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<Search><pages Count="108"><page Index="1"><![CDATA[Chapters 15-21]]></page><page Index="2"><![CDATA[]]></page><page Index="3"><![CDATA[Chapter 15]]></page><page Index="4"><![CDATA[THE BOOK OF ACTS

               CHAPTER 15


               LEGALISM VERSUS GRACE

               THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER 15

               We have been saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8) and are living in the dispensation of grace
               (Ephesians 3:2).  Through Jesus Christ, we have been given an abundance of grace and the gift
               of righteousness (Romans 5:17), but it is possible for us to frustrate that grace.  Romans 11:5-6
               says, “Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
               And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace.  But if it is of
               works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.”

               We must continually be on guard against legalism infiltrating the freedom found in the grace of
               God.  The automatic byproduct of God’s grace is works.  But often, legalism creeps in, and
               works become the focus of our Christian walk rather than grace.  This is when we begin serving
               God out of human effort rather than the grace of God.  We must always endeavor to remain in
               the grace of God.

               LEGALISM IN THE EARLY CHURCH

               Since the inception of the local church, legalism has tried to rob believers of the freedom of
               living by God’s grace.  The church in Jerusalem is no exception.  Since the day of Pentecost, the
               law has been creeping into the church and criticism has been building against the move of God
               among the Gentiles.

               Legalism versus grace has always been the issue with man.  From Adam and his leaves to Cain
               and his crops, we have fought this battle as long as Satan has been the god of this world.

               Until this time, legalism has been brewing under the surface and has even been addressed in
               part.  But in this chapter, it all comes to a head in the Jerusalem church.  The church at Antioch
               has been free to teach and operate in grace and faith.  Jealousy in Jerusalem brings this issue to
               the forefront at the first church council meeting recorded in Acts.  Jerusalem has been sliding
               into the law for many years and is critical of the move of God in Gentile areas of the world (Acts
               chapter 11).

               Many of the legalistic leaders in Jerusalem are truly born again.  These are priests who have
               been saved under the ministry of the disciples (6:7; 13:5).  They have not made a smooth
               transition into the church age and are trying to make a major issue of the law of Moses.  These
               people are called legalists.  They do not understand the proper agreement of grace, faith, and
               works, and are demanding all male Gentile converts be circumcised, and all converts observe
               the Mosaic law for spirituality.]]></page><page Index="5"><![CDATA[THE TRIUMPH OF THE POLICY OF GRACE (1-29)

               While in Antioch, some from Judea have been teaching that circumcision is a requirement of
               salvation.  Paul and Barnabas disagree vehemently with this teaching.  The disagreement is so
               great, the church at Antioch decides to send Paul and Barnabas to discuss the issue with the
               apostles and elders in the church at Jerusalem.

               They are warmly welcomed by the Jerusalem church, but still there is a sect of believers who
               are teaching that Gentile converts must be circumcised and required to follow the law of
               Moses.

               To resolve the issue, the apostles and elders meet together.  Peter argues against putting the
               yoke of legalism on the Gentile converts and also testifies of the signs and wonders God has
               performed among the Gentiles.  James, a respected leader, then argues that a letter should be
               written to the Gentile converts to abstain from eating food offered to idols, from eating meat of
               strangled animals, from consuming blood, and from sexual immorality, again proposing to
               impose legalism (aside from sexual immorality) upon the Gentile converts.

               The apostles, elders, and the entire church in Jerusalem choose delegates to travel with Paul
               and Barnabas back to Antioch to read the letter stating the requirements for the Gentile
               converts.  It does not include circumcision, but still muddles the message of grace.

               DISSENSION AND DEBATE IN THE EARLY CHURCH

               Act 15:1  And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except
               ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

               And certain men which came down from Judea (to Antioch) taught the brethren (Gentile
               believers), and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

               Just as the gospel has been taken to the ends of the world, now the legalistic Jews are also
               taking the law of Moses to the foreign field.  Legalism always persecutes grace (Galatians 2:4;
               4:29).  We are never born again by observing the law or any system of works (Galatians 2:16;
               Ephesians 2:8-9), nor are we spiritual because we observe works (Galatians 2:20-21).  The
               purpose of the law is to teach that we are all sinners and need a Savior (Romans 3:20; 5:20;
               Galatians 3:19).  Paul and Barnabas began to resist this teaching to protect the congregation at
               Antioch.  In religious circles, grace must be fought for (Galatians 5:1).

               Act 15:2  When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with
               them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to
               Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

               Paul does not try to “pray and love” the legalists out of Antioch or their false doctrine.  Love
               must stand up to legalism (Galatians 2:11-21; 5:12).  On this occasion, when Paul and Barnabas
               travel to Jerusalem, Titus is with them and will be used by Paul as proof of God’s grace]]></page><page Index="6"><![CDATA[(Galatians 2:1).  Because Paul is so strong, scriptural, and anointed, he cannot be challenged by
               the legalistic leaders at Jerusalem.  Instead of directly confronting Paul, they retreated and
               decided on a new tactic.  After Paul has taught and is no longer present, they have come in and
               persuaded the people to follow the law.  They discredit Paul after he leaves so he would not be
               there to defend himself.

               PAUL AND BARNABAS SENT TO JERUSALEM BY THE CHURCH

               Act 15:3  And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and
               Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the
               brethren.

               And being brought (propempo: sent, accompany, bring on a journey) on their way by the
               church (at Antioch), they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the
               Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

               Phenice and Samaria are mainly Gentile areas.  They are rejoicing as Paul and Barnabas come
               through telling of their many meetings and conversions in the cities of the Gentile countries.
               The Gentiles in the cities rejoice when they hear of revivals.

               Act 15:4  And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the
               apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

               And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received (apodecheomai: received gladly)
               of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done
               with them.

               The congregation and church leadership receive Paul and Barnabas gladly.  They have not yet
               been affected by the legalistic group within the church.  The lump of leaven in the church at
               Jerusalem has not yet infected the whole loaf.  This will not occur until later chapters when the
               Holy Spirit will warn Paul to no longer preach in Jerusalem.

               The stories that were told to the church at Jerusalem were the missionary trips of chapters 13
               and 14: the Gentiles receiving the new birth, the infilling of the Holy Spirit, divine healing,
               miracles, and the establishment of churches and pastors.  These types of results cannot be
               disputed by people who love the grace of God.

               PHARISEES REQUIRE CIRCUMCISION

               Act 15:5  But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it
               was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.]]></page><page Index="7"><![CDATA[THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL

               Act 15:6  And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

               Within their hearts, the church leadership knew the answer to this question and knew that
               Jesus Himself had told of the conversion of the Gentiles (1:8).  They also knew of Jesus’ battles
               with the religious, legalistic Jewish leaders.  The battle Jesus had gone through is the same
               battle this early church is now facing.

               PETER TESTIFIES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AMONG THE GENTILES

               Act 15:7  And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men
               and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles
               by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

               This is the last time we will hear from Peter in the book of Acts.  After this, Peter bounds in and
               out of legalism and grace.  The Pharisees become stronger in the Jerusalem church, and Peter
               will fight to keep his head above water.  He later writes two books and explains how Paul is far
               more advanced in the Word and understanding of God’s grace (2 Peter 3:15-16).

               The Jerusalem church is confused like most churches today.  They believe in faith for salvation,
               but they also believe the Christian way of life is a series of do’s and don’ts.  This same argument
               continues today: human good versus divine good.  Peter recalls for them his house top vision
               and the revival among the Gentiles in Caesarea (chapter 10).

               Act 15:8  And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost,
               even as he did unto us;

               God gave the Gentiles the gift of salvation and the Holy Spirit without a teaching on the law of
               Moses.  They received the same experience as those in the upper room in Jerusalem.

               Act 15:9  And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

               Peter is saying that God makes no distinction between Jew and Gentile when He gives the Holy
               Spirit.  These men are making an issue of something God is not making an issue of.  So these
               legalists are now being found to fight God.

               Act 15:10  Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples,
               which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

               Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke (the law) upon the neck of the disciples, which
               neither our fathers (Old Testament believers) nor we (New Testament believers) were able to
               bear?

               Tempting God is blasphemy.  Legalism is also blasphemy (13:45), a yoke of bondage (Galatians
               5:1).  It weighs a person down and causes them to slow their pace until they come to a
               complete standstill.  Legalism seeks to attach itself to a believer, especially a disciple.]]></page><page Index="8"><![CDATA[Eventually the entire life is crippled.  If the Jews raised under the law could not keep it, why are
               they trying to put the Gentiles under it (Galatians 6:13)?

               Act 15:11  But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved,
               even as they.

               But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we (Jews) shall be saved, even as
               they (Gentiles).

               It is like Peter is saying, “We Jews, who think we are so smart, should take lessons from these
               Gentiles.  Let’s observe how they are saved and become spiritual, and follow their example.  If
               we could not get the law to work for us, why are we trying to put the law on someone who is
               successful without it?  We are failures trying to instruct successes.

               PAUL AND BARNABAS TESTIFY

               Act 15:12  Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul,
               declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

               Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience (the floor) to Barnabas and Paul,
               declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by (through) them.

               The multitude keeps silent because they are hearing the truth from Peter and had no answer.
               In the silence, Paul and Barnabas tell of the missionary journey from which they have just
               returned.  They tell of the salvations, infillings, church plantings, signs, and miracles which have
               come to the Gentiles.  This all had occurred without the preaching of the law.  It also had
               happened to a group of people who have never known the law.

                       15:12 wonders, teras (ter-as);  Compare “teratology,” the science that deals with
                       unexplainable phenomena.  Teras denotes extraordinary occurrences, supernatural
                       prodigies, omens, portents, unusual manifestations, miraculous incidents portending
                       the future rather than the past, and acts that are so unusual they cause the observer to
                       marvel or be in awe.  Teras is always in the plural, associated with semeion (signs). Signs
                       and wonders are a perfect balance for touching man’s intellect, emotions, and will.

               JAMES SPEAKS

               James, the pastor of the Jerusalem church, carries a lot of authority with the legalistic Jews who
               are listening.  His words have some effect, but a compromise with legalism will later destroy the
               Jerusalem church and neutralize the effect of the knowledge gained at this juncture.

               Act 15:13  And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren,
               hearken unto me:

               Act 15:14  Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them
               a people for his name.]]></page><page Index="9"><![CDATA[Simeon (Peter) hath declared how God at the first (after Pentecost) did visit the Gentiles
               (Cornelius’ house), to take (receive) out of them a people for his name.

               Just as the 120 had been a select group used by Jesus to begin the revival at Jerusalem, the
               house of Cornelius has also been selected by the same God to bring revival among the Gentiles.

               Act 15:15  And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

               And to this agree (sumphoneo:  to be harmonious, to concur) the words of the prophets; as it is
               written,

               James will quote from Amos 9:11-12.  This Old Testament prophet foretold of the church arising
               out of the Gentile nations.

               Act 15:16  After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen
               down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

               Although the time foretold by Amos was after the second advent, the double meaning also
               refers to the church age.  “After this” is a reference to the day of Pentecost as well as the
               second advent.  Peter also used this when he told of Joel’s prophecy (2:17).

               The church age is a type of the millennium.  Jesus will restore the tabernacle of David, which is
               open worship of the Lord to all nations.  The temple was destroyed in the Babylonian captivity
               and Roman invasion and will not be physically rebuilt until the second advent.  However, it is
               spiritually rebuilt in our hearts during the church age, a tabernacle built by Jesus.  He is the
               author and finisher of our faith and the one who said, “I will build my church.”
               The treasure today is in earthen vessels.  The church is invisible today, but just as we will have a
               resurrection body -- a physical temple instead of a tent (2 Peter 1:13) -- the millennial reign of
               Jesus will take place and a physical temple will be built.

               Act 15:17  That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom
               my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

               That the residue (remnant) of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom
               my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things (brings all these things to pass).

               The residue of men is born again Jews on the earth.  Until Jesus returns, they will always be in
               the minority when compared to Gentile believers.

               Act 15:18  Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

               The Greek says, “Known from eternity past are all His works.”

               Act 15:19  Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the
               Gentiles are turned to God:]]></page><page Index="10"><![CDATA[Wherefore my sentence (judgment) is, that we trouble not them, which from among the
               Gentiles are turned to God:

               James now draws his conclusion: legalism always seeks to trouble grace.  James is wise to
               include this phrase in his decision.  The statement James makes is also his conclusion, his
               opinion on the matter.  This will become important in the course of events to come (verse 28).

               JAMES’ COMPROMISE WITH LEGALISM

               Act 15:20  But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from
               fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

               This is a compromise made by James.  It shows his weakness toward the legalistic Hebrews in
               his church.  After such a strong introduction and condemnation of legalism, he declares a
               compromise.  This “inch” will become a “mile” in the days to come, and legalism will completely
               dominate the church.  The leaven will destroy the whole lump.

               The items mentioned by James are standard procedure for idol worshipers.  Although these are
               offensive to the Jews, they do not need to be mentioned.  Gentiles have been saved and
               become spiritual without these regulations.  Paul will take this letter to the churches of Galatia
               (16:4) but will never mention the different points in any sermon or discuss this letter except
               with the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 4:1-3, 9-11).

               James’s comments on food and drinks offered to idols are taught in Romans 14.  In that passage
               he tells of expediency and personal conviction.  This attempt by James is to draw a compromise
               between legalism and grace.  The two cannot coexist.

               There are four things mentioned in this recommendation, only one of which is scriptural.
               “Pollutions of idols” is actually meat offered to idols (verse 29).  This command, along with food
               strangled and drinking of blood, is not addressed anywhere in the Word as an issue with
               Gentiles.  Only the command to abstain from fornication is scriptural, found in the Old
               Testament and the New.  Legalism elevates its own set of standards to a place equal with the
               Word of God.  With legalism, it is difficult to tell where the Word ends and religion begins.
               FIVE ATTRIBUTES OF LEGALISM


                   1.  Legalism makes mountains out of molehills.  Non-issues become major.
                   2.  Legalism is localized.  What offends one group in one place is all that is important or
                       presented.
                   3.  Legalism elevates its own set of standards to a place equal with the Word.
                   4.  Legalism desires to bring others into bondage and control their lives.
                   5.  Legalism will use the Holy Spirit for authenticity and validity (verse 28), making anyone
                       who questions them feel they are arguing with God.]]></page><page Index="11"><![CDATA[This legalism in the Jerusalem church slowly chokes out faith.  Finally, the faith of the church is
               made a shipwreck.

               We are to “grow in the grace and knowledge.”  These two work together.  What sustains faith is
               the knowledge of God’s grace (Romans 4:16; Ephesians 2:8-9).

               Galatians 2:1-11 tells us another side of this same meeting.  Before the church-wide
               conference, Paul, Barnabas, and Titus had met with church leadership and the Judaizers in a
               private meeting (verse two).  Peter and Paul were both vindicated before the leadership and
               told to preach freely, Peter to the Jews and Paul to the Gentiles.  But before the end of the
               meeting, another issue was introduced, “only they would that we should remember the poor”
               (verse 10).

               The same thing done to the church at Antioch was done to Paul: legalism trying to exercise
               control over grace.  Legalistic people are jealous of grace.  Although Paul graciously agrees to do
               this, it was unnecessary.  It had nothing to do with the issue at hand.  Paul will never preach
               about any of these issues after this conference.  He will address this subject and meeting in the
               Thessalonian epistle, but will only mention the one scriptural sin of fornication (1 Thessalonians
               4:1-3, 9-11).
               Act 15:21  For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the
               synagogues every sabbath day.


               Most cities in Gentile countries have a Jewish synagogue where many local Jews attend
               meetings each Sabbath.  James is telling the Gentile converts they should refrain from these
               things so they will not offend their Jewish brothers.

               NEW GUIDELINES SENT WITH PAUL AND BARNABAS TO ANTIOCH


               Act 15:22  Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men
               of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas,
               and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

               Not only do Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch, Jerusalem sends representatives back with
               them to give the new guidelines.  The leaders in Jerusalem want to be in control.  Not only does
               James want to give the edict to the Gentile believers, he wants his own men to be there to read
               it.  Again we see legalism making a mountain out of a molehill.


               Although Paul and Barnabas do not say anything, they are probably glad to be getting out of
               Jerusalem.  They have come to resolve a major issue on legalism and have had to settle for a
               compromise.
               Here not only do we see legalism and church doctrines, but also in church politics.  Judas
               (Barsabas) and Silas are both prophets (verse 32) who have risen up in the Jerusalem church
               since the last mention of leadership (chapter 6).  They have been raised up in a legalistic church]]></page><page Index="12"><![CDATA[and are expected to have some influence.  However, they are about to be exposed to grace,
               and Silas will be more influenced by the church at Antioch then the church will be influenced by
               him.  Silas, also called Silvanus (his Roman name, 2 Corinthians 1:19), will go on to accompany
               Paul on his second missionary journey (verse 40).  Later he will work with Peter and carry his
               first epistle to the churches of Asia minor.

               LETTER ADDRESSED TO GENTILES IN ANTIOCH, SYRIA, AND CILICIA

               Act 15:23  And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and
               brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and
               Cilicia:

               And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send
               greeting unto the brethren which are of (ek:  out from) the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and
               Cilicia:

               The letter addresses the Gentiles as coming “out from” the nations and also as fellow brothers
               with the Jews in Jerusalem.  This is the recognition of being a member of the family of God, no
               matter what the nationality of the converts.  The Gentiles are addressed in Antioch, Syria, and
               Cilicia because this is where the Gentile churches have been established.

               Act 15:24  Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you
               with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom
               we gave no such commandment:

               Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain (legalistic Jews) which went out from us have
               troubled you with words, subverting (unsettling) your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised,
               and keep the law: to whom (legalistic Jews) we gave no such commandment:

               Legalism cuts to the foundation of the Christian life.  Our entire life is built upon simple faith;
               faith in Jesus for salvation and faith in His Word for daily living.  The law, when taught as a
               means of salvation and/or spirituality, undermines or subverts the entire Christian way of life.
               James tells the Gentile believers that the message which has been preached by the legalistic
               Jews from Jerusalem did not come from him or any church leader.

               Act 15:25  It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto
               you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,


               It is good that James gives such praise and acceptance to Paul and Barnabas.  It is the leadership
               of the Jerusalem church giving their stamp of approval to them before the Gentile believers.
               (Unfortunately, the legalistic Jewish believers would later attack Paul’s calling, character, and
               reputation).
               Act 15:26  Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.]]></page><page Index="13"><![CDATA[James also acknowledges that the tribulations faced on missionary journeys are for the
               furtherance of the gospel.

               Act 15:27  We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by
               mouth.

               Judas and Silas stand with Barnabas and Paul to show the unity between the two churches.

               Act 15:28  For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden
               than these necessary things;

               This is where the letter leaves reality.  The Holy Spirit did not inspire these “necessary things.”
               Even though the church leadership and congregation all agree on the guidelines, they do not
               come from God.  When a person puts the Holy Spirit’s name on an issue, it is to add validity.  So
               to argue with the decision is to argue with God.  However, these things will not be mentioned
               again in the book of Acts, and Paul will later teach abstinence from food presented to idols as a
               personal heart issue (Romans 14), not a dictate of the Holy Spirit.

               Act 15:29  That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things
               strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
               Meat offered to idols was then brought to the front of the temple where the finest restaurants
               were located, and this is the meat being referred to.  The word has nothing to say about eating
               meat offered to idols; it is just meat.  Where the meat has been a few minutes prior to being
               served has nothing to do with spirituality.  Meat is not spiritual and should not be used as a
               spiritual issue.  Again, the only scriptural thing mentioned in this letter is fornication.

               THE TRIUMPH OF THE MINISTRY OF GRACE (30-35)


               Judas and Silas, the delegates from Jerusalem, strengthen and encourage the faith of the
               believers at Antioch and are sent home by the Antioch church with a blessing of peace.  Paul
               and Barnabas remain in Antioch teaching and preaching, along with many others.

               READING OF THE LETTER TO THE GENTILES

               Act 15:30  So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered
               the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

               The letter was read out loud.

               Act 15:31  Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

               Which when they (Judas and Silas) had read, they (the congregation) rejoiced for the
               consolation (comfort).

               Act 15:32  And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with
               many words, and confirmed them.]]></page><page Index="14"><![CDATA[The saints in Antioch have been unsettled by the teaching of the legalistic Jews.  Judas and Silas,
               being prophets, use their spiritual offices and gifts to bring encouragement and stability back to
               the believers.  The saints now know that Paul and Barnabas have taught them correctly from
               the beginning.

               Act 15:33  And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren
               unto the apostles.

               And after they (Judas and Silas) had tarried there a space (while), they were let go in peace
               from the brethren unto the apostles.

               During their time in Antioch, both Judas and Silas experienced church services centered on
               grace and liberty.  Even though they come from a church claiming to believe in grace and
               freedom, they now see what a church truly operating in grace can be like.

               Act 15:34  Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

               Judas returns to Jerusalem, but Silas is so pleased with the church at Antioch, he stays on and
               makes Antioch his ministry base.  Although this verse is not found in many of the earliest
               manuscripts, it is still true that Silas remained in Antioch (verse 40).
               PAUL AND BARNABAS CONTINUE TEACHING AND PREACHING


               Act 15:35  Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the
               Lord, with many others also.

               Paul and Barnabas continue to work with the church leadership and teach what God wants.
               The issue of the letter from Jerusalem is not mentioned again in Acts, and is probably not a
               major point of exposition in the church.  The foundation of grace continues in Antioch, and
               missionary activity is a priority.

               THE TRIUMPH OF THE DEEDS OF GRACE (36-39)

               Paul speaks with Barnabas about returning to the areas they had first preached to see how the
               new believers are doing.  Before they go, Paul and Barnabas have a major disagreement over
               taking Mark on the next missionary journey, and they separate from one another as a result.
               Barnabas travels to Cyprus with Mark and Paul chooses Silas to travel with him to Syria and
               Cilicia.

               PAUL AND BARNABAS AGREE TO RETURN TO GALATIA

               Act 15:36  And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren
               in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.]]></page><page Index="15"><![CDATA[Paul wants to return to Galatia and visit those who are born again.  He also wants to see how
               the churches that had been established on the first missionary journey are doing.  Barnabas is
               in favor of the journey.

               DISPUTE OVER JOHN MARK

               Act 15:37  And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

               And Barnabas determined (boulomai: had intended) to take with them John, whose surname
               was Mark.

               Evidently Barnabas has been waiting for Paul to bring up this subject because he wants to
               return to Galatia.  He also has been keeping up with Mark and knows Mark has recovered from
               his mistake and wants another chance to prove himself in the ministry.  When Barnabas brings
               up the issue of Mark, Paul probably feels that Barnabas had been planning this for some time.
               Paul resents this intrusion and will not want to take Mark with them on their journey.

               Act 15:38  But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from
               Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

               Paul resists the idea, and the resistance becomes a full-blown argument.  Paul does not feel
               Mark is worthy to work in the ministry, and Barnabas is determined to give his cousin another
               chance.

               Paul later repents of his attitude toward Mark and calls him useful for the ministry (2 Timothy
               4:11).  Mark will also later accompany Peter to Rome (1 Peter 5:13).

               PAUL AND BARNABAS SEPARATE

               Act 15:39  And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one
               from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

               Paul and Barnabas have a shouting match between themselves.  It is so loud that many in the
               area probably hear them.  Hopefully the people listening realized that ministers are human,
               giving them an opportunity to walk in forgiveness toward both Paul and Barnabas.

               Barnabas takes Mark to Cyprus -- the first part of the previous missionary journey -- where
               Mark had been a success.  This would be familiar territory to Mark and not a reminder of his
               failure.

               When Paul and Barnabas separate, it is forever.  They “parted asunder.”  This is strong language
               showing they did not minister together again.  Paul’s mistake is being legalistic concerning
               Mark.  Mark does deserve another chance, and Barnabas made the right choice.  The
               circumstances of their separation is not good, but both Paul and Barnabas continue on in the
               ministry.  This mistake of Paul’s will later become larger, and bring him into a great act of
               legalism in Jerusalem.]]></page><page Index="16"><![CDATA[PAUL CHOOSES SILAS

               Act 15:40  And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the
               grace of God.

               Silas is still in Antioch and ready to do missionary work.  Paul has apparently grown close to
               Silas during the previous months and recognizes his love for the Lord and ministry calling.  The
               church members at Antioch are champions in grace and love.  They do not choose sides in the
               argument, but commend both Paul and Barnabas to the grace of God as they leave with new
               ministry partners.  This argument does not split the church.

               Act 15:41  And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

               Syria and Cilicia are the other two Gentile areas where prospering churches have been
               established (verse 23).  (The letter from Jerusalem is written to them as well).]]></page><page Index="17"><![CDATA[Notes]]></page><page Index="18"/><page Index="19"><![CDATA[Chapter 16]]></page><page Index="20"><![CDATA[THE BOOK OF ACTS

               CHAPTER 16


               SUPERNATURAL GUIDANCE

               THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER SIXTEEN

               Learning to heed the guidance of the Holy Spirit is essential to living a successful, effective
               Christian life, especially when witnessing to those whose hearts are prepared to receive the
               gospel message.

               Jesus teaches that in this world we would have tribulations and face difficult situations.  Some
               of those circumstances may even seem insurmountable.  But Jesus also says He has overcome
               whatever the world could send our way.  God said many are the afflictions of the righteous, but
               He has delivered us from every difficulty we will ever face.  We may never find ourselves
               chained in an inner prison as Paul and Silas did, but we can learn to handle difficult situations as
               they did: by confidently singing praises to God knowing our deliverance will surely come.

               TIMOTHY ACCOMPANIES PAUL (1-5)

               Paul hears of Timothy’s reputation from the brethren at Lystra and Iconium.  Paul invites
               Timothy to travel with Silas and him on his second missionary journey to Greece.

               Act 16:1  Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named
               Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a
               Greek:

               it is God’s desire to continually train new people for the ministry.  His plan is to raise up people
               by having them learn from those presently in the ministry (2 Timothy 2:2).  Because of Mark’s
               failure during the previous missionary journey, God will introduce Timothy to Paul’s team.

               Timothy is born-again and young in age.  He is probably in his late teens when Paul invites him
               as a traveling companion.  Timothy will be a traveling companion to Paul off and on for the rest
               of Paul’s life.  Timothy’s mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois) are also born-again (2 Timothy
               1:5).

               Timothy has been endowed with the gift to pastor, and in Timothy’s early, developmental
               years, Paul uses him to fill in for churches in need.  At Philippi he is very successful, but at
               Corinth, he is not.  (Titus has to come and bail him out.)  Later Timothy becomes the pastor at
               Ephesus and has much difficulty.  This is the reason for 1 and 2 Timothy, which are letters of
               pastoral instruction.

               Timothy’s mother lives in an isolated part of the world but worships the Lord in the Jewish
               fashion.  She is born-again and raises her son Timothy in the scriptures.  It appears Timothy’s
               father is an unbeliever who had perhaps Left the family in their early years.  The term “Greek”]]></page><page Index="21"><![CDATA[is usually used by Paul for an unbeliever.  Timothy has been raised by his mother and
               grandmother and had to be fathered spiritually and physically by Paul.

               Act 16:2  Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

               Apparently Timothy has done some ministering in both Lystra and Iconium before Paul arrives.
               Paul hears of Timothy from the Christian brothers before he actually meets him.

               Act 16:3  Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of
               the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

               Paul immediately recognizes Timothy’s potential.  Paul knows Timothy is not a strong person in
               the Word like Titus was at the Jerusalem conference (Acts 15).  Paul has Timothy circumcised
               because of the pressure he would be spared in the upcoming journey.  This is the law of
               expediency.  This type of pressure would not have affected Titus, so Paul had not asked him to
               be circumcised (Galatians 2:3).

               Act 16:4  And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that
               were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
               The decrees are delivered at the request of James and the leaders of the Jerusalem church.
               Paul is obedient to deliver them, but does not preach them.  Paul might have had some
               questions directed to him about the terms mentioned in the letter, but he always kept the
               focus on grace.


               Act 16:5  And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
               An established church increases in numbers.  A church is established in faith when the Word is
               taught.  The purpose of a church service is not to preach salvation sermons.  The salvation
               message is to be taken to the world by the congregational members.  The church should teach
               the Word so the members will become strong, go out and win the lost, and bring them into the
               church to be fed and become disciples.  Churches teaching faith will then be established.

               PAUL’S VISION TO GO TO MACEDONIA (6-10)


               Paul has a strong desire to preach in Asia and has been following the small inward voice of the
               Spirit to lead him.  This time, however, Paul receives a vision from God urging him to travel with
               his companions to Macedonia.

               Act 16:6  Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were
               forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
               Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden
               (koluo: refused) of (by) the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,


               Until now, Paul has followed the inward witness and his overwhelming desire to preach the
               gospel) 1 Corinthians 9:16).  But he yields to the strong urging of the Holy Spirit who forbids him]]></page><page Index="22"><![CDATA[to go to Asia: the time is not right yet.  This will come later in Chapter 19 when he will be
               released by the Holy Spirit to go to Ephesus.

               If God had told Paul at this moment about Macedonia, he would have bypassed many
               spiritually hungry people in Troas.  God will see to it that Paul goes to the right place at the right
               time on his third missionary journey.  These churches will respond positively to the gospel and
               become the subject of Revelation Chapters 2 and 3, the seven churches of Asia.

               Act 16:7  After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit
               suffered them not.

               After they were come to (up to) Mysia, they assayed (attempted) to go into Bithynia: but the
               Spirit suffered (eao: allowed, permitted), them not.

               God wants Paul to go west toward Macedonia, so the Holy Spirit again stops him from going
               south to Asia or North into Bithynia.  He has other ministers planned for these places.

               Because Bithynia is very prone to legalism, God has this nation prepared for the preaching of
               Peter (1 Peter 1:1).  First Peter was written to believers in Bithynia, and the subject is apostasy.
               Legalism leads to apostasy.  God wants Peter to write to them because he is also prone towards
               legalism.
               Since John understood love, God chose him to write to Asia.  Paul would have been too rough,
               and the people probably would not have received God’s message through him.  Asia and the
               people of Bithynia will more easily receive rebuke from Peter and John than from Paul.

               We are all a team and have individual roles to play.  God is preparing Peter to preach to
               Bithynia and Asia Minor while preparing John to write letters to many of them.  God does not
               call one person or one church to win the whole world.

               The Holy Spirit forbids Paul from going to Asia because the time is not right, but also because
               Paul is not the one God had chosen to take the gospel to them.  We also need to be sensitive to
               the Holy Spirit, whether He speaks to us audibly, through an angel, a vision, a prophecy, with a
               sense of urgency, through a gentle voice, a still voice, a sense of peace, or a “check” or warning.

               Act 16:8  And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

               After hearing the Holy Spirit say “no” to Bithynia, Paul and his team bypass Mysia.  Apparently
               the Spirit has told them to forget this city.  Paul is now heading in the only direction he has
               peace about.  He does not return in the direction from which he came (east).  He cannot go
               north or south.  The only option left is west until he comes to Troy on the Aegean Sea.

               Troy is the famous city of the Homeric stories of the Iliad and the Odyssey.  It is a center of
               Greek culture and history.  It is the place where Alexander began his world empire and fought
               many battles.  Here at Troas (Troy), Paul will add to the ministry team and take the gospel to
               Macedonia.  Along with Timothy, he will add Luke.  He attempts to add Titus, but does not (2]]></page><page Index="23"><![CDATA[Corinthians 2:12-13).  He leaves his coat here and asks Timothy to bring it to him in prison in
               Rome (2 Timothy 4:13).

               Act 16:9  And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and
               prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

               Paul later called this a “door opened” (2 Corinthians 2:12).  Asia and Bithynia are “doors
               closing.”  Many times God leads us by closing doors before opening others.

               Peter had a vision in Chapter 10, and now Paul has a vision.  Visions are a means of God’s
               leading in this age (Joel 2:28).  In this vision, Paul recognizes the man who appears to him as
               being from Macedonia.  The man’s clothing and speech allows Paul to identify where this man
               is from.  This man represents the readiness of the whole nation of Macedonia.  The nation has
               been evangelized before and is now ready to receive the gospel.

               Act 16:10  And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into
               Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

               The narrative is no longer about Paul and his team, but Luke is now a member.  The literary
               style of the book of Acts indicates that Luke is the author.  “We” is now added, showing that
               Luke had joined them.
               Paul refers to Luke as “beloved.”  “Luke will leave Paul and rejoin him from time to time (20:15;
               21:18; 27:1; 28:16) as do other members of the team.  The other members include Silas and
               Timothy.  All of these take Paul’s vision as their own.  They probably all pray and open their
               hearts to the will of the Holy Spirit.  They do not argue about going to Macedonia, but believe
               Paul has received direction from the Lord.  Once they have agreed to go, they do not argue or
               criticize but support Paul’s decision.

               FIRST CONVERTS IN EUROPE (11-18)


               Paul and his companions travel to Philippi in Macedonia where they remain for several days.
               On the Sabbath, they speak with some women who have gathered.  One woman is Lydia, a
               business woman, who receives the message of salvation and invites Paul and his companions to
               her home.

               PAUL AND HIS TEAM TRAVEL TO MACEDONIA

               Act 16:11  Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and
               the next day to Neapolis;

               After the vision at Troy, Paul and his crew immediately sailed straight for the next mission.
               Samothrace is an island northwest of Troy about halfway to the port of Neapolis .  Neapolis is
               one of two main seaports of Macedonia (the other is Thessalonica).  Samothrace can be
               reached in one day from either Troy or Neapolis depending on the winds.  Samothrace had a
               high peak (5500 feet) that could be seen and used as a navigation point for sailors.]]></page><page Index="24"><![CDATA[Paul’s crew sail the Aegean Sea in two days.  Later, when the wind is contrary, this same trip
               traveling in the opposite direction will take five days (20:6).

               Act 16:12  And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a
               colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.

               Philippi is a famous city to the Romans for its history and location.  Here Mark Anthony and
               Octavius met Brutus and Cassius and defeated them.  As a result of this battle, almost half of
               Brutus’ army committed suicide.  Philippi was then known as the city of suicide.

               The word “colony” is important because Philippi is under Roman ownership.  Anyone in Philippi,
               regardless of nationality, is given Roman citizenship and protection, and no Roman citizen can
               be beaten or crucified.  “Colony” is the highest Roman honor for a city.

               Philippi had been named for Philip Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great; thus the names
               of Philippi and Macedonia.  This city is strategically important to Rome because it guarded the
               Egnatian Way, a road that connected the Adriatic to the Aegean Sea.  Philippi, because of its
               beauty, also became a popular retirement center for Roman military personnel.  It has a large
               Greek population and a small number of Jewish people.


               Paul and his crew will have a long stay and a slow beginning.  This shows just because events do
               not happen quickly, it does not mean you are out of God’s will.  They are making the most of a
               slow situation.  They are praying and waiting on the opening of doors within this city.
               Act 16:13  And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to
               be made; and we Sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.

               The river with many fountains is the Ganges, about a mile outside the city.  This is the battle
               sight of Mark Anthony and Brutus.  Paul and his team went there to pray on the Sabbath.  They
               want to win the Jews first and it made no difference to them what day they prayed.  They
               became “all things to all men.”  Paul found some Jewish women who pray each Sabbath day at
               this river.  The men probably had little going in the way of worship and their wives met to pray
               at this river.  Apparently, the women living in the Gentile countries who were following Jewish
               customs were more zealous than the men (13:50).

               LYDIA’S CONVERSION


               Act 16:14  And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which
               worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things
               which were spoken of Paul.
               And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple (purple-dyed robes and garments), of the
               city of Thyatira, which worshiped (referenced) God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened,
               that she attended (listened intently) unto the things which were spoken of Paul.]]></page><page Index="25"><![CDATA[Lydia is a business woman originally from Thyatira, a city famous for the production of dye.
               Lydia learned the trade, sold garments dyed purple, and traveled throughout Europe selling her
               line of clothing.  She moved to Philippi because of the wealth and location of the city.  Her heart
               is open to the Lord.  God sends Paul and his team to give her the gospel.  The “opening” of her
               heart is the drawing ministry of the Holy Spirit.  Her desire is to know and this is all the Holy
               Spirit needs.  She becomes born again.

               Act 16:15  And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have
               judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained
               us.

               And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought (continually questioned) us,
               saying, if ye have judged (discerned) me to be faithful (committed) to the Lord, come into my
               house, and abide (base yourself) there.  And she constrained (continue to persuade) us.

               Lydia lives in Philippi and has a family.  Being a key leader of the revival in the city, she runs
               home and leads her family to the Lord, and they are also all baptized.
               Before this time, Paul and his team having stayed to themselves.  Once she is baptized and
               becomes more committed to the Lord, she desires more teaching.  There is no church in town,
               so she invites Paul and the others to move into her large house.  Paul and the team accept her
               invitation and after this, go into the city from time to time to speak, pray, and evangelize.
               Lydia’s house becomes the home of the church at Philippi.

               CONVERSION OF THE DEMON POSSESSED WOMAN


               Act 16:16  And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of
               divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:

               And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination
               (puthos: soothsaying) met us, which brought her masters (owners) much gain (profit) by
               soothsaying (fortune-telling):

               Paul is probably taking his team to the same place of prayer by the river, where he is
               confronted by this girl.  A “damsel” is a Greek slave.  At first, Paul does not perceive her
               problem and tolerates her presence.  What Paul does not immediately realize is that she has
               been sent by Satan to stop his ministry in the city of Philippi.  She is demon-possessed and is
               being used by her owners to make a great financial profit.  They have been using her for
               fortune-telling, but for many days insists on going to the place where the prayer meeting is
               being held and speaking out about Paul and his team.


               The demon possessing her is called “a spirit of divination.”  The Greek word here is puyov, from
               which the English word python is derived.  In Greek mythology the python was the guard over
               the oracle of Apollo.  The oracle was the hidden knowledge of the gods.  The python rose from
               mud pits and guarded the secret until Apollo slew it in the caves of Mount Parnasus.  The oracle]]></page><page Index="26"><![CDATA[of Delphi was also called the Phythian Oracle.  A demon controlled this mythological belief and
               it is now controlling this woman.  She gives false prophecies and is harassing Paul and his men.

               Act 16:17  The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the
               most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

               The same followed Paul and us, and cried (kept on shouting), saying, These men are the
               servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

               This verse shows the deception of Satan.  Every word she says is true, but the intent is not to
               lead people into permanent freedom.  After Paul and the team are gone, this woman looks like
               a herald, a forerunner of Paul’s ministry like John the Baptist was to Jesus.  Everyone knows this
               girl is a fortune-teller, and Satan wants them to think of her as an ambassador of the gospel.

               Act 16:18  And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I
               command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

               Paul is wrestling within himself until he senses the leading of the Holy Spirit.  He is grieved,
               which is a leading of the Holy Spirit.  Not only can the Holy Spirit lead us in the right direction,
               He can also warn us against going in the wrong direction.  A warning from the Holy Spirit is not
               always as strong as it was with Paul’s desire to go into Bithynia or Asia; it can be a still small
               voice, a mild warning, or just a bad feeling.  Paul now realizes this is not a woman of God but a
               messenger of Satan, and he turns and speaks directly to the demon commanding it to come out
               of the girl.  Within a short period of time, the demon comes out.  Paul is not angry with the girl
               but with Satan and the demon.

               It is not necessary for Paul to stay with the girl to ensure the demon has come out.  He goes on
               his way, and the demon leaves the girl within a short time.  Jesus also cast out demons that
               tried to announce Him (Mark 1:23-25; 3:11-12).

               PAUL AND SILAS IN PRISON (19-24)


               Because Paul cast the demon out of a slave girl who gained money for her owners through
               divination, Paul and Silas are dragged before the rulers of the city.  Magistrates order Paul and
               Silas beaten with rods and thrown in prison.  The jailer is ordered to keep them safe, so he
               moves them to the inner prison and puts their feet in stocks.

               Act 16:19  And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul
               and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
               And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains were gone, they caught (violently) Paul
               and Silas, and drew (dragged) them into the market-place (agora: assembly) unto the rulers
               (Roman),

               The masters soon see that the girl no longer had her powers, and they are angry.  They are not
               interested in the girls well-being, only in money.  They should have rejoiced when she was set]]></page><page Index="27"><![CDATA[free, but instead, they see that a great income is now gone.  They find Paul and Silas and
               dragged them (probably via hired men) into the public marketplace before the Roman rulers.

               The Greeks held their courts at the city gates.  This court scene occurred in the middle of town,
               before a large crowd.  Paul and Silas are falsely accused before a Roman court.  The magistrates
               do not know Paul and Silas are Roman citizens until the next day.

               Act 16:20  And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly
               trouble our city,

               And brought them to the magistrates, saying, these men, being (huparcho: existing as) Jews, do
               exceedingly trouble our city (disturb the peace),

               The men do not know Paul is a Roman citizen and assume him to be only a Hebrew.  To be a
               Roman was a great privilege, and anyone who is not a Roman citizen existed as any other
               nationality.  The accusation is a very sarcastic remark for Paul and Silas.  The men do not even
               take time to learn the nationality or citizenship of Paul and Silas.

               Act 16:21  And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being
               Romans.
               These men are saying, “We have always been Romans and are proud of it.”  The implication is
               Paul and Silas are foreigners trying to pollute a pure Roman culture; anything contrary to
               Roman culture must be wrong.  These men are using patriotism to stir up emotions against Paul
               and Silas.

               Roman law was usually very good, but here the lawyers outsmart the ruler.  Later, however,
               Roman law will save Paul at Ephesus and Corinth.  These owners are not really patriots but are
               using any means to gain back their business.  They want to be rid of Paul and Silas.

               Act 16:22  And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their
               clothes, and commanded to beat them.

               And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their (Paul’s and
               Silas’s clothes), and commanded to beat them.

               These men struck a nerve with the townspeople.  Emotional patriotism is running high, and Paul
               and Silas are caught between Satan’s revenge and the emotions of the people.  These leaders
               never question Paul or they would have discovered he was a Roman citizen.  This will be
               realized later, after Paul is released from prison (37-38).  Once the emotions died down, the
               magistrates repent for this miscarriage of justice the following day.

               Act 16:23  And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison,
               charging the jailor to keep them safely:]]></page><page Index="28"><![CDATA[They put thirty-nine stripes on their backs (2 Corinthians 11:25).  They are stripped to the waist
               and whipped with rods before being put into prison.  This is all illegal.

               Act 16:24  Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made
               their feet fast in the stocks.

               Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner (under) prison, and made their
               feet fast (secure) in the stocks.

               The under prison is a pit beneath the prison.  It is the most secure place, and the stocks around
               their feet make them immobile.  It is physically impossible to escape.  This is torture added to
               torture.

                       16:24 charge,  parangelia (par-ang-gel-ee-ah);  A chain-of-command word, denoting a
                       general order, instruction, command, precept, or direction. It is used in a way that
                       makes the word self-explanatory. The prison authorities charge the jailer to imprison
                       Paul and Silas (verse 24). The apostles were given a charge not to preach by the
                       authorities at Jerusalem (5:28). Paul gives a charge to the Thessalonians (1
                       Thessalonians 4:2).  Parangelia is the charge Paul gave to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:5, 18).


               CONVERSION OF THE PHILIPPIAN JAILER (25-34)

               Paul and Silas began praying and singing praises to God while in prison.  As a result, the
               foundations of the prison shake, all the doors in prison open, and all the prisoners chains
               release.  When the jailer wakes and sees the situation, he draws his sword to kill himself.  Paul
               and Silas stopped him, revealing they had not escaped.  The jailer then falls to his knees and
               asks how he can be saved.

               PAUL AND SILAS SING PRAISES

               Act 16:25  But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the
               prisoners were listening to them.

               And at (approaching) midnight Paul and Silas prayed (middle voice), and sang praises (middle
               voice) unto God: and the prisoners heard (were listening to) them.

               Paul and Silas pray and sing praises for their own benefit.  They are not trying to witness to the
               other prisoners but are edifying themselves and ministering faith to their own hearts (Jude 20).

               Act 16:26  Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were
               shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed.

               The earthquake is sudden, violent, and local.  It only affects the prison.  It is strong enough to
               do an internal damage to the cells and open the doors.  The day after the quake, the
               magistrates know nothing of it.  The foundations are shaken; this is where Paul and Silas are
               being held.]]></page><page Index="29"><![CDATA[This is a unique earthquake; there is no damage, only shaking and freedom for the prisoners.
               The prisoners receive a message by song and demonstration.  They know it must be the Lord
               who delivers them.  They hear the praises of Paul and Silas before the quake hit.

               THE SALVATION OF THE PHILIPPIAN JAILER

               Act 16:27  And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open,
               supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.

               This jailer is a very tough man.  For years, he has slept through all the moans and screams of the
               prisoners.  But the earthquake wakes him from his sleep and he sees the open prison doors and
               the chains, which were no longer bound to the prisoners.  He thinks he is too late and that
               many of the prisoners have escaped.  He is fearful for his own life because he knows the Roman
               leaders will take his life.  He wants to commit suicide and possibly make it appear as if the
               prisoners had killed him in a riot.  The Romans would never believe the earthquake story, and
               would kill him as a traitorous or negligent.  However, the power of God is so strong in the jail
               cells that the prisoners do not leave even though the doors are standing wide open.

               Act 16:28  But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here."

               The jailer runs into the halls ready to kill himself.  He is not in the inner prison, but above the
               cell of Paul and Silas.  Paul sees him, screams out, and stops the jailer from committing suicide.

               Act 16:29  Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.

               Then he called for a light (torch), and sprang in (jumped down in), and came trembling, and fell
               down (prostrated himself) before Paul and Silas,

               Act 16:30  And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

               He is still fearing the Romans and for his own life.  His desire to be saved was not spiritual but
               physical.  He sees no way out of death, but is willing to listen to Paul before he dies.  How is he
               going to explain the open doors and the loose chains?  Paul is the only one who has given him
               any words of hope.  Now he is asking about his life being spared, and Paul will use his own
               words to witness to him.

               Act 16:31  So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your
               household."

               This man is also fearful for his family.  They might be killed as co-conspirators.  Paul and Silas
               know this because they are Roman citizens.  They tell him how he as well as his family can
               receive salvation.
               Act 16:32  Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.]]></page><page Index="30"><![CDATA[The order is first presenting the gospel to the jailer and next, the jailer’s conversion.  The jailer
               invites Paul and Silas to his house where the rest of his family hears the gospel and are also
               saved (verse 34).  Paul and Silas later return to the jailer’s house for a meal and to fellowship.

               Act 16:33  And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And
               immediately he and all his family were baptized.

               The new birth immediately fills the man’s heart with love for Paul and Silas.  He has beaten
               many prisoners and witnessed many other beatings, but he has never had compassion for
               anyone who suffered in his prison.  Paul and Silas have witnessed to the family, seen all of them
               saved and they are all baptized together immediately following salvation.  Before morning, Paul
               and Silas are eating at the jailer’s home.  They have all had an exciting night.  Paul and Silas
               have gone through a beating, been thrown in prison, experienced an earthquake, led a jailer
               and his family to the Lord, and had a baptismal service!

               Act 16:34  Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he
               rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.
               The meal is accompanied with shouts of joy.  The family has found true peace, and they are
               excited.  God’s desire is always to begin His work in families, the basic unit of society and
               churches.  When stability affects the home, it eventually changes nations.  Other examples
               include Rahab and her family and also Lydia.


               MAGISTRATES RELEASE PAUL AND SILAS (35-40)

               The rulers then send notice to release Paul and Silas, but Paul demands the rulers personally
               release them from prison and points out how poorly they had been treated as Roman citizens.
               The rulers apologize, release Paul and Silas, and ask them to leave the city.

               Act 16:35  And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, "Let those men go."

               And when it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants (lictors: ancient Roman officers),
               saying, let those men go.

               It is now the morning after.  The magistrates have realized their mistake in beating and
               condemning men without a fair trial.  They are afraid of what might happen if their treatment
               of Paul and Silas should reach the streets, so they asked Paul and Silas to immediately leave the
               city.
               Act 16:36  So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates
               have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace."


               The new convert is happy to tell Paul and Silas they are free.  He is speaking openly to them in
               front of the men sent by the city leaders.]]></page><page Index="31"><![CDATA[Act 16:37  But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and
               have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come
               themselves and get us out."

               But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly (before many witnesses) uncondemned,
               being (huparcho: existing as) Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us
               out privily?  Nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

               Paul speaks right past the jailer to the representatives of the Roman magistrates.  Paul and Silas
               have been beaten in the sight of many in the city.  Their beating did not take place in a back
               alley but in an open area of the city.  The people of the city also witnessed that Paul and Silas
               were beaten without a trial.  Added to all this is the fact that they are Roman citizens.  This
               frightens the representatives.  They realize this could mean havoc with the Roman government.
               To beat a Roman citizen is illegal.  Not to give a fair hearing is also illegal.  Nor can Roman
               citizens be beaten, put in chains, or crucified.  In addition, they can be jailed only if they commit
               a capital crime, cannot be tortured in any way, and if execution is in order, the convicted are
               decapitated.  (History tells us Paul was killed in this way at the end of his life).


               These Roman magistrates have believed a report without giving Paul and Silas a fair trial.  They
               thought of Paul and Silas only as Jews and not Roman citizens.  It is possible for their treatment
               of Paul and Silas to reach all the way to Caesar!
               Act 16:38  And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they
               heard that they were Romans.

               The magistrates fear Paul and the citizens; they fear from their jobs and their relations with
               Rome.  They also feared for their own lives and for the future of their own city, Philippi.

               Act 16:39  Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and asked them to
               depart from the city.

               Act 16:40  So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had
               seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.

               Paul and Silas encourage the others after being beaten.  They come to Lydia and a house full of
               people.  Apparently the people gathered were afraid and discouraged for Paul and Silas.

               When Paul and Silas depart, they leave Timothy and Luke in Philippi.  Timothy does not rejoin
               Paul until Berea (Acts 17:14).  Luke does not rejoin Paul until the third missionary journey (Acts
               20:5-6).]]></page><page Index="32"><![CDATA[Notes]]></page><page Index="33"/><page Index="34"/><page Index="35"><![CDATA[Chapter 17]]></page><page Index="36"><![CDATA[THE BOOK OF ACTS

               CHAPTER 17


               THE MACEDONAIN TOUR

               THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

               Jesus instructs us to “go into all the world” to preach the gospel, and we must not allow
               opposition to stop us from sharing the gospel.  We have opportunities in the world around us
               daily to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, and like Paul, we should meet people where they are
               at in their understanding of the true God.  As born-again believers, we should be living
               supernaturally in obedience to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and whether that obedience
               results in thousands or just one finding Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, obedience is the key.
               Every life matters to God.

               PAUL REASONS WITH THE THESSALONIANS (1-4)

               Paul and Silas have arrived in Thessalonica, and for three days, Paul reasons from the scriptures
               with the Jews who are gathered in the temple.  Some Jews are persuaded, and many Greeks
               and leading women of Thessalonica join Paul and Silas, receiving the message of the gospel.

               THE EGNATIAN WAY

               Act 17:1  Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to
               Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.

               Paul and Silas are now trampling on the Egnatian Way and will travel from Philippi to
               Thessalonica through Amphipolis and Apollonia.  They will leave the highway and go on to
               Berea.  The Egnatian Way is a 500 mile highway joining the Adriatic Sea at Dyrrhachium to the
               Aegean Sea at Neapolis.

               Thessalonica is a gulf city.  Today it is the modern city of Salonica.  It was the largest and most
               important city in Macedonia, and was the name of a very famous woman: a sister of Alexander
               the Great.  Since a Jewish population has existed in Thessalonica for some time, there is a
               synagogue where the Jews gather for worship.

               PAUL’S MINISTRY TO THE JEWS AT THESSALONICA

               Act 17:2  Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with
               them from the Scriptures,


               And Paul, as his manner (custom) was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned
               (dialegomai: dispute) with them out of the scriptures.]]></page><page Index="37"><![CDATA[Paul’s usual custom in a city is to first find a synagogue (if there is one) and minister to the Jews
               (Romans 1:16).  Because Paul has so many credentials from the Jewish religion, they quickly
               give him the floor the first time or two.  In Thessalonica, Paul is able to preach three times
               before he is recognized as a Jewish rebel.  In Thessalonica, Paul not only teaches, he answers
               questions.  This demonstrates the vast amount of knowledge and confidence Paul possesses.
               Later, word spreads from the Jewish headquarters in Jerusalem not to allow him to speak in the
               synagogue.  This will all catch up with him in chapter 21 in Jerusalem at the temple.

               Act 17:3  explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the
               dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ."

               Opening (revealing from Scripture) and alleging (proving), that Christ must needs (deo: had an
               obligation) have suffered (died), and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I
               preach unto you, is Christ.

               Paul takes familiar Old Testament scriptures and pulls the revelation out of them.  He teaches
               whom the sacrifices were speaking of, not only the ritual.  Jesus is the Messiah that they have
               been waiting for.  The Old Testament prophesied of His coming, and Jesus fulfilled it.  Jesus
               Christ is clearly revealed in the Old Testament.
                       17:3 suffer, pascho (pas-kho);  Compare “passion,” “passive,” “pathos.” Being acted
                       upon in a certain way, to experience ill-treatment, roughness, violence, or outrage, to
                       endure suffering, and to undergo evils from without.  Pascho asks the painful question:
                       “What is happening to me?” Of the 42 times it appears it is mostly used of Christ’s
                       suffering for us.

               Act 17:4  And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and
               not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.

               This is a usual pattern in the Gentile areas Paul has traveled to.  Some of the Jews receive, many
               of the Gentiles becomes born again, and many of the chief leaders in the city accept Jesus.
               Persecution then arises from the Jews who do not believe Paul’s message.

               UPRISING AND ATTACK ON JASON’S HOUSE (5-9)


               Some of the Jews become jealous of Paul and Silas, form a mob, and inflame the people to the
               point of attacking the house of Jason, thinking they will find Paul and Silas.  They drag Jason and
               his brothers from his house and accuse them of being against the decrees of Caesar.  The
               authorities take money from Jason and those with him and then release them.

               UNJUST ACCUSATIONS


               Act 17:5  But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men
               from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house
               of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.]]></page><page Index="38"><![CDATA[But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy (jealousy), took unto them (proslambano:
               hired, received) certain lewd fellows (poneros: evil men, wicked, malicious) of the baser sort
               (agoraios: from the marketplace, vulgar), and gathered a company (mob), and set (incited) all
               the city on an uproar (into a riot), and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them
               out to the people.

               When we reject the Word, we fall back on our emotions.  When logic and reasoning are
               exhausted, many resort to shouting and making unfounded accusations.  This is true in liberal
               politics and religion.  When a person is controlled by emotions, sin is the result.  The evil men
               from the marketplace are paid by the religious leaders to speak against Paul and Silas.  These
               evil men are hucksters, petty thieves, and traffickers.  These vagrants hang around the
               marketplace each day looking for ways to make a quick dollar by petty crimes and pick-
               pocketing.  They are good contacts for what was happening in the streets and know of ways to
               get a person into trouble.  These men began a riot against Paul and Silas, and the entire city is
               pulled into it.  After hearing about Paul and Silas staying in the house of Jason, the crowd then
               commits breaking and entering.  Paul and Silas are not in Jason’s home at the time of the crime,
               and Jason receives the brunt of the attack.
               ENSUING RIOT


               act 17:6  But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers
               of the city, crying out, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.

               And when they found them (Paul and Silas) not, they drew (dragged) Jason and certain
               brethren (recent converts) unto the rulers (judges) of the city, crying,  These that have turned
               the world upside down are come hither also; This mob is yelling exactly what they had been
               told.  They accused Paul of causing the riot.  They also claimed Paul and his team have caused
               riots in other cities and are now trying to do the same thing in Thessalonica.

                       17:6  Guidelines Amid a Visitation, REVIVAL.  So explosive was the revival in Acts, it was
                       as if the world had turned “upside down.” A visitation of God’s spirit puts leadership in a
                       role requiring wisdom in “handling” such explosiveness. To see His purpose fully
                       accomplished, these guidelines may help: 1) Follow the life of the Holy Spirit. If we
                       respond to the revival in fear (quenching the Spirit) or presumption (seizing initiative
                       God has not given us), we grieve the Holy Spirit. See Ephesians 4:30; 5:18; 1
                       Thessalonians 5:19. 2) Resolve not to “control” the revival. Seek God for discernment
                       between “leading” and “restricting”; monitor the visitation, but stay submitted to Him.
                       Give wise stewardship to the gracious move of the Spirit. See 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; James
                       4:7; 1 Peter 2:21. 3) Seek the counsel of gifted ministries, each submitting to and
                       complementing the other as God has designed His church to work together. See
                       Proverbs 11:14; 1 Corinthians 12:1-28; 14:32; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
                       4) Always complement the experiential side of the visitation with the consistent,
                       systematic teaching of the Word of God. See Luke 24:27; Acts 17:11; Ephesians 6:17;]]></page><page Index="39"><![CDATA[Hebrews 4:12. 5) Always keep the focus of the revival on God, not “things that happen.”
                       In a genuine move of God, people will need to be led to worship God and glorify Him as
                       the Initiator and Sustainer of such blessing and the Source of wisdom and power to walk
                       wisely in it.

               Act 17:7  Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar,
               saying there is another king—Jesus."

               Whom Jason hath received; and these all do (prasso: practice, repeatedly, habitually) contrary
               to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another (heteros: other , different ) king, one
               Jesus.

               They are saying, “It’s Jason who is hiding these rebels.  He is their contact here.”  They are
               accusing Paul and his team of teaching practices contrary to the law.  What a fine group of
               hypocrites to call Paul and his followers lawbreakers!

               Act 17:8  And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things.

               These government leaders are being influenced by an emotional mob, not by due process of
               law and fair trial.  They are overlooking the usual procedure of evidence, witnesses, and
               examination.  They are committing the same mistake as the leaders in Philippi (16:22-23).
               Act 17:9  So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they Let them go.


               And when they had taken security (bond) of Jason, and of the others, they let them go (released
               them).
               The bond was taken so Jason and the new converts would not escape.

               PAUL AND SILAS SENT TO BEREA (10-15)


               For the protection of Paul and Silas, the Thessalonian brothers send them to Berea in the night.
               The Jews in Berea more readily receive God’s Word and examine the scriptures daily.  Many
               receive the message of salvation.  When the Jews in Thessalonica hear about Paul preaching to
               the Bereans, they travel to Berea to once again stir up the crowds against them.  Paul is then
               sent by the brethren out to sea, and they take him as far as Athens.

               PAUL PREACHES TO THE BEREANS

               Act 17:10  Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When
               they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.

               Berea is south of Thessalonica, approximately fifty miles off of the Egnatian highway.

               Act 17:11  These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the
               word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things
               were so.]]></page><page Index="40"><![CDATA[These were more noble (eugenes: well born, high rank) than those in Thessalonica, in that they
               received the word with all readiness (eagerness) of mind, and searched the scriptures (Old
               Testament) daily, whether those things were so.

               Those in the synagogue in Berea include both Jews and Gentiles.  They are of a different
               attitude than those in the other cities.  Cities within a short distance of each other can be totally
               different in attitude and personality.  This city is more receptive to the Word and willing to
               check out Paul and his message.  They do not search to prove him wrong but to honestly
               evaluate his teaching.

               Act 17:12  Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent
               women as well as men.

               Therefore (because of this [studying of the Word]) many of them believed; also of honorable
               (noble) women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

               This revival is also unique because many men are saved as well as the women.  In many of the
               cities in which Paul speaks, women received the Word and only a few of the men.

               THESSALONIAN JEWS STIR UP TROUBLE IN BEREA

               Act 17:13  But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by
               Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds.

               The new believers and unbelievers are quickly stirred up by the legalistic Jews from
               Thessalonica.  These who have never come to give good news are quick to spread the bad news
               and divisive words about Paul and his message.

               Act 17:14  Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and
               Timothy remained there.

               The disciples make it look like Paul went to the sea when in fact he continued on land and goes
               to Athens.  Paul goes to Athens alone, leaving Timothy and Silas behind in Berea.  Timothy has
               come down to Berea to join Paul and ends up staying with Silas.  Every person Paul leaves
               behind is like a seed.  Their results cannot be immediately seen, but eventually there is a crop.
               The crop for Paul will come in a time of desperation while he is in Corinth.
               PAUL ESCORTED TO ATHENS


               Act 17:15  So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for
               Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed.

               Paul is protected and escorted to Athens by many new converts from Berea.  Once they arrive
               in Athens, they leave Paul and return home.]]></page><page Index="41"><![CDATA[PAUL ENCOUNTERS GREEK PHILOSOPHERS (16-21)

               As Paul waits at Athens for the arrival of Silas and Timothy, his spirit is provoked within him
               because the city is filled with idols.  Paul reasons daily with the Jews in the synagogue and in
               the marketplace with anyone present.  Some of the Greek philosophers converse with Paul, and
               bring him to the Areopagus, a place where philosophical debates take place, to hear about
               Paul’s “new teaching.”

               PAUL’S SPIRIT IS STIRRED

               Act 17:16  Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when
               he saw that the city was given over to idols.

               Paul wanders around in Athens while he waits for Silas and Timothy.  His spirit becomes angry
               and resentful for the heathenism in Athens.  Paul now devises a plan to put himself before the
               people in Athens.  He will discuss the Word in the synagogue and on the streets.

               Act 17:17  Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile
               worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there.

               Therefore disputed (dialogomai: discussed, reasoned with) he in the synagogue with the Jews,
               and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

               Paul begins by answering questions and discussing the Old Testament scriptures with Jews and
               Gentile proselytes.  He also begins to draw a crowd in the streets as he tells them of Jesus.  His
               teaching also draws many of the philosophers.

               THE EPICUREANS AND STOICS

               Act 17:18  Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said,
               "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign
               gods," because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.

               Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered (confronted) him.
               And some said, What will this babbler (spermologos: seed picker, loafer will) say?  Other some,
               He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the
               resurrection.

               In Athens, philosophy began with Aristotle and Plato.  By the time Paul comes to Athens, two
               schools of philosophy have developed: the Epicureans and the Stoics.  Both take offense to Paul
               because he teaches absolute right and wrong.  They called Paul a “babbler,” which comes from
               the Greek word spermologos, meaning a “seed picker.”  This is a term of derision.  Crows and
               other unclean birds would wait for someone to plant seeds and then come steal them.  They
               are accusing Paul of picking up seeds of other teachings and putting them together to make his
               own doctrine.  They are accusing him of looking for an audience and making up a new religion.]]></page><page Index="42"><![CDATA[Jesus and the resurrection Paul preaches is contrary to all Greek philosophy, especially the fact
               that Jesus took our sins with His death.  This was in direct opposition to the Epicureans who
               taught there was no sin, no right or wrong.

                       17:18  babbler, spermologos (sper-mol-og-oss);  Athenian slang for 1) a bird that picks
                       up seeds; 2) men lounging around the marketplace, making a living by picking up
                       whatever falls from the loads of merchandise; 3) a babbler, chatterer, or gossip retailing
                       bits and pieces of misinformation; 4) a pseudo-intellectual who insists on spouting off.
                       Tragically, the super-intellectuals on Mar’s Hill failed to see in Paul all the necessary
                       ingredients for being a truth bringer.

               OPPOSITION TO THE TEACHING OF THE RESURRECTION

               The resurrection was contrary to both the Epicureans and Stoics (1 Corinthians 15).

               EPICUREANS

               Founded by Epicurus who taught happiness is found in pleasure.  There is no standard of right
               or wrong, but whatever gives you pleasure is right.  Pleasure is an instinct; therefore, it cannot
               be wrong and should be cultivated.  Materialism was the next step in that line of thought, and
               then atheism.  They believed God was whatever you made Him to be.  All the emphasis was on
               the body.  They believed in the soul but believed it was so integrated with the feelings and
               emotions of the body; they were actually one.  Death was the final pleasure, and there was
               nothing following death.

               STOICS

               Founded by Zeno who taught from the porches (stoikos) of the temples in Athens.  His
               followers were called “porch people” or “Stoics.”  Zeno believed the Epicureans were too
               emotional and needed to be more reasonable.  Reason is the foundation of the Stoics.  The
               mind could conquer anything, and virtue was the most important attribute.  To Stoics, God was
               the spirit of reason in the universe, and the gods of the Pantheon were each concepts of
               reason.

               PAUL AT MARS HILL

               Verses 19-21 are the background for Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill.  He has taught in the
               synagogue and market just to get to a place of public audience.


               Act 17:19  And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what
               this new doctrine is of which you speak?
               And they took (seized) him, and brought him unto Areopagus (Court of Ares), saying, May we
               know what this new doctrine, thereof thou speakest, is?]]></page><page Index="43"><![CDATA[The Court of Ares (the God of war) is the supreme court of Athens.  It has six judges who make
               final decisions on philosophy.  This court meets on Mars Hill near the Acropolis, by the
               Parthenon.

               Another temple, located at the bottom of the hill, is the Temple of the Furies.  This Is the Place
               where Socrates had been condemned and then gave his famous last speech, “The Apologia.”
               Paul is now being asked about his doctrine before the six judges.  Thousands of people on the
               hill are listening and want to understand Paul’s teaching.

               Act 17:20  For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know
               what these things mean."

               The judges speak for the philosophers and the people.

               Act 17:21  For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing
               else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.

               (For all the Athenians [citizens] and strangers [tourists] which were there spent their time in
               nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
               This is an indication of their intellectual snobbery.  They continually wait to hear the latest
               philosophical ideas.  They are novelty seekers, changing philosophies as often as some people
               change clothing.


               PAUL REASONS WITH GREEK PHILOSOPHERS (22-34)

               Paul meets the Greek philosophers where they are by explaining that the “unknown god” they
               worship is the true and living God.  He shares the gospel message, including the resurrection of
               the dead.  Some mock, others want to hear more, and some receive the gospel.

               FALSE “GODS”

               Act 17:22  Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I perceive
               that in all things you are very religious;

               Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ Hill and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all
               things you are too superstitious (deisidaimoneros: more religious).

               This is the most shocking thing they have ever heard.  They expect to be approached with the
               unity, respect, and fear.  But Paul tells them they have too much religion.  They think the more
               religions, the safer.  They believe if they have many forms of religion, they are bound to hit the
               right one at some point.  Paul tells them their religion and form of life is a façade.  These men
               are stupid but think they are the intellectuals, yet Paul is the true intellectual.  He sees the truth
               of life and has the best grasp on right and wrong.  These men have over 30,000 statues in
               Athens dedicated to different gods, and Paul is the only one in the city who knows the true
               God.]]></page><page Index="44"><![CDATA[Act 17:23  for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even
               found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you
               worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:

               Paul has been casually observing their forms of worship while waiting to have an audience.  His
               first observation is the over-devotion to many religions.  When no statue could be built for a
               particular concept, an altar would be built instead with a plaque and an inscription to that god.
               To ensure no god was overlooked, an altar was built to the unknown god where people can
               place their offerings to satisfy him.  Paul calls this “ignorant” because they worship the true God
               without knowing Him.

               THE TRUE GOD

               Act 17:24  God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth,
               does not dwell in temples made with hands.

               He is telling them, in essence, that Zeus, Apollo, and Athena are all myths; they did not create
               the world, God did.  The true Lord does not live in handmade buildings.  Imperfect men cannot
               make a house or plan for God, but perfect God can make a house and plan for man.

               Act 17:25  Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives
               to all life, breath, and all things.

               False religions think their gods need their works to fulfill their missions.  God does not nor ever
               will need man’s help.  It is quite the opposite.  Man needs God’s help.  This concept is that man
               is necessary to make God happy.  God was happy before man ever came along.  God is happy
               for Himself and needs no one to fulfill Him or to make Him happy.  However, God is necessary
               to make man happy in salvation, physical life, and all things afterward.

               Act 17:26  And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the
               earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,

               And hath made of (from) one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth,
               and hath determined (predetermined) the times (kairos: dispensations, set or proper times)
               before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation (nations);

               God predetermined dispensations and national boundaries to protect man.  Paul is actually
               telling these men God determined countries (including their own), yet they are turning away
               from Him by looking for other gods.
               Act 17:27  so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find
               Him, though He is not far from each one of us;


               That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel (pselaphao: feel, handle, touch) . . .]]></page><page Index="45"><![CDATA[OFFSPRING OF GOD

               Act 17:28  for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets
               have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'

               We “live.”  We have spiritual as well as future physical life with the Lord.  Only in Christ are we
               truly alive.  We also “move.”  All of our functions in life are now accomplished in Him who
               (currently) cares for every part of our daily lives.  We finally “have our being.”  This is our entire
               existence.  Our existence (spiritual, soulish, and natural) are wrapped up in Him.  He is our
               entire life.

               Paul quotes two Stoic writers, Aratus and Cleanthes, who admitted there was a God who
               created them, not vice versa.  We find the same thing in our atheistic society; our founding
               fathers told us that our “Creator gave us certain inalienable rights.”

               Act 17:29  Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine
               Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising.

               We do not create God with our imaginations and with tools.  Even those are created by God.

                       17:26-29  God of Creation and Unity of the Human Race, HUMAN WORTH/DIVINE
                       DESTINY.  Both the OT and NT state that the God of creation created unity of the human
                       race. Through Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:20), and then the sons of Noah (9:19), all
                       ethnicities and nationalities of men come from a similar bloodline. The prophet referring
                       to the special Fatherhood and fellowship God gives to His redeemed people, asks, “Have
                       we not all one father? Has not one God created us?” (Malachi 2:10). In the NT, Paul
                       affirms the unity of the human race, by acknowledging that God “made from one blood
                       every nation of men” (Acts 17:26) and that “we are the offspring of God” (verses 28-29).
                       Therefore all men and women having been created in God’s image and having their
                       beings in Him, are equal before Him in worth and have an equal right to respect.

               Act 17:30  Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men
               everywhere to repent,

               Paul is telling them that God has overlooked their ignorance in the past, but no more.  Now that
               the gospel is presented to them, they are responsible.  God does not wink at sin but will
               overlook the ignorance of it.  “All men” is referring to those who are questioning Paul in this
               meeting in Athens on Mars Hill.  They are no longer ignorant.


               THE WORLD WILL BE JUDGED BY RIGHTEOUSNESS

               Act 17:31  because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness
               by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the
               dead."]]></page><page Index="46"><![CDATA[Because he (God) hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness
               by that man (Jesus) whom he hath ordained (chosen); whereof he hath given assurance (proof)
               unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

               Righteousness is the standard by which the whole world will be judged (John 16:8, 10).  The
               “proof” Paul is referring to is the miracles, signs, and wonders Jesus performed on the earth
               and the continued miracles of the disciples.  Paul is showing he is as much chosen by God as
               Jesus was.  Anyone who is born-again becomes one of the chosen of God and can also move
               into a life of the supernatural.

               When Paul mentions the resurrection, the Athenians fall apart.  They have no teaching or belief
               in the resurrection.  Of all the gods they give credence to in Athens, none taught of
               resurrection, so they have no frame of reference.

               REACTION TO PAUL’S MESSAGE

               Act 17:32  And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others
               said, "We will hear you again on this matter."

               When others had spoken from Mars Hill, some listening could understand and some could not.
               When Paul speaks, no one can understand.  It is only by the Holy Spirit that some can believe in
               Paul’s message and become born again.

               Act 17:33  So Paul departed from among them.

               Act 17:34  However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the
               Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

               Paul was sent by the Holy Spirit to Athens for these few people.  Just as in Philippi,
               Thessalonica, and Berea, Paul is obedient even when only a few accept the Lord.  We do not
               know exactly how many believe at the time, but Athens goes on to have a revival through the
               converts in Greece.]]></page><page Index="47"><![CDATA[Notes]]></page><page Index="48"/><page Index="49"><![CDATA[Chapter 18]]></page><page Index="50"><![CDATA[THE BOOK OF ACTS

               CHAPTER 18


               PAUL’S THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY

               THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

               There are people all around hungering for the truth, and God will send us to those crying out to
               know Him.  We must always be ready to respond to God in boldness and resist fear of the
               opinions of others.  Our motive for ministry must never be for personal gain but for the gaining
               of souls into the kingdom of God.  We must also determine to continually be renewed in our
               minds by the Word of God so we can share the truth in love with those God brings across our
               paths.

               PAUL MINISTERS IN CORINTH (1-17)

               After Paul leaves Athens, he arrives in Corinth where he meets Aquila and Priscilla who have
               also recently arrived in Corinth from Rome.  Like Paul, they are tent makers by occupation.
               Although Paul works as a tent maker for a time, he still reasons with those present in the
               synagogue every Sabbath.  When the Jews appose Paul, he departs to minister to the Gentiles.
               The Lord then appears to Paul in a night vision, encouraging him not to fear and to continue
               sharing the gospel message.

               PAUL MAKES TENTS

               Act 18:1  After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth.

               To the natural mind, Athens would be a nice place to stay because of the beauty of the country.
               But overall, the people are against the message of Paul, and he departs to other areas to
               evangelize.  His next stop is Corinth.

               Corinth is a strategic city in the Roman empire, built by Julius Caesar.  It is a convention town: a
               pleasure city.  The temple of Aphrodite housed over one thousand prostitutes, priestesses to
               the Roman goddess of love.  It was also a great sports city, and during the writing of the New
               Testament, the greatest games were the Isthmus games of Corinth, not the Olympic or Pythian
               games of Greece.

               Claudius is the Roman Emperor at this time.  His stepson, Nero, will be next in line for the
               throne.  Claudius is a very gracious man but becomes intolerant of the Jews for their religious
               arguing.  He eventually commands all Jews to be cast out of Rome.  One of the Jews who had to
               leave was Aquila, a very prosperous tent maker in Rome who made tents both for individuals
               and the military.  He was married to a Roman aristocrat, Priscilla.  Both of them travel to
               Corinth and continued their tent making business.]]></page><page Index="51"><![CDATA[Act 18:2  And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come
               from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from
               Rome); and he came to them.

               Pontus was a city on the southernmost end of the Black Sea.  Both Aquila and Priscilla are
               believers and have a very successful marriage.  They are a monument to God’s call on a married
               couple.  They are involved in business, but are also instructors in the Word (verse 26).  The
               church meets in their home (Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19).  Paul enters Corinth at the
               perfect time.  He will meet Aquila and Priscilla (believers) and Gallio (an unbeliever) in the
               Corinthian court.  All of these greatly impact the history of the church.

               Many factors are critical in God’s timing for a nation.  When a person obeys God’s command to
               go, God knows the state of the government leaders, the attitude of the people toward the
               gospel, the laws of the land, and the hearts of the believers in the area.

               Act 18:3  So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by
               occupation they were tentmakers.
               And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: (ergozomai: worked)
               for by their occupation they were tent makers.


               Paul had been a tent maker at one time and so helps in the business.  First, he works because
               he is low on money.  He has left his team in Macedonia, and Paul is now alone.  He spent what
               money he had to live on and is now forced to work for an income; he preaches whenever he
               has the opportunity.

               He does not send word back to Antioch to ask for more money and does not itinerate to
               request offerings.  He goes to work.  In the natural, this looks like a setback, and Paul becomes
               discouraged (verses 9-10).  Discouragement is the great offender in the ministry (Hebrews 12:
               1, 3).  Paul works during the day and teaches each Sabbath.  He continues to do this until a large
               amount of money arrives from Macedonia (verse 5).

               Not only does Paul work because he needs money to live, he also works because he is led to do
               so.  At the moment, he does not understand, but the reason becomes apparent to him.  The
               people at Corinth will accuse Paul of being in the ministry for the money.  His willingness to
               work completely stops the argument (1 Corinthians 9:18-19; 2 Corinthians 8:20-23; 11:7-8).

               Act 18:4  And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and
               Greeks.

               And he reasoned (dialegomai: say thoroughly) in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded
               (peitho: influenced over) the Jews and Greeks.

               Paul’s only free day to minister is Saturday, and he goes to the synagogue.  Since Aquila and
               Priscilla are also Jews, it makes it possible for Paul to minister.  He wins many of the Jews and]]></page><page Index="52"><![CDATA[Greeks over with the teaching of the Word.  Many of the converts become established in the
               Word of God.

               JEWS OPPOSE PAUL

               Act 18:5  When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit,
               and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

               And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit (by
               the Word), and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

               Silas and Timothy had been left in Berea when Paul went to Athens.  Paul waits for them in
               Athens (17: 15-16), but is only there a short time before going on to Corinth alone (1
               Thessalonians 3:1).  Silas and Timothy must have known in their spirits of Paul’s financial need
               and received an offering for him from the believers of Macedonia.  They bring this large offering
               to Paul in Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:9; Philippians 4:15; 1 Thessalonians 3:6) so he can quit tent
               making and preach full-time.

               When Paul receives the offering, it relieves his affliction (tribulation) and distress (necessity) (1
               Thessalonians 3:7).  Paul then writes 1 Thessalonians to thank them for the gift and to correct
               some mistakes about the rapture, he had learned of through Silas and Timothy.  Now Paul has
               money, and he can be pressed by the Word alone and not the need for money or the necessity
               to work.

               Act 18:6  But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to
               them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."

               And when they opposed themselves (set themselves in opposition), and blasphemed (maligned
               Paul), he shook his raiment (Matthew 10:14: shook off the dust), and said unto them, Your
               blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth (now on) I will go unto the
               Gentiles.

               Paul is declaring that he has done all he can do.  He has given them the Word, and now their
               blood is on their own heads.  Paul stands clean.  These men will now stand accountable before
               God.

               SALVATIONS

               Act 18:7  And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus,
               one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.

               Titus Justus, “a man of the potters,” is well-known.  His house was built on the same property
               as the synagogue.  Paul has just moved next door to the church and typically would not have
               done this, but God allows him to.  Paul does not do this for any vindictive reason.]]></page><page Index="53"><![CDATA[Act 18:8  Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household.
               And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.

               Paul took the chief ruler with him.  Crispus is one of the two most influential people to be born
               again in Corinth.  The other is Sosthenes (verse 17).  The Corinthians “hearing, believed.”  You
               must hear to believe (Romans 10:13-15).  Paul baptized Crispus and Gaius, but the rest of the
               converts are baptized by others (1 Corinthians 1:14).

               PAUL’S VISION

               Act 18:9  Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and
               do not keep silent;

               This verse emphasizes the tremendous pressure Paul faces in court.  He is being criticized by the
               Jewish leaders, and the people are being told that Paul is only there for money, which they
               believe.  Even though there are great victories each day, Paul has become discouraged.

               Often during or after a great victory, times of discouragement come.  It is an occupational
               hazard in the ministry.  But the word of the Lord is always there to deliver us.  Usually God will
               minister to us through someone (maybe receiving a nice letter from a congregational member
               or from someone outside the church).  In this particular instance, the Lord Himself comforts
               Paul.  The ministry of the Holy Spirit comes to Paul by a vision of Jesus and assures him he is not
               alone.  Jesus is with him and so are many believers in Corinth.  Paul is apparently disturbed and
               upset with his recent time of discouragement and cannot sleep.  The Lord comes to him by
               night in a vision to tell him of the great victories he will see in the next eighteen months.

               Paul has also become fearful (Isaiah 41:10).  Apparently some of the converts are accusing Paul
               of being in the ministry for money, and he becomes hesitant to speak about money or to
               receive an offering for fear of the opinions of people.  He is probably overly cautious because of
               fear.  God assures Paul the Word would go forth without fear of man.  The book of 2
               Corinthians becomes a defense for the arguments made against Paul.

               ACCUSATIONS AGAINST PAUL

                   1.  Walks according to the flesh (2 Corinthians 10:2).
                   2.  Writes powerful letters, but is a coward in person (2 Corinthians 10:2).
                   3.  In the ministry for money (2 Corinthians 8:20-23; 11:7-8).
                   4.  Not one of the original apostles, no credentials (2 Corinthians 3:1; 11:5; 12:11-12).
                   5.  Is boastful (2 Corinthians 10:8, 15).
                   6.  Is deceitful (2 Corinthians 12:16).

               Act 18:10  for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in
               this city."]]></page><page Index="54"><![CDATA[Paul thinks no one appreciates him.  He is probably discouraged because of poor results (in
               numbers) and opposition in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens.  When he arrives in
               Corinth, he has to make tents because support runs low and he is rejected by the Jews.

               But the Lord confirms Paul is in His will and will not be forsaken.  God also promises no one will
               assault him (threats had already been made against his life).  The Lord also knows that many
               will be born again and Spirit-filled.  Satan does not know the future but can predict with great
               accuracy.  When he knows a city is ripe for the gospel because the people are hungry, he will
               oppose God’s man through criticism and discouragement.

               Act 18:11  And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among
               them.

               This verse is the introduction to the rest of the chapter.  During the eighteen months Paul is in
               Corinth, a religious mob rises up against him and tries to use violence and Roman law to get rid
               of Paul.
               PAUL BROUGHT BEFORE GALLIO


               Act 18:12  When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul
               and brought him to the judgment seat,

               And when Gallio was the deputy (procounsel) of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection
               (withstood, assaulted) with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,

               A deputy is the same as the governor.  Pontius Pilate was a governor.  Gallio was an excellent
               administrator and one of the greatest proponents of Roman law of his day, along with his
               brother, Seneca.  Because of his strong stand for Roman law, he will later be executed by Nero
               who defies Roman law.  (Gallio and Paul die within two years of each other.)  Gallio is a man of
               excellent manners, and these Jews think it will be easy to intimidate him and use him against
               Paul.

               Act 18:13  saying, "This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law."

               They try to stir up Gallio by accusing Paul of persuading people to go against Roman law.  Paul is
               about to defend himself, but Gallio beats him to the point.

               Act 18:14  And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a
               matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with
               you.


               And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter
               of wrong (civil indictment) or wicked lewdness (criminal acts), O ye Jews, reason would (it
               would be right) that I should bear (put up) with you:]]></page><page Index="55"><![CDATA[Gallio immediately recognizes that Roman law is being practiced by the Jews.  Even though
               there was a state religion in Rome, people are allowed to worship as they please.  Gallio
               observed a man being wronged by a religious group trying to use Roman law to settle a
               religious argument.  Because of Gallio’s excellent interpretation and use of Roman law, Paul is
               free to teach the Word of God in Corinth for the next eighteen months.

               Act 18:15  But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for
               I do not want to be a judge of such matters."

               But if it be a question of words (teachings) and names (of gods), and of your law (Jewish
               religion), look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.

               Gallio is saying, “If it is a religious question, you handle it.  If it is a criminal act, I’ll handle it.”
               The state has no right to solve a religious controversy, only to protect the people involved.

               Act 18:16  And he drove them from the judgment seat.

               And he drave them (threw them out) from the judgment seat.

               Act 18:17  Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before
               the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things.


               Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before (in
               front of) the judgment seat.  And Gallio cared for none (was not concerned) of those things.
               Apparently Sosthenes is with the religious mob who has tried to get rid of Paul.  The Greeks in
               the courtroom are impressed and ecstatic over the way Gallio handled the case, so after Gallio
               leaves the bench, the mob apprehends Sosthenes and beats him before leaving the courtroom.
               They are determined there will be no more religious mobs in Corinth.

               Somehow, in spite of what happens, Sosthenes receives the Lord.  In 1 Corinthians 1:1, Paul
               refers to him as a brother in the Lord.  Gallio knew what occurred after he left, but did not
               become involved.  It was still a religious matter, the Christian religion against the Jewish.

               PAUL’S RETURN TO ANTIOCH (18-23)


               Paul is released and remains in Corinth for an extended time.  He eventually travels with Aquila
               and Priscilla to Syria and then departs to Ephesus leaving his traveling companions behind.
               Upon arriving in Ephesus, Paul reasons with the Jews in the synagogue and finally returns to
               Antioch, then to the regions of Galatia and Phrygia to encourage the disciples.
               PAUL STOPS IN EPHESUS


               Verses 18-28 are transitional versus (“meanwhile, back at the ranch”).  They actually lead up to
               the Ephesus revival of chapter 19.  Paul will spend more time in Ephesus than any other place in
               his ministry: three years.]]></page><page Index="56"><![CDATA[Chapter 18 describes Paul as just passing through Ephesus because it was not the time to
               remain in Ephesus, but to prepare.  Paul leaves Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus and travels alone
               to Jerusalem.  He will then travel to Antioch and begin his third missionary journey.

               While in Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla meet Apollos and train him in the New Testament
               doctrine.  Apollos then travels to Corinth.  These few verses demonstrate how far God goes to
               prepare a city for the Word.  God takes time for every small detail!

               Act 18:18  So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for
               Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had
               taken a vow.

               And Paul after this (trial) tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of (departed
               from) the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn
               his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

               The “good while” Paul stays in Corinth is eighteen months (verse 11).  When he departs, he
               stops in Ephesus first, but Syria is the final destination.  Aquila and Priscilla laid down their lives
               for Paul, and Aquila takes a vow to save Paul’s life (Romans 16:3-4).  This is a carryover of
               Jewish tradition.  This is not legalistic, but a personal vow Aquila makes to God on Paul’s behalf.
               Paul later does the same in Jerusalem (21:22-26) but with the wrong motive.  He is pressured
               by legalistic Jews to keep a religious vow in order to preach the gospel.  We do not have the
               details of Aquila’s vow, but they all face a great danger when he takes this memorial vow to
               save Paul.

               Act 18:19  And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue
               and reasoned with the Jews.

               And he came to Ephesus, and left them (Aquila and Priscilla) there: but he himself (alone)
               entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

               Ephesus is the capital of the Roman province of Asia.  The population is around three hundred
               thousand and has a large temple for the worship of Diana.

               Act 18:20  When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent,

               Paul had a good response, and many are born again, but Paul is only there to plant seeds for
               the new church.  He will return later for an excellent ministry, a good harvest.

               Act 18:21  but took leave of them, saying, "I must by all means keep this coming feast in
               Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing." And he sailed from Ephesus.

               The “feast that cometh in Jerusalem” is the feast of Pentecost.  Paul wants to be in Jerusalem
               during the feast to see many of his friends and visit the church at Jerusalem.  This will be the
               last time he will be able to visit the church in the Lord’s will.  The next time he visits, he will be
               out of God’s will.  He tells the saints at Ephesus he will return if it is the Lord’s will.  It will be the]]></page><page Index="57"><![CDATA[Lord’s will, and he will return after a number of months to witness the harvest which has been
               sown and watered for quite a while.

               PAUL STRENGTHENS THE DISCIPLES

               Act 18:22  And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up and greeted the church, he went
               down to Antioch.

               Paul docks at Caesarea and goes to Jerusalem.  He visits the church and the many saints who
               were his friends.  When the feast of Pentecost concludes, Paul returns to his home church of
               Antioch and rests for an extended time.

               Act 18:23  After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia
               and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

               Beginning his third missionary journey, Paul visits the same churches he has established on his
               first and second trips.  He goes to encourage the pastors and saints in Galatia.  Since they have
               a tendency toward legalism, he reminds them of their position in Christ and the walk of faith
               which remains throughout the Christian life.

               MINISTRY OF APOLLOS (24-28)

               Apollos is strong in the scriptures and fervent in spirit but knows nothing beyond the baptism of
               John.  Aquila and Priscilla hear him speak boldly in the synagogue and afterward take him aside
               to teach him “more accurately” about following the way of God in Jesus Christ.

               Act 18:24  Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty
               in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.

               The plan of God does not stop when the main minister leaves a city.  God always has a plan and
               never leaves a group of hungry people without a minister.  Alexandria was a university city and
               apparently Apollos is a language or speech major.  He is eloquent in speech but an unbeliever
               until some of John the Baptist’s followers come to the city and lead him to the Lord.  He grew in
               the Scriptures, which he had known since childhood, and became powerful in revealing
               salvation in the Old Testament to his listeners.

               He is now called by the Holy Spirit to go to Ephesus to instruct the believers and sinners in the
               plans of God.  He not only leads many to the Lord, but is also instructed himself by Aquila and
               Priscilla.

               Act 18:25  This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he
               spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John.

               Since he has been led to the Lord by the disciples of John the Baptist, he only knows of the plan
               of God up to the baptism of John.  He knows nothing of New Testament doctrine, his position in]]></page><page Index="58"><![CDATA[Christ, the new birth, the indwelling Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit, the body of Christ, the
               church, the bride of Christ, and many other areas of the age of grace.

                       18:25  fervent, zeo (dzeh-oh); Compare “zeal,” “zeolite,” or “seethe.” Living fervor, fiery
                       hot, full of burning zeal. It is the opposite of dignified, cold, and unemotional. In a
                       Christian context it signifies a high spiritual temperature, inflamed by the Holy Spirit.
                       Apollos was a complete man, articulate in Scripture and full of spiritual fervency.

               Act 18:26  So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him,
               they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

               Aquila and Priscilla hear Apollos speak in the temple and know immediately he has no
               knowledge of the new covenant.  After having spent much time with Paul, they are capable to
               lead him into the deeper truths of the dispensation of the church.

               Act 18:27  And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples
               to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace;

               Achaia is southern Greece.  He goes there with letters of recommendation and is able to help
               the new believers who have recently been saved by grace.
               Act 18:28  for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is
               the Christ.


               The strength of Apollos is leading Jews to the Lord Jesus through Old Testament scriptures.]]></page><page Index="59"><![CDATA[Notes]]></page><page Index="60"/><page Index="61"><![CDATA[Chapter 19]]></page><page Index="62"><![CDATA[THE BOOK OF ACTS

               CHAPTER 19


               THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER NINETEEN

               Paul never preaches against the worship of the goddess Diana.  Instead, he preaches the Word
               of God, and the Word prevails.  So many lives are transformed, businesses which previously had
               been very prosperous begin to suffer.  As long as we are in the world, there will always be
               opposition to the effects of the gospel.  In spite of the opposition, Paul never backs down from
               the purity and power of the gospel message.

               Once again, Paul serves as an example to us.  We never need to water down the message of
               God’s Word simply because the world is demanding a different, “more acceptable” message.
               We must continue to speak the truth by the direction of the Holy Spirit because only the truth
               sets people free.
               THE INFILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN EPHESUS (1-7)


               When Paul arrives in Ephesus, he finds disciples who have not yet heard of the Holy Spirit but
               have been baptized through the ministry of John the Baptist.  Paul instructs them and then
               baptizes them in the name of Jesus Christ, and all are filled with the Holy Spirit and began to
               speak in tongues when Paul lays hands on them.  After this, Paul enters the synagogue and
               boldly shares the gospel for three months.  When Paul’s listeners become hardened against the
               gospel message, Paul departs and spends two years teaching in the school of Tyrannus.

               PAUL FINDS DISCIPLES IGNORANT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

               Act 19:1  And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the
               upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples

               The disciples Paul meets will play a major role in the revival in Ephesus.  Paul has been gone for
               a number of months and is now refreshed in his soul and body.  He is now ready to give himself
               completely to the revival that will occur in this key city of Asia Minor.  The men he meets are
               disciples who are born again and will become filled with the Holy Spirit.  This revival will be one
               of the supernatural.  Great signs and wonders will accompany the teaching of the Word of God.

               Act 19:2  he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" So they said to
               him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit."

               The Holy Spirit can be received at the point of the new birth.  Paul asks the believers he met if
               this has happened to them.  Paul must have recognized a deficiency in their Christian lives
               much the same way Aquila and Priscilla recognized a spiritual deficiency in the life of Apollos.
               These twelve men had been born again only and not instructed in the infilling of the Holy Spirit.]]></page><page Index="63"><![CDATA[Act 19:3  And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's
               baptism."

               These men had been born again under the ministry of Apollos when he remained in Ephesus for
               a brief time (18:25).

               Act 19:4  Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the
               people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus."

               The ministry of John the Baptist brought people to the new birth and water baptism (Matthew
               3: 1-3, 11).  However, the infilling of the Holy Spirit is their doorway into the church age, the
               dispensation of grace.  They will learn, as did Apollos, of the specialized dispensation we live in
               today.

               Act 19:5  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

               Although they have already been water baptized, they do not understand its New Testament
               significance.  So Paul has them baptized again, this time in the name of Jesus.  Now they can
               apply the act of baptism to the new birth.
               Act 19:6  And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they
               spoke with tongues and prophesied.


               These men speak with tongues and then move into one of the utterances gifts: prophecy.  This
               also occurs in the house of Cornelius in Acts 10: 46.  In both cases, the people speak with
               tongues before they move into the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Speaking with tongues is the
               manifestation of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

                       19:6 Water Baptism and Holy Spirit Baptism,  HOLY SPIRIT FULLNESS.  As in Samaria
                       with Peter and John, here Paul showed the same concern over those in Ephesus.
                       Drawing the distinction between water baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit, he “laid
                       hands on them.” When “the Holy Spirit came upon them,” similar results attended their
                       experience, just as other miracle signs in Acts. Most significantly, just as in Jerusalem,
                       before long the entire city was awakened to the message of Jesus and the Resurrection
                       (verse 10). This is the greatest sign of Holy Spirit fullness: he enables believers in a
                       penetrating witness that impacts cultures alien to God’s Word of Truth (verse 20).

               Act 19:7  Now the men were about twelve in all.

               This Ephesian revival begins with a core of 12 men.

               THE REVIVAL IN EPHESUS (8-22)

               God begins to work special miracles through Paul’s hands, and handkerchiefs and aprons that
               had been lain on Paul’s body, bring healing and deliverance on those on whom the cloths are
               placed.]]></page><page Index="64"><![CDATA[In an attempt to mimic Paul, Jewish exorcists, specifically the seven sons of Sceva, use the name
               of Jesus to cast an evil spirit out of a man.  To their great surprise, the demon speaks and then
               leaps on them, leaving the seven sons wounded and naked.  As a result of this incident, fear
               falls on the people.  Many come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and many bring their
               books about magic to be burned.  The Word continues to grow and prevail.

               Act 19:8  And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and
               persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.

               The time is now right.  Paul had told the new converts in Ephesus that he would return if it was
               the will of God (18: 19-21).  This will of God is “yes,” and Paul does return with a confidence he
               did not possess the first time.  His words are more anointed and his audience more receptive.
               Paul has never shared the gospel in any synagogue for a three-month period of time.  This is
               evidence of the degree of success he is having among the Jews.

               Act 19:9  But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before
               the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school
               of Tyrannus.
               Not everyone receives Paul’s message.  Some hardened their hearts the more they hear.  Not
               only do some not receive, they set themselves in opposition to the Word.  David calls this type
               of person a “scorner” in Psalm 1:1.  Paul went to the Jews first but left them when they rejected
               the message.  He now sets his sights on the Gentiles.

               The School of Tyrannus is a medical school.  The medical students learn in the mornings, and
               the building is empty during the day.  Paul uses this building during the afternoons and
               evenings.  For two years, this will be one of Paul’s most successful bases of operation.

               Act 19:10  And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the
               Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

               The two-year revival spreads throughout the Roman province of Asia.  This area includes six
               other cities which later establish churches.  Together these make up the seven churches of Asia
               found in the first three books of Revelation.  All seven churches began from the Ephesian
               revival.  The revival began with the Word of God.  Both Jews and Greeks hear the Word.  Paul
               speaks and God accompanies the Word with signs following (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3-4).

               MIRACLES THROUGH PAUL’S HANDS


               Act 19:11  Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul,
               Again, these miracles are performed in response to the Word of God being preached.  This
               revival begins with the Word.  Signs and wonders follow the Word.  The revival ends with the
               Word increasing (verse 20).  These miracles, signs, and wonders are not the “usual” miracles.
               They are exceptional and out of the ordinary.]]></page><page Index="65"><![CDATA[Special miracles only occurred once in Paul’s ministry.  The Holy Spirit can minister in a unique
               way from time to time, but it will be rare.  The idea of a “special anointing” for only one area is
               not true.  The anointing will break every yoke of bondage.  Jesus declared the Spirit of the Lord
               was upon him (Luke 4:18) and the end result was the preaching of the gospel to the poor, the
               recovery of sight to the blind, healing of the brokenhearted, and setting at liberty those who
               were bruised.  One anointing covers all of these needs.

               Like Jesus, God’s power worked through the hands of Paul.  He laid hands on sick people and
               special miracles occurred.  Prayer cloths were taken to the sick and demon possessed, and they
               were delivered.

               Act 19:12  so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the
               diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.

               The handkerchiefs and aprons carry God’s anointing to both heal and deliver (Mark 5:30; Luke
               6:19).  The handkerchiefs come from the women who attend the meetings during the day.  The
               aprons are work aprons the men wore to their jobs.  Most of the employment available in the
               city is for craftsmen who make statues of Diana (verse 24).  These men come to the meetings in
               the evening to join their wives.  When the anointing of God moves strongly in the meeting,
               handkerchiefs and aprons are taken from Paul’s body and delivered to the sick and demon
               possessed in the city.  Great healings and deliverance take place.  The same anointing that
               delivers people from sickness also delivers people from demons.
               A greater anointing is not necessary for people to be delivered from demons than for healing.
               The smaller handkerchiefs are not exclusively for healing and the larger aprons exclusively for
               deliverance from demons.  It is not necessary to use a larger piece of cloth for a person to be
               delivered from a demon; the anointing breaks the yoke.

               SEVEN SONS OF SCEVA


               Act 19:13  Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name
               of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "We exorcise you by the Jesus whom
               Paul preaches."

               Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists (exorkistes: enchanters), took upon them to call
               over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure (horchizo: put on
               oath, make swear) you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
               These “vagabonds” are traveling Jews who cast devils out for money.  They have become quite
               rich by temporarily ridding people of demons.  These men are revered in the city and thought
               to be holy men.  People do not know they are working in league with Satan himself.

               The word for exorcist means “one who casts out devils by magic formulas and incantations.”
               These men virtually have a monopoly on their trade until Paul comes to town with real power
               over demons.  Apparently, the men attend one of Paul’s meetings and notice he uses the name]]></page><page Index="66"><![CDATA[of “Jesus” over each person.  They decided to add the name of Jesus to their formula in an
               attempt to get their business back.  In the past, when these men cast out devils, the results
               were never permanent.  These men knows Paul has the greater power and are trying to
               duplicate or increase it.

               Act 19:14  Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.

               Sceva is one of the twenty-four ruling priests in the Sanhedrin of Jerusalem.  This passage refers
               to his seven sons who are using their family name and religious affiliation to bring in money.
               Luke has seen and met Sceva and remembers the address Jesus had given him (Luke 11:14-20).
               This verse reveals the demonic control that can be attached to religion.  Even those practicing
               the Jewish religion and quoting Old Testament Scriptures, including the chief priests, do not
               believe in Jesus Christ and open themselves up to demonic activity.

               Act 19:15  And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are
               you?"

               The seven sons do not expect this response.  They have never experienced a demon speaking to
               them, especially in an insulting way.  The demon knew Jesus and Paul because both were new
               creations.  When Paul was born again, he instantly became a citizen of God’s kingdom and was
               no longer part of Satan’s kingdom.  Every demon knew it.


               What is most amazing about this verse is the demon did not know or recognize the seven sons
               of Sceva, and they worked for the demon!  Satan does not know his own, but he does know
               God’s.  The only way to be known in the kingdom of Satan is to become born again.  You are
               then on Satan’s hate-list and God’s love-list (the Book of Life).  God knows His own but does not
               know Satan’s.  One day, the seven sons of Sceva will stand before the Lord in judgment and ask
               “Didn’t we cast out devils in your name?”  Jesus will answer them “Depart ye workers of
               iniquity, I never knew you” (Matthew 7:22).

               Act 19:16  Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and
               prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

               And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed
               (ischuo: be of strength) against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

               This is the supernatural power of one demon.  One man leaped on seven.  One man overcame
               the strength of seven.  One man prevailed against seven and tore their clothes off before they
               could reach the front door of the house.

               REVERENCE FOR THE LORD JESUS INCREASES

               Act 19:17  This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on
               them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.]]></page><page Index="67"><![CDATA[The sons of Sceva are exposed, and now everyone knows they are working for Satan himself.
               Great reverence for the true God falls on the entire city and the name of Jesus is magnified.
               Many unsaved people and backslidden Christians come to the Lord.  The ripples of this event
               spread throughout Asia.

               Act 19:18  And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.

               Believers who are out of fellowship with the Lord come and repent of their fear and apathy
               toward the things of God.  They also begin to tell of their involvement with witchcraft and
               sorcery.

               Act 19:19  Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and
               burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty
               thousand pieces of silver.

               These books taught witchcraft, demon worship, seances and occult operations.  This burning is
               a monument to their renewed life.  There were no printing presses then, so these were hand
               written on scrolls.

               Act 19:20  So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
               So (houto kata: thus, by the same standard) mightily (kratos: power, strength) grew the word of
               God and prevailed (ischuo: gained strength).


               The Word of God began far behind the power and might of Diana and the religion of Ephesus.
               But during a three-year period of time, the Word continues to grow until it overcomes and
               prevails.  Here Luke is making an analogy to the demon who overcame odds seven times worse
               than himself.  He first jumped on the seven, overcame them, and prevailed.  The Word of God
               also began against incredible odds, but over a period of time becomes dominant in Asia.
               Because of the power accompanying the signs and wonders, the Word spreads.  The purpose of
               signs and wonders is to confirm the Word.

                       19:20 word, logos (log-oss); A transmission of thought, communication, a word of
                       explanation, an utterance, discourse, divine revelation, talk, statement, instruction, and
                       oracle, divine promise, divine doctrine, divine declaration. Jesus is the living logos (4:12);
                       and the Holy Spirit utters the spoken logos (1 Corinthians 2:13).

               PAUL PURPOSES TO GO TO JERUSALEM

               Act 19:21  When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had
               passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I
               must also see Rome."


               Paul’s ministry does not end in Ephesus.  In chapter 20, we see he returns after a few months to
               admonish the pastors of the churches in this city.  What has been fulfilled are the signs and]]></page><page Index="68"><![CDATA[wonders.  These all have done their job by promoting the Word to the place of overcoming the
               opposition of religion, demons, and Satan.

               Although the miracles, signs, and wonders have been fulfilled, they are not completely over.
               Many more miracles and signs are performed in the days to come, but they are being
               accomplished by the individual saints in the churches.  God’s best is for believers to perform the
               miracles, not just the evangelist or prophet.

               God’s best is for the people to receive their healings by standing on the Word for themselves.
               This is taught by the local churches who instruct the people in the Word.

               Paul knows his own time is coming to an end, and it will be necessary for him to leave for a
               time.  He now purposes by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem and then to Rome.  It will be God’s
               will for him to go to Rome but not to Jerusalem.  This will sidetrack Paul for over five years as he
               will be thrown in jail in Caesarea and Rome before he is released.  God will confirm to Paul that
               Rome is in His will (23:11) as will an angel of the Lord (27:23-24).  God will also try to warn Paul
               that going to Jerusalem is not in His will (21: 3-4, 8-13).
               Act 19:22  So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus,
               but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.


               So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered (diakoneo: serve, wait upon) unto him,
               Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia (Ephesus) for a season.
               Erastus is a Corinthian believer.  He came to investigate the Corinthian situation and report
               back to Paul, resulting in the letters sent to Corinth.  Romans 16:23 records Erastus as being a
               Chamberlain, a member of the city council in Corinth.  Paul will stay in Ephesus for a short time
               to bring a brief period of comfort to the saints who will be experiencing opposition and
               tribulation for the sake of the gospel.

               A RIOT IN EPHESUS (23-41)


               A silversmith named Demetrius is unhappy about how all of the conversions are affecting his
               business, which is predominantly comprised of making silver shrines for Diana.  He calls
               together other workers and businesses that have been adversely affected by the conversions.
               Demetrius stirs them up until the entire city is filled with confusion and wrath against Paul and
               his followers.  Paul wants to quiet the crowd, but the disciples will not allow him to.  Alexander,
               a Jewish lawyer, is pushed forward by the crowd to quiet them, but when they realize he is a
               Jew, they loudly cry out to their goddess Diana.  The mayor of the city finally silences the mob,
               pointing out that Paul and his disciples have done nothing unlawful and warns that if the crowd
               takes the law into their own hands, they will be guilty of violating the law.]]></page><page Index="69"><![CDATA[DEMETRIUS STIRS UNREST



               Act 19:23  And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way.


               During this “same time,” the Word is increasing, but the opposition of Satan is also increasing (Mark
               4:17).  The Word is always attacked in the life of a believer, a church, or a city.
               Act 19:24  For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana,
               brought no small profit to the craftsmen.

               Demetrius is the head of the crafts union in Ephesus.  This is a huge organization comprised of
               miners, craftsmen, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers who handle the statues.

               Act 19:25  He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: "Men, you
               know that we have our prosperity by this trade.

               A massive union meeting is called, and Demetrius tells them their jobs, income, homes, and
               families are in jeopardy because of Paul’s gospel.  When a business of this size is in trouble,
               many smaller businesses whose existences depend on it are also jeopardized.  When it is
               announced that sales are way off and layoffs and firings will occur, a riot breaks out, and Paul
               will be blamed.

               Act 19:26  Moreover you see and hear that not only At Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia,
               this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are
               made with hands.

               Paul is well-known throughout all of Asia.  To many, he has brought the message of salvation.
               To others, he is one who has broken the back of a thriving business which employs tens of
               thousands of people.  To them, Paul is responsible for an economic downturn in the city
               because his teaching has turned many people away from idolatry and Diana worship to Jesus
               Christ.  Instead of seeing this as a blessing to many people who have been in religious bondage,
               they take it personally because their income is threatened.  Paul has faced this previously with
               the owners of the girl possessed by a spirit of divination (16:19).

               Act 19:27  So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the
               temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all
               Asia and the world worship."

               “We are just the ‘little guy’ to this Paul.  He is out to destroy our entire religion!  He is not only
               after Ephesus but the whole world!”]]></page><page Index="70"><![CDATA[THE THREE ELEMENTS OF DIANA WORSHIP

                   1.  The Priesthood

               These men are eunuchs.  They are castrated to keep them from participating in the worship of
               Diana.  They can keep their minds focused on the stories and tell of the exploits of Jupiter,
               Bacchus, and other gods.

                   2.  The Virgins

               These girls handle the rituals of the temple.  The forms of worship outside sex are conducted by
               the virgins.

                   3.  The Dancers

               These women dance to arouse the men and at the end of their dance, give themselves to the
               nearest man for sex.

               PEOPLE FILLED WITH WRATH AND CONFUSION

               Act 19:28  Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, "Great is
               Diana of the Ephesians!"

               This anger and emotion will spread from these few men into the crowds in the street.
               Demetrius knows exactly what he is doing.  He will work the people up into a senseless rage so
               Paul is either killed or driven out of the city.

               Act 19:29  So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one
               accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul's travel companions.

               Apparently, Demetrius leads the crowd to the house of Aquila and Priscilla where Paul is
               staying.  They protect Paul and will not allow the crowd to have him (Romans 16:2-3).  Instead,
               the crowd grabs two from Paul’s team to flush him out, and it almost works.  Paul makes
               mention of fighting with “beasts at Ephesus” (1 Corinthians 15: 32), and this may be what he
               was referring to.

               Gaius is mentioned in Romans 16:23 and 1 Corinthians 1:14.  Aristarchus is mentioned in
               several places (Acts 20:4; 27:2; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24).  When they take the two men
               into the amphitheater, the mob has reached fever pitch.  A mob always has an organizer behind
               it who uses the mob as a weapon.  The people are always the pawns.  They react quickly and
               then forget why they are rioting (verse 32).

               PAUL DESIRES AN AUDIENCE WITH THE MOB

               Act 19:30  And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him.]]></page><page Index="71"><![CDATA[Paul wants to speak to the crowd, but the disciples see the frenzy and know Paul would be
               killed before he could speak.

               Act 19:31  Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he
               would not venture into the theater.

               Paul has friends in high places.  These are born again, Spirit-filled aristocrats who are powerful
               in the government of Ephesus.  They have been saved under Paul’s ministry and are protecting
               him from the mob.  They also know this is not a matter for Paul but for the authorities.

               Act 19:32  Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused,
               and most of them did not know why they had come together.

               Meanwhile, back at the theater, the mob has gained many followers and everyone is confused
               as to what is happening.  They are all shouting different things because they are being
               controlled and ruled by their emotions.  Most of them do not even know why they are there.
               They shout along with the rest of the mob, but do not know about Demetrius or Paul.

               ALEXANDER FAILS TO QUIET THE CROWD

               Act 19:33  And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And
               Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people.

               Religion is always afraid of mobs but will use them if necessary.  Alexander is an excellent
               lawyer.  The Jews hope he can still the mob.  He fails when the crowd recognizes he is a Jew.
               He had previously been a coppersmith and a brilliantly evil man.  Paul warned Timothy about
               him (2 Timothy 4:14).  Alexander tries to quiet the people with his hand, but the people cry
               even more loudly and longer.

               Act 19:34  But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about
               two hours, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!"

               At the moment, national pride is high and their goddess, Diana, is in question.  A Jew is not who
               they want to hear from.  A mob will often shout and use noise to cover the real issue.

               THE TOWN CLERK SPEAKS

               Act 19:35  And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: "Men of Ephesus, what man
               is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great
               goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus?

               And when the town clerk (mayor) had appeased (silenced) the people, he said, Ye men (aner:
               noble men) of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians
               is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?]]></page><page Index="72"><![CDATA[The town mayor uses the issue of the law to disperse the mob.  This man is the highest office in
               Ephesus, knows Roman law very well, and uses it.  He waits for the people to shout themselves
               hoarse and then speaks.

               He appeals to their ego in three ways:

                   1.  He calls them noble men (anhr).
                   2.  He reminds them of Ephesus’ worldwide reputation for the worship of Diana.
                   3.  He tells them the statue was given to them as a gift from the chief god Jupiter.

               Act 19:36  Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do
               nothing rashly.

               Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against (contradicted), ye ought to be quiet,
               and to do nothing rashly.

               He reminds them that if they are well aware of the facts, this type of action is unnecessary and
               below their dignity.

               Act 19:37  For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor
               blasphemers of your goddess.


               The banks are in the temples.  Paul and his team never ran down the false religion and evils of
               Ephesus.  Paul only preaches Christ, and then the people change their own minds about Diana.
               Most ministers today run down other religions.  If there was nothing to run down, they would
               have no message.  They know nothing about the Word.
               Act 19:38  Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the
               courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.

               Gamaliel is advising the council to remove the pressure and opposition they have against the
               disciples.

               Act 19:39  But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful
               assembly.

               In other words, “If you have any other charges against Paul and his men, bring it before a lawful
               assembly.  You are about to take the law into your own hands and become the criminals.”

               Act 19:40  For we are in danger of being called in question for today's uproar, there being no
               reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering."

               Basically, the mayor reminds them, “Rome will call us about this and can pull our city rights.
               We have no legal leg to stand on.”

               Act 19:41  And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.]]></page><page Index="73"><![CDATA[Notes]]></page><page Index="74"><![CDATA[]]></page><page Index="75"><![CDATA[Chapter 20]]></page><page Index="76"><![CDATA[THE BOOK OF ACTS

               CHAPTER 20


               GREECE, TROAS, MILETUS

               THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER TWENTY

               Paul warns the pastors to “take heed” of themselves and all the “flock” God has made them
               overseers for.  We may not be called to pastor, but the principle still applies to our daily lives.  If
               we do not keep ourselves built up in the Word and in the Spirit, how can we be an influence
               over those God has entrusted to us, whether they are family members, friends, coworkers, or
               neighbors?

               Each of us has been called to be an ambassador of the Lord, and to be a successful
               representative of His kingdom, we must not neglect our personal relationship with the Lord.

               JOURNEYS IN GREECE (1-6)

               Once the mob in Ephesus has been dispersed, Paul departs from Macedonia.  After exhorting
               the Macedonians, Paul travels to Greece and remains for three months until a plot against him
               is revealed.  He then travels through Macedonia and arrives in Troas.

               This chapter begins the closing section of the book of Acts.  It begins with Paul’s pastor’s
               conference, and the remainder of the book recounts Paul’s great failure in Jerusalem.  He will
               begin to chart his own course and disregard the leading of the Holy Spirit.  His desire to return
               to Jerusalem will become an emotional issue rather than a principle of the Word of God.

               After the revival in Ephesus, Paul possibly develops an attitude of independence.  He acts as if
               he has “arrived.”  He will repent of this attitude while in prison in Caesarea, and he eventually
               meets up with the geographical will of God in Rome.

               MACEDONIA

               Act 20:1  After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and
               departed to go to Macedonia.

               The “uproar” is the mob of chapter 19.  Paul calls together the converts and church leaders who
               have come to know the Lord and have become disciples during the previous three years.  Paul
               embraces them and heads for the northern part of Greece.  He will be there for almost one
               entire year.

               On this trip, Paul travels to Troy where he will meet Titus (2 Corinthians 2:13; 7:13-14) and train
               him as a troubleshooter.  Paul will then send him to Corinth.  He will later bring back word that
               the trouble in the church has been solved (2 Corinthians 7:13-16).  Paul writes 2 Corinthians and
               Romans during his year in Macedonia.]]></page><page Index="77"><![CDATA[It is Paul’s desire to visit Macedonia again because of the faithful brothers who have stood with
               him financially during his hardships in Corinth.  Paul has become great friends with them and
               they are close to his heart.

               GREECE

               Act 20:2  Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he
               came to Greece

               Paul travels again the path through Berea, Thessalonica, and Philippi.  He exhorts the disciples
               this time because he had been unable to do so the first time he preached; he had been run out
               of town before he was able to.  Now that the trouble has settled down, Paul returns to build up
               the members of the congregations he had helped begin.  He is also able to thank them for their
               tremendous financial gifts brought to him by Timothy and Silas (18:5).  After Paul leaves
               Macedonia, he heads to Achaia.

               RETURN TO MACEDONIA

               Act 20:3  and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to
               sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.

               During the three months Paul is in Achaia, he writes the epistle to the Romans.  Also during this
               time, the Jews make an assassination attempt on his life.  The Jews are on board a ship Paul is
               to take to Syria.  While on board, the Jews plot to kill him.  Instead, Paul determines to go to
               Macedonia.  Paul is being directed by the Spirit without his knowledge.  Paul may have thought
               he was determining to do this himself, but he is being prompted by the Holy Spirit.

               We will never know until we get to heaven how many times the Holy Spirit led us without our
               understanding.  We have been protected and guided by angels and the Holy Spirit numerous
               times.  This is all part of the walk of faith.

               PAUL’S TRAVELING TEAM TO MACEDONIA

               Act 20:4  And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the
               Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.

               This verse lists Paul’s traveling team and seminary into Macedonia.  They will receive “on-the-
               job training.”  The calling and operation of the apostle will be both taught and demonstrated.
               Many will be left to establish churches along the way.  Berea was where the Word was received
               with “readiness of mind” (7:4).  This is the place where the believers were commended for
               searching out the scriptures to verify the teaching of Paul.

               Sopater came from Berea and must have been a wonderful and strong believer.  Aristarchus
               and Secundus were from Thessalonica.  Aristarchus was almost killed in Ephesus (19:29) and
               will be with Paul in prison (Acts 27:2; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24).  Gaius, from Derbe, was]]></page><page Index="78"><![CDATA[with Aristarchus in the Ephesian uprising against Paul (19:29).  Tychicus is mentioned as being
               on Paul’s team.  He delivered the letters to Ephesus and Philippi from Paul who was in prison
               (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:12; Titus 3:12).  Trophimus will be the innocent
               party in a riot in Jerusalem (21:29).  He later has an attack from Satan and cannot resist it.  His
               faith becomes weak, and Paul leaves him sick at Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20).

               SEVEN DAYS IN TROAS

               Act 20:5  These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas.

               Paul’s team goes ahead and waits for Paul and Luke in Troas.  Luke has rejoined the team and
               writes of “us,” Paul and Luke.

               Act 20:6  But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days
               joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

               And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them (via
               Samathrocia [16:11]) to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

               The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a full week long.  Paul desires to be in Jerusalem on Pentecost
               (verse 16) which will be fifty days later.  The trip to Troas is usually two days.  On the way, Paul
               apparently preaches for a while in Samathrocia.

               PAUL IN TROAS (7-12)

               Paul meets with disciples to break bread and speaks with them until midnight.  A man sitting on
               a windowsill falls into a deep sleep and plummets from a third story window to the ground, and
               is “taken up dead.”  Paul falls on the man, embracing him and quiets the crowd by telling them
               the man is alive.  Paul continues sharing with the disciples until daybreak.

               PAUL PREACHES UNTIL MIDNIGHT

               Act 20:7  Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread,
               Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.

               The early disciples meet together for worship and fellowship on Sunday, not Saturday.  This was
               to celebrate the resurrection.  On this day, it is their custom to celebrate communion.
               Communion is followed by the breaking of the bread of life, God’s Word.

               Act 20:8  There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together.

               Paul is preaching in an upper room as Jesus did.  Upper rooms are located above restaurants or
               taverns and used for public meetings.  They have many windows and oil lamps by each one for
               light at night.  The windows are open onto the streets, three floors below.]]></page><page Index="79"><![CDATA[EUTYCHUS’S FALL

               Act 20:9  And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a
               deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the
               third story and was taken up dead.

               This is a teenaged boy.  While setting in the room with the lamps, he becomes warm.  He
               probably fights off sleep for a while but is finally overcome by slumber.  He falls from the
               window and dies on the pavement below.  When the disciples rush to the boy, Paul is right
               behind them.

               Act 20:10  But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble
               yourselves, for his life is in him."

               And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not your selves (Wuest
               Translation: stop wailing); for his life is in him.

               Paul falls on the boy as Elijah and Elisha had in their ministries.  In Elijah’s case, he had fallen
               three times on the son of a widow woman who had fallen ill and died.  Afterwards, the boy had
               come back to life (1 Kings 17:21).

               Similarly, Elisha had brought a boy back to life whose head began to hurt while reaping in a field
               with his father.  The boy had been carried home and died.  After Elisha had lain on the boy, life
               returned to the boy’s body (2 Kings 4:34).  This is a type of intercession, an exchange of life.
               Paul assures the crowd the boy who fell to the ground will live.  The people around the young
               boy are in hysterics, so Paul quiets them.

               PAUL CONTINUES HIS SERMON

               Act 20:11  Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while,
               even till daybreak, he departed.

               When Paul goes back upstairs, he dines with the disciples and continues his sermon until dawn.

               Act 20:12  And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.

               Apparently, the boy is well-known.  The crowd was not only ecstatic over the miracle, but also
               relieved.

               PAUL IN MILETUS (13-16)

               Paul and his companions continued their travels to Assos, Samos, and Miletus.

               Act 20:13  Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on
               board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot.]]></page><page Index="80"><![CDATA[Luke travels with the team by ship.  Paul has decided to walk to Assos (about twenty miles
               south of Troas).  Apparently Paul wants to be alone to pray for direction.  He sends the disciples
               ahead and will meet them later.

               During that time of solitude, the Lord will instruct Paul to have a pastors’ conference for all the
               “shepherds” of Ephesus.  Paul is also making up his mind to go to Jerusalem and preach to
               believers who have become legalistic.  He had seen the condition of the church there (18:22)
               and has desired to return for some time.  He had visited previously and was a blessing to the
               believers.  He will go again, but this time it will be against the will of God.

               Verses 14-15 describe Paul’s voyage down the coast of Miletus.  Paul will spend some time
               relaxing at some of the most famous resort spots of the Mediterranean.

               Act 20:14  And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene.

               Mitylene is the capital of the island of Lesbos, which is a short distance from Assos.  Lesbos is a
               famous Roman resort island.  The English word “lesbian” is derived from the name of this
               island.

               Act 20:15  We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we
               arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus.
               At this time, Chios is famous for wine, and Samos is located in the Aegean region further down
               from Chios.  It is also a famous resort for the Romans, especially the military.  It is close to
               Ephesus and a free state under Rome.  It is also the location of the temple of Hera, and the
               worship of this goddess is similar to that of Diana.

               Paul and his team stay at Trogyllium, a major city on Samos.  Paul and his men rest at each of
               these cities.  They do not preach, witness, or evangelize.  These cities have great need, but Paul
               and his team know they need the rest to complete what God has called them to do.

               They finally arrive in Miletus, the place where God instructed them to hold a conference for the
               pastors of Ephesus.  This will be Paul’s first contact with the ministers since the disassembling
               of the rioting mob at Ephesus and Paul’s departure.

               Act 20:16  For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in
               Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.

               Paul is trying to “fit in” the will of God by speaking in Ephesus before departing for Jerusalem.
               Miletus is in the will of God, and Jerusalem is out of God’s will.  Paul has determined he will be
               in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost and will squeeze Miletus in as quickly as he can.  He has
               reasoned that if he did go to Ephesus, he would have to remain longer than he wants to.
               Miletus will make it easier for Paul to leave quickly.  Paul is in a hurry.  This is always an
               indication you are not on solid ground.  When you feel pressured by time, this is Satan’s trap;
               “Act now or you will miss God’s will.”  Until this moment, Paul has been thinking about going to
               Jerusalem and has been casually traveling from city to city and relaxing.  Now he is in a hurry.]]></page><page Index="81"><![CDATA[Verse 16 is an extreme contrast to the preceding verses.  At Miletus, Paul is in a hurry because
               he has now determined to go to Jerusalem.

               PAUL’S PASTORS CONFERENCE (17-31)

               From Miletus, Paul invites the elders from the church at Ephesus to Miletus where he makes a
               deposit into their lives.  He holds his first “pastors conference.”  While the elders are with Paul,
               he expresses his determination to travel to Jerusalem and assures them he has not kept back
               anything from them concerning the gospel.

               In verses 17-30, Paul calls the pastors from Ephesus to join him thirty miles away at the seaside
               town of Miletus.  The pastors are called elders.  This particular word is frequently used when
               referring to the office of the pastor.

               GREEK WORDS REFERRING TO THE OFFICE OF THE PASTOR

                   1.  Presbuteros:  elder, the one or ones in authority.
                   2.  Episcopov:  bishop, overseer, superintendent.
                   3.  Diakonov:  minister.
                   4.  Poimhn:  pastor, shepherd.

               Act 20:17  From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.

               And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders (presbuteros: elder; the one or ones
               in authority) of the church .

               Paul calls for the elders (plural) because there is more than one local church in Ephesus.  There
               are many churches meeting in homes throughout the city.  The word “elder” here refers to the
               pastors of those churches.

               The Greek word presbuteros, shows the authority of the pastor.  His authority lies in his
               teaching ministry.  He does not rule lives, he rules the teaching of “the whole counsel of God.”
               A minister cannot teach without authority.  The authority is not given by men, but by the Holy
               Spirit (verse 28).

               The Greek word episkopov emphasizes the work of the minister.  He is an overseer, a bishop.
               He observes and watches over God’s heritage, the congregation.

               The Greek word for pastor, poimhn is his title, shepherd.  There are functions within a local
               church of administration called diakonov, or deacons.  They are taken from the congregation
               and carry out authority in their own realm of service to the people.
               PAUL’S MESSAGE


               Act 20:18  And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that
               I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you,]]></page><page Index="82"><![CDATA[Paul begins his message to the ministers, the pastors of Ephesus.  They have seen Paul’s
               lifestyle since the day he had arrived over three years before.  He has been with them through
               “all seasons.”  They had watched Paul handle struggles and turmoil.  They have watched him
               rise above troubles he knew about and others he did not.  The seasons of the ministry range
               from good to bad, pleasant to difficult, and calm to stormy.  There are times when people are
               for you and your message and other times when you are opposed.

               Act 20:19  serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me
               by the plotting of the Jews;

               Serving the Lord with all humility of mind (tapeiphrosune: grace thinking), and with many tears,
               and temptation, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

               The first attribute any minister needs is grace thinking.  This is freedom from inheritance.  The
               first step into greatness in God’s kingdom is to realize you are nothing, and God is everything.
               This way, God can build your ministry and not you.

               Paul points out that many sufferings are found in the Christian life, especially in the ministry.  A
               minister is a special target to the devil.  When a minister falls, the rest of the congregation will
               probably not be far behind.  With humility comes true godly exaltation (Proverbs 3:34;
               Philippians 2:8-9; James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6).  God’s protection also comes (Isaiah 54:17).  Often
               there are tears when you discover what people are really like.  Temptation comes from the
               religious, legalistic people.  The worst type of persecution comes from the religious crowd.

                       20:19 humility, tapelinophrosune (tap-eye-nof-ros-oo-nay);  Modesty, lowliness,
                       humble-mindedness, a sense of moral insignificance, and a humble attitude of unselfish
                       concern for the welfare of others. It is a total absence of arrogance, conceit, and
                       haughtiness. The word is a combination of tapeinos, “humble,” and phren, “mind.” The
                       word was unknown in classical nonbiblical Greek. Only by abstaining from self-
                       aggrandizement can members of the Christian community maintain unity and harmony.

                Act 20:20  how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you
               publicly and from house to house,

               And how I kept back (hupostello: did not furl the sails, cower, shrink, conceal) nothing that was
               profitable unto you, but have shewed (anaggelia: announce or teach again and again) you, and
               had taught you publicly, and from house to house.

               The revival at Ephesus meets in the school of Tyrannus, a public building.  Then as churches
               begin to form, they moved into houses.  Paul has been with them from the early days of the
               revival to the later days when they are meeting from house-to-house or church-to-church.
               Churches met in homes in many of the cities were Paul preaches (Acts 12:17; Romans 16:5; 1
               Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15).]]></page><page Index="83"><![CDATA[Paul teaches by example three principles of ministry.  These are important areas pastors need
               to know about:

                   1.  Paul holds nothing back.
                   2.  What he teaches is profitable.
                   3.  He repeats the teaching again and again.

               Act 20:21  testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our
               Lord Jesus Christ.

               Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance (metanoeo: reversal of decision,
               to change the mind) toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

               Repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin.  When you exercise faith toward Jesus
               Christ, you are automatically repenting to God for your attitude toward His Son.  Repent means
               to change the mind (metanoeo).  You do not change your mind about sin, although that is part
               of it.  You change your mind (your attitude) about Jesus Christ.  You have been rejecting Him,
               and now you are accepting Him.

               PAUL’S PROPHECY OF FUTURE EVENTS

               Act 20:22  And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will
               happen to me there,

               And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall
               befall (confront) me there:

               In his own heart, Paul’s senses the warning of the Holy Spirit.  He feels bound in his own spirit
               because he will be bound in his own body when he arrives in Jerusalem.  The Holy Spirit says
               “no,” but Paul will rationalize it into “yes.”  Paul probably thinks since he will face suffering in
               Jerusalem, it must be God’s will.  Some people think if they are not suffering, they are out of
               God’s will.  Paul even says in this verse that he does not know what will happen there.  Paul is
               usually “confident,” “always confident,” “knowing,” etc. (2 Corinthians 5:1, 6, 8, 11).

               Act 20:23  except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations
               await me.

               Save (except) that the Holy Ghost witnesseth (diamarturomai: makes a solemn warning, protest
               earnestly) in every city, saying that bonds (imprisonment) and afflictions abide (await) me.


               Paul has been visiting many places on the way to Miletus trying to relax.  Since that time he has
               been determined to go to Jerusalem, yet he has been warned by the Holy Spirit and believers in
               every city not to go.]]></page><page Index="84"><![CDATA[Act 20:24  But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I
               may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to
               the gospel of the grace of God.

               Paul is simply saying, “I am hard-headed!”  Although he knows he will ultimately be thrown in
               prison, he is stating he is willing to die for the gospel.  This is noble but stupid.  All of the things
               Paul is saying he is willing to do are right and commendable, but if you are out of God’s will, you
               can have all the right attitudes and still be wrong.

               Paul is prepared to go to jail and suffer persecution yet still plans to preach the gospel.  He will
               go to jail, and he will be persecuted, but he will be unable to preach the gospel in Jerusalem.
               Specifically, he will be unable to preach the gospel of grace.  He will take a legalistic vow to
               preach the gospel of grace.  In essence, he will sin that grace may abound.

               PAUL FULFILLS HIS RESPONSIBILITY

               Act 20:25  "And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the
               kingdom of God, will see my face no more.

               Act 20:26  Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.

               Paul is pure from their blood.  He is free from responsibility.  Their blood is now on their own
               hands because Paul has done with them what God has commanded.

               Act 20:27  For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

               For I have not shunned (hupostello: did not furl the sails, cower, shrink, conceal [verse 20]) to
               declare (anaggello: announce or teach again and again) unto you all the counsel (boule: plan,
               will, purpose) of God.

               Paul’s responsibility is to teach the Word to these men.  He is free from their blood
               (responsibility for them); if they fail, they are responsible, not Paul.  He has given them the
               Word.  They are now responsible for their own decisions and the consequences of those
               decisions.

               When a minister gives his people the Word of God and leaves nothing out, he is free from
               responsibility over them.  The pastor can walk away from the pulpit knowing he has delivered
               all God has required him to share.  When a minister finally leaves this earth and enters into
               heaven, he can do so with the assurance that he has preached all the Word of God and Left
               nothing out (Colossians 4:12).


               Paul walks away from these ministers knowing he has given them everything God has told him
               to share.  Paul has a free conscience toward God and these ministers.  When the congregation
               opens their hearts to the teaching of the Word, this makes a pastor’s job even easier.  Not only
               is the pastor free from responsibility, so are the people (see 2 Corinthians 6:11-13).]]></page><page Index="85"><![CDATA[PAUL ENCOURAGES PASTORS

               Act 20:28  Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit
               has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own
               blood.

               Take heed (beware) therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy
               Ghost (not men) hath made (tithemi: appointed) you overseers (episkopos: bishops), to feed
               (poimaino: pastor or feed the flock; pastor the older sheep) the church of God, which he hath
               purchased with his own blood.

               Paul tells pastors to first take heed to themselves before they take heed to the flock.  If a
               minister does not take care of himself and his own personal life, he will not be in any condition
               to take care of the flock of God.  He must spend time with his family, take days off and holidays.
               Without these things, he will not live long enough to take the congregation to the level they
               need to go.  Moses also faces this issue, and his father-in-law tells him to delegate the
               responsibilities so he will live long (Exodus 18: 17-23).

               Paul then tells these men they have been placed into their positions by the Holy Spirit.  The
               office of pastor is God-given and not man-appointed (Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1).  The Holy
               Spirit put these men into the positions of bishops (overseers).  Peter reminds the pastors to
               “take the oversight (bishopric)” (1 Peter 5:2).  Once the position has been given by God, it is up
               to the minister to fully accept the responsibility and boldly exercise the authority given.

               Paul then confirms that the main responsibility of a pastor is to “feed the flock.”  Peter tells the
               pastors under his authority to do the same thing (1 Peter 5:2).  The word for “feed” in this
               passage (poimaino) means to pastor the flock.  Peter knew these words well because of the
               Lord Jesus Christ spoke them to him (John 21:15-17).  It is the pastor’s responsibility to hand
               feed (basko) the newborn sheep and feed (poimaino) the older sheep.  The mature sheep need
               only to be Led to the grass, and they will eat what is before them.  The pastor is to prepare
               sermons and lead the sheep to the finest food available.  The sermons should be prepared days
               or weeks in advance.

               Finally, Paul reminds them the sheep (the congregation) belong to the Lord Jesus.  He
               purchased them with His own blood; therefore He owns them.  Whoever purchases is the
               owner.  This sheep actually belong to God.  The pastor does not own the sheep.  He is tending
               another man’s flock.  Moses watchednover Jethro’s sheep and David watched over Jesse’s
               sheep.  This shepherd is hired by the owner to watch over the sheep.  The responsibility for
               food and finances is not the shepherd’s, but the owner’s.  The pastor does not provide for the
               sheep, God does.

               The pastor is not to force the sheep to do anything.  He can only teach them.  Where they go to
               church and how often they attend is between them and God, not the pastor.  The pastor can
               instruct, but not force.  Peter tells the pastors not to be “lords” (dictators), but “examples to]]></page><page Index="86"><![CDATA[the flock” (1 Peter 5:3).  Paul told Timothy to “exhort with patience and teaching” (2 Timothy
               4:2).

               When people leave to go to another church, the pastor cannot demand they stay or pronounce
               curses over them for leaving.  If they are going to a church that is wrong or filled with false
               doctrine, the pastor can warn and leave an open door for return.  If they are attending a good
               church, the pastor must release them as seed sown.  The sheep are God’s property.

               PAUL WARNS PASTORS

               Act 20:29  For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not
               sparing the flock.

               For I know (eido: perceive, understand) this, that after my departing shall grievous (barous:
               vicious) wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

               Wolves represent unbelievers (Matthew 7:15; 10:16; Luke 10:3).  They come from the outside
               (Colossians 4:5) and desire to destroy the work of God.  They do not seek people to follow after
               them, they only desire to destroy God’s work in the earth.

               Act 20:30  Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away
               the disciples after themselves.

               Also of (ek: out from) your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse (diastrepho: distorted,
               twisted, corrupt) things, to draw away disciples after them.

               This is the worst group.  They “rise up” in arrogance from within the church.  They know the
               correct teaching, but twist and pervert it to draw people away and after themselves.  They are
               looking for an audience, a congregation they do not have to raise up for themselves.  They
               prefer taking an existing congregation, dividing it, and drawing their own followers from that
               existing congregation.  They are looking for a unique teaching to create their ministry from.
               They take good doctrine (a sound teaching) and confuse people with perversions.

               The same men are setting before Paul as he speaks.  Paul prophesies they will rise up and split
               congregations for their own selfish desires.  Peter also mentions these types of ministers in 2
               Peter 2:10.

               Act 20:31  Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn
               everyone night and day with tears.


               Therefore watch (be alert), and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to
               warn (admonish) everyone night and day with tears.
               Paul is concluding his teaching and instruction to the pastors at Ephesus.  He wants them to
               remember his own teaching and examples from the previous three years.  They must also use]]></page><page Index="87"><![CDATA[the Word for themselves and set an example before their own people.  They have seen Paul at
               his best and worst and know of his love for the Lord and for the people.

               PAUL COMMENDS THE PASTORS TO GOD (32-38)

               Paul exhorts the pastors to take care of themselves and the flock which has been entrusted to
               them.  He warns them about “wolves” in their midst and those who would pervert the truth.
               Paul prays with the elders gathered and then bids them farewell.

               Act 20:32  "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able
               to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

               And now, brethren, I commend (paratithemi: deposit, commit) you to God, and to the word of
               his grace, which is able to build you up (epoikodomeo: build upon), and to give you an
               inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

               Paul deposits these men with the Lord and His grace after he holds back nothing.  Their blood is
               not on his hands, and he can trust them with God (verse 26).  The keeping of these men also
               lies in the Word of God as well as the grace of God.  The Word alone does not build you up;
               faith is necessary for this to occur.  Paul is like a father turning his sons over to God before they
               go into the world or into marriage (Proverbs 18-9; 6:20-23).

               SEVEN DEPOSITS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

                   1.  Salvation, life deposited with the Lord (2 Timothy 1:12).
                   2.  The Word in us (2 Timothy 1:14).
                   3.  Our cares and problems with the Lord (1 Peter 4:19; 5:7; Psalm 55:22).
                   4.  The gospel with unbelievers (Romans 1:14).
                   5.  The Word with other believers by the pastor (2 Timothy 2:2).
                   6.  Finances with God (Philippians 4:15-19).
                   7.  The results of your labors in others lives (Acts 20:32).

               By studying and applying the Word, these pastors will receive an inheritance from the saints.
               The main function of a pastor is to study the Word.  Pastors not only have rewards from God in
               heaven (1 Peter 5:4), but also from the changed lives of believers on earth.

               PAUL’S MOTIVATION FOR THE MINISTRY

               Act 20:33  I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.

               Paul has received many offerings during his travels.  He has often received gold, silver (money),
               and clothing (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6).  However, Paul is not in the ministry for money.  If money
               is his motivation, he would have quit in Corinth when it was necessary for him to make tents to
               support himself.  Paul covets souls, maturity, and spiritual blessings.]]></page><page Index="88"><![CDATA[Pastors should not covet the riches of those in their congregation.  No matter how much you
               may own, there is always someone who will possess more.

               Act 20:34  Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for
               those who were with me.

               The money Paul made in ministry and during the time of tent making went toward supporting
               him and his team.

               Act 20:35  I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak.
               And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to
               receive.' "

               I have shewed (revealed) you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak
               (astheneo: spiritually and physically impotent, sick, weak [James 5:14]), and to remember the
               words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive.

               Paul has given everything he knows to these pastors.  Paul makes an issue of the Word, not
               money.  He is telling the ministers that if the church does not bring in enough financially to
               support them as pastors, they should go to work.  Even if you are a pastor just beginning in the
               ministry, it is not wrong to work with your hands to give to the poor.  The last phrase about
               being more blessed to give was not recorded in the four Gospels but handed down by Paul’s
               followers (John 21:25).
                       20:35 give, didomi (did-oh-mee); Granting, allowing, bestowing, imparting, permitting,
                       placing, offering, presenting, yielding, and paying.  Didomi implies giving an object of
                       value. It gives freely and is unforced. Acts 20:35 indicates that the giver takes on the
                       character of Christ, whose nature is to give. Jesus did not say it would be more natural
                       or easier to give than to receive, but that it would be more blessed.

               Act 20:36  And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.

               This is Paul’s final prayer with these pastors, many of whom he has personally instructed and
               watched move into spiritual maturity.  They feel close to Paul like he is their own earthly father.

               Act 20:37  Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him,

               This is the weeping of gratitude, love, and respect.  They know they will not see him again.  He
               has been close to them for three years and will now go on to Jerusalem.

               Act 20:38  sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no
               more. And they accompanied him to the ship.]]></page><page Index="89"><![CDATA[Notes]]></page><page Index="90"><![CDATA[]]></page><page Index="91"><![CDATA[Chapter 21]]></page><page Index="92"><![CDATA[THE BOOK OF ACTS

               CHAPTER 21


               PAUL IS WARNED

               THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

               When we are warned by the Holy Spirit, it is important to obey regardless of our own personal
               desires, even when our desires appear to be good.  The Holy Spirit is sent to lead us, guide us,
               and show us things to come.  He will help us avoid problems in our lives if we are willing to
               listen, even if His guidance is contrary to our own set agenda.

               We must also guard against serving God by the law rather than by grace.  Religion will always
               attempt to blind us to the freedom of living by the grace of God, emphasizing self-efforts rather
               than God’s enabling power.

               SEVERAL WARNINGS ABOUT JERUSALEM (1-14)

               During their journeys, Paul and his companions land in Tyre where they remain for seven days.
               The disciples in Tyre warn Paul, by the Holy Spirit, not to travel to Jerusalem.  Paul and his team
               then voyage to Ptolemais and Caesarea.  They enter the home of an evangelist named Philip
               who has four daughters who prophesy to Paul.  Then a prophet named Agabus comes from
               Judea and prophesies to Paul, warning him of what awaits him if he travels to Jerusalem.
               Finally, everyone present pleads with Paul not to go to Jerusalem, but he is determined, his
               mind is made up, and he will not be persuaded.

               DISCIPLES IN TYRE WARN PAUL

               Act 21:1  Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a
               straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.

               This chapter begins the account of Paul’s great failure.  From this time on, Paul is a prisoner.
               His prison time begins in Jerusalem (21-23), moves to Caesarea (24-26), and ends in Rome (27-
               28).  While Paul is bound, the gospel is never bound because the Word can never be stopped.
               The message continues even when the messenger is in chains.

               Paul has been warned in many cities not to go to Jerusalem (20-23); he will be warned by the
               saints in Tyre (21:3-4), by Philip’s daughters (8-9), by Agabus (10-11), and his own companions
               (12).  Paul rejects their guidance.  He becomes hardheaded by rejecting the guidance of the
               Holy Spirit and accepting the guidance of carnal men.  He will take a vow in the streets of
               Jerusalem (24).

               As Paul leaves the pastors of Ephesus, it is an emotional departure.  It is difficult on Paul and
               the elders to separate and for Paul to go on his way.  He and his team will revisit a few resort]]></page><page Index="93"><![CDATA[islands on their way to Jerusalem.  They first come to Coos, the birthplace of Hippocrates, a
               beautiful island famous for its medical schools.  Next, they sailed to Rhodes, a large island
               northeast of Crete, famous for its navy, located in a strategic point between the Aegean and
               Mediterranean seas.  Then they travel to Patara, a pleasure city on the coast between the West
               and Middle East.  Here they board a ship to Phoenicia.

               Act 21:2  And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.

               Phoenicia is an early seafaring nation famous for its navy and worldwide commerce.  The
               Phoenicians sailed to America long before anyone else.  It was a large country located south of
               Syria.  Tyre is a chief city in Phoenicia.  It was quite a task to sail from Patara to Phoenicia.  The
               distance was about 340 miles.

               Act 21:3  When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at
               Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo.

               They do not stop at Cyprus but sail by and dock in Tyre, a free city of Roman Syria.  It had been
               destroyed by Alexander and partially rebuilt by Herod.  Along with its sister city, Sidon, it was
               always popular for its heathenism.  It was the object of many Biblical prophecies (Isaiah 23: 1-
               17; Joel 3:4; Matthew 11:22).  While the ship is unloading its cargo, Paul finds some believers,
               strong disciples.


               Act 21:4  And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit
               not to go up to Jerusalem.
               There are not many disciples in the city of Tyre, so it takes some searching to find Christians,
               much less disciples filled with the Word and sensitive to the Holy Spirit.  Paul and his team
               remain in Tyre for one week.  He ministers to the believers and they to him.  Paul must have
               mentioned to them about his upcoming trip to Jerusalem.  He probably told them in wonderful
               terms of his plans to preach the gospel and what he thought was the leading of the Holy Spirit
               to go, even though he would face bonds.  While he spoke, the same Holy Spirit revealed and
               warned the disciples that Paul should not go to Jerusalem.  God will move from disciples in Tyre
               giving warning to a prophet in Caesarea, but Paul will still not listen.

               Act 21:5  When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and
               they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt
               down on the shore and prayed.

               Act 21:6  When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned
               home.

               These people are so thankful for Paul coming to minister to them, they follow him and his team
               to the dock and pray with him before he boards the next ship.

               Act 21:7  And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the
               brethren, and stayed with them one day.]]></page><page Index="94"><![CDATA[And when we had finished our course (completed our mission) from Tyre, we came to
               Ptolemais (Tol-o-mais), and saluted (greeted) the brethren, and abode with them one day.

               Ptolemais is a very old and famous city in the ancient world.  In Judges 1:31, it is the city of
               Accho.  When Alexander sailed into its natural harbor, he named it Ptolemais for his famous
               general Ptolemy, who later became the ruler of Egypt.  Today it is the famous seaport of Haifa.
               Word had already spread about Paul coming, and the disciples in Ptolemais came out to greet
               him.

               PAUL WARNED BY PHILIP’S DAUGHTERS

               Act 21:8  On the next day we who were Paul's companions departed and came to Caesarea, and
               entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.

               And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea (cf. 10:1):
               and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven (original
               deacons, 6:5); and abode with him.

               Philip had been used by the Lord to fulfill the prophecy of Jesus “into Samaria” (1:8) in Acts 8
               where he held the Samaritan revival.  He also led the Ethiopian eunuch to the Lord (8:26-39)
               and based himself in Caesarea after being translated by the Spirit to Azotus (8:40).

               For some time, Paul remains in Caesarea and receives two warnings about continuing to
               Jerusalem.

               Act 21:9  Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.

               Philip’s daughters are not prophets like Agabus, but they are known to move in the Holy Spirit
               and prophecy.  They fulfill Joel 2:28.  They are proficient in the ways of the Holy Spirit, coming
               from the home of an evangelist.  The phrase “did prophesy” in this passage indicates that
               Philip’s daughters were not new to operating in prophecy; it also indicates they prophesied at
               that very moment over Paul.

               Since Paul has been warned against going to Jerusalem, it can be assumed from the context
               that these daughters also prophesied to Paul not to go to Jerusalem.

                       Act 21:9 Women and New Testament Ministry (Philip’s Daughters), BIBLICAL WOMEN.
                       his reference to Philip’s daughters’ each exercising the gifts of prophecy makes clear
                       that women did bring God’s word by the power of the Holy Spirit and that such ministry
                       was fully accepted in the early church. This is reinforced by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:5,
                       where he directs 1) that a woman may “prophesy,” but 2) that she must be properly
                       “covered,” that is, rightly related to her husband or other spiritual authority, a
                       regulation incumbent upon all spiritual leaders---male or female (see 1 Timothy 3:1-13).

                       It is puzzling why the place of women in ministry is contested by some in the church.
                       Women had an equal place in the Upper Room, awaiting the Holy Spirit’s coming and]]></page><page Index="95"><![CDATA[the birth of the church (Acts 1:14). Then Peter’s prophetic sermon at Pentecost affirmed
                       the OT promise was now to be realized: “your daughters” and “maidservants” would
                       now share fully and equally with men in realizing the anointing, fullness, and ministry of
                       the Holy Spirit, making them effective in witness and service for the spread of the
                       gospel.

                       Though the place of men seems more pronounced in the number who filled leadership
                       offices, there does not appear to be any direct restriction of privilege. Note: 1) the direct
                       mention of Phoebe as a deacon (“servant,” Greek diakonia, Romans 16:1); 2) John’s
                       letter to an “elect [chosen] lady” with instructions concerning whom she allows to
                       minister in her “house” (a designation for early church fellowships, 2 John); and 3) 1
                       Corinthians 1:11 and Philippians 4:2, were Chloe and Euodia seem to be women in
                       whose homes believers gather. The method of designation suggests they were the
                       appointed leaders in their respective fellowships.

                       The acceptance of women in a public place of ministry in the church is not a concession
                       to the spirit of the feminist movement. But the refusal of such a place might be a
                       concession to an order of male chauvinism, unwarranted by and supported in the
                       Scriptures. Clearly, women did speak---preach and prophesy---in the early church (see 1
                       Timothy 2:8-15).

               PAUL WARNED BY AGABUS


               Act 21:10  And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from
               Judea.

               Paul is now running into another pioneer of the early church.  Paul had met Agabus in the early
               days of the church at Antioch.  Agabus had first prophesied to the entire church of an upcoming
               drought headed to Jerusalem (11:28).  Here Agabus will prophesy again, but this time to an
               individual, Paul, about his upcoming imprisonment.

               Act 21:11  When he had come to us, he took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and
               said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this
               belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' "

               The “girdle” is a money belt wrapped around Paul’s waist.  Paul has received an offering from
               Macedonia and is taking it to the saints at Jerusalem (Romans 15: 24-28).  Paul usually
               delegates this responsibility, but this time he convinces others (and himself) that it would be
               better accomplished by himself personally.  In other words, Paul takes the money himself as an
               excuse to go to Jerusalem.  God intends for Paul to go to Spain and then to Rome.  Paul has
               decided to do this after he has accomplished his mission at Jerusalem.

               The money belt is used as an illustrated sermon.  The money will be a blessing to those in
               Jerusalem but a curse to Paul.]]></page><page Index="96"><![CDATA[Agabus does not correctly prophesy to Paul.  He tells Paul the Jews will bind him and turn him
               over to the Romans.  However, it is the Jews who tried to kill Paul, and the Romans rescue him
               (verses 27-33).

               The New Testament prophets are not like those of the Old Testament.  They are not stoned for
               missing the voice of the Holy Spirit.  The anointing on the office of prophet was stronger in the
               Old Testament than in the New.  The Old Testament prophets wrote Scripture.  The New
               Testament prophets did not.  The Old Testament prophet was replaced by the New Testament
               apostle.  This is why New Testament prophets were to be judged in church by the other
               prophets (1 Corinthians 14:29-32).

                              21:11  The Issue of Personal Prophecy,  PROPHECY.  The Bible clearly allows for
                              personal prophecy. Nathan brought David a confrontive “word” from God (2
                              Samuel 12:13); Isaiah predicted Hezekiah’s death (Isaiah 38:1); and in this text
                              Agabus told Paul he faced trouble in Jerusalem. “Personal prophecy” refers to a
                              prophecy (“word”) the Holy Spirit may prompt one person to give another,
                              relating to personal matters. Many feel deep reservations about this operation
                              of the gift of prophecy because sometimes it is abused. True “words” may be
                              used to manipulate others, or they may be unwisely or hastily applied. This
                              passage reveals safeguards against abusive uses of personal prophecy, allowing
                              us to implement this biblical character. First, the “word” will usually not be new
                              to the mind of the person addressed, but it will confirm something God is
                              already dealing with him about. From acts 20:22-24 we know Paul was already
                              sensitive to the issue Agabus raised. Second, the character of the person bringing
                              the “word” ought to be weighed. Agabus’s credibility is related not to his claim
                              of having a “word,” but to his record as a trustworthy man of God used in the
                              exercise of this gift (11:28; 21:10). Third, remember that the prophecy, or
                              “word,” is not to be considered “controlling.” In other words, such prophecy
                              should never be perceived as dominating anyone’s free will. Christian living is
                              never cultish---governed by omens or the council of gurus. Paul did not change
                              his plans because of Agabus’s prophecy or because of the urging of others
                              (verses 12-14); he received the “word graciously but continued his plans
                              nonetheless. Fourth, all prophecy is “in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9), which means
                              that as true as that “part” may be, it does not give the whole picture. Agabus’s
                              “word” was true, and Paul was bound in Jerusalem. But this also occasioned an
                              opportunity to eventually minister in Rome (acts 23:11). Finally, in the light of a
                              “word,” we should prayerfully consider the word as Mary did the shepherds
                              report (Luke 2:19). A hasty response is never required: simply wait on God. We
                              should then move ahead with trust in God, as Hezekiah did. He had been told
                              that he would shortly die; but he prayed instead of merely surrendering to the
                              prophecy, and his life realized its intended length---and shortened by his]]></page><page Index="97"><![CDATA[diseased condition. Occasional personal prophecy is not risky if kept on biblical
                              footings, but neither is it to become the way we plan or direct our lives.

               PAUL’S TEAM PLEADS WITH PAUL

               Act 21:12  Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with
               him not to go up to Jerusalem.

               Those pleading with Paul are Paul’s team and the group present who hear the message by
               Agabus.  Apparently, Agabus gives this message in the presence of many people from the
               church.  Paul is called forward for a demonstration of the Holy Spirit’s message.  Paul has now
               had three warnings by the Holy Spirit; the saints at Tyre, the daughters of Philip, and now
               Agabus.  Paul’s team and the Cesarean congregation are smarter than Paul.  He will not listen.
               God will now quit striving with Paul and let him do what he is determined to do.

               Act 21:13  Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I
               am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

               These friends and disciples are crying because they fear for Paul’s life.  They know he is going to
               Jerusalem out of God’s will.  They have seen it confirmed many times.  Their crying got to Paul,
               and he knew they feared for his life.  But he had already made up his mind to go and die if need
               be.

               Here Paul is being stubborn.  Paul’s attitude is commendable, but his reasons for going are
               wrong.  If he were to die, it would not be in the name of Jesus, but because of stupidity.  He is
               being noble but stupid.

               Act 21:14  So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, "The will of the Lord be
               done."

               They continue reasoning with Paul after his answer, but he will not change.  They leave Paul
               alone and turned him (and their frustration) over to the Lord.  They can no longer take the care
               of Paul upon themselves; it will cause them to sin.  They know they have gone as far as they
               could.

               PAUL AND HIS TEAM GLADLY RECEIVED (15-30)

               Once Paul and his companions arrive in Jerusalem, the brethren warmly greet Paul and his
               team.  The next day, Paul greets James and the elders and begins to testify about what God has
               been doing among the Gentiles through his ministry.  The elders Paul addresses tell him to take
               a vow to demonstrate brotherly love in preaching the message of grace.  Paul takes a Nazirite
               vow because of the influence of the elders in Jerusalem.  Seven days after his arrival in
               Jerusalem, Jews from Asia who have seen Paul in the temple stir up the people against him.  A
               mob is formed and they grab Paul and drag him from the temple.]]></page><page Index="98"><![CDATA[PAUL AND HIS TEAM GLADLY RECEIVED

               Act 21:15  And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem.

               Among the baggage is the offering for the saints at Jerusalem from the believers of Macedonia
               (Romans 15: 25-26).  They go “up” to Jerusalem because it is an ascent from Caesarea to
               Jerusalem.

               Act 21:16  Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a
               certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge.

               A group of disciples went with Paul and his team to Jerusalem.  Mnason was a Greek Cypriot
               like Barnabas.  The group spends their last night in his home before they leave Caesarea.

               Act 21:17  And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

               Paul is now out of God’s will.  God has been warning Paul not to go, and Paul has not heeded.
               At the gates of Jerusalem, Paul is disobedient and officially out of God’s protection.  Money
               came with Paul, and this is one reason he is gladly received.  This offering has been received
               over a period of time from Greece and Asia.  In verse 17, Paul meets the brethren.  In verse 18,
               he will meet the church leadership.

               PAUL MEETS WITH THE ELDERS

               Act 21:18  On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.

               Jerusalem has weak leadership.  They do not stand up for the Word, and legalism has entered
               in.  Instead of defending grace, they have allowed born-again Pharisees to run the church, and
               they have put these Jewish believers under the law of Moses for salvation and spirituality.
               These legalistic leaders were truly born again as the church was growing (6:7), but they are not
               correctly taught and so bring the law of Moses into the church.  Because of their knowledge of
               the Old Testament, few withstand them and they become the church leaders.

               Act 21:19  When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done
               among the Gentiles through his ministry.

               And when he (Paul) had saluted (greeted) them, he declared particularly (in detail) what things
               God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

               In the past, this has always worked (11:18; 15:6-19).  Peter and Paul have told the church at
               Jerusalem about the miracles, signs, and wonders God has performed among the Gentiles.
               They have also been saved and filled with the Holy Spirit and spoken with tongues just as the
               saints at Jerusalem.  This has always caused a great amount of praise and admission of grace.

               Act 21:20  And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, "You see,
               brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for
               the law;]]></page><page Index="99"><![CDATA[The church leadership admits Paul is right, but they are faced with many Jews who have
               received Jesus and are still clinging to the law of Moses.  James is simply saying they are afraid
               of the Jews.  They do not want to lose people from the church or lose their offerings.  They have
               become the very people they broke away from.

               They should have stood for the Word and not allowed these Jews to have influence over the
               beliefs and government of the church.

               They call Paul “brother.”  They begin with religious talk, but Paul is wiser than this.  He
               recognizes manipulation, but he so wants to speak to his own people, he tolerates their
               religious talk.  They tell Paul the Jewish converts want the law.  “What can we do when so many
               thousands want to keep the law of Moses?”  Weak leadership produces a weak congregation.
               These converts are zealous for the law because the leaders are.  The leaders have given up on
               the good fight of faith.  They have yielded to the pressure, and so will Paul.  The church has
               become legalistic, and the city will soon go under.

               Act 21:21  but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among
               the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to
               walk according to the customs.
               And they are informed of (concerning) thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among
               the Gentiles to forsake (apostasia: falling away) Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise
               their children, neither to walk after the customs.

               These Jewish leaders had been running Paul down from the pulpits.  Paul has a bad reputation
               in Jerusalem.  He cannot be argued with face to face, so they have chosen to run him down
               when he is not present.  Paul is too brilliant with the Word to be challenged publicly.

               They have done this before and lost.  Paul has Jewish converts in each city of his missionary
               journeys.  He usually preaches to the Jews in the synagogues first.  Those who did not receive
               his message sent warnings back to Jerusalem, distorting his message.  Paul has not taught the
               Jews not to circumcise their young boys; he has taught them to not circumcise them for
               spiritual reasons.  He has truly taught them to forsake the law of Moses because it has been
               fulfilled in Jesus.  He has taught them to turn from the shadows to the substance (Colossians
               2:17).

               Act 21:22  What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have
               come.

               Paul is a very controversial figure.  They will not come together to reason but to argue and
               malign Paul.  They will want to kill him (verses 27-31).  Paul is now beginning to understand
               how far this city has fallen into legalism and how liberal the leadership has become toward
               them.  James and the church leaders are more concerned about not offending people than
               standing up for the truth.  Paul is now slipping into their way of thinking.  “Let’s do anything
               that allows us to preach to them.”]]></page><page Index="100"><![CDATA[THE STRATEGY OF THE ELDERS TO WEAKEN PAUL

               Act 21:23  Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow.

               Do therefore this (imperative mood) that we say to thee: we have four men which have a vow
               on them:

               These men have switched from the defensive to the offensive.  They are now commanding Paul
               to become legalistic in order to preach grace.  They are saying to Paul, “Be like us.  We have
               four leaders from our church who have taken a seven-day vow and shave their heads.  Join with
               them Paul, shave your head and show the people you are one of us and there is no division.
               Show them brotherly love.”

               Act 21:24  Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave
               their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning
               you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law.

               James is minimizing grace while magnifying unity around the law, legalism.  This is
               blasphemous.  These men have not unified around grace.  Why should they now want Paul to
               unify around religion?  Why must Paul stand with them?  Paul should now be telling these men
               to stand with him around the truth all of God’s Word.  Paul has never considered grace to be
               nothing.  He does believe in walking orderly, but by the Holy Spirit and grace, not by keep the
               law.

               This argument, that Paul does not believe in walking orderly, is a tactic used by weak people.
               Because you do not believe the way they do, they accuse you of not believing in holiness, the
               move of the Spirit, grace, etc..  Anything can be taken to an extreme by the excessive Christian
               and used against the balanced believer.

               Act 21:25  But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they
               should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to
               idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality."

               They are appealing to Paul’s Jewish heritage.  They are making the gospel different by race.  “It
               is all right for your converts not to keep the law, Paul, because they are Gentiles.  But you are a
               Jew.  You above everyone should know how important keeping the law is to a Jew.  This is
               cultural, part of our heritage.  You are different than the Gentiles you preach to.”


               At this point, Paul should have seen the spiritual and religious arrogance coming from the
               church leaders and should have left Jerusalem and told his team he had been wrong to come in
               the first place.  He should have asked God to forgive him and headed for Rome.]]></page><page Index="101"><![CDATA[PAUL TAKES A JEWISH VOW

               Act 21:26  Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having been purified with them, entered
               the temple to announce the expiration of the days of purification, At which time an offering
               should be made for each one of them.

               Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself (passive voice) with them entered
               (having entered) into the temple, to signify (give public testimony) the accomplishment of the
               days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

               Paul swallows their hypocrisy.  He will now do something he teaches against in the book of
               Romans.  He is about to “sin that grace may abound.”  He will take a Jewish vow in order to
               preach grace to the Jews.  Paul goes through the purification rights of the temple, something
               that was totally abolished at the cross.  Paul knows this and has even taught it (Colossians 2:16-
               17).

               This purification rite is when Paul enters the temple, stands before the leaders, and vows to
               abstain from a number of items for thirty days.  Vows could include abstinence from certain
               foods, shaving, sex, etc..  This vow is described in numbers 6:1-21 as the Nazirite vow.

                       21:26  offering, prosphora (pros-for-ah); a bringing to, setting before, presenting,
                       sacrificing, a gift, the act of offering, or the thing offered. The word includes giving
                       kindness and bestowing benefit. Paul engaged in the purification ceremony. It was not
                       necessary for his salvation, but was an act of devotion to God. Paul’s principle was being
                       all things to all men in order to win them.

               Act 21:27  Now when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the
               temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him,

               And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him
               in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid (epibal-lo: threw themselves, attacked), hands
               on him,

               When the week was almost ended, all hell breaks loose.  Paul has stood publicly each day in the
               temple with four church elders and made this vow before the multitudes.  Each day he
               announces he will not eat certain foods and that he is shaving his head, etc..

               Just before the seventh day, certain man in the multitude recognize Paul and begin a riot.  Asian
               Jews in Jerusalem for Pentecost recognize Paul from Ephesus.  They see him make the vow and
               begin to stir up a riot against him.  They throw themselves at Paul, attacking him and then cry
               out to the people for help.
               Act 21:28  crying out, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere
               against the people, the law, and this place; and furthermore he also brought Greeks into the
               temple and has defiled this holy place."]]></page><page Index="102"><![CDATA[Crying out (shouting), Men of Israel, help (boetheo: come running, aid, relieve): This is the man,
               that teacheth all men (Jews and Gentiles) everywhere (Asia, Macedonia, Achai) against the
               people (Jews), and the law (Mosaic) and this place (the temple): and further brought Greeks
               (Gentiles) also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

               The “Greeks” referred to are Trophimus (verse 29).  Places are not holy and nationalities do not
               pollute.  This is religious and national pride, jealousy, and prejudice.

               These people do not shout all their accusations in unison, but instead say one thing and
               another.  This verse lumps together everything that was said.

               Act 21:29  (For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, whom
               they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

               These people are jealous of Paul’s success in Ephesus.  When they are in Jerusalem, they see
               Paul with Trophimus and assume wrongly that Paul has taken him, a Gentile, into the temple.
               They use this to incite the Jews with the belief that Paul is weakening their religion by bringing
               Gentiles into their system and holy place.

               These people are more zealous for tradition than they are for truth and the accompanying signs
               from God (cf. 2 Peter 2:19).  Here, Peter gives a description of religious teachers.  They make
               promises they cannot keep.  They are slaves themselves.  How can a slave give you liberty?
               They tell you of freedom from sin when they are steeped in sin themselves.  The one seeking
               freedom is bound, overcome, and brought to bondage by the very one promising liberty.  The
               result is being brought into worse sin than what the individual began with.
               A RIOT IN JERUSALEM (31-40)


               As the mob attempts to kill Paul, a chief captain of the Roman army and his soldiers run toward
               the rioting crowd.  When the mob sees the soldiers, they stop beating Paul.  The chief captain
               has Paul bound in chains and sends him to prison while they try to determine who he is and
               what he has done.  Paul is led into the Roman fort where he explains to the chief captain who
               he is and asks to speak to the people.  He has granted permission.
               MOB DETERMINES TO KILL PAUL


               Act 21:30  And all the city was disturbed; and the people ran together, seized Paul, and dragged
               him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut.

               And all the city was moved (kineo: kinetic, to stir), and the people ran together (rioted): and
               they took (seized) Paul, and drew (dragged) him out of the temple: and forthwith (immediately)
               the doors were shut.

               In the temple, they observe the law of no killing.  Outside, however, they are overlooking the
               law of murder.  Religion only observes the convenient laws and disregards those that slow
               down its cause.]]></page><page Index="103"><![CDATA[Act 21:31  Now as they were seeking to kill him, news came to the commander of the garrison
               that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

               And as they went about (sought) to kill him, tidings (news) came unto the chief captain of the
               band (Roman army, 1000 men), that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

               Mob violence is running the city.  They are using religion to disobey the law and murder
               someone without a trial.  There will only be an execution.  They can never trap Paul by legal
               means in Corinth (Chapter 18) or Ephesus (Chapter 19), so they are breaking the law
               themselves.  This is why the Romans have every right to come in and seize and protect Paul.
               The chief captain (tribune) is a leader of one thousand soldiers in the Roman garrison.  This
               represents the extent of law in the church.  When the religious person violates civil law, he
               must face the system.  The Romans represent law and order, especially in the midst of chaos.

               Act 21:32  He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And when they
               saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

               Who (commander) immediately took (grabbed the nearest) soldiers (foot soldiers) and
               centurions (captains over 100), and ran down unto them (the rioting Jews): and when they saw
               the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating Paul.


               This commander is such a contrast to Pontius Pilate who catered to the people.  This ruler
               knows the law, order, and the destructive potential of mobs.  Since those beating Paul fear the
               death sentence for murder, they stop.  They then stand back and scream accusations to justify
               themselves.  Their intent is to convince the Roman government to kill Paul since they can’t
               without suffering the consequences.

               Act 21:33  Then the commander came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound
               with two chains; and he asked who he was and what he had done.

               Then the chief captain came near, and took him (Paul), and commanded him to be bound with
               two chains; and demanded (investigated) who he was, and what he had done.

               Paul is taken for his own protection until he can be tried.  He is bound with two chains, which is
               the way the Romans bound the prisoners (12:6).  The military leader remains calm and reacts
               smoothly in an emotional event.  He now demands information after putting the mob and Paul
               in their proper places.

               CONFUSION IN THE MOB

               Act 21:34  And some among the multitude cried one thing and some another. So when he could
               not ascertain the truth because of the tumult, he commanded him to be taken into the
               barracks.]]></page><page Index="104"><![CDATA[And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he (the officer) could
               not know the certainty (get this straight facts) for the tumult (riot), he commanded him (Paul)
               to be carried into the castle.

               The Roman officer inquires of the mob about who Paul is and what he had done, but he cannot
               get a straight answer.  There are as many opinions as people in the mob.  Paul is taken into the
               Antonio Fort name for Mark Antony, a close friend of Herod.  Herod had this castle built in
               Jerusalem in honor of his friend.

               THE REACTION OF THE MOB

               Act 21:35  When he reached the stairs, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the
               violence of the mob.

               As the soldiers come to the steps of the court, they are forced to carry Paul in the air over their
               heads to prevent him from being killed by the mob running after them.  Paul is rushed by the
               mob on the stairs.  The Jews know the accuracy of Roman law, and that there is little chance of
               seeing Paul sentenced since he has done nothing illegal.  Paul has simply offended their
               religious, traditional thinking.  They now decide to kill Paul on the steps and forget whether it is
               legal or illegal, or whether or not the Romans witnessed the killing.  They feel it is worth losing
               their own lives to see Paul dead.  The Roman soldiers have risked their own lives to uphold the
               law and protect a man who has yet to be tried.

               Act 21:36  For the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, "Away with him!"

               The Jews go up the stairs right behind the Roman soldiers.  They are shouting the same thing
               the mob was crying before they crucified Jesus.  However, this time the group is comprised
               predominantly of believers.

               Legalism causes believers to act just like or even worse than unbelievers.

               PAUL AND THE CHIEF CAPTAIN

               Act 21:37  Then as Paul was about to be led into the barracks, he said to the commander, "May
               I speak to you?" He replied, "Can you speak Greek?

               And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee?
               Who (the tribune) said, Canst thou speak Greek?

               This is the Fort where Herod lived for a while.  It was more than 100 yards wide and long.  It had
               four towers, each seventy-five feet high.  Inside was a small city with a parade route around
               called Gabbatha.  This is where the mob stood when Jesus was brought before Pilate.

               The tribune does not know Paul is an aristocrat.  He had been beaten and looks like a common
               criminal.  When Paul speaks aristocratic Greek, it surprises the soldier.]]></page><page Index="105"><![CDATA[Act 21:38  Are you not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a rebellion and led the four
               thousand assassins out into the wilderness?"

               Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar (revolution), and leddest
               out into the wilderness (desert) four thousand men (his syndicate organization) that were
               murderers (sikarios: assassin)?

               Paul appears to be a common criminal, and the officer thinks he is an Egyptian crime figure of a
               syndicate called the Sikari, the name taken from their weapon of choice, a dagger called a
               sikari.  This leader was from Egypt and had baffled Roman law for some time.  In 54 A.D., this
               gangster had organized a revolution by calling himself a prophet and swaying many of the Jews
               to follow him.  He had actually been hired by Jewish leaders to draw followers against the
               government and had managed to arouse 30,000 people in Jerusalem to revolt and overthrow
               Rome.  The Romans had attacked the mob, killed 400, and taken many prisoners.  But the
               Egyptian criminal escaped with 4000 men into the Negev and operated from there for the next
               40 years.  They were still in operation when Rome destroyed Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

               Once the officer discovers Paul is not this Egyptian criminal, he gives him great protection.
               Act 21:39  But Paul said, "I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I
               implore you, permit me to speak to the people."


               But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean
               (insignificant) city: and, I beseech thee, suffer (allow) me to speak unto the people.
               Paul is telling him, “I’m not an Egyptian.  I am from Tarsus.”

               Tarsus has been made a free city by Rome.  It has a mountain range nearby: called the Tarsus
               range, which had one pass running through it called the Cilician Gates.  Alexander used it in his
               conquests.  The pass runs into Cilicia where Tarsus is located.  Tarsus is a university city, which
               immediately explains Paul’s education to the officer.  Since Tarsus is a free city, they are
               considered Roman citizens.  Paul was born a Roman citizen.  He is submissive to the Roman
               leader and asks for permission to speak.

               This leader (Claudius Lucius [23:26]), born an aristocrat who purchased his citizenship,
               represents all that is great in Rome.  Felix, the leader in Caesarea, will later represent all that is
               rotten.

               Act 21:40  So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with
               his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew
               language, saying,

               Paul is now speaking under the protection of the Roman Empire.  He will use this protection to
               teach the Jews and give his testimony.]]></page><page Index="106"><![CDATA[Notes]]></page><page Index="107"><![CDATA[]]></page><page Index="108"><![CDATA[]]></page></pages></Search>
