Bible Study Thursday, August 20 at 7pm via Zoom:

​

We'll be discussing Acts 17 - 19.

​​

Acts 17-19:  CONTINUING PAUL’S SECOND JOURNEY

This part of the journey starts with Paul accompanied by Silas and begins in Macedonia and heads south toward Athens and Corinth and back across the sea to Ephesus.  Here is a little background.  Think about how this journey compares to things happening today as well.  

 

Acts 17:  In Thessalonica, Paul has largely been speaking in synagogues, using the Hebrew scriptures to bring in the role of Jesus as the Christ or expected Messiah.  Some people got what he was saying – and others got angry and hired some ruffians to start a riot and try to get Paul.  They went to the house of Jason who had given Paul and Silas a place to stay.  They shouted at him that he was making Jesus a king and not Caesar.  After dark Paul and Silas were sent to Berea where they were more welcome, before folks from Thessalonica came to start trouble again.  Paul was sent to Athens while Silas and Timothy remained in Berea to join him as soon as they could.  Athenians were noted for being curious.  Paul was astounded at the idolatry of the many gods he saw there.  He debated Jews in the temple once again and eventually was asked to make a statement.  What followed is seen as the most potent example of cross-cultural evangelism in the Bible:   17: 18-33. 

 

Things to think about:  People think he is talking about two deities – Jesus and  Anastasis (Greek for resurrection).  What is Paul asking the philosophers and others to consider?   How does Paul deal with diversity and culture?  How does he explain the importance of knowing God as opposed to having an unknown God that was ignorantly worshipped?  

 

Acts 18:  From Athens Paul travels to Corinth, where he meets and is hosted by tentmakers Aquila and his wife Priscilla who will later join him as he goes to Ephesus where he leaves them to stay, promising to return.  Once again, Jews try to convince people that Paul is teaching contrary to Hebrew Scriptures.  Some take it to court (12-16).  

 

Who is Gallio?  What is the result of the court case?

 

Paul visits several cities including Jerusalem.  Meanwhile – Aquila and Priscilla encountered a man named Apollos from Alexandria (Egypt) who was preaching (integrating Greek Philosophy with Judaism) but he was enthusiastic about Jesus’ teaching.  So they explained “the way” more accurately and fully to him.  Apollos became a gifted speaker who could counter all the Jewish arguments against Christ Jesus.

 

Acts 19:  Paul returns to Ephesus and has a discussion about the difference between John’s baptism and the “Holy Spirit”.  He speaks of “the way.”  A stronger sense of truth is imparted.  Healings occur.  Some Jews (seven sons of Sceva, a chief priest) try to just use saying the name of Jesus in exorcism and for their own purposes.   

 

What happens?  19: 12-20.

 

After, Paul sent Timothy and Erastus ahead to Macedonia.  A major event then occurred in Ephesus where there was a profitable business in idol making (particularly of goddess Artemis/Diana) and the artisans feel their livelihood is threatened by Paul's teaching.  Mobs form, there is a silversmith riot.  Paul and his traveling companions are dragged to a theater and crowds spend hours chanting about their great goddess.  

 

How does a town official calm things down? (35-41)