Atos 18
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 18
Wiersbe wrote, “They are a good example of how ‘lay ministers’ can help to further the work of the Lord. Every pastor and missionary thanks God for people like Aquila and Priscilla, people with hands, hearts, and homes dedicated to the work of the Lord.” (Bible Exposition Commentary). Found (aorist tense, active voice)(2147)(heurisko) means to find after searching and so to discover (Mt 7:7), to find accidentally or without seeking (Mt 12:44). In the present context the former sense is probably the most correct. Paul was alone and lonely and looking for fellowship. The Messianic Jewish writer Edersheim says that a Jewish guild always kept together whether in street or synagogue so that by this bond they probably met. (ATR) Recently (4373)(phosphatos related to prosphatos = new, newly slaughtered in Heb 10:20+) is used only here in the NT and is an adverb of time meaning recently, shortly before. "Prosphatōs is a temporal adverb expressing the recentness of an event relative to another past event. Thus, there is no fixed time limit implicit in the word. In Deuteronomy 24:5 a period of up to 1 year is referred to as prosphatōs, but a much longer period (several years) is called prosphatōs in 2 Maccabees 14:36." (Gilbrant) Jack Arnold - Aquila and Priscilla were probably confused as to why they were driven out of Rome where they were making such a good living, but God designed it so they would meet Paul in Corinth and become Christians. What seemed to be a tragedy became the greatest blessing of all for Aquila and Priscilla. THOUGHT - Aquila and Priscilla had been kicked out of Rome where they probably had a profitable business established. And in God's providence they made their way to Corinth, where they would discover that what seemed to be a major life setback was just the opposite. What they lost in business in Rome, they more than made up for in their relationship with the apostle Paul. Undoubtedly they grew mightily in the Lord over the 18 months they spent with Paul in Corinth and they became close friends with him as attested by their mention in three other Pauline books. The lesson for all of us to take to heart is that God is able to take our disappointments and make them His appointments for His Kingdom work. The eternal rewards of Priscilla and Aquila will far and forever overshadow any temporal earthly loss they might have experienced by being displaced from Rome. They will forever affirm the absolute truth of Romans 8:28+ that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Pontus (see map) was the Roman province in Asia Minor that lay east of Bithynia on the Black Sea coast (in modern northern Turkey). Priscilla had another name, Prisca (see below), the latter being more formal. Her name appears before her husband Aquila's name in 4 of the 6 New Testament passages and the reason is not clear. Speculations are that (1) She was of a higher social class; (2) She was more educated; or (3) She was more spiritually mature. I favor the latter, for in the training of Apollos she seems to have taken the lead (Acts 18:28). Below are all 6 mentions of this notable NT couple who eventually established a house church (1 Cor 16:19). Acts 18:2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them, Acts 18:18 Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brethren and put out to sea for Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchrea he had his hair cut, for he was keeping a vow. Acts 18:26 and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. Romans 16:3; Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; 1 Cor 16:19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 2 Ti 4:19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Related Resource: Who were Priscilla and Aquila? Because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. When Paul met Aquila and his wife Priscilla, presumably they were already Christians. They had recently come from Italy because Claudius (the 5th Roman Emperor between 41-54 reigning 13 years as a weak minded man who, the laughing stock of the court) had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome. This formal outbreak of anti-Semitism occurred in about AD 49, (other expulsions of Jews from Rome occurred in 139 BC and 19 AD) when there were approximately 20,000 Jews in Rome. They were unpopular; Tiberius (reigned 14-37 AD) had exiled 4,000 from Rome to Sardinia (see note). Some 50 years later the Roman historian Suetonius (was born in AD 69 lived to 122 AD wrote after the event) maintained that Claudius' decree against the Jews came because the "Jews were in a state of constant tumult (i.e., they are indulging in constant riots ) at the instigation of one `Christus.'" (or "Chrestus" - see note) The Jews probably pronounced the name "Christ" this way. (See Suetonius on Christians) Wycliffe Bible Commentary - It is possible that Chrestus (meaning "the useful one") is a Roman misunderstanding of Christus, a term that was meaningless to Romans. If so, this means that the gospel of Christ was being preached in the Jewish synagogues in Rome and was meeting such strenuous resistance that Claudius ordered all Jews to leave the city. Aquila and Priscilla from Rome > Corinth Paul from Athens > Corinth Wikipedia on Claudius' Expulsion of the Jews References to an expulsion of Jews from Rome by the Roman Emperor Claudius, who was in office AD 41-54, appear in the Acts of the Apostles (18:2), and in the writings of Roman historians Suetonius (c. AD 69 – c. AD 122), Cassius Dio(c. AD 150 – c. 235) and fifth-century Christian author Paulus Orosius. Scholars generally agree that these references refer to the same incident.[1][2] The exact date is uncertain. The maximal time window for the expulsion of Jews from Rome is from January AD 41 until January AD 53. More detailed estimates such as those based on the AD 49 date by Orosius or the reduction of the AD 53 upper limit due to Proconsul Gallio's health are possible but controversial. There were at least two expulsions of Jews from Rome before this event. In 139 BC the Jews were expelled after being accused of Judaizing among the local Gentiles. Then in AD 19 Tiberius once again expelled Jews (about 4000) from the city for similar reasons. Why did Claudius order the Jews to leave Rome? Roman authorities viewed the spread of Judaism as a threat to Rome. Jewish businessmen aroused the resentment of their non-Jewish competitors. Jews were scorned for refusing to burn incense before the emperor's statue (Their exile to Babylon in 586 BC effectively "cured" them from worship of graven images - of course they still had idolatry as we all do for Paul equates "idolatry" with "greed" Col 3:5+ "greed which amounts to idolatry", cf Eph 5:3+ "covetous man...is an idolator") -- worse than Americans refusing to salute their flag (of course now sadly Americans are burning flags!). Jews, including the Jews who were followers of Jesus, aroused suspicion by their inclination to keep to themselves. Persecution of followers of Jesus came during Nero's reign as a result of the great fire in Rome in the year 64 AD (another discussion) (pix), a fire that raged for many days, that almost destroyed the entire city and was horrendous enough to seem like Armageddon had arrived. Perhaps some Christians in Rome saw the fire as the beginning of the fulfillment of their expectations that the world would be destroyed by fire. Reports of joyous dancing, looks of glee and shouts of hallelujahs would have attracted suspicion, and Christians were an easy target because they were still thought of as Jews. An official investigation concluded that the fire had been started by Jewish fanatics. This put the Jewish community in Rome in danger, and Jewish leaders in Rome may have tried to avert this danger by describing to authorities the difference between themselves and the Christians. The leaders of Jews in Rome could reach the emperor, Nero, through his new wife, Sabina Poppaea. Nero learned of the separate identity of those Jews who were followers of Jesus, and he put blame on them for the fire. Nero had some Christians executed in the usual way of executing criminals: putting them in the arena against gladiators or wild animals, or as was commonly done to those convicted of arson, having them burned to death (See picture of Christian's used as Nero's Torches!). It was around this time that the apostles Peter and Paul vanished. According to the historian Tacitus, who wrote decades later, many Romans remained suspicious of Nero. Many believed the rumor that Nero had started the fire to make space for his new great mansion, and they pitied the Christians, believing that instead of being sacrificed for the welfare of the state, the Christians were being sacrificed as Nero's scapegoats. Tony Merida points that that while Claudius' "edict was never reversed, it evidently was not enforced carefully since many Jews, including this couple, (Aquila and Priscilla) resettled in Rome (cf. Ro 16:3-4) (Exalting Jesus in Acts) Commanded (perfect tense = remained in effect)(1299)(diatasso from dia = through + tasso = order) means literally to arrange thoroughly, to arrange in its proper order, to issue orderly and detailed instructions as to what must be done Jews (2453)(Ioudaios ultimately derived from Hebrew Yehudi = a member of the tribe of Judah) is an adjective refers to one who belongs to the Jewish race with focus on adherence to Mosaic tradition (Acts 10:28, 22:3, 21:39). A Jew in respect to race or religion (as opposed to Gentiles). Ioudaios in Acts - Acts 1:8; Acts 2:5; Acts 2:9; Acts 2:10; Acts 2:14; Acts 8:1; Acts 9:22; Acts 9:23; Acts 9:31; Acts 10:22; Acts 10:28; Acts 10:37; Acts 10:39; Acts 11:1; Acts 11:19; Acts 11:29; Acts 12:3; Acts 12:11; Acts 12:19; Acts 13:5; Acts 13:6; Acts 13:43; Acts 13:45; Acts 13:50; Acts 14:1; Acts 14:2; Acts 14:4; Acts 14:5; Acts 14:19; Acts 15:1; Acts 16:1; Acts 16:3; Acts 16:20; Acts 17:1; Acts 17:5; Acts 17:10; Acts 17:13; Acts 17:17; Acts 18:2; Acts 18:4; Acts 18:5; Acts 18:12; Acts 18:14; Acts 18:19; Acts 18:24; Acts 18:28; Acts 19:10; Acts 19:13; Acts 19:14; Acts 19:17; Acts 19:33; Acts 19:34; Acts 20:3; Acts 20:19; Acts 20:21; Acts 21:10; Acts 21:11; Acts 21:20; Acts 21:21; Acts 21:27; Acts 21:39; Acts 22:3; Acts 22:12; Acts 22:30; Acts 23:12; Acts 23:20; Acts 23:27; Acts 24:5; Acts 24:9; Acts 24:18; Acts 24:24; Acts 24:27; Acts 25:2; Acts 25:7; Acts 25:8; Acts 25:9; Acts 25:10; Acts 25:15; Acts 25:24; Acts 26:2; Acts 26:3; Acts 26:4; Acts 26:7; Acts 26:20; Acts 26:21; Acts 28:17; Acts 28:19; Acts 28:21; Acts 28:29; To leave (5563)(chorizo from choris = separately, apart from, from) in the active sense means to cause to separate or divide, to put apart putting a space between. The emphasis of chorizo (especially in its literal uses) is on distance. In the passive sense (as in this passage), chorizo means to separate oneself or put some space between Rome and themselves. Rome (4516)(Rhome) was the capital of the Roman empire. It is used 8x in the NT - Acts 18:2; Acts 19:21; Acts 23:11; Acts 28:14; Acts 28:16; Ro 1:7; Ro 1:15; 2 Ti 1:17. In each instance of these 8 uses Rome refers to the city of Rome located on the Tiber River in the central region of the Italian peninsula. Although Rhōmē was used in the Greek of this period to refer to the imperial government as well as the empire itself, it is never used this way in the New Testament. The importance assigned to Paul’s ministry in Rome was probably related to the city’s position as the political center of the empire. Zodhiates on Rhome - Among the inhabitants were many Jews (Acts 28:17). They had received the liberty of worship and other privileges from Caesar and lived in the district across the Tiber near the Porta Portese. Paul was kept in Rome two whole years, dwelling in his own rented house with a soldier who had charge of him (Acts 28:16, 30). In accordance with the usual Roman custom of treating prisoners, he apparently was bound to the soldier with a chain (Acts 28:20; Eph. 6:20; Phil. 1:16). To those coming to visit him he preached the gospel, and no one forbade him (Acts 28:30, 31). Several of Paul's epistles were believed to have been written from Rome, such as Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, Philemon, and 2 Timothy, the last shortly before his death on a second and final imprisonment (2 Tim. 4:6). On Paul's approach to Rome he was met by brethren who came out on the Appian Way as far as the little town of Appii Forum (Acts 28:15). In his letter to the Philippians he also refers to the "palace" or Caesar's court (Phil. 1:13). This probably does not refer to the imperial palace, but to the residence of the Praetorian guards or to a military barrack attached to the imperial house. There were Christians also belonging to the imperial household even during the reign of the cruel Nero (Phil. 4:22). (Complete Word Study Dictionary – New Testament) Related Resources Rome and Roman Empire - Holman Bible Commentary Roman Empire - Wikipedia Bridgeway Bible Dictionary Rome Baker Evangelical Dictionary Rome Easton's Bible Dictionary Rome Fausset Bible Dictionary Rome Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Rome Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Rome International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Rome Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Rome The Nuttall Encyclopedia Rome He came to them (aorist tense, active voice) - Paul approached Aquila and Priscilla who were also Jews and in the next verse also practiced the same profession. It is interesting that in English the verb approach means to speak to someone for the first time about something, typically with a proposal or request. Came (4334)(proserchomai from prós = facing + erchomai = come) means to come facing toward. To approach, come near, visit. In a religious context it was used figuratively meaning to worship or draw near. Jesus approached individuals to minister to them (Mark 1:31; Luke 7:14), and they approached Him for ministry (e.g., Matthew 9:20). In Acts proserchomai has the literal sense seen in the Gospels, but also seems to have a special emphasis and can refer to approaching a person at a moment of great significance. Jews, for example, were not to socialize in any way with Gentiles (Acts 10:28); however, Philip approached the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:29; cf. Acts 9:1; 24:23). That Paul made took the initiative and made the effort to approach this couple suggests his desire/need for fellowship (Silas and Timothy had not yet joined him) for as he came into Corinth he later wrote "I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling." (1 Cor 2:3). This premise also fits with the first verb (heurisko) in this sentence that Paul "found a Jew name Aquila," implying he was looking for Jewish companionship. It is interesting that Luke does not say what he does in many of Paul's entrances into cities, that he immediately went to the Jewish synagogue. He soon made his way there, but first he found fellowship and companionship which as God's Spirit would have it budded into their lifelong friendship! How good is God? (Rhetorical of course!) Edgar Guest in his tribute to laypeople wrote: Leave it only to the ministers, and soon the church will die; leave it to the womenfolk—the young will pass it by. For the church is all that lifts us from the coarse and selfish mob, and the church that is to prosper needs the laymen on the job. Now, a layman has his business, and a layman has his joys, but he also has the training of his little girls and boys; And I wonder how he’d like it if there were no churches here, and he had to raise his children in a godless atmosphere. It’s the church’s special function to uphold the finer things, to teach that way of living from which all that’s noble springs; But the minister can’t do it single handed and alone, for the laymen of the country are the church’s buildingstones. When you see a church that’s empty, though its doors are open wide. It’s not the church that’s dying— it’s the laymen who have died; It’s not just by song or sermon that the church’s work is done, it’s the laymen of the country who for God must carry on. Acts 18:3 and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working, for by trade they were tent-makers. KJV Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. and they were working Acts 20:34,35; 1 Cor 4:12; 9:6-12; 2 Cor 11:9; 1 Th 2:9; 2 Th 3:8,9 Acts 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL'S BI-VOCATIONAL MINISTRY Vocation means the particular occupation for which you are trained, suited or qualified or to which you are especially drawn. The addition of "bi" means "two" but sadly in morally upside down America, the major entry says "bi" is one who relates to both sexes. Paul was "bi" in the sense that he was a God called apostle and a tent-maker. And because he was of the same trade - Paul received support for his missionary activity but also supported it with his own labors. There common bonds of Jewish backgrounds and tent making skills forged a friendship which would last for all of Paul's life so that even with some his very last recorded words he acknowledged them exhorting Timothy to "Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus." (2 Ti 4:19+) In Paul's letter to the Romans he called "Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila my fellow workers (sunergos) in Christ Jesus (THIS IS THE KEY TO ALL FRUITFUL MINISTRY - "in Christ Jesus."), who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles." (Ro 16:3-4+) Clearly this couple graduated from making tents to making disciples! And that is what we should all be aiming toward, the fulfillment of Jesus' last command (Mt 28:19+). This reminds me of Michael W. Smith's old classic "Friends are Friends Forever" which aptly describes the special bond between Paul and this godly couple (give it a listen as you think of that close friend God has brought into your life by providence [He did exactly that in my life at the old age of 69!!!] remembering that this couple would not have been in Corinth if they had not been expelled from Rome! Some of the best friends are those that come to us by God's providential hand! Keep your eyes open if you are in need of or looking for a close Christian friend!) And friends are friends forever If the Lord's the Lord of them And a friend will not say never 'Cause the welcome will not end Though it's hard to let you go In the Father's hands we know That a lifetime's not too long To live as friends (Version sung at President Bush's funeral) He stayed with them and they were working, for by trade they were tent-makers - This is the only NT use of this Greek word skenopoios (skene = tent + poieo = make) translated tent-makers (probably out of leather). While this passage is the only mention of his specific trade, it is notable that a number of verses show us that Paul frequently supported him - Acts 20:34; 1 Cor 4:12; 1 Th 2:9; 2 Th 3:7-9; cf. 2 Cor 11:7. Merida adds that "While in his letters to the Corinthians Paul encouraged believers to compensate pastors, he refused to take any support from them. He wanted to avoid any obstacle to the gospel’s progress (1 Cor 9:7-14; cf. Gal 6:6)." (Exalting Jesus in Acts) Stayed (3306)(meno) in the imperfect tense, day after day. Wycliffe Bible Commentary - It was customary for Jewish rabbis not to receive pay for their teaching, and therefore Paul, who had been reared as a rabbi, had learned the trade of tentmaking.
Atos 18
Wiersbe adds that "It is just like our Lord to speak to us when we need Him the most. His tender "Fear not!" can calm the storm in our hearts regardless of the circumstances around us. This is the way He assured Abraham (Gen. 15:1), Isaac (Gen. 26:24), and Jacob (Gen. 46:3), as well as Jehoshaphat (2 Chr 20:15-17), Daniel (Da 10:12, 19), Mary (Luke 1:30), and Peter (Luke 5:10). The next time you feel alone and defeated, meditate on Hebrews 13:5 and Isaiah 41:10 and Isa 43:1-7, and claim by faith the presence of the Lord. He is with you! When he was a young man, the famous British preacher G. Campbell Morgan used to read the Bible each week to two elderly women. One evening, when he finished reading the closing words of Matthew 28 (Mt 28:20), Morgan said to the ladies, "Isn't that a wonderful promise!" and one of them replied, "Young man, that is not a promise—it is a certainty!" Jesus had already appeared to Paul on the Damascus road (Acts 9:1-6; 26:12-18) and also in the temple (Acts 22:17-18). Paul would be encouraged by Him again when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem (Acts 23:11) and later in Rome (2 Tim. 4:16-17). Our Lord's angel would also appear to Paul in the midst of the storm and give him a word of assurance for the passengers and crew (Acts 27:23-25). (Bible Exposition Commentary). Paul was getting ready to enter into a full frontal attack on the Kingdom of darkness (cf Acts 26:18+, Col 1:13+, 1 Jn 5:19+) and would need to be prepared for all out spiritual warfare. The same is true when we seek to share the Gospel with a lost person. That person is in the Kingdom of darkness which is the domain (exousia) of Satan and the evil one will not easily give up his subjects. It is therefore incumbent on us to make sure we have put on the full armor of God (Eph 6:10-17+), with emphasis on "full." For example, we may have the Word of truth (Eph 6:17+, cf Eph 6:14+) and yet we are not walking in holiness, having not put on the breastplate of righteousness (cf "breastplate of righteousness" - Eph 6:14b+). As they say we have a chink in our armor! And the result is that we are very vulnerable to counter attack from the forces of darkness. So make sure you are confessed up, repented up, prayed up (Eph 6:18+) and filled up (Spirit and Word) and then you are ready to "gospelize" the lost. Jehovah gave Joshua similar encouragement in the OT, knowing that he was getting ready to enter into the promised land, but that warfare would need to be waged (giving us a great picture of the spiritual warfare we will experience when we begin to tell others of the promised land of Heaven!). Listen to Jehovah's promise to Joshua and personalize it in your life regarding the good works which He has prepared for you to walk in (Eph 2:10+) .. “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you....9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:5; 9+, cf Jehovah's promise to Moses - Ex 4:12+) Comment: And all God's people cry "Hallelujah! Thank you Lord!" And no man will attack you in order to harm you - Luke uses the verb for attack which means to assail or assault someone. The implication in the context is that the attack is not just verbal but physical with the intent to harm and even kill. Yes, Paul's life was constantly in danger (1 Cor 15:30, 2 Cor 4:7-12+) so Jesus assures him of His presence and protection. We are immortal until we have accomplished God's work for us. -- See Acts 13:36+ Attack (2007)(epitithemi from epi = upon + tithemi = to place, put) means literally to place or put upon, to lay upon (Mt 23:4; 27:29; Mk 4:21; Luke 15:5; Jn 9:15; Acts 15:10; 28:3; Ge 21:14; Ex 25:21, 30; Jos 10:24). Epitithemi was frequently used of laying on of hands (20 of 40 uses), including Jesus laying His hand on to heal (Mk 5:23, 6:5; 7:32; 8:23, 8:25, Mt. 9:18; Mt. 19:13, 15; Mk 8:25; Lk 4:40; 13:13; Acts 9:12; 28:8), of Jesus laying His hand on to bless (Mt 19:13, cf similar sense of benediction/ordination - Acts 8:17, 6:6; 8:19; 13:3; 19:6; 1Ti 5:22), of apostles Peter and John laying on of hands to "impart" the Spirit (Acts 8:17ff), associated with ordination (Acts 6:6), associated with imparting gifts by ordination (1 Ti 4:14). Figurative to "add" (add upon) in Rev 22:18. As in Acts 18:10 to set upon figuratively describes setting oneself upon or against another (to assail - cf Lxx of Ps 62:3). Specific uses include laying sheep on the shoulder (Lk 15:5), "twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head" (Mt 27:29), "above His head they put up the charge against Him" (Mt 27:37), "they stripped him and beat (laid on blows on) him" (Lk 10:30), "it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden" (Acts 15:28), "He gave (placed upon him) the name" (Mk 3:16-17; Lxx - Da 1:7, Da 5:12). In the Septuagint epitithemi is used to describe putting on plaster, imposing service or tribute, bringing fire, smearing blood, laying out the showbread, waving the wave offering, weaving a conspiracy, intending something. As in the NT, it was commonly used in the expression "lay on hands," as for consecration to ministry (Nu 8:10), dedication of offerings (Ex 29:10), imparting blessing or spiritual gifts (Nu 27:18; Ge 48:17,18), and on the head of one who has cursed (Lev 24:14). Epitithemi - 39v - add(1), adds(1), applied(2), attack(1), beat*(1), gave(2), laid(9), lay(10), laying(5), lays(1), placed(1), placing(1), put(4), struck(1), supplied(1). Matt. 9:18; Matt. 19:13; Matt. 19:15; Matt. 21:7; Matt. 23:4; Matt. 27:29; Matt. 27:37; Mk. 3:16; Mk. 3:17; Mk. 5:23; Mk. 6:5; Mk. 7:32; Mk. 8:23; Mk. 8:25; Mk. 16:18; Lk. 4:40; Lk. 10:30; Lk. 13:13; Lk. 15:5; Lk. 23:26; Jn. 9:6; Jn. 9:15; Jn. 19:2; Acts 6:6; Acts 8:17; Acts 8:19; Acts 9:12; Acts 9:17; Acts 13:3; Acts 15:10; Acts 15:28; Acts 16:23; Acts 18:10; Acts 19:6; Acts 28:3; Acts 28:8; Acts 28:10; 1 Tim. 5:22; Rev. 22:18 Epitithemi in the Septuagint - Gen. 9:23 "Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it upon both their shoulders and walked backward" ; Ge 11:6; 21:14; Ge 22:6= "Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son"; Ge 22:9; 37:34; 42:26; 43:18; 44:13; 48:18; Exod. 3:22; 18:11; 21:14; 22:25; 25:12,18,21,26,30,37; 26:32; 28:14,23,30,37; 29:3,6,10,13,15,17,19-20,24; 34:33; 36:36; 38:4; 39:7,16ff,25,31; 40:4-5,18-19,21,25; Lev. 1:4,7,9-10,13,15,17; 2:1-2,9,15; 3:2,8,13; 4:4,7,15,18,24-25,29-30,33-35; 5:11-12; 6:12; 7:30; 8:7-9,14-15,18,22-24,26-27; 9:9,13-14,17,20; 10:1; 14:14,17-18,24-25,28-29; 16:8,13,18,21; 23:20; 24:6-7,14; Num. 4:6,10,12-14; 5:15,25; 6:18-19,23; 8:2,10,12; 11:11,17,25; 15:38; 16:7,17-18,40,46; 27:18,23; Deut. 7:15; 11:25; 14:1; 22:14,17; 26:6; 28:48; 33:10; 34:9; Jos. 10:24; Jdg. 6:19; 8:31; 9:24,48-49; 16:3; 18:19; Ruth 3:15; 1 Sam. 6:18; 23:27; 27:8,10; 30:1,14; 2 Sam. 13:19; 1 Ki. 13:29; 14:27; 16:28; 18:23,25,33; 20:31; 2 Ki. 4:29,31; 5:11; 11:16; 13:16; 18:14; 20:7; 24:17; 1 Chr. 13:7; 2 Chr. 3:16; 23:13; 24:21,25-26; 25:13,27; 28:17-18; 29:23; 33:24-25; Neh. 9:7; Est. 2:17; 5:2; 8:12; Job 29:9; 31:27; 41:8; Ps. 21:5; 59:3; 62:3; Isa. 1:6; 44:3; Jer. 49:9; 50:24; Lam. 3:53; Ezek. 21:26; 23:5,7,9,12,16,20; 27:30; 40:42; 43:20; Dan. 1:7; 5:12; 6:17; Mic. 7:16; Zech. 3:5; 6:11; Mal. 1:7,12; Harm (assault)(2559)(kakoo from kakos = bad, evil) means to harm or do evil to - physically to mistreat. This basic meaning of “affliction” or “mistreatment” is found in five of the six occurrences of kakoō in the NT. In each of these five instances the reference is to actual or potential affliction suffered by God’s people, either OT Israel (Acts 7:6,19) or Christians (Acts 12:1; Acts 18:10; 1 Peter 3:13). Kakoo - 6x - Acts 7:6; Acts 7:19; Acts 12:1; Acts 14:2; Acts 18:10; 1 Pet. 3:13 Jack Arnold on I have many people in this city - Nothing is more comforting to a Christian who is trying faithfully to reach men for Christ when nothing is happening than to realize the words, “I have many people.” Christ will move in power to save men whenever we are proclaiming Christ. Yes, some will come if we are faithfully proclaiming Christ. If we are not faithful, Christ will use some other faithful Christian to bring His sheep into the fold (John 10:14-16, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30). Christ will not lose one of His sheep. This verse also tells us something about evangelism. Evangelism is not finding a newer or better method, or getting into the culture of men so they can understand, or politely philosophizing about the gospel. No, evangelism is proclaiming the true gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit so Jesus Christ can reach His people as they respond to Jesus Christ by faith. The gospel saves whoever responds to Christ by faith, but those who respond were numbered among Christ's sheep in the plan of God. Paul preached to all but he never expected all to respond. (Sermon) Kent Hughes on I have many people in this city - Those were encouraging words. Paul’s work would not be fruitless. Some of the Corinthians were tired of Tinsel Town. The fleshly pleasures had lost their attraction. Some were suffering deep guilt and an awful emptiness of soul. They were ready to receive Christ. These people, according to Paul’s other writings, included Erastus, Gaius, Stephanos, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. (See Acts (ESV Edition): The Church Afire) William Larkin applies the Lord's promise - In light of the vision of Revelation 5:9-10 and Revelation 7:9-10—"a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb"—it is right for us today to claim the promises and obey the commands of Acts 18:9-10 for the eleven thousand people groups that have yet to hear the gospel. (IVP New Testament Commentary Series – Acts) THOUGHT - Begin storing up for yourself treasure in heaven (Mt 6:19-21) by praying daily for souls in the "hidden (unreached) people groups." Click here and download their APP. For I have many people in this city - This is fascinating. What does Jesus means that He has many people. Paul had not held a "Paul the Apostle Crusade" in the amphitheater (like a "Billy Graham Crusade"). Jesus is not speaking of those who have already been saved but about those who will be saved presumably over the next 18 months (Acts 18:11). In a nutshell, Jesus is describing His "elect" or "chosen." And as in Acts 18:8 the same adjective is used - many...were believing and here many will believe. Talk about encouraging an evangelist like Paul! Of course, this doctrine immediately ruffles feathers in many people because they see in it an "unfair God." And others say, if this doctrine is true, then why evangelize. God will save them! This is not the place to have a long discussion about election but take a look at 2 Timothy 2:8-10+ where Paul tells Timothy Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my Gospel, 9 for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God (THE GOSPEL) is not imprisoned. 10 For this reason (SINCE THE WORD IS NOT IMPRISONED) I endure all things (EVEN UNJUST IMPRISONMENT) for the sake of those who are chosen (ELECT - eklektos), so that (PURPOSE OF ENDURING ILL TREATMENT) they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. Comment - Paul is in prison. The Gospel is not. Paul does not know who the "elect" are but is still willing to be imprisoned, so that in some way he might share the Gospel with those who are chosen that they might be saved. The cannot be saved if they do not hear the Gospel. Is this mysterious? Of course it is. I accept it by faith. To try to intellectually rationalize the doctrine of election (in my opinion) will lead to frustration because only God's omniscient can fully grasp the breadth and length and height and depth of this profound truth. And frankly that Jesus has "any" is amazing, for we all deserve Hell but because of His sacrifice we can attain Heaven. Not only that the "any" is actually "many" which is grace upon grace! Wiersbe adds "that divine sovereignty in election is not a deterrent to human responsibility in evangelism. Quite the opposite is true! Divine election is one of the greatest encouragements to the preaching of the Gospel. Because Paul knew that God already had people set apart for salvation, he stayed where he was and preached the Gospel with faith and courage. Paul's responsibility was to obey the commission; God's responsibility was to save sinners. If salvation depends on sinful man, then all of our efforts are futile; but if "salvation is of the Lord" (Jonah 2:9), then we can expect Him to bless His Word and save souls....The important thing is that we accept God's truth and act on it. Paul did not spend his time speculating about divine sovereignty and human responsibility, the way some ivory-tower Christians do today. He got busy and tried to win souls to Christ! You and I do not know who God's elect are, so we take the Gospel to every creature and let God do the rest. And we certainly do not discuss election with the lost! D.L. Moody once told some unconverted people, "You have no more to do with the doctrine of election than you have with the government of China!" (Bible Exposition Commentary). All of this discussion on divine election begs an important question of you dear reader and that question is "Are you of God's elect?" In other words "Have you been saved by grace through faith?" Read Peter's exhortation (actually a command) regarding making sure you can answer "Yes" to these questions... Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent (spoudazo in the aorist imperative = "Just do it!" "Do not procrastinate!" "The matter is urgent!") to make certain (bebaios) about His calling (klesis) and choosing (ekloge) you; for as long as you practice (poieo in the = habitually, not perfection, just direction) these things, you will never stumble; 11for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. (2 Peter 1:10-11) Clear Paul's sowing of the Gospel seed yielded much fruit. In his first epistle to Corinth, he wrote... Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God (BE SAVED)? Do not be deceived (STOP BEING DECEIVED) neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. 12 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. (1 Cor 6:9-12) Kent Hughes sums up this section on the Lord's encouragement of Paul writing that - Some of us may be discouraged and fear an uncertain future. Some of us are seeing encouraging things happen but are afraid they will not last and hard times will return. The Lord has a message for us: “Do not be afraid. Stop borrowing trouble. Look to me! I love you. Keep ministering. Keep caring. Keep speaking my name. Inactivity will only imprison your fears. Believe that I am with you and that I will give you all the protection you need. Believe that your life will bear fruit—I promise.” According to an ancient story, when Leonides (Ed: Actually Leonidas I), the noble hero of the Spartans who defended Greece from the Persians, was in battle against thousands of invaders, one of his men said to him, “General, when the Persians shoot their arrows, there are so many of them that they darken the sky.” Leonides replied, “Then we will fight in the shade.” Paul continued serving the Lord and fighting the battle, regardless of his feelings, no matter what circumstances he saw on the horizon. We must do the same. (See Acts (ESV Edition): The Church Afire) Related Resources: What Is the Doctrine of Divine Election? - Dr Steven Lawson (Election Articles) Who are the elect of God? - Gotquestions How can I know if I am one of the elect? - Gotquestions How are predestination and election connected with foreknowledge? - Gotquestions Five Reasons to Embrace Unconditional Election - Desiringgod.org Pastoral Thoughts on the Doctrine of Election - Dr John Piper Does God Predestine People to Hell? - Ask Pastor John
Atos 18
Wiersbe comments "Arriving at Caesarea, Paul went up to Jerusalem and greeted the believers there. He then went to Antioch and reported to his home church all that God had done on this second missionary journey. He had been gone from Antioch perhaps two years or more, and the saints were no doubt overjoyed to see him and hear about the work of God among the Gentiles. There's no proof, but likely Paul kept reminding the believers in Antioch, "It's always too soon to quit!"That's a good reminder for us to heed today." (Bible Exposition Commentary). He left and passed successively through the Galatian region and Phrygia - Open this map and note Galatia and Phrygia. This trek by Paul is almost identical to that at the beginning of his Second Missionary Journey (see map of Second Missionary Journey). Paul's final destination was his return to Ephesus (which Luke picks up on again in Acts 19:1ff+), having been forbidden to speak the word there in Acts 16:6. Luke describes the Second Journey in similar terms... Acts 15:41+ (FROM ANTIOCH) he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening (episterizo in present tense) the churches (THE VERY THING HE IS DOING IN Acts 18:23) . (Acts 16:1+) Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra....4 Now while they (PAUL, SILAS, TIMOTHY) were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe. 5 So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily. 6 They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia (Acts 16:1-8+) Comment - Note that here in Acts 18:23 they are strengthening the disciples in Galatia and Phrygia, the very regions the Holy Spirit had forbidden them to speak the word (the Gospel) on their Second Missionary journey (Acts 16:6+). And yet now we see there seem to be established churches in those regions! Assuming this is the case, the most reasonable explanation is that disciples from Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe had taken the Gospel to these regions and God grew up the churches! Strengthening all the disciples - Luke gives an identical description of Paul's purpose at the beginning of the Second Missionary Journey = strengthening the (episterizo) churches. Paul was the consummate disciple maker. He was not content with getting "scalps on his belt" of converts to Christ. He sought to fulfill Jesus' command to make disciples (matheteuo in the aorist imperative = "Just Do It!" - Mt 28:19+) and in order to do so he "re-traced" his steps in order to strengthen all the disciples. Notice "all" not some that were especially gifted to preach or teach but "all" for Paul knew they were all of potential value to the local body of Christ for each had his or her spiritual gift (or gifts) needed by the body. Writing to the disciples at Thessalonica Paul used sterizo reminding them "we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen (sterizo) and encourage you as to your faith." Faith can be strengthened! In Romans 10:17+; Paul tells us one way faith can be strengthened declaring "faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." (1 Th 3:2+) Polhill points out that "A journey to Ephesus by sea would have been much easier. The foot journey from Antioch to Ephesus was well in excess of 1,000 miles. Paul set a notable example of the importance of continued nurture of new converts." (NAC)(Bold added) THOUGHT - Does your church have an dynamic program to identify new converts and introduce them to an older, mature saint (Pauls and Paulettes, so to speak)? I am not speaking of getting them into small groups (where the teaching is often questionable). I am talking about introducing them to a man or woman who knows the Scriptures, and who has walked with Jesus, and can walk with them intentionally and intensively for at least 12-24 months, with the goal of preparing the new convert to pass the baton on to a new convert of their own. The church has largely jettisoned Jesus' great commission to make disciples (it has become the "great omission") and also neglected the first century Pauline pattern of 2 Timothy 2:2. As a result there are many young converts who are lacking in the knowledge of the basic Christian doctrines such as how to read the Bible inductively, why memorization and meditation should be ongoing, lifelong disciplines, why we need the Holy Spirit to enable a "supernatural life," (see Resources on Holy Spirit) Biblical eschatology (based preferably on a literal interpretation of the Scriptures, not an allegorical or spiritualized interpretation - my experience has been many churches have greatly minimized instruction in eschatology saying it is "too confusing" while the cults tend to "major" in their brand of "eschatology"), and I could add to this list but it gives you the idea. (See Make Disciples 1) Strengthening (4741)(sterizo from histemi = to stand ; Textus Receptus uses episterizo. The idea of both verbs is relatively similar. ) means to make firm or solid, to set fast, to fix firmly in a place, to establish (make firm or stable), to cause to be inwardly firm or committed, to strengthen. The basic idea is that of stabilizing something by providing a support, so that it will not totter, a beautiful metaphorical description of Paul's purpose among these disciples. His desire was that their faith would be stabilized, firmly grounded and established so as to support them (e.g., in "the stormy winds of life" including that related to spiritual warfare) and thus eliminate vacillation in those testing times. While Paul was the human instrument God's Spirit used to stabilize these relatively new disciples, ultimately it would be God Himself Who would do the inner work as indicated by Paul's use of the same verb sterizo in Romans 16:25+ "Now to Him who is able (SPEAKS OF GOD'S SUPERNATURAL DUNAMIS - VERB IS DUNAMAI - AS "QUANTIFIED" IN Eph 3:20 WHERE PAUL WRITES "TO HIM WHO IS ABLE - AGAIN DUNAMAI - CP USE IN Jude 1:24+ = "able [DUNAMAI] to keep you from stumbling"!) to establish (STERIZO) you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past." (See similar divine stabilizing in 1 Th 3:13+; in 2 Th 2:16-17 = there associated with prayer). Finally Paul wrote the "tried" saints in Thessalonica that "the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen (sterizo) and protect you from the evil one.(2 Th. 3:3) Sterizo in NT - confirm(1), determined(1), establish(2), established(2), fixed(1), strengthen(6), strengthening(1). Lk. 9:51; Lk. 16:26; Lk. 22:32 = "when once you have turned again, strengthen (aorist imperative = "Just do it!" "It is urgent!") the things that remain."your brothers.”; Acts 18:23; Rom. 1:11; Rom. 16:25; 1 Th. 3:2; 1 Th 3:13; 2 Th 2:17; 2 Th. 3:3; Jas. 5:8; 1 Pet. 5:10; 2 Pet. 1:12; Rev. 3:2 = "Wake up, and strengthen (aorist imperative = "Just do it!" "It is urgent!") the things that remain." Disciples (3101)(mathetes) the learners, the followers of Jesus. Paul had been used as God's instrument to win them to Christ and now was being used to grow them in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was not just interested in seeing souls converted to Christ but in souls growing in Christ, for he knew that in this way they would in turn become "reproducers." THOUGHT - I fear that the church has lost sight of this basic Biblical pattern - making disciples. Without meaning to sound too critical, the term I hear far more than make disciples is to mentor. While there is certainly nothing wrong with mentoring, could we not simply use the term Jesus used and make disciples? In fairness, the verb to mentor means "to serve as a teacher or trusted counselor." That is wonderful. I would only add that the central axis of this "mentoring wheel" must be the Holy Scriptures and the Holy Spirit (THE MOST TRUSTED COUNSELOR!) So if you are in an accountability group, beware of sharing just your experiences. I have a godly young friend who I recently asked about his spiritual life and he told me he was meeting with a group of young men every Friday morning for accountability. When I asked him if the Word of God was a central part of their meeting time, he said "No, not really. We share a few verses." Beloved, this is not making disciples. By definition disciples are learners and we must give them pure milk and solid food in order to grow spiritually. They should be daily in the Word of God so that it is able to get into them. If you are meeting with one or more saints each week, let me challenge you to at least begin to memorize one verse of Scripture each week! Surely that is not asking too much! And at the end of one year you would have 52 verses in your head and heart. (See Memorizing His Word and Memory Verses by Topic) (And don't tell me you are too old to memorize - I am 73 and still seeking to memorize, albeit now much of my memory work involves re-remembering the verses I have memorized over the past 39 years!) But if you do a simple discipline like this in your small group, you will have 52 verses of the Word of Truth that you can then use as the sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17). And remember the ONLY OFFENSIVE weapon in your spiritual warfare arsenal is the Word of Truth (although I do consider prayer as "offensive," but a not everyone does). The Apostle Peter makes it very clear that if your mentoring relationship or accountability group are not intentionally and predominantly living in the living and active Word of God, then the chances are very slim that the members of the group are experiencing significant growth in Christ-likeness. One major reason is that the Word is what the Holy Spirit uses to transform us from glory to glory - no intake, no transformation (Read the commentary notes on 2 Cor 3:18). Here is Peter's passage... "Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation." (1 Peter 2:2+) One of the most gifted teachers I have ever been around was Dr Howard Hendricks (I used his video series Living by the Book many times in the past). Here is what he had to say about Peter's words. Notice Dr Hendrick's last words "So the first reason for studying Scripture is that it is a means of spiritual growth. There is none apart from the Word. It is God’s primary tool to develop you as an individual." Let me give you three words to unpack the truth contained here. Write them in the margin of your Bible, next to this verse. The first one is attitude. Peter is describing the attitude of a newborn baby. Just as the baby grabs for the bottle, so you grab for the Book. The baby has to have milk to sustain its life physically; you have to have the Scriptures to sustain your life spiritually. Jeanne and I had four children, and when they were babies we learned early on that about every three or four hours a timer goes off inside an infant—and you’d better not ignore it. You’d better get a bottle of milk there fast. As soon as you do, there’s a great calm. Peter picks up that expressive figure and says that’s to be your attitude toward Scripture. But he also says a word about your appetite for the Word. You should “long” for it, he says. You’re to crave the spiritual milk of God’s Word. Now to be honest, that’s a cultivated taste. Every now and then somebody will say to me, “You know, Professor Hendricks, I’m really not getting very much out of the Bible.” But that’s a greater commentary on the person than it is on the Book. Psalm 19:10 says that Scripture is sweeter than honey, but you’d never know that judging by some believers. You see, there are three basic kinds of Bible students. There is the “nasty medicine” type. To them the Word is bitter—yech!—but it’s good for what ails them. Then there is the “shredded wheat” kind. To them Scripture is nourishing but dry. It’s like eating a bale of hay. But the third kind is what I call the “strawberries-and-cream” folks. They just can’t get enough of the stuff. How did they acquire that taste? By feasting on the Word. They’ve cultivated what Peter describes here—an insatiable appetite for spiritual truth. Which of these three types are you? There’s a purpose to all of this, which brings us to the third word, aim. What is the aim of the Bible? The text tells us: in order that you might grow. Please note—it is not only that you may know. Certainly you can’t grow without knowing. But you can know and not grow. The Bible was written not to satisfy your curiosity but to help you conform to Christ’s image. Not to make you a smarter sinner but to make you like the Savior. Not to fill your head with a collection of biblical facts but to transform your life. When our kids were youngsters growing up, we set up a growth chart on the back of a closet door. As they grew, they begged us to measure how tall they had gotten and record it on the chart. It didn’t matter how small the increments were; they bounced up and down with excitement to see their progress. One time after I measured one of my daughters, she asked me the sort of question you wish kids wouldn’t ask: “Daddy, why do big people stop growing?” How could I explain that big people don’t stop growing—we just grow in a different direction. I don’t know what I told her, but to this day the Lord is still asking me, “Hendricks, are you growing old, or are you growing up?” How about you? How long have you been a Christian? Nine months? Seven or eight years? Thirty-nine years? The real issue is, how much have you grown up? Step up to God’s growth chart and measure your progress. That’s what this passage is teaching. So the first reason for studying Scripture is that it is a means of spiritual growth. There is none apart from the Word. It is God’s primary tool to develop you as an individual. (Living by the Book) Howard Hendricks says "One of the regrets I have as I reflect back on my spiritual journey is that I did not memorize more Scripture as a young person. Eventually, though, I got into the “Topical Memory System,” (see Memory Verses by Topic) a set of memory cards produced by the Navigators. It’s available in the King James, the NIV, the New American Standard, any translation you want. The program helps you memorize two verses a week. That’s really not much. But stop to think: do that for fifty weeks during a year and you’ll have one hundred verses of Scriptures under your belt. Not long after I began a program of Bible memorization, I had to have surgery. The surgery went fine, but I contracted an infection afterward. And it was the type of thing where I wasn’t sure whether I was going to live or die, but I almost wanted to pass on. I found that there was only one thing that sustained me during that period—the Word of God that I had committed to memory. That experience convinced me that memory is the key to meditation. And meditation is the key to changing my outlook." (Borrow Living by the Book - page 300) To encourage you to begin to memorize, let me give you one passage and then a comment (from C H Spurgeon). Before you read the comment ponder the passage asking what is the subject, where is the subject, and why is this subject important? And to apply the passage ask "Who would benefit from this passage?" Notice that you are interrogating with the 5W/H questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How?). This discipline takes some training but the benefits are "out of this world!" Another saying I like to use when studying a passage is "Consider the "5P's" - Pause to Ponder the Passage then Practice it in the Power of the Spirit." Here is the passage... Psalm 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; His steps do not slip. Comment - See bottom of this page. Barton - BUILDING UP PEOPLE Paul seemed to view everyone as either a lost soul in need of being evangelized or a Christian in need of being edified and encouraged. His perspective was “I am here to serve others.” His every encounter with another individual was a chance to do so in one way or the other. Imagine if your church members made it their daily goal to do this. Because life is often so discouraging, we need others who will come alongside us and help make us stronger and provide the motivation we need to press on. Be someone who builds others up—through acts of kindness, by passing on lessons learned, by admitting failures, by being real. (Acts - Page 319) Acts 18:24 Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. KJV Acts 18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. Apollos Acts 19:1; 1 Cor 1:12; 3:5,6; 4:6; 16:12; Titus 3:13 Alexandrian Acts 6:9; 27:6 An eloquent man - Exodus 4:10; Isaiah 3:3; 1 Cor 2:1,2; 2 Cor 10:10 mighty Acts 18:28; 7:22; Ezra 7:6,12; Mt 13:52; Luke 24:19; Colossians 3:16 Acts 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries APOLLOS A MAN MIGHTY IN THE SCRIPTURES And so in Luke's historical narrative takes a pause after he "launches" Paul into his Third Missionary Journey. So before giving us detail of Paul's journey he takes a moment to go back to recount what transpired in Ephesus (and Corinth) after Paul departed Priscilla and Aquila, leaving them in Ephesus. It is a fascinating story of a man (Apollos) in "transition" from partial revelation about Jesus to full revelation about Jesus. As they say in the restaurant when a good meal is served "Enjoy!" Toussaint adds that "What took place in Acts 18:24-28 occurred after Paul left Ephesus (Acts 18:21) and before he returned (Acts 19:1). During this interval a church had been started, probably under the influence of Aquila and Priscilla." (See Bible Knowledge Commentary - Page 409) Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth - Apollos' name means “destroyer,” (Holman Bible Dictionary) a name which would prove apropos as he grew to be a man who was mighty in the Scriptures (Acts 18:24). And then when he was taught the way of God more accurately by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:26) he began to reach his full potential as destroyer of Jewish arguments against Jesus. And so filled with the Holy Word and the Holy Spirit he powerfully refuted the Jews in public demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ (the Messiah). (Acts 18:28). THOUGHT - What a beautiful description of Apollos as mighty in the Scriptures. God would you enable myself and all who read this note, to become more and more like Apollos, so that when we come to die they might say about us (for Your glory) that this man or this woman was mighty in the Scriptures. In Jesus' mighty Name. Amen An Alexandrian by birth - So like Paul (Saul of Tarsus), Apollos is another Jew not raised in Israel per se. In fact he was raised in a city that had a large Jewish population and so he was fully exposed to Judaism.