6/7/16

“Male And Female Created He Them” by Allan Turner


http://allanturner.com/article03.html

“Male And Female Created He Them”

by Allan Turner

The first three chapters of Genesis provide the foundation on which we are to develop a Biblical view of the sexes. These chapters deal with the creation of man; they reveal that man is male and female, they explain man’s role, and they provide us with an understanding of the nature of man’s fall into sin and its consequences. Anyone interested in God’s purposes for the male and female will be very interested in carefully studying these three chapters.
Man Created In The Image Of God
In Genesis 1:26-28, we learn that mankind is the crown of God’s creation. There are three points of emphasis in these three verses: (1) man is created in the image of God; (2) man is expected to procreate; and (3) man is to be a steward over all of God’s other creatures on earth. Verse 26 can be seen as God’s proposal (viz., man is to be created in the image of God, and is to be given domination over all the earth). Verse 27 can be seen as the definition of who man really is (viz., man, who is both male and female, is created in the image of God). Verse 28, then, can be seen as man’s commission (viz., man is blessed by God and is told to procreate and rule the earth). It has been suggested by others, and we totally agree, that verses 26 and 28 ought to be seen as the base of a pyramid that supports and is topped off by verse 27. In other words, verse 27 defines the nature of this man who has been given the commission by God in verse 28, which was, in turn, based upon God’s proposal as stated in verse 26. Verse 27, then, serves as the pinnacle of the argument as to who man really is. Consequently, this verse deserves closer study.
Genesis 1:27
We are told that the various emphases of verse 27 are seen in the Hebrew by taking note of the words that appear at the beginning of the clauses. In the following clauses found in verse 27, we have taken the liberty of showing the emphasized words in italics: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” These three clauses give us a comprehensive understanding of man. First of all, man is God’s creation and must not be seen as a chance collocation of atoms (i.e., evolution). Man is the result of a deliberate and willful act of the Almighty God. Second, man is created in the image of God and therefore bears some of the characteristics of the divine Being. These characteristics make man the only one of God’s earthly creatures suitable for the work of overseeing the rest of His creation. Third, and this is of primary importance to us in this study, man is created male and female.
Man is male and female. To many, this is a shocking revelation. But, it ought not to be. The physical nature of mankind (i.e., “man”) is male and female. We do not need special revelation to know this. All we have to do is look at God’s revelation in nature. When we look at man (i.e., “mankind”) we see both male and female. Furthermore, and more importantly, mankind, both male and female, bears the image of the Divine.
According to God’s Word, both the male and female are jointly charged to be involved in procreation. The female is not simply the vessel for the male’s child, and neither is the child the sole responsibility of the woman. Together, and only together, are they able to fulfill the responsibility God gave man to fill the earth with his offspring.
According to God’s Word, both the male and female are given the responsibility of subduing and exercising dominion over God’s earthly creation. It is exactly at this point that confusion, ignorance and sinful pride lift their ugly heads. Shamefully, men have too often viewed women not just as second class citizens, but as second class image bearers of the Divine, as well. Consequently, women have often been relegated to only a small portion of God’s creation; namely, dirty diapers, dirty dishes, dirty floors, dirty commodes, etc.
Please do not misunderstand! We are well aware that woman’s primary duties are domestic (cf. Titus 2:5), but these duties in no way exhaust her total responsibilities. The idea that men alone are to occupy the world outside the house is an idea foreign to the teaching of God’s Word.
The Ideal Wife Of Proverbs 31
In this connection, the woman of Proverbs 31 deserves special consideration. Here was a woma n who had her priorities straight. First, she was involved in caring for her family, but she also demonstrated her ability to function in a non-domestic environment as well. In providing for the needs of her family, she was still able to engage (i.e., work) in business and charity outside the home with God’s approval. She was a capable and industrious woman who had the full confidence and love of her husband and her children. Therefore, if a woman can meet the needs of her family properly, then it would certainly be appropriate for her to engage in business and other interests outside the home.
We can imagine what some might be thinking at this juncture, so let us ask and then answer the following questions: Does any thing we have said up to this point encourage a woman to shirk her domestic duties? No, it most certainly does not! Does any thing we have said up to this point justify the millions of “latchkey” children being created by mothers working outside the home? Absolutely not! The “Virtuous Woman” or “Ideal Wife,” who worked outside the home in Proverbs 31, must not be divorced from the context. Although “She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants” (verse 24), her husband came first (verse 11). She was the first to rise in the morning so she could take care of the needs of her family (verse 15). She engaged in charity in the community (verse 20), and then when all these responsibilities were met, she engaged in outside employment. Does any of this give credence to the feminist movement or solace to modern women who think they cannot be “fulfilled” unless they are working outside the home? It does not! But, neither does it serve as ammunition for those who insist it is sinful for a woman to work outside the home. If the wife is able to fulfill her prior obligations, and they are many, then working outside the home cannot be considered a sin.
Equality Of Essence Not Roles
The equality of essence shared by the male and female must not be overlooked or misunderstood, but at the same time it must be understood that Genesis 2 represents the man as having a functional headship over the woman. In Ephesians 5:22-24, the apostle Paul makes it clear that such an understanding is consistent with Biblical truth. In further emphasizing this point, Paul, in I Timothy 2:13, appeals to the “Beginning” as a place to understand the headship of man. His argument for the woman being “under obedience” (I Corinthians 14: 36b) and not “teach[ing], nor usurp[ing] authority over the man” (I Timothy 2:12) is based on two fundamental truths; namely, “For Adam was first formed, then Eve, and Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression” (I Timothy 2:13-14).
Adam was created first and existed for some time before Eve was formed. Therefore, one must conclude that God did not create Eve to be Adam’s leader. We think God’s declaration before creating Eve makes this very clear: “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18). The Lord then took Eve from the body of Adam (i.e., formed her from a rib of his side) and presented her to him. It was then that Adam declared her to be “bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:22-24). Then Adam, the “Man” (Ish), called her “Woman” (Isha) because she was taken “out of Man.” Using this truth as the foundation of his argument, Paul, in I Corinthians 11:8-9, wrote: “For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.” In other words, both her origin and name are derived from man and are thus second and secondary and not first and primary. But, and this is extremely important, man’s role in fulfilling the mandate of Genesis 1:26-28 cannot be fulfilled apart from the female’s role. Consequently, her chronological order of creation makes her a vice-regent with him. She is not a lesser or a slave. She is to be respected as an equal, created in God’s image, who at his side and under his loving direction (cf. Ephesians 5:25) fulfills the God-given task of subduing the earth.
Something Happened That Changed Things
As things were originally planned by God, man and woman as a family, a unit, a team, were to explore (not exploit) and control (not destroy) the earth; but this plan was marred by the sins of Adam and Eve (cf. Genesis 3). Before sin entered into the world, Adam and Eve, respecting each other, worked together in harmony to fulfill the divine mandate, and no doubt would have eventually begun to populate the earth. Both operated within the authority of God. Unfortunately, though, acting independently of her husband, Eve surrendered to the temptation of Satan and ate the forbidden fruit. Although this is certainly no compliment to Eve, what happened next is no compliment to Adam either. He was not deceived, the scriptures tell us, and therefore willingly disobeyed God by following his wife’s lead. Consequently, as a result of their spiritual death, both the man and woman received a curse from God for their sin. The curse on the woman is found in Genesis 3:16, and reads: “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in pain you shall bring forth children; your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” We are convinced that there are two effects of this curse on the woman. First, the pain the woman would experience in child-birth would be greatly increased. Second, there would be tension between husband and wife. It is to this second effect that we now turn our attention.
When Adam and Eve sinned, their relationship was distorted. The foretelling of this is to be found in the statement, “your desire shall be for your husband.” This desire has been considered by some to be the woman’s sexual desire for her husband; but such a desire would have been part of her makeup as a sexual being before sin entered into the picture, therefore, such a position does not seem tenable. The original intention of God was that Adam and Eve would bear children and fill the earth. God made the two sexes, therefore, sexual desire is not perverted nor distorted, as some have suggested, and within the marriage relationship is “honorable” and “undefiled” (Hebrews 13:4).
Well, then, if her desire was not sexual attraction, what was it? This, we think, can best be understood in connection with the rest of the verse, which says, “And he shall rule over you.” Many, thinking the desire of the woman is coordinate with man’s rule, believe this desire is an instinctive desire to be ruled by man. In conjunction with this, certain so-called “Christian feminists” understand this passage to be the description of how man “degenerated by sin, would take advantage of his headship as a husband to dominate, lord it over, his wife” (Letha Scanzoni and Nancy Hardesty, All We’re Meant To Be, page 35). Actually, we think both these views are a misunderstanding of the passage. This misunderstanding is caused by what we believe is a mistranslation of the Hebrew conjunction in this passage as “and” (a coordinating idea), rather than “but” (an antithetical concept). We are convinced the correct translation should read: “And your desire shall be for your husband, but he shall rule over you.” The conjunction “but” indicates there would be friction between the husband and wife. This can be understood in connection with an identical Hebrew construction in Genesis 4:7b. Both passages use the word “desire” and a comparison of these two passages ought to give us an understanding of what the woman’s desire really is.
In Genesis 4:7b, sin personified is depicted as one who crouches at the door waiting to take hold of or capture his victim, who in this case is Cain. Notice the parallels between this verse and Genesis 3:16b: “And unto thee shall be his [sin’s] desire, and thou shalt rule over him” (KJV). The NKJ version reads, “And its desire shall be for you, but you should rule over it.” It seems clear that the idea God was conveying to Cain was that sin was a power that desired to rule over him, but that he must resist and subdue it. When compared with this verse, Genesis 3:16b can be understood to be teaching that as a result of her sin, which was a rejection of her husband’s rule as well as the rule of God, a battle of the sexes began. Contrary to the harmony that once existed between Eve and her husband, she would now have a predisposition to exercise control over him, and if he was going to exercise control over her, as his headship demanded, it would not be without a struggle.
In other words, in becoming sin-sick, the willing submission of the wife and the loving headship of the husband were corrupted. The woman’s inordinate desire to usurp her husband’s authority would have to be mastered by her husband, if he could. Consequently, the rule of love established in paradise was replaced by a struggle between the sexes that has produced an endless stream of usurpation, strife, tyranny, and ungodly domination.
The Problem Exacerbated
Furthermore, the curse upon Adam would further exacerbate the friction that existed between him and his wife. The difficulty of toiling out a living would cause physical and psychological stress that would ultimately be carried over into the marriage. The time necessary to produce a product from the cursed earth would force the husband to spend much more time away from home. As a result, his wife might very well feel like she was being neglected. In addition, the jealousy many husbands feel concerning their hard-earned paychecks, even though marriage is to be a joint effort, has served to intensify the battle of the sexes down through the ages. In many marriages today, the husband has his money and the wife has her money and “never the twain shall meet.” Obviously, then, the negative effects of the husband trying to make ends meet in a world that resists him on every hand are very much with us today.
The Battle Has Turned Into a Full-Fledged War
The history of man and woman, as well as our own experiences, demonstrate the real problems created by the consequences of our first parents’ sins. The unity God intended for His creation was destroyed by those sins. As a result, the woman would desire to usurp man’s rule, and the man, if he was to rule, would do so with great difficulty. Add to these consequences our own sins, and the battle between the sexes has actually grown into a full-fledged war. The family, the very fabric of our society, is being destroyed today. Divorce is rampant. The so-called “traditional family structure” is being redefined to include unmarried couples and homosexual liaisons (they call each other “housemates” and “significant others”).
In addition, the feminist goal, which is nothing short of socialpolitical, and cultural revolution, has had a dramatic impact in our day. Whether we like to admit it or not, feminism has converted our culture to the feminist mind-set. In fact, the feminization of America is in full-swing. As a so-called “Biblical feminist” has noted: “Feminism since the early 1960s has begun to color interpersonal relations, the language we speak, family life, the educational system, child-rearing practices, politics, business, the mass media, religion, law, the judicial system, the cultural value system, and intellectual life” (quoted in Mary Pride, The Way Home, page 12).
Paradise Lost
As originally created, the male and female were to complete each other as they enabled one another to fulfill the God-ordained purpose of procreating and subduing the earth. Neither was to seek the other’s position, but as half of a whole they were to complement each other. When sin entered into the world, their distinctive roles were blurred and their harmonious relationship distorted. Instead of working together in unity, they began to compete with each other. Instead of reflecting the glory of God, they began to mirror the corruption of sin. Their original “oneness” was replaced by a power struggle that has continued in society ever since. This struggle, although it does not always manifest itself overtly, does, nevertheless, lie just below the surface in even the best of marriages.
Unfortunately, many men, even Christians, “hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13), have engaged in the practice of “lording it over” their wives. While on the other hand, many women, even Christians, have become “silly women laden with sins” (II Timothy 3:6) and have not willingly submitted to the headship of their husbands. It is sad but true that many Christians, both male and female, instead of “prov[ing] what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1), are actually being guided by current secular values. Of course, we, of all people, ought to know that the answer to this problem is not to be found in current secular thought or even in so-called traditional thinking. Instead, the answer is to be found in God’s Word, the Bible. It is in this book that we will find the answer to our problem.
Paradise Restored
A part of the “good news” of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that what was lost in the Garden of Eden can be restored in Christ. As faithful followers of the humble Galilean, the husband and wife can once again become the unit God intended them to be from the very beginning: the husband, the lov-ing leader who “nourishes and cherishes” his wife as if she were his own body (Ephesians 5:28,29) and the wife, the suitable helper who willingly submits to her husband’s guidance, “as to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22). Such a relationship must be characterized by selflessness, yet it is only in Christ that one learns to crucify Self. It is only in Christ that one exchanges the egotistical “I am” of sinful pride for the loving guidance of the Great I Am. It is only in Christ that two people will live in the estate of matrimony as God truly intended. Does this mean that people who are not Christians are not married? No, of course not. Does it mean that a Christian cannot marry a non-Christian? Again, no. Well, then, what does it mean? What it means is that without the restoration that comes in Christ, marriage will never be, nor can it ever be, what the Lord created it to be; namely, a relationship of unity that supersedes every other earthly relationship and in a very wonderful way reflects the unity that exists between Christ and His church (Ephesians 5:22-33). This Bible truth is a part of that light that illuminates a lost and dying world (Matthew 5:14). And it is this truth that functions as some of the salt that preserves our decaying society (Matthew 5:13). If Christians are not living this truth out in their lives on a regular basis, then they are no good to themselves or anyone else.
In Titus 2:2, the Word of God informs us that the younger women are to be taught to be “keepers at home” (KJV) or “home-makers” (NKJV). As we have already learned, the Bible does not prohibit the wife from working outside the home, but it does teach that the home is to be her primary concern. It is unfortunate that the idea of homemaker is being much maligned in our present day society. It is tragic that you ng women and men are being taught that a female cannot really be happy as a homemaker. It is sad that young girls are being told they cannot be fulfilled unless they have a career that takes them away from their homemaking and child-rearing responsibilities. What is even more tragic is that many Christians have begun to incorporate these secular values into their own life-styles.
Churches of Christ cannot be negligent in their responsibility to edify themselves concerning this important subject. We must realize that young Christians will not be taught their God-ordained roles, and the duties associated with them, by a secular system inundated by humanism. Churches owe it to their young people to pass on to them the richness of the husband and wife relationship as taught in God’s Word. Furthermore, as husbands and wives, we have the responsibility to live out our God-ordained roles before our children. But this is not enough! These roles must be reinforced by Bible classes that teach the duties and responsibilities, as well as the benefits, of the husband and wife relationship. In truth, we have not done a very good job with this subject, and it has definitely begun to show. The divorce rate among Christians, although much lower than that reflected in the world, is still much higher than anyone would have predicted just thirty years ago. Are we going to wait until the divorce rate among us begins to match the world’s before we do something about it? If not, then we had better get busy and lovingly teach on this extremely critical subject before we find ourselves overshadowed by the horror of darkness that is engulfing our society. Fellow Christians, we must let our lights shine.
The Wife And The Home
The place where God put the wife is the husband’s home (notice that I did not say house). The home is a unique kingdom all its own in the midst of a hostile world. It’s a stronghold amid life’s storms and stresses, a refuge, even a sanctuary! The home is unique in that it is not built on the shifting sands of public life or cultural changes. The home is an institution (relationship might be a better word) that has special meaning and value because it has been especially ordained by God. It’s a place where peace, quietness, joy, love, purity, discipline, respect, obedience, and happiness is to dwell. It is the wife’s calling and her pleasure to build up for her husband a “world within the world,” and do her life’s work there. How happy and blessed is the woman who realizes just how great and rich a task and position God has given her! In this special relationship, the wife occupies a position of permanence, not novelty; constancy, not flux or change; peace, not antagonism or adversariness. In this relationship there are actual deeds, not just empty words; gentle persuasion, not arrogant commands; and, of course, love, not lust. All these are inspired and sustained by her love for her husband—this is the wife’s kingdom. “A virtuous woman [an excellent wife] is the crown of her husband” (Proverbs 12:4).
Conclusion
The traditional family, as defined by secular society, has assumed the husband to be the superior ruler and the wife to be the inferior servant. This is far to the right of what God has ordained in His Word. On the other hand, the feminist movement has swung the pendulum far to the left in denying the family structure and roles God has given. Let us, therefore, as Christians, strive for that golden mean set forth in God’s Word and let us “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind[s], that [we] may prove [to a lost and dying world] what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).

"ACTS OF THE APOSTLES" Chapter Twenty by Mark Copeland


                         "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"

                             Chapter Twenty

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To review Paul's travels in Macedonia and Greece, during the 3rd
   journey

2) To note Paul's preaching until midnight and then talking until
   daybreak, after Eutychus falls out of the third floor window

3) To review Paul's travels from Troas to Miletus

4) To examine Paul's meeting with the Ephesian elders while in Miletus

SUMMARY

After the uproar in Ephesus had ceased, Paul gathered the disciples and
exhorted them; he then departed for Macedonia.  [During this period, 2
Corinthians may have been written.]  Paul provided much exhortation
throughout the region.  He then arrived in Greece and remained some
three months.  [Romans may have been written at this time.] As Paul
planned to sail to Syria, the Jews plotted against him.  He decided to
return through Macedonia.  The seven brethren traveling with Paul
travelled on to Troas, while Paul went to Philippi.  Luke joined Paul,
and they met the seven brethren in Troas.  (1-6)

The traveling group remained in Troas for seven days.  Paul preached on
Sunday until midnight, for they had gathered to "break bread."  Paul
planned to depart on the next day.  A young man, Eutychus, was sitting
in the window.  He was overcome with sleep, and fell from the third
floor window.  He was taken up dead.  Paul went down and "fell on him."
Eutychus was made alive.  Paul broke bread with them, and continued
talking with them until daybreak.  They were greatly comforted that
Eutychus was alive. (7-12)

Paul traveled from Troas to Assos by foot, while his companions sailed
there.  Paul joined them aboard ship in Assos.  Over some four days,
they sailed to/near:  Mitylene, Chios, Samos, and Miletus.  Paul
decided to sail past Ephesus, as he desired to be in Jerusalem on the
day of Pentecost. (13-16)

While at Miletus, Paul called for the elders of the church at Ephesus.
Paul reviewed his labors (history) with them:  he had served the Lord
with humility, tears and trials; he taught publicly and house-to-house;
he taught Jews and Greeks; and, he taught repentance toward God and
faith toward Christ.  Paul spoke of his future.  He was to go "bound in
the Spirit" to Jerusalem.  "Chains and tribulations" awaited him there.
In light of these things, Paul focused on his work to continue
proclaiming the Gospel.  He wanted to finish his race "with joy."  He
told the elders that they would not see his face anymore.  Paul
declared that he was "innocent of the blood of all men," as he had not
failed to declare to them the "whole counsel of God."  Paul exhorted and
warned them as elders; they were to follow his example.  Paul admonished
them to "take heed" unto themselves and to all the flock, over which
they were overseers.  They were to feed the church.  Paul warned them
that "wolves" would enter in, "not sparing the flock."  Some, even among
them, would arise to draw away the flock - "wherefore, watch ye."  Paul
reminded them that he had warned them day and night for three years.
Paul then commended them to God and to His Word, which is "able to build
you up."  Paul reminded them of his example of providing for himself and
those that were with him; laboring in this way, enabled them to provide
for the weak.  Paul then prayed with them and bade them farewell.  They
were weeping and sorrowful that they would not see him again.  They then
escorted him back to the ship for his departure.  (17-38)

OUTLINE

I. TRAVELS IN MACEDONIA AND GREECE (1-6)

   A. PAUL BADE FAREWELL TO THE EPHESIAN BRETHREN (1)
      1. Paul called the disciples to himself and said, "Goodbye"
      2. Paul departed to Macedonia

   B. PAUL ENCOURAGED THEM IN MACEDONIA AND GREECE, THEN TO TROAS (2-6)
      1. Paul traveled throughout Macedonia and encouraged them
      2. He then spent three months in Greece
      3. Paul planned to sail to Syria; the Jews plotted against him
         a. He decided to return through Macedonia
         b. Seven brethren accompanied Paul (messengers, see 1 Cor.
            16:3)
         c. The seven traveled on to Troas, while Paul went to Philippi
         d. Through the use of "us" and "we," it is noted that Luke
            joined Paul in Philippi
         e. Paul and Luke joined the others at Troas, five days later

II. PAUL PREACHED IN TROAS (7-12)

   A. PAUL PREACHED ON SUNDAY UNTIL MIDNIGHT (7-8)
      1. The travelers remained in Troas for seven days
      2. When the disciples assembled "to break bread," Paul preached
      3. He preached until midnight
      4. Paul planned to depart on the next day

   B. EUTYCHUS FELL OUT OF THE WINDOW (9-12)
      1. The young man, Eutychus, was sitting in the window
      2. He was overcome by sleep and fell from the third floor window
      3. Eutychus was taken up dead
      4. Paul went down and "fell on him"
      5. Eutychus was made alive
      6. Paul broke bread and continued talking with them until
         daybreak; they were comforted - Eutychus was alive

III. TRAVELING FROM TROAS TO MILETUS (13-16)

   A. PAUL MET THE OTHERS IN ASSOS AND BOARDED THE SHIP (13-14)
      1. Paul traveled from Troas to Assos by foot; his companions
         sailed by ship
      2. Paul joined them aboard ship at Assos
      3. Over some four days, they traveled to/near:
         a. Mitylene
         b. Chios
         c. Samos
         d. Miletus
      4. Paul decided to sail past Ephesus, as he desired to be in
         Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost

IV. MEETING WITH THE EPHESIAN ELDERS (17-38)

   A. PAUL REVIEWED HIS HISTORY WITH THE EPHESIAN ELDERS (17-21)
      1. While at Miletus, Paul called for the elders from Ephesus
      2. Paul reviewed his labors while he was in Ephesus
         a. He served the Lord with humility, tears and trials
         b. He taught publicly and house-to-house
         c. He taught Jews and Greeks
         d. He taught repentance toward God and faith toward Christ

   B. PAUL SPOKE OF HIS FUTURE (22-27)
      1. Paul was going to Jerusalem "bound in the Spirit"
      2. "Chains and tribulations" awaited him
      3. In light of these things, Paul focused on his work to continue
         to proclaim the Gospel, and to finish his race "with joy"
      4. He noted that they would not see his face anymore
      5. Paul declared that he was "innocent of the blood of all men,"
         as he had not failed to declare to them the "whole counsel of
         God"

   C. PAUL EXHORTED AND WARNED THEM AS ELDERS OF THE EPHESIAN CHURCH;
      THEY WERE TO FOLLOW HIS EXAMPLE (28-35)
      1. Paul admonished the elders to "take heed" unto themselves and
         to all the flock, of which they were overseers
      2. They were to "shepherd the flock"
      3. Paul warned them that "wolves" would enter in, "not sparing the
         flock"
      4. Some, even among them, would arise to draw away the flock
      5. "Wherefore, watch ye"
      6. Paul reminded them that he had warned them day and night for
         three years
      7. Paul commended them to God and to His Word, which was "able to
         build you up"
      8. Paul reminded them of his example of providing for himself and
         those with him; laboring in this way, enabled them to provide
         for the weak

   D. PAUL PRAYED WITH THE ELDERS AND BADE THEM FAREWELL (36-38)
      1. Paul kneeled and prayed with them
      2. They all wept, sorrowed that they would not see Paul again
      3. They escorted Paul back to the ship

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main events in this chapter?
   - Paul's travels in Macedonia and Greece (1-6)
   - Paul preached in Troas (7-12)
   - Travelling from Troas to Miletus(13-16)
   - Meeting with the Ephesian Elders (17-38)

2) When the uproar had ceased in Ephesus, who did Paul call for? (1)
   - Called for the disciples and exhorted them (1)

3) Paul departed Ephesus and went where?  And, where next? (1-2)
   - Macedonia (1)
   - Greece (2)

4) As Paul planned to sail to Syria, what did the Jews do? How did he
   change his plans? (3)
   - They plotted against him (3)
   - He determined to return through Macedonia (3)

5) How many companions were traveling with Paul?  Where did they go
   ahead before Paul? (4-5)
   - Seven brethren (4)
   - They went ahead to Troas and waited (5)

6) What can be noted by the use of the pronouns, "we" and "us" in this
   passage? (5-6)
   - The writer, Luke, had joined the travelers (13)

7) Upon which day of the week and for what purpose had they gathered
   together? (7)
   - They gathered together on the first day of the week - Sunday (7)
   - They had gathered together to "break bread" (Lord's Supper) (7)

8) How long did Paul prolong his message? (7)
   - Until midnight (7)

9) Where was Eutychus and what happened to him? (9-12)
   - Sitting on the window sill (9)
   - Sank into a deep sleep (9)
   - Fell from the third floor window (9)
   - He was picked up dead (9)
   - Paul went down and fell upon him, embracing him (10)
   - He was alive again (12)

10) Where did the travelers sail to? How did Paul travel there? (13)
   - Assos (13)
   - Paul traveled by land (13)

11) List the locations they sailed to/near from Assos to Miletus?
    (14-15)
   - Assos, Mitylene, Chios, Samos, and Miletus (14-15)

12) What was Paul's reason for sailing past Ephesus? (16)
   - He was hurrying to be in Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost (16)

13) While in Miletus, who did Paul call to meet with him? (17)
   - The elders of the church in Ephesus (17)

14) Briefly list Paul's history with the Ephesians that he reviewed with
    them. (18-21)
   - He served the Lord with humility, tears and trials (19)
   - He taught publicly and house-to-house (20)
   - He taught Jews and Greeks (21)
   - He taught repentance toward God and faith toward Christ (21)

15) What did Paul say was in his future? (22-27)
   - He was going to Jerusalem "bound in the Spirit" (22)
   - "Chains and tribulations" awaited him (23)
   - In light of these things, Paul focused on his work to continue to
     proclaim the Gospel and to finish his race "with joy" (24)
   - He noted that they would not see his face anymore (25)
   - Paul declared that he was "innocent of the blood of all men," as he
     had not failed to declare to them the "whole counsel of God"
     (26-27)

16) How did Paul exhort and warn the elders? Whose example were they to
    follow? (28-35)
   - Paul admonished the elders to "take heed" unto themselves and to
     all the flock, of which they were overseers (28)
   - They were to "shepherd the flock" (28)
   - Paul warned them that "wolves" would enter in, "not sparing the
     flock" (29)
   - Some, even among them, would arise to draw away the flock (30)
   - "Wherefore, watch ye" - be on the alert (31)
   - Paul reminded them that he had warned them day and night for three
     years (31)
   - Paul commended them to God and to His Word, which was "able to
     build you up" (32)
   - Paul reminded them of his example of providing for himself and
     those with him; laboring in this way, enabled them to provide for
     the weak (33-35)

17) After Paul exhorted and warned the elders, what did he do? (36)
   - He knelt down and prayed with them (36)

18) What were they especially grieved over? (37-38)
   - Over the word that he had spoken, that they would see his face no
     longer (38)
 

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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"ACTS OF THE APOSTLES" Chapter Nineteen by Mark Copeland



                         "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"

                            Chapter Nineteen

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) Note that those only baptized in John's baptism, were taught to
   believe in Jesus and were baptized in His name

2) Examine how Paul taught in the area of Ephesus for some two years

3) Review what happened when false teachers (exorcists) attempted to
   cast out evil spirits in the name of Jesus

4) Examine the uprising caused by Demetrius and his fellow silversmiths

SUMMARY

When Paul arrived in Ephesus, he found some disciples who had only been
baptized in John's baptism.  He instructed them that they should believe
on Jesus.  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the
Lord Jesus.  Paul laid his hands on them, and they received the Holy
Spirit.  They spoke in tongues and prophesied. (1-7)

Paul spoke boldly about the kingdom of God in the synagogue in Ephesus
for three months.  Some were hardened and spoke evil of "the Way."  Paul
then went to the school of Tyrannus, reasoning daily with the disciples.
Paul continued this for two years.  [Galatians may have been written at
this time.]  All of Asia heard the Word of the Lord.  (8-10)

God worked miracles through Paul.  Even handkerchiefs and aprons brought
from Paul drove out diseases and evil spirits.  Some itinerant Jewish
exorcists called on the name of the Lord Jesus to drive out evil
spirits.  Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, did this as well.
An evil spirit in a man recognized the name of Jesus and Paul, but did
not recognize them.  The man with the evil spirit leaped on them,
overpowered them and prevailed against them.  They fled naked and
wounded.  Both Jews and Greeks heard of this in Ephesus, and the name of
the Lord was magnified.  Many who practiced magic brought their books
together and burned them.  The books were worth about fifty thousand
pieces of silver.  The word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
(11-20)

Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem and then to Rome.  He
sent Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia, while he remained in Asia.  [1
Corinthians may have been written at this time.]  A great commotion
occurred about the Way.  Demetrius, a silversmith, called together those
of similar occupation.  Recognizing they prospered greatly from this
trade of making idols, he warned that Paul was preaching that the idols
were "not gods which are made with hands."  He proclaimed that
their trade was in danger, and even the temple of the goddess Diana was
in danger.  He claimed this preaching was happening throughout Ephesus,
and across most of Asia.  The people were stirred up, became angry, and
cried out, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!"  They seized Gaius and
Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions.  Paul wanted to go into the
crowd, but the disciples would not allow it.  The crowd was in great
confusion.  The Jews put Alexander forward to speak, but when the crowd
realized he was a Jew, they cried out for about two hours, "Great is
Diana of the Ephesians!"  The city clerk calmed the crowd.  He told
Demetrius and his fellow craftsman to take their cases to the open
courts, and that any other inquiry should be made in a lawful assembly.
This assembly was a disorderly gathering, and they were in danger of
being called in question.  He then dismissed the assembly.  (21-41)

OUTLINE

I. PAUL IN EPHESUS (1-41)

   A. PAUL FOUND SOME DISCIPLES IN EPHESUS (1-7)
      1. Paul discovered they had only been baptized in John's baptism
      2. They needed to "believe" on Christ Jesus [implies obedience]
      3. They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus
      4. Paul laid his hands on them to impart gifts of the Holy Spirit
         on them - spoke in tongues and prophesied

   B. PAUL SPOKE IN THE SYNAGOGUE (8-10)
      1. Paul spoke boldly in the synagogue for 3 months about the
         kingdom of God
      2. Some were hardened and did not believe - spoke evil of "the
         Way"
      3. Paul departed from them, withdrew the disciples and taught in
         the school of Tyrannus
      4. Paul continues there 2 years - all in Asia heard the Word of
         the Lord

   C. MIRACLES AND THE SEVEN SONS OF SCEVA (11-20)
      1. Handkerchiefs and aprons brought from Paul drove out diseases
         and evil spirits
      2. Traveling Jewish exorcists called on the name of the Lord Jesus
         to cast out evil spirits
      3. Seven sons of Sceva did the same - man with evil spirit
         overpowered them - exposed them as false
      4. This caused many to believe and magnify Jesus
      5. Many magicians came together to burn their magic books
      6. The Word of the Lord "grew mightily and prevailed"

   D. AN UPROAR AT EPHESUS (21-41)
      1. Paul planned to go to Jerusalem, and then to Rome.
      2. He sent Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia, while he remained
         in Asia.
      3. Demetrius, a silversmith, stirred up the people, because Paul
         was preaching that the idols were "not gods which are made with
         hands."
      4. The people became angry, rushed into the theater, and cried
         out, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!"
      5. The city clerk calmed the crowd
         a. He told Demetrius and the others to take their cases to the
            open courts
         b. He then dismissed the assembly

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main events in this chapter?
   - Paul taught those who were only baptized in John's baptism (1-7)
   - Paul taught in the synagogue and the school of Tyrannus (8-10)
   - Miracles performed by Paul and the seven sons of Sceva (11-20)
   - Uproar brought on by Demetrius and the other silversmiths (21-41)

2) What two questions did Paul ask the disciples he first encountered in
   Ephesus? (2-3)
   - Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? (2)
   - Into what then were you baptized? (3)

3) When Paul told them they should "believe on Jesus," what did they do?
   (5)
   - They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (5)

4) Paul taught in the synagogue and in the school of Tyrannus for more
   than 2 years.  What were the results of his efforts? (10)
   - All who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews
     and Greeks (10)

5) What were brought from Paul's body to heal the sick and drive out
   evil spirits? (12)
   - Handkerchiefs or aprons (12)

6) What did the itinerant Jewish exorcists take upon themselves to do,
   when driving out evil spirits? (13)
   - Call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits
     (13)

7) What resulted when the seven sons of Sceva attempted this? (14-16)
   - Evil spirit said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?"
     (15)
   - The man in whom the evil spirit resided leaped on them, overpowered
     them, and prevailed against them. They fled out naked and wounded.
     (16)

8) When this became known to those in Ephesus, what resulted? (17-20)
   - Fear fell on them all and the Lord's name was magnified (17)
   - Many who practiced magic brought their books together and burned
     them (19)
   - The word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed (20)

9) Where did Paul purpose in the Spirit to go? (21)
   - Jerusalem and then to Rome (21)

10) Where did Paul send Timothy and Erastus? (22)
   - Macedonia (22)

11) What did Demetrius tell his fellow silversmiths that Paul had
    persuaded almost all Asia? (26)
   - "They are not gods which are made with hands" (26)

12) What did Demetrius say could happen as a result? (27)
   - Their trade was in danger of falling into disrepute (27)
   - The temple of Diana may be despised (27)
   - Diana's magnificence may be destroyed (27)

13) When the crowd rose up, what did they cry? (28)
   - "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!"

14) When the crowd rushed into the theater, what did Paul want to do?
    Was he allowed?  By whom? (30)
   - Paul wanted to go in to the people (30)
   - The disciples would not allow him (30)

15) Who finally quieted the crowd? (35)
   - The city clerk (35)

16) How did the city clerk say the image came to be in Ephesus? (35)
   - The image fell down from Zeus (35)

17) Where did the city clerk tell Demetrius and his fellow silversmiths
    to take their cases? What if there were other inquiries?  (38-39)
   - To the open courts and proconsuls (38)
   - Other inquiries were to be determined in the lawful assembly (39)

18) What was this assembly in danger of? (40)
   - May be called in question for today's uproar (40)
   - There was no reason for this disorderly gathering (40)

19) What did the city clerk then do? (41)
   - Dismissed the assembly (41)
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"ACTS OF THE APOSTLES" Chapter Eighteen by Mark Copeland


                         "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"

                            Chapter Eighteen

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) Examine the final travels of Paul's 2nd Journey, from Corinth back to
   Antioch of Syria

2) Review the work of Aquila and Priscilla, and Apollos

3) Observe the beginning of Paul's 3rd Journey

SUMMARY

Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.  He found Aquila and Priscilla.
He stayed with them, as they were of the same trade, tentmakers.  Aquila
and Priscilla had left Rome because of the command by Claudius.
During this time, Paul taught in the synagogue and "persuaded both Jews
and Greeks."  Silas and Timothy then joined Paul at Corinth, coming from
Macedonia.  Paul taught the Jews that "Jesus is the Christ."  They
opposed him.  Paul told them, "Your blood be on your own heads; I am
clean.  From now on I will go to the Gentiles."  Paul then went to
Justus' house, which was next to the synagogue.  Crispus, the ruler of
the synagogue, and his household believed.  Many Corinthians believed
and were baptized.  The Lord spoke to Paul in a vision, encouraging him
to be bold and to continue to speak; for the Lord would be with him.
Paul continued teaching there another year and a half.  The Jews then
took Paul before the proconsul of Achaia, Gallio, charging that he
"persuades men to worship God contrary to the law." Gallio refused to be
a "judge of such matters" and drove them away from the judgment seat. [I
and II Thessalonians may have been written.] (1-17)

Paul remained there a while longer.  Next, Paul, Aquila and Priscilla
set sail for Syria. As they were departing, Paul had his hair cut off at
Cenchrea as part of a vow.  Paul left Aquila and Priscilla in
Ephesus, as they were traveling.  Paul did not remain in Ephesus, as he
wanted to keep the feast in Jerusalem.  He sailed on to Caesarea,
greeted the church there, and went on to Antioch.  (18-22)

Paul departed from Antioch of Syria to begin the 3rd journey.  He
traveled through Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening the disciples.
Apollos of Alexandria is then introduced as an "eloquent man and mighty
in the Scriptures."  Apollos traveled to Ephesus and spoke boldly in the
synagogue.  He taught the way of the Lord, but he only knew the baptism
of John.  When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him
aside and "explained to him the way of God more accurately."  Apollos
then traveled to Achaia and "greatly helped" the believers.  "He
vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that
Jesus is the Christ." (23-28)

OUTLINE

I. THE APOSTLE PAUL IN CORINTH (continuing the 2nd Journey) (1-17)

   A. PAUL TAUGHT IN CORINTH (1-17)
      1. Found Aquila and Priscilla
         a. Worked and stayed with Aquila and Priscilla
         b. They were tentmakers by trade
      2. Paul taught in the synagogue every Sabbath
         a. He persuaded by Jews and Greeks
      3. Paul preached that Jesus is the Christ
         a. Silas and Timothy join Paul, arriving from Macedonia
         b. Jews opposed Paul and blasphemed
         c. Paul decided to go to the Gentiles
      4. Paul went to Justus' house (by synagogue) and taught
         a. Crispus, ruler of the synagogue, believed (and his house)
         b. Many Corinthians believed and were baptized
         c. The Lord spoke to Paul, "Do not be afraid, but speak..."
         d. Paul continued teaching the Word of God there 18 months
      5. Jews brought Paul before Gallio, proconsul of Achaia
         a. Charged that Paul persuaded men to worship God "contrary to
            the law"
         b. Gallio refused to hear the case, as it was not a "matter of
            wrongdoing or wicked crimes"
         c. Gallio drove them from the judgment seat and ignored them

II. PAUL RETURNED TO ANTIOCH OF SYRIA (18-22)

   A. PAUL DEPARTED CORINTH, AND SAILED FOR SYRIA (18)
      1. After the encounter before Gallio, Paul remained a good while
      2. Paul, with Aquila and Priscilla, sailed for Syria
      3. Paul had taken a vow; at the end, he cut his hair at Cenchrea
         a. Cenchrea was a port that served Corinth (approx. 8-9 miles)
         b. Upon expiration of the vow, the hair was cut off

   B. PAUL ARRIVED AT EPHESUS, WITH AQUILA AND PRISCILLA (19-22)
      1. Paul leaves Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus
      2. Paul entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews
         a. The Jews asked him to stay longer
         b. Paul declined, as he wanted to keep the feast in Jerusalem
         c. Paul indicated he would return; thus he departed
      3. Paul landed at Caesarea, greeted the church, and went to
         Antioch
         a. Recall Cornelius and his household/friends' conversion
         b. Paul arrived in Antioch in completion of the 2nd journey

III. PAUL BEGAN THE 3rd JOURNEY (23-28)

   A. PAUL RETURNED TO THE REGIONS OF GALATIA AND PHRYGIA (23)
      1. Paul departs Antioch, beginning the 3rd journey
      2. He travels through Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening the
         disciples

   B. APOLLOS IN EPHESUS AND ACHAIA (24-28)
      1. Apollos of Alexandria was "eloquent and mighty in the
         Scriptures"
      2. Apollos arrived in Ephesus and taught the "way of the Lord"
         a. He knew only the baptism of John
         b. Aquila and Priscilla took him aside
         c. They explained "more accurately" the way of God to Apollos
      3. Apollos desired to go to Achaia
         a. The brethren wrote a letter to those in Achaia to receive
            him
         b. Apollos helped the believers there
         c. He vigorously showed that "Jesus is the Christ" from the
            Scriptures and "refuted the Jews publicly"

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main events in this chapter?
   - Paul teaches in Corinth (1-17)
   - Paul returns to Antioch of Syria (18-22)
   - Paul begins the 3rd journey (23)
   - Apollos taught more "accurately" by Aquila and Priscilla (24-28)

2) Why were Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth rather than Rome? (2)
   - Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart Rome (2)

3) What was the common occupation of Paul and Aquila and Priscilla? (3)
   - Tentmakers (3)

4) What did Paul do every Sabbath? (4)
   - Reasoned in the synagogue (4)
   - Persuaded both Jews and Greeks (4)

5) When Silas and Timothy joined Paul, what was he compelled to testify
   by the Spirit and to whom? (5)
   - That Jesus is the Christ; to the Jews (5)

6) What was the reaction of the Jews? (6)
   - They opposed him and blasphemed (6)

7) How did Paul respond and to whom was he going next? (6)
   - "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean." (6)
   - "From now on I will go to the Gentiles." (6)

8) Whose house did Paul enter and where was it located? (7)
   - Justus' house (he worshipped God) (7)
   - Next door to the synagogue (7)

9) What resulted with the people of Corinth? (8)
   - Crispus, ruler of the synagogue believed with his household (8)
   - Many Corinthians believed and were baptized (8)

10) After the vision from the Lord, how long did Paul remain there? (11)
   - A year and six months, teaching among them (11)

11) What was Gallio not willing to be a judge over? (15)
   - Question of words and names and your own [Jewish] law (15)

12) After a good while, Paul departed.  Who accompanied him and where
    did they go? (18-19)
   - Aquila and Priscilla accompanied Paul (18)
   - They sailed for Syria (18)
   - Paul left Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus (19)

13) Why did Paul not stay longer in Ephesus? (21)
   - He was intent on keeping the feast in Jerusalem (21)

14) After his arrival in Antioch of Syria, where did Paul go? What did
    he do? (23)
   - He went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia (23)
   - He strengthened all the disciples (23)

15) In Ephesus, when Aquila and Priscilla heard Apollos speak, what did
    they do? (25-26)
   - They took him aside and explained to him more accurately the way of
     God (26)
   - He only knew the baptism of John (25)

16) What did Apollos do in Achaia? (27-28)
   - He greatly helped those who had believed (27)
   - He vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the
     Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ (28)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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"ACTS OF THE APOSTLES" Chapter Seventeen by Mark Copeland


                         "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"

                           Chapter Seventeen

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER (Kevin Scott)

1) To explore how Paul preached in Thessalonica and Berea, and how his
   preaching was received in each

2) To recognize how the enemies of the gospel can be relentless in their
   efforts to stop the spread of the Truth

3) To examine how Paul preached in Athens and how he found common ground
   from which to teach the Gospel of Christ in an idolatrous city

SUMMARY (Kevin Scott)

Paul, Silas and Timothy continued on the second missionary journey.  As
they departed Philippi, they traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia,
arriving at Thessalonica (1).  Paul found the Jewish synagogue and for
three Sabbaths "reasoned with them from the Scriptures" (2).  He taught
them that Jesus had suffered and died, and then was raised from the
dead.  He proclaimed to them that Jesus was the Christ.  Some Jews and a
great multitude of Greeks believed and joined them. (3-4)

The Jews, who did not believe, became envious of the success of the
gospel of Christ. They set out to create a mob, and enraged them against
Paul and Silas, but they could not find them.  Thus, they took
Jason and some of the brethren before the rulers of the city, claiming
they had harbored these men who were "acting contrary to the decrees of
Caesar, saying there is another king - Jesus."  This incited the crowd
and the city rulers.  They tried to depict Paul and Silas as
revolutionaries against Caesar.  The rulers then took security from
Jason and the others, and released them. (5-9)

The brethren sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea (about 50 miles
away).  They went to the Jewish synagogue there and found the people to
be receptive to the gospel. They were willing to study the Scriptures to
determine the Truth.  Many believed.  When word got back to
Thessalonica, Jews traveled there to stir up the city against them.  The
brethren sent Paul away to Athens. Silas and Timothy remained there.
Paul requested that they quickly join him in Athens. (10-15)

Upon arrival in Athens, Paul's "spirit was provoked within him when he
saw that the city was given over to idols." Again, he went to the
synagogue to reason with the Jew and Gentile worshipers, daily.  He also
reasoned with others in the marketplace each day.  This created an
opportunity to speak with the philosophers (i.e., Epicureans, Stoics,
and others).  Some derided him, calling him a "babbler."  Others
thought he spoke of foreign gods.  They invited him to speak in the
Areopagus (also called Mar's Hill).  This was the place of the supposed
experts of philosophy and religion in Athens. (16-19)

Paul spoke to them by finding common ground from which to launch into
his gospel message.  He keyed into the inscription:  "TO THE UNKNOWN
GOD."  This is the One he proclaimed to them.  Paul also referenced a
saying of their own poets, "For we are also His offspring."  He pointed
out that since we were the offspring of God, He could not be made of
gold or silver or stone by human artists.  Paul then taught them of
repentance and judgment.  He indicated that Christ would be the judge
and that He was raised from the dead.  Some mocked Paul at this saying.
Others wanted to hear more about this later.  Some believed and joined
him. (20-34)

OUTLINE (Mark Copeland)

I. PREACHING IN THESSALONICA (1-9)

   A. REASONING IN THE SYNAGOGUE (1-4)
      1. Passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they arrive in
         Thessalonica
      2. Paul visits the synagogue and reason with the Jews for three
         weeks
      3. His goal: to convince them that Jesus is the Christ who had to
         suffer and rise from the dead
      4. Some were persuaded, including a large number of devout Greeks
         and leading women who join Paul and Silas

   B. RESISTANCE IN THE CITY (5-9)
      1. Envious Jews use evil men from the marketplace to gather a mob
      2. They set the city in an uproar, and attack Jason's house
      3. Unable to find Paul, they drag Jason and others before the
         rulers of the city
      4. Accusing them of turning the city upside down, disobeying
         Caesar, claiming Jesus as king
      5. The rulers take security from Jason and the others before
         letting them go

II. PREACHING IN BEREA (10-14)

   A. RECEPTION BY THE LOCALS (10-12)
      1. Sent by night to Berea, Paul and Silas go to the synagogue
      2. The Jews are more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica
      3. They receive the word with all readiness, then search the
         Scriptures daily
      4. Many Jews believe, also Greeks, prominent women as well as men

   B. RESISTANCE BY THE OUTSIDERS (13-14)
      1. Hearing of their success, Jews from Thessalonica come and stir
         up the crowds
      2. Paul is immediately sent away to the sea, while Silas and
         Timothy remain

III. PREACHING IN ATHENS (15-34)

   A. IN THE SYNAGOGUE AND THE MARKETPLACE (15-18)
      1. Paul arrives in Athens, sends word for Silas and Timothy to
         come
      2. While waiting, Paul's spirit is provoked by the idolatry in the
         city
      3. He reasons with Jews and Gentile worshippers in the synagogue,
         and with people in the Marketplace
      4. Epicurean and Stoic philosophers hear him preach about Jesus
         and the resurrection

   B. AT THE AREOPAGUS (19-34)
      1. Brought to the Areopagus, the inquisitive Athenians invite Paul
         to present his doctrine
      2. Paul preaches to the men of Athens
         a. Mentioning their spirituality
         b. Especially the altar inscribed "To The Unknown God"
      3. Paul proclaims this God they do not know as the Creator:
         a. Who does not dwell in temples
         b. Who is not worshiped as though He needed anything
         c. Who gives to all life, breath, and all things
         d. Who has made from one blood all nations to dwell on the
            earth
         e. Who has determined their appointed times and dwelling
            boundaries
         f. Who does things so that men might seek for Him, grope for
            Him, and find Him
         g. Who is not far from anyone, for in Him we live, move, and
            exist, even as some of their own poets have said, "We are
            also His offspring"
         h. Who is not an idol, shaped by art and man's devising
      4. Paul proclaims that God now commands all men everywhere to
         repent
         a. Even though He may have overlooked their ignorance in times
            past
         b. He has appointed a Day of Judgment
         c. He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man He has
            ordained
         d. He has given proof of this judgment by raising Him from the
            dead
      5. The response to Paul's sermon, especially his mention of the
         resurrection of the dead
         a. Some mocked, others were willing to hear him again
         b. As Paul left, he was joined by some who believed, including
            Dionysius the Aeropagite and a woman named Damaris

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER (Mark Copeland)

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Preaching in Thessalonica (1-9)
   - Preaching in Berea (10-14)
   - Conversions at Philippi (15-34)

2) After passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, where did Paul's
   company arrive? (1)
   - In Thessalonica

3) What was Paul's custom when he found a synagogue in a city? (2)
   - To visit on the Sabbath to reason with the Jews from the Scriptures

4) What was his purpose in visiting the synagogue? (3)
   - To demonstrate that the Christ had to die and rise again, and that
     Jesus is the Christ

5) What was the initial reaction to Paul's teaching in the synagogue?
   (4)
   - Some were persuaded, and a great multitude of devout Greeks along
     with some leading women joined Paul and Silas

6) What did the Jews who were not persuaded do? (5-6)
   - Took some evil men from the market place and formed a mob
   - Set the city in uproar, attacked the house of Jason looking for
     Paul and Silas
   - Not finding Paul and Silas, drag Jason and some brethren to the
     rulers of the city

7) What charges did they bring against Jason and those whom he received?
   (6-7)
   - "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too."
   - "These are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying
     there is another king-Jesus."

8) Troubled by such charges, what did the rulers of the city do? (8-9)
   - Took security from Jason and let them go

9) What did the brethren do with Paul and Silas?  What did they find
   there? (10)
   - Sent them away by night to Berea; a synagogue of the Jews

10) List two ways the Bereans were more noble-minded than those in
    Thessalonica. (11)
   - They first received the word with all readiness
   - They then searched the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul taught
     were so

11) What was the initial response?  Who soon stirred up trouble?
    (12-13)
   - Many believed, including Greeks along with prominent women and men
   - Jews from Thessalonica, who came as soon as they heard Paul was in
     Berea

12) Where was Paul then sent?  Who initially stayed behind in Berea?
    (14-15)
   - By sea to Athens; Silas and Timothy

13) As Paul waited for his companions to arrive in Athens, what provoked
    Paul? (16)
   - How the city was given over to idols

14) What two venues did Paul use to reason with people? (17)
   - The synagogue with Jews and the Gentile worshipers
   - The market place daily with those gathered there

15) Who encountered Paul?  Why did they think he proclaimed some foreign
    god? (18)
   - Certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers
   - Because he preached Jesus and the resurrection

16) Where did they invite Paul to speak?  Why were they willing to
    listen to him? (19-21)
   - The Aeropagus (Mar's Hill)
   - Because Athenians and the foreigners loved to hear new things

17) As Paul began to speak, what did he first acknowledge?  Why? (22-23)
   - They were very religious
   - Because of all their idols, including an altar inscribed:  "To The
     Unknown God"

18) Whom did Paul proclaim as the subject of his speech? (23)
   - The God whom they worshiped without knowing

19) What seven things did Paul first declare about Him? (24-26)
   - He made the world and everything in it
   - He is Lord of heaven and earth
   - He does not dwell in temples made with hands
   - He is not worshiped with men's hands as though He needed anything
   - He gives to all life, breath and everything
   - He has made from one blood every nation of men
   - He has determined their pre-appointed times and boundaries of their
     dwelling

20) What was God's purpose in all this? (27)
   - So that man should seek the Lord, in the hope they will grope for
     Him and find Him

21) What should give one hope that God can be found? (27-28)
   - He is not far from us
   - In Him we live and move and have our very being

22) To whom did Paul appeal for support in what he was saying? (28)
   - Some of their own poets, who said 'For we are also His offspring'

23) What conclusion did Paul draw from such observations? (29)
   - As God's offspring, we should not think that He is like gold,
     silver, or stone shaped by man

24) What does Paul then reveal? (30)
   - Such times of ignorance God once overlooked, but now commands all
     men every where to repent

25) Why should man repent? What evidence has God given?  (31)
   - There is a Day of Judgment on which God will judge the world in
     righteousness by a Man whom He has ordained
   - Raising Jesus from the dead

26) What reaction was there to the subject of the resurrection? (32)
   - Some mocked, while others were willing to listen again on another
     occasion

27) As Paul left, who joined him? (33-34)
   - Some men who believed, including Dionysius the Aeropagite
   - A woman named Damaris, and others with them

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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"ACTS OF THE APOSTLES" Chapter Sixteen by Mark Copeland


                         "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"

                            Chapter Sixteen

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To trace the route of Paul and Silas on their missionary journey

2) To consider whether the Spirit led Paul through impressions or some
   other less subjective way

3) To study carefully the conversions of Lydia and the Philippian jailer

SUMMARY

With this chapter we find Paul on his second missionary journey that
began in Ac 15:40 with Paul and Silas passing through Syria and Cilicia,
strengthening churches along the way.  In Derbe and Lystra, Paul
enlisted a young disciple named Timothy who would become a life-long
fellow-worker in the kingdom.  His mother was a believing Jew (cf. 2 Ti
1:5) but his father was Greek, so with many Jews in the region Paul had
Timothy circumcised.  As Paul's company traveled through Phrygia and
Galatia, they delivered the decrees from the apostles and elders in
Jerusalem and strengthened the churches (1-5).

With the guidance of the Holy Spirit they found themselves in Troas,
where Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia asking for help.
Concluding that the Lord was calling them to preach the gospel there,
Paul's company left Troas accompanied by the author of Acts himself, as
indicated by the first person pronoun plural "we" (6-10).

From Troas to Samothrace and then Neapolis, the company finally arrived
in Philippi.  A major city of Macedonia and Roman colony, it marked
Paul's first ministry on the European continent.  On the Sabbath Paul
and his companions went down to the river where women were praying.  As
Paul spoke, a religious business woman of Thyatira named Lydia listened.
The Lord opened her heart to heed Paul, which resulted in her and her
household being baptized.  She then persuaded Paul and his companions to
stay at her house (11-15).

Paul and his company were soon followed by a slave girl possessed by a
spirit of divination that made money for her owners through fortune
telling.  For days she cried out, "These men are the servants of the
Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation."  While true, it
annoyed Paul (probably because it was not of her own free will) and he
cast the spirit out in the name of Jesus.  This greatly angered the
girl's masters, who had Paul and Silas beaten and imprisoned.  At
midnight while Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns, a great
earthquake shook the prison and broke free their chains.  Assuming all
had fled, the jailer was about to kill himself when Paul stopped him.
When the jailor asked what he must do to be saved, Paul and Silas told
him to believe on the Lord Jesus, and then proceeded to teach him and
his family the word of the Lord.  That same night, the entire family was
baptized.  In the morning, the magistrates sent word to release Paul and
Silas, but Paul demanded a personal release as they were Roman citizens
who were beaten and imprisoned without trial.  Scared, the magistrates
came and pleaded with Paul and Silas to leave the city, which they did
after a short visit to Lydia's house to encourage the brethren.  Note
that the author's return to the use of "they" indicates that Luke stayed
behind in Philippi (16-40).

OUTLINE

I. TIMOTHY JOINS PAUL AND SILAS (1-5)

   A. TIMOTHY'S BACKGROUND (1-3)
      1. Paul and Silas travel to Derbe and Lystra, where they meet
         Timothy
      2. A disciple, whose mother was a Jewish Christian and father was
         Greek
      3. Well spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium

   B. TIMOTHY'S CIRCUMCISION (3)
      1. Paul wants Timothy to join him
      2. Paul has Timothy circumcised, on account of the Jews in the
         region

   C. TIMOTHY'S FIRST MISSION (4-5)
      1. Traveling with Paul and Silas, they deliver the decrees from
         Jerusalem
      2. The churches are strengthened, increasing in number daily

II. THE MACEDONIA CALL (6-10)

   A. DIRECTED BY THE SPIRIT (6-8)
      1. Passing through Phrygia and Galatia, the Spirit forbids them
         from preaching in Asia
      2. Nearing Mysia, they try to go to Bithynia, but the Spirit does
         not permit them
      3. Bypassing Mysia, they arrive in Troas

   B. CALLED BY A VISION (9-10)
      1. Paul has a vision of a Macedonian man asking for help
      2. Paul and his companions conclude God wants them to go to
         Macedonia
      3. The use of "we" indicates Luke, the author, has now joined them

III. CONVERSIONS AT PHILIPPI (11-40)

   A. THE CONVERSION OF LYDIA (11-15)
      1. From Troas, by way of Samothrace and Neapolis, Paul's company
         arrive at Philippi of Macedonia, a Roman colony
      2. On the Sabbath, they meet with women gathered by the river to
         pray and Paul speaks
      3. Lydia, who worshiped God, listens and the Lord opens her heart
         to heed Paul
      4. She and her household are baptized, and persuades Paul's
         company to stay at her house

   B. THE CONVERSION OF THE JAILER (16-40)
      1. On the way to prayer, Paul's and his companions are followed by
         a slave girl
         a. Who was possessed with a spirit of divination
         b. Who had brought her masters much profit through fortune
            telling
      2. She proclaims Paul's company to be servants of God, proclaiming
         the way of salvation
         a. This she does for many days, which annoys Paul
         b. Paul therefore casts out the spirit in the name of Jesus
      3. Her masters seize Paul and Silas, and drag them before the
         magistrates
         a. Where they are accused as troublemakers, teaching unlawful
            customs
         b. Where they are beaten with rods, then imprisoned with feet
            in stocks
      4. At midnight, Paul and Silas are praying and singing hymns, the
         prisoners listening
      5. There is a great earthquake, opening the doors and loosening
         the prisoners' chains
      6. The jailer comes in, assumes all have escaped, prepares to kill
         himself
      7. Paul cries out with a loud voice to stop him, assuring him that
         all were still there
      8. The jailer asks for a light, falls before Paul and Silas, and
         asks what he must do to be saved
         a. They first tell him to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ
         b. They then speak the word of the Lord to him and his
            household
         c. That same hour he washes their stripes, then he and his
            household are baptized
         d. He then takes Paul and Silas to his house, feeds them, and
            rejoices that he and his household has believed in God
      9. The next day the magistrates send officers to release Paul and
         Silas
         a. When the jailer tells Paul he is free to go, Paul demands
            that the magistrates come personally, as they have beaten
            Roman citizens without a trial
         b. So the magistrates come, release Paul and Silas, and plead
            for them to leave the city
     10. Returning to Lydia's house, Paul and Silas encourage the
         brethren, then leave Philippi

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Timothy joins Paul and Silas (1-5)
   - The Macedonian call (6-10)
   - Conversions at Philippi (11-40)

2) Where did Paul go after passing through Syria and Cilicia (1; cf.
   15:41)
   - Lystra and Derbe

3) Who did Paul want to travel with him?  What is said about him? (1-2)
   - A disciple named Timothy
   - Son of a Jewish woman who believed, and whose father was Greek
   - Well spoken of by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium

4) Why did Paul have him circumcised? (3)
   - Because of the Jews in that region that knew his father was Greek
   - I.e., not to be saved, but to conciliate his relationship with
     other Jews (cf. w/Titus, Ga 2:3-5)

5) What did Paul's company deliver as they traveled?  What was the
   reaction? (4-5)
   - The decrees to keep as determined by the apostles and elders at
     Jerusalem
   - The churches were strengthened in number and grew daily

6) How did the Spirit guide Paul's company in their travels? Where did
   they wind up? (6-8)
   - By forbidding them to preach in Asia; not permitting them to go
     into Bithynia
   - In Troas

7) What vision did Paul have?  What did he and his companions conclude?
   (9-10)
   - A man in Macedonian apparel pleading with him, "Come over to
     Macedonia and help us"
   - The Lord had called them to preach the gospel to those in Macedonia

8) From Troas, where did they go?  Who evidently joined them at Troas?
   (11-12)
   - Samothrace, Neapolis, and then to Philippi, a major city of
     Macedonia and Roman colony
   - Luke, the author of Acts, as indicated by the pronoun "we"

10) Where did Paul's company go on the Sabbath?  What did they do? (13)
   - The riverside where prayer was customarily made; they spoke to the
     women gathered there

11) Who heard them?  What kind of woman was she?  What happened as she
    listened? (14)
   - Lydia, a seller of purple from Thyatira
   - A worshiper of God
   - The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul

12) What happened next?  Afterwards, what did she do? (15)
   - She and her household were baptized
   - She persuaded Paul and his company to stay at her house

13) Who began to follow Paul and his company?  What did she do? (16-17)
   - A slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination, who earned
     money by fortune telling
   - Followed them for many days, saying "These men are the servants of
     the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation"

14) Why do you think Paul was greatly annoyed? What did he then do? (18)
   - Her proclamation was not freely given, by compelled by the spirit
     that possessed her
   - He cast out the spirit in the name of Jesus Christ

15) What sequence of events followed this miracle? (19-24)
   - Her masters dragged Paul and Silas to the marketplace and before
     the authorities
   - They roused the multitude against Paul and Silas, the magistrates
     had them beaten with rods
   - Paul and Silas were then secured in the inner prison with their
     feet in stocks

16) What did Paul and Silas do while imprisoned? (25)
   - Prayed and sang hymns while other prisoners listened

17) What led to the jailer asking what he must do to be saved? (26-30)
   - There was a great earthquake, all the doors were opened and chains
     loosened
   - The jailer assumes all escaped and was about to kill himself
   - Paul stops him, telling him that all the prisoners were present

18) What does Paul say and do in answer to the jailor's question?
    (31-32)
   - Tells him to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved
   - Speaks the word of the Lord to him and his household

19) What happened that same hour of the night? (33)
   - The jailer took Paul and Silas and washed their stripes
   - The jailer and all his family were baptized immediately

20) What else did the jailer do for Paul and Silas?  How would you
    describe his attitude? (34)
   - Brought them into his home and fed them
   - Happy that he and his household believed in God

21) When word was sent for Paul and Silas to be released, how did Paul
    respond? (35-37)
   - He demanded the magistrates appear in person, because they had
     beaten Romans without being properly condemned

22) How did the magistrates respond? (38-39)
   - With fear, then personally pleading with Paul and Silas to leave
     the city

23) Leaving the prison, what did Paul and Silas do before departing
    the city? (40)
   - Encouraged the brethren at the house of Lydia

24) Who evidently stayed behind at Philippi? (40)
   - Luke, the author of Acts, as indicated by the pronoun "they"

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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"ACTS OF THE APOSTLES" Chapter Fifteen by Mark Copeland


                         "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"

                            Chapter Fifteen

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To see how the early church dealt with the issue of circumcision and
   the Law of Moses

2) To note that Paul, Peter, and James were in complete accord, and that
   Judaizing teachers acted without any apostolic authority

3) To notice the rift between Paul and Barnabas, how it did not keep
   them from serving the Lord

SUMMARY

This chapter records a pivotal event in the early church, confirming
that what Jesus accomplished on the cross was the creation of one new
body, in which both Jews and Gentiles were to have the same access to
God through faith in Jesus Christ and not the Law of Moses (cf. Ep
2:11-18).

Men from Judea came to Antioch teaching the necessity of circumcision
and keeping the Law.  Paul and Barnabas disputed this, and the decision
was made to send them to Jerusalem to talk with the apostles and elders.
Along the way, Paul and Barnabas described the conversion of the
Gentiles which caused great joy (1-3).

At Jerusalem Paul and Barnabas first reported to the whole church.  When
Pharisees who were believers said that circumcision and keeping the Law
of Moses were necessary, the apostles and elders met to discuss the
issue further.  After much dispute, Peter spoke of how God chose him to
be the first to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, how God acknowledged
them by giving them the Holy Spirit, and how God made no distinction,
purifying their hearts through faith.  Peter thus questioned why they
should put a yoke on the Gentiles that even they themselves were unable
to bear.  Rather, by the grace of the Lord both Jews and Gentiles could
be saved in the same manner.  Barnabas and Paul again reported the
miracles and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles
(4-12).

Finally James, the Lord's brother, offered Amos' prophecy in support of
what Peter said.  He then recommended they not trouble the Gentiles, but
that a letter be written asking them to abstain from things offered to
idols, blood, things strangled, and sexual immorality.  The apostles and
elders, with the whole church, agreed to send the letter, and to have
Judas and Silas accompany Paul and Barnabas to confirm its authenticity.
The letter, its counsel approved by the Holy Spirit, was delivered and
joyously received by the brethren in Antioch.  Judas and Silas offered
their exhortation and strengthened the brethren before Judas returned to
Jerusalem (13-34).

After some time teaching and preaching in Antioch, Paul wanted to visit
the brethren in the cities they had traveled to on his first missionary
journey.  Barnabas was willing, but determined to take John Mark.  Paul
insisted they should not take John because he left them on the first
trip.  Unable to reconcile, Barnabas took John and sailed to Cyprus,
while Paul took Silas, and with commendation from the brethren in
Antioch went through Syria and Cilicia strengthening the churches
(35-41).

OUTLINE

I. CONFLICT OVER CIRCUMSION (1-3)

   A. TROUBLEMAKERS FROM JUDEA (1-2a)
      1. Individuals from Judea teach the brethren in Antioch they must
         be circumcised
      2. Paul and Barnabas dissent and dispute with them

   B. CONTINGENT SENT TO JERUSALEM (2b-3)
      1. Paul, Barnabas, and others sent to Jerusalem to meet with the
         apostles and elders
      2. On their way, they tell of the conversion of Gentiles, causing
         great joy

II. CONFERENCE AT JERUSALEM (4-29)

   A. THE MEETING WITH THE WHOLE CHURCH (4-5)
      1. Paul and Barnabas report what God had done with them
      2. Pharisees who believed demand circumcision and keeping the Law
         of Moses

   B. THE MEETING WITH THE APOSTLES AND ELDERS (6-21)
      1. After much dispute, Peter speaks
         a. He reminds them how God:
            1) Chose him to preach the gospel to Gentiles
            2) Acknowledged Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit
            3) Made no distinction between Jew and Gentile, purifying
               their hearts by faith
         b. He offers his conclusion:
            1) Why test God by demanding that Gentiles do what Jews
               could not?
            2) Through the grace of the Lord Jesus both will be saved in
               the same way
      2. Paul and Barnabas then speak
         a. The multitude remain silent and listen
         b. As they recount the many miracles and wonders God did among
            the Gentiles
      3. James then speaks
         a. Providing OT prophecy (cf. Am 9:11-12) to support what
            Peter had done
         b. Offering his judgment that Gentiles who turn to God not be
            troubled
         c. Suggesting that a letter be written
            1) Telling them to abstain from things polluted by idols,
               sexual immorality, what has been strangled, and blood
            2) Seeing that Moses has been read every Sabbath in the
               synagogues for generations

   C. THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER (22-29)
      1. The apostles and the elders, with the whole church, agree to
         send:
         a. Judas and Silas to Antioch along with Paul and Barnabas
         b. A letter to Gentile Christians in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia
      2. The letter from the apostles and the elders states:
         a. That the troublemakers had not been sent by them
         b. That Barnabas and Paul are beloved
         c. That Judas and Silas will offer confirmation by word of
            mouth
         d. That they and the Holy Spirit place no greater burden on
            them than to abstain from:
            1) What has been sacrificed to idols
            2) Blood
            3) What has been strangled
            4) Sexual immorality
         e. The Gentile brethren will do well if they keep themselves
            from these things

III. CONSOLATION IN ANTIOCH (30-35)

   A. THE LETTER IS DELIVERED (30-31)
      1. Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch, the multitude gather
         together
      2. The letter is read, the people rejoice over its encouragement

   B. THE CHURCH IS STRENGTHENED (32-35)
      1. As prophets, Judas and Silas exhort and strengthen the brethren
         with many words
      2. After a while, Judas is sent back with greetings from the
         brethren to the apostles
      3. It seems good for Silas to remain in Antioch
      4. Paul and Barnabas remain also, teaching and preaching with many
         others

IV. CONTENTION BETWEEN PAUL AND BARNABAS (36-41)

   A. THE ARGUMENT (36-39a)
      1. After teaching and preaching in Antioch for some days, Paul
         wants to visit the brethren where they preached during the
         first missionary journey
      2. Barnabas is determined to take with them John Mark
      3. Paul is insistent that John should not go since he left them in
         Pamphylia
      4. The contention became so sharp they parted from one another

   B. THE RESULT (39b-41)
      1. Barnabas takes Mark and sails to Cyprus
      2. Paul chooses Silas, commended by the brethren to the grace of
         God, and passes through Syria and Cilicia strengthening the
         churches

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Conflict over circumcision (1-3)
   - Conference in Jerusalem (4-29)
   - Consolation in Antioch (30-35)
   - Contention between Paul and Barnabas (36-41)

2) What were some people from Jerusalem teaching the brethren in
   Antioch? (1)
   - That circumcision as proscribed by Moses was necessary to be saved

3) Who disagreed with them?  What actions were taken? (2)
   - Paul and Barnabas
   - To send Paul and Barnabas along with others to the apostles and
     elders in Jerusalem

4) On the way to Jerusalem, what did Paul and Barnabas do? (3)
   - Described the conversion of the Gentiles to the brethren in
     Phoenicia and Samaria

5) When they arrived at Jerusalem, with whom did they first meet? What
   did they tell them? (4)
   - The church, along with the apostles and elders
   - All the things that God had done with them

6) Who then stood up, and what did they say? (5)
   - Some of the Pharisees who believed in Jesus
   - That it was necessary for Gentiles to be circumcised and keep the
     Law of Moses

7) Who then came together to discuss the matter? (6)
   - The apostles and elders

8) Who spoke first?  What did he say? (7-11)
   - Peter
   - God chose him to preach the gospel to the Gentiles
   - God acknowledged the Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit
   - God made no distinction, purifying their hearts by faith
   - Why test God by putting on Gentiles a yoke even Jews could not
     bear?
   - Through the grace of the Lord, Jews and Gentiles will be saved the
     same way

9) Who spoke second?  What did they say? (12)
   - Barnabas and Paul
   - God worked many miracles through them among the Gentiles

10) Who spoke last?  What did he say? (13-21)
   - James (the Lord's brother)
   - The prophet Amos agreed with what Peter said
   - They should not trouble the Gentiles who are turning to God
   - That a letter be written, asking them to abstain from polluted by
     idols, sexual immorality, things strangled, and blood
   - Since for generations Moses had been read in many synagogues every
     Sabbath

11) What was the reaction to James' suggestions? (22-23)
   - It pleased the apostles and elders, along with the whole church
   - They determined to send Judas and Silas along with Paul and
     Barnabas, to Antioch
   - To write a letter to Gentile Christians in Antioch, Syria, and
     Cilicia

12) What are key points in that letter? (24-29)
   - Those who had troubled them regarding circumcision and the Law did
     so without any authority
   - The apostles and elders agreed to send Judas and Silas along with
     beloved Barnabas and Paul to confirm the report of what happened in
     Jerusalem
   - The Holy Spirit, along with the apostles and elders, saw fit to lay
     no burdens upon them, save to abstain from things sacrificed to
     idols, blood, things strangled, and sexual immorality

13) How did the brethren in Antioch react to the letter? (30-31)
   - They rejoiced over its encouragement

14) What did Judas and Silas do?  (32-34)
   - As prophets they exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many
     words
   - Judas was later sent back to Jerusalem with greetings to the
     apostles
   - Silas remained in Antioch

15) What did Paul and Barnabas do for a while in Antioch? (35)
   - Teach and preach the word of the Lord

16) After some time, what did Paul recommend to Barnabas? (36)
   - To go back and visit the brethren in the cities where they
     preached, to see how they were doing

17) What was Barnabas determined to do? (37)
   - Take John Mark with them

18) What did Paul insist?  Why? (38)
   - They should not take John Mark
   - He had left them in Pamphylia (cf. Ac 13:13) and not gone on with
     them

19) When the contention became strong between Barnabas and Paul, what
    did they do? (39-41)
   - Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to Cyprus
   - Paul took Silas, commended by the brethren to the grace of God, and
     went through Syria and Cilicia strengthening the churches


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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