Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The Twelve Disciples Of John (19:1-10) Part Two
The example of "The Twelve Disciples Of John" does raise an interesting question concerning "re-baptism". Under what circumstances should one be "baptized" again? Here are some thoughts regarding this question. Is re-baptism ever necessary? For the answer to this question I offer the reader some observations concerning the twelve disciples. They had been previously "baptized". Their baptism, however, was lacking in some way. Even though it was immersion. Even though it was "for the remission of sins" - Mk 1:4 "So John the Baptist showed up in the desert and told everyone, "Turn back to God and be baptized! Then your sins will be forgiven."’ But baptism was not in the name of Jesus - Ac 2:38 "Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit."; 10:48 "Peter ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days."; 19:5 "After the people heard Paul say this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." That is, by His authority which would have been a baptism into the name of the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Son - Mt 28:19 "Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,"
Because their first baptism lacked an essential element, "re-baptism" was necessary! May we not conclude that if an earlier baptism lacks some essential element, then "re-baptism" is necessary?
Let’s now look at some reason when re-baptism is appropriate. There are four "essential elements" of Bible baptism:
The proper mode: a burial (immersion) - Ro 6:3 "Don't you know that all who share in Christ Jesus by being baptized also share in his death?" (a burial); Co 2:12 "And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death."
The proper authority: in the name of Christ - Ac 19:5 "After the people heard Paul say this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
The proper purpose: remission of sins - Ac 2:38 "Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit."; 22:16 "What are you waiting for? Get up! Be baptized, and wash away your sins by praying to the Lord."’
The proper subject: penitent believer - Ac 2:38 "Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit."; 8:37 "Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." He replied, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."’; Mk 16:16 "Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned."
When one of these "essential elements" was lacking, "re-baptism" was commanded In Ac 19:1-5, the proper authority was lacking. Even though their previous baptism had the right mode, purpose, and subject. Some cases where "re-baptism" would seem appropriate are if we were baptized by sprinkling or pouring, for the proper mode is immersion. If we were baptized by the authority of anyone other than Jesus, for the proper authority is Jesus Christ. If we were baptized as a public confession of faith (thinking that we were already saved), for the proper purpose is the remission of sins. If we were baptized but were not penitent believers , for a proper subject is one who believes "with all their heart" For example, when one is baptized just because their friends are doing it or because their spouse, fiancé, or parents are pressuring them to do it (and they do it to please them, not God).
But let me be sure to clarify. When one is baptized because their "first" baptism lacked an essential element it is not really "re-baptism!" For in the strictest sense, that person is finally being baptized scripturally for the first time! When one has been scripturally baptized once there is never a need to be baptized again! For once we have clothed ourselves with Christ in baptism the blood of Christ continually cleanses us of our sins as we repent and confess our sins to God in prayer - Ac 8:22 "Get rid of these evil thoughts and ask God to forgive you."; 1 Jn 1:9 "But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away."
The example of "The Twelve Disciples Of John" certainly illustrates that one can be religious, have undergone some baptismal experience and still not be a true disciple of Jesus Christ! One can rest assured that they are a true disciple of Jesus when their baptism had:
The right mode - immersion
The right authority- Jesus Christ
The right purpose - remission of sins
The right subject - penitent believer
Lacking any of these "essential elements", one should consider being baptized again in order to "make your calling and election sure". If we desire to truly be the disciples of Jesus Christ, then let’s be sure we proclaim the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, as preached by His apostles in the first century. Let’s be sure we personally have responded to that gospel in the same manner as those who heard the good news preached in its purity and simplicity.
I pray that this study, "Conversions In The Book Of Acts" has been beneficial toward that end as this is the final lesson in this series.
Have you taken advantage of this wonderful gift, by responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
If you have not responded to the gospel message as we have just examined in "The Twelve Disciples Of John" and would like to do so, by all means please contact me directly at jimnewy@classicnet.net
This study is from The Executable Outlines Series, a collection of sermon outlines and Bible study lessons by Mark A. Copeland . These outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001
God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year
Join my Bible Study Group at internet-bible-studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internet-bible-studies/join
Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Conversions in The Book of Acts - IXa
Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The Twelve Disciples Of John (19:1-10) Part One
In our survey of "Conversions In The Book of Acts", we have consider the following examples of conversion.
The 3000 on Pentecost - Ac 2:1-41
The 2000 at Solomon’s Porch - Ac 3:1-4:4
The Samaritans - Ac 8:4-25
The Ethiopian Eunuch - Ac 8:26-40
Saul Of Tarsus - Ac 9:1-19; 22:6-16; 26:12-18
Cornelius And His Household - Ac 10:1-48; 11:1-18
Two Households At Philippi - Ac 16:6-34
The Athenians - Ac 17:16-34
The Corinthians - Ac 18:1-11
There were others that we might have considered, but did not.
Those at Antioch of Syria - Ac 11:19-21
Sergius Paulus on the island of Paphos - Ac 13:4-12
Those at Antioch of Pisidia - Ac 13:13-48
Those at Iconium, Lystra and Derbe - Ac 14:1-20
Those at Thessalonica and Berea - Ac 17:1-12
And Apollos, who was taught by Aquila and Priscilla - Ac 18:24-28
In the examples we considered, I made the following observations:
The gospel message was one that focused on Jesus...
Who died for our sins
Who was raised from the dead
Who is both Lord and Christ, returning again one day to judge the world
That the response expected of those who heard was one of...
Faith in Jesus as the Christ, the son of God (which included confessing that faith)
Repentance of one’s sins
Baptism for the remission of sins
Before we conclude this series, I wish to examine one more case of conversion. It is the last example of conversion in Acts (with the possible exception of some in the audience when Paul spoke at Rome - Ac 28:23-24). It is unique for several reasons, one of which is that it describes a "re-baptism". I am referring to "The Twelve Disciples Of John", recorded in Ac 19:1-10.
As we begin this study, let’s review the Biblical record of the conversion of twelve "disciles of John." When Paul arrived in Ephesus. He had just started his third journey - Ac 18:22-23 "Paul sailed to Caesarea, where he greeted the church. Then he went on to Antioch. After staying there for a while, he left and visited several places in Galatia and Phrygia. He helped the followers there to become stronger in their faith." At the end of his second journey, he had made a quick stop at Ephesus - Ac 18:19-21 "The three of them arrived in Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He then went into the Jewish meeting place to talk with the people there. They asked him to stay longer, but he refused. He told them good-by and said, "If God lets me, I will come back."’ True to his word, he returned to Ephesus - Ac 19:1 "While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled across the hill country to Ephesus, where he met some of the Lord's followers."
He finds some "disciples", who were twelve in number - Ac 19:1b "where he met some of the Lord's followers.", 7 "There were about twelve men in this group." Upon questioning, he learns they were disciples of John the Baptist - Ac 19:2-3 "He asked them, "When you put your faith in Jesus, were you given the Holy Spirit?" "No!" they answered. "We have never even heard of the Holy Spirit." "Then why were you baptized?" Paul asked. They answered, "Because of what John taught."’ He asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed as explained in the conversion of "The Samaritans" (Ac 8:4-25), I believe the phrase "receive the Holy Spirit" to be a metonymy for receiving a miraculous gift from the Spirit. As an apostle, Paul had the ability to impart spiritual gifts - Ro 1:11 "I want to see you and share with you the same blessings that God's Spirit has given me. Then you will grow stronger in your faith."; 2 Ti 1:6s28 "So I ask you to make full use of the gift that God gave you when I placed my hands on you. Use it well." Assuming the "disciples" to have been baptized into Christ, he desired to give them gifts from the Spirit (such as the gifts of tongues and prophesy, cf. 1 Co 12:10). Their immediate answer sparks another question from Paul as they had not heard about a Holy Spirit. They must not have known much of John’s own teaching, for he taught concerning the Holy Spirit - Mt 3:11 "I baptize you with water so that you will give up your sins. But someone more powerful is going to come, and I am not good enough even to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." They clearly could not have been properly baptized into Christ, for it is a baptism into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! - Mt 28:19 "Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit," So Paul inquires into their baptism. He learns that it was John’s baptism. Some have suggested that these 12 may have been converted by Apollos before Apollos himself learned the truth - Ac 18:24-25 "A Jewish man named Apollos came to Ephesus. Apollos had been born in the city of Alexandria. He was a very good speaker and knew a lot about the Scriptures. He also knew much about the Lord's Way, and he spoke about it with great excitement. What he taught about Jesus was right, but all he knew was John's message about baptism."
Paul explains that while John did teach a baptism of repentance, he directed people to believe on Jesus who would come after him - Ac 19:4 "Paul replied, "John baptized people so that they would turn to God. But he also told them that someone else was coming, and that they should put their faith in him. Jesus is the one that John was talking about."’ The twelve are then baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus - Ac 19:5 "After the people heard Paul say this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." This would be the baptism commanded by Jesus - Mt 28:18-20 "Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world." And the baptism expected of all would-be disciples of Jesus - Ac 2:38; 22:16. Following their baptism, Paul laid hands on them and the Spirit imparted gifts of tongues and prophesy - Ac 19:6-7 "Then Paul placed his hands on them. The Holy Spirit was given to them, and they spoke unknown languages and prophesied. There were about twelve men in this group." Such was the beginning of a very successful period for the gospel (cf. Ac 19:8-10 "For three months Paul went to the Jewish meeting place and talked bravely with the people about God's kingdom. He tried to win them over, but some of them were stubborn and refused to believe. In front of everyone they said terrible things about God's Way. Paul left and took the followers with him to the lecture hall of Tyrannus. He spoke there every day for two years, until every Jew and Gentile in Asia had heard the Lord's message."). Again we see what was considered the normal response of one who wished to become a disciple of Jesus (faith and baptism). Mark 16:16 "Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned."
The example of "The Twelve Disciples Of John" does raise an interesting question concerning "re-baptism". We will look at this question in our next lesson in this series.
God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year
Join my Bible Study Group at internet-bible-studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internet-bible-studies/join
Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Twelve Disciples Of John (19:1-10) Part One
In our survey of "Conversions In The Book of Acts", we have consider the following examples of conversion.
The 3000 on Pentecost - Ac 2:1-41
The 2000 at Solomon’s Porch - Ac 3:1-4:4
The Samaritans - Ac 8:4-25
The Ethiopian Eunuch - Ac 8:26-40
Saul Of Tarsus - Ac 9:1-19; 22:6-16; 26:12-18
Cornelius And His Household - Ac 10:1-48; 11:1-18
Two Households At Philippi - Ac 16:6-34
The Athenians - Ac 17:16-34
The Corinthians - Ac 18:1-11
There were others that we might have considered, but did not.
Those at Antioch of Syria - Ac 11:19-21
Sergius Paulus on the island of Paphos - Ac 13:4-12
Those at Antioch of Pisidia - Ac 13:13-48
Those at Iconium, Lystra and Derbe - Ac 14:1-20
Those at Thessalonica and Berea - Ac 17:1-12
And Apollos, who was taught by Aquila and Priscilla - Ac 18:24-28
In the examples we considered, I made the following observations:
The gospel message was one that focused on Jesus...
Who died for our sins
Who was raised from the dead
Who is both Lord and Christ, returning again one day to judge the world
That the response expected of those who heard was one of...
Faith in Jesus as the Christ, the son of God (which included confessing that faith)
Repentance of one’s sins
Baptism for the remission of sins
Before we conclude this series, I wish to examine one more case of conversion. It is the last example of conversion in Acts (with the possible exception of some in the audience when Paul spoke at Rome - Ac 28:23-24). It is unique for several reasons, one of which is that it describes a "re-baptism". I am referring to "The Twelve Disciples Of John", recorded in Ac 19:1-10.
As we begin this study, let’s review the Biblical record of the conversion of twelve "disciles of John." When Paul arrived in Ephesus. He had just started his third journey - Ac 18:22-23 "Paul sailed to Caesarea, where he greeted the church. Then he went on to Antioch. After staying there for a while, he left and visited several places in Galatia and Phrygia. He helped the followers there to become stronger in their faith." At the end of his second journey, he had made a quick stop at Ephesus - Ac 18:19-21 "The three of them arrived in Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He then went into the Jewish meeting place to talk with the people there. They asked him to stay longer, but he refused. He told them good-by and said, "If God lets me, I will come back."’ True to his word, he returned to Ephesus - Ac 19:1 "While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled across the hill country to Ephesus, where he met some of the Lord's followers."
He finds some "disciples", who were twelve in number - Ac 19:1b "where he met some of the Lord's followers.", 7 "There were about twelve men in this group." Upon questioning, he learns they were disciples of John the Baptist - Ac 19:2-3 "He asked them, "When you put your faith in Jesus, were you given the Holy Spirit?" "No!" they answered. "We have never even heard of the Holy Spirit." "Then why were you baptized?" Paul asked. They answered, "Because of what John taught."’ He asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed as explained in the conversion of "The Samaritans" (Ac 8:4-25), I believe the phrase "receive the Holy Spirit" to be a metonymy for receiving a miraculous gift from the Spirit. As an apostle, Paul had the ability to impart spiritual gifts - Ro 1:11 "I want to see you and share with you the same blessings that God's Spirit has given me. Then you will grow stronger in your faith."; 2 Ti 1:6s28 "So I ask you to make full use of the gift that God gave you when I placed my hands on you. Use it well." Assuming the "disciples" to have been baptized into Christ, he desired to give them gifts from the Spirit (such as the gifts of tongues and prophesy, cf. 1 Co 12:10). Their immediate answer sparks another question from Paul as they had not heard about a Holy Spirit. They must not have known much of John’s own teaching, for he taught concerning the Holy Spirit - Mt 3:11 "I baptize you with water so that you will give up your sins. But someone more powerful is going to come, and I am not good enough even to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." They clearly could not have been properly baptized into Christ, for it is a baptism into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! - Mt 28:19 "Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit," So Paul inquires into their baptism. He learns that it was John’s baptism. Some have suggested that these 12 may have been converted by Apollos before Apollos himself learned the truth - Ac 18:24-25 "A Jewish man named Apollos came to Ephesus. Apollos had been born in the city of Alexandria. He was a very good speaker and knew a lot about the Scriptures. He also knew much about the Lord's Way, and he spoke about it with great excitement. What he taught about Jesus was right, but all he knew was John's message about baptism."
Paul explains that while John did teach a baptism of repentance, he directed people to believe on Jesus who would come after him - Ac 19:4 "Paul replied, "John baptized people so that they would turn to God. But he also told them that someone else was coming, and that they should put their faith in him. Jesus is the one that John was talking about."’ The twelve are then baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus - Ac 19:5 "After the people heard Paul say this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." This would be the baptism commanded by Jesus - Mt 28:18-20 "Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world." And the baptism expected of all would-be disciples of Jesus - Ac 2:38; 22:16. Following their baptism, Paul laid hands on them and the Spirit imparted gifts of tongues and prophesy - Ac 19:6-7 "Then Paul placed his hands on them. The Holy Spirit was given to them, and they spoke unknown languages and prophesied. There were about twelve men in this group." Such was the beginning of a very successful period for the gospel (cf. Ac 19:8-10 "For three months Paul went to the Jewish meeting place and talked bravely with the people about God's kingdom. He tried to win them over, but some of them were stubborn and refused to believe. In front of everyone they said terrible things about God's Way. Paul left and took the followers with him to the lecture hall of Tyrannus. He spoke there every day for two years, until every Jew and Gentile in Asia had heard the Lord's message."). Again we see what was considered the normal response of one who wished to become a disciple of Jesus (faith and baptism). Mark 16:16 "Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned."
The example of "The Twelve Disciples Of John" does raise an interesting question concerning "re-baptism". We will look at this question in our next lesson in this series.
God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year
Join my Bible Study Group at internet-bible-studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internet-bible-studies/join
Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Conversions in The Book of Acts - VIII
Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The Corinthians (18:1-11)
Following his limited success at Athens, Paul went to nearby Corinth. An economic center of Greece, known for its immorality. It became an important focus of Paul’s ministry. He stayed a year and a half on his second missionary journey. Where he visited once and possibly twice on his third journey. A well-known church was established, the recipient of at least two epistles by Paul. The establishment of the church is described in Ac 18:1-11 in which we read of Paul’s work in the local synagogue. We also read of he conversion of many Corinthians, including the ruler of the synagogue. We also read something about their conversion in 1 Co 1:14-17, where Paul expresses thanks for personally baptizing just a few of the Corinthians in which some have concluded that Paul was declaring the non-essentiality of baptism. In this study we shall examine the conversion of "The Corinthians". Once again, to glean what we can about the gospel’s message and response. We want to look at and determine whether Paul was actually demeaning the importance of baptism in his epistle to the Corinthians.
Turning to Ac 18:1-11, let’s review Luke’s account of the conversion of the Corinthians. Upon Paul’s arrival in Corinth he meets up with Aquila and Priscilla - Ac 18:1-2 "Paul left Athens and went to Corinth, where he met Aquila, a Jewish man from Pontus. Not long before this, Aquila had come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Emperor Claudius had ordered the Jewish people to leave Rome. Paul went to see Aquila and Priscilla" Of the same trade (tentmakers), Paul stays with them - Ac 18:3 "and found out that they were tent makers. Paul was a tent maker too. So he stayed with them, and they worked together."
Looking at Paul’s ministry at Corinth he goes to the synagogue, as was his custom - Ac 18:4 "Every Sabbath, Paul went to the Jewish meeting place. He spoke to Jews and Gentiles and tried to win them over.";also see 17:1-3. He "reasons" with the people, as he did with those at Thessalonica and those at Athens - se Ac 17:2 and Ac 17:17 We will find that Paul did the same with those at Ephesus - Ac 18:19; 19:8-9; Felix the governor - Ac 24:25; Festus and Agrippa - Ac 26:25 where the gospel is designed to appeal to the mind as well as the heart! He "persuades" both Jews and Greeks just as he did at Thessalonica - Ac 17:4 and as he did at Ephesus - Ac 19:8 He came close to doing the same with King Agrippa - Ac 26:28. Again, the gospel appeals to the reasoning processes of the mind.
When Silas and Timothy arrive, Paul is constrained to preach even more - Ac 18:5 "But after Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, he spent all his time preaching to the Jews about Jesus the Messiah." He "testified" to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ - just as he did in Ac 20:21,24; 23:11; 28:23. Such testimony likely involved using the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament as in - Ac 17:2-3 "So as usual, Paul went there to worship, and on three Sabbaths he spoke to the people. He used the Scriptures to show them that the Messiah had to suffer, but that he would rise from death. Paul also told them that Jesus is the Messiah he was preaching about." He likely used his eyewitness testimony as an apostle - Ac 26:16 "Now stand up. I have appeared to you, because I have chosen you to be my servant. You are to tell others what you have learned about me and what I will show you later."’
Rejection by some of the Jews sends him to the Gentiles - Ac 18:6-7 "Finally, they turned against him and insulted him. So he shook the dust from his clothes and told them, "Whatever happens to you will be your own fault! I am not to blame. From now on I am going to preach to the Gentiles." Paul then moved into the house of a man named Titius Justus, who worshiped God and lived next door to the Jewish meeting place." Just as it did at Antioch of Pisidia - Ac 13:45-46. In Corinth, Paul has only to go next door, to the home of Justus. The gospel bears fruit in Corinth - Ac 18:8 "Crispus was the leader of the meeting place. He and everyone in his family put their faith in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard the message, and all the people who had faith in the Lord were baptized." Crispus, ruler of the synagogue, believes with all his household - (see also 1 Co 1:14 "I thank God that I didn't baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius.") Many of the Corinthians believe and are baptized. Encouraged by the Lord in a vision, Paul stays for a year and a half - Ac 18:9-11 "One night, Paul had a vision, and in it the Lord said, "Don't be afraid to keep on preaching. Don't stop! I am with you, and you won't be harmed. Many people in this city belong to me." Paul stayed on in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching God's message to the people."
With Luke’s description, we see a similarity with what we have read before. Upon hearing the gospel, those persuaded both believe and are baptized (cf. Ac 8:12; 18:8). This is certainly in keeping with the commission of our Lord (cf. Mk 16:15-16). But often people will use Paul’s comments in 1 Co 1:14-17 to say that baptism has nothing to do with conversion (salvation). Is that true? Let’s take a close look at Paul’s comments to the Corinthians. Keeping to the context the church at Corinth was badly divided - 1 Co 1:10-11 "My dear friends, as a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, I beg you to get along with each other. Don't take sides. Always try to agree in what you think. Several people from Chloe's family have already reported to me that you keep arguing with each other." People were aligning themselves as followers of different men (perhaps based upon who baptized them) - 1 Co 1:12-13 "They have said that some of you claim to follow me, while others claim to follow Apollos or Peter or Christ. Has Christ been divided up? Was I nailed to a cross for you? Were you baptized in my name?" Paul illustrates the absurdity of calling themselves after men with several rhetorical questions. "Is Christ divided?" "Was Paul crucified for you?" "Were you baptized in the name of Paul?" The implied answer to each question was "No!" But notice what else is implied by each question. Christ is not divided. It was Christ (not some man) who was crucified for you. You were baptized, not in the name of some man, but in the name of Christ! So the context itself implies what we read in Ac 18:8 ("...many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.")
Note Paul’s comments, "I thank God that I baptized none of you except..." - 1 Co 1:14 "I thank God that I didn't baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius." Paul should be understood in light of the context. Since some of the Corinthians were dividing over who may have baptized them, Paul was grateful that he had not personally baptized many of them. His reason? Not because he did not consider baptism important. But as he states himself: "...lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name." - 1 Co 1:15. The Corinthians had been baptized - as seen in Ac 18:8; 1 Co 1:13 as a result of Paul’s preaching, by the way. But not many by Paul personally, for which he was later thankful! "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel..." - 1 Co 1:17. Are we to understand Paul to say that he did not preach baptism?
Clearly he did to Lydia and the Philippian jailor - Ac 16:14-15; 32-33. Clearly he did to the Corinthians - Ac 18:8. He taught baptism as the means by which one puts on Christ - Ga 3:27 "And when you were baptized, it was as though you had put on Christ in the same way you put on new clothes." He taught baptism as the means by which one dies to sin - Ro 6:3-7 "Don't you know that all who share in Christ Jesus by being baptized also share in his death? When we were baptized, we died and were buried with Christ. We were baptized, so that we would live a new life, as Christ was raised to life by the glory of God the Father. If we shared in Jesus' death by being baptized, we will be raised to life with him. We know that the persons we used to be were nailed to the cross with Jesus. This was done, so that our sinful bodies would no longer be the slaves of sin. We know that sin doesn't have power over dead people."
Instead, we are to understand that Paul was emphasizing his function as an apostle. He was sent to preach the gospel (which includes the command to be baptized - Mk 16:15-16 "Then he told them: Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world. Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned.") It was not his primary function to perform the baptisms of those who responded to the gospel! Though he did in some cases - 1 Co 1:14,16. But he was often accompanied by others (e.g., Silas, Timothy, Luke), and they were likely the ones to handle the physical act of immersing people. In view of what later occurred at Corinth, he is simply thankful that his involvement in the act of baptizing others was rather limited. Such was the point of Paul’s comments, and they should not be understood as Paul demeaning the value or place of baptism in the process of conversion!
The conversion of "The Corinthians" confirms what we have seen in previous examples of conversions in the book of Acts. The gospel concerning Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) was proclaimed. Those "persuaded" by the gospel message believed and were baptized immediately. The conversion of "The Corinthians" also stands out because of the impact the gospel had in their lives. As mentioned, the city of Corinth was known for its immorality. Many of the members of the church had lived immoral lives - cf. 1 Co 6:9-11a "Don't you know that evil people won't have a share in the blessings of God's kingdom? Don't fool yourselves! No one who is immoral or worships idols or is unfaithful in marriage or is a pervert or behaves like a homosexual will share in God's kingdom. Neither will any thief or greedy person or drunkard or anyone who curses and cheats others. Some of you used to be like that." Yet through their faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ, Paul could write:
"But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Co 6:11)
Such is the power of the gospel of Christ to the obedient believer. Have you been "washed", "sanctified", and "justified"? Let the conversions in the book of Acts show you how!. Have you taken advantage of this wonderful gift, by responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ? If you have not responded to the gospel message as we have just examined in the conversion of the Corinthians and would like to do so, by all means please contact me directly at jnlnewsted@nts-online.net
This study is from The Executable Outlines Series, a collection of sermon outlines and Bible study lessons by Mark A. Copeland . These outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001
God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
Join my Bible Study Group at internet-bible-studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internet-bible-studies/join
The Corinthians (18:1-11)
Following his limited success at Athens, Paul went to nearby Corinth. An economic center of Greece, known for its immorality. It became an important focus of Paul’s ministry. He stayed a year and a half on his second missionary journey. Where he visited once and possibly twice on his third journey. A well-known church was established, the recipient of at least two epistles by Paul. The establishment of the church is described in Ac 18:1-11 in which we read of Paul’s work in the local synagogue. We also read of he conversion of many Corinthians, including the ruler of the synagogue. We also read something about their conversion in 1 Co 1:14-17, where Paul expresses thanks for personally baptizing just a few of the Corinthians in which some have concluded that Paul was declaring the non-essentiality of baptism. In this study we shall examine the conversion of "The Corinthians". Once again, to glean what we can about the gospel’s message and response. We want to look at and determine whether Paul was actually demeaning the importance of baptism in his epistle to the Corinthians.
Turning to Ac 18:1-11, let’s review Luke’s account of the conversion of the Corinthians. Upon Paul’s arrival in Corinth he meets up with Aquila and Priscilla - Ac 18:1-2 "Paul left Athens and went to Corinth, where he met Aquila, a Jewish man from Pontus. Not long before this, Aquila had come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Emperor Claudius had ordered the Jewish people to leave Rome. Paul went to see Aquila and Priscilla" Of the same trade (tentmakers), Paul stays with them - Ac 18:3 "and found out that they were tent makers. Paul was a tent maker too. So he stayed with them, and they worked together."
Looking at Paul’s ministry at Corinth he goes to the synagogue, as was his custom - Ac 18:4 "Every Sabbath, Paul went to the Jewish meeting place. He spoke to Jews and Gentiles and tried to win them over.";also see 17:1-3. He "reasons" with the people, as he did with those at Thessalonica and those at Athens - se Ac 17:2 and Ac 17:17 We will find that Paul did the same with those at Ephesus - Ac 18:19; 19:8-9; Felix the governor - Ac 24:25; Festus and Agrippa - Ac 26:25 where the gospel is designed to appeal to the mind as well as the heart! He "persuades" both Jews and Greeks just as he did at Thessalonica - Ac 17:4 and as he did at Ephesus - Ac 19:8 He came close to doing the same with King Agrippa - Ac 26:28. Again, the gospel appeals to the reasoning processes of the mind.
When Silas and Timothy arrive, Paul is constrained to preach even more - Ac 18:5 "But after Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, he spent all his time preaching to the Jews about Jesus the Messiah." He "testified" to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ - just as he did in Ac 20:21,24; 23:11; 28:23. Such testimony likely involved using the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament as in - Ac 17:2-3 "So as usual, Paul went there to worship, and on three Sabbaths he spoke to the people. He used the Scriptures to show them that the Messiah had to suffer, but that he would rise from death. Paul also told them that Jesus is the Messiah he was preaching about." He likely used his eyewitness testimony as an apostle - Ac 26:16 "Now stand up. I have appeared to you, because I have chosen you to be my servant. You are to tell others what you have learned about me and what I will show you later."’
Rejection by some of the Jews sends him to the Gentiles - Ac 18:6-7 "Finally, they turned against him and insulted him. So he shook the dust from his clothes and told them, "Whatever happens to you will be your own fault! I am not to blame. From now on I am going to preach to the Gentiles." Paul then moved into the house of a man named Titius Justus, who worshiped God and lived next door to the Jewish meeting place." Just as it did at Antioch of Pisidia - Ac 13:45-46. In Corinth, Paul has only to go next door, to the home of Justus. The gospel bears fruit in Corinth - Ac 18:8 "Crispus was the leader of the meeting place. He and everyone in his family put their faith in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard the message, and all the people who had faith in the Lord were baptized." Crispus, ruler of the synagogue, believes with all his household - (see also 1 Co 1:14 "I thank God that I didn't baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius.") Many of the Corinthians believe and are baptized. Encouraged by the Lord in a vision, Paul stays for a year and a half - Ac 18:9-11 "One night, Paul had a vision, and in it the Lord said, "Don't be afraid to keep on preaching. Don't stop! I am with you, and you won't be harmed. Many people in this city belong to me." Paul stayed on in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching God's message to the people."
With Luke’s description, we see a similarity with what we have read before. Upon hearing the gospel, those persuaded both believe and are baptized (cf. Ac 8:12; 18:8). This is certainly in keeping with the commission of our Lord (cf. Mk 16:15-16). But often people will use Paul’s comments in 1 Co 1:14-17 to say that baptism has nothing to do with conversion (salvation). Is that true? Let’s take a close look at Paul’s comments to the Corinthians. Keeping to the context the church at Corinth was badly divided - 1 Co 1:10-11 "My dear friends, as a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, I beg you to get along with each other. Don't take sides. Always try to agree in what you think. Several people from Chloe's family have already reported to me that you keep arguing with each other." People were aligning themselves as followers of different men (perhaps based upon who baptized them) - 1 Co 1:12-13 "They have said that some of you claim to follow me, while others claim to follow Apollos or Peter or Christ. Has Christ been divided up? Was I nailed to a cross for you? Were you baptized in my name?" Paul illustrates the absurdity of calling themselves after men with several rhetorical questions. "Is Christ divided?" "Was Paul crucified for you?" "Were you baptized in the name of Paul?" The implied answer to each question was "No!" But notice what else is implied by each question. Christ is not divided. It was Christ (not some man) who was crucified for you. You were baptized, not in the name of some man, but in the name of Christ! So the context itself implies what we read in Ac 18:8 ("...many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.")
Note Paul’s comments, "I thank God that I baptized none of you except..." - 1 Co 1:14 "I thank God that I didn't baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius." Paul should be understood in light of the context. Since some of the Corinthians were dividing over who may have baptized them, Paul was grateful that he had not personally baptized many of them. His reason? Not because he did not consider baptism important. But as he states himself: "...lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name." - 1 Co 1:15. The Corinthians had been baptized - as seen in Ac 18:8; 1 Co 1:13 as a result of Paul’s preaching, by the way. But not many by Paul personally, for which he was later thankful! "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel..." - 1 Co 1:17. Are we to understand Paul to say that he did not preach baptism?
Clearly he did to Lydia and the Philippian jailor - Ac 16:14-15; 32-33. Clearly he did to the Corinthians - Ac 18:8. He taught baptism as the means by which one puts on Christ - Ga 3:27 "And when you were baptized, it was as though you had put on Christ in the same way you put on new clothes." He taught baptism as the means by which one dies to sin - Ro 6:3-7 "Don't you know that all who share in Christ Jesus by being baptized also share in his death? When we were baptized, we died and were buried with Christ. We were baptized, so that we would live a new life, as Christ was raised to life by the glory of God the Father. If we shared in Jesus' death by being baptized, we will be raised to life with him. We know that the persons we used to be were nailed to the cross with Jesus. This was done, so that our sinful bodies would no longer be the slaves of sin. We know that sin doesn't have power over dead people."
Instead, we are to understand that Paul was emphasizing his function as an apostle. He was sent to preach the gospel (which includes the command to be baptized - Mk 16:15-16 "Then he told them: Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world. Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned.") It was not his primary function to perform the baptisms of those who responded to the gospel! Though he did in some cases - 1 Co 1:14,16. But he was often accompanied by others (e.g., Silas, Timothy, Luke), and they were likely the ones to handle the physical act of immersing people. In view of what later occurred at Corinth, he is simply thankful that his involvement in the act of baptizing others was rather limited. Such was the point of Paul’s comments, and they should not be understood as Paul demeaning the value or place of baptism in the process of conversion!
The conversion of "The Corinthians" confirms what we have seen in previous examples of conversions in the book of Acts. The gospel concerning Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) was proclaimed. Those "persuaded" by the gospel message believed and were baptized immediately. The conversion of "The Corinthians" also stands out because of the impact the gospel had in their lives. As mentioned, the city of Corinth was known for its immorality. Many of the members of the church had lived immoral lives - cf. 1 Co 6:9-11a "Don't you know that evil people won't have a share in the blessings of God's kingdom? Don't fool yourselves! No one who is immoral or worships idols or is unfaithful in marriage or is a pervert or behaves like a homosexual will share in God's kingdom. Neither will any thief or greedy person or drunkard or anyone who curses and cheats others. Some of you used to be like that." Yet through their faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ, Paul could write:
"But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Co 6:11)
Such is the power of the gospel of Christ to the obedient believer. Have you been "washed", "sanctified", and "justified"? Let the conversions in the book of Acts show you how!. Have you taken advantage of this wonderful gift, by responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ? If you have not responded to the gospel message as we have just examined in the conversion of the Corinthians and would like to do so, by all means please contact me directly at jnlnewsted@nts-online.net
This study is from The Executable Outlines Series, a collection of sermon outlines and Bible study lessons by Mark A. Copeland . These outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001
God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
Join my Bible Study Group at internet-bible-studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internet-bible-studies/join
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Conversions in The Book of Acts - VIIb
Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The Athenians (17:16-34) Part Two
As has been our practice in previous lessons let’s look at some observations of Paul’s sermon and in this conversion of those that believed. First, some observations from Paul’s sermon. Paul used tact - Ac 17:22-23. He acknowledges their spirituality, though misdirected. We should not hesitate to acknowledge the devotion one might have; if in error, our task is to explain "the way of God more accurately" - e.g., Ac 18:24-26 "A Jewish man named Apollos came to Ephesus. Apollos had been born in the city of Alexandria. He was a very good speaker and knew a lot about the Scriptures. He also knew much about the Lord's Way, and he spoke about it with great excitement. What he taught about Jesus was right, but all he knew was John's message about baptism. Apollos started speaking bravely in the Jewish meeting place. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him to their home and helped him understand God's Way even better."
Paul began with the present spiritual condition of his audience - Ac 17:23-27. They believed in supreme beings, but didn’t know the True God. With the Jews he began with the Law, with the Gentiles he began with the nature of God; we too should take into consideration where one is spiritually.
Paul made use of an accepted authority - Ac 17:28-29. He quotes from one of their own prophets to make his point. When appropriate, we can appeal to an uninspired authority accepted by others.
Paul led his audience to the main themes of the gospel - Ac 17:30-31. Such as the need to repent, the coming Judgment - cf. 2:38; 3:19. So our ultimate goal in preaching should be the gospel message.
Paul used the resurrection of Jesus as the ultimate proof - Ac 17:31. God has given assurance of the coming Judgment by raising Jesus. Indeed, if Jesus truly did rise from the dead, it is proof of:
The existence of God
The truthfulness of all of Jesus’ claims
The reality of sin, judgment, and the need to repent
This is why we need to develop a strong apologetic (defense, see prior lessons on Apologetics) for the resurrection of Jesus.
Now let’s look at the response to Paul’s sermon. People responded in three different ways - Ac 17:32-34. Some mocked what they heard. Some put off making a decision until later. Some decided to follow with Paul and believed. Since we have no promise of tomorrow, the only safe course is the last! Of those who responded favorably, it is only said that they "believed" - Ac 17:34. Are we to conclude from this that was all they did?. Did they not also "repent", as commanded in Ac 17:30?. The term "believed" encompassed more than simply an acceptance of the facts that had been proclaimed. It involved a complete reception of the message preached. It included an obedience to whatever conditions had been proclaimed by the apostles (such as repentance, baptism). Just as faith was not explicitly mentioned in Acts 2, or repentance in Acts 16, but is fairly inferred from what we know from other passages, so also with baptism here.
"There is, indeed, much to be said for the contention, independently advocated by theologians of varied schools, that in the New Testament faith and baptism are viewed as inseparables whenever the subject of Christian initiation is under discussion, so that if one is referred to, the other is presupposed, even if not mentioned." - G. R. Beasley-Murray, Baptism In The New Testament, p. 272. "Baptism and faith are but the outside and inside of the same thing" - James Denny (as quoted by Beasley-Murray, ibid.). "Where baptism is spoken of faith is presumed, and where faith is spoken of baptism is included in the thought" - N. J. Engelsen (as quoted by Beasley-Murray, ibid.). In quoting from Beasley-Murray please note that thses two gentlemen where theologians of faith only persuasion until they made a thorough study of baptism in the New Testament as it relates the gospel message. They too, repented of their prior beliefs and were baptized into Christ. They then wrote the aforementioned book, Baptism In The New Testament.
Whether Jew or Gentile, philosopher or simpleton, the gospel of Christ is for all. Where we begin may vary with the spiritual condition of our audience. Where we end must always be the same:
Proclaiming the reality of sin, judgment, and the need for repentance.
With Jesus as the only way to salvation!
When one becomes convicted of their sinful condition and their need for Jesus, the proper response should also be the same no matter who we are. Faith in Jesus as the Son of God, who died for our sins and was raised from the dead, whom we are willing to confess before men. Repentance from sin and baptism into Christ for the forgiveness of sins through His blood.
One’s reaction to the gospel will always be one of three ways:
w Rejection ("some mocked")
w Reluctance ("others said, ‘we will hear you again on this matter’")
w Reception ("some men joined him and believed")
In Athens, people such as Dionysius and Damaris exemplified the proper response; are you willing to imitate their example?
Have you taken advantage of this wonderful gift, by responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
If you have not responded to the gospel message as we have just examined in the conversion of the Athenians and would like to do so, by all means please contact me directly at jimnewy@classicnet.net
This study is from The Executable Outlines Series, a collection of sermon outlines and Bible study lessons by Mark A. Copeland . These outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001
The Athenians (17:16-34) Part Two
As has been our practice in previous lessons let’s look at some observations of Paul’s sermon and in this conversion of those that believed. First, some observations from Paul’s sermon. Paul used tact - Ac 17:22-23. He acknowledges their spirituality, though misdirected. We should not hesitate to acknowledge the devotion one might have; if in error, our task is to explain "the way of God more accurately" - e.g., Ac 18:24-26 "A Jewish man named Apollos came to Ephesus. Apollos had been born in the city of Alexandria. He was a very good speaker and knew a lot about the Scriptures. He also knew much about the Lord's Way, and he spoke about it with great excitement. What he taught about Jesus was right, but all he knew was John's message about baptism. Apollos started speaking bravely in the Jewish meeting place. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him to their home and helped him understand God's Way even better."
Paul began with the present spiritual condition of his audience - Ac 17:23-27. They believed in supreme beings, but didn’t know the True God. With the Jews he began with the Law, with the Gentiles he began with the nature of God; we too should take into consideration where one is spiritually.
Paul made use of an accepted authority - Ac 17:28-29. He quotes from one of their own prophets to make his point. When appropriate, we can appeal to an uninspired authority accepted by others.
Paul led his audience to the main themes of the gospel - Ac 17:30-31. Such as the need to repent, the coming Judgment - cf. 2:38; 3:19. So our ultimate goal in preaching should be the gospel message.
Paul used the resurrection of Jesus as the ultimate proof - Ac 17:31. God has given assurance of the coming Judgment by raising Jesus. Indeed, if Jesus truly did rise from the dead, it is proof of:
The existence of God
The truthfulness of all of Jesus’ claims
The reality of sin, judgment, and the need to repent
This is why we need to develop a strong apologetic (defense, see prior lessons on Apologetics) for the resurrection of Jesus.
Now let’s look at the response to Paul’s sermon. People responded in three different ways - Ac 17:32-34. Some mocked what they heard. Some put off making a decision until later. Some decided to follow with Paul and believed. Since we have no promise of tomorrow, the only safe course is the last! Of those who responded favorably, it is only said that they "believed" - Ac 17:34. Are we to conclude from this that was all they did?. Did they not also "repent", as commanded in Ac 17:30?. The term "believed" encompassed more than simply an acceptance of the facts that had been proclaimed. It involved a complete reception of the message preached. It included an obedience to whatever conditions had been proclaimed by the apostles (such as repentance, baptism). Just as faith was not explicitly mentioned in Acts 2, or repentance in Acts 16, but is fairly inferred from what we know from other passages, so also with baptism here.
"There is, indeed, much to be said for the contention, independently advocated by theologians of varied schools, that in the New Testament faith and baptism are viewed as inseparables whenever the subject of Christian initiation is under discussion, so that if one is referred to, the other is presupposed, even if not mentioned." - G. R. Beasley-Murray, Baptism In The New Testament, p. 272. "Baptism and faith are but the outside and inside of the same thing" - James Denny (as quoted by Beasley-Murray, ibid.). "Where baptism is spoken of faith is presumed, and where faith is spoken of baptism is included in the thought" - N. J. Engelsen (as quoted by Beasley-Murray, ibid.). In quoting from Beasley-Murray please note that thses two gentlemen where theologians of faith only persuasion until they made a thorough study of baptism in the New Testament as it relates the gospel message. They too, repented of their prior beliefs and were baptized into Christ. They then wrote the aforementioned book, Baptism In The New Testament.
Whether Jew or Gentile, philosopher or simpleton, the gospel of Christ is for all. Where we begin may vary with the spiritual condition of our audience. Where we end must always be the same:
Proclaiming the reality of sin, judgment, and the need for repentance.
With Jesus as the only way to salvation!
When one becomes convicted of their sinful condition and their need for Jesus, the proper response should also be the same no matter who we are. Faith in Jesus as the Son of God, who died for our sins and was raised from the dead, whom we are willing to confess before men. Repentance from sin and baptism into Christ for the forgiveness of sins through His blood.
One’s reaction to the gospel will always be one of three ways:
w Rejection ("some mocked")
w Reluctance ("others said, ‘we will hear you again on this matter’")
w Reception ("some men joined him and believed")
In Athens, people such as Dionysius and Damaris exemplified the proper response; are you willing to imitate their example?
Have you taken advantage of this wonderful gift, by responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
If you have not responded to the gospel message as we have just examined in the conversion of the Athenians and would like to do so, by all means please contact me directly at jimnewy@classicnet.net
This study is from The Executable Outlines Series, a collection of sermon outlines and Bible study lessons by Mark A. Copeland . These outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Conversions in The Book of Acts - VIIa
Conversions In The Book Of Acts
The Athenians (17:16-34) Part One
Our next example of conversion is another one often overlooked. It is the conversion of the Athenians, two of whom are specifically mention by name. Yet they are usually not listed in charts showing examples of conversion. Again, it likely is because little is said, other than that they "believed" - Ac 17:34 "When Paul left the council meeting, some of the men put their faith in the Lord and went with Paul. One of them was a council member named Dionysius. A woman named Damaris and several others also put their faith in the Lord." But our purpose in this series is to also consider the sermons which led people to Christ. In this case we have a remarkable sermon by the apostle Paul. A sermon proclaimed not to Jews or even Gentile God-fearers (like Cornelius), but to pagan philosophers and polytheists. So our focus in this lesson will be more on the sermon itself, with attention to how Paul addressed those who did not know the God of Israel and the themes Paul addressed in this sermon.
We begin our study with a look at the setting of the sermon. Paul had just arrived in Athens following a hasty departure from Berea - Ac 17:13-15 "When the Jewish leaders in Thessalonica heard that Paul had been preaching God's message in Berea, they went there and caused trouble by turning the crowds against Paul. Right away the followers sent Paul down to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea. Some men went with Paul as far as Athens, and then returned with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible." Provoked by the idolatry rampant in the city, he began preaching at every opportunity - Ac 17:16-17 "While Paul was waiting in Athens, he was upset to see all the idols in the city. He went to the Jewish meeting place to speak to the Jews and to anyone who worshiped with them. Day after day he also spoke to everyone he met in the market." Reasoning in the synagogues with the Jews and Gentile worshipers. Reasoning daily with any who happened to be in marketplace.
Paul attracted the attention of some philosophers. In particular, certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers - Ac 17:18 "Some of them were Epicureans and some were Stoics, and they started arguing with him. People were asking, "What is this know-it-all trying to say?" Some even said, "Paul must be preaching about foreign gods! That's what he means when he talks about Jesus and about people rising from death."’ As we see from this verse some viewed him as a proclaimer of foreign gods because Paul was preaching of Jesus and the resurrection. They then bring him to the Areopagus and invite him to speak - Ac 17:19-21 "They brought Paul before a council called the Areopagus, and said, "Tell us what your new teaching is all about. We have heard you say some strange things, and we want to know what you mean." More than anything else the people of Athens and the foreigners living there loved to hear and to talk about anything new." The Areopagus was a rocky hill about 370 feet high, not far from the Acropolis and the Agora (marketplace) in Athens - Holman Bible Dictionary. As Luke explains, it was a place where Athenians and visitors spent their time discussing any new idea or thing that came along. Not having heard of the doctrine of Christ, they wanted to know more. With such an invitation, you can imagine that Paul was delighted to accommodate them.
Paul starts his sermon at the Areopagus with the theme of the God they did not know. Acknowledging their religious devotion, he makes mention of one altar in particular - Ac 17:22-23a "And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said, Ye men of Athens, in all things, I perceive that ye are very religious. For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD." An altar with the inscription: "To The Unknown God" As Paul had previously observed that they are so devout, they sought to worship a god they did not know. He uses this as an opportunity to preach concerning the True God they did not know! - Ac 17:23b "You worship this God, but you don't really know him. So I want to tell you about him."
Let’s now look at the five main points of Pauls sermon.
God is the creator of the universe - Ac 17:24 "This God made the world and everything in it. He is Lord of heaven and earth, and he doesn't live in temples built by human hands." He made the world, He is Lord of heaven and earth and as such, He does not dwell in temples made with hands - see 1 Kin 8:22-30.
God is the sustainer of life - Ac 17:25 "He doesn't need help from anyone. He gives life, breath, and everything else to all people." He gives to all life their breath and what they need - see Ja 1:17. Therefore God is not worshiped as though He needs it.
God is the ruler of all the nations - Ac 17:26-27 "From one person God made all nations who live on earth, and he decided when and where every nation would be. God has done all this, so that we will look for him and reach out and find him. He isn't far from any of us," He has created every nation and determined their rise and fall - Dan 2:20-21; 4:17. Everything is designed to prompt men to seek God, who is not far from any of us.
God is the Father of mankind - Ac 17:28-29 "and he gives us the power to live, to move, and to be who we are. "We are his children," just as some of your poets have said. Since we are God's children, we must not think that he is like an idol made out of gold or silver or stone. He isn't like anything that humans have thought up and made." From God we come; and in Him we live, move, and have our very being. Therefore we should not think that God is like any idol of gold, silver or stone.
God is the Judge of the world - Ac 17:30-31 "In the past, God forgave all this because people did not know what they were doing. But now he says that everyone everywhere must turn to him. He has set a day when he will judge the world's people with fairness. And he has chosen the man Jesus to do the judging for him. God has given proof of this to all of us by raising Jesus from death." What ignorance He may have overlooked in the past, such is no longer the case. He now commands all men everywhere to repent. Why? Because of the coming Judgment, in which God will judge the world in righteousness; God will judge the world through Jesus Christ - Jn 5:22,26-27; 12:48. As proof such will occur, God has raised Jesus from the dead. The five points are from John Stott’s book, The Spirit, The Church, And The World.
The mention of the resurrection provoked a response - Ac 17:32 "As soon as the people heard Paul say that a man had been raised from death, some of them started laughing. Others said, "We will hear you talk about this some other time."’ Some mocked (to many philosophers, the idea of a bodily resurrection is foolishness). Others were more cordial, offering to listen again at another time. But as Paul left, some joined him and believed - Ac 17:33-34 "When Paul left the council meeting, some of the men put their faith in the Lord and went with Paul. One of them was a council member named Dionysius. A woman named Damaris and several others also put their faith in the Lord." Specifically mentioned are Dionysius the Areopagite, and Damaris, a woman. Others also joined Paul and believed.
As has been our practice in previous lessons we will look at some observations of Paul’s sermon and in this conversion of those that believed in our next segment, next week.
God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year
Join my Bible Study Group at internet-bible-studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internet-bible-studies/join
Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Athenians (17:16-34) Part One
Our next example of conversion is another one often overlooked. It is the conversion of the Athenians, two of whom are specifically mention by name. Yet they are usually not listed in charts showing examples of conversion. Again, it likely is because little is said, other than that they "believed" - Ac 17:34 "When Paul left the council meeting, some of the men put their faith in the Lord and went with Paul. One of them was a council member named Dionysius. A woman named Damaris and several others also put their faith in the Lord." But our purpose in this series is to also consider the sermons which led people to Christ. In this case we have a remarkable sermon by the apostle Paul. A sermon proclaimed not to Jews or even Gentile God-fearers (like Cornelius), but to pagan philosophers and polytheists. So our focus in this lesson will be more on the sermon itself, with attention to how Paul addressed those who did not know the God of Israel and the themes Paul addressed in this sermon.
We begin our study with a look at the setting of the sermon. Paul had just arrived in Athens following a hasty departure from Berea - Ac 17:13-15 "When the Jewish leaders in Thessalonica heard that Paul had been preaching God's message in Berea, they went there and caused trouble by turning the crowds against Paul. Right away the followers sent Paul down to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea. Some men went with Paul as far as Athens, and then returned with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible." Provoked by the idolatry rampant in the city, he began preaching at every opportunity - Ac 17:16-17 "While Paul was waiting in Athens, he was upset to see all the idols in the city. He went to the Jewish meeting place to speak to the Jews and to anyone who worshiped with them. Day after day he also spoke to everyone he met in the market." Reasoning in the synagogues with the Jews and Gentile worshipers. Reasoning daily with any who happened to be in marketplace.
Paul attracted the attention of some philosophers. In particular, certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers - Ac 17:18 "Some of them were Epicureans and some were Stoics, and they started arguing with him. People were asking, "What is this know-it-all trying to say?" Some even said, "Paul must be preaching about foreign gods! That's what he means when he talks about Jesus and about people rising from death."’ As we see from this verse some viewed him as a proclaimer of foreign gods because Paul was preaching of Jesus and the resurrection. They then bring him to the Areopagus and invite him to speak - Ac 17:19-21 "They brought Paul before a council called the Areopagus, and said, "Tell us what your new teaching is all about. We have heard you say some strange things, and we want to know what you mean." More than anything else the people of Athens and the foreigners living there loved to hear and to talk about anything new." The Areopagus was a rocky hill about 370 feet high, not far from the Acropolis and the Agora (marketplace) in Athens - Holman Bible Dictionary. As Luke explains, it was a place where Athenians and visitors spent their time discussing any new idea or thing that came along. Not having heard of the doctrine of Christ, they wanted to know more. With such an invitation, you can imagine that Paul was delighted to accommodate them.
Paul starts his sermon at the Areopagus with the theme of the God they did not know. Acknowledging their religious devotion, he makes mention of one altar in particular - Ac 17:22-23a "And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said, Ye men of Athens, in all things, I perceive that ye are very religious. For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD." An altar with the inscription: "To The Unknown God" As Paul had previously observed that they are so devout, they sought to worship a god they did not know. He uses this as an opportunity to preach concerning the True God they did not know! - Ac 17:23b "You worship this God, but you don't really know him. So I want to tell you about him."
Let’s now look at the five main points of Pauls sermon.
God is the creator of the universe - Ac 17:24 "This God made the world and everything in it. He is Lord of heaven and earth, and he doesn't live in temples built by human hands." He made the world, He is Lord of heaven and earth and as such, He does not dwell in temples made with hands - see 1 Kin 8:22-30.
God is the sustainer of life - Ac 17:25 "He doesn't need help from anyone. He gives life, breath, and everything else to all people." He gives to all life their breath and what they need - see Ja 1:17. Therefore God is not worshiped as though He needs it.
God is the ruler of all the nations - Ac 17:26-27 "From one person God made all nations who live on earth, and he decided when and where every nation would be. God has done all this, so that we will look for him and reach out and find him. He isn't far from any of us," He has created every nation and determined their rise and fall - Dan 2:20-21; 4:17. Everything is designed to prompt men to seek God, who is not far from any of us.
God is the Father of mankind - Ac 17:28-29 "and he gives us the power to live, to move, and to be who we are. "We are his children," just as some of your poets have said. Since we are God's children, we must not think that he is like an idol made out of gold or silver or stone. He isn't like anything that humans have thought up and made." From God we come; and in Him we live, move, and have our very being. Therefore we should not think that God is like any idol of gold, silver or stone.
God is the Judge of the world - Ac 17:30-31 "In the past, God forgave all this because people did not know what they were doing. But now he says that everyone everywhere must turn to him. He has set a day when he will judge the world's people with fairness. And he has chosen the man Jesus to do the judging for him. God has given proof of this to all of us by raising Jesus from death." What ignorance He may have overlooked in the past, such is no longer the case. He now commands all men everywhere to repent. Why? Because of the coming Judgment, in which God will judge the world in righteousness; God will judge the world through Jesus Christ - Jn 5:22,26-27; 12:48. As proof such will occur, God has raised Jesus from the dead. The five points are from John Stott’s book, The Spirit, The Church, And The World.
The mention of the resurrection provoked a response - Ac 17:32 "As soon as the people heard Paul say that a man had been raised from death, some of them started laughing. Others said, "We will hear you talk about this some other time."’ Some mocked (to many philosophers, the idea of a bodily resurrection is foolishness). Others were more cordial, offering to listen again at another time. But as Paul left, some joined him and believed - Ac 17:33-34 "When Paul left the council meeting, some of the men put their faith in the Lord and went with Paul. One of them was a council member named Dionysius. A woman named Damaris and several others also put their faith in the Lord." Specifically mentioned are Dionysius the Areopagite, and Damaris, a woman. Others also joined Paul and believed.
As has been our practice in previous lessons we will look at some observations of Paul’s sermon and in this conversion of those that believed in our next segment, next week.
God Bless,
Jim Newsted
Shamrock, Tx
The town that turns green for a week every year
Join my Bible Study Group at internet-bible-studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internet-bible-studies/join
Even though you can't see the air, It doesn't stop you from breathing
Even though you can't see God, It doesn't stop you from believing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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