The Acts of the Apostles #48: Trouble in Ephesus Acts 19:21-41. At the end of two years based in the city of Ephesus, Paul is considering moving on, v21. It is entirely possible that the reference to the spirit here is a reference to the guidance of the Holy […]
Acts of the Apostles
The work of the Spirit in Ephesus, Pt2
Sermon notes continued…. III THE BASIS OF A BOLD, SEPARATED STAND FOR GOD IN THE CITY. Cp v8-14. Small nucleus. From these few clean, empowered souls begins a great work of God. What a difference even a few Spirit-filled men can make! Witness among the Jews, v8. For 3 months […]
The work of the Spirit in Ephesus
Paul’s third missionary journey involved an initial return visit to the areas identified in 18:23. He had however, on his previous visit to Ephesus, promised to return. Now he does so and finds what he soon describes in 1Cor 16:9—a great door and effectual is opened unto me and there […]
Paul’s vow, return to Antioch, Apollos learns a lesson
Paul remains in Corinth for some time longer and then begins the homeward leg of his second great missionary journey. That journey will take him through Ephesus and eventually back to Antioch where he had begun. The record intensifies the emphasis on Paul’s constant gospel activity. How busy […]
Indifference to the things of God
Once more Paul becomes the target for opposition. A familiar pattern develops, v12-13, as the local Jewish religious leaders launch legal action against him before Gallio, a senior representative of the government in that Greek province. He held his position under the Roman authorities. As the situation unfolds it becomes […]
Finding support in the work of God
Paul at Corinth Acts 18:1-11 Paul moves on from Athens to another leading Grecian city—Corinth. What a centre for sin it had become at this time. At the cross-roads of the trading empires of the world it was proverbial for licentious living and wickedness. Paul came here alone. He is […]
Paul in Athens
Paul had been obliged to leave Berea because of the opposition stirred up against him there. He had come to Athens and was waiting there until Silas and Timothy could join him to continue there missionary travels. I STIRRED TO PREACH. Burdened by the sight of idolatry, v16. The impact […]
The Bereans
After a short stay at Thessalonica Paul moves on 20-30 miles to Berea. His move is occasioned by the violent opposition to the gospel stirred up in Thessalonica. The real danger he and Silas faced can be seen in the need to escape under cover of darkness, v10. Yet, […]
The habits of the man who will turn the world upside down
Paul and Silas continue their missionary labours and move on to the city of Thessalonica. He stays here only a short time—just three Sabbath days, Yet in the course of such a short time, a church is founded. I A MAN OF HABIT. Paul’s ministry involved the habitual practices […]
The Philippian jailer’s conversion
The opposition that Paul and Silas faced in Philippi climaxes in their imprisonment. Such was the furor that was stirred by the masters of the girl delivered from the power of Satan, that they were hastily bundled into a prison cell, having first been beaten. Cp v22-23. Yet God […]