This is actually the lesson from last Wednesday, I've been busy and haven't had time to post the it. There wasn't a lesson last night because I was hosting a community youth revival and the youth were there . You can check out it's website at unifiedyouth.org.
The Jerusalem Council
(50 A.D.)
During Paul’s first missionary journey, He saw that God “opened a door of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts 14:27)
· Sergius Paulus Acts13:6-12
· Gentiles in Antioch of Pisidia Acts 13:42-49
· Greeks at Iconium Acts 14:1
It didn’t take long before questions arose about Gentiles in the church.
· Should they convert to Judaism first?
· Should they be circumcised?
· Should they keep the Law of Moses?
After two years at Antioch Paul and Barnabas were faced with a crisis!
I. THE PROBLEM IN ANTIOCH OF SYRIA
Acts 15:1 Some men came down from Judea and began to teach the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom prescribed by Moses, you cannot be saved!"
Imagine you belong to the church and all of a sudden some men come in and tell you that you aren’t really saved and that you have to go through a whole bunch of ceremonies and rituals to become accepted by Jews then go through a painful surgery.
What would you think ?
How Would you feel?
Then Paul and Barnabas come to your defense.
Acts 15:2 But after Paul and Barnabas had engaged them in serious argument and debate, they arranged for Paul and Barnabas and some others of them to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem concerning this controversy.
So the decision is made for Paul, Barnabas and Titus (Galatians 2:1 (Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me.) go and meet with the church in Jerusalem and as usual with Paul he is telling everybody about all the gentiles that have been saved.
Acts 15:3-5 When they had been sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, explaining in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they created great joy among all the brothers.
4 When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, the apostles, and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. 5 But some of the believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses!"
So here go the Pharisees again. Now remember the Pharisees are the stricter of the religious classes and they are saying the Gentiles have to go through the religious rights.
I want to look at Paul’s own words about this meeting. Galatians 2:3-6 ESV But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek.
Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in-who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery-to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.
And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)-those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me
Truth of the gospel and the freedom we have in Christ. This freedom is freedom from sin not freedom to sin. Slavery is what the law would be doing to them. If being saved meant the keeping of the Law of Moses, we would be chained to the law. Our every thought would be okay the law says that we can’t do this, but we can do that. The Pharisee’s actually would sit down in meetings and discuss ways they could get around the law. There are a series of books called the Babylon Talmud. If you ever can’t sleep this are good to read. In them we see the teacher’s of the law discussing stuff like what you can do on the Sabbath before it would be considered work.
Obeying the law would make us look for loopholes in how we could get around obeying. Being free in Christ work’s different. One of the Early Church father’s Saint Augustine put it like this “Love Jesus, Do anything you want.”
Everyone in here loves their mother right? You would not do anything to intentionally hurt her right? Now sometimes we do upset our moms and they get on to us. Have you ever been in trouble and you are getting lectured and you feel really bad because you realize you have hurt your parents. This is what Augustine is talking about. If you love Jesus you want desire to do things that hurt Jesus.
So Paul gets to Jerusalem meets with the church and immediately the Pharisee’s start arguing. So they hold a public meeting.
B. THE PUBLIC MEETING...
Acts 15:6-11 Then the apostles and the elders assembled to consider this matter. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them:
Peter has been sitting there listening to everyone argue back and forth, when he decides he needs to state his opinion.
"Brothers, you are aware that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the gospel message and believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them by giving the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. Why, then, are you now testing God by putting on the disciples' necks a yoke that neither our forefathers nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way they are."
In this short statement Peter is saying a lot
· First Peter reminds them how God gave him a vision telling him it was okay to preach to the gentiles. Acts 10:9-29
· Second Man has no way of knowing what is truly in the heart of man, but God gave these men the Holy Spirit. This tells us that they were truly saved.
· God did not say go get circumcised then I’ll give you the Holy Spirit.
· Then Peter asks the Pharisee why they would put a burden on the Gospel that they themselves couldn’t keep.
· Lastly Peter says we are saved by grace alone.
Now that Peter has spoken Paul and Barnabas speak. Acts 15:12-18
Then the whole assembly fell silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul describing all the signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. After they stopped speaking, James responded: "Brothers, listen to me! Simeon has reported how God first intervened to take from the Gentiles a people for His name. And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:
After these things I will return
and will rebuild David's tent, which has fallen down.
I will rebuild its ruins and will set it up again,
so that those who are left of mankind may seek the Lord—
even all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
says the Lord who does these things,
which have been known from long ago.
Now James reminds of the prophecy of Amos 9:11-12. This is proving that a Gentile can remain a Gentile a become a Christian. Acts 15:19-21
Therefore, in my judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those who turn to God from among the Gentiles, but instead we should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from blood. For since ancient times, Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, and he is read aloud in the synagogues every Sabbath day."
James gives us four things to avoid.
· Meats offered to Idols
· Sexual Immorality
· Meat from Strangled Animals
· Drinking of Blood
All of these things are part of Pagan religious services. Avoiding them will keep them from falling back into the worship of false gods.
Now we will see the letter to be sent to the Gentile churches Acts 15:22-35
Then the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, decided to select men from among them and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas, called Barsabbas, and Silas, both leading men among the brothers. They wrote this letter to be delivered by them:
From the apostles and the elders, your brothers,
To the brothers from among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:
Greetings.
Because we have heard that some to whom we gave no authorization went out from us and troubled you with their words and unsettled your hearts, we have unanimously decided to select men and send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who will personally report the same things by word of mouth. For it was the Holy Spirit's decision—and ours—to put no greater burden on you than these necessary things: that you abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well.
Farewell.
So let’s see what happens next
Then, being sent off, they went down to Antioch, and after gathering the assembly, they delivered the letter. When they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. Both Judas and Silas, who were also prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers and strengthened them with a long message. After spending some time there, they were sent back in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them. But Paul and Barnabas, along with many others, remained in Antioch teaching and proclaiming the message of the Lord.
Everybody is happy and rejoicing Judas and Silas deliver a message. A little while later Judas and Silas leave but Paul and Barnabas stay preaching.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
When God Moves Faster Than We Do
This will be an unpopular post and probably make some people angry, but the bible is full of people that offended in an effort to speak of Jesus and what God wants. I do ask either read this post all the way through or don't read it at all. I'm going to start by saying I have never been in a church when it split. I've been in a church where there was tension over a decision and some people left and I still bear the scars from seeing how Christians react to these kind of situations. I also saw and did what was necessary to rebuild harmony so that the Body of Christ would not suffer. The church I attend did split many years ago before I was there and I still hear negative comments by people who do not belong to either church or they are new to the community. As far as church members both churches communicate on events and invite each other to events.
The main thing we as Christians most remember is that the church is not ours. It belongs to and IS the bride of Jesus Christ! When you insult a biblical church you are saying "hey Jesus your wife is ugly." Now back to the subject of church splits, The book of Acts tells us about the early church and how we should do church. Paul went from town to town planting churches.
When a church grew it sent members to start another church. Look at Romans 16. First Paul asks them to accept Phoebe from the church of Cenchrae. Next he greets Prisca and Aquila who were at the church in Corinth and now they are back in Rome. (Acts 18:1-2) This is just a couple of people who went to help grow a church. Before somebody says vs. 17 says to watch out for those who cause divisions it also says contrary to the doctrine you have been taught. The biblical example of a church is for it to grow and then split and start a new church.
Sometimes Christians resist change. We like our church why would we go to another one. Many think the bigger a church is the more it can reach out. The more "means" it has. The fact of the matter is New churches are good. there are many excellent books and lessons on churches that prove through data that new churches promote growth in the established church and the new church. Every church split I have heard or read about both churches wound up gaining members.
God wants us to grow and multiply, when we move to slow for him God finds His own way of speeding things up. I've heard the people use the excuse that the devil was at work in splitting "that" church. I agree, just like God used the devil to teach Job some lessons and how He used to the devil lead a bunch of Jewish people to crucify the very person that they had been waiting on to deliver them. That worked out pretty good for me in that through the crucifixion of Christ my sin was atoned for.
As Paul and Barnabas were leaving Pamphylia, A young man named John Mark decided instead of continuing with them he would go back to Jerusalem(Acts 13:13). Later Paul and Barnabas decided to go back and see how the churches they planted were doing.(Acts 15:36-40) Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, but Paul refused and they "Split". Is that a bad thing? Paul gathered other people and went anyways. Silas and another young man named Timothy(Acts 16:1-5) learned under Paul's tutelage. Barnabas and John Mark didn't give up ministry either, they continued on and Paul himself felt that John Mark was a great help in Ministry(2 Titus 4:11).
God split two experienced church planters up to accomplish His will twice as fast. We are all one church the bride of Jesus we must come together and act like it! We should encourage one another, support one another, and pray for each other. I pray for both churches that split near me. I pray that God will bless both of them. I pray for the leaders of both and pray that they will again realize sometimes God's will is not ours.
God Bless,
MSW
The main thing we as Christians most remember is that the church is not ours. It belongs to and IS the bride of Jesus Christ! When you insult a biblical church you are saying "hey Jesus your wife is ugly." Now back to the subject of church splits, The book of Acts tells us about the early church and how we should do church. Paul went from town to town planting churches.
When a church grew it sent members to start another church. Look at Romans 16. First Paul asks them to accept Phoebe from the church of Cenchrae. Next he greets Prisca and Aquila who were at the church in Corinth and now they are back in Rome. (Acts 18:1-2) This is just a couple of people who went to help grow a church. Before somebody says vs. 17 says to watch out for those who cause divisions it also says contrary to the doctrine you have been taught. The biblical example of a church is for it to grow and then split and start a new church.
Sometimes Christians resist change. We like our church why would we go to another one. Many think the bigger a church is the more it can reach out. The more "means" it has. The fact of the matter is New churches are good. there are many excellent books and lessons on churches that prove through data that new churches promote growth in the established church and the new church. Every church split I have heard or read about both churches wound up gaining members.
God wants us to grow and multiply, when we move to slow for him God finds His own way of speeding things up. I've heard the people use the excuse that the devil was at work in splitting "that" church. I agree, just like God used the devil to teach Job some lessons and how He used to the devil lead a bunch of Jewish people to crucify the very person that they had been waiting on to deliver them. That worked out pretty good for me in that through the crucifixion of Christ my sin was atoned for.
As Paul and Barnabas were leaving Pamphylia, A young man named John Mark decided instead of continuing with them he would go back to Jerusalem(Acts 13:13). Later Paul and Barnabas decided to go back and see how the churches they planted were doing.(Acts 15:36-40) Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, but Paul refused and they "Split". Is that a bad thing? Paul gathered other people and went anyways. Silas and another young man named Timothy(Acts 16:1-5) learned under Paul's tutelage. Barnabas and John Mark didn't give up ministry either, they continued on and Paul himself felt that John Mark was a great help in Ministry(2 Titus 4:11).
God split two experienced church planters up to accomplish His will twice as fast. We are all one church the bride of Jesus we must come together and act like it! We should encourage one another, support one another, and pray for each other. I pray for both churches that split near me. I pray that God will bless both of them. I pray for the leaders of both and pray that they will again realize sometimes God's will is not ours.
God Bless,
MSW
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Life Of Paul: First Missionary Journey
This is tonight's lesson on Paul. It covers his first missionary Journey.Again this lesson is based on an outline by Mark Copeland at executableoutlines.com
First Missionary Journey, And Residence In Antioch
(45-49 A.D.)
So far we have looked at Paul's life up until he starts his missonary Journeys
Paul has spent his life preparing for his calling by God
His education, heritage, his Jewish religous stnding and training all have prepared him
Since his conversion his preaching in Damascus, Arabia, and Tarsus have been getting him ready for what God had in mind for him..
Now Paul will begin his series of Journeys that will take the Gospel were it has never been heard Romans 15:20-21
So today we will look at Paul's first missionary Journey Which begins in Syria.
I. THE CITY OF ANTIOCH IN SYRIA (45 A.D.)
A. THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH...
In Acts 11:19-21 we see that the church in Antioch was started by men from Cyprus and Cyrene and when the Christians at Jerusalem heard about this church they sent Barnabas to help strengthen the church. Barnabas brought Paul to Antioch and for a year they met with the church. Here is where the term Christians came into existence. Acts 11:19-26
Those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, Cypriot and Cyrenian men, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Hellenists, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord's hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.
This congregation grew and had concern for all Christians. They hear about a famine coming to Jerusalem So Paul and Barnabas go to offer relief Acts 11:27-30 and after they helped there they returned to Antioch bringing with them John Mark. Acts 12:25
27 In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine throughout the Roman world. This took place during the time of Claudius 29 So each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea. 30 This they did, sending it to the elders by means of Barnabas and Saul.
Back in Antioch while the Prophets and teachers are worshipping the Holy Spirit sets Barnabas and Paul apart for special service. Acts 13:1-3
1 In the local church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 As they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work that I have called them to." 3 Then, after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.
II. THE ISLAND OF CYPRUS (45 A.D.)
They head to the town of Seleucia and catch a ship to Cyprus and then go to the capital city of Salamis from there they head across the Island preaching. Acts 13:4-6
4 Being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they came down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 Arriving in Salamis, they proclaimed God's message in the Jewish synagogues. They also had John as their assistant. 6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came across a sorcerer, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. (Which means son of Joshua?)
It's interesting to note that the gospel had already been sent to Cyprus Ac 11:19 and it was men from Cyprus that started the church at Antioch and now God is sending Paul and Barnabas [who is from Cyprus Ac 4:36]to Cyprus to preach. Acts 11:20
At Paphos they discover a false prophet named Elymas Bar-Jesus and he is with the governor Sergius Paulus. The governor wants to hear the gospel, but as Paul is trying to teach, Elymas is trying to turn Sergius away from believing. Paul stops talking, looks at Elymas, and says“You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?” Then Paul tells him he will be blind for awhile and God blinds him with a mist of Darkness. The governor believed. Acts 13:6-12
6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came across a sorcerer, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. 7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and desired to hear God's message. 8 But Elymas, the sorcerer, which is how his name is translated, opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
9 Then Saul—also called Paul—filled with the Holy Spirit, stared straight at the sorcerer 10 and said, "You son of the Devil, full of all deceit and all fraud, enemy of all righteousness! Won't you ever stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord? 11 Now, look! The Lord's hand is against you: you are going to be blind, and will not see the sun for a time." Suddenly a mist and darkness fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
12 Then the proconsul, seeing what happened, believed and was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.
Next Paul and Barnabas head to
III.THE REGIONS OF PAMPHYLIA, PISIDIA, AND LYCAONIA (46-47 A.D.)
A. AT PERGA...
Paul arrives at Perga in Pamphylia, Barnabas is with him but John Mark heads back to Jerusalem. Ac 13:13 John Mark's departure later became a sore spot between Barnabas and Paul Ac 15:36-40
13 Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and went back to Jerusalem.
B. AT ANTIOCH OF PISIDIA...
Next they arrive in Pisdia at Antioch (not to be confused with Antioch of Syria) and we have a sermon by Paul. Acts 13:14-41
14 They continued their journey from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent [word] to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have any message of encouragement for the people, you can speak."
16 Then standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and spoke: "Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen! 17 The God of this people Israel chose our forefathers, exalted the people during their stay in the land of Egypt, and led them out of it with a mighty arm. 18 And for about 40 years He put up with them in the desert; 19 then after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, He gave their land to them as an inheritance. 20 This all took about 450 years. After this, He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king, so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for 40 years. 22 After removing him, He raised up David as their king, of whom He testified: ' I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will carry out all My will.'
23 "From this man's descendants, according to the promise, God brought the Savior, Jesus, to Israel. 24 Before He came to public attention, John had previously proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 Then as John was completing his life work, he said, 'Who do you think I am? I am not the One. But look! Someone is coming after me, and I am not worthy to untie the sandals on His feet. '
26 "Brothers, sons of Abraham's race, and those among you who fear God, the message of this salvation has been sent to us. 27 For the residents of Jerusalem and their rulers, since they did not recognize Him or the voices of the prophets that are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled their words by condemning Him. 28 Though they found no grounds for the death penalty, they asked Pilate to have Him killed. 29 When they had fulfilled all that had been written about Him, they took Him down from the tree and put Him in a tomb. 30 But God raised Him from the dead, 31 and He appeared for many days to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now His witnesses to the people. 32 And we ourselves proclaim to you the good news of the promise that was made to our forefathers. 33 God has fulfilled this to us their children by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second Psalm:
You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father.
34 Since He raised Him from the dead, never to return to decay, He has spoken in this way, I will grant you the faithful covenant blessings made to David. 35 Therefore He also says in another passage, You will not allow Your Holy One to see decay. 36 For David, after serving his own generation in God's plan, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and decayed. 37 But the One whom God raised up did not decay. 38 Therefore, let it be known to you, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you, 39 and everyone who believes in Him is justified from everything, which you could not be justified from through the law of Moses. 40 So beware that what is said in the prophets does not happen to you:
41 Look, you scoffers,
marvel and vanish away,
because I am doing a work in your days,
a work that you will never believe,
even if someone were to explain it to you. "
And when the Gospel is preached the people want to hear more.
Acts 13:42-44
42 As they were leaving, they begged that these matters be presented to them the following Sabbath. 43 After the synagogue had been dismissed, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who were speaking with them and persuading them to continue in the grace of God.
44 The following Sabbath almost the whole town assembled to hear the message of the Lord.
But the Jews who rejected Jesus where jealous so they try to contradict Paul. Paul tells them that since they judged themselves unworthy of eternal life he would go and preach to the Gentiles. Acts 13:45-49
45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to oppose what Paul was saying by insulting him.
46 Then Paul and Barnabas boldly said: "It was necessary that God's message be spoken to you first. But since you reject it, and consider yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles! 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles,
to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. "
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the message of the Lord, and all who had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49 So the message of the Lord spread through the whole region.
This spreading of the word made the Jews mad so they persecuted Paul and he leaves and heads to Iconium Acts 13:50-52
50 But the Jews incited the religious women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their district. 51 But shaking the dust off their feet against them, they proceeded to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
C. AT ICONIUM...
At Iconium Paul and Barnabas again go to the synagogue and began preaching. The unbelieving Jews stir up the Gentiles, despite this setback Paul and Barnabas stay for "a long time " preaching to a divided city until the unbelievers decided to stone them and they left and headed to Lyconia to preach. Acts 14:1-7
1 The same thing happened in Iconium; they entered the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers. 3 So they stayed there for some time and spoke boldly, in reliance on the Lord, who testified to the message of His grace by granting that signs and wonders be performed through them. 4 But the people of the city were divided, some siding with the Jews and some with the apostles. 5 When an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to assault and stone them, 6 they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian towns called Lystra and Derbe, and to the surrounding countryside. 7 And there they kept evangelizing
D. AT LYSTRA AND DERBE...
When Paul and Barnabas get to Lystra they start preaching as Paul preaches he notices a crippled man seated and listening to him . Seeing that the man had faith, Paul told him to stand and the man stood and started walking. Well you can imagine the effect this had on the crowd listening they were amazed. Unfortunatly these people worshipped false Gods and they decided that Paul was the god Hermes and Barnabas was Zeus. Paul upset that these men were trying to worship and offer sacrifices to him ran away preaching the whole time he is running. Acts 14:8-18
8 In Lystra a man without strength in his feet, lame from birth, and who had never walked, sat 9 and heard Paul speaking. After observing him closely and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 [Paul] said in a loud voice, "Stand up straight on your feet!" And he jumped up and started to walk around.
11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in the form of men!" 12 And they started to call Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the main speaker. 13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the town, brought oxen and garlands to the gates. He, with the crowds, intended to offer sacrifice.
14 The apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their robes when they heard this and rushed into the crowd, shouting: 15 "Men! Why are you doing these things? We are men also, with the same nature as you, and we are proclaiming good news to you, that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them . 16 In past generations He allowed all the nations to go their own way, 17 although He did not leave Himself without a witness, since He did good: giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, and satisfying your hearts with food and happiness." 18 Even though they said these things, they barely stopped the crowds from sacrificing to them.
Remember the angry Jews and unbelievers at Antioch and Iconium. well they tracked Paul down and convinced the crowds to stone him and leave him outside the city dead. Acts 14:19
19 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and when they had won over the crowds and stoned Paul, they dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead.
He wasn't! Acts 14:20
After the disciples surrounded him, he got up and went into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
So they go to Derbe and guess what they do? They preach! Then Paul goes back to the city were he was stoned to strengthen and encourage the believers and appoint elders for the church. Then he goes back to Iconium, where the Jews that wanted him stoned where, to do the same thing. Paul and Barnabas retrace their steps to make sure the churches were all still going strong. Acts 14:21-25
21 After they had evangelized that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the hearts of the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith, and by telling them, "It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the kingdom of God."
23 When they had appointed elders in every church and prayed with fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. 24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 After they spoke the message in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
When they returned to Antioch, where they had started, they gathered the church together to tell of what had happened while they had been gone for the last two years (45-47 A.D.) Acts 14:26-27
26 From there they sailed back to Antioch where they had been entrusted to the grace of God for the work they had completed. 27 After they arrived and gathered the church together, they reported everything God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
28 And they spent a considerable time with the disciples. best guess being two years Acts 14:28
Now we see how Paul went from town to town
Preaching
Establishing Churches
First Missionary Journey, And Residence In Antioch
(45-49 A.D.)
So far we have looked at Paul's life up until he starts his missonary Journeys
Paul has spent his life preparing for his calling by God
His education, heritage, his Jewish religous stnding and training all have prepared him
Since his conversion his preaching in Damascus, Arabia, and Tarsus have been getting him ready for what God had in mind for him..
Now Paul will begin his series of Journeys that will take the Gospel were it has never been heard Romans 15:20-21
So today we will look at Paul's first missionary Journey Which begins in Syria.
I. THE CITY OF ANTIOCH IN SYRIA (45 A.D.)
A. THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH...
In Acts 11:19-21 we see that the church in Antioch was started by men from Cyprus and Cyrene and when the Christians at Jerusalem heard about this church they sent Barnabas to help strengthen the church. Barnabas brought Paul to Antioch and for a year they met with the church. Here is where the term Christians came into existence. Acts 11:19-26
Those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, Cypriot and Cyrenian men, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Hellenists, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord's hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.
This congregation grew and had concern for all Christians. They hear about a famine coming to Jerusalem So Paul and Barnabas go to offer relief Acts 11:27-30 and after they helped there they returned to Antioch bringing with them John Mark. Acts 12:25
27 In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine throughout the Roman world. This took place during the time of Claudius 29 So each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea. 30 This they did, sending it to the elders by means of Barnabas and Saul.
Back in Antioch while the Prophets and teachers are worshipping the Holy Spirit sets Barnabas and Paul apart for special service. Acts 13:1-3
1 In the local church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 As they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work that I have called them to." 3 Then, after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.
II. THE ISLAND OF CYPRUS (45 A.D.)
They head to the town of Seleucia and catch a ship to Cyprus and then go to the capital city of Salamis from there they head across the Island preaching. Acts 13:4-6
4 Being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they came down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 Arriving in Salamis, they proclaimed God's message in the Jewish synagogues. They also had John as their assistant. 6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came across a sorcerer, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. (Which means son of Joshua?)
It's interesting to note that the gospel had already been sent to Cyprus Ac 11:19 and it was men from Cyprus that started the church at Antioch and now God is sending Paul and Barnabas [who is from Cyprus Ac 4:36]to Cyprus to preach. Acts 11:20
At Paphos they discover a false prophet named Elymas Bar-Jesus and he is with the governor Sergius Paulus. The governor wants to hear the gospel, but as Paul is trying to teach, Elymas is trying to turn Sergius away from believing. Paul stops talking, looks at Elymas, and says“You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?” Then Paul tells him he will be blind for awhile and God blinds him with a mist of Darkness. The governor believed. Acts 13:6-12
6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came across a sorcerer, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. 7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and desired to hear God's message. 8 But Elymas, the sorcerer, which is how his name is translated, opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
9 Then Saul—also called Paul—filled with the Holy Spirit, stared straight at the sorcerer 10 and said, "You son of the Devil, full of all deceit and all fraud, enemy of all righteousness! Won't you ever stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord? 11 Now, look! The Lord's hand is against you: you are going to be blind, and will not see the sun for a time." Suddenly a mist and darkness fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
12 Then the proconsul, seeing what happened, believed and was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.
Next Paul and Barnabas head to
III.THE REGIONS OF PAMPHYLIA, PISIDIA, AND LYCAONIA (46-47 A.D.)
A. AT PERGA...
Paul arrives at Perga in Pamphylia, Barnabas is with him but John Mark heads back to Jerusalem. Ac 13:13 John Mark's departure later became a sore spot between Barnabas and Paul Ac 15:36-40
13 Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and went back to Jerusalem.
B. AT ANTIOCH OF PISIDIA...
Next they arrive in Pisdia at Antioch (not to be confused with Antioch of Syria) and we have a sermon by Paul. Acts 13:14-41
14 They continued their journey from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent [word] to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have any message of encouragement for the people, you can speak."
16 Then standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and spoke: "Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen! 17 The God of this people Israel chose our forefathers, exalted the people during their stay in the land of Egypt, and led them out of it with a mighty arm. 18 And for about 40 years He put up with them in the desert; 19 then after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, He gave their land to them as an inheritance. 20 This all took about 450 years. After this, He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king, so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for 40 years. 22 After removing him, He raised up David as their king, of whom He testified: ' I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will carry out all My will.'
23 "From this man's descendants, according to the promise, God brought the Savior, Jesus, to Israel. 24 Before He came to public attention, John had previously proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 Then as John was completing his life work, he said, 'Who do you think I am? I am not the One. But look! Someone is coming after me, and I am not worthy to untie the sandals on His feet. '
26 "Brothers, sons of Abraham's race, and those among you who fear God, the message of this salvation has been sent to us. 27 For the residents of Jerusalem and their rulers, since they did not recognize Him or the voices of the prophets that are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled their words by condemning Him. 28 Though they found no grounds for the death penalty, they asked Pilate to have Him killed. 29 When they had fulfilled all that had been written about Him, they took Him down from the tree and put Him in a tomb. 30 But God raised Him from the dead, 31 and He appeared for many days to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now His witnesses to the people. 32 And we ourselves proclaim to you the good news of the promise that was made to our forefathers. 33 God has fulfilled this to us their children by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second Psalm:
You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father.
34 Since He raised Him from the dead, never to return to decay, He has spoken in this way, I will grant you the faithful covenant blessings made to David. 35 Therefore He also says in another passage, You will not allow Your Holy One to see decay. 36 For David, after serving his own generation in God's plan, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and decayed. 37 But the One whom God raised up did not decay. 38 Therefore, let it be known to you, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you, 39 and everyone who believes in Him is justified from everything, which you could not be justified from through the law of Moses. 40 So beware that what is said in the prophets does not happen to you:
41 Look, you scoffers,
marvel and vanish away,
because I am doing a work in your days,
a work that you will never believe,
even if someone were to explain it to you. "
Now That is the Gospel;
1. God promises Israel a Savior
2. Israel Condemned Jesus in whom no Guilt was found.
3.Jesus Rose from the dead
4. And through Him salvation is offered
1. God promises Israel a Savior
2. Israel Condemned Jesus in whom no Guilt was found.
3.Jesus Rose from the dead
4. And through Him salvation is offered
And when the Gospel is preached the people want to hear more.
Acts 13:42-44
42 As they were leaving, they begged that these matters be presented to them the following Sabbath. 43 After the synagogue had been dismissed, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who were speaking with them and persuading them to continue in the grace of God.
44 The following Sabbath almost the whole town assembled to hear the message of the Lord.
But the Jews who rejected Jesus where jealous so they try to contradict Paul. Paul tells them that since they judged themselves unworthy of eternal life he would go and preach to the Gentiles. Acts 13:45-49
45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to oppose what Paul was saying by insulting him.
46 Then Paul and Barnabas boldly said: "It was necessary that God's message be spoken to you first. But since you reject it, and consider yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles! 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles,
to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. "
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the message of the Lord, and all who had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49 So the message of the Lord spread through the whole region.
This spreading of the word made the Jews mad so they persecuted Paul and he leaves and heads to Iconium Acts 13:50-52
50 But the Jews incited the religious women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their district. 51 But shaking the dust off their feet against them, they proceeded to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
C. AT ICONIUM...
At Iconium Paul and Barnabas again go to the synagogue and began preaching. The unbelieving Jews stir up the Gentiles, despite this setback Paul and Barnabas stay for "a long time " preaching to a divided city until the unbelievers decided to stone them and they left and headed to Lyconia to preach. Acts 14:1-7
1 The same thing happened in Iconium; they entered the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers. 3 So they stayed there for some time and spoke boldly, in reliance on the Lord, who testified to the message of His grace by granting that signs and wonders be performed through them. 4 But the people of the city were divided, some siding with the Jews and some with the apostles. 5 When an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to assault and stone them, 6 they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian towns called Lystra and Derbe, and to the surrounding countryside. 7 And there they kept evangelizing
D. AT LYSTRA AND DERBE...
When Paul and Barnabas get to Lystra they start preaching as Paul preaches he notices a crippled man seated and listening to him . Seeing that the man had faith, Paul told him to stand and the man stood and started walking. Well you can imagine the effect this had on the crowd listening they were amazed. Unfortunatly these people worshipped false Gods and they decided that Paul was the god Hermes and Barnabas was Zeus. Paul upset that these men were trying to worship and offer sacrifices to him ran away preaching the whole time he is running. Acts 14:8-18
8 In Lystra a man without strength in his feet, lame from birth, and who had never walked, sat 9 and heard Paul speaking. After observing him closely and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 [Paul] said in a loud voice, "Stand up straight on your feet!" And he jumped up and started to walk around.
11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in the form of men!" 12 And they started to call Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the main speaker. 13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the town, brought oxen and garlands to the gates. He, with the crowds, intended to offer sacrifice.
14 The apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their robes when they heard this and rushed into the crowd, shouting: 15 "Men! Why are you doing these things? We are men also, with the same nature as you, and we are proclaiming good news to you, that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them . 16 In past generations He allowed all the nations to go their own way, 17 although He did not leave Himself without a witness, since He did good: giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, and satisfying your hearts with food and happiness." 18 Even though they said these things, they barely stopped the crowds from sacrificing to them.
Remember the angry Jews and unbelievers at Antioch and Iconium. well they tracked Paul down and convinced the crowds to stone him and leave him outside the city dead. Acts 14:19
19 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and when they had won over the crowds and stoned Paul, they dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead.
He wasn't! Acts 14:20
After the disciples surrounded him, he got up and went into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
So they go to Derbe and guess what they do? They preach! Then Paul goes back to the city were he was stoned to strengthen and encourage the believers and appoint elders for the church. Then he goes back to Iconium, where the Jews that wanted him stoned where, to do the same thing. Paul and Barnabas retrace their steps to make sure the churches were all still going strong. Acts 14:21-25
21 After they had evangelized that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the hearts of the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith, and by telling them, "It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the kingdom of God."
23 When they had appointed elders in every church and prayed with fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. 24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 After they spoke the message in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
When they returned to Antioch, where they had started, they gathered the church together to tell of what had happened while they had been gone for the last two years (45-47 A.D.) Acts 14:26-27
26 From there they sailed back to Antioch where they had been entrusted to the grace of God for the work they had completed. 27 After they arrived and gathered the church together, they reported everything God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
28 And they spent a considerable time with the disciples. best guess being two years Acts 14:28
Now we see how Paul went from town to town
Preaching
Establishing Churches
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
As Jesus Sees
August is here! Time for children to head off to school and time for our revival, plus this year there will be a revival for the youth. Another busy month where it’s easy to get caught up in all we have going on and forget about others. So what can we do to prepare ourselves for this busy month?
First the most important thing we can do is pray. Before we can pray we need to prepare ourselves for prayer. Start by taking a minute a looking at people the way God looks at them. Think back through your day. Think of everyone you have met today. How did you see them?
What do you know about them? What problems are they having? What good things do they have going on in their life? Often I’m so busy with my life that I forget to take a minute and look at people as Jesus would.
When Jesus sat down at the well(John 4:6-29) with the Samarian woman He didn’t look at her like the Jews or even his own disciple did. The Samarians were hated by the Jews. The Samarians worshipped God but they also worshipped idols. In the apocryphal book of Sirach we can see in the words of a Jew exactly how they felt about the Samarians. Sirach 50:25-26 There be two manner of nations which my heart abhorreth, and the third is no nation: They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria, and they that dwell among the Philistines, and that foolish people that dwell in Sichem.
Plus this woman had multiple adulterous affairs; a good Jew would never defile himself by speaking to her. But Jesus looked past all this and spoke and asked for water. Jesus spoke kindly and lovingly to her. Jesus told her that He was the deliverer. Thanks to Jesus not looking at her with condemnation and hate she came to know Jesus and brought others to Him. This is how we should look at God’s people. With love!
MSW
First the most important thing we can do is pray. Before we can pray we need to prepare ourselves for prayer. Start by taking a minute a looking at people the way God looks at them. Think back through your day. Think of everyone you have met today. How did you see them?
What do you know about them? What problems are they having? What good things do they have going on in their life? Often I’m so busy with my life that I forget to take a minute and look at people as Jesus would.
When Jesus sat down at the well(John 4:6-29) with the Samarian woman He didn’t look at her like the Jews or even his own disciple did. The Samarians were hated by the Jews. The Samarians worshipped God but they also worshipped idols. In the apocryphal book of Sirach we can see in the words of a Jew exactly how they felt about the Samarians. Sirach 50:25-26 There be two manner of nations which my heart abhorreth, and the third is no nation: They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria, and they that dwell among the Philistines, and that foolish people that dwell in Sichem.
Plus this woman had multiple adulterous affairs; a good Jew would never defile himself by speaking to her. But Jesus looked past all this and spoke and asked for water. Jesus spoke kindly and lovingly to her. Jesus told her that He was the deliverer. Thanks to Jesus not looking at her with condemnation and hate she came to know Jesus and brought others to Him. This is how we should look at God’s people. With love!
MSW
Monday, August 3, 2009
Life Of Paul;The Early Years
Since most of my time lately has been devoted to studying and preparing lessons for my youth classes, I have decided to start posting the lessons here. Right now we are studying the life of Paul. I've already done two lessons that had such a basic outline when I taught that they wouldn't be very helpful to anyone. Last Wednesday's I detailed pretty good and next Wednesdays the same way. I often make seemingly random comments to help jog my memory on something I want to talk about.
I based these on an outline I found that Mark Copeland had done. The original outlines can be found at Executable outlines.com
This is the lesson on the ten years after Paul's conversion and before he began his first missionary Journey. All bible verses are from the HCSB
Paul’s Early Years Of Service
(36-45 A.D.)
INTRODUCTION
What do we know about Paul?
He persecuted the church
He was converted on the road to Damascus
He was a missionary and preacher.
But Paul became a Christian around 36 AD and it was almost 10 years later in 45 AD when he began his first missionary trip.
So What was Paul doing between his conversion and the time when the Spirit called him to begin
his missionary journeys?
He was preparing.........How should we prepare for what God has planned for us?
I. THREE YEARS IN DAMASCUS AND ARABIA (36-39 A.D.)
A. INITIAL PREACHING IN DAMASCUS...
Acts 9:17-22 So Paul is baptised and immediatley begins preaching. Paul went to Damascus to kill Christians and when he got there he tried toconvert more people to Christ and everyone thought that was amazing!
9:17 So Ananias left and entered the house. Then he placed his hands on him and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Act 9:18 At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.
Act 9:19 And after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some days.
Act 9:20 Immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: "He is the Son of God."
Act 9:21 But all who heard him were astounded and said, "Isn't this the man who, in Jerusalem, was destroying those who called on this name, and then came here for the purpose of taking them as prisoners to the chief priests?"
Act 9:22 But Saul grew more capable, and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this One is the Messiah.
B. TIME IN ARABIA...
So Paul did not stay in Damascus long before he decided he needed to go to Arabia and share the good news of Christ.
Paul did not stay in Damascus long after his conversion - cf. Gal_1:15-17
Gal 1:15 But when God, who from my mother's womb set me apart and called me by His grace, was pleased
Gal 1:16 to reveal His Son in me, so that I could preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone.
Gal 1:17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus.
He went to Arabia, the desert area east and south of Damascus
We don't know exactly how long Paul stayed in Damascus or Arabia or, but sometime before three years was up he went back to Damascus to preach before going to Jerusalem -
cf. Gal_1:18
Gal 1:18 Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas, and I stayed with him 15 days.
During his tme in Damascus and Arabia we Believe that Paul studied and thought about Jesus- cf. Gal_1:11-12
Gal 1:11 Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not based on a human point of view.
Gal 1:12 For I did not receive it from a human source and I was not taught it, but it came by a revelation from Jesus Christ.
C. RETURN AND ESCAPE FROM DAMASCUS...
So Paul leaves Arabia and heads back to Damascus to preach about Jesus - Gal_1:17
Gal 1:17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus.
[Damascus was the first place Paul preached (Act_26:19-20),(Act 26:20 Instead, I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance. ) and the first place he experienced persecution. It would not be the last place for either experience!
The Jewish people, now remember Paul use to be a Jewish religious leader now he is converting people to Christ, so they decided to kill Paul.
Guess What! It didn't work! - Act_9:23-25
Act 9:23 After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him,
Act 9:24 but their plot became known to Saul. So they were watching the gates day and night intending to kill him,
Acts 9:25 but his disciples took him by night and lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the wall.
Think about that He was put in a basket and in the middle of the night let down from a wall.
He also tells us about this in his letter to the church in Corinth - 2 Corinthians 11:32-33
2Co 11:32 In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me,
2Co 11:33 so I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.
Leaving Damascus, Paul makes his way to Jerusalem the capital for Jewish worship...]
II. FIRST VISIT TO JERUSALEM (39 A.D.)
Do you think the Christian church was happy to see him?
At first, the church is afraid to receive him - Acts 9:26
Act 9:26 When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple.
Barnabas also called Joseph(cf. Acts 4:36) introduces him to the apostles - Acts 9:27;
Act 9:27 Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how, on the road, Saul had seen the Lord, and that He had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.
a. He saw Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days
b. He also saw James the Lord’s brother Galatians 1:18-19
Gal 1:18 Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas, and I stayed with him 15 days.
Gal 1:19 But I didn't see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother.
Many people think James was actually the leader of the Christian Church.
So what did he do in JERUSALEM...
1. He went around preaching in the churches in Jerusalem and makes more people want to kill him -Acts 9:28-29
Act 9:28 Saul was coming and going with them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
Act 9:29 He conversed and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they attempted to kill him.
Hellenists (Grecian Jews) - Foreign born jews
2. But God tells him to go... - cf. Acts 22:17-21
Act 22:17 "After I came back to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple complex, I went into a visionary state
Act 22:18 and saw Him telling me, 'Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about Me!'
Act 22:19 "But I said, 'Lord, they know that in synagogue after synagogue I had those who believed in You imprisoned and beaten.
Act 22:20 And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving, and I guarded the clothes of those who killed him.'
Act 22:21 "Then He said to me, 'Go, because I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'"
and the other apostles send him to Tarsus - Acts 9:30
Act 9:30 When the brothers found out, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
Tarsus does that sound familiar?
[It is evident that Paul has now become a dangerous enemy to his former friends. His testimony concerning the Lord and his own conversion is difficult to answer, and the opposition is willing to do anything to silence him! At this point Paul returns home (Tarsus) and spends...]
III. FIVE YEARS IN SYRIA AND CILICIA (39-43 A.D.)
A. RETURN TO TARSUS...
So Paul is sent back to the place of his birth- there he preaches for about 5 years
B. DEPARTURE FROM TARSUS...
Barnabas who had introduced Peter to the church in Jerusalem goes to Tarsu to get Paul
Act 11:22 Then the report about them reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch.
Act 11:23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with a firm resolve of the heart--
Act 11:24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith--and large numbers of people were added to the Lord.
Act 11:25 Then he went to Tarsus to search for Saul,
Act 11:26 and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers, and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
[So Paul had worked alone up to this time. But with Barnabas Paul begins a series of labors in which he was always accompanied by fellow-workers. Barnabas and Paul go and preach at the already established church in Antioch
B. NEWS FROM JERUSALEM...
They preached in Antioch until they fond out about a famine in Judea, the church at Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas back with relief.
Act 11:27 In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
Act 11:28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine throughout the Roman world. This took place during the time of Claudius.
Act 11:29 So each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea.
Act 11:30 This they did, sending it to the elders by means of Barnabas and Saul.
Let's talk about what that means for us today.
V. SECOND VISIT TO JERUSALEM (45 A.D.)
So Paul goes back to Jerusalem to help with relief. Paul and Barnabas join with Barnabas' Cousin John Mark. John Mark is the man that Barnabas and Paul split over during the first missionary journey Mark wanted to go back to Jerusalem and when you talk about someones relatives it can get ugly. Acts12:25, Colossians 4:10, Acts 13:13; Acts15:37-39
Paul forgave and Mark and Paul did become friends later. 2 Timothy 4:11, Philemon 1:24
As a sidenote Mark also traveled with Peter and wrote the Gospel of Mark (1 Peter 5:13)
At this point Paul returns to Antioch of Syria... and the Holy Spirit sends him on his missionary Journeys
Act 13:1 In the local church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Act 13:2 As they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work that I have called them to."
Act 13:3 Then, after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.
Act 13:4 Being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they came down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
In “Paul’s Early Years Of Service” (36-45 A.D.), a pattern is established...
Preaching
Persecution
Establishing churches,
And helping those in need
“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in
what is least is unjust also in much. - Luke 16:10
In our next study, we will survey Paul’s first missionary journey...
I based these on an outline I found that Mark Copeland had done. The original outlines can be found at Executable outlines.com
This is the lesson on the ten years after Paul's conversion and before he began his first missionary Journey. All bible verses are from the HCSB
Paul’s Early Years Of Service
(36-45 A.D.)
INTRODUCTION
What do we know about Paul?
He persecuted the church
He was converted on the road to Damascus
He was a missionary and preacher.
But Paul became a Christian around 36 AD and it was almost 10 years later in 45 AD when he began his first missionary trip.
So What was Paul doing between his conversion and the time when the Spirit called him to begin
his missionary journeys?
He was preparing.........How should we prepare for what God has planned for us?
I. THREE YEARS IN DAMASCUS AND ARABIA (36-39 A.D.)
A. INITIAL PREACHING IN DAMASCUS...
Acts 9:17-22 So Paul is baptised and immediatley begins preaching. Paul went to Damascus to kill Christians and when he got there he tried toconvert more people to Christ and everyone thought that was amazing!
9:17 So Ananias left and entered the house. Then he placed his hands on him and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Act 9:18 At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.
Act 9:19 And after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some days.
Act 9:20 Immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: "He is the Son of God."
Act 9:21 But all who heard him were astounded and said, "Isn't this the man who, in Jerusalem, was destroying those who called on this name, and then came here for the purpose of taking them as prisoners to the chief priests?"
Act 9:22 But Saul grew more capable, and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this One is the Messiah.
B. TIME IN ARABIA...
So Paul did not stay in Damascus long before he decided he needed to go to Arabia and share the good news of Christ.
Paul did not stay in Damascus long after his conversion - cf. Gal_1:15-17
Gal 1:15 But when God, who from my mother's womb set me apart and called me by His grace, was pleased
Gal 1:16 to reveal His Son in me, so that I could preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone.
Gal 1:17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus.
He went to Arabia, the desert area east and south of Damascus
We don't know exactly how long Paul stayed in Damascus or Arabia or, but sometime before three years was up he went back to Damascus to preach before going to Jerusalem -
cf. Gal_1:18
Gal 1:18 Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas, and I stayed with him 15 days.
During his tme in Damascus and Arabia we Believe that Paul studied and thought about Jesus- cf. Gal_1:11-12
Gal 1:11 Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not based on a human point of view.
Gal 1:12 For I did not receive it from a human source and I was not taught it, but it came by a revelation from Jesus Christ.
C. RETURN AND ESCAPE FROM DAMASCUS...
So Paul leaves Arabia and heads back to Damascus to preach about Jesus - Gal_1:17
Gal 1:17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus.
[Damascus was the first place Paul preached (Act_26:19-20),(Act 26:20 Instead, I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance. ) and the first place he experienced persecution. It would not be the last place for either experience!
The Jewish people, now remember Paul use to be a Jewish religious leader now he is converting people to Christ, so they decided to kill Paul.
Guess What! It didn't work! - Act_9:23-25
Act 9:23 After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him,
Act 9:24 but their plot became known to Saul. So they were watching the gates day and night intending to kill him,
Acts 9:25 but his disciples took him by night and lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the wall.
Think about that He was put in a basket and in the middle of the night let down from a wall.
He also tells us about this in his letter to the church in Corinth - 2 Corinthians 11:32-33
2Co 11:32 In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me,
2Co 11:33 so I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.
Leaving Damascus, Paul makes his way to Jerusalem the capital for Jewish worship...]
II. FIRST VISIT TO JERUSALEM (39 A.D.)
Do you think the Christian church was happy to see him?
At first, the church is afraid to receive him - Acts 9:26
Act 9:26 When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple.
Barnabas also called Joseph(cf. Acts 4:36) introduces him to the apostles - Acts 9:27;
Act 9:27 Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how, on the road, Saul had seen the Lord, and that He had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.
a. He saw Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days
b. He also saw James the Lord’s brother Galatians 1:18-19
Gal 1:18 Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas, and I stayed with him 15 days.
Gal 1:19 But I didn't see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother.
Many people think James was actually the leader of the Christian Church.
So what did he do in JERUSALEM...
1. He went around preaching in the churches in Jerusalem and makes more people want to kill him -Acts 9:28-29
Act 9:28 Saul was coming and going with them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
Act 9:29 He conversed and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they attempted to kill him.
Hellenists (Grecian Jews) - Foreign born jews
2. But God tells him to go... - cf. Acts 22:17-21
Act 22:17 "After I came back to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple complex, I went into a visionary state
Act 22:18 and saw Him telling me, 'Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about Me!'
Act 22:19 "But I said, 'Lord, they know that in synagogue after synagogue I had those who believed in You imprisoned and beaten.
Act 22:20 And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving, and I guarded the clothes of those who killed him.'
Act 22:21 "Then He said to me, 'Go, because I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'"
and the other apostles send him to Tarsus - Acts 9:30
Act 9:30 When the brothers found out, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
Tarsus does that sound familiar?
[It is evident that Paul has now become a dangerous enemy to his former friends. His testimony concerning the Lord and his own conversion is difficult to answer, and the opposition is willing to do anything to silence him! At this point Paul returns home (Tarsus) and spends...]
III. FIVE YEARS IN SYRIA AND CILICIA (39-43 A.D.)
A. RETURN TO TARSUS...
So Paul is sent back to the place of his birth- there he preaches for about 5 years
B. DEPARTURE FROM TARSUS...
Barnabas who had introduced Peter to the church in Jerusalem goes to Tarsu to get Paul
Act 11:22 Then the report about them reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch.
Act 11:23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with a firm resolve of the heart--
Act 11:24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith--and large numbers of people were added to the Lord.
Act 11:25 Then he went to Tarsus to search for Saul,
Act 11:26 and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers, and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
[So Paul had worked alone up to this time. But with Barnabas Paul begins a series of labors in which he was always accompanied by fellow-workers. Barnabas and Paul go and preach at the already established church in Antioch
B. NEWS FROM JERUSALEM...
They preached in Antioch until they fond out about a famine in Judea, the church at Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas back with relief.
Act 11:27 In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
Act 11:28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine throughout the Roman world. This took place during the time of Claudius.
Act 11:29 So each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea.
Act 11:30 This they did, sending it to the elders by means of Barnabas and Saul.
Let's talk about what that means for us today.
V. SECOND VISIT TO JERUSALEM (45 A.D.)
So Paul goes back to Jerusalem to help with relief. Paul and Barnabas join with Barnabas' Cousin John Mark. John Mark is the man that Barnabas and Paul split over during the first missionary journey Mark wanted to go back to Jerusalem and when you talk about someones relatives it can get ugly. Acts12:25, Colossians 4:10, Acts 13:13; Acts15:37-39
Paul forgave and Mark and Paul did become friends later. 2 Timothy 4:11, Philemon 1:24
As a sidenote Mark also traveled with Peter and wrote the Gospel of Mark (1 Peter 5:13)
At this point Paul returns to Antioch of Syria... and the Holy Spirit sends him on his missionary Journeys
Act 13:1 In the local church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Act 13:2 As they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work that I have called them to."
Act 13:3 Then, after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.
Act 13:4 Being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they came down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
In “Paul’s Early Years Of Service” (36-45 A.D.), a pattern is established...
Preaching
Persecution
Establishing churches,
And helping those in need
“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in
what is least is unjust also in much. - Luke 16:10
In our next study, we will survey Paul’s first missionary journey...
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