Study No. 22– - ‘Running the Race’(Hebrews 12:1) Acts Chapter 18:1-28
Paul goes to Corinth
What kind of a city was Corinth? It was totally destroyed by Rome in 146 BC. Then it was rebuilt under Julius Caesar. In Paul’s day the city would be much newer and more modern than Athens, for example. It became very populous and was influential in trade because of its location. And, as you can expect, in a large modern city comes all kinds of vice. A term was coined, ‘to be Corinthianzed’ which referred to exposure to immorality of the grossest sort.
Here Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla –
Three things they held in common with Paul.:
1. Recently come to Corinth. They came from Italy, and Paul from Athens.
2. Tentmakers. Paul worked along side them.
3. Jews. On Sabbath days Paul spoke in the synagogue. This may have been the place where Paul first met them.
Aquila and Priscilla may already have been believers in Christ, but probably it was Paul who actually brings them to Jesus. Paul is living or rooming with them. Perhaps some of his income goes for room and board … but it is very likely because of Paul’s ministry of evangelism, and out of appreciation to Paul for sharing the gospel with them that he is given lodging without charge.
As he taught and preached every Sabbath day, he ‘persuaded both Jews and Greeks.’ Among the converts was Epenetus (Romans 16.5), the ‘firstfruits’, the family of Stephanus was next, and then Crispus and Gaius; all of whom the apostle himself baptized, 1 Corinthians 1:14-16
After a while Silas and Timothy arrive from Macedonia.
Luke comments in verse 5 that Paul’s preaching changed after their arrival. The KJV and the NKJ Versions say it like this: Paul was 'pressed in the spirit’ (Lower case ‘s’) and ‘compelled by the Spirit’, to testify that Jesus is the Messiah. Having checked various commentaries I find a totally different rendition.
The NIV says that Paul totally devoted himself to preaching. Several other translations also mention being given over totally to the Word. I believe the NIV is better in this case and closest to the real meaning.
When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia they came with money from Philippi (2Cor 11:9) and this gift would enable Paul to spend less time making tents and spend full time in sharing the Word.
As Paul boldly preached, opposition began to surface. After a time Paul, in no uncertain terms, says, You have had your chance. Actually he said it much more forcefully than that. “Your blood is on your own head”
Anything that happens to you now will be totally your fault. (It will not be God’s fault for not having elected you).
“I am clean.” This is similar to what he said in Ac 20:26 Wherefore I testify unto you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
Compare this verse: Eze 33:6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes the life of one of them, that man will be taken away because of his sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.’
How do we keep our hands ‘pure from the blood of all men’?
“I am going to the gentiles!”
Next Luke says that Paul departed from somewhere and went into the house of Titus Justice. While this COULD mean that he departed from the house of Aquila and Priscilla and went to stay with Titus… I don’t think this is the meaning. I think he departed from meeting in the synagogue and began teaching and speaking in the house of Titus. Paul did not move far because Titus’ house ‘joined hard’ against the synagogue. (v7)
The Ruler of the synagogue, Crispus becomes a believer. Following his conversion a great number of Corinthians accept Christ.
Paul has a ‘night vision’ such as had when called to Macedonia. In this vision God tells Paul that He has many here who belong to Him. Some take this mean “will be coming to Christ” according to God’s foreknowledge. This could also mean that there are many who had heard the word through Paul’s preaching and were a lot closer to believing that Paul would ever have guessed.
The Lord said, Do not be afraid. Why? Was Paul afraid? Does one ever get ‘used to’ being persecuted? Paul later wrote to the Corinthians … 1Co 2:3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
As a result of this vision Paul stays on for a year and a half.
Then the Jews create an ‘uprising’. It is during the time that Gallio was ‘proconsul’ of Achaia. (12-17)
What do we know of this ‘Gallio’? From a simple reading of these verses he does not sound to be much of a man of integrity or character. But history reveals him differently.
- He was of the sweetest disposition, affable to all, and beloved by every man.- Statius
As Paul was about to open his mouth … Gallio, perceiving that this ‘prosecution’ was through envy and malice did not see reason for Paul to be put through such injustice.
After giving his explanation he ‘drives’ them from the courthouse. Actually the word ‘drive’ carries some rather negative connotations, when actually is means ‘authoritative dismissal’.
Sosthenes is now taken and beaten. This man is said to be the ‘ruler of the synagogue’. Obviously he is the replacement of Crispus who has just become a believer. Who beats him up? The scripture just says, ‘they’ in the NIV. The KJV and the NKJV says the Greeks beat him up. Various other translations simply say, ‘they’. What makes sense here? It is likely that Sosthenes has been listening to Paul and has been defending him. When Paul writes to the Corinthians he says,¶ Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 1Co 1:1
How interesting that Paul focused on major cities, leaders in Synagogues and other key people. If we can lead the principle persons in a household to Christ, when we can win those who have the respect of a wider circle of people, we multiply the effect of the gospel.
Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Maybe another six months? So he has spent a couple of years there and now leaves for Syria (home base). He is accompanied by Aquila and Priscilla.
They stop in Ephesus. Paul, Aquila and Priscilla … (and Silas and Timothy? And where is Luke … in Philippi?)
Paul spends time in the synagogue, is favorably received, but decides to leave.
After a brief stay Paul parts with Aquila and Priscilla and heads for Syria
He lands at Caesarea, (there is a church or two there. Philip the evangelist lives here) Paul ‘goes up’ and greets the church. Bible Commentators state that ‘goes up’ is a term that means ‘went to Jerusalem’ and ‘the church’ was a term only used of the original church in Jerusalem. This makes sense for it states in verse 18 that he had his hair cut off to indicate he had taken a certain religious vow. This may have had something to do with a Jewish holiday that the church had modified. (see 21) Or it may have been something altogether separate and unique to Paul.
Verse 23 indicates the passing of some time, after which Paul begins journey number three. The next verses, however cover a short backtrack in time.
While Paul is ‘at home’ in Syria, A man named Apollos comes to Ephesus where Aquila and Pricilla are.
In your ‘extra study’ what have you discovered about this man?
Positive Qualities:
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Any negative qualities?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Apollos
It is little strange to find a Jew with a Roman name (Aquila also is Roman name, meaning Eagle) but even more strange that he would be named after one of the false Gods. It is possible that his parents were converted to Judaism later in their lives, after they had already named their son.
Born in Alexandria – It was in this city that Ptolemy Soter founded the famous academy called ‘the Museum’. A society of men devoted themselves to philosophical studies.
An eloquent man. Very likely Apollos learned rhetorical skill in one of the famous schools of Alexandria.
Mighty in the scriptures - Where he got his grounding in scripture is not stated, but even to take this statement at face value is powerful. I don’t know of any other person in scripture about whom this is said.
Instructed in the way of the Lord. The word ‘Lord’ has to be referring to Jesus.
He fervently and accurately teaching the things of the Lord … in Ephesus.
---- but he only knows the ‘baptism of John’. What does that mean?
Whatever that means … Aquila and Priscilla heard him, took him aside … and taught him the word of God ‘more completely’.
This is interesting. Why did Apollos listen to them? Would it not be very embarrassing and humbling to receive such correction? We don’t know how vocal Priscilla was , but at that day and time … could he learn from a woman? Well, he did. This is one very special person! We will hear more about him at another time.
What was it that wrong with his teaching? The only clue … he knew only the baptism of John.
What does that mean?
It means … he heard John’s teaching and preaching. What was the main part of John’s message?
Repent!! The Kingdom of God is at hand! The King, the Messiah is coming … very soon.
Apollos may also have learned this from John: … the Messiah came … I baptized him!
But what he does not seem to know … Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He rose from the dead. He ascended up to heaven. He sent the Holy Spirit.
The list of brave ‘witnesses’ is great. We have read of Barnabas and Saul, Of Silas and Timothy, Of Luke and of Aquila and Priscilla.
Ac 15:26 men (and women) who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Do you feel the ‘tug’ on your heart to step out in faith, … for Jesus, … no matter what the cost?
Hebrews 12:1 ¶ Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares [us], and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
EXTRA STUDY
In our next study we read a little about some demon activity. In the following verses, and others that may come to you, comment on how you understand the methods and desires of Satan can be expressed around us.
Acts 19:13-16, Matthew 17:15-20, Job 2:7 Mark 4:15, Luke 10:18, Luke 22:31,
Acts 5:8 and John 8:44. 2Corinthians 11:13 -15, I John 4.4, James 4.7
What kind of a city was Corinth? It was totally destroyed by Rome in 146 BC. Then it was rebuilt under Julius Caesar. In Paul’s day the city would be much newer and more modern than Athens, for example. It became very populous and was influential in trade because of its location. And, as you can expect, in a large modern city comes all kinds of vice. A term was coined, ‘to be Corinthianzed’ which referred to exposure to immorality of the grossest sort.
Here Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla –
Three things they held in common with Paul.:
1. Recently come to Corinth. They came from Italy, and Paul from Athens.
2. Tentmakers. Paul worked along side them.
3. Jews. On Sabbath days Paul spoke in the synagogue. This may have been the place where Paul first met them.
Aquila and Priscilla may already have been believers in Christ, but probably it was Paul who actually brings them to Jesus. Paul is living or rooming with them. Perhaps some of his income goes for room and board … but it is very likely because of Paul’s ministry of evangelism, and out of appreciation to Paul for sharing the gospel with them that he is given lodging without charge.
As he taught and preached every Sabbath day, he ‘persuaded both Jews and Greeks.’ Among the converts was Epenetus (Romans 16.5), the ‘firstfruits’, the family of Stephanus was next, and then Crispus and Gaius; all of whom the apostle himself baptized, 1 Corinthians 1:14-16
After a while Silas and Timothy arrive from Macedonia.
Luke comments in verse 5 that Paul’s preaching changed after their arrival. The KJV and the NKJ Versions say it like this: Paul was 'pressed in the spirit’ (Lower case ‘s’) and ‘compelled by the Spirit’, to testify that Jesus is the Messiah. Having checked various commentaries I find a totally different rendition.
The NIV says that Paul totally devoted himself to preaching. Several other translations also mention being given over totally to the Word. I believe the NIV is better in this case and closest to the real meaning.
When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia they came with money from Philippi (2Cor 11:9) and this gift would enable Paul to spend less time making tents and spend full time in sharing the Word.
As Paul boldly preached, opposition began to surface. After a time Paul, in no uncertain terms, says, You have had your chance. Actually he said it much more forcefully than that. “Your blood is on your own head”
Anything that happens to you now will be totally your fault. (It will not be God’s fault for not having elected you).
“I am clean.” This is similar to what he said in Ac 20:26 Wherefore I testify unto you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
Compare this verse: Eze 33:6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes the life of one of them, that man will be taken away because of his sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.’
How do we keep our hands ‘pure from the blood of all men’?
“I am going to the gentiles!”
Next Luke says that Paul departed from somewhere and went into the house of Titus Justice. While this COULD mean that he departed from the house of Aquila and Priscilla and went to stay with Titus… I don’t think this is the meaning. I think he departed from meeting in the synagogue and began teaching and speaking in the house of Titus. Paul did not move far because Titus’ house ‘joined hard’ against the synagogue. (v7)
The Ruler of the synagogue, Crispus becomes a believer. Following his conversion a great number of Corinthians accept Christ.
Paul has a ‘night vision’ such as had when called to Macedonia. In this vision God tells Paul that He has many here who belong to Him. Some take this mean “will be coming to Christ” according to God’s foreknowledge. This could also mean that there are many who had heard the word through Paul’s preaching and were a lot closer to believing that Paul would ever have guessed.
The Lord said, Do not be afraid. Why? Was Paul afraid? Does one ever get ‘used to’ being persecuted? Paul later wrote to the Corinthians … 1Co 2:3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
As a result of this vision Paul stays on for a year and a half.
Then the Jews create an ‘uprising’. It is during the time that Gallio was ‘proconsul’ of Achaia. (12-17)
What do we know of this ‘Gallio’? From a simple reading of these verses he does not sound to be much of a man of integrity or character. But history reveals him differently.
- He was of the sweetest disposition, affable to all, and beloved by every man.- Statius
As Paul was about to open his mouth … Gallio, perceiving that this ‘prosecution’ was through envy and malice did not see reason for Paul to be put through such injustice.
After giving his explanation he ‘drives’ them from the courthouse. Actually the word ‘drive’ carries some rather negative connotations, when actually is means ‘authoritative dismissal’.
Sosthenes is now taken and beaten. This man is said to be the ‘ruler of the synagogue’. Obviously he is the replacement of Crispus who has just become a believer. Who beats him up? The scripture just says, ‘they’ in the NIV. The KJV and the NKJV says the Greeks beat him up. Various other translations simply say, ‘they’. What makes sense here? It is likely that Sosthenes has been listening to Paul and has been defending him. When Paul writes to the Corinthians he says,¶ Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 1Co 1:1
How interesting that Paul focused on major cities, leaders in Synagogues and other key people. If we can lead the principle persons in a household to Christ, when we can win those who have the respect of a wider circle of people, we multiply the effect of the gospel.
Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Maybe another six months? So he has spent a couple of years there and now leaves for Syria (home base). He is accompanied by Aquila and Priscilla.
They stop in Ephesus. Paul, Aquila and Priscilla … (and Silas and Timothy? And where is Luke … in Philippi?)
Paul spends time in the synagogue, is favorably received, but decides to leave.
After a brief stay Paul parts with Aquila and Priscilla and heads for Syria
He lands at Caesarea, (there is a church or two there. Philip the evangelist lives here) Paul ‘goes up’ and greets the church. Bible Commentators state that ‘goes up’ is a term that means ‘went to Jerusalem’ and ‘the church’ was a term only used of the original church in Jerusalem. This makes sense for it states in verse 18 that he had his hair cut off to indicate he had taken a certain religious vow. This may have had something to do with a Jewish holiday that the church had modified. (see 21) Or it may have been something altogether separate and unique to Paul.
Verse 23 indicates the passing of some time, after which Paul begins journey number three. The next verses, however cover a short backtrack in time.
While Paul is ‘at home’ in Syria, A man named Apollos comes to Ephesus where Aquila and Pricilla are.
In your ‘extra study’ what have you discovered about this man?
Positive Qualities:
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Any negative qualities?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Apollos
It is little strange to find a Jew with a Roman name (Aquila also is Roman name, meaning Eagle) but even more strange that he would be named after one of the false Gods. It is possible that his parents were converted to Judaism later in their lives, after they had already named their son.
Born in Alexandria – It was in this city that Ptolemy Soter founded the famous academy called ‘the Museum’. A society of men devoted themselves to philosophical studies.
An eloquent man. Very likely Apollos learned rhetorical skill in one of the famous schools of Alexandria.
Mighty in the scriptures - Where he got his grounding in scripture is not stated, but even to take this statement at face value is powerful. I don’t know of any other person in scripture about whom this is said.
Instructed in the way of the Lord. The word ‘Lord’ has to be referring to Jesus.
He fervently and accurately teaching the things of the Lord … in Ephesus.
---- but he only knows the ‘baptism of John’. What does that mean?
Whatever that means … Aquila and Priscilla heard him, took him aside … and taught him the word of God ‘more completely’.
This is interesting. Why did Apollos listen to them? Would it not be very embarrassing and humbling to receive such correction? We don’t know how vocal Priscilla was , but at that day and time … could he learn from a woman? Well, he did. This is one very special person! We will hear more about him at another time.
What was it that wrong with his teaching? The only clue … he knew only the baptism of John.
What does that mean?
It means … he heard John’s teaching and preaching. What was the main part of John’s message?
Repent!! The Kingdom of God is at hand! The King, the Messiah is coming … very soon.
Apollos may also have learned this from John: … the Messiah came … I baptized him!
But what he does not seem to know … Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He rose from the dead. He ascended up to heaven. He sent the Holy Spirit.
The list of brave ‘witnesses’ is great. We have read of Barnabas and Saul, Of Silas and Timothy, Of Luke and of Aquila and Priscilla.
Ac 15:26 men (and women) who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Do you feel the ‘tug’ on your heart to step out in faith, … for Jesus, … no matter what the cost?
Hebrews 12:1 ¶ Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares [us], and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
EXTRA STUDY
In our next study we read a little about some demon activity. In the following verses, and others that may come to you, comment on how you understand the methods and desires of Satan can be expressed around us.
Acts 19:13-16, Matthew 17:15-20, Job 2:7 Mark 4:15, Luke 10:18, Luke 22:31,
Acts 5:8 and John 8:44. 2Corinthians 11:13 -15, I John 4.4, James 4.7