Tag: ephesus

  • Three Years in Ephesus with Tears

    Three Years in Ephesus with Tears

    Paul has just sent for the Ephesian Elders and is about to address them as at the conclusion of his third missionary journey as the Apostle departs for Jerusalem.

    For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. – Acts 20:26 LSB

    Serving the Lord with humility and tears

    Acts of the Apostles Missions trips of Paul, Barnabas, Silas and several others
    ACTS on Mission – ἀπόστολος – *apostolos – a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders..
    + in a broader sense applied to other eminent Christian teachers
    The *apostles' tearful departure from Ephesus -
    
    Let us recall so many close relationships of those brothers and sisters of the church at Ephesus and especially their elders who have travelled to see Paul once more. 
    
    Remember also the several men and women sent out to the Church who now travel with the Apostle Paul as these apostles will now set sail back toward Antioch and Jerusalem.

    Acts of the Apostles 20:

    18 And when they had come to him, he said to them,

    “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews;

    how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable,

    solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks

    about repentance toward God

    and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Paul’s farewell message to the Ephesians at Miletus – Acts of the apostles 20:18b-21- LSB

    Ephesus, of course, was a key Roman port on the Aegean and entry into Asia (Asia Minor or Turkiye).

    Jews from European capitals like Rome resided in nearly every port connected to the far-reaching Mediterranean ruled by Roman commerce and Legions under the command of the Caesars.

    Three centuries earlier Asia Minor had been Alexander’s Macedonian route east to the Babylonian and Persian cities the Jews knew all too well.

    Greeks of Asia Minor

    Empire of Alexander the Great 336-323 BC
    This map shows the vast empire conquered by Alexander the Great in red highlight. The extent of the empire is an approximation of 320 BC.
    In winter 334–333 B.C. Alexander [the Great had] conquered western Asia Minor, subduing the hill tribes of Lycia and Pisidia, and in spring 333 B.C. he advanced along the coastal road to Perga.. [eventually defeating King Darius of Persia].
    - Source https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alexander-the-Great

    solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks

    Without reiteration of the great cultural divisions previously addressed (by the Council of Jerusalem) we affirm that the Gospel remains the same for all men and women, namely:

    • about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

    The Apostle Paul continues in his testimony to the Ephesian Elders:

    And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me.

    Paul does NOT say to the Ephesian Elders that he has met them in Miletus, a place away from their home church, to avoid previous problems.

    The Apostle affirms that just as he had been called on his first mission to them, so too Paul is now called toward Jerusalem to endure more suffering in the Name of Jesus Christ.

    And in the Apostle’s usual humble manner he assures them.

    But I do not make my life of any account nor dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.

    Acts of the Apostles 20:24 LSB

    The Apostle Paul now proceeds with his most personal exhortation of these beloved Ephesian leaders by speaking his greatest concerns for the Ephesians once he has departed.

    Remember our Three Years together

    Let us briefly hear as obedient subjects of the Authorized Kings James Version of the Acts of the Apostles:

    Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

    For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

    ACTS 20:28-29 AKJV – Paul’s passing of the baton of leadership to the Ephesian elders

    Indeed, the HOLY GHOST has made YOU, the LOCAL BISHOPS of your flock..


    .. to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. [LSB]

    “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock..

    ACTS 20:28a LSB

    And where will the Church first encounter these ‘savage wolves,’ which the LSB calls these predatory preachers of false gospels?

    .. and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.

    ACTS 20:30 LSB

    The APOSTLE PAUL taught in Ephesus for three years.

    “Therefore be watchful, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.

    Acts 20:31 LSB – Paul to the Ephesian elders

    I commend you to God

    Paul’s benediction and blessing are most gracious. The Apostle begins by commendation (note the full meaning linked & outlined here).

    • to place down (from one’s self or for one’s self) with any one
      • to deposit
      • to intrust, commit to one’s charge

    The Apostle then sets forth his own example of these past three years:

    [AKJV] 33 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. 34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

    “In everything I showed you that by laboring in this manner you must help the weak

    and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said,

    ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

    Acts of the Apostles 20:35 Legacy Standard Bible – Paul’s parting words to the Ephesian elders at Miletus
    And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. - Acts 20:36 LSB the scene of Paul's departure - map from Miletus to Tyre
    The Ephesian elders gathered at Miletus with Paul and the missionaries of his third journey must have pictured the apostles' departure at hand.
    

    Miletus - ruins of the Roman agora where Paul likely would have met the Ephesian elders as the Apostle returned to Jerusalem

    And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.

    Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more.

    Acts of the Apostles 20:37-38a – New King James Version

    And they accompanied him to the ship.


    Talk of JESUS .com
    Talk of JESUS .com
  • a brief Epistle from Paul to Ephesus

    a brief Epistle from Paul to Ephesus

    The apostles send several epistles to churches throughout the MISSIONS of PAUL and others.

    Ephesus to Assos – by land and by sea

    But we, going ahead to the ship, set sail for Assos, intending from there to take Paul on board; for so he had arranged it, intending himself to go by land [on foot]. 

    Acts 20:13 LSB – the apostles depart Ephesus

    Picture the Apostle Paul after having been personally involved in the resurrection of a young man in Troas. He journeys on foot no doubt considering this miracle and the Lord’s will for his next destination.

    Their route on a Roman ship would have been ~42 nautical miles along the coastline while Paul's overland hike was about 28 miles.

    Once arriving in Assos Paul probably sends a message to the leaders in Ephesus where the Apostle had been so instrumental in leading the Church. His messenger may have set sail separately to Ephesus with an Epistle.


    14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene.

    15 And sailing from there, we arrived the following day opposite Chios;

    and the next day we crossed over to Samos;

    and the day following we came to Miletus.

    and the day following we came to Miletus. For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

    Acts of the Apostles 20:15b-16 LSB – Luke records that the return of the apostles sent out on Paul’s third missionary journey will bypass Ephesus on their way home.

    What’s the hurry to worship in Jerusalem?

    Paul’s earlier hike to Assos following the time of the miraculous events at Troas would have given the Apostle time to consider his witness of the risen Christ twenty years ago.

    In Jerusalem Paul would have met MANY witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection.

    AND Paul would have met those present seven years before Christ appeared to him who along with the Apostles had received the Holy Spirit in an upper room on Pentecost.

    ALL had been sent out into all the world by the Spirit. What would be next for each of these witnesses of the risen CHRIST JESUS?

    Hurrying home for Pentecost

    ~A.D. 57 Paul and the apostles to the gentiles have already traveled almost 2000 miles to this point in their 2700 mile THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY.

    They still have over 700 miles (as the crow flies) to reach Jerusalem AND with several stops in ports along the way of their voyage back to Jerusalem.

    A meeting in Miletus

    Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church.

    Acts of the Apostles 20:17 LSB – Paul commands the Ephesian elders to come to him in Miletus

    NEXT in Acts 20:

    The Apostle recalls their shared witness of Christ in Ephesus and commands the Ephesian Church to be watchful.


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  • RIOTING TODAY! – Testimony from many stakeholders

    RIOTING TODAY! – Testimony from many stakeholders

    RIOT TODAY IN EPHESUS!

    READ all about it.

    The NEWS headline could have been from TODAY! But first we return to this riot mentioned in our last edition and Luke’s account of Acts 19.

    Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying,
    “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”

    The city was filled with the uproar, and the crowd rushed to the theater together, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, the Macedonians who were Paul’s traveling companions.

    Acts of the Apostles 19:29 New English Translation

    Some accounts begin: So the whole city was filled with confusion, while other accounts of the incident refer to this riot simply as an uproar.

    And for the testimony of our trial later note its participants: the CROWD (who all rushed to the theater together) and two outsiders from Macedonia (Gaius and Aristarchus).

    A picture shows the scene after an explosive device exploded in a taxi in Syria's town of Azaz in the rebel-controlled northern countryside of Syria's Aleppo province near the border with Turkey, on January 13. -/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
    Syria War Refugees

    This ‘trial‘ of these outside agitators in the public stadium (think of it as the social media outlets of the day) should solve the town’s local political problem.

    These free-speaking men (shouting down the acts of these disciples of Jesus) stormed the Roman court with two Macedonians they had already convicted by majority mob rule.

    u s capitol under siege Jan 6 2021
    U.S. Capitol under siege JANUARY 6, 2021
    READ some earlier accounts of recent events leading up to the riot (the A.D. 1st c. riot in Ephesus, that is). AND note the outsiders who come and go with Paul.
    • 23 .. Paul left and went through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
    • 24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, arrived in Ephesus..
    • 26 ..Priscilla and Aquila (having arrived ahead of Paul) heard him..
    • 27  [Apollos leaves Ephesus to] cross over to Achaia..

    ACTS 19:

    and when Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began to speak in tongues and to prophesy. (Now there were about twelve men in all.)

    So Paul entered the synagogue and spoke out fearlessly for three months, addressing and convincing them about the kingdom of God.

    Acts of the Apostles 19:6-8 NET
    • 9 .. he left them and took the disciples with him, addressing them every day in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years..
      • * NOTE that the events leading up to this riot went back more than two years.
    • .. so that all who lived in the province of Asia [of which Ephesus is its Roman political capital], both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.
    • 14 (Now seven sons of a man named Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this.)
    • 17 This became known to all who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks; fear came over them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was praised.
    • 18 Many of those who had believed came forward, confessing and making their deeds known.
      • 19 Large numbers of those who had practiced magic collected their books and burned them Inup in the presence of everyone. When the value of the books was added up, it was found to total fifty thousand silver coins.
    • [Paul] .. after sending two of his assistants, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, he himself stayed on for a while in the province of Asia [and presumably in its capital Ephesus for the most part].

    Inciting the riot of the day

    THIS all leads up to what Luke describes as ‘NO SMALL DISTURBANCE’ concerning ‘the WAY’ or disciples (all followers) of the Lord Jesus Christ.

    We have heard of these incidents before.

    Thessalonica & Berea in Macedonia 

    But the Jews, becoming jealous, taking along some wicked men from the marketplace, and forming a mob, set the city in an uproar.. they began dragging Jason and some brothers before the city authorities, shouting,

    “These men who have upset the world have come here also.. And they disturbed the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things.

    Acts of the Apostles 17:5a,6b,8

    But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, shaking up and disturbing G5015 the crowds.

    Acts 17:13 LSB

    Trial of the ACTS 19 Riots in Ephesus

    And the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia.

    And when Paul wanted to go into the [people of the] assembly, the disciples would not let him. Also some of the [*] Asiarchs who were friends of his sent to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture into the theater.

    * These are Political or religious officials of the province of Asia, likely some Roman and others Jewish converts of The Way.

    32 So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the [*] meeting was in confusion..

    * Some Bibles translate this gathering of citizens as 'assembly,' from a word familiar to many Christians:  ekklēsia
    

    .. and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together.


    Centuries of riots and wars, refugees and massacres


    But when they recognized that he was a Jew, a single cry arose from them all as they shouted for about two hours..

    Acts of the Apostles 19:34a – at the riot in Ephesus

    Undeniable Facts

    35 Now after calming the crowd, the city clerk said..

    ‘So, since these are undeniable facts, you ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash. For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess.’

    “So then, if [your leader and you] have a complaint against anyone, the courts are in session and proconsuls are available; let them bring charges against one another. But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the [scheduled] lawful meeting.

    Sometimes riots END as quickly as they begin IF sensible leadership prevails over the CROWDS incited by hatred into a frenzy of lawlessness and sin. (Of course at other times sin simmers beneath the surface until it erupts into something worse -- even war.

    “For indeed we are in danger of being accused of a riot [stasis] in connection with today’s events, since there is no cause for which we can give as an account for this disorderly gathering.”

    Acts of the Apostles 19:40 LSB

    And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

    After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia.

    Acts of the Apostles 19:41-20:1 ESV

    στάσις – stasis – From the base of ἵστημι (G2476)

    The KJV translates Strong’s G4714 in the following manner: sedition (3x), dissension (3x), insurrection (1x), uproar (1x), standing (1x).

    Eleven (11) other versions of the Bible translate this simply as a riot.

    Contemporary applications to this lesson from first century Ephesus — in a Greek culture accommodating Jews and other religions under a heavy hand of a pagan Roman Empire and its governors with the power to judge and execute whom they will — consider one further application from the Greek root of this word:

    A word of warning from Scripture received by the Apostle John a few years later near the end of the first century.

    Then I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing G2476 before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.

    Revelation of Jesus Christ to John 20:12 LSB


    ACTS of the Apostles – The Third Missionary Journey of Paul —

    To Be Continued… in Macedonia, God-willing…

  • Lectures in the School of the Master

    Lectures in the School of the Master

    Previously, Luke tells us about Apollos leaving Ephesus as the Apostle Paul arrives and begins preaching to the Jews.

    Two Schools of Thought in Ephesus

    The School of Our Master the Lord Jesus Christ is led by the lecturer Paul; known as the Apostle to the Gentiles and formerly known as Saul of Tarsus.
    
    Picture this setting & scene in either the 1st century A.D. where it took place OR in a more Common Era scene in a University of this time:

    We haven’t heard from Paul in a while. I heard that he has been teaching in the School of Tyrannus. Is that so?

    Born: Saul of Tarsus, c. 5 AD, Tarsus, Cilicia, Roman Empire (in 21st-century Turkey) Died: c. 64/65 AD, Rome, Italia, Roman Empire

    Let’s go over to the big lecture hall and see.

    lecturer reading from podium


    Paul has already encountered various schools of thought at several points on his missionary journeys. His Pharisaical School in Jerusalem had taught different doctrines than an exclusive School the Sadducees. So the renounced Jewish scholar comfortably challenged other beliefs and philosophies.

    And just like back in Corinth Achaia, Paul must reconcile perceptions of Christ with the Greeks and Yeshua Messiah of the Jews to followers of The Way in Ephesus.

    Now that he resides in this key city of Asia Minor where the Holy Spirit initially had prevented Paul from going, Paul will no doubt need to answer many questions about our Lord Jesus Christ.

    AND let’s not overlook Paul’s perseverance during several months of Apostolic teaching in Ephesus that took place here which Luke covers in just a few summary verses.

    the Apostle Paul begins his 3rd missionary journey by land traveling from Antioch Syria to Ephesus in Asia Minor

    A brief reminder:

    Paul began his journey to Ephesus in ~A.D. 52 by land from the church in Antioch and will not return from this 2700 mile mission for about five years.

    As is his general practice the Apostle first teaches the Good News of the Messiah Jesus to the Jews.

    And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.

    Acts of the Apostles 19:8 ESV – Luke’s account of Paul upon arrival in Ephesus

    The first three months

    Twelve converted disciples join Paul, listening to the Gospel as the Apostle teaches fellow Jews how Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures as the Promised One. Many Jews believe during this time of Paul’s proclaiming Jesus in the synagogue and consequently follow The Way.

    Yet like everywhere else, some remain immovable by truth or any other teaching than that which serves them.

    But when some became stubborn

    and continued in unbelief,

    speaking evil of the Way before the congregation..

    [A familiar pattern of stiff-necked men standing firm on their shaky ground of unreasoned truth and false doctrine.]

    .. he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.

    Acts of the Apostles 19:9
    painting of apostles in a public gathering - unknown artist - photo free to use
    NOTE: Although this picture is NOT the School of Tyrannus, don't miss the significance of this School in the city of Ephesus as a university where men could gather to hear lecturers in order to learn and discuss their teachings.

    ~A.D. 53 – A.D. 54

    Let’s look a root problem of unbelievers from the Greek root words Luke chooses translated from the NASB:

    But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the [multitude]..

    Acts 19:9a NASB20
    • ἐσκληρύνοντο – to make hard, harden, metaph. to render obstinate, stubborn
    • ἀπειθέω – apeitheō [Does any familiar English term come to mind?]
      • to refuse or withhold belief
      • to refuse belief and obedience
      • not to comply with

    Men APATHETIC to sound doctrine and truth of the Gospel may claim to be religious men. Stubborn and stiffnecked sinners TURNED AGAINST Christ’s Apostle of Good News and they will turn against YOU as well for your witness of JESUS Christ as your Lord.

    Apparent apathy to Christ and disobedience to the very word of God go hand in hand.

    “The one who believes in the Son has eternal life;
    but the one who does not G544 [apeitheō] obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

    Gospel of John 3:36

    THREE MONTHS Paul had reasoned with the Ephesian Jews in his manner of quoting Scripture and applying the Old Covenant to their Messiah JESUS. A remnant is saved and follow. The rest will continue in their false faith for refusing to look up to the LORD from the wilderness of their refining.

    The heart-hardened enemies of the Gospel murmur to the multitudes against the followers [disciples] of the Way, the Truth and the Life redeemed through Christ our Lord.


    in the hall of Tyrannus

    DAILY, from the fifth hour to the tenth (that is, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) according to some manuscripts

    IF Tyrannus Lecture Hall welcomed Paul as a visiting professor now
    Lecture Hall

    The lecture hall of Tyrannus is an important place of teaching Roman cultural context in a Roman community of the empire.

    21st century believers may not understand the openness in a university-type forum from the teaching and disciples of Paul OR even the Lord Jesus. So in order to understand this PLACE of Paul’s CLASSROOM better we will examine it from the Greek which Luke records in just one of today’s three verses:

    ὡς δέ τινες ἐσκληρύνοντο καὶ ἠπείθουν κακολογοῦντες τὴν ὁδὸν ἐνώπιον τοῦ πλήθους ἀποστὰς ἀπ᾽ αὐτῶν ἀφώρισεν τοὺς μαθητάς καθ᾽ ἡμέραν διαλεγόμενος ἐν τῇ σχολῇ Τυράννου

    Acts 19:9 Morphological Greek New Testament

    scholē tyrannos

    Τύραννοςtyrannos – A provincial form of the derivative of the base of κύριος (G2962)

    Its base word and root Christians may recognize but have never considered in this context of first century A.D. controversy in witness to the Gospel in the Roman Empire.

    • Tyrannus = “sovereign
    • kyrios – From kuros (supremacy)

    It’s the ‘sovereign school’ OR School of the Sovereign.


    Is Paul now teaching in the highest school, so to speak, in Ephesus, an environment we would understand to be a University?

    • scholē – probably feminine of a presumed derivative of the alternate of G2192; properly, loitering (as a withholding of oneself from work) or leisure, i.e. (by implication) a “school” (as vacation from physical employment):—school.

    OR

    Does the SCHOOL NAME imply a particular Sovereign for whom it is named?

    (And, let the hearer understand, Ephesus, like Jerusalem, Corinth or Rome itself has only ONE SOVEREIGN.)

    But they cried out,

    Away with him, away with him, crucify him.

    Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King?

    The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

    Gospel of John 19:15 King James Version

    κύριος – kyrios – Strong’s G2962 – masculine noun From kuros (supremacy)

    Lord, Lordship:

    properly an adjective, signifying “having power” (kuros) or “authority,” is used as a noun, variously translated in the NT, “‘Lord,’ ‘master,’ ‘Master,’ ‘owner,’ ‘Sir,’ a title of wide significance, occurring in each book of the NT save Titus and the Epistles of John. It is used

    Vine’s Expository Dictionary

    WHAT DID THE APOSTLE PAUL PREACH IN EPHESUS?

    Luke does not say specifically in these four verses, but we must believe that in one form or other that the Apostle proclaims the Gospel, JESUS IS LORD.

    Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord G2962 Jesus.

    Acts of the Apostles 19:5 NASB20
    map of 1st century Asia
    Asia Minor

    This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord G2962, both Jews and Greeks.

    Acts 19:10 of the Apostle Paul in Ephesus

    NEXT: Paul I know…

  • Powerful Preaching to powerless Christians

    Powerful Preaching to powerless Christians

    Preaching the Lord Jesus

    What was the difference in the preaching of Apollos and Paul?

    Let's take a look at Luke's account translated authoritatively in the King James Version:
    

    And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

    He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?

    And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.


    SO WHAT WAS PAUL’S FIRST CONCERN ABOUT AN APPARENT LACK OF ZEAL FOR CHRIST?

    The HOLY Ghost, who we will return to once we examine today’s map of where Paul and Apollos have been AND when these men preached the Gospel.

    Apollos – Itinerary to Corinth

    Of course before he departed for home a year ago via Ephesus, PAUL had already preached in Corinth.

    PLUS out of his concern for the Corinthians Paul will soon write two epistles to their church about three years from now.

    Google Earth map near Corinth. "We preach Christ Crucified
    PREVIOUSLY Luke tells us in ACTS 18:24 – Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.

    Luke’s account also provides details from about three years earlier in A.D. 49 that the Emperor Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. – Acts 18:2

    Consequently this was how Apollos came to meet Aquila and Priscilla, fellow Jews now disciples of Jesus Christ in Ephesus [~A.D. 52].

    Alexandria, home of Apollos on the north coast of Africa, was a key Roman port as you might imagine from viewing the map in our previous post of Paul and Apollos crossing paths in the Aegean, where Corinth and Ephesus, in addition to Philippi where Rome had won a key battle, became strategic ports of Rome for their legions, navy and commerce by sea, as well as entry points to inland travel for everyone mostly on Roman roads.

    Apollos, Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus

    Luke records that this powerful preacher Apollos had proclaimed JESUS boldly to the Jews, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. [Acts 18:26]

    THEN they encourage Apollos to go on to Corinth, Achaia where he will proclaim a more accurate Gospel. Yet many have already accepted Apollos’ preaching in Ephesus, even as Paul will encounter these on his way into to city.

    What preaching is POWERFUL or Eloquent?

    (AND WHY did Aquila and Priscilla take such an articulate preacher of Scripture aside?)

    Luke describes Apollos’ preaching as eloquent

    λόγιος, λόγιον (λόγος), in classical Greek
    1. learned, a man of letters, skilled in literature and the arts; especially versed in history and antiquities.
    2. skilled in speech, eloquent: so Acts 18:24

    AND mighty in the scriptures

    Paul will later write to the Corinthians whom he left earlier and where Apollos now preaches:

    For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received:

    that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,

    that he was buried,

    that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures..

    Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

    Paul’s first Epistle to the Corinthians 15:3-4,11

    Apollos preaches the (O.T.) Scriptures accurately explaining how JESUS fulfills the old covenant. Priscilla and Aquila, companions of Paul understanding the Apostle’s testimony well, point Apollos to a more accurate and complete Gospel.

    Again, Paul later reminds the Corinthians to stand firm in what he has preached.

    And as always, here in Ephesus, Paul tests the teachings of those the he encounters as the Apostle has always done in so many far removed places of a vast Roman Empire.

    Paul – Itinerary to Ephesus

    The Apostle Paul once again begins his third missionary journey across land, even as he had previously with Silas as they left their home church in Antioch Syria.

    map of Syria, ruled froj Tarsus
    Roman cities of Syria

    Luke does not detail specific stops of these apostles on the way to Ephesus, but has stated that their purpose was to build up the church where established new followers of the Lord Jesus Christ – GENTILE followers join in worship with JEWISH followers.

    Have YOU received the HOLY Spirit?

    As Paul nears Ephesus to the west from Laodicea and Colossae the Apostle inquires what believers truly believe.

    In fact, these might be good questions for YOU as you worship alongside followers of Christ more mature in their faith and refined in the true Gospel of Scripture.
    • If you did NOT receive the Holy Spirit when baptized, then WHAT if anything CHANGED?
    • And YOU REPENTED of what?
    • So are YOU permanently CHANGED from what old SINS to what RIGHTEOUSNESS in CHRIST?

    Luke’s account of Paul asking such questions goes like this:

    Acts 19 – Paul in Ephesis

    There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them,

    “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

    And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

    3 And he said,

    “Into what then were you baptized?”

    They said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.”

    5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

    6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.

    7 There were about twelve men in all.


    A POWERFUL Sign for powerless disciples

    Here in Ephesus the Lord again provides a sign through the HOLY SPIRIT by the hand of the APOSTLE PAUL!

    “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water,
    but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
    Acts 1:4b NASB

    This is not unlike in Luke’s introduction in ACTS of the Apostles which took place some twenty years before back in an upper room in Jerusalem where the TWELVE and other disciples had been commanded by the Lord Jesus to wait.

    Do not be sidetracked by the sign of the Holy Spirit given in these early days of the Gospel by the POWER of the laying on of hands OR the MYSTERY of speaking in tongues OR the prophesy given by God to speak what is to be in these last days. 

    These disciples of hoped-for righteousness remained powerless by their mere turning from the sin of the past to works hoping to please God. JOHN baptized JESUS and confirmed that HE IS the ONE to come!

    CHRIST CRUCIFIED,

    CHRIST BURIED WITH OUR SINS,

    CHRIST RISEN IN THE BODY AND SPIRIT,

    CHRIST RISEN AND SENDING out THE HOLY SPIRIT to those chosen before time,

    CHRIST raising SINNERS forgiven IN HIM to remain with HIM always…

    Rather than be raised to a JUDGMENT where the LORD could choose to say,

    I NEVER KNEW YOU. Go away to ETERNAL punishment.


    Luke will continue with another example of PREACHERS seeking POWER like that of Paul.

    ACTS of the Apostles — To Be Continued, God-willing

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  • Apollos and Paul – Apostles crossing paths

    Apollos and Paul – Apostles crossing paths

    Apollos arrives in Ephesus

    21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.

    [No mention here of Silas, Luke or Timothy also part of this 2nd mission. Email me or comment if you know where these apostles of the church might be as Paul begins his 3rd missionary journey. – Roger@TalkofJesus.com ]

    Notice where Ephesus fits into our A.D. 51-52 timeline as the noted Jewish teacher Saul of Tarsus [Paul] departs and Apollos, another notable Jewish apostle to the gentiles begins working alongside disciples of The Way of the Messiah Jesus.
    
    Priscilla and Aquila (also Jews) remain in Ephesus as Paul sails back to Jerusalem and Antioch, Syria [his home church].
    

    Paul’s Third Missionary Journey Begins

    23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

    As you can see on a map more familiar to Saul of Tarsus than 21st century christians who simply see modern Turkey, the Apostle Paul has once again set out to visit the churches of his Second Missionary Journey.

    Ephesus is miles ahead where Paul will journey through the mountains to the Aegean coast where Apollos has already arrived and preached.

    Luke continues his detailed account of Acts of the Apostles by way of introduction to Apollos.

    Who is this Messianic Jew Apollos?

    24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus.

    • He was an eloquent man,
    • competent in the Scriptures.
    • 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord.
      • (Not by Paul, but by other disciples of the risen Christ.)
    • And being fervent in spirit,
    • he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus..
    We'll leave it there for the moment. 
    Pretty good credentials for a new Preacher of Jesus to the Jews in Asia Minor (Ephesus).

    Apollos the Baptist

    Now, perhaps, some controversy might arise from calling apollos a ‘Baptist.’ This is no mere division of denomination of an early church in Asia Minor. No, the Baptist moniker in the year of our Lord 52 would have referred to the preaching of John the Baptist.

    MANY would have heard of the Baptist, perhaps even hearing him preach prior to Herod beheading him.


    A.D. 30 - Twenty some years earlier from Luke's Gospel (yet to be published ten years from now along with ACTS of the Apostles sometime between A.D. 60 and A.D. 62.)

    Gospel of Luke 9:

    Verses 18-21 Legacy Standard Bible

    And it happened that while He [JESUS] was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying,

    “Who do the crowds say that I am?”

    And they answered and said,

    “John the Baptist, and others say Elijah, but others, that one of the prophets of old has risen again.” And He said to them,

    “But who do you say that I am?”

    And Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”

    But He warned them and directed them not to tell this to anyone..


    • AND suppose that Apollos and other disciples had heard The Baptist preach and yet as must have been the case for many never heard the Christ of God preach in Person?
    • What might these disciples of JESUS recall some twenty years later?

    Luke 3:

    [John] .. came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins;

    Now unlike most 21st century christians, these 1st century Jews knew their SCRIPTURE!

    as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,

    “THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS,
    
    ‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD,
    
    MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.
    
    ‘EVERY RAVINE WILL BE FILLED,
    
    AND EVERY MOUNTAIN AND HILL WILL BE BROUGHT LOW;
    
    THE CROOKED WILL BE STRAIGHT,
    
    AND THE ROUGH ROADS SMOOTH.

    AND ALL FLESH WILL SEE THE SALVATION OF GOD.’”

    Luke 3:6 LSB quoting: Isa 40:5; Isa 49:6; Isa 52:10

    a response to Apollos OR The Baptist OR JESUS

    “But indeed the ax is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

    And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what should we do?”

    Luke 3:9-10 LSB

    John answered, saying to them all,

    “As for me, I baptize you with water, but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the strap of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

    “His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor and to gather the wheat into His barn,

    but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

    So with many other exhortations he proclaimed the gospel to the people.


    Gospel of Luke 3:18 LSB of the preaching of John the Baptist

    Refining the Preaching of Apollos

    Acts 18 continued in Ephesus

    26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

    It is expected that mature believers must instruct new followers of JESUS Christ more accurately. 
    
    Even as Aquilla must have given exhortation to Apollos, the Apostle Paul on the way to Ephesus is most like doing the same as he revisits the new churches of previous missionary journeys (some to whom the Apostles has already written an Epistle).

    27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him.


    God-willing, ACTS of the apostles Paul, Apollos, Aquila and many others — To be continued

    Acts of the Apostles records actions of 1st century Christians sent into all the world focusing on the Twelve and 3 missionary journeys of Paul

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