Tag: paul

  • Returning to seven servants in the Spirit

    Returning to seven servants in the Spirit

    Acts of the Apostles 21:

    7 We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed with them for a day.

    8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven.

    Google earth view of eastern Mediterranean ports near Tyre

    Returning to the Church in order to serve

    Paul had first embarked on three missions TEN YEARS AGO from Antioch, with Jerusalem being little more than a stop on his way back to Syria along the roads of a distant mission skirting Galatia once more and bypassing Asia Minor to sail the Aegean to Macedonian and Greek cities.

    ~ AD 57

    His FIVE YEAR THIRD MISSION now complete, the Apostle to the Gentiles now returns to Jerusalem.

    Although the Lord Jesus Himself had taught in Tyre and Sidon (and also presumably the great Maccabean port of Ptolemais between them) Paul now lands in Caesarea, Herod’s great Hasmonaean port named for the Emperors they served.

    map of Roman Empire - Augustus organization of Legions
    1st c. Roman Cities

    ROME ruled with a westward wave that had included all of the Aegean by the time its dual citizen, Saul of Tarsus, had preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to much of Syria and Hellenist cities of a former Macedonian Empire.

    ~ A.D. 40 – a Judean history Before Christ

    NOTE: Earlier in ACTS of the APOSTLES 12 I may have slighted the historical significance of this coastal area in our transition between ACTS of the Apostle Peter and the ACTS and missions of the Apostle Paul.

    Now that Paul is returning home in the year of our Lord 57, let’s take a brief look at another map in the minds of Paul and historical context of Judeans born about the time of Christ Jesus.

    ~ AD 37

    Saul had encountered the risen Christ along a road to Damascus. At the same time the Apostle Peter had taken the Gospel to Samaria and even to the gentiles.

    And Saul [Paul], who had been received the the Apostles, then fled to Tarsus from Caesarea. – Acts 9:26-30

    Paul is returning to brothers and sisters in Christ in Caesarea all these years later.

    Dr. Luke, who knew a gentile history of his Aegean homeland, must have been taking Paul's account of these days as they sailed toward Judea and Jerusalem.

    Here is even more history familiar to the Judeans.

    a Strategic Coastline even Before Christ

    The Romans eventually affirmed an alliance with the Maccabean leaders and encouraged other nations in the region to do the same.

    The map shown here displays this complex political world of the Near East around 90 B.C., shortly before the Romans absorbed the Seleucid Empire and the Maccabean Kingdom in 63 B.C.

    Source: Bible Mapper Atlas

    ~ 90 B.C.

    • After Alexander the Great died in 323 B.C., his empire was divided among his generals, including Ptolemy and Seleucus.
      • Seleucid Empire led Antiochus IV Epiphanes
    • open rebellion by faithful Jews under the leadership of Mattathias Maccabeus and his sons in 167 B.C.
    • The Romans eventually affirmed an alliance with the Maccabean leaders and encouraged other nations in the region to do the same. The map shown [above] displays this complex political world of the Near East ~90 B.C.,
    • the Romans absorbed the Seleucid Empire and the Maccabean Kingdom in 63 B.C.

    Antiochus IV Epiphanes sought to unify his diverse domain by forcing Greek religious and political practices upon all his subjects (1 Maccabees 1; 2 Maccabees 6-7) – source


    Division

    Before Christ, the GREAT Hellenist ALEXANDER had died in the BABYLON he conquered in a world to the EAST from where Judeans had earlier returned home to Jerusalem under Nehemiah.

    Alexander’s thrice-divided Kingdom would eventually leave Jerusalem divided between Maccabean and Hellenist. The ruthless and GREAT builder King Herod also left legacy of a thrice-divided Kingdom to sons upon his death [~4 BC].

    The JUDEA (and Jerusalem) prominent in the times of JESUS and Paul does NOT include a separate Samaria (home of the Maccabean revolt) OR Galilee.

    Herod had not only named his great harbor and fortress CAESAREA (a clear concession to a Hellenist Rome) but had built a town and fortress to the north also named for the Hellenist father of Alexander, CAESAREA PHILLIPI.


    SAUL (Paulos) in Caesarea

    Arriving before Saul - Philip
    • Jerusalem:

    Now in those days, while the disciples were multiplying in number, there was grumbling from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food.

    Acts of the Apostles 6:1 LSB

    .. and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.


    Philip went down to the city of Samaria
    and began proclaiming the [Messiah] Christ to them.

    ACTS of the Apostles 8:5 NASB20
    This had been at about the same time Saul was persecuting the church.
    Philip the Evangelist and deacon from Jerusalem had travelled to Gaza, then was miraculously taken up to take the Gospel north to Caesarea where he would reside.

    But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities, until he came to Caesarea.

    Acts 8:40 NASB

    PAUL Returning 20 years later to Philip in Caesarea

    we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven.

    9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.

    10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 


    ACTS of the Apostles 21 – Paul’s return from his third missionary journey – To be continued…

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  • Sailing Home on the Aegean

    Sailing Home on the Aegean

    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..

    Acts of the Apostles 20:18-19a LSB – The Apostle Paul bidding farewell to the Ephesian elders

    As you know Paul and apostles of his third missionary journey have set sail for Jerusalem.

    “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock.. – Acts 20:28a – the Apostle Paul’s parting advice to the elders of the church.
    Anatolian Peninsula - Turkiye
    Anatolian peninsula

    Reflecting back on a Third Missionary Journey

    Paul had begun this third mission in about A.D. 52 setting out on land from Antioch to visit churches all along the Anatolian peninsula until reaching the Aegean at Ephesus, a distance of more than 500 miles.

    A.D. 57

    In addition to starting and nurturing an important church in Asia Minor, namely Ephesus, the Apostle had then crossed the Aegean into Europe and done the same for churches in Thessalonica, and Berea; the important Achaian city of Corinth, returning to Thessalonica once more then traveling to the Roman stronghold at Philippi.

    Aegean Sea

    The Aegean Missions by Sea

    Although these missionaries have bypassed Ephesus on their return to Jerusalem, note Paul’s APOSTOLOIC LETTERS encouraging CHURCHES during these same years:

    Paul sends two Epistles to the Thessalonians from Athens
    Epistles to the Thessalonians
    • 2 THESSALONIANS (possibly)
      • (if it had not already been delivered during Paul’s Second Missionary Journey along with 1 Thessalonians and an epistle to the Galatians.)
    • TWO LETTERS TO THE CORINTHIANS
    • PAUL’S LETTERS TO THE ROMANS,
      • including the major theological epistle preserved in the Bible
      • and no doubt other letters to individuals in Rome as in other cities.

    Acts of the Apostles 21:

    Paul's 3rd missionary journey - sailing home - a map from Aegean ports toward Tyre

    Now when we had parted from them and had set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos..

    and the next day to Rhodes..

     and from there to Patara;

    .. and having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.

    Phoenicia along the coast of modern-day Lebanon with the important ports of Tyre and Sidon

    And when we came in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left, we kept sailing to Syria and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload its cargo.

    Land Ho! Almost Home

    Acts 21:1-3 Paul's route returning from his third missionary journey, landing at Tyre

    We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days.

    Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.

    Acts of the Apostles 21:4 – New International Version

    a word of warning

    Note three things Luke is about to tell us about their arrival:
    •  μαθητής (mathētēs) – they sought out OTHER followers of Christ and stayed with them (seven days here in Tyre)
      • disciples in every port AND on various parts of Paul’s missionary journeys various disciples become apostles also sent out to other churches.
      • SEE the list: These disciples are both men and women.
    • They spoke to Paul in the Spirit.
      • λέγω – legō
        • conversation between believers, exhortation in this case they must have thought received through the Spirit
        • (We’ll come back to this..)
      • πνεῦμα – pneuma
        • Let Christ-followers reading Spirit‘ 70 times in Acts understand that this is the Holy Spirit who joined in these conversations.
    • disciples Prophesied to Paul through the Spirit what would happen if the Apostle ‘set foot’ in Jerusalem (as he had planned).
      • Soon other disciples will provide addition detail of these prophesies though the Spirit.

    When it was time to leave, [Luke tells us] we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray.

    6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home.

    Does the intimacy of their parting not remind us of the Ephesian elders as these apostles crossed the Aegean and Mediterranean?

    διά – λόγος – [dia – log]

    'dialogue' of 'Christians' -literally, dia logos, dia legō 
    • discourse
    • to say, to speak
    • through
      • by the means of:

    the HOLY SPIRIT or HOLY GHOST!


    And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

    “Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”

    “But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.”

    Acts of the Apostles 2:43, 10:43, 15:11,
    references to Strong’s G1223 – dia – meaning “through

    DO NOT DISMISS or overlook frequent intimate conversation between 1st century followers of Christ AND their continual dialogue through the Holy Spirit.

    Roger@TalkofJesus.com

    The Apostle Paul has RECENTLY [A.D. 57] written in a letter to Roman Christ-followers:

    .. the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

    Romans 5:5b excerpt [the context could not be more important]

    NEXT: The apostles continue their return from Paul’s Third Missionary Journey and the Holy Spirit reveals more details through prophesy of what will take place in Jerusalem.

    Talk of JESUS .com

    Let's have some dia-log here, dear brother/sister in Christ.

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  • 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.


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