Acts 21

 Good morning and welcome back!! Today is our 33rd anniversary.  Sherri and I were married in Ithaca at Anna Bell Taylor Chapel on the Cornell campus. It was a cold, blustery, snowy, icy day! We were both nervous and scared, but looking forward to being together forever! Happy for 33 years!

Paul leaves Ephesus (v 1) and eventually gets to Tyre. There is no evidence as to how the church in Tyre was founded (v 4), but there were obviously some followers of Christ there. This follows with some of our discussion from the last few days: Acts only gives us a partial story (Luke's story) of what happened. There had to be growth in other areas and had to be action from the other original apostles- but we don't have canonized evidence of it. I will do some research and see what I can find! There is definite foreshadowing of danger (v 4) and we will see some later too. It was customary for people to follow others to the city limits- but uniquely Christian to keen and pray for them. I tend to do that- and most others too- follow people out to their cars when they leave. I like the idea of praying for them. Maybe I should start that ritual!

A few more days of travel and they end up in Caesarea at the home of Philip (one of the seven chosen in Acts 6). It is cool that at almost every place they stop, they run into other Christians! What a sense of welcome, coming to a town where some of the people think like you! Philip's daughters were able to prophesy, but it was a different person, Agabus (probably the same person we saw in Acts 11), that prophesied danger to Paul in Jerusalem. The people insist that Paul not go to Jerusalem, but his response, "I am not only ready to be tied up in Jerusalem, I am ready to die for the Lord Jesus" (v 13) shows his conviction to do God's work. Do you have that conviction? Given the various prophecies that Paul had, he was at least prepared for what may happen!

Paul eventually gets to Jerusalem (v 17) and gave a report of his ministry to James and the other elders. I see this like a DCOM meeting or a meeting with the DS! Even with all the success in converting Gentiles to Christianity- there is some discussion and controversy at the following of Mosaic law (vv 20-21)!

To settle this controversy- that Paul was against Jewish customs, the leaders advised Paul to "sponsor" (pay the sacrificial expenses) four Christian Jews who are fulfilling a vow of consecration (probably similar to the Nazarite vow Paul had taken earlier in his life). By this, Paul will show the community of Christian Jews in Jerusalem that he is not opposed to their continued observance of certain Jewish customs, though he does not require such observance of Gentiles who come to Jesus. Paul could agree to this and sponsor the four men taking the vow of consecration because there was never a hint that such things would be required of Gentiles as a test of righteousness. As before, Paul is not against Judaism, he is for Christianity. 

Surprise! A riot begins to emerge! The case against Paul is unfounded. Regarding the Gentile Trophimus, possibly entering the temple (v 28-29): it was prohibited for Gentiles to go beyond the designated "Court of the Gentiles" in the temple grounds. Signs were posted which read (in both Greek and Latin): "No foreigner may enter within the barricade which surrounds the temple and enclosure. Any one who is caught trespassing will bear personal responsibility for his ensuing death." The Romans were so sensitive to this that they authorized the Jews to execute anyone that offended in this way, even if the offender was a Roman citizen.

Rome comes to the rescue (v 31- 32)! Paul has been seized by an enraged mob, and the mob didn't just want to take him out of the temple courts. They wanted to kill him, right there in the outer courtyard area of the temple mount. Paul had been near death because of the attacks of murderous mobs before and he must have thought, "Here we go again!" The Romans didn't sympathize with Paul, but they were interested in keeping public order, and they arrested Paul both for his own protection and to remove the cause of the uproar. The reference to two chain (v 33) means Paul was handcuffed to a solider on either side. Paul must have immediately remembered the prophecy of Agabus (v 11).The shouting of "Kill him!" (v 36) probably reminded Paul of his involvement in the stoning of Stephen or possibly at the "conviction" and crucifixion of Jesus (close to 25 years ago). Imagine the thoughts going through Paul's mind at this point!

The Roman commander thought Paul was a "terrorist" (v 38) that was running rampant across the area. The Egyptian (v 38) mentioned (also mentioned by Josephus) led a ragged army of four thousand men to the Mount of Olives where they declared they would take over the temple mount. Roman soldiers had quickly scattered them, but the leader got away. When Paul identified himself to the Roman commander (v 39), it put him in an entirely different standing. He was a citizen of Tarsus, not a suspected terrorist. Hmmm...does this happen today?

Paul is permitted to speak...and we will cover that on Monday (Chapter 22)!

Poor Paul...trouble always seems to find him...but he is doing the work that God wants of him. The passion and drive he has is remarkable! If I only had some of that!

Have a great weekend! COVID #2 for me later today!! Yahoo!! And both sets of kids will be with us this weekend. It will be Morgan and Bobby-Jo's first time with Joseph. Excited and happy grandpa/dad!

Enjoy! See you all Monday!!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Acts 20

 Good morning! I hope you enjoyed you day yesterday! Today looks like another beauty! The spring pollen is starting so allergy season is well underway here at the house!

We have been doing lots of talking about the amount of walking Paul and others did. Cathy sent an email last night about the longest continuous road in the world. The road, close to 14,000 miles, goes from Cape Town, South Africa to Magadan, Russia and travels through 16 countries! Walking 8 hours a day would take you 562 days of travel! Keep that in mind when we talk about Paul's travels!

The riots in Ephesus convinced Paul to travel west (v 1), across the Aegean Sea, to Macedonia (Modern day Greece). Paul had planned to take the long journey by sea directly back to Syria (where his sending church at Antioch was), but the plotting of anti-Christian Jews made him take a more overland route back through Macedonia, accompanied by many companions.These traveling companions of Paul (v 5) were probably representatives from other churches who had sent money with Paul to Jerusalem. They were also present as ambassadors from the churches Paul has founded among the Gentiles, and were there to vouch for Paul's good stewardship in regard to the collection destined for Jerusalem. 

Notice the word change in vv 5 and 6 again...from us to we.Is Luke back in the mix again?!

Notice also the word usage in v 7 "on the first day of the week..." This is the first time we have of Christians making a practice to gather together on the first day of the week for fellowship and the word - though here, it seems they gathered in the evening, because Sunday was a normal working day for them. Assuming he may not see them again for a long time, Paul preaches until midnight! Some commentaries say his message was over 6 hours long! Could you sit for a six hour sermon?! I should try that sometime!  A miracle occurs as the young man, Eutychus, falls from the window to the floor and dies. Paul brings him back to life and continues as if nothing happened! Paul really has their attention now, and continues until morning!

Paul probably stayed a while longer in Macedonia (v 13) to make sure Eutychus was good. Paul by-passes Ephesus (v 16)- possibly knowing he would need more time with them then he had. He planned on getting to Jerusalem for the Passover festival.He did call a meeting with some of the elders of the church though, so they wouldn't feel upset that he passed them by. Does it bother you when someone by-passes your home to go someplace else?

This meeting with the elders shows us a different side of Paul. Most of the time in Acts, we see Paul the evangelist; but here we get a unique picture of Paul the pastor - what was important to him as a leader and shepherd of God's people. Paul first calls attention to himself as an example. Not an example instead of Jesus, but an example as he follows Jesus. Are you an example of Christian life?

Paul comments that his message is open to all (v 21) by mentioning both Greeks and Jews. Paul didn't know what was ahead of him (v 22); he even had reason to believe it was bad. But that didn't trouble him. He could give it all over to God even when he didn't know what would happen.  Paul recognized the dangerous road ahead of him (V 23); apparently he had received many words of prophecy telling him of this danger already. Yet he is not dissuaded by danger, but willing to lay down his life. Could you do that- go into something that you know would be possibly life- threatening?

Paul counsels the elders (v 28) to take care of themselves and watch what they are doing-- effective leadership flows from a good life, not just knowledge.We get the familiar shepherd-sheep analogy common through Jesus' ministry (v 28). Then a stern word of caution to the "shepherds": It is often easier for pastors to deal with the wolves that come from the outside - obviously false teachings and unstable doctrine. But it is very difficult to deal with those who rise up from your own group (v 30)  because you don't want to believe that they are in fact out to draw disciples away. Do you know of any wolves from within the flock? Paul concludes (vv 34- 35) by trying to communicate his heart, his motive in ministry. He wasn't in it for himself, but for God's glory and for the building up of God's people.I have said several times in my ministry at Little Meadows- I am not in it for the money- I am in it for the people! Do we know of pastors that are in it for the money and fame though?

Paul makes a statement (v 35) that Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." However, I don't think Jesus ever said these words in our four canonized Gospels! That's ok though, because I am sure there were many things said by Jesus that didn't get recorded!

A tearful, emotional parting as Paul and the elders with prayer, tears, and a sending-off party, believing they would only meet again in eternity. This shows us that Paul was not a cold dispenser of doctrine, but a warm, pastoral man who loved his people greatly and won great love from them. Does your pastor have those feelings?

Short chapter and not much drama! Next stop- Jerusalem!

Enjoy the day ahead of us!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Acts 19

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".

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.

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

Acts 18

 Good morning and welcome to Paul's travelogue (Thanks Jack for that!). Today we read of more of Paul's journeys and the continued pressure and resistance that he faced. It is interesting that when we think of Paul, we don't really think of these almost daily riots that happened. We do know of his imprisonments, but the daily things we forget about (and don't preach about). It is certainly evidence of the Holy Spirit working to keep God's movement alive!

Paul leaves Athens and travels south to Corinth, about 45 miles away. Corinth was a major city of the Roman Empire, at an important crossroads of trade and travel; it was also a city notorious for its hedonism and immorality. It was a commercial center with two harbors and a rival to Athens. Corinth was a city with a remarkable reputation for loose living and especially sexual immorality. In classical Greek, to act like a Corinthian was to practice fornication, and a Corinthian companion was a prostitute. This sexual immorality was permitted under the extremely prevalent worship of Aphrodite (also known as Venus, the goddess of fertility and sexuality). In 146 BC, Corinth rebelled against Rome and was brutally destroyed by Roman armies. It lay in ruins for a century, until Julius Caesar rebuilt the city, and it quickly re-established its former position as a center for both trade and immorality of every sort. One ancient writer described Corinth as a town where "none but the tough could survive." Paul knew that because people from all over the Empire passed through Corinth, a strong church there could touch lives all over the Empire.  He knew Corinth was a tough city, but he wasn't only interested in planting churches where he thought it would be easy! When we plant churches- do we have these thoughts in mind? What was the area that your home church is located like when the church was established?

Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tent-makers. It is believed that these two were Christians prior to Paul's arrival. They moved from Pontus to Corinth when Caludius essentially kicked the Jews out for being too rowdy and disorderly (approximately 49AD).

Paul goes to the synagogue (v 4) and teaches those that would listen. The Greeks that were there were Gentiles interested in and sympathetic with Judaism. Timothy and Silas join wit Paul and report on the success of the church in Thessalonica. This only motives Paul more! We like to receive good news on the success of our ministries too!

Dissension rears its ugly head-- again! Paul is chastised for his blasphemy (v 6)- because Paul was preaching Jesus as the Messiah. Paul then says, "OK- forget it- if you don't want to hear this message, then I will go to people who do want to hear it." (My translation!) Paul moves from the Jews to the Gentiles (v 6) and preaches from Titius Justus' home. We don't know much about this man- but he was a Christian, probably Gentile, and Paul used his house because it was right next to the synagogue, so any Jews could come if they wanted. Paul probably still stayed at the home of Aquila and Priscilla. I find it interesting that the synagogue leader, Crispus, was a believer in God and he and his entire household were baptized by Paul (v 8)!

I love the comforting words in Paul's vision- "Do not be afraid, I am with you! Keep doing the work you need to do!" (v 9). Oh how we need to hear these words at times! Ministry is sometimes such an exhausting profession and we wonder if we are dong the right things! Paul was in Corinth a year and a half, which seems to be longer than in any other city where he founded a church. Paul was a man committed to making disciples! So many times, we try a program one time (or an event one time) and it doesn't work and we ditch it. Not Paul!

Troubles continues for Paul as the Roman proconsul of Achaia, Gallio, is brought into the story! The Jews try to convince that Paul is preaching something wrong. Gallio said he has no jurisdiction over religious matter (vv 14-15)  was correct in seeing that the government has no legitimate role in attempting to decide religious matters, though government does have a legitimate role in matters of criminal acts or wrongdoing. In their anger, the angry Gentiles and some Jews beat Sosthenes, the synagogue leader. Gallio looked the other way-- this was an offense he could chime in on though! Commentaries say that when Crispus (we read about him earlier) trusted in Jesus, he was replaced as ruler of the synagogue by Sosthenes - who later himself seems to have become a Christian (1 Corinthians 1). Not sure why Sosthenes got beat up! He didn't have anything to do with it!

Paul eventually leaves Corinth and Aquila and Priscilla go with him (v 18). Paul cuts his hair! The vow was probably the vow of a Nazirite (Numbers 6). Usually, the vow of a Nazirite was taken for a certain period of time, and when completed, the hair (which had been allowed to freely grow) was cut off and offered to the Lord at a special ceremony at the temple in Jerusalem. Paul leaves Priscilla and Aquila and travels to Jerusalem; Paul's intention is to travel to Jerusalem to offer this hair in a prescribed ceremony for those who had completed the vow of a Nazirite. While being a Christina, Paul still does hang on to some of his Jewish heritage and promises! Change is hard- a common theme!

He does visit the synagogue in Ephesus and the people try to convince him to stay, but he denies their invitation. He responds that he will come back later (he has to go to Jerusalem for the hair ceremony) Remember (Acts 16:6) that Pal wanted to go their earlier, but the Holy Spirit rejected that idea! Sometimes the Holy Spirit says "No", sometimes the Holy Spirit says "Wait"

Paul gets to Jerusalem and fulfills his Nazarite vow (v 22). Traveling back to Antioch of Syria concludes Paul's second missionary trip. Paul left for this trip soon after the Jerusalem council debated the role of circumcision for non-Jews converting to Christianity (late Autumn 49AD). He returns to Jerusalem in 52 AD, making this trip approximately 3 years and approximately 3000 miles (half by land, half by sea)!

Paul's third missionary journey begins in the regions of Galatia, Phyrgia, and the city of Ephesus. Paul's passion for building disciples, not merely making converts, is evident again.If Paul were with you, one of the questions he would ask is, "How strong of a disciple are you?"So, how strong of a disciple are you? What can I do to strengthen your walk with God?

Apollos (vv 24- 26) was a man who ministered mightily, yet with limited knowledge. So he was helped by Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus when they took him aside and mentored him. Apollos knew of the work of John the Baptist, so it is likely that he preached that the Messiah had come and we must respond to him, but he probably had little knowledge of the full person and work of Jesus Christ. Aquila and Priscilla present us with a great model, to mentor and encourage those that are weak in faith but strong in passion. Do we have good mentoring programs in our churches?

Apollos goes to Corinth (v 27) and with letters of reference from the church in Ephesus,is accepted as a teacher.  Apollos ministered effectively in Achaia (Corinth), especially among opposing Jews. Due to his knowledge and fervor for the Spirit, there are some that believe he was the author of Hebrews!

Paul goes to Ephesus tomorrow- and runs into trouble (surprise!).

Have a great day and enjoy the sunshine!!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Acts 17

 Good morning and Happy Dingus Day!! This day was a great celebration in the Buffalo area, where I grew  up. I hope you all had a great Easter weekend- hopefully being able to celebrate with family this year. Joseph came for a visit (and Lauren and Chris too) and we had a great time. We spent hours watching the birds- he loves the birds at the bird feeders- chickens not so much! They will be back next weekend along with Morgan and Bobbi-Jo; it will be their first time seeing the kid for real!

Grandpa and Joseph watching the barn pigeons flying!

Today is Chapter 17- Paul's missionary trip with Silas. Remember this is Paul's second missionary trip

 

Thessalonica is an important port city about 100 miles (3 or 4 days of walking) from Philippi (see above map). When Paul and Silas gets there, Paul visits the synagogues (v 2) "as was his tradition" (words also used to describe what Jesus did when he got into a town). Paul had great success at Thessalonica as "some of the Jews but a multitude of Greeks and many important women" (v 4) joined his cause. 

But, jealousy rears its ugly head again in the form of violence (v 5)! Jason (v 5) was a Jewish convert and mentioned again in Romans 16:21 (where Paul refers to him as "my fellow- countryman" so he is sometimes called Jason of Tarsus); tradition has him as one of the 70 Disciples and is a Roman Catholic saint (feast day is July 12). It is believed that Jason's home was where Paul and Silas stayed while in Thessalonica. The "mob" yells, "these people have made trouble everywhere in the world..." (v 6). Translation- they are making an impact on the world and nothing is staying the same! Do we respond to change that way at times- everything is changing and nothing is staying the same!? I think of the present-day church now. Are people saying the same things about the effectiveness of churches today. Are we turning the world upside down? One might say that Jesus did not come only to be our teacher, but to turn our world upside-down. Jesus turns the thinking and the power structures of this world around. The accusation comes that they (Paul and Silas) are saying things against Rome (v 7)! Jason and the church "posted bail" and Paul and Silas flee in the night to Berea (v 10). They only spent a few weeks there; Paul writes Thessalonians 1 to the congregation later. 

They next travel to Berean and follow their tradition of attending synagogue. The difference here is that the people willingly and eagerly listened (v 11) and studied/ searched the scriptures to see if what Paul was saying was the truth! The Bereans heard the teaching of probably the most famous apostle and theologian of the early church, and the author of at least 13 New Testament books. Yet, they searched the Scriptures when Paul taught, to see if his teaching was truly Biblical. They would not accept Paul’s teaching without checking for themselves, so they could know the truth. I told my kids at school, and many people today- question everything! It also struck me that they studied the scriptures daily! Many people don't even open the Bible on Sunday, let alone daily! The Bereans believed what Paul said!

The Jews from Thessalonica come to Berea (v 13)...they were not satisfied to force Paul out of only their own city. They even followed Paul to Berea to disrupt his work there also.The Christians in Berea sent Paul away to Athens, fearing for his life and a total disruption of the work going on there. Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea, because Paul wanted to leave them behind to teach and take care of the new Christians in Berea. I am not sure why Silas and Timothy were allowed to stay and why only Paul was taken away!

Paul sails to Athens which, hundreds of years before, was one of the most glorious and important cities in the world. But when Paul toured Athens, he was only depressed by the magnitude of the idolatry he saw all around (v 16). Paul saw the beauty of Athens, having the best that Greek sculptors and architects could offer; but all that beauty did not honor God, so it did not impress him. Paul faced a challenging audience in Athens. It was a cultured, educated city that was proud of its history. It was an intellectual center, much like Oxford or Cambridge. Paul spoke to a city perhaps different than any other city he had preached in.

Epicureans (v 18) pursued pleasure as the chief purpose in life, and valued most of all the pleasure of a peaceful life, free from pain, disturbing passions and superstitious fears (including the fear of death). They did not deny the existence of gods, but believed that they had nothing to do with man. The Stoics were pantheists who put great emphasis on moral sincerity and a high sense of duty. They cultivated a spirit of proud dignity, and believed that suicide was better than a life lived with less dignity. The Stoics believed that everything was god, and god was in everything. So they believed that all things, good or evil, were from “god,” and so nothing should be resisted, and they believed there was no particular direction or destiny for mankind.

The Areopagus (v 19) is a prominent rock outcropping just northwest of the Acropolis. Areopagus translates to "Hill of Ares"; Ares was supposed to have been tried by the gods on the Areopagus for the murder of Poseidon's son Halirrhothius. It was a place of the court during Biblical times.

View of Areopagus Hill from the Acropolis

Paul begins his "sermon" (v 22) not with an exposition of Scripture, which was his custom when dealing with Jews or Gentiles who were familiar with the Old Testament. Instead, Paul began with general references to religion. Many ancient observers noticed the religious character of Athens, and some thought that Athenians were the most religious of all people. But when Paul said this of the Athenians, he didn’t necessarily mean it in a positive way. Religion can lead one away from God, and if we trust in a false religion, it is little credit to say of us that we are “religious.” How often do we see "religious" people that are far from God? Paul comments on the altar to "an unknown god"  (v 23) who covered any god that may have been neglected. Six hundred years before Paul, a terrible plague came on the city and a man name Epimenides had an idea. He let loose a flock of sheep through the town, and wherever they lay down, they sacrificed that sheep to the god that had the nearest shrine or temple. If a sheep lay down near no shrine or temple, they sacrificed the sheep to the unknown god!

Paul goes on to "identify" the "unknown God" Paul spoke about the God who created everything, yet is distinct from His creation. Paul told them that God was bigger than any temple men’s hands could build and could not be represented by anything men could make with their hands.Paul went from knowing who God is (our Creator), to who we are (His offspring), to our responsibility before Him (to understand Him and worship Him in truth), to our accountability if we dishonor Him (judgment). Paul seemed unable to preach a sermon without focusing on the resurrection of Jesus (v 31). For him, none of the Christian life made sense without the triumph of Jesus’ resurrection.The resurrection was not a popular idea among Greek philosophers (v 32). Some though Paul foolish for even believing such a thing, and other wanted to hear more about this new teaching. The Greeks were fond of the idea of the immortality of the soul, but not of the idea of the resurrection of the body. They felt that anything material was inherently evil, so there really could be no such thing as a glorified body. They thought the ultimate form of glory would be pure spirit. The results at the Areopagus seemed small (v 33), yet some did believe. Among those believing were a man named Dionysus who must have been a regular participant at the Areopagus) and a woman named Damaris. Some theologians criticize Paul’s sermon in Athens because there is no detailed reference to the cross or specific quotes from the Old Testament. Some think Paul compromised his message for an intellectual audience, and therefore there were few conversions. It is difficult and wrong to assume the content of the message based on the seeming lack of response (definitely from a preacher's perspective!). Think of all the sermons you have hear and how you have responded (or not) to them! 

Tomorrow we continue with Paul's missionary trip (minus Silas and Timothy).

Have a great day and enjoy the beauty!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Acts 16

 Good morning!  Another exciting chapter today!

The chapter begins with Paul's second missionary journey (see map below). Most commentaries put this chapter about four or five years after the last chapter. Paul goes back to revisit some of the churches he started. I could imagine his excitement at seeing how they have progressed!

Paul's Second missionary journey

His trip begins at Derbe (very successful the first time he was there) and Lystra (that's where the people though Paul and Barnabas were gods). Paul meets Timothy in Lystra- his mother was a believer (a Jew) his father was not (a Greek). Paul "adopts" Timothy as a replacement for John Mark- it is tough to do ministry alone. Paul circumcised Timothy- not as a sign of salvation (they argued that point at the Jerusalem Council) but so he would be accepted by Jews. By Jewish law, Timothy was a Jew, but because he was uncircumcised, he was considered an apostate Jew (translation- a heretic to the Jewish faith). If Paul wanted to maintain his status with the synagogue- he had to have Timothy circumcised- even though Timothy was a believer (some of the laws are tough to forget)! Do we do that in our church- carry on traditions or ideas so we can be "accepted"?

We come now to a confusing point. The Holy Spirit doesn't want Paul to visit some places to start churches there (vv 6-8)! Confusing in that why would the Holy Spirit not want the message of Jesus spread to Asia? The best explanation is Paul wasn't the right person in the right place at the right time to begin bringing the gospel to the Roman Province of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) We often use the phrase, "in God's time" and this just wasn't the time. We don't have any indication how the Spirit stopped them, but they just kept going. Does it surprise you that the Holy Spirit stops us from doing some things we think might be good? The Holy Spirit closes some doors and opens others. While in Troas, Paul gets a vision to go to Macedonia.

In the vision, Paul is "invited" to the region of Macedonia by a man, westward across the Agean Sea.This moves Paul and his missionary team from the continent of Asia to the continent of Europe; this was the first missionary endeavor to Europe. Rather than establishing a few churches in Asia Minor, God opens the continent of Europe to God's churches! Paul did not hesitate to answer the call of the Macedonian man. Paul's missionary team did not hesitate to follow him on the basis of this call. Have you ever met a "Macedonian man" that has called you to mission? Notice the word change in v 8 ("They passed by and went to Troas) to v 10 ("We immediately prepared to leave for Macedonia..."). A possible signal that Luke joined the trip for a while? Maybe he was the teams personal physician (remember, Luke was likely a physician).

While in Philippi, they go to the river to pray. The fact that there was no synagogue in Philippi meant that there were not many Jewish men in the town. There had to be at least ten Jewish men available to have a synagogue (doesn't matter the number of women). Enter Lydia (v 14). She opened her heart and her mind to hear Paul and was eventually converted (evidenced by her baptism in v 15). I think this is the first story I remember of a woman being converted to Christianity.

While still in Philippi, a demon possessed girl seemed to be hanging around Paul and Timothy, almost to the point of annoyance (v 18). She was a source of profit for her owners as a fortune teller, because demons would give her supernatural insight into the lives of others. An interesting point is that the demon-possessed slave girl "preaches" for Paul, giving a demonic "testimony" to their divine credentials and the message that they preach, as she commented "These men are servants of the Most High God..." (v 17). Even the demons knew God. Paul, not wanting to be associated with a demon (we are identified by the company we keep) cast out the demon from the girl (v 18) being sure to use the "the power of Jesus Christ."

The owners of the slave girl get angry as their source of income was gone (vv 19-20)! The masters care nothing for the girl herself, only for their ability to exploit her demonic possession for money. They were "pimps," prostituting her spiritually. Note that Paul and Silas were grabbed- not Timothy or Luke (v 19). Luke was a gentile, Timothy was only part-Jew so neither of them "dressed" the part of being a Jew; Paul and Silas were fully Jewish and they looked it- so they were the blame! Do we "blame" others because of how they look?

Their charges are vague, simply accusing Paul and Silas of being troublemakers (v 20). But those vague charges were enough, because "the crowd" (v 22) joined in the attack! Since they assumed Paul and Barnabas were not Roman citizens, they were offended that these obviously Jewish men would harass Roman citizens with their strange religion of a crucified Savior. After being severely beaten (v 22), Paul and Silas are imprisoned in maximum-security conditions. Though they have been arrested, beaten, and imprisoned for doing good, Paul and Silas are filled with joy and sing praises to God (v 25). What will it take to make us stop praising God?

God intervenes with a sudden earthquake (v 26) and all the doors were opened and all the chains were loosed. The jailer's reaction (v 27) had good reason behind it. Guards who allowed their prisoners to escape had to bear the penalty of their escaped prisoners! Paul talks with the guard (v 28). It would have been easy for Paul and Silas to escape thinking God had instigated another miraculous jailbreak. But to them, the lives of others were more important than their own personal freedom and comfort. Do we feel that same way-- the lives of others are more important than our comfort?

The jailer (who was probably one of the men that beat them so harshly just a few hours ago) was so impressed by Paul and Silas - by the love they showed to him, and from their ability to take joy even in misery - that he instantly wants the kind of life that Paul and Silas have (v 30). Paul comments (v 31), "Believe- and you will be saved." Is this too easy? The same jailer who had been punishing them was now ministering to Paul and Silas, caring for their wounds and providing them food (v 34).

The next day brings an interesting twist. Paul and Silas did leave the prison (in the protective custody of the jailer) to minister to the jailer's household. But Paul and Silas returned to the prison willingly to spare the jailer certain death (vv 35- 36). Because Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they had recognized civil rights, which were ignored by the Philippian magistrates.  Upon learning this, the magistrates are filled with fear, because it was a terrible offense to treat Roman citizens as Paul and Silas had been treated. The magistrates act like any politicians act by instinct. They try to make their problem go away quietly by sweeping them under the rug (v 39). Paul and Silas agreed to go, but on their terms of returning to Lydia's home to do a check-in.  In Philippi, Paul and Silas left behind two notable converts: Lydia and the prison guard. Each of these two had their lives touched by Jesus in very different ways. Lydia was a churchgoer; the guard was not. Lydia had a great business; the guard was about to kill himself. Lydia's heart was gently opened; the guard's heart was violently confronted. Both heard the gospel and believed, and through each of them their whole families were touched! The Holy Spirit works in many different ways!

Have a great weekend. Reminder that we will have a Good Friday worship tonight at 7PM.

Enjoy Easter with family and friends- if possible!

Monday I will likely be late with commentary. I have a doctor appointment at 8AM. Will try to get it done as soon as I can when I return home!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Acts 15

 Good morning and welcome back winter!!

The view from our living room window this morning!

The chapter begins with controversy! Over circumcision= again! These Jewish Christians (often called “Judaizers”) came to the congregation in Antioch and taught that Gentiles may become Christians, but only after first becoming Jews, and submitting to all Jewish rituals, including circumcision. It was very difficult for some Jewish Christians to accept that Gentiles could be brought into the church as equal members without first coming through the Law of Moses. How do we feel when someone seems to "skip past" the regulations to get something we have waited for a long time?

Paul and Barnabas respond back (vv 2-4) to this false doctrine. Circumcision and belief in the Mosaic laws were not critical for acceptance by God. Controversy continues, so they go to Jerusalem to talk with the "bosses" to see what they think! They couldn’t just agree to disagree on this issue, because it was at the core of what meant to be a follower of Jesus. 

As Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem, they found plenty of other Christians who rejoiced at what God did among the Gentiles. This was in contrast to the certain men from Judea. However, even with all the joy and happiness at their arrival, many of Pharisees who had converted were in the group who opposed Paul and Barnabas (v 5). Pharisees were well known for their high regard for the law, and their desire to obey the law in the smallest details. The Pharisees were experts in the law. If the Pharisees believed anything, they believed one could be justified before God by keeping the law. For a Pharisee to really be a Christian, it would take more than an acknowledgment that Jesus was Messiah; he would have to forsake his attempts to justify himself by the keeping of the law and accept the work of Jesus as the basis of his justification. Remember- Paul was a Pharisee at one time! The Pharisees were not against the Gentiles coming to Jesus, they just taught Gentiles are free to come to Jesus. We welcome them and want them to come to Jesus. But they have to come through the Law of Moses in order to come to Jesus. Paul and Barnabas, among others, have allowed Gentiles to come to Jesus without first coming through the Law of Moses. Life is about jumping through hoops- this seems like a hoop to jump through!

The discussion became too much of an argument and it was central to the teachings, so a council was called together (v 6). The question raised by the Jerusalem council was huge: "Are Christians made right with God by faith alone, or by a combination of faith and obedience of the Law of Moses? Is the work of Jesus by itself enough to save the one who trusts in Jesus, or must we add our work to Jesus’ work in order to be made right with God?" That controversy is still a debate in some denominations now! Faith? Works? Both? Either?

Peter stands up to address the crowd (v 7- 11). Peter made an important observation. It came straight from his vision of the clean and unclean animals, from which God taught him this principle: God has shown to me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Peter showed how the heart is purified: by faith, not by keeping of the law. If they were purified by faith, then there was no need to be purified by submitting to ceremonies found in the Law of Moses. Christians are not only saved by faith; they are also purified by faith. Peter concluded with the observation that it is through grace that all are saved – both Jew and Gentile – and not by obedience to the law. If we are made right with God by grace, then we are not saved by grace and law-keeping. So, what makes us right by God- faith or works?

Barnabas and Paul confirmed Peter’s previous point (v 12). Essentially they said, “God has accepted the Gentiles, should not we as well?”

James (author of the Epistle of James, brother of Jesus and Jude), speaks to the issue (v 13), supporting what Peter and Paul had said. In my translation, he uses the name "Simon" (v 14)-- this is the Hebrew name for Peter- just so you know it isn't a new guy! James quotes from Amos where the prophet outlines God call to the Gentiles and the fall of the tabernacle (reference to the fall of Judaism in that they rejected Jesus as Messiah).Now God wanted to rebuild that work, focusing on a church made up of both Jew and Gentile. James ends this small part (vv 19-21) with, "Just leave them alone! We have things other than circumcision to worry about!" Gentile Christians had the “right” to eat meat sacrificed to idols, to continue their marriage practices, and to eat food without a kosher bleeding, because these were aspects of the Mosaic Law they definitely were not under. However, they were encouraged to law down their rights in these matters as a display of love to their Jewish brethren. James was looking at a Law of Love rather than a Law of Moses with these suggestions. 

The Jerusalem council wisely sent two members of its own community (probably Jewish Christians themselves) with Paul and Barnabas back to Antioch, the place where the whole dispute arose (v 22). They sent a decree from the Jerusalem Council. The letter gives the express decision of the Jerusalem council, that Gentiles should consider themselves under no obligation to the rituals of Judaism, except the sensitivity which love demands, so as to preserve the fellowship of Jewish and Gentile believers. This letter was written specifically to these churches where Jews and Gentiles mixed together with the potential of tension and conflict. It was not addressed to every Gentile congregation.

The Jerusalem Council was the first organized meeting to hammer out church doctrine. It is unique among the in that it is considered by theologians to be a prototype and forerunner of the later ecumenical councils and a key part of Christian ethics. The council decided that Gentile converts to Christianity were not obligated to keep most of the fasts, and other specific rituals, including the rules concerning circumcision. The Council did, however, retain the prohibitions on eating blood, meat containing blood, and meat of animals that were strangled, and on sexual impurity and idolatry, sometimes referred to as the Apostolic Decree or Jerusalem Quadrilateral.

The group gets to Antioch and are joyfully received (v 30-31). Try to imagine how the Gentile Christians felt, wondering how the decision might come forth. Would the council in Jerusalem decide that they really were not saved after all because they had not submitted to circumcision and the Law of Moses? The principle of grace had been preserved! They heard that they were saved and right with God after all (v 31). Work continuing the church in Antioch continues!

Paul and Barnabas discuss about going to the various congregations that they started for check-ins to make sure they were progressing well (v 36). This shows Paul had a real pastor’s heart. He was not content to merely plant churches without seeing them carefully nurtured and growing in the faith. John Mark had previously left the missionary party under what seemed to be less than honorable circumstances (Acts 13:13). This probably made Paul unwilling to trust him on future endeavors. Luke did not give us a clue as to who was right and who was wrong in the dispute between Paul and Barnabas. But it is never good when personal disputes flare up among those serving in the ministry. Tensions in ministry happen...and when tensions happen, ministry for both parties struggle. Any evidence of these struggles in your church? Barnabas takes John Mark (they are cousins, so this may have factored into the decision). Paul (accompanied by Silas) and Barnabas (accompanied by Mark) split, each going out to different fields of ministry (vv 40- 41).

The journey of Paul continues in the next set of chapters. We do't hear much of Barnabas for a while. 

Have a great day...enjoy the readings!

Reminder- tonight is the Maundy Thursday worship at Little Meadows (7PM). All are welcome. We will be on FB Live beginning at 7PM.

Shalom+
Pastor Paul