STUDIES IN THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

VOLUME THREE

Lessons 24-

Chapter’s 15-

INTRODUCTION

We have now concluded fourteen chapters of the Acts of the Apostles. We see a steady growth in the numbers of the New Testament Churches. Christianity has spread rapidly amidst severe persecution. I wonder how many today would survive the onslaught of persecution endured by the apostolic church? The blood of martyrs literally became the seed of the church, as multitudes of born again believers in Jesus Christ succumbed to death rather than recant their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. However, the story of the apostolic church is not over so we now proceed with the Council at Jerusalem in the fifteenth chapter of this great book of action, which I call Practical Theology.

LESSON TWENTY-FOUR:

THE APOSTOLIC COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM

(A Decree on Sovereign Grace)

Scripture: Acts 15:1-35

Text: Acts 15:11

"But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."

INTRODUCTION:

There have been many council's throughout Church history, but the one's that really count are those that have been incorporated into the canon of Scripture. This council was formulated to discuss a very early disagreement or misunderstanding concerning the doctrine of Justification. While this council did not snuff out false doctrine in its entirety, it did lay the groundwork for the great doctrine of justification by faith alone to which Paul firmly speaks in his letters to the Roman and Galatian Churches.

In our time, when many would revert back to a system of salvation by rites, we need to take heed to the decree of this council and to the teaching of Holy Writ on this vital and all-important subject.

1. DOCTRINAL DISSENSION: Vs 1-6

A. Certain Men: Vs 1

1. Paul alludes to these certain men in his accusation against Peter.

Galatians 2:11-12

"But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision."

2. 2. These men came down from Judea, but it is not too clear as to whether or not they were a part of the Jerusalem Church. I rather think they were separatists from it.

3. 3. These men from Jerusalem were Judaizers or legalists. They were what we would call "covenant mixers."

4. They taught the Antioch Church, "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved."

This was a deviation from the gospel that Paul and Barnabus had taught on their missionary journey. It was different from the sovereign grace message that Peter had been taught of God at the house of Cornelius.

5. To be circumcised in order to be saved, would add works to grace, in fact it would make salvation conditional upon circumcision. This is the same doctrine of works taught by those today who would make salvation conditional to baptism, or church membership, or to the keeping of the seventh Day Sabbath. These are the false doctrines of Catholicism, Church of Christ, Christadelphians, Seventh Day Adventists, and Herbert Armstrong's World Wide Church of God. The bottom line in all of this is that man can save himself. That is not the teaching of Scripture, or why Jesus came into the world.

6. If circumcision saves, there is no need for the blood of Christ. He died for nothing. As well, if baptism saves, there is no need for the blood of Christ, no need for Calvary.

B. Church Sent Men: Vs 2-4

1. Paul and Barnabus got into a real theological debate with the Judaizers or legalists.

2. It was decided by the church that Paul and Barnabus and certain others of their number should go to Jerusalem to confer with the apostles and Elders.

3. 3. The Jerusalem Church was not the headquarters church. It was indeed the mother church and the place where the apostles were still gathered.

There is no central authority for New Testament Churches. It was also the place from where the legalists had come. Again, this was not the central office of the church. This cannot be said of Jerusalem, and certainly not of Rome. In Revelation chapters three and four, when Jesus sent out letters, it was seven letters to seven distinct autonomous churches. Neither Jerusalem nor Rome figured in that scenario.

Each local church is sovereign and independent as a local body of Christ. There is no such thing in Scripture as a universal (catholic) Church. There is no invisible mystical body, only local churches.

4. Paul and Barnabus were sent on their way to Jerusalem by the Antioch Church. This is clear in our context "they being brought on their way by the church…" Vs 3

5. Another thing we see here is that the word church refers to people, not to a building of brick and mortar.

6. On their way to Jerusalem they passed through Phenice and Samaria.

Their message was, "The Gentiles are being converted to Christ."

This caused great joy to these churches, and such ought to cause rejoicing to us today.

7. It should be noted that when they arrived in Jerusalem, they were received, not by the apostles only, or the clergy, but by the CHURCH.

It was to the CHURCH that they first reported. Vs 4

8. So we see in verse 3, that these were messengers (not delegates) sent by the Church in Antioch and received by the Church in Jerusalem. The apostles and elders came together, or formed a council under Church authority.

C. Certain Pharisees: Vs 5-6

1. "Certain of the Pharisees which believed" - Those who were Jews, Pharisees, yet had come to believe on Jesus Christ.

2. Pharisaic teaching "that it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the Law of Moses."

3. While the apostles had taught the Gentiles that salvation was strictly by the grace of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, these legalists wanted to add works to faith. This was the debate and to which thing the apostles Paul and Barnabus opposed.

4. The question is often asked; Can one be a Christian and be wrong in their beliefs? No doubt in this case, they are called "believers." My personal opinion is that it depends on the source of one's faith. If one believes with faith in God alone, then they stand on Scripture alone. If they add to grace, such as baptism, church membership, circumcision, Sabbath keeping, good works, etc., then trust in them, they are not on Scriptural ground. How can one trust in baptism or anything else but Christ's finished work, for salvation and be truly saved?

Titus 3:5

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost."

Salvation is ALL of GRACE!

2. DISPUTATION ANSWERED: Vs 7-12

Peter began to speak of his encounter with Cornelius and the Gentiles.

A. Testimony of Gentile Faith: Vs 7-9

1. Peter was the first to speak after there had been much disputing by both sides.

2. Peter was most likely the first spokesman because of the fact of his encounter with the Holy Spirit in Joppa and with Cornelius in Caesarea. (See Acts 10.)

3. 3. The basis of his dissertation was that God had led him to preach the gospel to the Gentiles in Caesarea. That in doing so, the Gentiles there became believers.

4. The meaning of the word "believed" implies that they had received salvation. The Greek word "pisteuo" means, "to adhere to, trust, reply on" (Young). Jesus used this word in John 1:50.

This word is used most often in the writings of John. It is used in the reply to the Philippian Jailors quest for salvation and certainly implies faith.

Acts 16:31

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."

5. Peter says, the evidence of God's blessing was seen in the fact that they received the Holy Spirit from God. Vs 8.

6. "Even as He did unto us" - The meaning here is that they received the exact same experience as they did on the Day of Pentecost." This no doubt would include the same outward attestation of tongues or languages as recorded in Acts 2:4.

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

(With this John Gill, Matthew Poole and many other commentators agree.)

7. If the Gentiles had the same Spirit as the Jewish believers, and it was based upon faith, then circumcision has nothing to do with personal salvation.

8. Vs 9 - "And put no difference between us (Jews) and them, (Gentiles)

purifying their hearts by faith."

God obviously put no difference between the Jew and the Gentile in bringing both to a pure heart experience, by faith.

Romans 3:22-23

"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."

9. "Purifying their hearts by faith" - The Greek word is "katharizo" means to cleanse, make free from admixture, is translated to purify in Acts 15:9; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 9:23 - translated "cleansed" in the RV. (W.E. Vine.)

10. John Gill (Expositor) says:

"Purifying their hearts by faith; which was done by implanting faith in them, and leading that faith to the blood of Christ, which cleanses from all sin, original and actual, with which men are defiled; for faith has not this efficacy in itself, but as it has to do with the blood of Jesus: and this spiritual purification being what answered to circumcision, made that unnecessary; for this is the circumcision of the heart, of which the other was only typical. The hearts of men are filthy, and need purifying; they are originally polluted with sin; this is the case of all men; and this defilement reaches to all the members of the body, and the faculties of the soul; and especially the heart is the seat of this impurity, which God only can cleanse: he promises to do it, and does do it; and he only can do it, men cannot; for though, they are exhorted to it, in order to make them sensible of their pollution, and their need of cleansing, that they may apply where it is to be had, yet it is not in their power to effect it; to make a clean heart is a creation work, which is peculiar to God: the heart cannot be purified, neither by ceremonial ablutions, nor by works of moral righteousness, nor by humiliations and tears, nor by submission to Gospel ordinances, as water baptism, but only by the grace of God, and the blood of Christ; which the Spirit of God sprinkles upon the heart, and which faith looks to and deals with, and so it is freed from an evil conscience; and this blessing the believing Gentiles enjoyed in common with the believing Jews."

B. Trial of Christian Experience: Vs 10-12

1. “Now therefore, why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples…." The Greek "peirazo" which means to try, to test, or to challenge, means that they were actually challenging God's way, since it was He that had done this work of purifying the hearts of the Gentiles.

2. "To put a yoke upon the necks of the disciples" - To bind them as with a yoke used to connect oxen. To bring them into the same bondage or captivity that we the Jews are in.

3. "Which neither our father's nor we were able to bear." - Our father's could not bear this yoke, and neither can we. Why should we expect more of them in Christian practice then of ourselves?

4. Vs 11 -"But we believe that through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."

Whether Jew or Gentile, all are saved by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Romans 3:24-26

"Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus."

5. Vs 12 - "Then all of the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabus and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them."

a) They were honest, knowing their own hearts as to the effect of

circumcision upon their own lives. They themselves needed "heart" circumcision.

b) They gave attention to the Mission report of Barnabus and Paul, concerning their amazing work among the Gentiles.

This would include the conversion of so many, and the establishment of churches in many places with the ordaining of elders in the churches. (See 14:23.)

3. DEPUTATION OF JAMES: Vs 13-29

A. Reality of Experience and the Scriptures Compared: Vs 13-18

1. After Barnabus and Paul had finished speaking. James, the pastor, began to speak. "Men and brethren, hearken unto me."

2. He then summed up what Simon Peter had already told them.

"how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name." (Vs 14.)

3. This that Peter testified to is in agreement with the prophets. James reference then is to the Scriptures.

4. Vs 16-17- "After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

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

This is a reference to Amos 9:11 but not a direct translation.

James says that the prophetic Scripture are fulfilled in bringing both Jew and Gentile together in the New Testament Church.

5. Vs 18 - "Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world" These are James words, not those of Amos.

God has an eternal plan from the beginning of the world and knows what He is doing. That is true, because he decreed it as so.

See - Romans 8:27-30.

B. Recommendation of James: Vs 19-21

"Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble them not, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God."

1. James sentence - Greek "krino" - to judge, my judgment, introducing the substance or draft of a resolution. (Vine.)

This was in affect, a business motion to the council, NOT an order of council. The final decision would come from the apostles, elders, and the Church at Jerusalem in the form of a recommendation.

2. To trouble them would be to do that which Peter had referred to in verse 10.

3. To write, in the form of a letter, the following: - Vs 20

a) That they abstain from the pollutions of idols.

b) That they abstain from moral and spiritual fornication or uncleanness.

c) That they abstain from things strangled. That is from eating the meat of animals that have been strangled.

d) That they abstain from the tasting of blood.

4. Of these things, John Gill says: (Expositor)

"Ver. 20. But that we write unto them, &c.] Or send an epistle to them, to this effect, concerning the following things:

And from things strangled; that is; from eating them, and design such as die of themselves, or are torn with beasts, or are not killed in a proper way, by letting out their blood; but their blood is stagnated or congealed in the veins: the Jews might not kill with a reaper's sickle, nor with a saw, nor with the teeth, or nail; because these Nyqnwx, "strangled" {a}: and what was not slain as it should be, was reckoned all one as what dies of itself; and whoever ate of either of these was to be beaten {b}; the law respecting these things was of the ceremonial kind, and peculiar to the Jews, and was not binding upon the Gentiles; for that which died of itself might be given to a stranger, and he might eat it, or it might be sold to an alien, #De 14:21 this has been wanting in many copies, and it was not read by several of the ancient fathers:

And from blood: which is not to be understood of the blood of men and shedding of that, which is of a moral nature; but of the blood of beasts, and of eating of that. There were several laws about eating of blood, and which are different, and ought to be carefully distinguished.

(God forbids his people from eating the blood of any animal. Blood carries both infections and toxins that might circulate in the animal's body. Therefore, by eating an animal's blood, one exposes himself needlessly to potential toxins and infections. The harmful effects of eating blood can be illustrated by tribes in Africa who consume large amounts of blood in their pagan culture. These people have developed the chronic diseases seen in our elderly while still teenagers. Their life span is approximately 30 years. Rex D. Russel, M.D. p. 229, "Proceedings of the 1992 Twin-Cities Creation Conference". Editor's note.)

5. Vs 21 - "For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day."

In every town and city there are Jews who listen to the Law of Moses every Sabbath. The Jews knew of these things, but they would not be known of the Gentiles.

It would be beneficial to the Gentiles to know these things, which the Jewish believers already knew.

A.T. Robertson says -

"{For Moses} (mwushv gar). A reason why these four necessary things (verse #28) are named. In every city are synagogues where rabbis proclaim (khrussontav) these matters. Hence the Gentile Christians would be giving constant offence to neglect them. The only point where modern Christian sentiment would object would be about "things strangled" and "blood" in the sense of any blood left in the animals, though most Christians probably agree with the feeling of James in objecting to blood in the food. If "blood" is taken to be "murder, " that difficulty vanishes. Moses will suffer no loss for these Gentile Christians are not adherents of Judaism."

(Robertson's N.T. Word Pictures.)

.

C. Resolution of the Council and Church: Vs 22-29

1. "Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabus; namely Judas, surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren."

2. The recommendation of James pleased everybody, the apostles, the elders and the whole church was unanimously in favor of it.

3. Men of their own company or from among their number were chosen to accompany Paul and Barnabus to Antioch (Church.)

a) Judas Barsabas - The name Barsabas is mentioned in Acts 1:23 and some think is the same man, but could just be related.

b) Silas - The same with Sylvanus

4. "Chief men among the brethren." These appear to have been prophets and teachers. (See Acts 15:32.)

5. Vs 23 -They wrote letters and addressed them to the brethren of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria, and Cilicia. This is where the doctrinal problem occurred and there was no need at this point to take it any further, even though there were many other churches that could be addressed. Perhaps as custom was in those days, these letters could be shared with others.

6. Vs 24 - These letters appear to be a form of apology.

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

Those that went out from the Jerusalem church did not do so in official capacity or by church authority. To just be a member of a church, does not give one the right to act in her name. New Testament Churches act sovereignly and by the vote of the majority.

The word "subverting" means to unsettle the mind, to throw one into confusion.

This letter was not an invitation to antinomianism (to do away with all law) but in its context; one does not keep the law in order to be saved.

7. Vs 25- It seemed good to the Jerusalem Church with all of the apostles and elders to send chosen men into you with our mutually beloved Barnabus and Paul.

8. Vs 26 - Some of their credentials, "men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

9. Vs 27 - We have also sent with them, Judas and Silas who will also tell you the same things by mouth (word.)

10. Vs 28 - It seemed good to the Holy Ghost. In agreement with the Holy Spirit we agreed that you should have no greater burden upon you than these basic necessary things.

11. Vs 29 - This verse simply repeats the order of council agreed upon by the Jerusalem Church. "Fare ye well" is as we would say today, "take care."

CONCLUSION: Vs 30-35

"So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle."

The council was over and they proceeded immediately to carry out the edict. When the commission is clear, there is no need to tarry. It needs to be acted upon. This is true of every command that our Lord has given to us, especially the Great Commission.

The result of this decision and its action was:

1. It brought joy and consolation to the brethren in Antioch, especially the Gentile believers. (Vs 31)

2. Judas and Silas (who were also prophets) were able to exhort and confirm the brethren through the Word of God as to salvation by grace alone. (Vs 33.)

3. After some time, preaching the Word of God to the Antioch Church, Judas and Silas were dismissed to return to Jerusalem. However Silas decided to remain in Antioch. (Vs 34).

4. Paul, Barnabus and many others continued to minister in Antioch, teaching and preaching the Word of the Lord. (Vs 35.)

5. The Antioch Church was certainly well grounded in the faith and became a chief center of missionary evangelism for many years.

May we today take lesson from this chapter of Acts, and from this great Missionary Church and remain grounded in the same faith and practice as they.

Sermon preached by Dr. D. Paul Tuck Sr.

Landmark Baptist Church, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada

Sunday morning, July 22^nd 2001

LESSON TWENTY-FIVE:

MISSIONARY EVANGELISM

AND THE MACEDONIAN CALL

Scripture: Acts 15:36 to 16:12

Text: Acts 16:5

"And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily."

INTRODUCTION:

One would have to be both blind and a fool to read through the Acts of the Apostles and not believe in missionary evangelism. This was then, and ought to be now, the first business of the churches. True, we gather to worship, but we go forth to serve. The preaching of the gospel is the first medium of God's gathering His elect into the bliss of God's heavenly kingdom, and the fellowship of New Testament Churches. Churches today have forgotten this to a great extent. We depend upon everything from bingo to church suppers. However the New Testament pattern is first through the preaching of the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Let us look at our text here in the last verses of Acts 14 and we will discover this and many other things concerning the Scriptural basis for the work of Christ then, and today.

1. THE WELFARE OF THE CHURCHES: Vs 36-41

A. The Demand of the Work: Vs 36

1. There is probably no work in the world so demanding as that of the Lord's Churches. Those that keep record of such things place so-called clergy near the top of the health risk chart. I think Paul in giving his testimony to the Corinth Church indicated just that.

2 Corinthians 11:28

"Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches."

Speaking of Epaphroditus in his letter to the Church in Philippi, Paul wrote:

Philippians 2:27 and 30

"For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Vs 30 - Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

2. Paul appears here again to be the leader, and recommended to

Barnabus that they re-visit the churches they had established. The reason for his discussion with Barnabus is most likely because they had both shared in the ministry of establishing the churches Paul wanted to re-visit.

3. No true missionary, worth his salt would not be concerned with the welfare of the churches the Lord used him to establish, though he is physically far removed from them.

4. We should note that there were brethren in every city where they preached the word of the Lord. That makes for a high demand upon the ministry of the missionary.

5. The reason for their journey would be to seek out the spiritual welfare of those converted to Christ under their ministry.

6. Paul was no "hit and run" preacher. Converts need follow-up. There is a huge responsibility upon the missionary, yes upon the churches, to follow up those who make any commitment to Jesus Christ. True, some are faulty conversions, miscarriages so to speak, or do not prove to be true and faithful to the Lord. Nevertheless, we need to make every effort to bring the lambs into the sheep-fold (local church.)

7. This is the message that Jesus gave in his own ministry of feeding the sheep. This is what he tried to instill in the heart of Peter.

John 21:15

"So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs."

8. We love to fellowship, to sit around and drink coffee and discuss all of the doctrines of grace. However, that is not getting the work done, nor is it carrying out the Great Commission. These things are not really wrong but in my opinion they ought to be curtailed in favor of the work of the Lord. In other words, set our priorities straight.

B. The Dissention Between Workers: Vs 37-41

1. Barnabus was determined to take a young preacher with them by the name of John Mark. This same young man later became the writer of the Gospel of Mark.

2. Mark became a bone of contention between Barnabus and Paul. The reason was, that on their previous journey John Mark had left them at Pamphylia and returned to Antioch. Perhaps the faith of Mark was weak or that he did not have the stomach for the rigors of travel that Paul and Barnabus had faced? Perhaps, he was somewhat afraid of the persecution that often accompanied the apostle in his work? We do not know the full story here, and the answers abound in various commentaries. Suffice it to say that there was some contention between Paul and Barnabus. As well, Mark would later prove of value to Paul in his later ministry.

2 Timothy 4:11

"Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

3. There are some lessons that we can learn here:

a) Paul and Barnabus really do not have a halo over their heads. They are human just like you and me.

b) Apostles are subject to contention, as we are today.

c) Was Paul wrong in light of what he later wrote to Timothy? I do not think so. Perhaps Barnabus eagerness to bring Mark had more to do with his physical relationship to him than his desire to carry out the work of the Lord? I do not think that the answer here is so cut and dried. We can get caught up in the negative and miss the positive here.

d) Neither of them left the ministry over this contention; nor did John Mark. Perhaps Mark had some spiritual maturing to do?

e) Perhaps the real answer here lies in Providence. Now instead of one team going to one place at a time there were two, going to two different areas. The work of God would expand greatly.

f) I am reminded of the old adage that Baptists sometimes half jokingly use, "Divided we conquer!" That probably is less of a joke than we care to admit. Nevertheless, in reality, that is what is happening here in our text.

4. Vs 39-40 - There are three things here we need to look at briefly:

a) “Barnabus took Mark and sailed unto Cyprus" - Mark was not forgotten or left alone, but sided up with the more easy going personality, Barnabus, which means "son of consolation."

Acts 4:36

"And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

Colossians 4:10

"Aristarchus my fellow prisoner saluteth you; and Marcus, sister's son of Barnabus (cousin)…."

So we see that John Mark (Marcus) was a cousin, son of Barnabus sister. In returning to Cyprus, they were going home to teach their own people about Jesus.

b) "And Paul chose Silas and departed" - Despite the minor disagreement between Paul and Barnabus, God saw to it that Paul was not left alone. He chose Silas who was one of the two that had accompanied them from Jerusalem. Very little is known of this man except that he was a New Testament prophet and is known in the epistles as Sylvanus.

c) "being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God" - Of this, Dr. John Gill says -

"The apostle having such a recommendation by the brethren of the church at Antioch, when he departed from them, and nothing of this kind being said with respect to Barnabas, have induced some to think, that the church took the part of the apostle against Barnabas, in the dispute between them; since the one went away saluted by them, and the other not."

d) It was Paul, not Barnabus that had the blessing of the church. We do not know any more about Barnabus endeavors at this point. The Holy Spirit now takes us on journey with Paul and Silas.

It is always right and better to have the blessing of a New Testament Church in whatever ministry you are doing.

5. Vs 41 - "And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches."

The use of the singular pronoun "he" as opposed to "they", could well underscore the fact that Paul was right in his decision not to take John Mark with him at that time. Their work was to confirm, strengthen or establish the churches in the doctrines of grace. They were established in the faith or body of divinity, the doctrine that made up the Christian faith. (16:5.)

2. THE WORK OF THE MISSIONARY: Acts 16:1-7

In doing mission work, one is often forced to make some decisions, which may well be questioned by others. Sometimes these things can be avoided or come to a satisfactory conclusion with council. Other-times, they cannot be avoided and the missionary must stick to his guns, so to speak. Please remember that Paul is an apostle and has a level of authority that none of us have today, apart from what is written.

A. Entertain Prospective Ministers: Vs 1-3

1. The emphasis here is upon the apostle, not the prophet. "Then came he

to Derbe and Lystra."

2. "A certain disciple named Timotheus"- The word certain simply means "particular." The name Timothy would become well known throughout both the Christian world and the gospel age.

3. From these verses we learn this about Timothy:

a) His name was Timotheus or Timothy and he was a Christian.

b) He was the son of a believing Jewess and a Greek father.

c) Timothy had a good report of the brethren at both Lystra and Iconium.

d) We also know from Paul's later letter that his mother's name was Eunice and his grandmother's name was Lois (2 Timothy 1:5.)

e) Although his mother was Jewish, he apparently never became a Jew religiously, he was never circumcised. This seems strange in light of the influence Paul said he had from his mother and grandmother, who were both quite religious.

4. Paul wanted to take Timothy with him, but first "took and circumcised him." Vs 3.

Many have stumbled over these words, not understanding the depth of meaning in Paul's action. So they question -

a) Did Paul compromise here with the Judaizers?

b) Did he institute a New Testament practice that ought to be continued?

c) Did Paul himself circumcise Timothy, and if so would that be in agreement with Jewish tradition and Mosaic Law?

d) Did this have anything to do with Timothy's salvation?

5. The answer to Paul's action is found in the last part of verse three -

"….because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek."

It appears that Paul's action here in circumcising Timothy was more a cultural thing. Timothy would not be allowed in Jewish synagogues, where at this point Paul was getting most of his audience. He would not be able to speak to the Jews. The reference here is to unbelieving Jews. Later, Paul refused to circumcise Titus to please other Jews. The difference is this, that the Jews in Timothy's case were unbelieving, while the Jews in Titus case were Judaizers or Christian Jews who wanted to add circumcision to grace for salvation. The first was cultural, the second, was doctrinal. In the case of Timothy, Paul was carrying out his motto:

1 Corinthians 9:22

"To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."

6. Jewish women could ceremonially circumcise their sons of non-Jewish fathers, only with the father's permission. Apparently this was not available in this case. Some commentators suggest that Timothy's father was dead. So Paul assumed the place of the father. He later referred to Timothy as his son, which of course was more a spiritual term, but if this were the case, he would have assumed the place of his father in circumcising Timothy.

2 Timothy 1:2

"To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord."

(See also 1 Timothy 1:2; 1:18;)

C. Establish Churches: Vs 4-5

The first work of the missionary after preaching the gospel is to establish churches. In effect, this means to gather new converts together, within the framework of a New Testament Church.

1. The work of establishing churches does not end with its institution and constitution. New converts, and churches need to be grounded in the truth.

2. Paul and Silas delivered the message of sovereign grace and the decrees sent out from Jerusalem and Antioch concerning the act of circumcision.

3. Paul's act of circumcision with regards to Timothy was not in compliance to the legalistic Jewish Christians. If so, he can be accused of doubletalk. Paul nowhere implied that circumcision had any part in ones salvation.

4. The word ordained is attributed to the apostles and elders, and not to the church. The Jerusalem Church would have no central authority over sovereign local churches. There was no central authority among New Testament churches, no popery! The apostolic ministry was set in place by Jesus Christ (See Luke 6:13) and was a temporary function. This mandate ran out with the death of the apostle John. There are no more apostles of the Lamb, there being only 12 chosen to this ministry.

5. Vs 5 -"And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily."

The word established, means strengthened, grounded, rooted, anchored. We note that the word established comes before the words "and increased in number daily." Proper growth follows proper grounding in the Word of God.

6. It is important to note also that they established "churches" not missions, preaching points, or so-called satellite churches. The reference is to sovereign, local bodies of Christ. Young one's need to be cut off from mother's apron strings as soon as possible. The idea of a gathering of believers going on in so-called mission status for years is not scriptural and is ridiculous and harmful to the work. There is to say the least, a lack of obtaining responsibility. The eagle literally kicks the young out of the nest, forcing them to fly or die. (They almost always FLY!)

D. Evangelize the Nations: Vs 5-b - 7

1. "Increased in number daily" - Churches that are established in the faith, increase in number. It is amazing how much evangelism was accomplished by the early churches. They had none of the modern gadgets that we have, no tele-anything. They only tell about JESUS! Yet, the rate of growth in those days was definitely higher than it is

today.

2. Vs 6 - We notice the leadership of the Holy Spirit. They had gone throughout Phrygia, and the region of Galatia. However, when they assayed to go into Asia, the Holy Spirit forbade them to preach the Word of God there.

3. Asia -Some say that this refers to Asia Minor, but they were already there.

We have this interesting note from Easton's Bible Dictionary:

Asia -

"Is used to denote Proconsular Asia, a Roman province which embraced the western parts of Asia Minor, and of which Ephesus was the capital, in #Ac 2:9 6:9 16:6 19:10,22 20:4,16,18 etc., and probably Asia Minor in #Ac 19:26,27 21:27 24:18 27:2 Proconsular Asia contained the seven churches of the Apocalypse #Re 1:11 The "chiefs of Asia" #Ac 19:31 were certain wealthy citizens who were annually elected to preside over the games and religious festivals of the several cities to which they belonged. Some of these "Asiarchs" were Paul's friends."

4. It appears then that they were not to continue preaching in Asia Minor but to proceed west as we will see later.

5. Vs 7 - After they had come to Mysia, they thought they would go into Bithynia."

One needs to follow this journey on a map to best understand what was happening. Every attempt to go east into Asia was blocked by the Holy Spirit. They wanted to go east, but God was telling them to go west. So they then went down to Troas, a seaport town where there would be a fast sea route to Europe.

So for now, Asia would not hear the gospel, but those in Europe where about to.

6. How important it is that we learn to be led by the Holy Spirit. Sometimes circumstances speak to us providentially of God's will for the time. Just how the Spirit spoke to them, we do not know.

Later, speaking of this time, the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinth Church:

2 Corinthians 2:12-13

" Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia."

Perhaps this, at least in part, answers our question.

3. THE WAY OF THE MISSIONARY: Acts 16:8-12

"And they passing by Mysia, came down to Troas."

A. Vision of a Need: Vs 8-9

1. Every missionary has a vision! Visions are most important:

Proverbs 29:18

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Lamentations 2:9

"Her gates are sunk into the ground; he hath destroyed and broken her bars: her king and her princes are among the Gentiles: the law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the LORD."

2. Visions ought to be Christ centered and geared to the function of the New Testament Church. We hear of much rubbish under the caption of "visions" today. Many are ego centered rather than Christ or Bible based. Such people could best be cured by a good dose of Alka-Seltzer!!

3. We should notice that Paul's vision followed the definite obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit as found in verses 6-7. We need to keep the lines of communication open, if we want the clear leading of the Spirit.

4. One might ask, why did this vision come at night? Perhaps because that was when Paul was still enough for God to get through to him? Such visions usually do not come when the lines of communication are filled with other things. Paul was no exception.

5. We will deal with the substance of this vision in our next study. It involved a person, a place, and a people.

6. The bottom line of this vision was a request to "come over into Macedonia and help us."

7. Are you prepared to see such a vision today? The requests come in to our church office by way of letters, e-mail, and telephone calls from the Philippine Republic, India, Mexico, Jamaica, Malaysia, Ireland, Honduras, Trinidad and many other lands. Oh the need on the mission fields of the world!

B. Voyage of Commitment: Vs 10-12

1. Why was Paul so quick to reply to this vision? Perhaps because in leading Paul, the Holy Spirit had backed him out onto the dock at Troas. (so to speak.) He was forbidden to go to Asia so he had no direction to take but to proceed west across the Aegean Sea into Europe.

2. The call to help is not sufficient to warrant personal action. We receive many such calls, almost on a daily basis. It is physically and financially impractical and impossible to take care of all these requests at the same time. Of course we care, and we commit them to the Lord. In most cases, we are able to forward the requests to other Pastors and churches, where God has prepared someone to help meet that particular need. That is the miracle of our modern day communication!

3. Paul had to ascertain the need in line with his mission. The door to the east was closed, the vision came from the west, this door was an open possibility, so we read, "we endeavored to go into Macedonia assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them." (Vs 10.)

4. Because of this they left Troas and set a straight course for Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis.

They were only a short journey from fulfilling the vision that the Lord had given to them.

5. Another lesson we have here is that it is not wrong to ask for help or make your needs known. Paul's ministry in Europe was the direct result of an invitation of the man of Macedonia.

6. Vs 12 - From Neapolis they hastened on to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia. It was a Roman colony, and a city that would play a large part in Paul's future ministry. Oh the joy of following the leading of the Holy Spirit and being obedient to the Word of God!

CONCLUSION:

No Christian, no New Testament Church needs a call to do missionary work. That call

was given in the Great Commission when Jesus said to His Church: "Go ye into all the

world and preach the gospel to every creature."

We do need a call as to our own ministry and the place that our church should work in the

world. We do as Paul and the early churches were; the need to be committed to the work

of bringing the gospel to others. This is the basis of mission work. We cannot plant new

churches without new converts.

Therefore the question to each of us today is this; Are we witnesses with our lives to

others? May God help us to follow in this train, the New Testament pattern as seen in the

ministry of the first churches of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Sermon preached by Dr. D. Paul Tuck Sr.

Landmark Baptist Church, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada

Sunday morning, July 29^th 2001

LESSON TWENTY-SIX:

IMPLEMENTING THE MACEDONIAN CALL

Scripture: Acts 16-9-40

Text: Acts 16:10

"And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them."

INTRODUCTION:

One of the most beautiful things in scripture is to see how God's people carry out the vision and work of the Lord. Some Christians think that God has given us the Great Commission and that we are left to carry it out as best we can. There are certain scriptural principles of missionary endeavor that we need to follow. We need as well to know that these principles still work for us today. Some of these principles we have already seen as we have studied in our journey through the Acts of the Apostles. These are a part of what we generally refer to as "Landmark Principles." They are Biblical and basic principles held by Historic Baptists from the first church until now.

Let us now look to our text:

1. THE CALL TO SPECIFIC SERVICE: Vs 9-10

A. The Vision: Vs 9

1. This was not a vision or call to do mission work. Jesus already gave the church her marching orders. The Great Commission is given to the churches. The Antioch Church had acted upon these orders and sent Paul and others to do mission work or carry out evangelism.

2. This was a call from those with a need to invite Paul to come over into Macedonia and assist them. It was not a call to general service, but rather one to specific service.

3. The Macedonian call was to a specific field. For example, today we have missionaries who are called to the Philippines, to Honduras, to Brazil, to Africa, to Ireland, etc.

4. The call to come to Macedonia was not to do the work or take over. It was a call to "come over and help us". It was a call to assist in the work of the Lord. Missionaries should not go to a field in the sense of "take over", but rather to teach and to lead the native missionary to do the job himself. The great fault of "Boardism" is that missionaries have gone to a field, to run the show, while everything was under the authority of the board back home. When or if the missionary must leave, the work dies because it was dependant upon foreign leadership and money. This was too often the case in China before the communist takeover. Today only those who were indigenous churches remain, and are still true to the Word of God. The Bible clearly teaches only "Local Church Missions." There is no place in God's word for "boardism", "conventionism" or any other "ism" lording it over the mission work in a foreign land. So the call is to "help us," not come and take over.

Missions need to be organized as soon as possible and become indigenous. Missionaries need to help the mission along by teaching the people to support the work of the ministry. The missionary needs to be a helper this regard.

B. The Volition of the Apostle: Vs 10

1. True missionaries do not have to be told twice concerning such a call.

2. "Immediately we endeavored to go" - It should be realized that this call was not totally as we would say "out of the blue." The door was closed to the east and to Asia Minor. The call to Macedonia was the only open door before them. They could not go east but they could go west into Europe.

3. They took the Macedonian call as one from the Lord; "assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them."

4. No preacher worth his salt has to be told twice to preach the gospel. That is the life of the missionary, it runs in the blood of every born again child of God.

1 Peter 3:15

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

2. THE COURSE TO FULFILLED VISION: Vs 11-24

The journey over into Europe was not nearly so long as that which brought about the fulfillment of the Macedonian call. The journey to a mission field is short by comparison with the rigors of mission work within the borders of that call. I am sure that every missionary can vouch for that?

A. The Course to the Field: Vs 11-12

1. Today we take a great jet plane and in a few hours we can be on the other side of the world. Paul's missionary party used sailing vessels that the direction of the wind usually determined the length of time it took to get from one place to the other.

2. In this case, "loosing from Troas we came with straight course to Samothracia." The open door even provided a "straight course" to the field of call. This is not necessarily always the case. Later when Paul was called to go to Rome, it involved jail, beating, and shipwreck to get him there. Even in Rome his main ministry was from house arrest. The fulfillment of a vision is not always an easy road, but we thank God for these mercies along the way. They are like a thundershower that cools the air on a hot and humid July evening. (At least in Canada.)

3. Samothracia: The first place they stopped at was Samothrace or Samothracia as spelled out in the KJV. It is a small island with high mountains off the coast of Thrace in northern Greece; hence, its name "Samos of Thrace." It lay near a much traveled sea route from Macedonia to the Hellespont (Dardanelles) on the way to the Black Sea and therefore was a well-known landmark.

4. The ship carrying Paul and his missionary party anchored off the shore of Samothrace for the night, as implied in verse 11. There is no indication he went ashore. Paul presumably visited here longer on his third journey as implied in Acts 20:6.

5. Anchoring there overnight they left the next day for Neapolis. This word means "the new city." It is the modern Kavalla of Northern Greece. It actually served as the port of Philippi, which was ten to thirteen miles inland from this point.

6. "And from thence to Philippi" - From Neapolis they proceed the ten to thirteen mile journey to the City of Philippi.

7. PHILIPPI:

a) Chief city of that part of Macedonia.

b) "A colony" - Literally, a Roman Colony.

c) Situated in the District of Macedonia, inland from Neapolis on the Aegean Sea. Philip II of Macedonia founded Philippi in 360 B.C. It was significant to the Macedonian as the chief mining center in the Pangaeus gold fields; these were largely exhausted by the time Macedonia came under the control of Rome in 168 B.C. The Romans settled a colony of Roman veterans at Philippi after 42 B.C. when Octavius and Anthony defeated Brutus and Cassius there. The Church that Paul established at Philippi would play an important part in his mission endeavor (Philippians 4:17-19.) The letter to the Philippians is written by Paul to the Church he established here in Philippi.

d) Their first convert in Macedonia was a woman by the name of Lydia, a seller of the expensive purple dye. She was an able entrepreneur, a business woman.

8. Paul and his missionary party which, the word "we" would include the writer of the Acts, Doctor Luke.

"And we were in that city abiding certain days."

B. The Conversion of Lydia: Vs 13-15

1. Nothing is more exciting than the conversion of the first convert on a mission field.

2. On the Sabbath day they went out of the city to a riverside where they assumed was a customary place of prayer. Here they sat down and spoke to a group of women who had assembled there.

3. As they spoke to the women, a certain woman by the name of Lydia, a seller of fabrics dyed in purple, who came from Thyatira and worshipped God, was there. Lydia was a business woman who though God-fearing was not a Christian.

4. Thyatira is a city in Asia Minor, and although forbidden by the Spirit to go there, yet the Lord saw to it that Paul's first convert in Macedonia would be from that city.

5. Lydia was already a worshipper of God, which along with her Greek name, implies that she was not a Jewess.

6. 6. Lydia attended or took to heart the things of which Paul spoke. (Vs 14.)

7. The extent to which she attended to the words of Paul is seen in (Vs 15) "And when she was baptized, and her household."

a) Lydia was baptized, that is immersed in water following her attending to the words of Paul. She became a believer by faith in Jesus Christ.

b) "And her household" - Those of her household, her family and servants. There is no evidence of young children or babies being baptized. This is not a New Testament custom, nor is it necessary for babies to be baptized, since baptism is a testimony of salvation, not a means to it.

8. She invited Paul and the others to come and abide with her in her home. She induced or persuaded them to stay at her home. Such hospitality is a sign of the reception of the gospel, the fruit of conversion.

(See Romans 12:9-21.)

C. The Certain Damsel: Vs 16-18

1. When we go to prayer, that is the place we are confronted with needs. Perhaps that is why so many avoid the Mid-week prayer meeting; not wanting to be confronted with our responsibility?

2. “A certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination" - This young lady was actually a slave-girl. She is said to have been possessed with a spirit of divination - she claimed to be able to foretell future events and to discover hidden knowledge. She brought her owners much gain by her fortune telling. (Vs 16).

3. Divination means fortune telling. It was forbidden of Israel, and proved to be the undoing of King Saul.

Deuteronomy 18:10

"There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch…."

1 Samuel 28:7

"Then said Saul unto his servants, seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I might go to her, and inquire of her. And there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor."

4. Vs 17 - It was bad enough that this young lady was in such bondage but as is often the case, she troubled the missionary and the work of the Lord with her demoniac spirit.

Here is a lesson we need to learn in dealing with unsaved, unregenerate people. Often times they like to hang around God's people, not because they love the people of God, or because they love the Word of God which the missionary or pastor preaches. They are directed by satanic influence and the bottom line here is their disruptive spirit to the work of the Lord.

"These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation."

Do demons sometimes tell the truth? It appears that they do, but to their own end or agenda.

Preachers need to be careful of those who give them too much or too highly speak of praise. I have observed that the one's who act like this and praises the preacher repeatedly, do not do the things they give praise to.

For example: We had a woman in our church that praised my preaching every Sunday. She always said I preached a good sermon or "brought a great message." However, I observed that she was not doing the things of which I was preaching in that particular sermon. This was the case every week. Then one day, we discovered that when things did not go her way, she turned on me and caused tremendous personal problems to me and to the church. We had to exclude her.

This damsel was not lying as to whom these missionaries were. She was not lying as to their intention. The problem was that Paul did not need a public relations person to go before him. The Holy Spirit calls out of the world them that are God's elect-sheep. As well, the work that the missionaries were doing spoke for itself.

This damsel was taking the spotlight away from herself, from her own personal need, from her bondage to the demon. Her prating about the missionaries while true to fact was not true to her own experience and need. We need to take the sermons preached by God's servants to heart personally before we can apply them to others.

5. Vs 18 - The damsel kept this up for several days until Paul was grieved or sorely annoyed over the matter.

Paul then addressed the problem directly. He did not address the woman, but the spirit that possessed her. "I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her."

"And he came out of her that same hour." The Greek implies immediate action. It did not take an hour to exorcize the demon.

D. The Counteraction Against the Missionaries: Vs 19-24

Where there is right, there is always that which is wrong. Where God works in blessing the mission work of his servants there will always be found the ugly head of opposition.

1. Vs 19 - "And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone."

There are those who would ever seek to profit over the weakness of others. Today we have the giant beer industry; those who would make profit from those who smoke cigarettes. Then there is the age-old trade of prostitution. The gambling casinos that abound everywhere. The lotteries that play on greed, the human nature to take a chance, as well as the desire to get rich. Those who would never give a dime to charity will buy a ten-dollar ticket on the lottery every week.

2. "Caught Paul and Silas and drew them into the market place unto the rulers." - Paul and Silas were dragged before the authorities in the forum or Market Place.

First they sought to use the law to their advantage in disposing of their opposition to profit from this slave-girl.

3. The opposition to truth will go to no end in opposing God's work.

Vs 20- They attempted to stir up a spirit of anti-Semitism to win their case and dispose of the problem.

"Their charge before the magistrates was, "these men being Jews do exceedingly trouble our city."

Vs 21 - They teach customs which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans."

The Roman law allowed foreigners to worship in their own way, but did not permit Roman citizens to forsake their own religion for that of other nations. This was the general policy. However, beyond that, Judaism had been specially interdicted. It was a religion for the Jews and they were not allowed to propagate their religion among the Roman pagans. (See Hackett-An American Commentary on the New Testament.)

At this point of history, most people saw no difference between Judaism and Christianity. Paul and Silas were being wrongly charged as Jews and not as Christians. These that were charging Paul and Silas were not Jews, but Romans.

Vs 22 - The crowd rose up together against them and the magistrates stripped them of their clothes and commanded them to be beaten. This was done without even a question being directed to Paul and Silas. There was no defense against this charge. The indictment and the penalty came almost in the same breath.

Vs 23 - "After they had beaten Paul and Silas with many stripes." - (The usual Roman punishment was for 40 stripes minus one.) they three them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safe and secure.

Vs 24 - The jail keepers, being thus charged threw them into the inner prison or block of cells, and kept them in stocks, their feet held secure.

This way, they felt no one could get to them, nor could they get free themselves. I wonder if the jail-breaking reputation of Peter had reached here? What was so criminal about their activity that demanded such extreme security measures? Perhaps this was the Providence of God, preparing them for what was to follow, leading to the conversion of the Jailor?

3. THE CONVERSION OF THE JAILOR: Vs 25-40

Unknown to us many times is the reason why God permits hardship to enter our lives. The bottom line is that it is best for us and for the glory of God. This we see in the lives of these early missionaries, as well as many in our day who have hazarded their lives for the sake of Christ's Kingdom.

A. Conversion: Vs 25-34

1. It is midnight and Paul and Silas are having a hallelujah time! They still feel the blight of the whip that was lashed across their backs. They are not only in jail, but their feet are in stocks, and they have no hope of getting out any time soon. What are they doing? They are praying and singing the praises of the one for whom they were suffering imprisonment. The other prisoners heard them to which this was no doubt a form of ministry. Even in such predicament, they were preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. This was their testimony, their witness to and for Christ.

2. Vs 26 - One way to shake things up is to pray! One never knows what will happen when we pray. We certainly see here the importance of prayer and praise. How important it is to maintain a proper and positive attitude in the most difficult of situations.

There was an earthquake and all of the doors of the prison flew open. Everyone's bands were loosened. Here we see the effect of Christianity even on the non-Christian. Bible Christianity makes the world a better place for everyone. When God shakes things, things happen. I am reminded of a prophecy in Haggai.

Haggai 2:6-7

"For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;

And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts."

God is still in the shaking business, but we ain't seen nothing yet!

3. Vs 27 - The keeper of the prison was no doubt a responsible man. He also had a healthy respect for his employers, which was why he was about to kill himself upon discovering that the doors were opened and expecting to find an empty jail. (It always pays to check something out before drawing to any final conclusion.)

4. Vs 28 - Paul was no ego-centered man. He could have let the old guy do himself in. Could we blame him if he did that? However, that was the flesh, not the spirit. The Spirit does not think carnally. This man was to be a part of a Church that would be a chief financial support to Paul's mission endeavor. (See Philippians 4:17-19.)

Here was Paul, waiting to report to the Jailor before they left! Who said there is no humor in the Bible?

Paul was not leaving this motel without checking out.

5. Vs 29 - Here was the Jailor, the man responsible for the stockade and all, needing a light, and humbled to his knees before the Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My friend, Christians do not have enemies, they are not our enemies, but rather, the enemies of our Lord. He knows how to take care of them. The battle is the Lord's, so we might as well make the best of it, sing and praise the Lord. There used to be a bumper sticker than read, "PRAISE THE LORD ANYHOW!"

6. Vs 30 - What a shock this must have been to the Jailor! He must have already heard the gospel. He knew of the charges. You do not have to be a theologian to be saved. He immediately cried out and ever so politely, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Have you ever made a similar cry? We all need to do that.

7. Vs 31 - I see here a response of excitement. "And they said…" All of them seem to have replied at once. Are you so eager to see someone saved as that?

8. The reply came, not for good works, water baptism, and the Lord's Supper or Church membership.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."

The meaning here is not, "just believe in God or Jesus." The word "on" means to believe in, over onto His side and inter His employment. That beloved is what salvation is all about. It is a work of Divine grace, all of grace, plus nothing and minus nothing.

"And your house, those within your household being brought to faith as was this Jailor, will also be saved. This is of those that "believe" not babies or children who are incapable of faith.

9. Vs 32 - "And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house." They did not stop with this one verse but taught the whole household fully the way of salvation by sovereign grace.

10. Vs 33 - "And he (the Jailor) took the preachers that same hour of the night, and washed their stripes (welts from the whipping) and was baptized, he and all his household that believed with him."

11. Vs 34 - "And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house."

The results of salvation are seen first in his kindness to the apostle, secondly in his obedience in baptism, and thirdly in his hospitality towards the brethren. Those truly saved want to obey the Lord in baptism and fellowship with the brethren.

C. Charges Reversed: Vs 35-40

1. Vs 35 - "And when it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying let those men go."

Was it the conduct of Paul and Silas? Perhaps it was the earthquake that shook the magistrates as much as the jailhouse? The charges appear to have been dropped and the order for release came. The fact being however, was that the Holy Spirit already released them.

2. Vs 36 - The keeper of the prison, the converted Jailor told Paul the good news, and bid him to depart in peace.

3. Vs 37 - Paul stood his ground and refused to bow to the illegal actions of the magistrates. Christians ought to be humble but we do not need to be doormats of the unrighteous.

"They have beaten us openly, un-condemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privately? Nay, but let them come themselves and fetch us out."

Paul and Silas were Roman citizens and ought not to be treated in such manner.

4. Vs 38 - "When the sergeants told this to the magistrates, it brought fear because they did not realize that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.

5. Vs 39 - "And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city."

They wanted to get rid of their own sin, to cover it over, by getting Paul and Silas to leave town. Oh the cover-up of politicians who want to keep their jobs and save their own hides. Things have not changed much have they?

6. Vs 40 - "And when they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

They compromised here somewhat, but they took their time in departing because they knew the ground upon which they stood.

CONCLUSION:

And so we see the work of implementing the Macedonian call. This is the way in which the gospel first came to Europe, from whence it later came to England and North America.

How does this fit in with you and me today? Implementing the call of the Spirit today is not much different than it was then. It still takes the power of the Spirit and the determination of God's people to hear the call and act upon it.

There are needs everywhere, and people who need to stop, look and listen to the call to action. Will you be such a one as this?

Sermon preached by Dr. D. Paul Tuck Sr.

Landmark Baptist Church, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada

Sunday, August 5^th 2001

LESSON TWENTY-SEVEN:

MISSION TO MACEDONIA AND GREECE

Scripture: Acts 17:1-34

OUTLINE

1. Mission in Thessalonica - Vs 1-10

2. More Noble in Berea - Vs 10-14

3. Men of Athens - Verse 15-34

INTRODUCTION:

Having entered the European continent, the ministry of Paul and Silas was turning more and more away from the Jews toward the Gentiles. It turned from those who had a basic concept of the Supreme deity, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Now they were faced with the primitive religions of the Gentiles, many who worshiped some form of celestial god, of the old Babylonian gods, mysticism, asceticism and the worship of the great goddess Diana of the Ephesians. This being part of the influence of the Greek culture.

We see in this chapter three great cities, each unique in itself, yet within it many who would turn to the One true God and His Son Jesus Christ.

1. MISSION IN THESSALONICA: Vs 1-10

"Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews."

Paul passed through these cities and came to Thessalonica. I have always been fascinated by this city and people. For years I had a barber who was born and grew up in what is now known as Salonica. We have an Internet friend, a brother and Christian worker in that city by the name of Tassos. He has contributed to our Philippine Outreach.

Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians tells of the greatness of the church that was established there following his three weeks of missionary work. These verses give the background for the Church in Thessalonica and the two letters Paul addressed there.

A. First to the Jews: Vs 2-4

1. Paul, according to his custom and method of evangelism went into the Jewish synagogue.

2. For three Sabbath days or three Saturdays he reasoned with the Jews from the scriptures. The scriptures are our final authority in all matters of faith and practice. That is Baptist doctrine but it is also BIBLE! No man ever got lost in following the road map of God's Word.

3. Paul's basic teaching is simply gospel related - Vs 3

a) That the expected Messiah (Christ) according to the Scriptures, needed to suffer and rise again from the dead.

The death of Christ is implied by the fact of resurrection. One cannot rise from the dead without dying. The suffering of Christ is the manner of His death.

b) "This Jesus whom I preach unto you is Christ" (Messiah.)

This Jesus alone fulfills the Scriptures. Every prophetic utterance points to this person, Jesus Christ.

He is God's promise to Israel.

4 Vs 4 - Some of them believed and consorted with Paul and Silas, and of the devout Greeks, not a few."

Those Jews who believed continued to discuss Christ with Paul and Silas.

Of the Greeks, a multitude of men and a good number of leading women became Christians.

We then note that those that believed did so through the preaching of the gospel.

B. Fellows of the Baser Sort: Vs 5-10

1. Here in verse 5 we see the separation of sheep and the goats. Not all that hear the gospel believe to the salvation of their soul. While it is true that not all sheep respond immediately to the general call, I do believe that the effectual call brings forth a definite reply.

2. We note the response of unbelieving Jews. "They moved with envy."

Not being saved, they resort to the further sin of envy.

3. Here we see what envy will do in actually getting together those who would oppose the preaching of the gospel. They showed their true colors in their opposition to Paul and Silas.

4. "Lewd fellows" - loungers

"Of the baser sort"- ruffians and rascals who were hanging out in the market place.

"A company" - a mob

5. "Set all the city on an uproar"- stirred the whole town up. They got a wild demonstration going. This thing is not new to us today. It happens all of the time in wild demonstrations for whatever cause.

6. "They assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people."

They surrounded and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring Paul and Silas out to the people. This is no doubt where they were staying.

7. Vs 6 - "And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the whole world upside down are come hither also."

What a testimony these missionaries had, if ever so exaggerated!

The fact of course is that they did not turn the whole world upside down. For one thing, they had not been to the whole world. Secondly, if anything they turned the whole world right side up! That is the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Jason, along with certain unnamed brethren, were brought before the rulers of the city.

8. Vs 7 - Jason then it seems was charged with conspiracy after the fact. He was harboring these religious criminals, these preachers of this man named Jesus. This they charged was contrary to the decrees of Caesar. (However it certainly was according to the decree of God.)

Here they put Caesar against Jesus, "that "there is another king, one named Jesus.

9. Vs 8 - "And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things."

Both the crowd and the city officials upon hearing these things were irritated and stirred up.

10. Vs 9 - "And when they had taken security of Jason and of the other, they let them go."

The security that they took is what we today would call bail money. So upon receiving this, they let them go.

11. Vs 10 - "And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea…"

For their own safety Paul and Silas were sent away to Berea by night.

Such was the way of mission work in Macedonia.

2. MORE NOBLE IN BEREA: Vs 10-14

"And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews."

A. Disposed to the Gospel: Vs 11-12

1. The Word "noble" used here refers to their disposition or openness to the gospel. This is said to be based upon their study of the scriptures, and application of what was taught them to the Word of God.

2. This is noble of any people, and ought to be said of all of us. We ought not to take what we hear from our pulpits for granted. Rather, we should check out the preacher by the authority of Scripture. There is much that is preached today that has no Bible basis whatsoever, or is misconstrued to teach what the Bible does not say.

3. The Berean's received the word with readiness of mind. Because of their study of the Scriptures, they were open to the teaching of personal salvation through Jesus Christ.

4. Vs 12 - Therefore, many of them (Jews) as well as prominent Greeks, men and women became believers.

5. We then see here the place and prominence of the Bible in evangelism. The scriptures are still able to make one wise unto salvation.

B. Disturbing Influence of Religionists: Vs 13-14

1. The Jews of Thessalonica, upon hearing of those in Berea receiving Christ as Savior and Lord, came to Berea and stirred up the people there. The enemies of the gospel do not give up easily.

2. To counteract those who would harm Paul, the brethren sent Paul away, pretending to take him to the sea, (which is the meaning of the words "as it were") but in fact he went by land to Athens.

3. Silas and Timothy remained there in Berea.

4. Paul did not go to the sea where he might easily return to Judea, but rather kept on going in his work of evangelism.

5. Despite the problems, God continued to give them victory and the word of the Lord triumphed.

3. MEN OF ATHENS: Vs 15-34

"And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed."

A. Spiritual Condition in Athens: Vs 16-21

1. While waiting in Athens for the arrival of Silas and Timothy, Paul's spirit was stirred in him to the point of anger, when he saw that the city was wholly given to idolatry. Conditions such as this do not seem to stir the preachers of our day, as they ought to. Yet, our so-called Christian country is given to all sorts of sin and the god of materialism is chief on our list of worship.

2. Vs 17 - "Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him."

This indicates that the spirit of idolatry that Paul found in Athens influenced even the Jews. My how we need to take heed that we too are not influenced by the Godless ways and philosophies that pervade our society today. Many so-called Baptists have become "Protestant Baptists" having left the landmarks of the New Testament Church for a more populist stand. The influence of the world has invaded our churches to the extent that it is very hard to tell a believer from a non-believer.

In the market place where assemblies are held Paul debated and argued the cause of God and truth.

3. Vs 18 - Here Paul met up with certain philosophers of the Epicureans and stoics who encountered him with their doctrines.

Epicureans: They derived their name from Epicurus (342-270 BC), a philosopher of Attic descent, whose garden at Athens rivaled in popularity the Porch and the Academy. The doctrines of Epicurus found wide acceptance in Asia Minor and Alexandria (95-50 BC). The object of Epicurus was to find in philosophy a practical guide to happiness. True pleasure and not absolute truth was the end at which he aimed; experience not reason the test on which he relied. It is obvious that a system thus framed would degenerate by a natural descent into mere materialism; and in this form Epicurism was the popular philosophy at the beginning of the Christian era. When St. Paul addressed "Epicureans and Stoics," Acts 17:18, at Athens; the philosophy of life was practically reduced to the teaching of these two antagonistic schools. (Peloubet's Bible Dictionary.)

STOICS: The Epicureans and Stoics represent the two opposite schools of practical philosophy, which survived the fall of higher speculation in Greece. The Stoic school was founded by Zeno of Citium in Cyprus, and derived its name from the painted "portico" (stoa) at Athens in which he taught. Zeno was followed by Cleanthes (cir BC 260; Cleanthes by Chrysippus (BC 280-207), who was regarded as the intellectual founder of the Stoic system. They regarded God and the world as power and its manifestation, matter being passive ground in which dwells the divine energy. Their ethics were a protest against moral indifference, and to live in harmony with nature, conformably with reason and the demands of universal good, and in the utmost indifference to pleasure, pain, and all external good or evil, was their fundamental maxim." (Peloubet's Bible Dictionary.)

4. The Epicureans and Stoics regarded Paul in one of two ways:

a) As a babbler, one who just liked to talk or as we would say, "shoot off his mouth."

b) One who set forth strange gods because he preached of Jesus who rose from the dead. This would certainly be a strange God to them because their gods were all inanimate. They could not see speak or talk.

5. Vs 19 - "And they took him and brought him to Areopagus, saying, may we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest is?

Or to the Areopagus, on Mars Hill. It was the highest court in the land.

This was not a criminal court but one at which they judged matters of philosophy and religion.

6. Vs 20 - They told Paul that what they were hearing was strange to their ears. They had never before heard of anything like Paul was preaching.

They wanted Paul to explain himself and his doctrines as to what they really meant.

7. Vs 21 - This gives the reason for their bringing Paul to Mars Hill.

"For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing."

Paul's doctrine of salvation through Jesus Christ was to them a new thing that they had never heard the like of before. Here all of the philosophers and would be philosophers could hear and examine the doctrines that Paul had brought to Athens.

B. Sermon of Paul on Mars Hill: Vs 22-34

"Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars Hill and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious."

1. Paul addressed the men of Athens as to the fact of their superstition.

2. Paul took up right where he and they were at, and dealt with their superstition.

3. Vs 23 - "For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions (or gods that you worship) I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you."

Paul had seen an altar to the unknown God. It seems that in their quest to have a place of worship for every god, they wanted to be sure that they covered all of the bases. In case they had left out some god, they had an altar marked "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD."

This unknown God that you worship in your ignorance of him, is the one that I am preaching about, and wish to reveal or make known unto you. These people did not know this GOD but Paul did, in fact he was His servant, sent by His Son, Jesus Christ to preach His gospel.

4. Vs 24 - "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands."

Paul's first declaration concerns the Creator of heaven and earth. He then stated emphatically that this God does not dwell in man-made temples. Paul is not declaring here the old covenant of which the Jewish temple was an integral part, He is talking about the New Covenant in the blood of Jesus Christ through which God identifies Himself in those who receive Jesus Christ by faith. God today dwells in people. Jesus is ever present in his churches.

Jesus Christ is alive and dwells in those who by faith trust him as Savior. In these people, who congregate in a body, the local New Testament Church is where Jesus can be found.

Acts 7:48

"Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet."

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

This reference is to the Corinth Church as a local body of Christ.

Then Paul later declares:

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

"What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

This reference is more personal and refers to the believer's body and spirit. This is bourn out by the context of the chapter.

5. Vs 25 - Then Paul declares that God is not worshipped with men's hands, as were the other gods, carved out of wood and stone. How foolish that men even today bow down to the likes of a statue of Buddha. The statues and relics found in the church buildings and cathedrals of the Roman and Greek Catholic Church come under this listing. They too are idols, the efforts of worship of men's hands.

God does not require this type of worship. He is the giver and sustainer of life.

6. Vs 26 - This verse is sometimes misunderstood to teach some form of racism, which is not true. Paul is saying here:

a) All men on the earth come from one blood. (This opposes the evolution theory.) Whether black or white, Oriental or Caucasian, we are all sons and daughters of Adam and Eve; we all have one common origin.

b) All nations were made to dwell upon the earth. In this sense we all have equal rights to live upon the earth.

c) God has determined the times, their allotted periods in which they lived. In Paul's day, the Romans were in power generally over the then known world. Previous to this there were the Greeks, the Babylonians etc. God allowed all of these and many since to achieve his plan and purpose for mankind.

d) "And the bounds of their habitation" - The place where they generally lived. Their fixed habitation. Each race comes basically of one place. Orientals are in the east, blacks are in Africa, etc.

To say that these ought to be confined to their original place where God put them is ridiculous. In such case, we white folks need to vacate North America and give it back to the Indians. (They probably don't want it now anyway, since we have made such a polluted mess of it.)

7. Vs 27 - God's purpose in all of this is that all men should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might feel after Him and find Him. In reality he is not far from any one of us. Sin separates us from God and lack of His word closes the door of knowledge of Him.

8. Vs 28 - "For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring."

We have and owe our very existence to God. The breath we breathe comes from God. He alone determines our existence. God is sovereign!

"Certain of your own poets"- Paul evidently was well read as revealed here, and in his letter to Timothy, requesting his books and parchments. (2 Timothy 4:13; Titus 1:12)

John Gill in his Expositor refers to this poet as Aratus a native of the city of Solis in Cilisia, not far from Tarsus where Paul came from.

Paul declared that we are the offspring, or creation of God, which even Aratus, an Epicurean shows in his poetry.

9. Vs 29 - "For as much then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead (deity) is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device."

Paul reasons that since we are created by God, we cannot relate to him in some image of gold, silver, or stone. That would be to say that we too are created by some wooden or stone idol.

10 Vs 30 - "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent."

In other ages, God for his own reasons and purpose allowed men to go on in their own way and worship him in such fashion. However, that is no longer the case and he commands all men everywhere to repent, that is to change their minds for the better and heartily to amend their ways, with abhorrence for their past sins. God holds all men responsible for their worship of Him and for their sinful practice.

11. Vs 31 - Paul now comes to his conclusion, summing up his remarks.

a) God has appointed a day of judgment.

b) God will judge all of the world or people in it.

c) God has ordained that He will judge every person by Jesus Christ.

d) God has ordained that he has given assurance or full proof to all men concerning Christ, by raising him from the dead.

e) Christ's resurrection provides proof of God's love and concern for mankind.

12. Vs 32 - "And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, we will hear thee again on this matter."

The gospel preached always achieves results. Some will reject and seal their doom, while others will procrastinate to another day. Procrastination of course is sin, and it only makes it easier to say no the next time round.

13. Vs 33 - "So Paul departed from them." All we can do is preach the gospel. The rest is up to the Holy Spirit.

14. Vs 34 - "Howbeit certain men clave unto him and believed:"

Those who believed are listed as:

a) Dionysius - this name means, "Devoted to Dionysus the Areopagite." This indicates that he was a judge. He is said to have later become the first bishop of Athens about 52 AD. (Peloubet's Bible Dictionary.)

b) Damaris - a woman of Athens. Chrysostom claimed that she was the wife of Dionysius.

c) Others with them - How many we do not know since it does not say.

Numbers are not that important. What is important is that some responded to the gospel message and were saved by the grace of God.

CONCLUSION:

We have seen here that the God that opened the door to the west, which began the mission to Macedonia and Greece, brought his missionaries through. There were some severe trials and much opposition, but God saw fit to bring them through it all. We can see from the ministry of Paul how that we too can know the blessing of God if we will turn our lives over to Him. We too need to know the direct leadership of the Holy Spirit. Paul, Silas and Timothy were mere channels of God's blessing. That is what God expects of you and me today. To become channels of his power and salvation to a lost world.

Will you allow the Holy Spirit to so lead you and order your life accordingly?

Sermon preached by Dr. D. Paul Tuck Sr.

Landmark Baptist Church, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada,

Sunday morning, August 12^th 2001

LESSON TWENTY-EIGHT:

ESTABLISHING A CHURCH AT CORINTH

Scripture: Acts 18:1-17

Text: Acts 18:10

"For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city."

INTRODUCTION:

We have in these verses the background for the establishment of the Church in Corinth. The Corinth Church was large in number and known through Paul's letters as a divided Church and a carnal one.

I think that for the most part the Corinth Church is a good example of what a Church ought not to be. As we read Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, we find that this church was divided as to the ministry, as to the purpose of baptism, as to the Lord's Supper, as to spiritual gifts, as to the place of women in the church, and the authority of the church to discipline immoral and unruly members.

1 Corinthians 3:1-3

"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 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?"

But that is not the beginning of the story: Paul departed from Athens and traveled about 40 miles west to the city of Corinth, Greece, in approximately AD 52-53. Here Paul began to minister, first to the Jews in the synagogue.

I will deal with these verses in the following order:

1. WORKERS TOGETHER WITH CHRIST: Vs 2-6

2. WORSHIPPING IN A HOUSE: Vs 7-11

3. WITHSTANDING RELIGIOUS OPPOSITION: Vs 12-18

1. WORKERS TOGETHER WITH CHRIST: Vs 2-6

Paul wrote in his second letter to the Corinth Church:

2 Corinthians 6:1

"We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain."

A. Dispersed Servants: Vs 2-3

1. In coming to Corinth Paul found a certain Jew by the name of Aquila who was born in Pontus. Pontus was in Northern Asia Minor along the Black Sea. Again, this was an area that Paul was turned away from when he received the Macedonian call. All of these people that Paul is coming in contact with were from the area in which he could not go directly himself. Is that not just like the Lord?

2. Aquila was accompanied by his wife, Pricilla, and this couple was to become good co-workers with Paul in the years to come.

3. Aquila and Priscilla had just arrived from Italy where they being Jews were forced to leave Rome by Claudius Caesar. All Jews were at that time expelled from Rome. According to many commentators, this was because of the conflict among the Jews over Jesus Christ.

4. Paul was of the same craft as Aquila and Pricilla, that is, they were tent makers by occupation. So Paul stayed with them at their house in Corinth.

5. God's provision was such that he had a home to stay in with those who would become co-workers with him. They had their Jewish nationality, their occupation and Jesus Christ in common. It is not certain at what time they became Christians. It does not seem likely that they were converted in Corinth because they went with Paul and later were used to teach Apollos. They appear from this to be more matured in the faith. They may have been Christians in Rome as there was already a Church there when the Apostle Paul later arrived.

Acts 18:26

"And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly."

1 Corinthians 16:19

"The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house."

B. Demand of Ministry: Vs 4-6

1. Paul was found every Saturday (Sabbath day) in the synagogue persuading the Jews and the Greeks. Again these Greeks would be Hellenists or Greek speaking Jews. One would not find Gentiles in the synagogue.

2. Upon the arrival of Silas and Timothy from Macedonia, Paul was pressed by demand of the spirit to witness to the Jews concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. That Jesus is the Christ or Messiah they hoped for.

3. Vs 6 - And when they opposed themselves, which is what anyone does who rejects Jesus Christ. For he alone is their salvation and hope of eternal life.

The Jews blasphemed or spoke against Christ in a cursing manner.

Paul's reply: "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles."

One of the hardest things any minister of the gospel must face is to see people whom we witness to concerning their salvation, reject their only hope of eternal life.

Acts 4:12

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

To reject Jesus Christ is to bring upon you eternal doom. He alone is the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6.)

2. WORSHIPPING IN A HOUSE: Vs 7-11

"And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue."

A. Beginning a Work: Vs 7-8

Sometimes in God's providence He leads us to have Church in a house. This teaches us at least three things:

a) House worship is scriptural.

b) The church is the people not the building.

c) So-called church buildings are not always as important as we think they are.

So we see that this work began in the synagogue, but as was the case here and as most times with Paul, this arrangement was very temporary. It is most difficult to work in such a situation.

1. He departed from the synagogue and entered into a certain man's

house by the name of Justus. Some commentators call him Titus

Justus.

The name Justus is used three times in the New Testament. It is

difficult to say if all three references are to the same man:

Acts 1:23

"And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed

Justus, and Matthias."

(This Justus is most likely not the same as he is thought to be

Barnabus.)

Acts 18:7

"And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house,

named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to

the synagogue."

Colossians 4:11

"And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These

only are my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God, which have

been a comfort unto me."

Concerning Justus, Dr. John Gill says in part-

"Whether this is not the same Titus, who afterwards was a companion

with the apostle, and to whom he wrote an epistle, may be inquired."

2. This location was ideal because it was "joined hard to the synagogue." It was very close by, probably right next door to the synagogue. (Vs 7)

3. A Providential breakthrough came, it appears almost immediately when Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue was converted.

4. All of his household became Christians and gave testimony to this fact by water baptism along with many of the Gentile Corinthians. (Vs 8)

Water baptism witnesses to the saving grace of God through the Gospel. One should be immersed in water by authority of a New Testament Church as soon as possible following conversion.

B. Basic Evangelism: Vs 9-11

1. Perhaps Paul was being overly cautious, since he now had the ruler of the synagogue in his new church. Knowing Paul's past experience, one would expect him to be very cautious.

2. The Lord appeared to Paul in a vision at night, exhorting him to be encouraged and to stay with the job at hand. (Vs 9)

a) Do not be afraid.

b) Speak out and do not hold back.

4. Vs 10 - God is with him and will withstand anyone who would attempt to hurt Paul. The reason for this protection is stated here:

"For I have much people in this city."

There are some sheep in Corinth that must be brought into the fold. The word "have" is present tense, which shows us the truth of predestination. "I HAVE much people" but they need to hear the gospel and come to the Shepherd for healing and salvation. A sheep outside of the fold is as lost as a goat.

5. Vs 11 - Paul continued there (in Corinth) for a year and a half. It does not say when they moved out of the house or whether they just continued to worship in additional homes. At this period of history, churches did not as yet have their own buildings as they later did, and we do today. It is clear in Scripture that the Church is "people" not the place where they worship.

6. It is important to note that Paul's continued ministry was one of "teaching the word of God."

The success of a new work depends much upon being taught properly from the word of God.

The Word of God is the source of our teaching. Many so-called churches today look to everything else they can find, other than the Bible for their source of strength.

Isaiah 8:20

"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

3. WITHSTANDING RELIGIOUS OPPOSITION: Vs 12-18

"And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat."

While claiming to worship the same God, it is amazing the hatred found in religious people that would lead them to no end of persecuting God's work. Here we see the blindness of human depravity. Here we see the inability of the non-elect to fathom the riches of God and see the door of escape from their own bondage. Those of us who have come to know the freedom of salvation, which we have through Jesus Christ, ought to appreciate the depths from which we have been saved. The pit from which we ourselves have been dug. Baptists down through the centuries, right from the beheading of John the Baptist, have suffered much from the hand of religion. Here it is Jewish opposition, later the Roman Pope slaughtered millions of Waldensians (Baptists) in the Valley's of the Italian Piedmont. Protestants too, in Europe and in America have done their share of persecuting those who would follow the New Testament Baptist faith.

A. The Charge Against Paul: Vs 13

1. "Saying, this fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law."

2. "This fellow" - They wanted to so distant themselves from the message of Christ, that although they knew his name, he here became just "this fellow." That is the tactic of falsehood. Beware of those who would accuse and not name the one they would lay the blame to.

3. "Persuadeth" - This alludes to the success of Paul. Otherwise, he would not even be opposed. Those who do nothing have no opposition. Those that persuade men in favor of the true God will suffer persecution. Jesus promised his disciples that this would be the case.

John 15:20

"Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep your also."

Men need to be persuaded of their sin and need for repentance. They need to hear the gospel through which the Holy Spirit may convict them and bring them to personal salvation in Christ.

4. "Worship God" - They are not accused of any criminal act. They had not murdered anyone, nor were they charged with any form of abuse. They simply taught people to worship God.

5. "Contrary to the law- This is very vague, since they do not say what law. Of course we today have the benefit of reading the account, but here it was "contrary to the law." We today know they meant the Law of Moses." They however did not say this, implying that it was law in general or even Roman law. There is a large question here, much that is implied or to be assumed but is not clearly stated. In fact they did not even say, "our law," or "Jewish law."

Such is generally the case with those that would seek to discredit others or oppose what they do not like. They speak in vague terms.

Why did they not come right out and declare themselves? "This man Paul is teaching doctrine contrary to Jewish Law, the Law of Moses."

C. The Conclusion of the Court: Vs 14-18

1. "When Paul was about to open his mouth" - Paul did not even have to defend himself, the charge was not conclusive.

2. Gallio's word to the Jews who were charging Paul.

a) If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness.

b) If it is only a question of words and names, and of your law.

c) You look into the matter yourselves

d) I will be no judge in such matters.

3. This judge was not about to go outside of Roman law and judge concerning matters of religion. Oh that all such judges would throw religious matters out of court to be dealt with by the churches and the Word of God. This judge at least in this case, practiced separation of Church and State.

4. Vs 16 - "And he drave them from the judgment seat" - He literally kicked them out of the court. He booted them out!

5. Vs 17 - One needs to be careful in making false charges against God's servants. Your charges can come back to haunt you, or be in fact turned against you. In seeking to stop and discredit Paul, the Jews were themselves brought down and discredited.

"Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

These were not the Greeks who were devout Christians, but the unregenerate Greeks who took Sosthenes and beat him. Sosthenes was most likely the replacement ruler of the synagogue when Crispus had become a Christian and was baptized.

a) Sosthenes - He was either a Jew with a Greek name, a Hellenist or Greek speaking Jew, or one that had been a proselyte to the Jewish faith. Thus his Greek name.

Did this Sosthenes become a Christian? It is quite possible that this is the case. Paul in his first letter to Corinth talks about a brother by the name of Sosthenes, which John Gill says, "may be the same."

1 Corinthians 1:1

"Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother…"

If this is the same Sosthenes who became a Christian, then the Jews not only lost the case, had the wheels turned against them so to speak, but lost two rulers of the synagogue in a row. Wow!

b) The fact that he was beaten before the court shows that there was really no love between the Greeks and the Jews, especially concerning religion.

c) "And Gallio cared for none of those things" - Gallio did not get involved with this in any form. He simply turned his back and looked away.

6. Vs 18 - Paul stayed on in Corinth for a good while and then taking leave of the brethren, he sailed into Syria.

And so we see the beginnings of this Church of God at Corinth. It is never easy to plant a New Testament Church. It takes much work and sometimes the endurance of much opposition. The final line here is that God was with Paul and brought him through to continue his ministry in other places.

Such is the blessing and leadership of the Lord. He is with His servants in every way, all of the time. God's blessing continued upon Paul as He said He would. Many were added to the Church as God honored the ministry of Paul.

CONCLUSION:

I think the word here that stands out for us today is "endurance". We need to hang in there and be faithful to the calling of God. This too was part of the Macedonian call or where it began. Paul kept the faith and lived for Christ, one day at a time.

Let us today be encouraged, knowing that we are responsible, not for the outcome, but for our faithfulness to the call and endurance in the work.

The final question here is this: Which side of the fence would we be on? Where do we stand in relationship to the gospel that Paul preached and the cause to which he suffered such persecution?

May our stand prove to be with Jesus Christ, as both Savior and Lord.

Sermon preached by Dr. D. Paul Tuck Sr.

Landmark Baptist Church, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada

Sunday morning August 19^th 2001

LESSON TWENTY-NINE

PRELUDE TO REVIVAL IN EPHESUS

(Paul's Journey to Jerusalem and to His Sponsoring Church)

Acts 18:18-28

INTRODUCTION:

These verses that close out the eighteenth Chapter of Acts, appear on the surface to be a bit dislocated from Paul's missionary journey. However, as we look closely, we will see that Paul was simply renewing his contacts with the Jerusalem Church, reporting to his sponsoring Church at Antioch, and then returning for a long visit at Ephesus. In any missionary work, connections with sponsoring and supporting churches, is very important. No missionary works alone as we see in the example of Paul and those who support the work need to know what is going on if only to pray more effectively for the missionary. Missionaries that do not maintain contact with supporting churches, lose support. Here Paul made a visit, and later we find him writing to the churches. This is brought out especially in his Corinthian letters and the one to the Philippians.

In these verses we also see a little of the ministry of some others who along with Paul were to play a strong part in the establishing of New Testament Churches in that day.

Here we see the continuing ministry of Aquila and Priscilla, and are introduced to a man

Who comes from Alexandria in North Africa, by the name of Apollos.

1. CONTACT WITH THE CHURCHES: Vs 18-23

A. The Road to Ephesus: Vs 18-21

1. Paul had spent nearly two years in Corinth. And then he took leave of the Corinth Church and sailed toward Syria. As we see in the next verses, he did not go immediately to Syria, but made some stops along the way. To "sail for Syria" then means to "sail in the direction of Syria."

2. Pricilla and Aquila are his traveling companions who as we see in verse 19, came with him as far as Ephesus.

3. Vs 19 -"And he came to Ephesus and left them there."- Paul went on alone into the synagogue in Ephesus to reason with the Jews concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ.

4. Vs 20 - The Jews to whom he was reasoning appear to have wanted Paul to stay longer with them. However Paul said "no" to their request and "bade them farewell."

5. Vs 21 - Upon leaving these Jews in the synagogue, Paul promised to return again, after he had completed his mission to Jerusalem.

Paul's reason for going to Jerusalem was most likely to be there in time of the Passover. The Passover was often referred to as "The Feast." It is not likely that Paul wanted to participate in the Passover, but likely wanted to be there when the likelihood of a big crowd of people being there was greatest.

John Gill in his Expositor says:

"- which perhaps was the passover, since that often went by the name of the feast: the why he must by all means keep it, was not because it was obligatory upon him; nor did he always observe it, as appears from his long stay at Corinth, and other places; and besides, as a Christian, he had nothing to do with it; but either because of his vow, #Acts 18:18 or because he knew he should have an opportunity of preaching the Gospel to great numbers; the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions omit this clause:-"

6. Paul's promise to return was contingent upon "the Lord's will." And so should all of us make our plans contingent upon the will of Him who is sovereign.

So with this in mind, Paul sailed from Ephesus.

B. The Return to Jerusalem and Antioch: Vs 22-23

1. "Paul sailed from Ephesus to Caesarea"- There is always some debate about the name "Caesarea" since there were two or perhaps even three places by that name.

It seems most likely since he was Jerusalem bound, that the Caesarea that he landed at was on the lower southeast coast of Israel. While this was often a dangerous port to land at, due to high winds coming from Africa, there is no mention of any problem, due perhaps to the season in which he was traveling.

2. "and gone up" - that is not to Caesarea, but to Jerusalem.

Dr. John Gill says:

"and gone up; not to Caesarea, but to Jerusalem, from thence, which lay higher; and going to and from these places, is signified by a going up and down, #Acts 9:30, 25:1. Moreover, the apostle had told the Ephesians, that he must go and keep the feast in Jerusalem, as he undoubtedly did: and yet if this does not refer to his going up thither, it will not be easy to observe that he went thither at all before his return to Ephesus; and besides, to suppose him to go from Caesarea to Antioch, was all one as to go back to Ephesus; and so to go, as one observes, by the same place to Jerusalem, into which he promised, in his return from Jerusalem, to come again, if God would: and saluted the church; at Jerusalem, the mother church:"

3. So Paul then landed at Caesarea, and then went up from the sea town to the higher country in which Jerusalem lay. Here he saluted or brought greetings to the Church. Paul thus completed his promise to come to Jerusalem.

4. How long Paul remained in Jerusalem is not stated, but from here he went down to Antioch. (Vs 22) Remember that Antioch was his sponsoring Church.

5. Paul remained in Antioch for some time. It is good to come home and perhaps he rested but with Paul it was probably not much. He would busy himself with reports, and with some teaching in the church there.

6. It is not stated just how long he remained in Antioch.

7. Vs 23 -"And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples."

John Gill has an interesting and informative note on this verse:

"and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples; that were in those parts, confirming them in the faith of Christ, and fortifying their minds against the temptations of Satan, and encouraging them to bear the reproaches and persecutions of men; which shows the affection, diligence, and industry of the apostle: it seems there were disciples in these countries of Galatia and Phrygia, which very likely were made by the apostle, when he passed trough those places, #Ac 16:6 and who were the beginning of Gospel churches in these places, which continued for ages after: certain it is, there were churches in Galatia in the apostle's time, of whom he makes mention, and to whom he wrote, #1Co 16:1, Galatians 1:2. According to the apostolical constitutions, Crescens, mentioned #2Ti 4:10 was appointed by the apostles bishop of the churches of Galatia; and particularly it is said, that he was bishop of Chalcedon in Galatia; see Gill on "Lu 10:1" and in the "second" century, there was a church at Ancyra, which was disturbed by the heresy of Montanus, and was established by Apolinarius, who makes mention of the elders of this church {q}: in the "third" century there were churches in Galatia, which Stephen bishop of Rome threatened with excommunication, because they rebaptized heretics: in the beginning of the "fourth" century, there were bishops from hence, which assisted at the council of Nice, against Arius, and at the synod of Sardica, in the same century; and at the beginning of it, Clemens bishop of Ancyra, after he had taught twenty nine years, suffered much in the persecution of Dioclesian, first at Rome, then at Nicomedia, and at last was put to death by the sword; in this age also lived Basil, bishop of Ancyra, under Constantius; he first came to the bishopric of that place under Constantine, but being deprived of it for four years, was restored by Constantius in the council of Sardica; under the former he disputed against Photinus, as Epiphanius {r} relates; who makes mention of Anysius his deacon, and Eutyches and Theodulus his notaries; and the same writer {s} takes notice of several elders and officers of the same church in that age, as Photinus, Eustathius, another Photinus, and Sigerius, elders, Hyginus deacon, Heracides subdeacon, Elpidus reader, and Cyriacus president of the church: in the "fifth" century, there were many churches in Galatia, yea, they are said to be innumerable; Leontius was bishop of Ancyra in the times of Arcadius and Honorius; and was succeeded by Theodotus, who was in the first Ephesine synod against Nestorius, as was also Eusebius bishop of the same church, at another synod in the same place; Anastasius was bishop of the said church, lived under the emperor Leo the first, and was at the synod of Constantinople; Meliphthongus, bishop of Juliopolis in the same country, assisted at several synods; Eusebius, bishop of Aspona in Galatia, was present in the first synod at Ephesus, against Nestorius; likewise Peter bishop of Gangrae, and Theoctistus bishop of Pessinus, both lived in the time of the two synods, the infamous one at Ephesus, and the other at Chalcedon: in the "sixth" century, there were bishops of Ancyra, Juliopolis, and other cities in Galatia, who were present at the Roman and Constantipolitan synod; in this age, under Anastasius the emperor, lived Dorotheus bishop of Ancyra: in the "seventh" century were present, at the sixth council at Constantinople, several bishops of the churches of Galatia; as of Sinope, Pessinus, Aspona, and others: in the "eighth" century, mention is made of Basil, bishop of the church at Ancyra, Nicodemus bishop of Didymi, Gregory bishop of Sinope: and even in the ninth century a garrison of Christians was placed in Ancyra, against the incursions of the Saracens {t}; so long the Christian name remained in those parts: and that there were also churches in Phrygia is as evident; Aristarchus, a companion of the apostle Paul, is said to be bishop of Apamea, which was a city in Phrygia; see Gill on "Lu 10:1" the second century, Papias, a disciple of the Apostle John, was bishop of Hierapolis in this country {u}; and in the same age there was a church at Philomelium in Phrygia, to which the church at Smyrna wrote a letter, still extant in Eusebius {w}, which gives an account of the martyrdom of Polycarp; likewise the church at Lyons, in France, sent a letter to the churches in Asia and Phrygia, giving an account of their martyrs, which is to be seen in the same writer {x}; in this century lived Apolinarius, bishop of Hierapolis, who opposed the Phrygian heresy of Montanus; and who makes mention of Zoticus, of the village of Comana, and Julianus of Apamea, both in Phrygia, as his fellow elders and bishops {y}: Dionysius, of Alexandria, speaks of a church, and of the brethren at Synnada, which was in Phrygia, in a letter of his to Philemon, a presbyter at Rome {z}; at Lampsacus in Phrygia, there were martyrs that suffered under Decius: in the third century, there was a church at Hierapolis, famous from the times of the apostles. Tertullian makes mention of the believers in Christ in Phrygia, in his time {a}: in the beginning of the "fourth" century under Dioclesian, a whole city in Phrygia of Christians was set on fire and burnt, men, women, and children, calling upon Christ the God of all {b}; and at the council of Nice, under Constantine, were present bishops of many churches in Phrygia; as Ilium, Synnada, Eucarpia, Hierapolis, and others; at Lampsacus, in this country, was held a memorable synod against Eudoxus and Acacius, the chief of the Arian faction: in the "fifth" century there were churches in Phrygia; Theodosius and Agapetus were bishops of Synnada in Phrygia Pacatiana; Marinianus, bishop of the same place, was present at the several synods in this century; Nunechius of Laodicea, Gennadius of Acmonii, Thomas and Olympius, both of Theodosiopolis, Lucianus of Ipsa, Albertus of Hierapolis, Eusebius of Doryleus, with many others, all in Phrygia, are made mention of in history: in the "sixth" century, several bishops of Phrygia, as of Philomelium, &c. were present at the synod held at Rome and Constantinople: in the "seventh" century, bishops of several churches in this country, as of Hierapolis, Synnada, &c. assisted at the sixth synod at Constantinople: in the eighth century were many churches here, whose bishops were present at the Nicene synod, as Basil, bishop of Pergamus, Nicetas of Ilium, John of Synnada, and others {c}." - (John Gill-Expositor.)

2. THE CERTAIN JEW: Vs 24-28

There is not a whole lot said in Scripture concerning Apollos. However, there is enough said to let us know that he became a great leader among the preachers of his day. He was greatly used of God in evangelism and establishing churches in the faith.

A. His Background: Vs 24-25

1. He was Jewish, referred to here as "a certain Jew." Vs 24

2. He was born in Alexandria, which was located in North Africa.

3. He was very cultured and eloquent or well versed in speech. He was an orator, mighty in the Scriptures.

4. He had been well instructed in the way of the Lord.

5. He was very fervent in spirit. He burned with spiritual zeal.

6. He spoke and taught in a diligent manner the things of the Lord.

7. He was acquainted with (and probably received) only John's baptism. While he knew of Jesus, he did not know of the full revelation of God in Christ.

8. We also cannot help but notice his "humility", for while knowing so much of the scriptures, he was willing to be taught further by Aquila and Pricilla as we see in verse 26.

B. His Boldness: Vs 26

1. He began to speak freely, fearlessly and boldly in the synagogue in Ephesus concerning Jesus.

2. It is amazing how bold Apollos was considering his limited knowledge of Jesus Christ. He taught what he knew, and taught it well.

3. The question might well be asked; Was Apollos saved? My personal opinion is that he was, although limited in his theology. He apparently believed on Jesus Christ and preached what he knew of Him. I think perhaps many of us today have been in this position.

C. His Basic Instruction: Vs 25-26

1. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, or in the Jewish scriptures.

2. He needed to be taught more fully concerning Christ. This is what Pricilla and Aquila proceeded to do, after hearing him preach.

3. "They took him under their wing and expounded to him the way of God more definitely and accurately."

D. His Blessed Ministry: Vs 27-28

1. When Apollos wished to cross over into the Province of Achaia

which contained most of Greece, the brethren in Ephesus wrote a letter of commendation, urging and encouraging the churches there to accept and welcome him heartily.

2. When Apollos arrived in Greece, he proved to be a great help to those who through grace (God's unmerited favor) had believed, adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

3. With great power (authority) he refuted the Jews in public discussions, showing and proving by the scriptures that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah.

CONCLUSION:

This then is the background, the prelude to Paul's coming to Ephesus and the revival that broke out there. This we shall learn about in our next study.

We see here the importance of the leading of the Holy Spirit, the readiness of God's servants to work together, and last but certainly not least, the use and power of preaching from the Scriptures.

Will this work today? Why not? However, that is not the question. The question is, "will we try God's way instead of trying to entertain men and polish over our sinfulness with silly manmade rhetoric.

We need to preach Christ from the Scriptures, not only in the pew, but also, more importantly in the streets, market place and in the homes of our nation.

Will you join the hymn writer?

"Out in the highways and by-ways of life,

Many are weary and sad…

Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,

Making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,

Out of my life….may Jesus shine;

Make me a blessing, Oh Savior I pray….

Make me a blessing to someone today."

Luke 14:23

"And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled."

Sermon preached by Dr. D. Paul Tuck Sr.

Landmark Baptist Church, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada.

Sunday, August 26^th 2001.

LESSON THIRTY:

EPHESUS: REVIVAL AND ANABAPTISM

Scripture: Acts 19:1-20

Text: Ephesians 1:1

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus."

INTRODUCTION:

In our previous study we have seen much that leads us to the events that we will study here in this nineteenth chapter of Acts. There was already a church established in Ephesus. Apollos had ministered there, and now moved on to Corinth in Greece. Aquila and Priscilla had ministered there and it appears that they remained.

Now Paul was able in the Lord's will, to return to Ephesus. Here we study the amazing events that took place in that city.

Historians tell us that at its peak, there were more than 50 thousand baptized believers in Ephesus. This is much to the credit of the apostle Paul along with a team of workers who continued to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to instruct the converts in the truth of God's Word.

The future of this great church is another story. I have a photo of Ephesus in the back of an old Bible, which shows the ruins of the city. This photo reveals that, about all that remains of a great church building, is the baptistry, a reminder that they practiced immersion, and of the evangelism that build a great church.

Had they heeded the warning of Jesus, would that church still remain today? That is a supposition I will not attempt to answer here. Suffice to leave you the words of Jesus:

Revelation 2:5

"Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." (See - Revelation 2:1-7.)

But now let us look at their glory days, the beginning of a great work for God.

1. ENCOUNTER WITH CERTAIN DISCIPLES: Vs 1-7

"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,"

A. Identification of these Certain disciples: Vs 1-7

1. They were certain disciples… the word "certain" just means "some."

2. They were disciples or those who were followers in the process of learning. Basically the word disciple here is the same as those said to have followed and learned of Jesus during his earthly ministry.

3. The actual identification of these "disciples" is found in that which takes place during and after their conversation with the apostle Paul as outlined in the following verses. There has been much said in an effort to identify these men both pro and con. Personally I think that the immediate context has much to say about them.

a) They did not know about the Holy Spirit.

b) Paul then immediately questioned their baptism. The reply was "unto John's baptism." Vs 3

c) Vs 5 Upon hearing Paul's statement regarding John's baptism, they immediately consented to being baptized "in the name of Jesus Christ."

Now hold onto this and we will look at these verses more closely.

B. Investigating the Faith of these Certain Disciples: Vs 1-7

1. They had some kind of faith and were called disciples.

2. Paul, upon questioning them concerning the Holy Spirit, asked,

"Have ye received the Holy Spirit since you believed?" - Or to rephrase this, "since you have believed, or when you believed, have or did you receive the Holy Spirit?" The bottom line here then is "NO they did not receive the Holy Spirit or know anything about His existence.

"We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost."

3. Paul's next question is important, it is a vital key in determining the authenticity of their experience.

"Unto what then were ye baptized?" Vs 3.

4. Notice their reply concerning baptism. -

"And they said, "unto John's baptism."

Now here is where many theologians and commentators part their ways.

a) Does this show that John's baptism was not Christian baptism? NO, because that is the only baptism that the twelve apostles and Christ himself knew. So the answer to the puzzle here is not to divide the camp and say that John's baptism was not Christian.

b) Does this show that John did not have a full gospel or revelation of Christ? NO, for in his preaching John the Baptist preached the gospel in bringing men to repentance and faith. That those upon repenting should look to Jesus Christ as Savior. See John 1:29

c) Does this show that John knew nothing about the baptizing work of Jesus Christ? NO, for John knew about the Holy Spirit, and preached that Jesus would baptize believers in the Holy Spirit."

"…. But he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost."

It is then clear that John the Baptist knew about and preached about the Holy Spirit.

5. Since Paul questioned their baptism, then that is where we need to look for our answer to this puzzle of identification of these certain disciples. Since John the Baptist could not have personally baptized them himself, they then must have been baptized by some who had been baptized by converts of John who had no authority from any New Testament Church to do so.

6. New Testament authority began with God and came through John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Jesus instituted but one organization, a local visible, New Testament Church and gave that Church authority through what we call the Great Commission. Authority does not come through baptism, no matter how Scriptural it may be. It comes through true churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is why these 12 men needed to be baptized. They were in fact NOT RE-BAPTIZED SINCE THEY DID NOT HAVE SCRIPTURAL BAPTISM IN THE FIRST PLACE. They were in truth, simply baptized.

7. This is where our Baptist name actually came from. Or that is, other than the fact of John the Baptist. When early churches refused the baptism of those coming into their churches, of other churches for various reasons, they were dubbed "ANABAPTISTS;" or Re-Baptizers. They of course never claimed to re-baptize since they regarded not the original baptism of these people as scriptural.

8. What were, and are, some of the reasons for rejecting baptism and practicing so-called re-baptism?

a) The baptism that was rejected was that of the Catholics; these New Testament Churches did not line up with the catholic because of some basic doctrinal differences.

b) Roman Catholics first rejected the authority of the local church and began to have bishops over several churches.

c) Roman Catholics began to practice "baptismal regeneration", that is, that one must be baptized in order to be saved.

d) d) Roman Catholics later began to immerse babies, and then changed the mode to sprinkling of infants for baptism.

e) e) Those (Baptists) who held to the New Testament apostolic faith could not accept the baptism of those who did it for the wrong reasons and then in using the wrong mode.

f) f) Then with the establishment of Popery, along with many other deviations from New Testament faith and Practice, by the Roman Church, the Baptists and Catholic had no fellowship upon Scriptural grounds.

9. 9. It was the Catholics who labeled them, who maintained a New Testament view of baptism, as "Anabaptists, or re-baptizers. This was simply because they refused to recognize the Catholic practice of baptism as scriptural. This is still true unto our day. It was sometime after the reformation that the "Ana" was dropped and we became known simply as "Baptists." Baptists down through the centuries were also known by a multitude of other names such as Novationists, Donatists, Albigenses, Waldenses, Bogomils, and many others, generally lumped together under the general name "Anabaptists." This is a fact of history!

10. 10. "When they heard this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus"-

The term "in the name of the Lord Jesus" is not a formula for baptism. It simply means, "in the authority of". If they had of been baptized by John the Baptist, there would be no need for re-baptism. Since they were not, they needed to come under the same authority that John and Jesus operated.

Dr. Gill states that Paul simply showed that John's baptism was in the name of the Lord Jesus. That these were not actually re-baptized, but instructed and then Paul laid hands on them.

This does not seem to me to be a proper view. I prefer to go along with the famed Baptist, Greek scholar, Dr. A.T. Robertson as follows:

{The name of the Lord Jesus} (to onoma ton kuriou ihsou). Apollos was not rebaptized. The twelve apostles were not rebaptized. Jesus received no other baptism than that of John. The point here is simply that these twelve men were grossly ignorant of the meaning of John's baptism as regards repentance, the Messiahship of Jesus, the Holy Spirit. Hence Paul had them baptized, not so much again, as really baptized this time, in the name or on the authority of the Lord Jesus as he had himself commanded (#Mt 28:19) and as was the universal apostolic custom. Proper understanding of "Jesus" involved all the rest including the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Luke does not give a formula, but simply explains that now these men had a proper object of faith (Jesus) and were now really baptized."

(A.T. Robertson- Robertson's New Testament Word Pictures.)

11. Vs 6-7 "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came upon them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."

Paul, in apostolic authority; this is not a practice carried out by other than apostles. The apostolic office ceased with the death of John, and most certainly is not carried on in that of Episcopal Bishops or Popery.

The practice of "laying on of hands" is carried out today by the elders of the churches in praying for the sick, and in the blessing of the Church upon the ordination of new elders and deacons.

"The Holy Ghost came on them"- as on the Day of Pentecost, thus identifying them with Spirit led churches, and anointing them for service unto the Lord.

"They spake with tongues and prophesied" - They spoke in foreign languages as did those on the Day of Pentecost. They also prophesied, spoke forth in prophetic utterance, the wonderful word of the Lord.

Dr. A.T. Robertson (ibid)

"The speaking with tongues and prophesying was external and indubitable proof that the Holy Spirit had come on these twelve uninformed disciples now fully won to the service of Jesus as Messiah."

The number of these men was about 12.

2. ENCOUNTER WITH DIVERS PERSONS: Vs 8-20

In these verses we see the real heart of the revival, which broke out in Ephesus, resulting in the conversion of many.

A. The Jews in the Synagogue: Vs 8-9

1. In going into the synagogue there in Ephesus, Paul was able to speak boldly for about three months. Here he taught concerning the kingdom of God.

2. Finally, when the men there hardened their hearts against the truth and refused to believe the gospel Paul preached; as well they spoke evil concerning the gospel to the multitudes. Paul then left the synagogue.

B. The School of Tyrannus: Vs 9-12

This was or at least became a Bible School as Paul ministered there for about two years.

1. Paul separated himself from the unbelieving and stubborn Jews and taking the disciples he had won to Christ with him, he departed to the school or lecture room of Tyrannus. Here he held daily lectures or studies (some suggest from ten until three in the afternoon.)

2. Paul continued his teaching here for about two years time. This enabled many people both Jews and Greeks from all parts of Asia Minor to hear the Word of the Lord Jesus.

3. God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul. Paul was granted the gift of miracles and healing. This was a special work of God, used to convince men of the authenticity of the gospel. As yet they had no New Testament and these spiritual gifts were still employed by the apostles.

4. Vs 12 -"So that handkerchiefs or aprons which had touched the skin of Paul were carried away and put upon the sick, and their diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them."

That this was an actual work of God we can have no doubt. That this is a usual method of spiritual healing, we cannot agree. It is never mentioned again. The twelve gifts of the Spirit mentioned by Paul in his letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 12) ceased with the completion of the Scriptures by 70 AD. These were apostolic gifts. The method of healing in New Testament Churches today is found in James 5:14 -

"Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord."

C. The Seven Sons of Sceva: Vs 13-17

1. Certain of the vagabond or traveling Jews that called themselves exorcists. The word vagabond used here means "traveling".

2. Some of these exorcists took it upon themselves to use the name of the Lord Jesus to exercise or cast out evil spirits (demons) as Paul had done.

3. The command they used to cast out the evil spirits was, "we adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth."

4. Among these exorcists was a man by the name of Sceva who had seven sons. Sceva was chief of the priests

who were exorcists. Vs 14

5. Vs 15 - "And the evil spirits answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are ye?"

I find this rather amusing as we see these men who had no regard for Jesus or Paul, trying to work within the authority that Paul was working. Concerning the spirits, we see that they were able to speak and that they knew Jesus and they as well knew the apostle Paul. These spirits were not about to pay attention to one who had no more authority than they did.

6. Vs 16 - Here we see the danger of working within an area that you know nothing, neither have authority to do so.

"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."

I would think that they never tried that again. Religion has no power over evil spirits. Satan cannot cast out Satan!

7. Vs 17 - This news soon was picked up by all of the Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus. The result was that "fear" or a holy respect for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the ministry of the apostle Paul was held by everyone in Ephesus. "The name of the Lord Jesus was magnified."

D. Confirmation of the Gospel: Vs 18-20

Proof of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ is found in the effect that it has upon the lives of those who are converted to Christ. Without personal conversion by the power of God through the gospel, the effect that we find here cannot fall in place. When Christ is magnified, or lifted up, He has promised to draw men unto Himself. Christ was magnified upon the cross and continues to be magnified as we lift him up as "Christ crucified and risen again."

1. Vs 18 - "And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds."

They came, not just to Paul, but also before the whole Church. Their act of confession was not a private thing to a minister. It was public, before the whole church. They displayed their deeds, things that they had done as part of their previous religion. They were making a clean break from their past sins, their previous religion, the fetishes or relics of their religion. They came forward and made a full and open confession of their former evil and deceptive practices.

2. Vs 19 - "And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds."

Many that had formerly practiced curious magical arts, collected their books and throwing them book after book upon the pile, burned them in the sight of everybody.

These were likely books of magic, horoscopes, astrology and such like.

3. The price of these books that were burned was estimated at 50 thousand pieces of silver or about $9,300.00 by today's exchange.

4. This brought about the blessing of God and revival, as we read -

Vs 20 - "So mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed."

5. What would happen today if those calling themselves Christians would bring all of the books which are false in doctrine and in some cases plain trash, along with all of the idols of religion, crucifixes, statues supposedly of saints, prayer beads (rosary) etc, etc., and put them in a pile and burn them. What a fire we would have!

However, such people would rather burn their Bibles than their idols.

CONCLUSION:

It took straight forward uncompromising preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ, to

bring about the revival here in Ephesus. Paul and the others held strictly to the Word of

God and did not compromise the truth.

We today can only know the same blessing as we follow the same path as Paul. It may

cause us problems with the world, but which is better, the blessing of the world or the

blessing of God.

Let us then be faithful to God's Word and ever seek to proclaim the good news of the

gospel of Jesus Christ. We too should expect a clean break from the world and those

things in which we were in bondage before.

Let us seek the Lord and take our stand today.

Sermon preached by Dr. D. Paul Tuck Sr.

Landmark Baptist Church, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada

Sunday morning, September 2^nd 2001.

LESSON THIRTY-ONE:

THE GOSPEL AND ITS OPPONENTS

(The truth is marching on!)

Acts 19:21-41

Text: Acts 19:23

"And the same time there arose no small stir about that way."

INTRODUCTION:

Paul's long stay at Ephesus and his strong preaching and teaching of the Word of God resulted in a revival in the city. This we have seen in our previous verses of this chapter. What we are about to see happening here in Ephesus is not new. Satan and those who ignorantly follow his ways do not like it when men are truly converted to Christ. The reason is that in doing so they become a new creation and take on a new life-style.

2 Corinthians 5:17

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

They no longer want or desire the things that the world uses to make them happy. They become more and more Christ centered, being free to serve the Lord and worship God in spirit and in truth.

What we see here is still being practiced today among so-called Christian religion. This will not be a popular message to some. The persecution may not be the same, but nevertheless it is there. Religion, no matter what form it dresses in, still opposes the churches of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the gospel of saving grace.

Opposition to the gospel is not new, we have seen it throughout our study of the Acts of the Apostles. Jesus promised that, "they that persecute me, would persecute you also." As we come closer to the end time and the coming of our Lord, there will be an increase in opposition to the gospel. In our day, there is a great falling away from the simplicity of the gospel of sovereign grace. It has become a gospel of works with emphasis placed upon "our faith" rather than upon the Person of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Liberalism, Pelagianism, Humanism and Arminianism are popular because they lift up man as his own Savior. These of course do not admit this, but the bottom line is the same. Man's ability to change the course of his own history. Perhaps that is true, but as long as he cannot deal with his own depravity, that change will only be for the worse, not the better.

And so in the course of presenting the truth that abounds only in Jesus Christ, we must as Paul "deal with beasts in Ephesus" - (1 Corinthians 15:32) and with the likes of Alexander the coppersmith and as seen in the text before us, Demetrius, a silversmith.

Following the success in Ephesus, Paul determined in his spirit to go to Jerusalem. Following this he planned to go and visit Rome. (Vs 21) He would do this by going first through Macedonia and Achaia. In preparation for this he sent two workers, Timothy and Erastus, on ahead to Macedonia. (Vs 22)

Paul himself stayed over in Asia (Ephesus) "for a little season" or a little while longer.

This no doubt was Providential as he was able to help the Christians there to defend themselves against the opponents of the gospel and persecutors of the Lord's Churches. Let us now look to the text before us.

1. DEMETRIUS THE SILVERSMITH: Vs 24-28

The name of Demetrius is found three times in the New Testament. The meaning of this name is "belonging to Demeter." The occasion of this first Demetrius (the silversmith) was about 57 AD.

Acts 19:24

"For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;"

Acts 19:38

"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."

3 John 1:12

"Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true."

This latter Demetrius is not the same man, as the silversmith, but a Christian disciple whom John mentions about AD 90.

A. Religious Troublemakers: Vs 24-27

1. Demetrius the silversmith was so-called because of his craft. He made small replicas or shrines used for worship of the Temple of the goddess Diana.

2. Demetrius and a number of other like-craftsmen made their living in making these shrines, which were sold and used in worship.

3. With the revival of Christianity in Ephesus, those newly born again believers gave up their idolatrous ways of worship to follow Christ and worship Him. This of course interfered with the livelihood of the craftsmen.

4. This trade still makes millions for similar craftsmen in our day who make religious relics used in pagan style idolatrous worship. The statues of Christ, of saints, as well as prayer beads and other images are used in religious practice today contravening the commandments of God. This indeed is idolatry!

5. This was the lively-hood of these craftsmen whom Demetrius unionized and put against Paul and the Ephesian Church. They stirred up opposition to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which Paul and the others preached.

The basis of his complaint was threefold:

a) Our craft is in danger. We will lose our income.

b) The Temple of the great goddess Diana will be despised.

c) The magnificence of Diana herself will be ruined.

So with this three-pronged satanic pitchfork he went after Paul and the Christians in the Ephesian Church.

B. Religion and their gods: Vs 28

"And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians."

1. Who is this Diana to whom they built such a great temple in Ephesus?

"This Latin word, properly denoting a Roman divinity, is representative of the Greek Artemis, the tutelary goddess of the Ephesians, who plays so important a part in the narrative of Acts 19. The Ephesian Diana was, however, regarded as invested with very different attributes, and is rather to be identified with Astarte and other female divinities of the east. The head wore a mural crown, each hand held a bar of metal, and the lower part ended in a rude block covered with figures of animals and mystic inscriptions. This idol was regarded as an object of peculiar sanctity, and was believed to have fallen down from heaven. (Acts 19:35).

(Peloubet's Bible Dictionary.)

There was much in this idolatrous worship of Diana that resembled the worship of Artemis and as such is associated with the gods of ancient Babylon.

2. Religious practice today incorporates many of the components of this

ancient idolatry into a modern worship of the Virgin Mary and the use of feminist terms in reference to God. This is not new but comes from the evils of Babylon and is to be found in the New Testament first in Ephesus and later recognized in the seventeenth chapter of Revelation.

"1 ¶ And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

7 ¶ And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.

8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth."

As the God of creation had many elect to bring out of this idolatrous worship in Ephesus. Even so, there are some of his elect in this religious confusion today that God would call out in separation.

Revelation 18:4

"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."

This style and manner of worship is as wrong and idolatrous today as it was in Paul's time, and when Moses brought the Ten Commandments down from Mount Sinai.

Exodus 20:23

"Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold."

Colossians 3:5

"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness which is idolatry."

Biblical Christianity is the only religion that is built upon a Person and not a set of rules and regulations.

2. DRAWING TOGETHER OF THE SPIRIT OF BABYLON: Vs 29-34

The word Babylon means "confusion" and here in Ephesus we see not only the Babylonian practice of idolatry, but also the confusion that came from it.

"And the whole city was filled with confusion:"

A. Religious Intolerance: Vs 29

1. Cultural, racial and religious intolerance is not something new. It was not new when it raised its ugly head in Ephesus and it is not new when we find it in the cities and towns of our so-called civilized society today.

2. The basis of intolerance is ignorance and confusion as it was here. It is not enough to have laws protecting and proclaiming religious freedom. You cannot legislate the hearts of depraved humanity. People must have a spiritual birth to be spiritually open and alive.

Baptists have been persecuted from the time of Jesus and John. It has been Baptist doctrine that provided the basis for religious freedom in Canada and America. Baptists reserve the right of any man to worship (or not to worship) God according to the dictates of his own conscience. This does not mean we agree with every whim of doctrinal nonsense that is preached. We do not for example, agree with the doctrines of Jehovah Witnesses, but if we hold true to our own doctrines, we will fight for their right to believe and preach what they themselves believe to be true.

There was no such law in place that day in Ephesus although it was in place to some extent within the law of the Roman kingdom. Again, it takes more than legislation to correct the sin found in the depraved hearts of mankind.

3. "And having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre." It is amazing the unity that can be found when wrong is being done! The confusion of the city was united in their opposition to the gospel that Paul was preaching.

C. Reality of Providence: Vs 30-31

1. Paul was about to enter the theatre, but the other Christians told him not to because of the mob that awaited him.

2. Certain leaders of Asia who were friends of Paul sent for him and said that they would not advise him to enter the theatre. Paul no doubt took this as an act of Providence, for he was usually not afraid of any mob. He had much experience along this line from previous places where he had ministered.

D. Religious Contention and Confusion: Vs 32-34

1. The outcry of the crowd clearly showed the confusion and disorganization of the opponents of Paul. This was a gathering without a proper reason and clear purpose.

2. The Jews pushed Alexander out from the crowd. Alexander was well prepared to make his defense, until he was recognized by the crowd as a Jew.

Of Alexander, Dr. John Gill (ibid) has this to say:

"Ver. 33. And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, &c.] Or "some of the multitude brought forth Alexander"; into the theatre, in order to kill him, by casting him to the wild beasts. Some think this is the same with Alexander the coppersmith, who apostatized upon this danger he was exposed to, and became a blasphemer, and a great enemy of the apostle, and did him much evil, #1Ti 1:20, 2Ti 4:14. This man, though his name was a Greek name, yet was a Jew, as is expressed in #Ac 19:34 and from the times of Alexander the great, who was at Jerusalem, this name became common among the Jews;

- and Alexander beckoned with the hand; for silence, that he might be heard: and would have made his defense unto the people; which looks as if he was a Christian, or at least was charged with being one, and was in danger of his life on that account; and therefore was desirous of being heard, that he might make an apology for the Christians, or remove such an imputation from himself, if he was not."

3. Seeing then that Alexander was a Jew, the Gentile crowd began to shout out, "great is Diana of the Ephesians." This took place for about two hours.

The Christians therefore had to contend not only with the pagan Gentiles, but with the religious Jews as well.

3. DELIBERATION OF THE TOWN CLERK: Vs 35-41

"And when the town clerk 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?"

The town clerk was not such as we know today by this name. He was a high official likely responsible for registration of those who used the theatre. John Gill says that he likely was the one to register the conquerors names and their rewards in the theatre.

The word appeased, means "caused them to cease their loud outcry."

A. Appeasement of the People: Vs 35

1. The town clerk quieted the crowd down. Most likely because either they recognized his authority, or they actually wanted to hear someone speak.

2. His address was to the men of Ephesus for even though the crowd included Christians, Jews, and for the most part followers of Diana, the direction of his speech was spoken in general terms. The entire crowd was Ephesian regardless of their religion. He therefore used the most common denominator in addressing the crowd.

B. Appeal to the People Vs 35-41

1. The first step in his appeal to the people was in the form of a question. This of course would make them think and involve them in the reasoning process in a more controlled fashion.

2. Is there anyone among you who does not know that the city of Ephesus is a worshipper of the great Goddess Diana? This appealed to the heart and mind of the crowd, being they were mostly all worshippers of Diana.

3. "And of the image that fell down from Jupiter" -

Dr. John Gill says -(ibid)

"and of the image which fell down from Jupiter; or "of Diopetes"; so the Palladium, or image of Pallas, was called, because it was supposed to fall down from heaven, which Diomedes and Ulysses are said to take away from Troy; and here it seems to be something distinct from the goddess Diana, and her image, and may design another deity worshipped along with her, and by them, since they make mention of more gods, #Ac 19:26. The Vulgate Latin version takes it to be the same with Diana, reading the words in connection with the preceding, "and the offspring of Jupiter"; she being said to be his daughter by Latona, as before observed; and the Ethiopic version understands it of her image, rendering them thus, "and of that molten image which was sent from Jupiter the great god"; and more expressly the Syriac version, which reads, "and of her image which fell from heaven"; and so was not made with the hands of men, and could not be objected to on that account, or denied to be a deity; and this the people might be the rather induced to believe, since it had been in the temple before the memory of any man. The Arabic version, reading these words in connection with the beginning of the next verse, gives a very different sense, "but neither indeed they that fell from heaven contradict the faith of this thing"; as if it was to be understood of the fallen angels, of which it can hardly be thought Demetrius had any knowledge. This image, Pliny says {c}, it was doubted of what it was made; some said of the vine tree, others of ebony; but Athenagoras says, the old image of Diana of the Ephesians was made of olive {d}."

4. Having made this statement the town clerk gave them something to reason about. -

Vs 36 - "Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly."

Do not do something you may regret since almost everyone here for the most part are of the same persuasion as you are.

His further reasoning:

a) You have brought in these men who are neither robbers of churches, or yet blasphemers of your goddess (Vs 37). The word "churches" ought to be rendered "temples". (Especially of the Temple of Diana.)

b) If Demetrius and the craftsmen with him had any charge against any man, the law was open or available for them to lay it. There are deputies (proconsuls) that they may go to and make any charge.

"let them implead one another" - Let them bring charges against one another legally (Vs 38.)

c) If you require or need to know anything further about this matter, or any other matter, it ought to be done in a regular assembly (Vs 39.)

d) For we are in danger here of being called in question or to render an account for today's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account or justify this uproar (Vs 40.)

5. Vs 41 - When he had finished saying all of this, he dismissed the crowd having defused the riot that was about to get out of hand. So at least for the time being, Demetrius was defeated, and the Christians with the message of the gospel were free to continue another day. Satan was here dealt a blow in his battle against Jesus Christ. The religious leaders were held in check, and Paul would move on in his ministry.

CONCLUSION:

The Holy Spirit no doubt records this for us so that we might see how the Lord can even use an unregenerate official (or anybody) to protect God's people and carry out His will. Paul was safe, since he did not enter the theatre. The other Christians were safe as the threat against the Ephesian goddess appeared to be taken out of the way.

The way was opened for the continuation of the gospel preaching and the blessing of the Lord's Church in Ephesus.

So Paul could later write to the Ephesian Church and say:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3.)

Have you entered into these blessings? You start by making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior.

Let us be encouraged by the lives of these who have paved the way before us.

Sermon preached by Dr. D. Paul Tuck Sr.

Landmark Baptist Church, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada

Sunday morning, September 9^th 2001.

LESSON THIRTY-TWO:

BACK TO MACEDONIA AND GREECE

(A Continued Journey in Evangelism)

Scripture: Acts 20:1-15

Text: 1 Corinthians 16:5-9

"Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries."

(CF 2 Corinthians 1:15-16)

INTRODUCTION:

In Paul's letters to the Corinthians we can verify that he did in fact on his third missionary journey go through these places enroute to Jerusalem. It is interesting to see how the Holy Spirit led him, sometimes through great trials and then at other times to avoid great danger, even to his life.

The hymn writer, G.A. Young wrote:

God leads his dear children along.

"Some thro the waters, some thro the flood,

Some thro the fire, but all thro the blood;

Some thro great sorrow, but God gives a song,

In the night season and all the day long."

Let us not then be discouraged, but ever ready to follow on in our Pilgrim journey, under the leadership of Him who knows what He is doing and makes no mistakes.

So with Paul and his friends we go onward to Macedonia and Greece.

1. DEPARTING ON THE JOURNEY: Vs 1-3

A. Relinquishing Old Ties: Vs 1

1. Following times of difficulty and turmoil it is good to have some steady reliable friends around.

2. The exact time element here is not shown but appears not to be long.

There no doubt was some time of sharing and looking back over the previous problems. This can be healthy if not done in a negative fashion.

3. Having spent several years in evangelism and traveled as a speaker, it is always hard to say goodbye. It is human nature to want to be attached, but good missionaries and evangelists need to learn how to detach themselves and move on when the Holy Spirit so leads. The "embracing," keeps a part of that connection still in place. We will meet again if never here, in the presence of the Lord Himself. This shows the closeness of those who work together in the service of the Lord.

4. "And departed," the immediate breaking of connection as they move on to Macedonia. Again this is hard humanly speaking. I have passed through this experience many times especially in recent years in departing from place to place and then finally having to leave my beloved Philippines.

This would also be an emotional time for pastors who said farewell to a congregation before either moving on to another, or going into retirement.

B. Reunion with Old Friends: Vs 2-3

1. “We," here would include Luke the writer of the Acts of the Apostles.

2. They first traveled over Macedonia, no doubt stopping in every place along the way long enough to "give much exhortation."

3. The word "exhortation" means to warn, console, to urge, strengthen and encourage." This is the root meaning of the word "confirmation."

This is not a rite nor has it any sacramental meaning. It comes through teaching, not the laying of empty hands on empty heads.

2. ACCOMPANIMENT ON THE JOURNEY: Vs 4-6

A. For Preparation:

1. God never gave man a go-it-alone policy. Moses was given helpers to hold up his arms; Jesus had basically 12 disciples whom he named apostles; Jesus sent disciples out two-by-two; Paul had many co-workers, among whom were at least 21 women.

2. These mentioned went with Paul into Asia (Minor); Sopater - according to Peloubet's Bible Dictionary, was a son of Pyrrhus of Berea (AD 57).

3. From Thessalonica there were Aristarchus -who later accompanied Paul to Rome (27:2) and is mentioned as Paul's fellow prisoner in Colossians 4:10 and Philemon vs 24. Tradition makes him bishop (pastor) at Apamea which was a Greek/Roman city linking the Mediterranean coast with Syria (South-east of Antioch.)

Secundus is a Roman name but is said to have been born in Macedonia, in the city of Thessalonica. He accompanied Paul to Europe and that is all we know about him.

How many today are little known or heard of, but are vital to the work of evangelism and the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You do not have to be well known to be important to God's work or your church.

4. Gais of Derbe: This is a different Gais than we read of in Acts 19:29 who is there called a Macedonian. This Gais is from Derbe in Asia Minor. Is this the Gais that John addresses his third epistle to? This is highly unlikely since John is writing some 30-40 years later. So the name Gais is used of at least three different men in the New Testament. (See John Gill-Expositor.)

5. Timotheous is Timothy, Paul's son in the faith to whom Paul addresses two of his epistles.

6. "And of Asia, Tychicus" -There is much probability that Tychicus and Trophimus were the two brethren associated with Titus in conducting the business of taking up the collection among the churches for the poor saints at Jerusalem. (See 2 Corinthians 8:16-24.)

7. "And Trophimus" - associated with Tychicus and accompanied Paul beyond Ephesus to Jerusalem. (See Acts 21:27-29.) Trophimus was a Gentile native of Ephesus.

8. These men went ahead and waited for Paul at Troas. The use of the word "us" would here include Luke the writer of the Acts of the Apostles.

9. We then see here that Paul's team of co-workers consisted of quite an international group of men, Jews, Romans, Greeks, Macedonians, and those of Asia Minor as well.

B. From Philippi: Vs 6

1. "And we sailed away from Philippi" - This would take them across the Aegean Sea to the port city of Troas in Asia Minor. This is part of the modern day country of Turkey.

2. The time they left was "after the days of unleavened bread."

John Gill has this to say concerning this verse:

"After the days of unleavened bread; or the passover; which is mentioned only to observe the time of year when this voyage was taken; and not to suggest to us that Paul and his company stayed at Philippi, and kept this feast there; for the passover was only kept at Jerusalem, and besides was now abolished, and not to be observed by Christians:"

3. It took them five days but they finally reached Troas where they joined those who had gone on ahead of them. They stayed seven days in Troas.

3. OPPORTUNITY ON THE WAY: Vs 7-15

A. Falling Asleep In Church: Vs 7-12

1. On the first day of the week (Sunday) the disciples came together to break bread.

a) Here is further proof that Sunday became the main day of worship for the Christian Churches.

b) The disciples or the Church at Troas (see Gill-ibid) the local Body of Christ meeting there.

c) To break bread - or to keep the Lord's Supper. (Acts 2:42,46;

1 Corinthians 10:16 and 11:20.)

d) "Paul preached unto them" - This was apparently all part of the same gathering or service.

2. Paul's preaching apparently was due to the fact that he was prepared to leave Troas the next day.

3. He "continued his speech or sermon until midnight."

It is generally thought that Paul here was a bit long winded. That may be true as to the length of his message, but we do not know the time that he actually started. The lateness of the hour could well be more because of their planned departure the next day.

4. Vs 8 - "There were many lights or torches in the upper chamber where they gathered (churched or assembled) themselves together.

5. Vs 9 - "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."

Some things we can learn from this verse:

a) It is dangerous to sit in a window while listening to a sermon.

b) It can be deadly to fall asleep in church.

c) If preachers are long winded, they better be able to raise the dead!

d) It was probably not the sermon that killed him, nor the fall, but the sudden stop.

e) His name, Eutychus, is Greek, which signifies, one of good fortune. (His good fortune was that Paul was there and had the gift of miracles.)

(And who says there is no humor in the Bible?)

Eutychus: (Here is some of Dr. John Gill's note on this verse -ibid)

being fallen into a deep sleep; which may be accounted for without aggravating the case; as from his youth, he was a young man, and so more subject to sleep, and more easily overcome with it, than persons in years, by reason of the humors of the body which incline to it; and also from the length of service, and the lateness of the season of the night, all which contributed to bring on this deep sleep: it can hardly be thought that he purposely composed himself to sleep, for had he, he would never have chose so dangerous a place to sit in as a window, and that at so great an height from the ground; but this sleep seemed to come upon him at an unawares; what hand so ever Satan might have in it, with a view to the young man's hurt, both as to soul and body, and to bring reproach and scandal upon the church, and the Gospel, it seems evident that the providence of God was in it, and which overruled it for a good end, even the greater confirmation of the Gospel, and very probably for the spiritual good of the young man."

6. Vs 10 - "And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him."

Liberals would say that "they thought that he was dead" but the text does not allow for that. Falling from the third floor of the building, he was dead. His life was restored only after Paul fell upon him and by apostolic miracle restored him to life again.

7. Vs 11 - Paul then returned to the third floor chamber where he continued to talk with the church, even until dawn.

"So he departed" - Probably not immediately to the ship, but to get some rest before his departure from Troas.

This remains to this day, the life of a missionary as we seek to proclaim the Word of God and exhort believers.

8. Vs 12 - "And they brought the young man alive and were not a little comforted."

The comfort was two-fold, first for the life of the young man, and secondly for the testimony of the church and gospel of Jesus Christ.

B. Onward to Miletus: Vs 13-15

1. "And we went before to ship" - Luke now goes with the others by ship, leaving Paul to go overland (by foot.) They left Troas and sailed unto Assos (an island south of Troas.) Here they intended as Paul had directed, to take him on board. Why Paul wanted to go overland is not stated, but it may have been that Paul wanted to meet with others or just wanted the quiet of an overland journey or get alone with the Lord for a while. Nothing is said in Scripture about the cost of traveling, but it is almost certain these journeys were not free. He may have wanted to save some money.

2. Vs 14 - "And when he had met with us at Assos, we took him in and came to Mitylene." This is another island continuing south along the Asian coast of the Aegean Sea.

3. Vs 15 - "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."

They came by Chilos but (said to be a three days sailing journey from Mitylene) it does not appear that they stopped there. At Samos they sailed into the inlet and tarried at Trogyllium. The following day they arrived at Miletus, once the chief city of Ionia. Concerning Miletus, it was close to Ephesus, but apparently there was no form of Christianity there until the fifth century.

4. There does not appear to have been any preaching in any of these places as they stuck with the ship route and timetable. Paul according to verse sixteen was determined to sail by Ephesus (or close to it as it was not a seaport itself) enroute to Jerusalem.

5. Nothing is here said, but the rigors of travel are quite apparent even in our day, and moreso when they depended upon the wind to empower the ships. It does not appear that they received much rest as they journeyed onward. So is the life of the missionary, ministers of the gospel who would be obedient to the commission given to the churches by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

CONCLUSION:

With limited transportation, no electronic gadgets and much opposition, new churches were established and those already in the way were brought on the way by the exhortation of this great apostle to the Gentiles. What sacrifice are we prepared to make in our obedience to our Lord's command? How far are we willing to go in order that others might hear the good news about Jesus? For most of us, it just means a gospel tract, a little word here or there, a bit of a personal testimony of our own salvation, and the support of the ministry of the Lord's church.

Oh how we ought to remember the pit from whence we too have been dug! Oh how we ought to want to share the joy we found when we were first saved!

Sermon preached by Dr. D. Paul Tuck Sr.

Landmark Baptist Church, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada;

Sunday morning, September 23^rd 2001

LESSON THIRTY-THREE:

PAUL'S EXHORTATION TO ELDERS

Scripture: Acts 20:16-38

Text: Acts 20:28

"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."

INTRODUCTION:

"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."

Paul's plan was to not stay in Asia for he hurried wanting to get to Jerusalem by Pentecost. (Vs 16.) Perhaps he knew that if he were to go up to Ephesus, he would be delayed by the many needs and demands of a growing church.

Therefore, from Miletus he sent word to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church to come and meet with him there. (Vs 17.)

What was the hurry for Paul to get to Jerusalem in time for Pentecost? He was not going in order to keep a Jewish religious day. Paul being away so long, had long time ceased in any such Jewish practice. On Pentecost there would be a large crowd from all over the then known world. He would have a golden opportunity to preach the gospel to the Jews assembled there.

Now he must first deal with the elders of the Ephesian Church. The work was no doubt larger now as warranting a plurality of elders. Perhaps as was no doubt the case in Rome, there were several churches congregated throughout the city. (Romans 16:16.)

And so here in Miletus there was a "Preachers Fellowship" under the ministry of the apostle Paul.

1. PAST TESTIMONY: Vs 18-21

A. Knowledge of His Ministry: Vs 18-20

1. Since the first time that Paul came to them in the continent of Asia, he was with them in all seasons. The word seasons here means "how I continued after my arrival." Paul continued with them in every circumstance.

2. His manner of service is shown in his words to that effect.

a) With all humility of mind.

b) With many tears.

c) With many temptations.

d) I withheld nothing that was profitable to you.

e) I showed you the way, and taught you both publicly and from house to house.

B. Knowledge of His Doctrine: Vs 21

1. Paul's declaration (testimony) was to the Jews and Gentiles. He was not a respecter of persons, but declared his message to all men. The gospel is to be preached to everyone. (Mark 16:15.)

2. Hyper-Calvinism or Hardshellism is wrong; the preaching of the gospel is not to be limited to the elect, since we do not know who the elect are in the first place. Secondly, the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to them that believe; but it is a noose around the neck of the non-elect. However, that is their choice, not the preachers. While the Bible clearly teaches the absolute sovereignty of God in the salvation of sinners, it also clearly teaches the doctrine of human responsibility. (See John 6:37)

3. "Repentance towards God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" - Sin is an offense against a holy God. All men in and through Adam are constituted sinners first and practicing sinners secondly. We do not sin to become sinners; rather we sin because we are sinners. That is what Paul meant when he wrote to the Romans. -

Romans 5:12

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned."

Romans 5:19

"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."

4. Repentance and faith is the basic need of human responsibility. Yet it is a gift of God, since the dead sinner is incapable of either repenting or believing apart from the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. We will look at this briefly in a minute, but first let me give a definition of both repentance and faith. -

Repentance is to have a change of heart and mind about our sin and the breaking of God's law, resulting in a change of direction. We are not only to be sorry for our sin but ready and willing to actually change our direction as to the practice of it. (This does not mean we will never sin, as repentance is an ongoing gift of God.)

Bible faith is the God given ability to believe, trust in and rely upon Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

"F-A-I-TH" - Forwarding all in THEE!

Repentance and faith is necessary to our salvation, and is granted to us as a result of God's in-working in our hearts. Neither of these is found within a sinner apart from the in-working of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 5:31

"Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins."

Acts 11:18

"When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life."

Acts 26:20

"But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance."

Romans 2:4

"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"

2 Corinthians 7:10

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."

2 Timothy 2:25

"In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;"

Concerning the Biblical use of the word "faith" we read -

Acts 26:18

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."

Romans 10:17

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Ephesians 2:8

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"

Hebrews 12:2

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

2. PRESENT STANDING IN GOD: Vs 22-27

A. Bound in the Spirit: Vs 22-23

1. Paul's determination is based upon what he feels to be the leadership of the Holy Spirit. If this were just Paul's desire and his own spirit, he would not use this term. The details are not given here, but Paul felt the Holy Spirit leading him towards Jerusalem and perhaps by this point, if not a little later, to still onward to Rome. Cf Acts 19:21

2. Paul at this point did not know the things that lay ahead for him in Jerusalem. The rhetoric suggests that he did not to say the least, expect an easy road ahead.

3. This is the determination we today need as Paul set this example to the elders of Ephesus. Paul was not going to be sidetracked from the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We today need to be so "bound in the Spirit" with regards to the Lord's work. (See 1 Thessalonians 3:3)

4. How it was related to Paul that trouble lay ahead for him in Jerusalem, is not certain? Agabas the prophet related this to him on at least one occasion, but it does not appear that he had been traveling with Paul. Were there others with a prophetic gift? Perhaps Paul, as an apostle received special revelation concerning this? We should not attempt to build a doctrine simply upon conjecture.

5. However it was that Paul received this information, "the Holy Spirit witnessed it to him in every city." (Vs 23)

6. "Bonds and afflictions" - this means imprisonment and suffering. The question for us is, would we continue to serve the Lord if we knew for certain that this sort of thing lay ahead of us? Or would we change our religion?

B. Betrothed to His Course: Vs 24-27

1. "But none of these things moved me" - I am not allowing them to keep me back or to get me sidetracked from what I need to do. The threat of terrorism, of physical harm should not deter us from the ministry God has given us.

2. "Neither count I my life dear unto myself" - Paul's life was surrendered to God and he did not allow himself to surrender to such things as would keep him from reaching his goal. This is indeed a tremendous testimony and a great example to the elders, as well as to us today.

3. Paul indeed put the kingdom of God first in his life. (Matthew 6:33.)

4. "So that I might finish my course with joy" Some finish the course all burned out. Paul wanted to finish what he started out to do, and to do it joyfully.

Paul would later write to young Timothy, his son in the faith -

2 Timothy 4:7

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

What would we write? Would it be that we became depressed and quit? May God grant us the strength and courage to keep on until the end?

5. "The ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus"- The work Christ has given us to do. Whom God calls, he enables.

6. That ministry Paul says is to bring testimony of the gospel of the grace of God.

Paul had the marks of battle in his body, the evidence of a hard fight for the cause of God and truth.

Let us keep up the good fight of faith; the victory is the Lord's.

7 Paul testifies that those to whom he had preached the kingdom of God would see his face no more. Paul perhaps knew that he would not be back their way any more.

8. Paul had a good testimony of a race well run. He was able to say, "I am pure from the blood of all men." (Vs 26.)

When you look at your hands in the light of your own faithfulness; can you say that?

9. Vs 27 - "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God."

Paul did not play his guitar on one string, but used all cords. He preached the Word of God fully, wherever he was.

3. PRIORITY OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY: Vs 28-38

A. The Purchased Church: Vs 28

1. Paul, in light of his own faithfulness and full ministry, exhorts the elders to also be faithful.

2. "Take heed unto yourselves" - Watch your step and keep true to the faith.

3. Keep faithful to the flock (sheep) over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers (bishops and guardians). These elders are bishops or pastors of God's sheep. God does not have goats, but sheep.

This is not the modern idea of a bishop over an area, but the New Testament idea of a pastor over each local church. Some larger churches would have a plurality of elders or bishops.

4. To feed the flock - Shepherds feed the sheep, the sheep produce lambs.

Some pastors fleece the sheep and scatter them.

5. The flock is the Church of God, their local New Testament Churches.

6. The reason that they need to give attention to the flock is, that the Lord Jesus Christ has purchased (redeemed) the Church of God with his own blood.

Ephesians 1:7

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace."

Ephesians 1:14

"Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."

Colossians 1:14

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins."

Hebrews 9:12

"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us."

1 Peter 1:19

"But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."

Revelation 5:9

"And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation."

The "us" that are redeemed is those elect and predestined before the foundation of the world, effectually called by the Holy Spirit to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

(See Ephesians 1:4-14; Ephesians 2:1-10)

B. The Powerful Enemy: Vs 29-32

1. Vs 29 - "For I know this that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock."

2. Paul most certainly would be moving on but he entrusted the flock to these newer and younger shepherds. His warning concerned the wolves that would seek to destroy the churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pastors ever need to stand on guard against the demons of hell that would gobble up the sheep. False teachers with malicious doctrines would seek to lead the flock astray.

Historically, this is exactly what took place in Ephesus and all of Asia Minor.

3. Vs 30 - "Also, of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them."

One of the hardest things in the Christian ministry is to see young men come up from the ranks of our churches and split the work, drawing folk away after them into false doctrines. These are the Alexander Campbell's and Daniel Parker's of our more modern times. Not to forget the Charismatic leaders, the Joseph Smiths and Herbert Armstrong's, who teach perverse things concerning the faith that is in Jesus Christ.

4. Vs 31 - Paul tells them to do two things here -

a) Watch - keep your eyes open and on the sheep.

b) Remember – Paul says, “Keep in memory my own ministry.”

"I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears"

Paul did this for three years of ministry among them.

Oh how easy it is to get sidetracked and make shipwreck of the faith.

1 Corinthians 9:27

"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (rendered worthless or useless to the ministry.)

2 Corinthians 13:5

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves, Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates."

2 Peter 1:10

"Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things ye shall never fall."

5. Vs 32 - Paul's exhortation is about to wind up -

a) Now brethren I commend you to God. I leave you in God's hands and to providential care.

b) "To the word of His grace" - God's word and grace is the foundation of our faith. One should never stray from these. They are the commands, counsels, and promises of his unmerited favor.

d) The word of His grace is that which builds us up, strong in the faith, and brings us into our rightful inheritance among God's sanctified (set apart) ones. Those who are purified, consecrated and transformed of soul. This is the action of sovereign grace.

C. The Purpose of our Calling Vs 33-38

1. Vs 33 -" I coveted no mans silver, gold or costly garments." Paul was

not in it for the money. He had no price tag on his services, as many preachers ever so wrongly do today.

2. Vs 34 - Paul testified that when it was needful, he worked with his own hands in secular work, not only for himself, but also for those who labored with him. Paul worked for his necessities, not for things he did not need.

Acts 18:3

"And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought; for by their occupation they were tentmakers."

1 Corinthians 4:12

"And labor, working with our own hands:"

1 Thessalonians 2:9

"For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail; for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God."

2 Thessalonians 3:8

"Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you."

Our calling is to get the gospel out to the world about us, not to see how rich we might become. To do otherwise is to cheapen the gospel and be disobedient to the call of God and ministry of Christ.

3. Vs 35 - Our calling according to Paul's example is that in and through our laboring we ought to support the weak, those who are sick and disabled. (All others ought to work.)

Remembering the words of our Lord Jesus - "It is more blessed to give than to receive.

This exact phrase is not recorded in the gospels, unless Paul was in a general sense referring to Luke 6:38 -

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

Paul had studied much and possibly heard this from the other apostles.

4. Vs 36- "And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all."

When Paul had finished his words of exhortation he knelt down there where he was and led them all in prayer to God.

5. Vs 37 - "They all wept sore (freely) and fell on Paul's neck (threw their arms around him) and kissed him (fervently and repeatedly."

How sad, even though we know we will meet again at Jesus feet, to have to say goodbye to our loved ones. What greater loved ones than those who work with us in the Lord!

6. Vs 38 - They were especially distressed to hear Paul say that they would not see him again. So they accompanied him to the ship.

CONCLUSION:

There are none so close, or blessed as they which labor together in the Christian ministry.

We do not use the terms "brother and sister" in vain. All of those saved, born again souls are part of the family of God. From those that are in Christ's New Testament Church Jesus will choose His bride. This is the reward of the faithful, who proudly wear the garments of His righteousness. (not His holiness.)

And you my friend? Where do you stand in relationship to the work of Christ through His New Testament Church? Where would you be if you were there on the beach with Paul and the Ephesian elders? Where do you stand today in relationship to God's call and the gifts he so graciously entrusted you with? In comparing our Christianity, perhaps we need to rededicate our hearts and lives to Him?

Sermon preached by Dr. D. Paul Tuck Sr.

Landmark Baptist Church, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada.

Sunday morning, September 30^th 2001.

END OF VOLUME THREE