Article archive
07/08/2011 08:05
One additional note must be made concerning the trip to Jerusalem resulting in Paul’s arrest. We learned in 19:21 that while in Ephesus, Paul, compelled by the Spirit, planned to “go to Jerusalem, saying, ‘After I have been there, I must also see Rome.’” From our vantage point we understand that...
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06/25/2011 11:10
After Paul’s farewell to the Christians in Troas, he continues on his journey to Jerusalem. He is trying to make Jerusalem by Pentecost, which is roughly 50 days following Passover (“roughly” because technically it is 50 days following the wave offering of the 1st day of the week following the...
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06/17/2011 08:38
In Acts 19 we read of Demetrius, a silversmith who clearly saw that the gospel Paul preached threatened his economical, religious, and political world (19:23-27). It is interesting that this concept so clearly understood by him and the pagans of his day is beyond the grasp of 21st century America....
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06/10/2011 07:56
Ephesus was the magic capital of Asia Minor. Magic was thought of as the ability to control spirits to do your bidding or work to your advantage. In Acts 19:11-20, Luke begins by describing the miracles of God performed by Paul particularly in the matter of healing and exorcism. The aprons...
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06/03/2011 08:11
Paul left Priscilla and Aquila and the rest of his helpers in Ephesus to carry on the work there as he traveled to Jerusalem to complete the ritual involved with his vow. We will discuss Paul’s keeping of old covenant ritual more fully when we reach Acts 21. Paul’s trip to Jerusalem, then to...
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05/27/2011 10:15
In his Acts 17 address, Paul told the Areopagites that God is calling on all people everywhere to repent. He warned of judgment coming by God’s appointed man, whom he raised from the dead (17:31). But was this a gospel message? It appears not. There is no talk of atonement—no reconciliation—no...
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05/20/2011 09:29
Paul has been brought before the Areopagus council of Athens to explain his religious views. Their concern was that Greek culture and society would not be threatened by the religious beliefs Paul was promoting. Those with an understanding of the Greek rhetorical arts have recognized Paul’s address...
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05/13/2011 10:18
In the jealous zealousness for their position as law-holders of the old covenant, the Thessalonian Jews react to Paul’s message as did the Jews of Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. They want Paul and his message stopped. But Thessalonica was in the heart of Greek/Roman civilization. These Jews could...
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05/06/2011 19:19
At midnight, in the pitch-black interior of the jailhouse, Paul and Silas sat praying and singing. No shouts rang out from any angry, hardened prisoners wanting silence in which to sleep. The Bible tells us that they all were listening. A rumble began, and the prison house foundations started...
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05/01/2011 07:42
The Epistle to the Galatians was written sometime after the first missionary journey (Acts 13) and before the second missionary journey (beginning in Acts 16). A somewhat educated guess would put the writing of the letter between Acts 15:35 and 36—in those days following chapter 15’s Jerusalem...
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