Good morning all! Great day yesterday! After my morning routine- I went to tutor a JC junior in AP Biology. Its been well over a year since I have been in a classroom and I loved the interaction with him! His mom texted me later that afternoon and said that Avery- the son- commented, "He just talks and talks and talks and knows so much. Man, he is wicked smart!" Yah, sure, OK, whatever! I go again tomorrow to help him!
We spend today with Paul in Ephesus, and as per usual, he gets into trouble! That seems to be a common theme for Paul. When we hear about the church moving into Asia and Europe, I don't think we are told about the troubles Paul encounters or maybe we forget them or maybe they seem trivial to us. But his life seems to always be threatened at some time! This is a definite testimony to Paul's faith and passion for God and the desire of the Holy Spirit to get God's message to all people!
Remember, this is Paul's third missionary trip (see map below). When Paul stayed in some places, he would get a job (he was a tent maker) so that he could earn some money to pay for his travels. Many of the expenses were covered by his earnings; there were some donations from some of the larger churches. Paul didn't want to be a burden to the towns he went to- that would give a bad impression of Christians! In fact, in contemporary times, when a missionary is doing work and they are earning their own way it is called "tent-making".
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| Paul's Third Missionary Trip (~53- 57 AD) |
Paul is in Ephesus; he was their earlier on his second trip and they wanted him to stay longer- he commented that he didn't have time, but would come back. He did! What does this say about Paul's integrity? He meets up with a few disciples (v 2) and begins chatting about the Holy Spirit and baptism. Do you have the skill (or nerves) to go up to someone and just start chatting about God/Jesus/ the Holy Spirit? They don't know about the Holy Spirit and Jesus' baptism, just the one from John. Paul was in Ephesus a short time, and probably didn't get a chance to talk to all of the people; Priscilla and Aquila were "stationed" there a short while, too. For some reason, these people didn't hear the message. Paul points out that John's baptism was one of repentance, not necessarily into the faith of salvation. Some have suggested that these Ephesian disciples were not actually Christians yet. The problem in this is that they are called disciples, which almost always refers to Christians, genuine followers of Jesus Christ. However, the word disciple does have a broader understanding and application than its most frequent usage – describing a follower of Jesus. Luke is very specific and technical though, and if these people were disciples of John the Baptist- he would have stated that. After some more conversation, Paul baptizes them and the church grows by twelve people (v 7).
Paul had an extended time of preaching in the synagogue, but eventually, the influence of the Jews who rejected the message drove him out. He then resumed his teaching in the building of a Gentile teacher named Tyrannus (vv 8-10). One commentary says that Paul taught from 11AM until 4PM every day! This is some significant teaching! Many of us can't sit for a one our church service on a Sunday, let alone day after day for hours at a time! What does this say about us? About the people of Ephesus?
Luke comments about some "special miracles" that occurred through the use of pieces of material used by Paul (vv 11-12). There is some indication that there were "sweat bands" and aprons used by Paul in his tent making. We don't know how the healings happened! If you remember, Peter's shadow (Acts 5:15) healed someone and the hem of Jesus' robe (Matthew 14:36) healed someone too, so we do know God works in mysterious ways! In one commentary I read, there some churches that have pieces of cloth rolled up in newspaper sections that are laid on the pulpit; the priest prays over them and they are taken home to use on sick people. What does this say about faith and the power of God/Holy Spirit in healing?
Trouble begins to surface (surprise)! Some itinerant Jewish exorcists (the seven sons of Sceva; Sceva was a chief priest in Ephesus) are traveling through Ephesus and trying to imitate Paul's work by performing exorcisms in the name of Jesus (v 13). One huge reason why their miracles didn't work was that they did not have a real relationship with Jesus, they only know that it was Paul's God. Folllowing the thought pattern, there are some churchgoers that have no personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They only know “the Jesus the pastor preaches” or “the Jesus my spouse believes in” instead of the Jesus of their own salvation. I really like the "snarky" response from the demon (v 15), "I know Paul, I know Jesus, but who the heck are you guys??" In Jewish traditon, demons know their enemies and can call them by name (remember the stories of Jesus' exorcisms and how the demons called Jesus by name). Obviously these sons were not a threat! The demon possessed man jumps on them and begins beating them up. The seven sons run away- naked and afraid (v 16). The nakedness refers to the fact that their outer robe was proably taken off and all they had on was a short tunic. They probably took off their robe as part of their exorcism ritual.
The incident with the sons of Sceva impressed the people with the reality of the demonic realm. It made them fear the Lord and the demonic realms. Ephesus was an area where many evil things both superstitious and satanic were practiced. Books containing formula for sorcery and other ungodly and forbidden arts were plentiful in that city. The sons of Sceva incident also prompted Christians to renounce any remaining connection to the demonic. They renounced the demonic by confessing and by burning their magic books, disregarding whatever value they had (v 19). The reference to 50 thousand pieces of silver would equate to close to $3 million by today's standards! How often do we, good Christians, stay involved with bad things (not necessarily demonic, but maybe Satan inspired)? Verse 20 is the clincher verse in this story- the word of the Lord, very powerfully, kept spreading!
Paul makes plans for his next part of the journey (v 21- 22). Luke doesn’t mention it here, but we know that one reason why Paul wanted to go through Macedonia and Achaia, then to Jerusalem was to collect and deliver a fund he had been collecting from other churches to help out the church in Jerusalem. His desire to go to Rome indicates his love and passion for that church that he started. A significant part of the work of Timothy and Erastus was simply to help Paul. They were truly assistants to the apostle, helping Paul to maximize his ministry.
As Paul is about to leave Ephesus, a riot is beginning to brew (v 23). Demetrius (v 24) begins to have a problem with Paul calling idols "bad"; Demetrius and others make idols to Artemis (Roman equivalent was Diana, but some differences- see below). There was a huge temple to Artemis in Ephesus was regarded as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was supported by 127 pillars, each 60 feet high, and was decorated with great sculptures. It was lost to history until it was discovered in 1869, and its main altar was unearthed in 1965. Inside the temple was a very large black meteorite (v 35- holy stone) that had "fallen from Jupiter" and was highly sacred to the worship of Artemis. The Ephesus Artemis was the goddess of fertility and her image was draped with eggs or breasts from head to foot- to show her fertility:
The Greek Artemis was the daughter of Zeus and Leto, twin sister of Apollo; she was the Greek goddess of the hunt, the moon, chastity, and wild animals; she is often times depicted with arrows, a quiver, hunting knives and a deer.
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| The Diana of Versailles, a Roman copy of a Greek sculpture by Leochares (Louvre Museum) |
The opposition of Demetrius and the other idol makers was a great compliment to the effectiveness of Paul’s work in the region. Paul was not on a campaign to close down the temple of Diana; he just did the Lord’s work. As people came to Jesus, they naturally stopped worshiping Diana and buying shrines associated with the temple. How much of an influence should the church have on corporate (and individual) finances and government economies? Demetrius was clever in how he spoke to the crowd. He first appealed to them both on the basis of financial self-interest, and then on the basis of civic pride (“How dare Paul insult and despise our great temple!”). The riot builds momentum and there seems to be a huge uprising against Paul and other Christians as the people shout, "Great is Diana of Ephesus! Great is Artemis in Ephesus!" for hours!
The city clerk (think mayor) of Ephesus begins to quietly address the crowd. Luke wanted to show that rational people saw nothing to fear or oppose in Christianity. God used the city clerk to calm the mob and end the immediate threat to Paul and the other Christians. God had preserved God's work, and God's people, again. Life seems to go back to normal quite quickly in Ephesus!
Tomorrow we continue with Paul's travels in a very fast paced narrative.
Enjoy the day and be happy!
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
How great to tutor someone - especially an AP course - do your ever think of substituting? This chapter certainly points out that there were a number of people who helped Paul that are not mentioned. Because in this chapter some people are named who were not named before. From the response of the 12 men that Paul first meets in Ephesus it sounds like they heard Apollos preaching before Apollos was enlightened by Aquila and Priscilla - since they had not heard of the Holy Ghost and only knew of John the Baptist's baptism. My commentary says that Paul preached from 11am - 4pm also for two years - but that it was for all the people in Asia to come and hear the Word. So I am thinking that Ephesians did not come every day for two years. BUT your point is well taken. If it's too cold, too rainy, too hot - just about any excuse not to go to church for one hour. And, I hate to confess, but I have used them as well. You know how sometimes people will say to other people who are suffering from some illness (mental or physical) or can't get a job or get pregnant that the reason is because their faith is not strong enough? I wonder if that line of thinking comes from all the miracles that happen and are attributed to the person's faith? Because of your faith you are healed. But what about all the really good and faithful people who truly believe that suffer? How does that work? I liked your thoughts on why some people go to church but do not have a personal relationship with Jesus. And I also liked the response of the demon!!! The Lord does work in mysterious ways - their wonder to behold!! A lot of changes in reading habits and beliefs of the people were a result. Do I still participate in ways perhaps Satan inspired? Sad to say, probably. Thank you for the background on the goddesses - in my Bible it only says Diana - and even in vs. 28 it says they "cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians" That is a very tough question - on how much influence should the church have on corporate finances and government economies. I can say that the Upper New York Methodist Conference has quite a bit - from wanting to raise the base salary to not buying products from certain companies that support programs that the Methodists do not. And, frankly, I am ok with that. It makes me aware of certain companies that I might not want to buy their product from and certain laws I may want to write my representatives about. However, if they were to go into every church and pull out certain products purchased from those companies, that would be going too far and I would not agree with that. I find it interesting that when the town clerk addresses the crowd, he reminds them that "....these men; which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess...." That tells me that Paul and all those that worked with him did not criticize the beliefs or customs of the towns they were in but instead only preached about Jesus Christ. At least, that's the way I am taking it (smile). Enjoy the day - again just wonderful!!!
ReplyDeleteYou bring up many good points.
DeleteYes, Paul was preaching in Ephesus every day from 11 until 4- but you're right- it was "outsiders" that also came to hear him. It wasn't the same audience every day...sorry for misleading! One of the big points is people were willing to come to listen to Paul! And like you said- it is too cold or hot or wet or dry- whatever- people make excuses today!
I am planning a sermon series on miracles. It will be in a month or so...gotta figure these things out!
Really good points! Thanks Donna!
As an afterthought, Pastor, in a response to your comments to me yesterday - I think I would like to be a Messianic Jew. I always admired the Jewish faith because it was such a big part of their everyday lives but could not think of it because of my belief and faith in Jesus. But now....hmmmm....I might have to look into that!
ReplyDeletePaul's journeys was not only a travelogue, Jack. but also a "peoplelogue" or "personlogue" I am having a hard time keeping up with not only all the places he goes but to all the people he encounters and works with.
ReplyDeletePaul tells the Ephesians that it is not only repentance but also faith one needs to be saved. Repentance taught by John the Baptist but Faith in Jesus Christ and receiving the Holy Spirit .
Paul still continues to go to the synagogue to preach even after his bad experiences with the leaders there previously. it seems he will let nothing stop him from spreading the Word. After leaving the synagogue he goes to a lecture hall the preach even tho it is extremely warm there he continues to teach. God gave Paul healing powers and he healed many people.
a group of Jews were traveling about saying they were casting out evil demons in Jesus name however they were falsely using Jesus name and were attached by the evil spirit as the spirit knew they were false, which proves you can't fool God!
This leads us to the story of Demetrius a silversmith who made idols of silver in the image of the goddess of Artemis these silversmiths did not like Paul preaching against false gods as that was where their income was from so they brought a meeting together against Paul
the mayor decided that because Paul had done nothing against the goddess Artemis and fearing reprisal from Rome they were dismissed.
I think I am getting this chapter right in my mind. Was a little confused and read it over a couple of times.
Paul sure was a busy guy traveling all over! And all the people are confusing!
DeleteGood point- even though Paul has run into problems in the synagogues with the Jews in other areas- he still goes back to them!
There was lots of action in this chapter- it did require a second reading!
Good points Clara!
How wonderful to be a tutor! It sounds like you have made a great connection with this young man. Lucky him! As Cathy said it would be interesting to know how much money you would need to lived a comfortable lifestyle in these times. I am guessing a lot was done with barter and trade. I know a lot of people who have done mission work. This being referred to as tent making is interesting.
ReplyDeleteI would be comfortable talking about my faith but would not feel comfortable just going up to someone and talking about it. Praying over the newspaper clippings makes me think of prayer shawls that are popular today and give people comfort. As far as churches and corporate America that is a tough one. I will say that I support certain businesses because of how I think and believe. I also do not support businesses for the same reason.
Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes. I am so happy to be post surgery. It went very well. I feel good except for knee and leg pain. I know I need to be patient which is not my strong point.
God bless ❤️
I assume that much of there good were traded like you suggest. I don't really know how much money they needed to survive, but there were lots of trade people to barter with!
DeleteSharing faith is tough- especially with people we don't know!
Like you- some places get my business- some don't! It isn't much, but it is something I can do and feel ok about it!
Glad your surgery went well...keep up with the therapy! it is tough but you will be able to do it!!
Glad to have you back!!
Good thoughts Cindy!
I was going to say that Cindy is doing well after her surgery but here she is right above me!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, this is definitely tutor season again. When the library was fully opened this is the time of year that anxious looking students and tutors came in a lot. We would hear " we have a couple of months, we'll try to get you through this."
Well, Paul is again trying to convert people and causing a lot of "trouble". I have to say if someone came to Apalachin and was trying to convince everyone that our God is not the right God, I would probably rebel as well. This time things turned into a riot- people were filled with confusion and they were rushing together to the theater and had to be calmed down. vs. 11 say that God did extraordinary miracles through Paul. Everyone was awestruck and the name of Jesus was praised. Is this why there were miracles? To convince people to follow Jesus or were the miracles actually done because of a sincere wish to help people? I actually have been asking for a miracle. I have to wonder if I'm worthy of asking but I am doing it anyway. And what happens after you ask? Would you give up after a certain amount of time if you were me?
We've talked from time to time about talking to people about our faith. I've had 2 opportunities lately. My next door neighbor's mother just passed away on Tuesday morning. She was only 60, and in hospice care at home. Since Stacie moved in, Dirk and I have been very close to her and her children. Her children are just like grandchildren to us. When Stacie's mother passed, she texted me right away and told me that she was upset and was actually in another room because her mom didn't even look like herself. I had the chance to tell her to remember that God was in that room with her, ready to support her. I told her that I was praying for her, asking God to give her the strength and courage that she would need and to comfort her. My daughter in law told my granddaughters about Stacie's moms passing. Today my 7 year old granddaughter wanted to talk. She asked me is Stacie's mom would be happy in heaven and would she feel strange when she got there. I told her that Jesus was right there with her, helping her all the way. Then she asked if you go to heaven can you take your stuffed animals with you. Hmmmm. I'm hoping we cover this sometime in our study. :)
Today I got to spend the whole day with my granddaughters. We spent some to the time painting "butterfly" pasta to look like butterflies. Luckily it was a nice day and we did it outside because we're messy painters. I hope you all enjoyed the day.
Good point Cathy-- if someone came to Apalachin and was preaching against my God- I would probably get into an argument with them!
DeleteMiracles are one of those things that we read lots about in Biblical tines- do they happen now? Do we recognize them if they do happen? Good questions!
Hmmm...I would say stuffed animals are good to go in heaven! Talking about faith and God is hard- should it be though? We should be able to share our faith better/more- but we struggle. Maybe afraid of rejection?
Butterfly pasta! How nice!
Great thoughts Cathy! Thanks!