Search The Scriptures — Study 35 — Acts 18:1-17

Study 35 From The Book of Acts Is: Acts 18:1-17

The city of Corinth was the capital of the Province of Achia, and one of the greatest cities in the Empire.  It was famous for commerce and learning but infamous for its wickedness.

1. Consider the enormous task Paul faced in an evil and pagan city as he sought to found a church there.  Note (a) the value of Christian fellowship (verses 2, 3; 5; 7, 8) (b) the command and promises of God’s word to Paul (verses 9-11).  Cf. 1 Cor. 2:3. Is this God’s answer to a depressed Christian worker?  Do these things encourage you in difficult situations?
2. Compare the three distinct stages in Paul’s ministry mentioned in verses 4, 7 and 12. What hindrances did Paul face and what encouragement came to him?  Notice that with the hindrances came new opportunities and new encouragements.  Let’s pray for grace to be equally faithful.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 34 — Acts 17:16-34

Study 34 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 17:16-34

Paul at Athens faces philosophers, who are eager to hear another man’s views in order that they may add these to their rag-bag of ideas, and who also have no background understanding of the Old Testament.

See, if possible Acts (TNTC), pp. 136-146 for a most helpful explanation of Paul’s visit.

1. Verses 16, 21.  From what motives, and by what methods, did Paul proclaim the gospel? Do you know anything of a divine jealousy provoked by the fact that people do not give Christ the allegiance which is His right?
2. Verses 22-34.  Study Paul’s sermon and note (a) how he gained the interest of his hearers (verses 22-23), (b) what he taught about God in relation to the universe, mankind, idols and images (verses 24-29), and (c) the response he argued which men needed to make to God (verses 30-34).  Paul sought to make the Christian message relevant to the thought and background of his hearers. He had no slick phraseology.  What do you learn from this about preaching today?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 33 — Acts 17:1-15

Study 33 From The Book of Acts Is: Acts 17:1-15

Thessalonica was the metropolis and most populous city of Macedonia, a centre for both inland and maritime trade.  Berea was a smaller town some sixty mile to the south-west.

1. What do we learn from Paul’s visits and preaching at Thessalonica and Berea about (a) the places where he preached, (b) the features of his preaching, (c) his chief message, (d) those who believed, and (e) the persecution that arose? The same events are written about by Paul in 1Thes. 1:1-2:16.   Do you realize that opportunities for strategic Christian witness may last only a short time? What ought you to do?
2. Verses 11, 12.  How are those who attended the Jewish synagogue in Berea described, and why are they commended? Are these features found in your life and Bible study?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 32 — Acts 16: 16-40

Study 32 From The Book of Acts Is: Acts 16: 16-40

1.  Verses 16-24. What was the origin of the persecution, and in what way did it differ from all those hitherto recorded? Note the successive stages of it, as described in Luke’s very vivid account.  Do you find yourself tempted or persecuted in new ways in your Christian life?
2. A beating with rods (verse 22) was very severe. Yet Paul and Silas are calm and rejoicing.  What caused them to triumph? Cf. Phil. 4:13; 2 Tim. 1:7-8. Paul insists that a public declaration of their innocence is made (verse 37). What use would this be to the advance of the gospel? Are there any ways we can use public authority to help advance the gospel?
3. What caused the jailer to believe? What was essential to his salvation? What change was immediately found in his life? Cf. 8:39; 13:52.  Does your salvation give you the joy of the Lord?

Note.  Verses 20, 21. Philippi, as a Roman colony, was proud of its Roman connections and privileges. Hence the charges brought against the missionaries would excite the people and magistrates.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 31 — Acts 16: 6-15

Study 31 From The Book of Acts Is: Acts 16:6-15

A new period begins here, recording Paul’s greatest missionary effort and achievement: the evangelization of three important Roman provinces—Macedonia, Achaia and Asia.

1. Verses 6-10.  By what various means was Paul guided at this time? Trace on a map how remarkable the guidance was.  What indication is there from this that God does not always guide us in the way we might expect?
2. Verses 11-15.  The gospel comes to Europe.  What evidence is there (a) that Luke, the author of Acts, joined Paul at this time; (b) that the work began in a small way (with verse 13, cf. 13:14-16; 14: 1, 2, and Zc. 4:10a), and (c) that Lydia was truly born again of the Holy Spirit? Do you ever try to organize great work for God, rather than let God start a lasting work in a small way?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 30 — Acts 15:35 – 16:5

Study 30  From The Book of Acts Is: Acts 15:35 – 16:5

1. What was the contention between Paul and Barnabas? Which was right, or were both wrong? Cf. Jn. 21:21, 22; 2 Tim. 4:11. Can you disagree with another Christian without falling out with him?
2. What provision did God make for Paul when he lost the help of Barnabas and John Mark? What was the keynote of their work at this stage? Cf. 14:21-23. In what ways can you help a young Christian to be strong in the faith?
3. 12:25-16:5 List the developments which took place in this fourth period (see analysis)

Note. 16:3, 4. Paul firmly opposed the circumcision of Gentile believers as something necessary to salvation.  This is shown by his passing on of the decision of the Jerusalem Council.  But, Timothy in Jewish eyes was a Jew by birth; and, in fresh evangelism, it would cause needless offence if he did not wear the sign of Jewish nationality. Cf. 1 Cor. 9:20; Gal. 5:6; 6:15.

  

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Search The Scriptures — Study 29 — Acts 15:13-34

Study 29 From The Book of Acts Is: Acts 15:13-34

1. Verses 14-21. Here James, the leader of Jerusalem church, the Lord’s brother, and probably President of the Council, sums up. What judgment does he give, and for what reasons? Do you think this would satisfy both Jew and Gentile?
2. Verses 22, 23. In what ways was the decision to be made known to the Gentiles and with what results? From the whole debate what principles can you draw out to guide you when there is a disagreement among fellow-Christians (a) on essentials of the faith and (b) about non-essentials and matters of individual conscience?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 28 — Acts 15:1-12

Study 28 From The Book of Acts Is: Acts 15:1-12

1. The point at issue between the newly-established Gentile church at Antioch and the older Jewish church at Jerusalem was: ‘On what terms can Gentiles be saved?’ What answer was given by (a) Paul and Barnabas (see 14:27), and (b) the teachers from Judaism (verses 1, 5)?  Write down what you think is essential for Salvation.
2.  Verses 7-11. Of what three facts did Peter remind the Council at Jerusalem, and what conclusions does he draw from them? Is it possible for old established churches to impose upon young churches of a different culture, or for mature Christians to impose upon new converts patterns of behaviour or ceremonies that are not essential to Christianity?

Note. Verses 6-21. Luke records only the closing speeches of a discussion that may have lasted for some days and been marked by deep feeling.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 27 — Acts 14:13-28

Study 27 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 14:3-28

1. What five elemental truths about God are set forth by Paul in verses 15-17?  What application does he draw from them? Cf. verses 11, 14, 15.  To whom do you think Paul would bring this kind of message today?
2. Verses 19-25. Despite opposition Paul and Barnabas return to the cities where churches have been founded to strengthen them. In what ways did they encourage these young Christians? What may we learn from this about helping one another in our faith?
3. Paul and Barnabas report to the Church that had sent them out. Cf. 13:1-4 with 14:26-28.  What is their emphasis in the way they report?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 26 — Acts 14:1-12

Study 26 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 14:1-12

Paul continues his missionary visits to the towns and cities of Asia Minor. He always chose the strategic centres from which to work. Iconium was a prosperous commercial city on one of the main trade routes from east to west, where there would be both Jews and Gentiles. Lystra was a smaller and more country town, with a simpler and less-educated population.

1. Each verse of verses 1-7 describes a fresh development in the events at Iconium.  From these identify the three main stages of the work.  Are you finding that opposition (human or satanic) follows blessing in your Christian work?
2. Verses 8-12.  At Lystra a cripple is healed.  What are (a) the condition of the man, (b) the cause and the character of his faith, and (c) the reaction of the people?

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