Acts 20:17-28
“And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.” (Acts 20:17)
It had only been a about a year since Paul had left Ephesus, after spending nearly three years there. Wanting to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost, and having only a few weeks left to get there Paul decided to skip going back to Ephesus.
“And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:18-21)
Paul reviewed the ministry he’d had among the Ephesians and in Asia, and the attitude he’d demonstrated during the entire time. The most obvious change in a spirit filled person is the attitude. Paul had been changed from a proud Pharisee to an humble and spirit filled man. While we know about the conflict with Demetrius and the Craftsman that precipitated Paul’s leaving Ephesus, we only know about some of the other struggles from incidental mentions in other books, because these things were only incidental to the ministry and not something to be bragged about or dwelt on. We know no details, but in I Corinthians 15:32, Paul refers to having been thrown to wild animals, to make the point that it would be wasted there was no resurrection. In his humility, Paul and Luke made no issue of it, because what happened to him was irrelevant. I Corinthians 11:23-26 describes some of the other things that had happened to him before this time.
Despite such severe opposition and struggles, Paul had continued to preach and teach both Jews and Gentiles about Christ, personally speaking in public places as well as visiting from house to house. His message had been the same every place he went, that people must repent, and he had not limited himself just to preaching salvation, but had kept back nothing about faith and obedience to God, but fulfilled Matthew 28:20 by “…teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”
“And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:22-24)
Paul had a tremendous burden for his own people, even to the point of giving up his own salvation if it would cause them to be saved, as he described in Romans 9. Despite that great burden, God had not called Paul to the Jews, since both Jesus and the other apostles had focused on Jerusalem for many years. The Holy Spirit had already warned Paul of the dangers he would face if he went, but Paul wanted to go to satisfy himself that he had done everything he could to reach them, even if it cost him his life.
“And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20:25-27)
Knowing that God had warned him specifically of the danger, and what he’d been through before, Paul knew that even if he survived, he was unlikely to ever return. He’d done his best to teach them what they needed to know, and it was now up to them to move ahead on their own, knowing that he would no longer be available. Inevitably, this comes to every church, and Paul reminds them of their responsibilities.
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28)
The word pastor means “shepherd”. The sheepherder’s primary job is to see that the sheep are fed. He is responsible for the health of every sheep under his care. While lambing season may be more exciting, he must not neglect the other sheep during lambing season. Peter gave similar instructions in I Peter 5:1-3. “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”
As one of the flock, it is critical that the pastor maintain his own spiritual strength as well, because he will be unable to care for and protect them if he is spiritually weak himself. He must not get the idea he is superior to the others. God will not be pleased with a man who has not taken care of his flock, even if he has a great crop of lambs.
Luke 12:42-48 describes responsibilities of the overseer or bishop and the consequences of not fulfilling he responsibilities. “And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”
Paul had set the example of a spirit filled leader, but now it was up to the leaders of the church to take over and do the job they had been given. Having had a year in which hey could call on him at any time, they can now assume full responsibility. God is not the author of confusion according to I Corinthians 14:33, and such an orderly transition is typical of the Holy Spirit’s leadership.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
The Church Family
Acts 20:7-16
One of my former sister-in laws told my nephew she had hated coming to our family gatherings because we pretended that we enjoyed being together. As my nephew said, there was never any question whether her family liked each other, they couldn’t stand to one another. He thought that to even pretend would be an improvement. After visiting the family again, he has really pushed for family get together.
When my brothers and sisters and I get together, we may talk until late at night, and especially the last night we have together, savoring the last time we have. While we don’t agree about everything, we just enjoy being together, and get together as often as possible. There is no need to impress anyone. I feel sorry for families who don’t have such a relationship.
The church is God’s family. They ought to have a desire to spend time with their brothers and sisters. When that desire is not present the church family is dysfunctional. Many churches are like my sister-in-law’s family, and can’t wait to get away from each other. The attitude in the church at Jerusalem as described in Acts 2:44-47 and Acts 4:32-35, as a result of the Holy spirit’s working. The church at Troas displayed a similar spirit.
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” (Acts 20:7)
The Christians began worshipping on the first day of the week, rather than the seventh or Sabbath, and Paul emphasizes this in I Corinthians 16:2 commanding, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him…” Some believe that worshipping on Sunday rather than Saturday is wrong.
Genesis 2:3 declares, “And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” The Sabbath was a celebration of God’s completing creation. It is an acknowledgement of his physical blessings in this life. The Sabbath carried over in the Law because all the promises under the Law were about the physical benefits, as described in Deuteronomy 28:9-13.
“The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways. De 28:10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee. And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee. The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:” (Deuteronomy 28:9-13)
While God finished his work on the sixth day and rested on the Seventh day, our redemption was not complete until the first day of the week, and it is our redemption and spiritual promises Christians celebrate, rather than our physical blessings. The church at Troas was meeting on Sunday. As a family, they shared a meal and Paul preached. Like a family they paid little attention to the time, just enjoying the time together. Paul was still preaching at midnight.
“And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.” (Acts 20:8-9)
Frequently in a family get together, one of the children will go to sleep, and no one thinks much about it. We just make sure he’s okay, and go on with our talking. When Eutychus went to sleep, it was not a big deal, but his falling out of the window and dying interrupted the preaching.
“And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.” (Acts 20:10)
For a genuinely Spirit filled man like Paul, even a disruption as serious as this created no serious problem, but preachers today worry that a cell phone ringing or someone moving around will quench the Holy Spirit. Having watched for many years, I suspect that the big problem is we have learned to give and illusion of Spiritual power with earthly techniques. Paul just raised him from the dead, but apparently didn‘t bother to wake him up..
“When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.” (Acts 20:11-12)
They continued to fellowship and visit until dawn, when Paul left to start his journey. Eutychus woke up and showed no ill effects, over shadowing any sadness caused by Paul’s departure.
“And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.” (Acts 20:13-14)
Because the ships were so small by today’s standards, and navigation was less precise, there was a tendency to hug the shoreline as much as possible, which also gave opportunity for trading. Undoubtedly it was cramped on the ship, and Paul chose to walk where he could. Since the ships tended to be rather slow, he could travel short distance before they were ready to sail again. He walked to Assos, although the others went by ship, but rode to Mitylene.
“And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.” (Acts 20:15-16)
While they would pass very close to Ephesus, Paul decided not to stop because they had spent a whole week in Troas, where they had less background. They would have had a harder time leaving Ephesus in such a short time, and Paul wanted to be Jerusalem for Pentecost, fifty days after Passover. Having stayed in Philippi until seven days after Passover, then spending five days getting to Troas and seven days there, and a couple more days getting to Miletus, he was getting concerned that he’d make it. They’d already spent almost half the time.
One of my former sister-in laws told my nephew she had hated coming to our family gatherings because we pretended that we enjoyed being together. As my nephew said, there was never any question whether her family liked each other, they couldn’t stand to one another. He thought that to even pretend would be an improvement. After visiting the family again, he has really pushed for family get together.
When my brothers and sisters and I get together, we may talk until late at night, and especially the last night we have together, savoring the last time we have. While we don’t agree about everything, we just enjoy being together, and get together as often as possible. There is no need to impress anyone. I feel sorry for families who don’t have such a relationship.
The church is God’s family. They ought to have a desire to spend time with their brothers and sisters. When that desire is not present the church family is dysfunctional. Many churches are like my sister-in-law’s family, and can’t wait to get away from each other. The attitude in the church at Jerusalem as described in Acts 2:44-47 and Acts 4:32-35, as a result of the Holy spirit’s working. The church at Troas displayed a similar spirit.
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” (Acts 20:7)
The Christians began worshipping on the first day of the week, rather than the seventh or Sabbath, and Paul emphasizes this in I Corinthians 16:2 commanding, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him…” Some believe that worshipping on Sunday rather than Saturday is wrong.
Genesis 2:3 declares, “And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” The Sabbath was a celebration of God’s completing creation. It is an acknowledgement of his physical blessings in this life. The Sabbath carried over in the Law because all the promises under the Law were about the physical benefits, as described in Deuteronomy 28:9-13.
“The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways. De 28:10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee. And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee. The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:” (Deuteronomy 28:9-13)
While God finished his work on the sixth day and rested on the Seventh day, our redemption was not complete until the first day of the week, and it is our redemption and spiritual promises Christians celebrate, rather than our physical blessings. The church at Troas was meeting on Sunday. As a family, they shared a meal and Paul preached. Like a family they paid little attention to the time, just enjoying the time together. Paul was still preaching at midnight.
“And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.” (Acts 20:8-9)
Frequently in a family get together, one of the children will go to sleep, and no one thinks much about it. We just make sure he’s okay, and go on with our talking. When Eutychus went to sleep, it was not a big deal, but his falling out of the window and dying interrupted the preaching.
“And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.” (Acts 20:10)
For a genuinely Spirit filled man like Paul, even a disruption as serious as this created no serious problem, but preachers today worry that a cell phone ringing or someone moving around will quench the Holy Spirit. Having watched for many years, I suspect that the big problem is we have learned to give and illusion of Spiritual power with earthly techniques. Paul just raised him from the dead, but apparently didn‘t bother to wake him up..
“When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.” (Acts 20:11-12)
They continued to fellowship and visit until dawn, when Paul left to start his journey. Eutychus woke up and showed no ill effects, over shadowing any sadness caused by Paul’s departure.
“And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.” (Acts 20:13-14)
Because the ships were so small by today’s standards, and navigation was less precise, there was a tendency to hug the shoreline as much as possible, which also gave opportunity for trading. Undoubtedly it was cramped on the ship, and Paul chose to walk where he could. Since the ships tended to be rather slow, he could travel short distance before they were ready to sail again. He walked to Assos, although the others went by ship, but rode to Mitylene.
“And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.” (Acts 20:15-16)
While they would pass very close to Ephesus, Paul decided not to stop because they had spent a whole week in Troas, where they had less background. They would have had a harder time leaving Ephesus in such a short time, and Paul wanted to be Jerusalem for Pentecost, fifty days after Passover. Having stayed in Philippi until seven days after Passover, then spending five days getting to Troas and seven days there, and a couple more days getting to Miletus, he was getting concerned that he’d make it. They’d already spent almost half the time.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
It Takes Teamwork
Acts 20:1-6
“And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.” (Acts 20:1)
Paul had already decided to leave Ephesus, with the intent of going to Jerusalem and eventually to Rome. The uproar by Demetrius and the craftsman and the Holy Spirit’s handling of it just precipitated his leaving. His presence was no longer required, and to stay would hamper the church’s growth by inflaming the opposition. The Holy Spirit used the uproar to move Paul along.
Later, while in prison, Paul would write the book of Ephesians, reminding them of the love of God that saved them and encouraging them not to forget what he’d done, or drift into sin. In Revelation 2, God rebuked the church at Ephesus for having forgotten the love God had demonstrated to them, and begun to focus on other things, although they were still doctrinally sound.
“And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.” (Acts 20:2-3)
Returning to Jerusalem would require passing through or close to a number of areas Paul had already worked in. It was logical to use the opportunity to visit those areas to encourage and address any problems. While the Holy Spirit sometimes gives specific instructions, such as when he directed Paul and his companions to go into Macedonia rather than Asia, or when he directed Philip to meet the Ethiopian Eunuch near Gaza, he frequently doesn’t. If there is no specific direction to another place, it implies we are where God wants us and should serve in this place until he shows us where to go next. God frequently uses circumstances to lead us. To bypass the nearby areas would not be an efficient usage of the time in the area. It appears that Paul spent several months visiting the other churches, and we know for sure that he spent three months in Greece, encouraging and teaching those who had believed in Athens and whatever other cities they had visited.
Sailing directly to Syria and Israel would limit the choices to travel, making it easier for the Jewish conspirators to find him, so Paul chose an indirect route through Macedonia. Although it was much longer, this route had the further advantage of allowing him to visit the Macedonian churches as well.
“And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. These going before tarried for us at Troas.” (Acts 20:4-5)
Seven members of Paul’s company went on ahead to contact the various Asian churches while Paul and others visited the churches in Macedonia. All of them were men who had been saved under Paul’s ministry, and were trained and mentored by Paul and Silas, on the job. They had demonstrated a spiritual level that Paul could regularly leave them or send them to meet the needs of the various churches.
It is interesting to review what we know about these men. Trophimus was already a member of the group when Paul left Timothy and Silas at Berea and is mentioned in II Timothy 4:20. Tychicus was sent to Ephesus and Colosse at different times and is mentioned several times. Gaius was from Timothy’s home town, and along with Aristarchus had been seized in Ephesus during the uprising by the craftsmen. Paul was staying in Gaius’ home and the church was meeting there when he wrote the book of Romans. Another Gaius is mentioned at Corinth, and a third one is mentioned in II John as a result of John’s ministry. Aristarchus is mentioned in both Colossians and Philemon. Sopater and Secundus are only mentioned in this verse. Timothy is rather well known.
As we look at this list we are again impressed that the great spread of the Gospel was not merely a product of Paul’s efforts but that the Holy spirit drew other men to him who would devote their lives to the Lord as well. In addition to these seven, Paul was also aided by Barnabas, Silas, Titus, John Mark, Priscilla and Aquila, Luke, and others. As Paul and Barnabas were careful to point out in Acts 14, It was not what they had done, but what God had done with them. Paul was very concerned that Christians not place the emphasis on individuals, writing, “that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another,” in I Corinthians 4:6. I suspect he would be very troubled by the modern focus on well known preachers and evangelists.
Just as focusing on a star player can hurt a sports program, it can harm the Lord’s work. The star does not win games without a good coach and team to direct and support him.
“And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.” (Acts 20:6)
Though Troas is only about a hundred and fifty miles from Philippi in a straight line, it took five days of sailing to arrive. Reunited, they spent a week with the Christians in Troas where Paul had been directed to go into Macedonia, in Acts 16.
“And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.” (Acts 20:1)
Paul had already decided to leave Ephesus, with the intent of going to Jerusalem and eventually to Rome. The uproar by Demetrius and the craftsman and the Holy Spirit’s handling of it just precipitated his leaving. His presence was no longer required, and to stay would hamper the church’s growth by inflaming the opposition. The Holy Spirit used the uproar to move Paul along.
Later, while in prison, Paul would write the book of Ephesians, reminding them of the love of God that saved them and encouraging them not to forget what he’d done, or drift into sin. In Revelation 2, God rebuked the church at Ephesus for having forgotten the love God had demonstrated to them, and begun to focus on other things, although they were still doctrinally sound.
“And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.” (Acts 20:2-3)
Returning to Jerusalem would require passing through or close to a number of areas Paul had already worked in. It was logical to use the opportunity to visit those areas to encourage and address any problems. While the Holy Spirit sometimes gives specific instructions, such as when he directed Paul and his companions to go into Macedonia rather than Asia, or when he directed Philip to meet the Ethiopian Eunuch near Gaza, he frequently doesn’t. If there is no specific direction to another place, it implies we are where God wants us and should serve in this place until he shows us where to go next. God frequently uses circumstances to lead us. To bypass the nearby areas would not be an efficient usage of the time in the area. It appears that Paul spent several months visiting the other churches, and we know for sure that he spent three months in Greece, encouraging and teaching those who had believed in Athens and whatever other cities they had visited.
Sailing directly to Syria and Israel would limit the choices to travel, making it easier for the Jewish conspirators to find him, so Paul chose an indirect route through Macedonia. Although it was much longer, this route had the further advantage of allowing him to visit the Macedonian churches as well.
“And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. These going before tarried for us at Troas.” (Acts 20:4-5)
Seven members of Paul’s company went on ahead to contact the various Asian churches while Paul and others visited the churches in Macedonia. All of them were men who had been saved under Paul’s ministry, and were trained and mentored by Paul and Silas, on the job. They had demonstrated a spiritual level that Paul could regularly leave them or send them to meet the needs of the various churches.
It is interesting to review what we know about these men. Trophimus was already a member of the group when Paul left Timothy and Silas at Berea and is mentioned in II Timothy 4:20. Tychicus was sent to Ephesus and Colosse at different times and is mentioned several times. Gaius was from Timothy’s home town, and along with Aristarchus had been seized in Ephesus during the uprising by the craftsmen. Paul was staying in Gaius’ home and the church was meeting there when he wrote the book of Romans. Another Gaius is mentioned at Corinth, and a third one is mentioned in II John as a result of John’s ministry. Aristarchus is mentioned in both Colossians and Philemon. Sopater and Secundus are only mentioned in this verse. Timothy is rather well known.
As we look at this list we are again impressed that the great spread of the Gospel was not merely a product of Paul’s efforts but that the Holy spirit drew other men to him who would devote their lives to the Lord as well. In addition to these seven, Paul was also aided by Barnabas, Silas, Titus, John Mark, Priscilla and Aquila, Luke, and others. As Paul and Barnabas were careful to point out in Acts 14, It was not what they had done, but what God had done with them. Paul was very concerned that Christians not place the emphasis on individuals, writing, “that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another,” in I Corinthians 4:6. I suspect he would be very troubled by the modern focus on well known preachers and evangelists.
Just as focusing on a star player can hurt a sports program, it can harm the Lord’s work. The star does not win games without a good coach and team to direct and support him.
“And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.” (Acts 20:6)
Though Troas is only about a hundred and fifty miles from Philippi in a straight line, it took five days of sailing to arrive. Reunited, they spent a week with the Christians in Troas where Paul had been directed to go into Macedonia, in Acts 16.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Pagan Opposition
Acts 19:23-41
In city after city, the Jews had stirred up opposition and made personal attacks on Paul. Frequently, they even traveled to other cities to attack, but the pagan religions had caused little disturbance. In Ephesus, however, things changed, with the Pagan religion attacking. However, the underlying reason has not changed as we see.
“And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.” (Acts 19:23-25)
After Sceva’s sons were routed trying to exorcise the evil spirit, it was apparent that God was far more powerful and many forsook their old religious beliefs, destroying over fifty thousand pieces of silver’s worth, or about two hundred thousand dollars worth. Religious artifacts were the primary source of cash income for the city, and so many people stopping buying their wares had a serious economic impact. Rather than rolling with the punches and converting to other products, Demetrius incited a riot, blaming the Christians for their economic troubles.
Though they tried to make it appear that the conflict was over what they believed, the real reason for the Jews attacks on Christ and Christianity was fear they would loose prestige and ultimately their financial base. I Timothy 6:10 tells us, “For the love of money is the root of all evil:…” It was the real motivation behind the riot in Ephesus, and is the motivation behind most religious conflicts today, but people don’t see money as a good excuse if they are not directly affected, so some emotional appeal is necessary to get the people to support you, and it was easy to find one.
“Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.” (Acts 19:26-27)
They were making less money, Demetrius stressed that people were turning away from their traditional religion. Almost every rebellion or riot is orchestrated by single person who plays on the emotions of the crowd. Just as the Jewish leaders had played on Jewish religious tradition to stir up peoples emotions, Demetrius played on the Ephesians’ tradition, with the same effect.
“And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.” (Acts 19:28-29)
Skilled speakers can whip a crowd into an emotional frenzy using mob psychology, and get them to do things they’d never do of their own accord. Satan used Demetrius’ desire for money to try to stop the church, seizing two of Paul’s mission staff and bringing them in for a hearing in the theatre. Sadly, in some circles these same techniques are used and the resulting frenzy is blasphemously claimed to be the Holy Spirit’s working.
“And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.” (Acts 19:30-31)
The mob leader stirs up anger or other strong emotional feelings whi Satan is then able to use to gain control of the people. For that time the people are literally possessed. Had Paul entered the theatre, it would have provided a focus for the anger of the mob. Both the Christians and the city leaders recognized the Danger and advised Paul to stay out.
“Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.” (Acts 19:32)
As with any mob, the majority really didn’t know what it was all about, just feeding on the emotions of those around them, but even those who thought they knew were unfocused and illogical.
“And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” (Acts 19:33-34)
Though the accusations were not against the Jews, they were drawn in and Alexander was designated to declare their position. Unfortunately, under the control of their emotions, people don’t respond to logic, and this mob just began chanting “Great is Diana of the Ephesians” for about two hours, until finally the emotions wore off and people began to reassert their self control.
“And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye 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? Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.” (Acts 19:35-37)
When the people regained their self control, the town clerk was able to make them realize how illogical their behavior had been. Any legitimate problem should be handled in a logical and orderly fashion, and such uncontrolled and illogical behavior was subject to serious scrutiny.
“Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.” (Acts 19:38-41)
Just as in Corinth, the Holy Spirit resolved the problem in his own way with no effort by the Christians. As we look back through the book of Acts, we see that time after time, the Holy Spirit simply had Paul, and some times Silas or Barnabas, leave town so others could carry on the work. Confrontation is not always the Holy Spirit’s approach. Sometimes he uses laws or secular leaders like Gallio or the town clerk to accomplish God’s plan.
In city after city, the Jews had stirred up opposition and made personal attacks on Paul. Frequently, they even traveled to other cities to attack, but the pagan religions had caused little disturbance. In Ephesus, however, things changed, with the Pagan religion attacking. However, the underlying reason has not changed as we see.
“And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.” (Acts 19:23-25)
After Sceva’s sons were routed trying to exorcise the evil spirit, it was apparent that God was far more powerful and many forsook their old religious beliefs, destroying over fifty thousand pieces of silver’s worth, or about two hundred thousand dollars worth. Religious artifacts were the primary source of cash income for the city, and so many people stopping buying their wares had a serious economic impact. Rather than rolling with the punches and converting to other products, Demetrius incited a riot, blaming the Christians for their economic troubles.
Though they tried to make it appear that the conflict was over what they believed, the real reason for the Jews attacks on Christ and Christianity was fear they would loose prestige and ultimately their financial base. I Timothy 6:10 tells us, “For the love of money is the root of all evil:…” It was the real motivation behind the riot in Ephesus, and is the motivation behind most religious conflicts today, but people don’t see money as a good excuse if they are not directly affected, so some emotional appeal is necessary to get the people to support you, and it was easy to find one.
“Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.” (Acts 19:26-27)
They were making less money, Demetrius stressed that people were turning away from their traditional religion. Almost every rebellion or riot is orchestrated by single person who plays on the emotions of the crowd. Just as the Jewish leaders had played on Jewish religious tradition to stir up peoples emotions, Demetrius played on the Ephesians’ tradition, with the same effect.
“And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.” (Acts 19:28-29)
Skilled speakers can whip a crowd into an emotional frenzy using mob psychology, and get them to do things they’d never do of their own accord. Satan used Demetrius’ desire for money to try to stop the church, seizing two of Paul’s mission staff and bringing them in for a hearing in the theatre. Sadly, in some circles these same techniques are used and the resulting frenzy is blasphemously claimed to be the Holy Spirit’s working.
“And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.” (Acts 19:30-31)
The mob leader stirs up anger or other strong emotional feelings whi Satan is then able to use to gain control of the people. For that time the people are literally possessed. Had Paul entered the theatre, it would have provided a focus for the anger of the mob. Both the Christians and the city leaders recognized the Danger and advised Paul to stay out.
“Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.” (Acts 19:32)
As with any mob, the majority really didn’t know what it was all about, just feeding on the emotions of those around them, but even those who thought they knew were unfocused and illogical.
“And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” (Acts 19:33-34)
Though the accusations were not against the Jews, they were drawn in and Alexander was designated to declare their position. Unfortunately, under the control of their emotions, people don’t respond to logic, and this mob just began chanting “Great is Diana of the Ephesians” for about two hours, until finally the emotions wore off and people began to reassert their self control.
“And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye 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? Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.” (Acts 19:35-37)
When the people regained their self control, the town clerk was able to make them realize how illogical their behavior had been. Any legitimate problem should be handled in a logical and orderly fashion, and such uncontrolled and illogical behavior was subject to serious scrutiny.
“Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.” (Acts 19:38-41)
Just as in Corinth, the Holy Spirit resolved the problem in his own way with no effort by the Christians. As we look back through the book of Acts, we see that time after time, the Holy Spirit simply had Paul, and some times Silas or Barnabas, leave town so others could carry on the work. Confrontation is not always the Holy Spirit’s approach. Sometimes he uses laws or secular leaders like Gallio or the town clerk to accomplish God’s plan.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Faking Spiritual Power
Acts 19:13-17
From the time the Assyrians conquered the kingdom of Israel and displaced the Jews in II Kings 17, the Jews had repeatedly been scattered among other countries, and frequently forced to move to other areas. Claudius’ order for all Jews to leave Rome was the most recent event, and had left many of the Jews homeless. The term vagabond is basically another word for a homeless or displaced person. Like the homeless of today, they were viewed wit a great deal of suspicion. Many were trying to support themselves however they could, and some had begun to use their religious beliefs to raise money. It is probable that some of the groups known as gypsies are descendants of some of these.
“Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.” (Acts 19:13)
Today there are dozens of clinics and counselors to help people with mental health issues. The same issues were common in that day, but were considered to be the result of demon possession. Exorcists were essentially the psychologists and psychiatrists of the day. These homeless Jews attempted to capitalize on the need by casting out the demons, using Jewish rituals.
A study several years ago comparing those who went to mental health practitioners to those who didn’t found only minor differences in either the number who improved, or the time it required, but those who went spent far more. Apparently these exorcists had not had significant results either. Having seen Paul’s successes, they attempted to use the same technique.
“And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.” (Acts 19:14)
Among the displaced Jews were seven sons of the chief priest in Jerusalem. Being very familiar with the Jewish and training, they were practicing exorcists themselves, and tried to copy Paul’s methods. The result was worse than what they’d been doing, because the evil spirit actually responded, instead of just ignoring them.
“And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” (Acts 19:15-16)
A man had left his car running while he ran inside to get something. His two year old son climbed into the drivers seat and began pretending to drive. He shifted gears just as he’d seen his father do, and the car began to move. Fortunately, it hit a nearby tree before it gained much speed, and the father heard it.
The little boy was totally unprepared to actually drive the car, and could well have been seriously injured or killed by his action. The seven sons of Sceva had no ability to control the power that was unleashed in using Jesus’ name, and were hurt because of it.
Over the years, I have heard several “Evangelists” and pastors claim to cast out demons. Several of them have had serious mental problems themselves later, living in constant fear of demons. One was afraid to be in a building with the doors unlocked, while another dared not go to sleep until he had opened his Bible to keep the demons away. Others warned to keep children and spectators away because of the danger to any one who is close. Such fears did not come from God, as II Timothy 1:7 states. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
When we attempt to invoke God’s power in our own pride and self confidence, we expose ourselves and others to Satan’s power. The Holy Spirit is necessary to properly control his power. Our flesh is no more equipped to deal with Satan’s power than the little boy was to drive the car.
“And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.” (Acts 19:17)
The difference between real spiritual power and the attempt to duplicate it was clearly seen, with the result that even those who did not believe were forced to recognize that there was something there. It resulted in a spontaneous rejection of the old customs by the Christians.
“And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” (Acts 19:18-20)
A few years ago, a pastor in New Mexico organized a burning of Harry Potter books in an attempt to duplicate this event. Others burned the Satanic Bible, or Ouija boards. In these cases it was a carefully organized event in which the people often had to first go and buy the materials to burn. These were people who had previously practiced these things who, like a lady who came to us, just wanted to get rid of reminders of what it had been like under Satan’s control. Anton Levay, the author of the Satanic Bible, commented that the more books they burned, the more money he made to spread Satanism. The publisher and author of the Harry Potter books, and the manufacturers of Ouija boards got a lot of free advertising, and sales boomed. When the Holy Spirit causes something, Satan doesn’t benefit.
“After these things were ended, 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.” (Acts 19:21)
The spirit here is not capitalized and refers to Paul’s spirit, not eh Holy Spirit. We use different terminology, to mean we have made up our mind and committed to doing something. It is this determination that led to the falling out between Paul and Barnabas, and it will lead to Paul’s imprisonment. Even Spirit filled men can decide to do things contrary to the Spirit, because the Holy spirit does not force us to do what he wants, but as I Corinthians 14: 32 states, “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” Romans 7 explains this at some length.
“So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.” (Acts 19:22)
It is this verse that leads me to believe I Timothy was written while Paul went down to Jerusalem after leaving his companions in Ephesus in Acts 18:19. I Corinthians appears to have been written during this same period, and in I Corinthians 16:8 Paul indicates his intent to leave Ephesus after Pentecost.
From the time the Assyrians conquered the kingdom of Israel and displaced the Jews in II Kings 17, the Jews had repeatedly been scattered among other countries, and frequently forced to move to other areas. Claudius’ order for all Jews to leave Rome was the most recent event, and had left many of the Jews homeless. The term vagabond is basically another word for a homeless or displaced person. Like the homeless of today, they were viewed wit a great deal of suspicion. Many were trying to support themselves however they could, and some had begun to use their religious beliefs to raise money. It is probable that some of the groups known as gypsies are descendants of some of these.
“Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.” (Acts 19:13)
Today there are dozens of clinics and counselors to help people with mental health issues. The same issues were common in that day, but were considered to be the result of demon possession. Exorcists were essentially the psychologists and psychiatrists of the day. These homeless Jews attempted to capitalize on the need by casting out the demons, using Jewish rituals.
A study several years ago comparing those who went to mental health practitioners to those who didn’t found only minor differences in either the number who improved, or the time it required, but those who went spent far more. Apparently these exorcists had not had significant results either. Having seen Paul’s successes, they attempted to use the same technique.
“And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.” (Acts 19:14)
Among the displaced Jews were seven sons of the chief priest in Jerusalem. Being very familiar with the Jewish and training, they were practicing exorcists themselves, and tried to copy Paul’s methods. The result was worse than what they’d been doing, because the evil spirit actually responded, instead of just ignoring them.
“And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” (Acts 19:15-16)
A man had left his car running while he ran inside to get something. His two year old son climbed into the drivers seat and began pretending to drive. He shifted gears just as he’d seen his father do, and the car began to move. Fortunately, it hit a nearby tree before it gained much speed, and the father heard it.
The little boy was totally unprepared to actually drive the car, and could well have been seriously injured or killed by his action. The seven sons of Sceva had no ability to control the power that was unleashed in using Jesus’ name, and were hurt because of it.
Over the years, I have heard several “Evangelists” and pastors claim to cast out demons. Several of them have had serious mental problems themselves later, living in constant fear of demons. One was afraid to be in a building with the doors unlocked, while another dared not go to sleep until he had opened his Bible to keep the demons away. Others warned to keep children and spectators away because of the danger to any one who is close. Such fears did not come from God, as II Timothy 1:7 states. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
When we attempt to invoke God’s power in our own pride and self confidence, we expose ourselves and others to Satan’s power. The Holy Spirit is necessary to properly control his power. Our flesh is no more equipped to deal with Satan’s power than the little boy was to drive the car.
“And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.” (Acts 19:17)
The difference between real spiritual power and the attempt to duplicate it was clearly seen, with the result that even those who did not believe were forced to recognize that there was something there. It resulted in a spontaneous rejection of the old customs by the Christians.
“And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” (Acts 19:18-20)
A few years ago, a pastor in New Mexico organized a burning of Harry Potter books in an attempt to duplicate this event. Others burned the Satanic Bible, or Ouija boards. In these cases it was a carefully organized event in which the people often had to first go and buy the materials to burn. These were people who had previously practiced these things who, like a lady who came to us, just wanted to get rid of reminders of what it had been like under Satan’s control. Anton Levay, the author of the Satanic Bible, commented that the more books they burned, the more money he made to spread Satanism. The publisher and author of the Harry Potter books, and the manufacturers of Ouija boards got a lot of free advertising, and sales boomed. When the Holy Spirit causes something, Satan doesn’t benefit.
“After these things were ended, 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.” (Acts 19:21)
The spirit here is not capitalized and refers to Paul’s spirit, not eh Holy Spirit. We use different terminology, to mean we have made up our mind and committed to doing something. It is this determination that led to the falling out between Paul and Barnabas, and it will lead to Paul’s imprisonment. Even Spirit filled men can decide to do things contrary to the Spirit, because the Holy spirit does not force us to do what he wants, but as I Corinthians 14: 32 states, “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” Romans 7 explains this at some length.
“So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.” (Acts 19:22)
It is this verse that leads me to believe I Timothy was written while Paul went down to Jerusalem after leaving his companions in Ephesus in Acts 18:19. I Corinthians appears to have been written during this same period, and in I Corinthians 16:8 Paul indicates his intent to leave Ephesus after Pentecost.
Monday, July 4, 2011
How long Does It Take?
Acts 19:8-12
Though Paul had been called especially to the Gentiles, he had a huge burden for his own people, even to point of almost being willing to go to hell himself if it would cause the Jews to be saved, as Romans 9:3. As a result of that concern for the Jew, as well as the recognition that simply being involved in a religious group might indicate an interest in the things of God, Paul spent time in the synagogue in nearly every city he visited. Though there was already a group of Christians in Ephesus, he still made a special effort to reach out to the Jews, just as Apollos had.
“And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.” (Acts 19:8)
Paul didn’t just make a single visit, but spent three months meeting in the synagogue in Ephesus, explaining the scripture and questioning the Jewish teachers in an attempt to get them to recognize Christ. Please remember this was in addition to the teaching Apollos and Aquila and Priscilla had done.
“But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 19:9)
After three months of the Holy Spirit’s working, the people had decided what they were willing to believe and those who chose to reject Christ began to resent the Christians presence and accuse them of evil. Rather than causing more problems, he then led the church to separate and start meeting in the school of Tyrannus, where they met for an additional two years. It took at least two and a half or three years to get the church in Ephesus established enough for Paul to feel confident about leaving, even with the help of Silas, Timothy, and various others.
The Holy Spirit has opened a window to allow us to understand the time involved in his working in peoples hearts with this example. While we’ve seen that the times in other cities were of significant duration, here we are given some actual figures. What a difference from the church planting ministries that go into a town, hold a two week “revival”, appoint a pastor, and announce they have planted a church. If it took spirit filled and experienced men like Paul and Silas more than two years to get a church to the point where an experienced man like Timothy could lead it, how can a missionary or evangelist of today do the same thing in a matter of a few weeks, and especially when God was working in a special miraculous way in Paul?
“And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.” (Acts 19:11-12)
Many today wonder why we do not see miracles in the church like they saw in the book of Acts. That Luke refers to some of these as special miracles implies that they were not common to others, even including Silas and Barnabas. In fact, in II Corinthians 12:12, Paul referred to them as signs that a man was an apostle. “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds." Acts 5:12 stresses that these were done by the apostles. “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.”
Because we are so focused on those special miracles we often overlook the more common ones God does every day, because they no longer seem special to us. We get like the lady who was messing around and stuck a gun to her chest with her finger on the trigger. The gun fired, missing every vital organ and she was only in the hospital for a couple of days, but was griping how unlucky she was that the gun went off instead of recognizing how miraculous it was the bullet passed through her chest without damaging either her heart or her lungs, or hitting a bone.
Though Paul had been called especially to the Gentiles, he had a huge burden for his own people, even to point of almost being willing to go to hell himself if it would cause the Jews to be saved, as Romans 9:3. As a result of that concern for the Jew, as well as the recognition that simply being involved in a religious group might indicate an interest in the things of God, Paul spent time in the synagogue in nearly every city he visited. Though there was already a group of Christians in Ephesus, he still made a special effort to reach out to the Jews, just as Apollos had.
“And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.” (Acts 19:8)
Paul didn’t just make a single visit, but spent three months meeting in the synagogue in Ephesus, explaining the scripture and questioning the Jewish teachers in an attempt to get them to recognize Christ. Please remember this was in addition to the teaching Apollos and Aquila and Priscilla had done.
“But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 19:9)
After three months of the Holy Spirit’s working, the people had decided what they were willing to believe and those who chose to reject Christ began to resent the Christians presence and accuse them of evil. Rather than causing more problems, he then led the church to separate and start meeting in the school of Tyrannus, where they met for an additional two years. It took at least two and a half or three years to get the church in Ephesus established enough for Paul to feel confident about leaving, even with the help of Silas, Timothy, and various others.
The Holy Spirit has opened a window to allow us to understand the time involved in his working in peoples hearts with this example. While we’ve seen that the times in other cities were of significant duration, here we are given some actual figures. What a difference from the church planting ministries that go into a town, hold a two week “revival”, appoint a pastor, and announce they have planted a church. If it took spirit filled and experienced men like Paul and Silas more than two years to get a church to the point where an experienced man like Timothy could lead it, how can a missionary or evangelist of today do the same thing in a matter of a few weeks, and especially when God was working in a special miraculous way in Paul?
“And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.” (Acts 19:11-12)
Many today wonder why we do not see miracles in the church like they saw in the book of Acts. That Luke refers to some of these as special miracles implies that they were not common to others, even including Silas and Barnabas. In fact, in II Corinthians 12:12, Paul referred to them as signs that a man was an apostle. “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds." Acts 5:12 stresses that these were done by the apostles. “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.”
Because we are so focused on those special miracles we often overlook the more common ones God does every day, because they no longer seem special to us. We get like the lady who was messing around and stuck a gun to her chest with her finger on the trigger. The gun fired, missing every vital organ and she was only in the hospital for a couple of days, but was griping how unlucky she was that the gun went off instead of recognizing how miraculous it was the bullet passed through her chest without damaging either her heart or her lungs, or hitting a bone.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Unsaved Church Members
Acts 19:1-7
One of the places Apollos went was to Corinth. While Paul’s ministry in Corinth had been primarily to Gentiles, Apollos’ was mostly to Jews. Human nature being what it is, the people in Corinth began comparing the two men, as a way of feeding their pride, which resulted in conflict. They began to base their measures of spirituality on who had taught them, and as I Corinthians 3:1-4 stresses, the very fact of conflict demonstrated a total lack of spirituality, that prevented growth in other areas.
“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?” (I Corinthians 3:1-4)
The conflicts in churches today still proves the lack of spirituality in modern churches. The problem was not Paul or Apollos, but the people who chose to focus on them rather than on Christ.
"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.” (Acts 19:1-2)
The church at Ephesus had apparently been started by Christians fleeing persecution in Jerusalem. After his trip to Jerusalem, and visiting the churches he and Silas had started or worked in in Antioch and the surrounding areas. Paul returned to Ephesus where he had left Aquila and Priscilla. When he came to the church, he found a group of church members that troubled him, although no one else seems to have noticed anything. While they were doing the same things as everyone else in the church, he saw no evidence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had said, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them,” in Matthew 7:20. Works or actions are not the same as fruit, contrary to what many believe. Fruit is produced because of the nature of the being. It can only be produced by that particular type of being, while works may be produced by similar living beings. For example, while all trees break down carbon dioxide into oxygen and carbon to grow and produce wood, roots and leaves, their works, only an apple tree produces apples, their fruit.
Because he saw no fruit, Paul asked these church members whether they had received the Holy Spirit. After all, as Romans 8:9 states, “…Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Their answer was that they didn’t even know there was such a thing. Obviously there was a problem.
“And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.” (Acts 19:3)
Many in the modern church are in much the same position, with no concept of the Holy Spirit in their lives, although some will point to some emotional feeling such as the Mormons refer to as a burning in their bosom as proof. Paul immediately asked why they’d been baptized or joined the church. It’s a question that a lot of church members need consider. They had been baptized because John taught that they should be baptized if they were sorry for their sin.
“Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” (Acts 19:4)
John had made one other command, which many overlooked, that people should be baptized as a sign of repentance for their sin, but that they should believe on Jesus when he came. In doing so he established a precedent of baptism as an evidence of obedience to what was being taught, just as circumcision was a sign of practicing the Jewish religion. This group, though they were in the church knew only of repentance.
“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 19:5)
Like many today, this group believed that baptism saved them. When they understood that it was by faith in Christ, they accepted him and were re-baptized to show their new belief. As members of the church they had been hearing the teaching regularly, but never realized their own lack.
“And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.” (Acts 19:6-7)
Before the men had demonstrated no spiritual fruit. When they accepted Christ they received the Holy Spirit, and at Paul’s touch, the Holy Spirit demonstrated his presence in their lives by enabling them to speak in tongues and prophesy. Clearly, it was the belief in Christ, and not the baptism that caused them to receive the Holy Spirit.
Because the modern church so often fails to distinguish between good works and spiritual fruit, there are thousands of unsaved people just like these twelve in modern churches, who believe they are Christians, and nobody ever notices.
One of the places Apollos went was to Corinth. While Paul’s ministry in Corinth had been primarily to Gentiles, Apollos’ was mostly to Jews. Human nature being what it is, the people in Corinth began comparing the two men, as a way of feeding their pride, which resulted in conflict. They began to base their measures of spirituality on who had taught them, and as I Corinthians 3:1-4 stresses, the very fact of conflict demonstrated a total lack of spirituality, that prevented growth in other areas.
“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?” (I Corinthians 3:1-4)
The conflicts in churches today still proves the lack of spirituality in modern churches. The problem was not Paul or Apollos, but the people who chose to focus on them rather than on Christ.
"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.” (Acts 19:1-2)
The church at Ephesus had apparently been started by Christians fleeing persecution in Jerusalem. After his trip to Jerusalem, and visiting the churches he and Silas had started or worked in in Antioch and the surrounding areas. Paul returned to Ephesus where he had left Aquila and Priscilla. When he came to the church, he found a group of church members that troubled him, although no one else seems to have noticed anything. While they were doing the same things as everyone else in the church, he saw no evidence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had said, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them,” in Matthew 7:20. Works or actions are not the same as fruit, contrary to what many believe. Fruit is produced because of the nature of the being. It can only be produced by that particular type of being, while works may be produced by similar living beings. For example, while all trees break down carbon dioxide into oxygen and carbon to grow and produce wood, roots and leaves, their works, only an apple tree produces apples, their fruit.
Because he saw no fruit, Paul asked these church members whether they had received the Holy Spirit. After all, as Romans 8:9 states, “…Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Their answer was that they didn’t even know there was such a thing. Obviously there was a problem.
“And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.” (Acts 19:3)
Many in the modern church are in much the same position, with no concept of the Holy Spirit in their lives, although some will point to some emotional feeling such as the Mormons refer to as a burning in their bosom as proof. Paul immediately asked why they’d been baptized or joined the church. It’s a question that a lot of church members need consider. They had been baptized because John taught that they should be baptized if they were sorry for their sin.
“Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” (Acts 19:4)
John had made one other command, which many overlooked, that people should be baptized as a sign of repentance for their sin, but that they should believe on Jesus when he came. In doing so he established a precedent of baptism as an evidence of obedience to what was being taught, just as circumcision was a sign of practicing the Jewish religion. This group, though they were in the church knew only of repentance.
“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 19:5)
Like many today, this group believed that baptism saved them. When they understood that it was by faith in Christ, they accepted him and were re-baptized to show their new belief. As members of the church they had been hearing the teaching regularly, but never realized their own lack.
“And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.” (Acts 19:6-7)
Before the men had demonstrated no spiritual fruit. When they accepted Christ they received the Holy Spirit, and at Paul’s touch, the Holy Spirit demonstrated his presence in their lives by enabling them to speak in tongues and prophesy. Clearly, it was the belief in Christ, and not the baptism that caused them to receive the Holy Spirit.
Because the modern church so often fails to distinguish between good works and spiritual fruit, there are thousands of unsaved people just like these twelve in modern churches, who believe they are Christians, and nobody ever notices.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)