Acts 17-19

Acts 17

from: https://ascendedking.com/lessons/the-architecture-of-acts/10-acts-17-lord-of-heaven-earth/

Paul the Apostle and Silas arrive in Thessalonica. Paul reasons in the synagogue for three Sabbaths:

• explaining Scripture
• proving the Messiah had to suffer and rise
• proclaiming Jesus as the Christ

Some believe:

• Jews
• many Greeks
• prominent women

Others become jealous and stir up a mob.

Key accusation: “These men who have turned the world upside down…” The opponents accuse Christians of proclaiming another king besides Caesar (Jesus).

Paul and Silas travel to Berea. The Bereans are described as “more noble”

• they eagerly receive the message
• they examine the Scriptures daily

Opponents from Thessalonica arrive and create trouble again.

Paul departs for Athens.

Paul sees Athens filled with idols. He is provoked/distressed in spirit. 

Epicurean and Stoic Philosophers engage him and  bring Paul to the Areopagus (Mars Hill).

Paul’s Sermon at Mars Hill

Paul begins with “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.”

• He references an altar “To the unknown god”

Paul proclaims:

• the Creator God
• God not confined to temples
• God gives life to all
• humans made from one man
• God desires repentance

Paul quotes pagan poets “In him we live and move and have our being”

• Paul builds a bridge to his audience (uses context) to Jesus

God will judge the world through the risen Jesus

Responses vary:

• some mock
• some want to hear more
• some believe

Named believers include:

• Dionysius the Areopagite
• A woman named Damaris

Acts 18

Paul travels to Corinth. He meets Aquila and Priscilla (husband and wife).  They are tentmakers like Paul.

He works while preaching in the synagogue weekly.

Silas and Timothy arrive and Paul is compelled by the Spirit

Paul focuses on preaching Christ, however some Jews oppose him.

• Paul says he will now focus on Gentiles.

Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believes. This leads to more Corinthians hearing and believing. 

In a vision, Jesus tells Paul “Do not be afraid…” God promises:

• protection
• many people in the city
• Paul remains 18 months teaching there.

Jewish leaders accuse Paul before Gallio (proconsul/governor of the Roman province of Achaia) 

Gallio dismisses the case as internal Jewish religious disputes

Paul departs with Priscilla and Aquila. 

• Cenchrea
  • He cuts his hair (probably Nazarite vow)
• Ephesus
  • Leaves Aquila and Priscilla there
• Caesarea
• Jerusalem
• Antioch

This concludes the second missionary journey.

Third missionary journey starts in Galatia and Phyrgia. 

 Apollos Arrives

Apollos is eloquent and knowledgeable in Scripture. He knows John’s baptism, but not the full gospel understanding yet.

Priscilla and Aquila explain more accurately. Apollos powerfully refutes opponents using Scripture.

Acts 19

Paul comes back to Ephesus. 

Paul encounters disciples who only know John’s baptism. They had not heard fully about the Holy Spirit

Paul explains Jesus more fully. They are:

• baptized in Jesus’ name
• receive the Holy Spirit
• Speak in tongues and prophesy

Paul teaches boldly in the synagogue. Those that oppose him appear and he withdraws to teach daily in the hall of Tyrannus

The word spreads widely through Asia.

God performs extraordinary miracles through Paul. Even cloths from Paul are associated with healing.

Jewish exorcists attempt to use Jesus’ name on those who had evil spirits. (Specifically sons of the Jewish priest Sceva)

•  They say “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.”
• The evil spirit replies “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?”
• The possessed man attacks them.

Fear spreads in Ephesus. Many repent publicly. People burn expensive magic books.

Paul plans to go:

• Jerusalem
• eventually Rome
• He stays in Asia for a while after sending Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia

A silversmith named Demetrius the Silversmith becomes angry as Christianity threatens idol-making profits tied to Artemis

Huge crowd gathers shouting “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Chaos fills the city.

The town clerk eventually calms the riot, telling them to use the courts to bring charges. 

Application

Christianity is spreading like wildfire. I like in this chapter how we see Paul adapting his approach in sharing the gospel. To the Jews, he uses Scripture and familiar language, but to the Greeks he speaks of creation and philosophy. We too can share the gospel in a meaningful way depending on our audience.