Acts 21:27-22:24
27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, who had seen him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd. They seized him, 28 shouting, "Fellow Israelites, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against our people, our law, and this place; more than that, he has actually brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place." 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 Then all the city was aroused, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut. 31 While they were trying to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32 Immediately he took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. When they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the tribune came, arrested him, and ordered him to be bound with two chains; he inquired who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd shouted one thing, some another; and as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 When Paul came to the steps, the violence of the mob was so great that he had to be carried by the soldiers. 36 The crowd that followed kept shouting, "Away with him!" 37 Just as Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, "May I say something to you?" The tribune replied, "Do you know Greek? 38 Then you are not the Egyptian who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand assassins out into the wilderness?" 39 Paul replied, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of an important city; I beg you, let me speak to the people." 40 When he had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the people for silence; and when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:
22 "Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense that I now make before you." 2 When they heard him addressing them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet. Then he said: 3 "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated strictly according to our ancestral law, being zealous for God, just as all of you are today. 4 I persecuted this Way up to the point of death by binding both men and women and putting them in prison, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify about me. From them I also received letters to the brothers in Damascus, and I went there in order to bind those who were there and to bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment. 6 "While I was on my way and approaching Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' 8 I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' Then he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting.' 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 I asked, 'What am I to do, Lord?' The Lord said to me, 'Get up and go to Damascus; there you will be told everything that has been assigned to you to do.' 11 Since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, those who were with me took my hand and led me to Damascus. 12 "A certain Ananias, who was a devout man according to the law and well spoken of by all the Jews living there, 13 came to me; and standing beside me, he said, 'Brother Saul, regain your sight!' In that very hour I regained my sight and saw him. 14 Then he said, 'The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear his own voice; 15 for you will be his witness to all the world of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you delay? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name.' 17 "After I had returned to Jerusalem and while I was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw Jesus saying to me, 'Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.' 19 And I said, 'Lord, they themselves know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And while the blood of your witness Stephen was shed, I myself was standing by, approving and keeping the coats of those who killed him.' 21 Then he said to me, 'Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'" 22 Up to this point they listened to him, but then they shouted, "Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live." 23 And while they were shouting, throwing off their cloaks, and tossing dust into the air, 24 the tribune directed that he was to be brought into the barracks, and ordered him to be examined by flogging, to find out the reason for this outcry against him.
Despite the efforts of the elders to show that Paul still keeps the ritual laws of the temple, there are those from Asia who know of Paul’s work among the Gentiles. Like Jesus, the Romans become involved because of the mob. The Roman love of order and the fear of insurrection make Paul the subject of interest. His defense is both to the Roman tribune and to the crowd.
Paul is quick to establish his credentials both as a Pharisee and as a persecutor of the Way. The change in him is the result of the God’s work in him. His ministry to the Gentiles did not come because of a thought out mission strategy; it came in response to the violence of the Jews and the call of God. As in all of Paul’s sermons or addresses, the subject of the sentence is God. To argue against Paul is to argue against God.
Paul receives the same reception as Jesus. The mob wants his death. The tribune is in the same position as Pilate. If he frees Paul then there is a danger that the crowd will riot. So he continues the investigation in private.
Reflection questions
1. Does the similarity of the telling of this story and the trial of Jesus say something about being a disciple?
2. Paul addresses the crowd in Hebrew. What does Paul’s use of his Jewish heritage say about his witness to the crowd?
3. What role does Paul play in his testimony?
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
November 22
Acts 21:17-26
17 When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us warmly. 18 The next day Paul went with us to visit James; and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 When they heard it, they praised God. Then they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands of believers there are among the Jews, and they are all zealous for the law. 21 They have been told about you that you teach all the Jews living among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, and that you tell them not to circumcise their children or observe the customs. 22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 So do what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow. 24 Join these men, go through the rite of purification with them, and pay for the shaving of their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself observe and guard the law. 25 But as for the Gentiles who have become believers, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication." 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having purified himself, he entered the temple with them, making public the completion of the days of purification when the sacrifice would be made for each of them.
The issue of circumcision is not over. The assembly of the elders had made a decision and Paul has taken that letter to Antioch. He has done his work among the Gentiles with this as his basis. But within the Jewish church this is still a controversy. In an attempt to head off opposition the elders recommend that Paul join other Jewish Christians who will be observing the Jewish rite of purification at the temple.
The early church continues to wrestle with the question of how to relate to Judaism. Ethnically many of the believers are Jews. They continue to worship at the temple in Jerusalem. It is apparent that they still offer sacrifices for purification and perhaps for other purposes. It is also clear that the rules for Gentile Christians are still based on the decisions of the elders recorded in Chapter 15.
Like the circumcision of Timothy, this keeping the rite of purification and paying for the shaving of the four men under a vow, shows that Paul is not rejecting the rituals of the Jews. The hope of the elders is that this will calm the Jewish believers and calm the situation.
Reflection question
1. Do we have ethnic or historical practices that affect our ability to share the gospel?
2. How do we decide when to keep those practices and when to let them go?
3. Are the elders being conflict avoidant in recommending that Paul pay for the purification ritual of the four men?
17 When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us warmly. 18 The next day Paul went with us to visit James; and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 When they heard it, they praised God. Then they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands of believers there are among the Jews, and they are all zealous for the law. 21 They have been told about you that you teach all the Jews living among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, and that you tell them not to circumcise their children or observe the customs. 22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 So do what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow. 24 Join these men, go through the rite of purification with them, and pay for the shaving of their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself observe and guard the law. 25 But as for the Gentiles who have become believers, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication." 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having purified himself, he entered the temple with them, making public the completion of the days of purification when the sacrifice would be made for each of them.
The issue of circumcision is not over. The assembly of the elders had made a decision and Paul has taken that letter to Antioch. He has done his work among the Gentiles with this as his basis. But within the Jewish church this is still a controversy. In an attempt to head off opposition the elders recommend that Paul join other Jewish Christians who will be observing the Jewish rite of purification at the temple.
The early church continues to wrestle with the question of how to relate to Judaism. Ethnically many of the believers are Jews. They continue to worship at the temple in Jerusalem. It is apparent that they still offer sacrifices for purification and perhaps for other purposes. It is also clear that the rules for Gentile Christians are still based on the decisions of the elders recorded in Chapter 15.
Like the circumcision of Timothy, this keeping the rite of purification and paying for the shaving of the four men under a vow, shows that Paul is not rejecting the rituals of the Jews. The hope of the elders is that this will calm the Jewish believers and calm the situation.
Reflection question
1. Do we have ethnic or historical practices that affect our ability to share the gospel?
2. How do we decide when to keep those practices and when to let them go?
3. Are the elders being conflict avoidant in recommending that Paul pay for the purification ritual of the four men?
November 21
Acts 21: 1-16
When we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 When we found a ship bound for Phoenicia, we went on board and set sail. 3 We came in sight of Cyprus; and leaving it on our left, we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, because the ship was to unload its cargo there. 4 We looked up the disciples and stayed there for seven days. Through the Spirit they told Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we left and proceeded on our journey; and all of them, with wives and children, escorted us outside the city. There we knelt down on the beach and prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home. 7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais; and we greeted the believers and stayed with them for one day. 8 The next day we left and came to Caesarea; and we went into the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy. 10 While we were staying there for several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 He came to us and took Paul's belt, bound his own feet and hands with it, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'This is the way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.'" 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 14 Since he would not be persuaded, we remained silent except to say, "The Lord's will be done." 15 After these days we got ready and started to go up to Jerusalem. 16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea also came along and brought us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to stay.
It is clear to the church that Paul will be arrested when he gets to Jerusalem. In some ways this is a similar journey to the one that Luke tells in the gospel. Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem and goes there to the crucifixion and resurrection. Now Paul is on his way to Jerusalem.
The relationship between Paul and the believers is very strong. There are those who want to protect him by discouraging this trip. He continues on with prayer and with fellowship with those who would have him not go. For Paul it is a call that he must follow. For the other believers, it is concern for the welfare of the apostle.
Once again the story of Acts moves from the safe decision to the faithful decision. Paul is convinced that he needs to go to Jerusalem. He goes knowing the dangers. In the process we meet familiar names, Philip, and new names of leaders in the early church. It is also clear that the church has expanded so that in each community there is a group of believers with whom Paul and his companions can stay. The church has branched out from Jerusalem and now is present along this trade route of the ancient world.
Reflection questions
1. When some in the church say the Spirit is giving warning about trouble and others are saying that the Spirit is guiding in this direction, how do we decide which voice of the Spirit is correct?
2. What do the similarities of Paul’s journey and Jesus journey in the Gospel of Luke say to you about discipleship?
3. What does the matter of fact way in which Philip and other leaders of the church are identified tell you about the spreading of the early church?
When we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 When we found a ship bound for Phoenicia, we went on board and set sail. 3 We came in sight of Cyprus; and leaving it on our left, we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, because the ship was to unload its cargo there. 4 We looked up the disciples and stayed there for seven days. Through the Spirit they told Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we left and proceeded on our journey; and all of them, with wives and children, escorted us outside the city. There we knelt down on the beach and prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home. 7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais; and we greeted the believers and stayed with them for one day. 8 The next day we left and came to Caesarea; and we went into the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy. 10 While we were staying there for several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 He came to us and took Paul's belt, bound his own feet and hands with it, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'This is the way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.'" 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 14 Since he would not be persuaded, we remained silent except to say, "The Lord's will be done." 15 After these days we got ready and started to go up to Jerusalem. 16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea also came along and brought us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to stay.
It is clear to the church that Paul will be arrested when he gets to Jerusalem. In some ways this is a similar journey to the one that Luke tells in the gospel. Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem and goes there to the crucifixion and resurrection. Now Paul is on his way to Jerusalem.
The relationship between Paul and the believers is very strong. There are those who want to protect him by discouraging this trip. He continues on with prayer and with fellowship with those who would have him not go. For Paul it is a call that he must follow. For the other believers, it is concern for the welfare of the apostle.
Once again the story of Acts moves from the safe decision to the faithful decision. Paul is convinced that he needs to go to Jerusalem. He goes knowing the dangers. In the process we meet familiar names, Philip, and new names of leaders in the early church. It is also clear that the church has expanded so that in each community there is a group of believers with whom Paul and his companions can stay. The church has branched out from Jerusalem and now is present along this trade route of the ancient world.
Reflection questions
1. When some in the church say the Spirit is giving warning about trouble and others are saying that the Spirit is guiding in this direction, how do we decide which voice of the Spirit is correct?
2. What do the similarities of Paul’s journey and Jesus journey in the Gospel of Luke say to you about discipleship?
3. What does the matter of fact way in which Philip and other leaders of the church are identified tell you about the spreading of the early church?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
November 20
Acts 20: 13-38
13 We went ahead to the ship and set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul on board there; for he had made this arrangement, intending to go by land himself. 14 When he met us in Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. 15 We sailed from there, and on the following day we arrived opposite Chios. The next day we touched at Samos, and the day after that we came to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; he was eager to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. 17 From Miletus he sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him. 18 When they came to him, he said to them: "You yourselves know how I lived among you the entire time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears, enduring the trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews. 20 I did not shrink from doing anything helpful, proclaiming the message to you and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21 as I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus. 22 And now, as a captive to the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me. 24 But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God's grace. 25 "And now I know that none of you, among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom, will ever see my face again. 26 Therefore I declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. 28 Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son. 29 I know that after I have gone, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to warn everyone with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the message of his grace, a message that is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or clothing. 34 You know for yourselves that I worked with my own hands to support myself and my companions. 35 In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" 36 When he had finished speaking, he knelt down with them all and prayed. 37 There was much weeping among them all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 grieving especially because of what he had said, that they would not see him again. Then they brought him to the ship.
Paul is on his way to Jerusalem. He has a sense that this journey will end with his arrest and imprisonment. As he sets out on his travels, he says good bye to the church in Ephesus. From this we see the special place this church has in the heart and mind of the apostle. He is preparing the congregation for the worst. This reality should not be an impediment to the ministry of the congregation. God will be faithful even in the worst of times.
The elders of the congregation are to see to it that the ministry of the gospel goes on. In many ways his address is a model of how leaders should keep their attention on the mission of the congregation. He knows that he is loved and supported, but the ministry of the congregation is not about Paul. It is about Jesus. In Jesus they are built up. In Jesus the poor are protected. In Jesus the church is sanctified. Paul may not see them again, but God is faithful.
There is an emotional good bye. The words of the prophet are to keep living in the faith that he proclaimed. Do the good work of the saints. It is interesting to note that his last words are about their financial stewardship. Paul goes to Jerusalem living out his instruction that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Reflection questions
1. How does good leaving serve the ministry of the congregation?
2. Paul seems to know that going to Jerusalem will end his freedom. How do we respond to calls from God to give up part of our life or our life style?
3. How does Paul balance the church’s call to evangelism with the responsibility to care for the poor?
13 We went ahead to the ship and set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul on board there; for he had made this arrangement, intending to go by land himself. 14 When he met us in Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. 15 We sailed from there, and on the following day we arrived opposite Chios. The next day we touched at Samos, and the day after that we came to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; he was eager to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. 17 From Miletus he sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him. 18 When they came to him, he said to them: "You yourselves know how I lived among you the entire time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears, enduring the trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews. 20 I did not shrink from doing anything helpful, proclaiming the message to you and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21 as I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus. 22 And now, as a captive to the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me. 24 But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God's grace. 25 "And now I know that none of you, among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom, will ever see my face again. 26 Therefore I declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. 28 Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son. 29 I know that after I have gone, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to warn everyone with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the message of his grace, a message that is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or clothing. 34 You know for yourselves that I worked with my own hands to support myself and my companions. 35 In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" 36 When he had finished speaking, he knelt down with them all and prayed. 37 There was much weeping among them all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 grieving especially because of what he had said, that they would not see him again. Then they brought him to the ship.
Paul is on his way to Jerusalem. He has a sense that this journey will end with his arrest and imprisonment. As he sets out on his travels, he says good bye to the church in Ephesus. From this we see the special place this church has in the heart and mind of the apostle. He is preparing the congregation for the worst. This reality should not be an impediment to the ministry of the congregation. God will be faithful even in the worst of times.
The elders of the congregation are to see to it that the ministry of the gospel goes on. In many ways his address is a model of how leaders should keep their attention on the mission of the congregation. He knows that he is loved and supported, but the ministry of the congregation is not about Paul. It is about Jesus. In Jesus they are built up. In Jesus the poor are protected. In Jesus the church is sanctified. Paul may not see them again, but God is faithful.
There is an emotional good bye. The words of the prophet are to keep living in the faith that he proclaimed. Do the good work of the saints. It is interesting to note that his last words are about their financial stewardship. Paul goes to Jerusalem living out his instruction that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Reflection questions
1. How does good leaving serve the ministry of the congregation?
2. Paul seems to know that going to Jerusalem will end his freedom. How do we respond to calls from God to give up part of our life or our life style?
3. How does Paul balance the church’s call to evangelism with the responsibility to care for the poor?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
November 19
Acts 20:1-12
1After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples; and after encouraging them and saying farewell, he left for Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through those regions and had given the believers much encouragement, he came to Greece, 3 where he stayed for three months. He was about to set sail for Syria when a plot was made against him by the Jews, and so he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Beroea, by Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, by Gaius from Derbe, and by Timothy, as well as by Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia. 5 They went ahead and were waiting for us in Troas; 6 but we sailed from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we joined them in Troas, where we stayed for seven days. 7 On the first day of the week, when we met to break bread, Paul was holding a discussion with them; since he intended to leave the next day, he continued speaking until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the room upstairs where we were meeting. 9 A young man named Eutychus, who was sitting in the window, began to sink off into a deep sleep while Paul talked still longer. Overcome by sleep, he fell to the ground three floors below and was picked up dead. 10 But Paul went down, and bending over him took him in his arms, and said, "Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him." 11 Then Paul went upstairs, and after he had broken bread and eaten, he continued to converse with them until dawn; then he left. 12 Meanwhile they had taken the boy away alive and were not a little comforted.
Despite the turmoil in Ephesus the missionary work of Paul and his associates goes on. Again we see the description go from third person to first person. The teller of the story is one of the eye witnesses to these events. From that we can deduce that Paul is not going around solo during these journeys. It is Paul and a group of disciples who visit and support the congregations of Macedonia and Greece.
Even as the church is becoming known outside the synagogue, the Jewish liturgical calendar is still referenced. There is no travel during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Paul is on the move, but with consideration to the religious calendar of those who are still on the fringe of the church.
The story of Eutychus is one of those interesting events that speak of the human frailties of the early church and the unforeseen consequences of our actions. Paul is preaching for a long time. A young man falls asleep and falls out of the window. The size of the crowd in the house had contributed to this event. The how of the restoring of life to this young man is left unanswered. Paul picks him up, declares that there is life in him and returns to dinner. The conversation continues and the boy is alive and taken away. There are many questions we might ask, but the point of the story is that Paul continues to share the gospel to the crowd even as this event is taking place.
Reflection questions
1. What is the role of the church community in sharing the gospel? Do we see this as a community activity or the work of certain individuals?
2. Paul’s single minded conviction to proclaim the gospel continues even in the turmoil of his world. How does the church stay focused on its mission with all of the turmoil around us?
3. What does the story of Eutychus say to you?
1After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples; and after encouraging them and saying farewell, he left for Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through those regions and had given the believers much encouragement, he came to Greece, 3 where he stayed for three months. He was about to set sail for Syria when a plot was made against him by the Jews, and so he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Beroea, by Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, by Gaius from Derbe, and by Timothy, as well as by Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia. 5 They went ahead and were waiting for us in Troas; 6 but we sailed from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we joined them in Troas, where we stayed for seven days. 7 On the first day of the week, when we met to break bread, Paul was holding a discussion with them; since he intended to leave the next day, he continued speaking until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the room upstairs where we were meeting. 9 A young man named Eutychus, who was sitting in the window, began to sink off into a deep sleep while Paul talked still longer. Overcome by sleep, he fell to the ground three floors below and was picked up dead. 10 But Paul went down, and bending over him took him in his arms, and said, "Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him." 11 Then Paul went upstairs, and after he had broken bread and eaten, he continued to converse with them until dawn; then he left. 12 Meanwhile they had taken the boy away alive and were not a little comforted.
Despite the turmoil in Ephesus the missionary work of Paul and his associates goes on. Again we see the description go from third person to first person. The teller of the story is one of the eye witnesses to these events. From that we can deduce that Paul is not going around solo during these journeys. It is Paul and a group of disciples who visit and support the congregations of Macedonia and Greece.
Even as the church is becoming known outside the synagogue, the Jewish liturgical calendar is still referenced. There is no travel during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Paul is on the move, but with consideration to the religious calendar of those who are still on the fringe of the church.
The story of Eutychus is one of those interesting events that speak of the human frailties of the early church and the unforeseen consequences of our actions. Paul is preaching for a long time. A young man falls asleep and falls out of the window. The size of the crowd in the house had contributed to this event. The how of the restoring of life to this young man is left unanswered. Paul picks him up, declares that there is life in him and returns to dinner. The conversation continues and the boy is alive and taken away. There are many questions we might ask, but the point of the story is that Paul continues to share the gospel to the crowd even as this event is taking place.
Reflection questions
1. What is the role of the church community in sharing the gospel? Do we see this as a community activity or the work of certain individuals?
2. Paul’s single minded conviction to proclaim the gospel continues even in the turmoil of his world. How does the church stay focused on its mission with all of the turmoil around us?
3. What does the story of Eutychus say to you?
November 18
Acts 19: 21-41
21 Now after these things had been accomplished, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go through Macedonia and Achaia, and then to go on to Jerusalem. He said, "After I have gone there, I must also see Rome." 22 So he sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he himself stayed for some time longer in Asia. 23 About that time no little disturbance broke out concerning the Way. 24 A man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the artisans. 25 These he gathered together, with the workers of the same trade, and said, "Men, you know that we get our wealth from this business. 26 You also see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost the whole of Asia this Paul has persuaded and drawn away a considerable number of people by saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be scorned, and she will be deprived of her majesty that brought all Asia and the world to worship her." 28 When they heard this, they were enraged and shouted, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" 29 The city was filled with the confusion; and people rushed together to the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's travel companions. 30 Paul wished to go into the crowd, but the disciples would not let him; 31 even some officials of the province of Asia, who were friendly to him, sent him a message urging him not to venture into the theater. 32 Meanwhile, some were shouting one thing, some another; for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 Some of the crowd gave instructions to Alexander, whom the Jews had pushed forward. And Alexander motioned for silence and tried to make a defense before the people. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours all of them shouted in unison, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" 35 But when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, "Citizens of Ephesus, who is there that does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the temple keeper of the great Artemis and of the statue that fell from heaven? 36 Since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. 37 You have brought these men here who are neither temple robbers nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 If therefore Demetrius and the artisans with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges there against one another. 39 If there is anything further you want to know, it must be settled in the regular assembly. 40 For we are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion." 41 When he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
The gospel does affect the way the believers spend their money. As the gospel is heard and believed in Ephesus the believers stop shopping at the temple store of the local deity, Artemis. The silversmiths are impacted and the debate and mob rule is on. The fact is that God does expect us to act in accordance to our faith and that will have economic impacts.
The appeal of the mob to the civil authorities again shows the Roman desire for order protects the believers. In the story of the church and the spread of the gospel we now see two groups lining up against the church. The synagogue continues to be a place of opposition and now those who profit from local shrines and temples are moving in opposition. At this point the state is neutral, but that is temporary.
The reign of God is always at risk of being seen as disloyal to the local community. God’s good gifts to the church will be used in ways that often speak against the current culture. This is one of those moments when the local tourist economy of the Ephesians is at odds with the faith and practice of the believers.
Reflection question
1. How do we respond to those who would use the economic cost of implement our faith against us?
2. How do we reflect the reign of God in our lives?
3. How do you respond to criticisms that the gospel is changing the world as we know it?
21 Now after these things had been accomplished, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go through Macedonia and Achaia, and then to go on to Jerusalem. He said, "After I have gone there, I must also see Rome." 22 So he sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he himself stayed for some time longer in Asia. 23 About that time no little disturbance broke out concerning the Way. 24 A man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the artisans. 25 These he gathered together, with the workers of the same trade, and said, "Men, you know that we get our wealth from this business. 26 You also see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost the whole of Asia this Paul has persuaded and drawn away a considerable number of people by saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be scorned, and she will be deprived of her majesty that brought all Asia and the world to worship her." 28 When they heard this, they were enraged and shouted, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" 29 The city was filled with the confusion; and people rushed together to the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's travel companions. 30 Paul wished to go into the crowd, but the disciples would not let him; 31 even some officials of the province of Asia, who were friendly to him, sent him a message urging him not to venture into the theater. 32 Meanwhile, some were shouting one thing, some another; for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 Some of the crowd gave instructions to Alexander, whom the Jews had pushed forward. And Alexander motioned for silence and tried to make a defense before the people. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours all of them shouted in unison, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" 35 But when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, "Citizens of Ephesus, who is there that does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the temple keeper of the great Artemis and of the statue that fell from heaven? 36 Since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. 37 You have brought these men here who are neither temple robbers nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 If therefore Demetrius and the artisans with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges there against one another. 39 If there is anything further you want to know, it must be settled in the regular assembly. 40 For we are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion." 41 When he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
The gospel does affect the way the believers spend their money. As the gospel is heard and believed in Ephesus the believers stop shopping at the temple store of the local deity, Artemis. The silversmiths are impacted and the debate and mob rule is on. The fact is that God does expect us to act in accordance to our faith and that will have economic impacts.
The appeal of the mob to the civil authorities again shows the Roman desire for order protects the believers. In the story of the church and the spread of the gospel we now see two groups lining up against the church. The synagogue continues to be a place of opposition and now those who profit from local shrines and temples are moving in opposition. At this point the state is neutral, but that is temporary.
The reign of God is always at risk of being seen as disloyal to the local community. God’s good gifts to the church will be used in ways that often speak against the current culture. This is one of those moments when the local tourist economy of the Ephesians is at odds with the faith and practice of the believers.
Reflection question
1. How do we respond to those who would use the economic cost of implement our faith against us?
2. How do we reflect the reign of God in our lives?
3. How do you respond to criticisms that the gospel is changing the world as we know it?
Monday, November 23, 2009
November 17
Acts 19: 11-20
11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that when the handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, their diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them. 13 Then some itinerant Jewish exorcists tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims." 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit said to them in reply, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" 16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered them all, and so overpowered them that they fled out of the house naked and wounded. 17 When this became known to all residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, everyone was awestruck; and the name of the Lord Jesus was praised. 18 Also many of those who became believers confessed and disclosed their practices. 19 A number of those who practiced magic collected their books and burned them publicly; when the value of these books was calculated, it was found to come to fifty thousand silver coins. 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
The gospel brings healing with it. We are at a loss to explain the miracles described. If we could explain them, they would not be miracles. The fact remains that Paul’s ministry in Ephesus was more than only arguing in the synagogue and reaching out to the Gentiles. It also involved healing those who were sick.
These healings attracted attention and imitation. The problem is not in the technique, it is in the power behind the technique. The name of Jesus is used to heal. The name dropping of Jesus, as the one whom Paul proclaims, does not work. It is easy to over focus on the messenger and to miss the message. In this case it is also dangerous.
Notice too, that becoming a believer also leads to confession. Becoming a disciple of Jesus does not mean that the past is ignored. It is forgiven, which means it can be confessed for what it was. Our pasts do not condemn us, Jesus has forgiven us. Confession helps us break the pattern and gives further encouragement to repentance.
Notice that repentance can be costly. Becoming a believer means leaving the past and its investments behind. Jesus is the word of life. All other claims to power and life are set aside. We do not believe so that we can continue as before. We believe that following Jesus will change us and the world around us.
Reflection questions
1. How does confessing sin change us?
2. Where do you need encouragement in your repentance?
3. Where does the church or society over focus on the leaders and miss the call to mission?
11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that when the handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, their diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them. 13 Then some itinerant Jewish exorcists tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims." 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit said to them in reply, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" 16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered them all, and so overpowered them that they fled out of the house naked and wounded. 17 When this became known to all residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, everyone was awestruck; and the name of the Lord Jesus was praised. 18 Also many of those who became believers confessed and disclosed their practices. 19 A number of those who practiced magic collected their books and burned them publicly; when the value of these books was calculated, it was found to come to fifty thousand silver coins. 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
The gospel brings healing with it. We are at a loss to explain the miracles described. If we could explain them, they would not be miracles. The fact remains that Paul’s ministry in Ephesus was more than only arguing in the synagogue and reaching out to the Gentiles. It also involved healing those who were sick.
These healings attracted attention and imitation. The problem is not in the technique, it is in the power behind the technique. The name of Jesus is used to heal. The name dropping of Jesus, as the one whom Paul proclaims, does not work. It is easy to over focus on the messenger and to miss the message. In this case it is also dangerous.
Notice too, that becoming a believer also leads to confession. Becoming a disciple of Jesus does not mean that the past is ignored. It is forgiven, which means it can be confessed for what it was. Our pasts do not condemn us, Jesus has forgiven us. Confession helps us break the pattern and gives further encouragement to repentance.
Notice that repentance can be costly. Becoming a believer means leaving the past and its investments behind. Jesus is the word of life. All other claims to power and life are set aside. We do not believe so that we can continue as before. We believe that following Jesus will change us and the world around us.
Reflection questions
1. How does confessing sin change us?
2. Where do you need encouragement in your repentance?
3. Where does the church or society over focus on the leaders and miss the call to mission?
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