failed Paul in earlier years (13:13). (ibid)
[Let us never be frightened by the loud voices of Satan's world leaders. Their day is coming. The Word of God will never fail, and it is our responsibility to preach and teach that Word until Christ returns. Beginning tomorrow we will open the third and final phase of the Book of Acts and in this third phase. The Apostle Paul is the main character along with Barnabas and others. The Missionary portion of the Book and the missionary work starts in the East and moves West-ward. Every great revival has followed the same from East to West. RJS]

We now begin the third and final section of Acts, "The Period of Triumph" (chaps. 13-28), during which the Gospel of the grace of God was preached to the Roman world and the local churches were established through the ministry of Paul and others. We witness, as it were, a new beginning of a new ministry from a new spiritual center-Antioch in Syria. We read of Paul's first missionary journey and his first sermon. We hear for the first time in Acts that wonderful word "justified" (13:39).
In Antioch: Called by the Spirit (13:1-3)
Keep in mind that the center of the church's operation had moved from Jerusalem and the Jews to Antioch and the Gentiles (Acts 11:19-30). Do not confuse Antioch in Syria, Paul's "home church," with Antioch in Pisidia (13:14-52). Note that as the servants of the Lord ministered in this local church, God called two of them (the first and last names on the list in v. 1-and soon the last would become first) to a world ministry. It is the servants who are faithful at home that God uses elsewhere.
"Prophets" (v. 1) means NT prophets (Eph. 4:11). These men spoke for God and were led directly by the Spirit. Now that we have the written Word of God, we do not have prophets in the church. Some suggest that Simeon was the man who carried Christ's cross (Mark 15:21) and also was the father of Alexander and Rufus. Manaen was "foster brother" to the Herod who killed John the Baptist. Not many people of nobility are called, but thank God, some do find Christ!
Verses 1-3 describe the NT program for sending out missionaries: (1) God calls those whom He chooses; (2) the church certifies this call; (3) the church and the Spirit send the missionaries forth, backing them with prayer and support. It is right that missionaries report to their churches (14:26-28). It is also biblical for local churches to band together and organize agencies for sending out missionaries. (ibid)

In the parable of the tares (Matt. 13:24-30 and 36-43) Christ promised that, wherever the true children of God were planted, Satan would plant counterfeits. This is what happened at the missionaries' first stop. Satan came in the person of an apostate Jew, a false prophet, a child of the devil (v. 10). In the power of the Spirit, Paul smote the deceiver with blindness. Note that here "Saul" uses his better-known name "Paul," which means "little."
In Perga: Deserted by Mark (13:13)
Note that it is no longer "Barnabas and Saul" (v. 2) but "Paul and his company." We are not sure why Mark left the party, but Paul considered his act desertion (see 15:38). Was it because Paul had become prominent and Mark's cousin Barnabas was no longer leader? Was it because of the dangerous situations that lay ahead? Whatever the reasons, his deed later caused the two missionaries to part company, although Paul later did forgive and receive Mark (2 Tim. 4:11). How wonderful it is that God gives us another chance!
In Antioch of Pisidia: Received by the Gentiles-(13:14-52)
Why did Paul go to the Jewish synagogue when his special commission was to the Gentiles? For several reasons: (1) he knew he would get a hearing among the Jews in the synagogue, and this was the logical place to start; (2) he had a personal burden for his people (Rom. 9:1-3 and 10:1); (3) he wanted his nation to hear God's Word and so be without excuse.
In this sermon, he stated that Christ came "to the Jews first" (vv. 23-27 and v. 46), but he was careful to state that salvation is for "all who believe" (v. 39). In vv. 17-22 Paul showed how the OT was a preparation for Christ. In vv. 23-37 he outlined the life and death of Christ, proving His resurrection, and pointing out that Israel rejected their Messiah. Verses 38-41 give the personal conclusion of the message showing that salvation was not in the law, but by faith in Christ. (ibid)

The warning in vv. 40-41 comes from Hab. 1:5. The "work" referred to here is God's program of saving the Gentiles. How unbelievable this must have been to the Jews! When the prophet Habakkuk spoke these words, the Gentile ruler Nebuchadnezzar was rising to power and would be invading nation after nation. Paul used these words to warn the Jews that, if they did not believe and receive the Gospel, they would perish like the unbelieving Israel of days past. He preached the Gospel of the grace of God (see v. 43), the message we are to proclaim today.
What were the results? Some Jews and Gentile proselytes immediately believed. It is obvious that these religious people, trained in the Scriptures, would be best prepared to receive the message. The next week the whole city was gathered together! This meant that the Gentile believers had spread the word among their friends, so that the majority of the congregation that Sabbath Day was Gentile. This provoked the Jews to jealousy and they hindered Paul's ministry, so he turned from them to a ministry among the Gentiles. He explained his action in v. 46; according to God's program outlined in the OT, it was necessary that the Word go to the Jews first; but now that they had (like their brethren in Jerusalem) proved themselves unworthy, the message would go to the Gentiles. Paul quoted Isa. 49:6, where God said that Christ (the "I" does not refer to Paul) was a Light to the Gentiles. See also Luke 2:29-32.
Do not "tone down" the phrase in v. 48 that indicates that certain people were "ordained to eternal life." The Gk. word actually means "enrolled," and has the idea of names written in a book. While salvation is by grace, through faith, there is also that mysterious working of God whereby we are "chosen in Christ" (Eph. 1:4). Therefore we offer the Gospel to all and have confidence that the Spirit will choose. Of course, where the seed is bearing fruit, Satan comes to oppose; and he can use "religious people" to do the work. (ibid)

True Christianity does not persecute anyone, but religious people have persecuted and murdered in the name of Christ. (For Paul's comment on persecution see 2 Tim. 3:11.) The opposition did not stop Paul and his associates; filled with joy and the Holy Spirit, they continued to minister the Word.
Acts 14
This chapter records the completion of Paul's first missionary journey. You will want to refer to a map and trace it for yourself.
The Missionaries Suffer for Christ (14:1-20)
Wherever the Gospel is preached and some believe, you will find division and disturbance. See John 7:43, 9:16, and 10:19; also Luke 12:49-53. Even today, many Christians suffer at home because of loved ones who have rejected Christ. But the opposition did not stop Paul and Barnabas; instead, they stayed in the city and continued to preach. God honored their faith by granting signs and wonders. These miracles were proof that Paul was an apostle of God (2 Cor. 12:12) and would have an effect on the Jews (see 1 Cor. 1:22) and the Gentiles (Rom. 15:18-19). When the men discovered a plot to stone them, they left for Lystra and Derbe and there preached the Word. See Matt. 10:23.
At Lystra, Paul was enabled to perform a great miracle by healing a notable cripple. It is interesting to compare the ministries of Peter and Paul at this point: both healed a lame man (3:1-8; 14:8-12); both dealt with Satanic pretenders (8:18-24; 13:4-12); both were released from prison miraculously (12:5-10; 16:25-29); both raised the dead (9:40; 20:12); both performed special miracles (5:15-16; 28:8).
This miracle was accepted by the heathen citizens as proof that Paul and Barnabas were their gods come to earth; they named Barnabas "Jupiter" (or Zeus, the chief of the gods), and Paul they named "Mercury" (or Hermes, the messenger of the gods). The local priest of Jupiter was ready to offer sacrifices when they stopped them. (ibid)

Paul took advantage of the situation to preach the Word to the crowd. Note that he did not use the OT Scriptures as he did in the synagogue service, but rather reasoned with these Gentiles on the basis of God's works in creation. Compare this sermon (given here in vv. 15-17 in brief) to Paul's message in Athens (17:16-34) and his statements in Romans 1:20ff. The works of God in nature leave the heathen "without excuse."
Paul's message was rejected, and the people stoned him and left him for dead. We wonder if Paul remembered the day he led the Jews in stoning Stephen. "Once I was stoned," he wrote later (2 Cor. 11:25); and in Gal. 6:17 he mentions the "brands" or marks he had on his body because of his suffering for Christ. Some students believe that Paul actually died and was raised from the dead miraculously, and they suggest that Paul's "third heaven" experience was at this time (2 Cor. 12:1-4). Years later, Paul reminded Timothy of these sufferings (2 Tim. 3:11). It is probable that Timothy was converted to Christ at this point (see Acts 14:6 with 16:1).
The Missionaries Confirm the Churches (14:21-24)
Evangelism is not enough; there must be teaching and encouragement from the Word. This is why Paul established local churches wherever God led him. The local church is the one place the believer should be able to get a dependable diet of spiritual food, find Christian fellowship, and discover opportunities for service. We thank God for the many fine evangelistic organizations and programs that are winning souls today, but none of them can replace the local church.
Courageously, the missionaries returned to the very cities where their lives had been in danger. No wonder later on they had the reputation for being men who "hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 15:26). Paul and Barnabas were not thinking of themselves but of those new Christians who needed spiritual help and guidance. (ibid)

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in the churches. The Gk. word translated "appointed" has a double significance: it means "to designate" as well as "to elect by popular vote." Apparently the apostles selected the best candidates (see 1 Tim. 3 and Titus 1:5ff for the qualifications), and then the whole church voted as the Spirit guided them. This is the way church government ought to be. There is nothing in the Bible about a hierarchy of church leaders. If you will compare Titus 1:5 and 7, and Acts 20:17 and 28, you will see that the terms "bishop" and "elder" refer to the same office, the office of the pastor. Paul did not ordain the leaders until the return trip to the churches so as to give the men a chance to be tested. "Lay hands suddenly on no man," he warned (1 Tim. 5:22).
The Missionaries Report to the Home Church (14:25-28)
While boards and denominations can assist in the legal and technical aspects of sending out missionaries, the final responsibility lies with the local church. This is why Paul and Barnabas reported to the believers at Antioch, from whence they had been sent out in "the work" (see 13:2, 14:26, and 15:38). What a blessed meeting that must have been as these first missionaries reported what God had done! Remember that Acts records what Jesus "continued to do and teach" after He returned to heaven (Acts 1:2), so the work was really His.
The Spirit directed Paul in his work, and it is important that we follow these same principles today.
A. He worked in key cities.
For the most part, the places where Paul worked were important cities in the various provinces. Paul did not remain in some isolated corner; he attacked the great centers of population. This was where his strategic evangelism began. Then his converts reached out to the smaller towns in the area.
B. He established local churches.
His ministry was not a one-man affair, nor did it have a central headquarters for telling others what to do. He won souls to Christ and then organized them into local churches that had their own leaders. (ibid)

Of course, this meant teaching the people the Word and building them up in the faith. Today, we have many "support ministries" that are vital (schools, hospitals, radio and TV broadcasts, etc.), but all of them must assist in the winning of the lost and the building of the churches.
C. He taught the believers how to do the job.
Paul knew that missionaries must eventually make themselves dispensable. They must train new converts to carry on the ministry themselves. After all, 100 people in a local church can do 100 times the work any one missionary can do, and they know the language and culture of their own people. Ten years later, writing to the Romans (15:19 and 23), Paul was able to say that the entire area had been evangelized! How did he do it? He won converts, established churches, and trained Christians how to do the job. See 1 Thes. 1-2 for another example.
Our purpose is to evangelize, which simply means to give as many people as possible at least one opportunity to hear the Gospel. We know that not everyone will be saved, but we owe to everyone at least one chance to hear about Christ and the cross. Paul evangelized the Roman world without printing press, a radio station, television, airplanes, or any of the modern devices available to us. How much more we ought to be able to accomplish in this day of scientific wonders! "To whom much is given, much shall be required" (Luke 12:48).
Acts 15 - The Dissension at Antioch (15:1-2)

Whenever God's work is progressing, Satan begins to oppose it, and he usually works through lies. The reason many churches are ineffective today is because they believe "religious lies" instead of God's Word. Certain Jews from the Jerusalem church (v. 5 and 24) had gone to Antioch and told the Gentile Christians that their salvation was not valid unless they were circumcised and obeyed the law of Moses. (ibid)

Certainly Paul had not so preached (see 13:38-40)! Paul and Barnabas disputed with them, and it was decided to take the issue to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. This was purely a voluntary decision and does not in any way indicate that a "denominational hierarchy" was intended to govern the affairs of the local church. Actually, Paul was expressly commanded by God to go to Jerusalem; see Gal. 2:1-2. "I went up by revelation" (v. 2) literally means, "I went up in obedience to, or guided by, a divine revelation." God wanted Paul to affirm once and for all the place of the Gentiles in His program.
It was easy for these Jewish believers to be confused about God's program. They knew the OT teaching that the Gentiles could be saved only through Israel. The only Gentiles that the Jerusalem church had seen saved were won by Peter, not Paul, and this had been a special act of God (Acts 11:18). News traveled slowly in those days, and they did not know all that God had done through Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey. These men were sincere, but they were sincerely wrong. As Paul explains in Gal. 2:6-ff, they preached a "gospel," but it was an incomplete gospel. They believed in the death and resurrection of Christ, but they had not yet progressed to see God's program for the Gentiles through the Apostle Paul.
The Deliberation at Jerusalem (15:3-21)
It appears that there were at least four different meetings involved in this strategic conference: (1) a public meeting during which the church welcomed Paul and his party (v. 4); (2) a private conference between Paul and the key leaders (Gal. 2:2); (3) a second public meeting at which time the strong Jewish party presented their case (Acts 15:5 and Gal. 2:3-5); and (4) the council proper which made the final decisions (Acts 15:6ff). Read Gal. 1-2 carefully as it gives Paul's report of the matter. The debate continued and no progress was in sight until Peter arose and made his speech. It is interesting to note that his final act in Acts was to endorse Paul and his ministry, as did also Peter's last written words (2 Peter 3:15-16). (ibid)

Peter reviewed God's dealings with him relative to the Gentiles (Acts 10-11), emphasizing that God Himself had accepted the Gentiles by giving them the same Spirit He had given the Jews at Pentecost. They were saved by faith (v. 9) and grace (v. 11). Note what he says in v. 11: "We [Jews] shall be saved even as they!" It is not, "They should be saved the way we were," but the reverse. Not only was the law not applicable to the Gentiles, but it was no longer applicable to the Jews! "By grace, through faith" is the message, not "obey Moses and be circumcised."
Paul and his party were the next witnesses, and their reports of God's work among the Gentiles completely silenced the opposition. Then James took the floor and gave the final decision. This James is the Lord's brother who had become the leader of the Jerusalem church in Peter's place. His words in vv. 14-21 must be understood if the church is to carry on God's program in this age. What is God doing today? He is taking out from the Gentiles a people for His name. Jew and Gentile stand on the same ground as sinners before God, and the program of "to the Jew first" no longer applies.
But what about the promises to the Jews concerning the kingdom? James answered this in vv. 15-17, quoting from Amos 9:11-12. Note that James did not say that the calling out of the Gentiles is a fulfillment of Amos's prophecy, for the church is nowhere prophesied in the OT. James said that Amos's words agree with this new program: afterward, when the full number of Gentiles is saved, Christ will return and build again the house of David ("tabernacle" means "house" or "family," 2 Sam. 7:25-29) and establish the kingdom for Israel. Read Rom. 9:29-33 and 11:1-36 for Paul's explanation of this new program. Romans 11:25 is key: "hardening in part has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in" (NKJV). When the full number of Gentiles has been saved, then the church will be raptured, followed by a time of tribulation for seven years during which Israel shall be purged. Finally Christ shall return to earth to restore David's throne.
(ibid)

The council agreed with this decision and wrote letters concerning it to the Gentile churches, sending these letters with Paul and his associates. These admonitions were not official dogmas handed down by a superior body; they were wise suggestions that spiritual men had received as led by the Holy Spirit. Compare vv. 25 and 28. These prohibitions were not another "Law" but were rather admonitions that would help the Gentile Christians in their relationship with Jews, both saved and unsaved. Compare v. 29 with Gen. 9:1-5.
The tragedy is that the decision of the Jerusalem Council is rarely heeded today. Far too many churches are still following the emphasis in the early part of Acts, seeking to "bring in the kingdom." Others try to "mix Peter and Paul" by making strange combinations of law and grace, of Israel and the church. It's time we began to listen to the chosen messenger to the Gentiles, God's special prophet to the church, the Apostle Paul. There is a curse pronounced on any who do not preach the Gospel of the grace of God (Gal. 1:6-9), and this does not apply only to "modernist" interpreters of the Gospel. It applies equally to churches where the Word of God is not rightly divided, and where kingdom truth is mixed with church truth.
The Dispute Between Paul and Barnabas (15:36-41)
It is sad when Christians agree doctrinally (v. 12) but not personally. Since he was related to Mark, Barnabas did have an obligation to help the young man; but Paul felt that Mark was a failure. Perhaps both men were too severe, for later Paul accepted Mark (2 Tim. 4:11), and God used him to write the second Gospel. While Paul and Barnabas were ministering at Antioch, Peter had come up and debated Paul again about the Gentiles. Read Gal. 2:11-21, and note that even Barnabas was "carried away" by the Jews' hypocrisy. This may have been another reason why Paul chose Silas as he started on his second journey, for Silas had been a faithful servant (see 15:22 and 32). "There are differences of administrations, but the same Lord" (1 Cor. 12:5).
(ibid)

Friday, April 15th

Acts 16 - New Helpers (16:1-5)

You should read 15:36-41 to see how Barnabas and Paul severed their missionary partnership and took new associates. John Mark had failed, as far as Paul was concerned; but Barnabas, being a relative of Mark's, was willing to give the young man another chance. We regret differences between believers, but we are grateful that God can overrule even the mistakes of men for His own glory!
Silas had been a key man in the Jerusalem church and was a prophet. He had shared with Paul in the ministry at Antioch, so they were not strangers to one another. Timothy, who took John Mark's place, was a youth who had been saved when Paul visited Lystra on his first missionary journey (14:6-22). Timothy witnessed Paul's sufferings in Lystra (2 Tim. 3:10-11) and had proved himself worthy of Christian service. Timothy was dear to Paul's heart; Paul called him "my son in the faith" (1 Tim. 1:2). If older, mature Christians do not "adopt" younger believers, who will fill in the ranks when God calls the "veterans" home? See 2 Tim. 2:1-2 for Paul's instruction on this matter. Timothy had been raised by a godly mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5 and 3:15). The prophets of the church, with spiritual vision, predicted great things for this young man (1 Tim. 1:18 and 4:14).
Timothy's circumcision had nothing to do with salvation (Gal. 2:1-4). This was not an act of disobedience toward the council (Acts 15:1ff). Rather, it was done to remove a stumbling block from the Jews to whom Paul and Timothy would be ministering (1 Cor. 9:20). Being the son of a Gentile father and Jewish mother, Timothy did not have to be circumcised; but being a child of God, he wanted to do nothing that would cause the Jews to stumble. Check on your map the places mentioned in vv. 6-8. Paul and his group ministered the Word in these towns, but the Spirit did not permit them to go east into Bithynia. "Asia" in v. 6 does not mean the great continent we know today; rather, it was an area which we today call Asia Minor. However, had Paul gone east to Bithynia and continued in that direction, the Orient would have received the Gospel before Europe. Note that Peter ministered to these areas (1 Peter 1:1). (ibid)

Saturday, June16th

New Opportunities (16:6-12)

Paul was sensitive to the leading of the Spirit. Acts is truly the "Acts of the Holy Spirit," since He was at work in the lives of the apostles. God gave Paul a vision which instructed him to cross over the Aegean Sea into Macedonia. Some think that Luke (the author of Acts) was the man in the vision, because in v. 10 it says "we" rather than "they." At any rate, Doctor Luke joined them at Troas. See also 20:6-7.
New Christians (16:13-40)
Philippi was a Roman colony, named after Philip of Macedon, who had conquered that area in the fourth century B.C. Roman colonies were actually "little Romes," cities that followed Roman laws and customs; and the indication is that there were not many Jews in the area, for they did not have a synagogue. In his ministry here at Philippi Paul met three different kinds of sinners and saw them won to Christ:
A religious woman with an open heart (vv. 13-15). Paul opened his European ministry by attending a ladies' prayer meeting! Lydia was a well-to-do merchant who had turned from pagan idolatry to worship the God of Israel. Not only did God open the doors for Paul to come to Europe, but He also opened Lydia's heart and she was saved. She shared the message with her household and they were also saved. The fact that Paul had these new Gentile converts baptized is evidence that he was fulfilling the commission of Matt. 28:19-20. The word "household" implies that the members of the family (and the slaves) who understood the Word, believed and were saved, and then were baptized. There is no evidence that infants were baptized, here or anywhere else in the Book of Acts.
A slave girl with a possessed heart (vv. 16-18). Paul and his company lived at Lydia's house and went to the prayer meetings with her. Satan is always at hand to oppose the work of the Lord, and in this case he used a slave girl. Note that her words appeared to be friendly to the apostles, as though she were promoting the work of the Lord. Satan came as an angel of light, using flattery (2 Cor. 11:13-15); but Christ never needs Satan's help in promoting the Gospel. (ibid)

Sunday, June 17th

A man with a hard heart - Acts 16:19-40

It takes little imagination to see that this Roman jailer was a typical calloused official with no sympathy for man and no interest in Christ. Even though Paul and Silas had been humiliated and beaten, the jailer added to their sufferings by thrusting them into the inner prison and putting their feet in the stocks.
Paul and Silas praised God instead of complaining! What a testimony this meeting was! At midnight, God went to work and shook the prison so that all the prisoners were released. If a Roman jailer lost a prisoner, it meant his own life would be taken; so it is no wonder that the jailer, on awakening, tried to commit suicide. Satan the murderer was at work again; for had Paul not called out and stopped him, that jailer would have died and gone to hell. As it was, Paul's love and God's grace reached the man's heart, and he was converted.
It is in this passage that so-called "household salvation" is refuted. Children cannot be saved simply because their parents are saved, nor are infants or unbelieving children to be baptized. The promise of salvation was to the entire jailer's household (v. 31); the preaching was heard by the household (v. 32); the entire household was baptized (v. 33); but it was because the entire household believed (v. 34)! By no stretch of the imagination can we conceive of infants understanding the Word and believing! The jailer proved he had truly been converted by washing the apostles' wounds and feeding them in his own house. When a man opens his heart to Christ, his home should be opened as well.
Some Christians are puzzled by Paul's actions in vv. 35-40. Why did Paul humiliate the Roman officials by making them settle the case openly? Paul was simply making use of his Roman citizenship and legal rights to give proper respect to the Gospel and the new church he had just established. Had Paul quietly moved out of town, the citizens would have thought he had been guilty; and this would have hindered the work of the church. No, it is not wrong for Christians to use their legal rights, so long as it promotes the cause of Christ. This official apology gave dignity to the Gospel and to the church. (ibid)

Monday, June 18th

Acts 17 Thessalonica: Opposing the Word (17:1-9)

As we continue traveling with Paul on his second missionary journey, we see him in three different cities, and we see three different reactions to the Gospel.
Thessalonica was a busy city situated on the main highway to Rome. There were many Jews in the city, so Paul started (as was his policy) in the synagogue, reasoning with them for three weeks. He opened the Scriptures to them, which is the duty of all who teach or preach the Word. (See Luke 24:32.) Some Jews believed; a multitude of Greeks (Jewish proselytes) believed; and many of the leading women. But, as is always the case, Satan brought opposition from the unbelievers.
The Jews used "the rabble" from the marketplace to oppose Paul. The apostles had been staying with one Jason, so it was on his house that the mob centered its attack. If he is the same Jason mentioned in Rom. 16:21, then he was a kinsman to Paul, which would explain his hospitality and the reason for the attack. Note that their false accusation parallels the one made against Christ in Luke 23:2. If you read 1 and 2 Thessalonians (which Paul wrote from Corinth a little while later) you can see what a broad scope of doctrine Paul had given these people in just a few weeks. He told them of the coming kingdom of Christ, the rise of the man of sin, and many other important matters. We must never feel that new believers are too immature to receive the whole counsel of God. Paul's ministry must have been very effective, for the enemy accused him of turning the world upside down!
Berea: Receiving the Word (17:10-14)
That night, Paul, Silas, and Timothy (v. 14) set off for Berea, forty miles away. They left behind a local church that continued to witness for Christ. In fact, Paul congratulated them for getting the Gospel out so effectively (1 Thes. 1:6-10). This is the true NT pattern: win converts, teach them (1 Thes. 2), and challenge them to win others. Berea was where God wanted the missionaries to go. How refreshing it must have been to meet Jews such as those in Berea! God knew that Paul and his company needed encouragement and refreshment, and they found both at Berea. We today should follow the example of the Bereans: (1) they received the Word; (2) they were of ready mind, prepared for the Word; (3) they searched the Scriptures and tested what the preacher said; (4) they studied the Word daily. (ibid)

Tuesday, June 19th

Athens: Mocking the Word (17:15-34)

Paul came to Athens as a sightseer and became a soul-winner! This famous city was a center of religion and culture, but all Paul could see was sin and superstition; one ancient writer said it was easier to find a god than a man in Athens. Paul disputed with the Jews in the synagogue, but had little or no success. He then followed the pattern of the Greek teachers and took his message to the market (agora) where the men assembled to discuss philosophy or to transact business.
Two main philosophies controlled Athens at that time. The Stoics were materialistic and almost fatalistic in their thinking. Their system was built on pride and personal independence. Nature was their god, and they believed that all nature was gradually moving toward a great climax. We might say that they were pantheistic. The Epicureans desired pleasure, and their philosophy was grounded in experience, not reason. They were almost atheistic. Here we have two extremes in philosophy, and Paul confronted them both with the Gospel of Christ. The Athenians scorned him, calling him a "babbler," which means "a seed picker." They thought he was preaching two new gods when he spoke of "Jesus and the resurrection." ("Resurrection" in Gk. is anastasia, and perhaps they took this for a proper name.) The Greeks led him to the Areopagus, their official court, also called Mars' Hill.
He began politely by saying, "I see that you are very religious" (not "too superstitious" as in KJV). He called attention to an altar dedicated "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD," and he used this object to preach to them the True God about whom they were ignorant. (ibid)
[There were so many gods among the Athenians, and every one had a statue or a stone altar where they worshipped or offered sacrifices to that particular god. I have had the pleasure of preaching at Mar's Hill on two occasions and of course used this Bible text to share with the people that were there. It was interesting the not only our group on tour were there to listen, but others gathered around to listen to the message. There were also people from France, Canada, England, Japan and other countries of the world. RJS]

Wednesday, June 20th

Paul's Sermon contained the Following four Points

A. He is the Creator (vv. 24-25).
The Greeks believed different theories about creation, and even held to a form of evolution. Paul clearly stated that God created everything and did not live in temples made by men. God gives life to all; man can really give nothing to Him.
B. He is the Governor (vv. 26-29).
He appoints the boundaries of the nations. Through His government of the nations, He seeks to make men seek Him and find Him. Paul even quoted a Greek writer (v. 28) to show that God is the sustainer of life. This does not mean the Greek poet was inspired, but rather that his statement agreed with divine truth. Again Paul diplomatically pointed out that their temples and images were foolish and ignorant. We need this reminder today!
C. He is the Savior (v. 30).
Paul wipes away the great Greek culture by calling it "times of ignorance"! With all their wisdom and culture, the Greeks failed to find God (see 1 Corinthians 1:18-ff). God has commanded men everywhere to repent; and if they repent and believe, He will forgive.
D. He is the Judge (v. 31).
God has appointed a day of judgment, and the Judge will be His Son, Jesus Christ. God proved this by raising Him from the dead. If we trust Christ today, He will save us; if we reject Him, tomorrow He will judge us.
The reactions of the listeners were mixed: some mocked (this is often the attitude of pagan culture and philosophy); some delayed; but some believed!
This chapter presents three different attitudes toward the Gospel, and we find these same attitudes in the world today. Some people openly oppose the Word; some mock it or postpone making a decision; and some receive the Word and believe. Paul kept right on going as a faithful servant, and so must we, "for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Gal. 6:9). (ibid)

Thursday, June 21st

Acts 18 - From Athens to Corinth

From Athens, Paul made his way to Corinth, one of the greatest cities of that day. It was famous for several things: its bronze and pottery works; its great sporting events that were comparable to the Olympics; and its immorality and wickedness. From a cultured, refined city like Athens, Paul took the Gospel to the wicked city of Corinth, and by the grace of God established a church there!
I. Paul Finds New Friends (18:1-3)
It was customary for Jewish fathers to teach their sons a trade, even if the sons were going to be rabbis. Paul's trade was tentmaking, a skill which he used profitably to support his ministry at Corinth (see 1 Cor. 9:15). It was through his trade that he met a Christian couple with whom he lived and ministered while establishing the church in Corinth. How it must have rejoiced Paul's heart to fellowship with these saints! Paul had no home of his own, and his travels made it difficult to fellowship for long in any one place. Priscilla and Aquila later went with him to Ephesus where they instructed Apollos (vv. 18, 24-28). They had a Christian gathering in their house in Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:19), but later Paul greeted them in Rome (Rom. 16:3). They are good examples to us of Christians who open their hearts and homes to serve the Lord.
In vv. 24-28 we find Priscilla and Aquila explaining the Gospel of grace to the visiting speaker, Apollos. He knew only the baptism of John, which meant he had never learned of the baptism of the Spirit and the founding of the church. Instead of embarrassing him in public, Priscilla and Aquila took him home and taught him the Word. Apollos proves to us that it is possible to have eloquence, zeal, and sincerity, and still be wrong! God led Apollos to Corinth, and there God gave him a mighty ministry (see 1 Cor. 3:6; 16:12).
We might add one word about Paul's employment at Corinth. He himself recognized that his practice of earning his own bread was unique. The scriptural pattern is that "they which preach the Gospel should live from the Gospel" (1 Cor. 9:14, NKJV).
(ibid)

Friday, June 22nd

Paul Establishes a New Church (18:4-17)

Paul began in the synagogue, but that witness lasted but a short time; then he turned to the Gentiles. (See 13:46.) At this same time, he moved out of the house of Priscilla and Aquila and moved in with a Gentile named Justus who was a Jewish proselyte and whose house was near the synagogue. Apparently Paul did not want to bring difficulties to his Jewish host and hostess, now that he had turned to the Gentiles. But v. 8 tells us that the chief ruler of the synagogue had believed, as did many of the Corinthians! Note the sequence in v. 8: hearing, believing, being baptized. This is the pattern today. In 1 Cor. 1:14-17, Paul informs us that he himself baptized some in Corinth (1 Cor. 1:11-17), which proves that water baptism is commanded for this age.
It is likely that Silas and Timothy (v. 5) did most of the baptizing, since Paul's special commission was to evangelize. God gave Paul a special promise of success, and he continued for eighteen months in the city. A change in political leaders brought about new opposition, but Paul still tarried (v. 18) to preach and teach. Note that there is a new ruler of the synagogue, Sosthenes (v. 17, see also v. 8). It seems that Chrispus's salvation made it necessary for the Jews to elect a new ruler; but if the Sosthenes of v. 17 is the same one named in 1 Cor. 1:1, then he was also converted! Note that those who were baptized were believers (v. 8); this list excludes infants.
Paul Finishes His Second Journey (18:18-22)
The vow mentioned in v. 18 poses a problem, and perhaps we cannot answer all the questions it raises. Since it involved letting the hair grow, this may have been a Nazirite vow (Num. 6). The hair was cut at the close of the period of the vow, and this Paul did at Cenchrea, the seaport of Corinth.
It is possible that this vow was taken after God had delivered Paul and his associates during the uprising described in vv. 12-17. The vow may have been made in thanksgiving to God, since such vows were purely voluntary.
(ibid)

Saturday, June 23rd

God's Grace vs. Jewish Legalism

For the Jews, Paul became as a Jew (see 1 Cor. 9:19-23), not in compromise, but in courtesy. Certainly Paul knew that there were no merits in such vows, nor is he necessarily setting an example for us as believers today. The Apostle Paul clearly understood the meaning of God's grace and was not stepping back into legalism or ceremonial practices. Apparently, the completion of this vow in Jerusalem was uppermost in his mind, so much so that he did not tarry at Ephesus even though the Jews asked him to stay.
Paul returned to Antioch and reported to the church. He also saluted the brethren at Jerusalem. After some time (perhaps several months), Paul revisited the churches to establish them in the faith. If you will review Galatians, you will see why: the "Judaizing" teachers had invaded these young churches and were teaching the new converts that they had to obey the law of Moses. Paul was burdened for the churches and so made the trip again to teach them the Word and confirm them in the faith. Luke records this third journey in Acts 19:1-21:16. Most of the record deals with his great ministry for three years in Ephesus.
Acts 19 - Paul and Twelve Ignorant Disciples 19:1-12
This chapter tells of Paul's wonderful ministry in Ephesus and relates his contacts with three groups of people.
It is likely that these twelve men were converts of Apollos before he came to a full understanding of the Gospel (18:24-28). All that this eloquent preacher knew then was the teaching of John the Baptist; and after Priscilla and Aquila instructed him, he apparently was not able to impart this new knowledge to his converts, since Ephesus was such a large city. When Paul met these twelve men, he detected something lacking in their spiritual lives. Paul's question (v. 2) should read, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" To base a doctrine of "a second blessing" on this verse is wrong. The Spirit comes into our lives when we believe on Christ, not afterward (Eph. 1:13-14). The men replied, "We did not know that the Holy Spirit had been given."
(ibid)

Sunday, June 24th

Twelve Men - Continued

They knew there was a Holy Spirit, of course, because John the Baptist had promised a future baptism of the Spirit (Matt. 3:11). What they did not know is that this baptism had already taken place, on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 1:5 and 2:4) and in the home of the Gentile Cornelius (10:44-45 and 11:15-16).
Next, Paul asked about their baptism. Note that he assumes they had been baptized, another indication that water baptism is the expected and accepted thing for Christians. Why did Paul ask about their baptism when the real issue was the presence of the Spirit in their lives? In the Book of Acts, there is a definite relationship between water baptism and the Holy Spirit. Since Apollos had been their teacher, the only baptism they knew was John's baptism. But John's baptism was no longer valid. In other words, these twelve men were not saved: they had believed an outdated message ("Christ is coming") and had received an outdated baptism (the baptism of repentance). They were sincere, as was Apollos, but they were sincerely wrong.
Suppose they had answered Paul, "We were baptized on the Day of Pentecost after hearing Peter preach." Then they should have received the Spirit since in Acts 2:38 the Spirit was promised to all who repented and were baptized. If they had not received the Spirit, then it was evidence they had not truly believed. Or suppose they had replied, "We were baptized in Samaria" (Acts 8). Then they should have received the Spirit by the laying on of hands (8:17 and 9:17). Or suppose they had said, "We were in the house of Cornelius and heard Peter preach." Then they would have received the Spirit immediately upon believing (10:44-45) and would have been baptized in water. When they told Paul they had been baptized with John's baptism, he knew they were unsaved. They were believing a message that was no longer valid, since Christ had come, died, and gone back to heaven. Of course, Luke does not record all that Paul told these men. But they believed the message of the Gospel (that Christ had already come and died) and were baptized with Christian baptism. They received the Spirit with the laying on of Paul's hands and gave evidence of it by speaking with tongues. (ibid)

Monday, June 25th

Twelve Men - Continued

This is the last time you find in Acts speaking with tongues as proof of the receiving of the Spirit. These twelve men became part of the nucleus of the church of Ephesus. The fact that God departed from the usual order and granted them the Spirit through the laying on of Paul's hands was proof that Paul was equal to the other apostles and therefore God's servant for establishing the church. This entire event points up several truths: (1) sinners must believe the right message before they can be saved; (2) baptism is important, but the kind of baptism described in Acts 2:38 is not intended for the church today; (3) a Christian can lead others only where he has been himself; (4) Paul was God's messenger and had equal standing with the other apostles.
Paul and Seven Jewish Pretenders (19:8-20)
Paul spent three years in Ephesus (20:31): three months in the synagogue, two years teaching in rented rooms at the school of Tyrannus, and about nine months in various places (19:8-10 and 22). All Asia heard the Word, for Paul taught the believers to pass the Word on to others. God attested to Paul's ministry with special miracles, an indication that such activities are not normal for ministry today. The use and sale of "prayer cloths and handkerchiefs" today is unscriptural. Seven Jewish men tried to imitate Paul's power (Satan is a great imitator), but their plan backfired and the demons left them naked and wounded. This event helped spread the Gospel, and many former sorcerers and magicians (dabblers in spiritualism and other Satanic practices) brought their books and burned them. Ephesus was a city noted for magical arts, and Satan was behind the whole program. It's wonderful to see the Gospel penetrates Satan's strongholds!
[There is no sin so great that Grace cannot abound. Ministers have heard men say that they could no be saved because of the greatness of their sins, but this is not true. God's grace reaches down and saves the lowest of sinners and calls them into the ministry. John Newton, the writer of "Amazing Grace" was a slaver. Before he died he said, "I remember two things: I was a great sinner, and Christ is a great Saviour." RJS] (ibid)

Tuesday, June 26th

Paul and the Silversmiths (19:21-41)

Where Satan could not succeed in hindering the Gospel through the ignorant disciples or the Jewish pretenders, he almost succeeded with the businessmen and merchants of the city. Ephesus prided itself on being custodian of the image of the goddess Diana that was supposed to have fallen from heaven. Wherever you find superstition, you often find the exhibition and sale of such religious items. Remember the sale of sacrifices in the Jewish temple? True Gospel preaching always runs head-on into such superstitious money-making schemes, and Ephesus was no exception. The guild (or union) of silversmiths pretended that their concern was for the religion of the city, but their real worry was loss of business! The Gospel had so stirred the city that people were turning from idols to the true God, and this was hurting "religious" sales. During the Welsh Revival, it is reported that scores of taverns went out of business for lack of customers!
The silversmiths used religion to generate emotion among the people, and the result was a mob. The whole city was filled with confusion (v. 29) which proves the situation was born of the devil, for God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33). The citizens rushed into the huge outdoor theater that seated at least 25,000 people. Wisely, Paul's friends prevented him from entering, for it is likely that the apostle would have been arrested by the authorities or even killed by the mob. The town clerk (city secretary) quieted the mob, warned them that they were in danger of breaking the law and sent them all home.
Satan was anxious to prevent the establishing of a strong church in Ephesus. This city had been one of his strongholds for years, with its superstition, idolatry, and magical practices. Demonic activity had prevailed in Ephesus, but now the Spirit of God was at work. What if Paul had not detected the shallowness of the profession of those twelve men and had tried to build a local church on their testimony? The work would have failed! What if those Jews had been able to counterfeit Paul's miracles? What if the mob had taken Paul and his associates and arrested or killed them? Would we have had the wonderful Epistle to the Ephesians? Satan did not want a church at Ephesus.

Wednesday, June 27th

Paul and the Silversmiths (19:21-41)

Yet God established one there; and a reading of the book of Ephesians proves that it was perhaps the most spiritual church Paul ever founded. That wonderful epistle outlines church truth in a clear way, and this is what Satan did not want.
Satan still hinders the work of the Lord in these three ways: false believers with an inadequate spiritual experience, counterfeits, and open opposition. But we may overcome the adversary if we trust God, depend on the power of the Spirit, and preach the Word of God.
Keep in mind that whenever God advanced His program and established a new center, He put His seal of approval on the ministry with special miracles. When the Gospel moved from Jerusalem to Samaria, it was accompanied by attesting miracles, tongues, and the laying on of hands (Acts 8:5-17). Note that in Samaria, Satan tried to hinder the work through a magician. In Acts 9, when Paul was won to Christ, there was a light from heaven, a voice, and the laying on of hands. In Acts 10, when the Gospel came to the Gentiles, they spoke in tongues and magnified God. Now, the Gospel moves to the great city of Ephesus, a city controlled by Satan, and again God bore witness to His work and workers by giving "special miracles" (see 19:11). Satan resisted with counterfeit workers and miracles, but the Spirit proved them false.
It is important to keep in mind the role Apollos played in this controversy. This able preacher went from Ephesus to Corinth (19:1) and became part of a church split involving him, Peter, and Paul (see 1 Cor. 1 and 3). Paul had founded the church at Corinth and laid the foundation. Apollos came along to build on that foundation. Soon the church was divided three ways: one group followed Paul, the founder; another followed Apollos, the builder; and a third group wanted to follow "true apostolic leadership," so they chose Peter! These leaders did not cause or encourage these divisions, but they came just the same, and part of the cause was the church's refusal to accept Paul's apostolic commission (1 Cor. 9:1ff.).

Thursday, June 28th

Paul and the Silversmiths (19:21-41)

Now transfer this situation to Ephesus. Here are twelve men, converts of Apollos and the nucleus of the Ephesian church. Suppose God had granted them the Spirit when they believed (as in Acts 10)? They would always have looked to Apollos as their leader, and not Paul; the ministry in Ephesus would have been divided from the very first. It was Apollos who had taught them and baptized them, and they would have questioned the leadership of Paul.
No, God used Paul to give these men a fresh beginning; and from these twelve men he built a great church in Ephesus. Had He not worked in this way, we might not have had the magnificent Epistle to the Ephesians, with its glorious truths of the Head and the Body. Satan would have scored another victory!
John's baptism was a baptism of anticipation of the Spirit's coming; water baptism today symbolizes the realization of this Spirit baptism in our lives because of the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Acts 20 - Paul and the Local Church (20:1-12)
Soon after the riot described in chapter 19, Paul left Ephesus and made his way toward Macedonia, just as he had planned (19:21). At Troas, he expected to meet Titus and get a firsthand report of the situation in Corinth. He had sent Titus there to help correct some problems (2 Cor. 7:13-15 and 12:17-18). When Titus did not arrive, Paul continued to Macedonia, visiting the churches; there he met his fellow worker (2 Cor. 2:12-13). The report from Corinth encouraged him. He then spent three months in Greece, most of that time probably in Corinth. Here he wrote the Book Romans. The same Jewish opposition that had revealed itself in Corinth (Acts 18:12) before now appeared again (v. 3), so Paul left for Macedonia instead of heading for Syria. A number of Christians accompanied Paul, representatives of the churches that were contributing to the relief offering he was taking to Jerusalem. Luke joined the company at Philippi (note the "we" in v. 6), and they stayed at Troas seven days. (ibid)

Friday, June 29th

Paul's Desire to go to Jerusalem

It is here that we see Paul in a local church setting. The believers were accustomed to meeting together on Sunday, the first day of the week. Paul may have tarried those seven days just to be with the church of Troas. He was burdened to get to Jerusalem, yet he put the Lord and the Lord's Day first. His is a good example for all to follow. It is probable that Luke describes in vv. 7-8 an evening assembly of believers, since it is not likely that Paul would preach all day. What a joy it would be to hear the great apostle to the Gentiles expound the Word of God! Yet there was one man who fell asleep, fell down, and was taken up for dead. The "many lights" of the torches (v. 8) would fill the air with smoke and make the temperature warm, ideal conditions for falling asleep. Luke the physician reported that the man was dead; Paul, with faith in God's power, announced that life was in him and raised him from the dead. Paul then talked (not preached, v. 11) a long time with the believers, possibly after the assembly was dismissed, and then sailed the next day.
Is there a spiritual meaning behind this miracle? Eutychus (which means "fortunate") had done nothing deserving of God's help; yet because of God's grace, he was restored to life. He had fallen (all have fallen in Adam), and he was dead (all are dead in sin); he was given life by grace alone.
Paul and the Local Pastors (20:13-38)
Paul decided to walk alone the twenty miles that separated Troas from Assos. Perhaps he was seeking the mind of the Lord regarding his visit to Jerusalem. While he loved the fellowship of other saints (v. 4), he knew he must get alone with God and seek His mind. The exercise was also good for his body. At Miletus he sent for the elders of the Ephesian church. Keep in mind that the NT teaches that churches should have a plurality of pastors, and this would be especially true for a large church such as the one at Ephesus. These leaders are called elders and overseers (v. 28). Paul's address to the Ephesian pastors reveals the way he ministered to the local church.

Saturday, June 30th

Paul and the Local Pastors (20:13-38)

Note that there are three special addresses by Paul in Acts: (1) to the Jews in 13:16-41; (2) to the Gentiles in 17:22-34; and (3) to the church in Ephesus 20:17ff.
A. Paul's past ministry (vv. 18-21).
Paul did nothing in secret; all men knew his message and his methods. He served the Lord, not man. He was a humble leader, not a proud dictator (see Peter's admonition in 1 Peter 5). He knew what it was to water the seed of the Word with tears (vv. 19, 31). Paul preached the whole counsel of God publicly and from house to house. He preached to all the people and exalted Jesus Christ. This is the pattern for the pastor to follow today.
B. Paul's present burden (vv. 22-24).
Paul was bound in his spirit (not the Holy Spirit) to go to Jerusalem. There is serious doubt whether Paul was in the direct will of God in this matter. He admits in v. 23 that the Holy Spirit had told him in city after city (probably through local prophets in the churches) that he would suffer at Jerusalem. In 21:4 and 10-14 he was expressly warned not to go to Jerusalem. Years before, after his conversion, he was instructed by Christ that his witness would not be heard in Jerusalem (22:18ff); yet Paul's love for his people compelled him to ignore these warnings and press on to Jerusalem. If he was not in God's direct will, he was in God's permissive will. God overruled this burden of his and took him to Rome as a prisoner (see 23:11). Note how Paul described his ministry in v. 24: "To testify to the Gospel of the grace of God" (NKJV).
C. Paul's warning of future danger (vv. 25-35).
Paul was not concerned about himself; he was concerned about the church and its future. He warned the pastors to take heed, first to themselves. If they failed in their personal spiritual walk, the whole church would suffer. Later Paul repeated this warning to Timothy (1 Tim. 4:16). Then he warned them to shepherd the church. As overseers they were responsible for guiding the flock, feeding it, and protecting it from spiritual attacks. How precious the church is to Christ.

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