Acts 18:18-28 Paul Returns to Antioch of Syria March 24

Paul Returns to Antioch of Syria
Acts 18:18-28

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Acts 18:18-28

Paul Returns to Antioch

18After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. 19And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.

22When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. 23After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Apollos Speaks Boldly in Ephesus

24Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• What do you make of his companions Priscilla and Aquila? What type of person was Apollos in Acts 18:24-26? What reason would Luke have for listing Priscilla ahead of Aquila (vv. 18, 26)?
• Paul appears to have taken a Nazirite vow (see Num. 6). What was the fundamental purpose of a Nazirite vow?
• What message was Apollos teaching the Jews at Ephesus? Was his message false? Was it bad? What was the problem with it? 
• What wise and restrained response did Priscilla and Aquila make to Apollos’s teaching? What insights should we gain from their approach?
• What influence did Apollos have in Achaia, specifically Corinth as described in Acts 13:27-28 (See also 1 Corinthians 3:4-6? How did Priscilla and Aquila assist him? What does this tell you about the role of women in the New Testament?
• What missing elements made Apollos’s preaching incomplete?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• Who was very helpful to you when you were young and enthusiastic about the faith? How did this person help? Who could you help now? How?
• Where do you sense God has equipped you to serve?
• What role do women have in your church?
• How does your church balance evangelism with the strengthening and equipping of believers?
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

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Paul's Third Missionary Journey

Acts 18:23–21:17. Estimated: 2700 miles, approximately 4 years in duration.  Planted no new churches as the record goes. 

Place	Location	Events
1. Antioch of Syria	18:23	Spent some time here
2.  Galatia & Phrygia	18:23	Strengthened churches.
3.  Ephesus	19:1	Holy Spirit & 12 disciples. School of Tyrannus. Miracles. Riot with Demetrius.
4. Troas	2 Cor. 2:12– 13	Couldn't wait for Titus.
5. Macedonia	20:1	Exhorted brethren.
6. Philippi	20:5	Sailed from here.
7. Troas	20:6	Broke bread. Paul preached. Eutychus
8. Assos	20:13–14	Paul got on board the ship.
9. Chios & Samos	20:15	Places where they stopped
10. Miletus	20:15	Gave address to Ephesian elders
11. Cos, Rhodes, and Patara	21:1	islands where they stopped
12. Cyprus	21:3	Passed by
13. Tyre	21:3	The ship unloaded cargo. Paul visited friends.
14. Ptolemais	21:7	Greeted brethren.
15. Caesarea	21:8	Visited Philip. Agabus' prophecy.
16. Jerusalem	21:15	Paul follows the elder's advice. Paul is arrested.

Paul's Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18-21)
https://youtu.be/vrBv0W1OoMo

Life of Paul - The Third Missionary Journey (Part 1)

Third Missionary Journey

Series on the Life of Paul

Possible Date: 54--58 A. D.

Scripture: Acts 18:23--21:26

NOTE: 

#Paul

#Apostle Paul

#Missionary Journey

PAUL’S THIRD MISSIONARY TRIP

TIME, 54–58 A. D. 4 YEARS

Introduction:

1. Between the first and second journeys of Paul, there was an interval of about two years...
• In which Paul spent “a long time” in Antioch - Acts 14:28
• During this a visit to Jerusalem became necessary - Acts 15:1-2
2. Between the second and third journeys, Paul did not remain long in Antioch...
• He did spend “some time” there - Acts 18:22-23 Luke does not indicate how long Paul stays in Antioch after returning from his second missionary journey. But it is probably not long before Paul is once again preparing for an extended evangelistic tour. 
• But he soon departed, perhaps anxious to fulfill a promise made to the Ephesians on his second journey - cf. Acts 18:19-21
• He begins his third journey by passing north and west through Galatia and Phrygia. It is clear that Paul continues to be concerned about the spiritual growth of those whom he had converted several years earlier.
• Paul then travels on through Asia to its capital, Ephesus, and thereby fulfills a desire he first felt on a second tour, when he was directed by the Holy Spirit to Macedonia instead. It appears that Paul relishes the opportunity to be in this important city because he stays there for approximately 3 years. A special significance during this time are letters that Paul writes to the church in Corinth - a church which has developed some serious problems since Paul last visited with them.

[As with his second journey, he starts with...]

I. THE REGIONS OF ASIA MINOR (54-57 A.D.)

A. IN GALATIA AND PHRYGIA...

1.   Strengthening the disciples - Acts 18:23

2.   This would be Paul’s third time in the region

o    He visited this area on his first journey - Acts 14:6-20

o    He returned on his second journey - Acts 16:6

 

B. IN EPHESUS...

1.   Where Paul had briefly stopped on his second journey - Acts 18:19-21

2.   Where Aquila and Priscilla had stayed, and converted Apollos - Acts 18:24-28

3.   Where Paul converted twelve disciples of John the Baptist - Acts 19:1-7

4.   Where Paul stayed for about three years (54-57 A.D.)

o    Teaching for three months in the synagogue - Acts 19:8

o    Teaching daily for two years in the school of Tyrannus - Acts 19:9-10

o    Working unusual miracles - Acts 19:11-20

o    Note the great success Paul had - Acts 19:10,20

5.   During this period of time, several things may have happened...

o    Paul made a short visit to Corinth, his second - cf. 2 Corinthians 12:14; 13:1

§  His first visit was during the second journey - Acts 18:1

§  His third visit was later on the third journey - Acts 20:1-3

§  The book of Acts is silent about his second visit, but most place it sometime during his extended stay at Ephesus

o    Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians (now lost), alluded to in 1 Corinthians 5:9.   

6.   Paul makes plans to leave Ephesus - Acts 19:21-22

o    Sending Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia, with Timothy -- eventually going to Corinth - 1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10-11

o    Though he himself stayed “for a time”, during which he writes First Corinthians (spring of 57 A.D.) - 1 Corinthians 16:5-8

§  Purpose: To correct sinful practices and refute false doctrine

§  Theme: Walk together in unity, love, and truth

§  Brief Outline:

1.   Factions in the church - 1 Corinthians 1:1-4:21

2.   Sexual immorality in the church - 1 Corinthians 5:1-13

3.   Lawsuits among brethren - 1 Corinthians 6:1-11

4.   Moral defilements - 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

5.   Marriage and celibacy - 1 Corinthians 7:1-40

6.   Meats sacrificed to idols - 1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1

7.   Women praying and prophesying unveiled - 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

8.   The Lord’s supper - 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

9.   Spiritual gifts - 1 Corinthians 12:1-14:40

10. Resurrection from the dead - 1 Corinthians 15:1-58

11.  Collection for the saints - 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

12. Concluding remarks, instructions, benediction - 1 Corinthians 16:5-24

7.   Paul sends Titus and “a brother” to Corinth - cf. 2 Corinthians 12:17-18

o    To bring Paul word as to how the Corinthians received the first letter?

o    To encourage the Corinthians concerning the collection? - 2 Corinthians 8:6a

o    Whose delayed return would later give Paul concern - 2 Corinthians 2:12-13

o    But who would eventually bring Paul good news - 2 Corinthians 7:5-7,13-16

8.   The Diana incident - Acts 19:23-41

o    A great commotion brought on by Demetrius and the silversmiths

o    In which a mob takes two of Paul’s travel companions, Gaius and Aristarchus

o    Barely controlled by the city’s town clerk

9.   Additional details about Paul’s stay in Ephesus

o    Sosthenes was there, joining Paul in writing to the Corinthians - 1 Corinthians 1:1

o    Paul had been visited by Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus - 1 Corinthians 16:17

o    Aquila and Priscilla hosted the church in their house, and sent greetings to those in Corinth - Acts 18:2,19,26; 1 Corinthians 16:19

o    Paul’s sufferings while at Ephesus

§  As related to the Ephesian elders in Miletus - Acts 20:17-19

§  As mentioned in letters to the Corinthians - 1 Corinthians 15:30-32; 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

o    Paul’s preaching while at Ephesus - Acts 20:21-21,25-27,31

o    Paul’s manual labor while at Ephesus - Acts 20:33-35; 1 Corinthians 4:11,12

 C. IN TROAS...

1. The turmoil over Paul provides an opportune time to leave Ephesus - Acts 20:1
2. With plans already made (Acts 19:21), Paul heads toward Macedonia - Acts 20:1
3. At Troas, he finds an open door to preach the gospel - 2 Corinthians 2:12
4. But not finding Titus, he continues on toward Macedonia - 2 Corinthians 2:13

[With anxiety over the condition of the church at Corinth, Paul once again travels to...

 

II. THE REGIONS OF MACEDONIA AND GREECE (57-58 A.D.)

A. IN MACEDONIA...

1. Paul finds Titus, who brings comforting news from Corinth - 2 Corinthians 7:5-7,13-16
2. Paul preaches throughout Macedonia- Acts 20:1-2
• He had preached in Macedonia on his second journey - Acts 16:11-17:15
• Establishing churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea
• On this trip he appears to have ventured to Illyricum - cf. Romans 15:19
3. The brethren give generously for the relief of the church in Jerusalem - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
4. Timothy rejoins Paul and joins Paul in writing Second Corinthians (fall of 57 A.D.) - 2 Corinthians 1:1
• Purpose: To vindicate Paul’s apostleship and manner of life
• Theme: Open your heart to us, we have wronged no one
•  Brief Outline:
• Paul explains his ministry of reconciliation - 2 Corinthians 1:1-7:16
• The collection for the saints in Jerusalem - 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15
• Paul defends his apostolic authority - 2 Corinthians 10:1-13:14
5. Titus and “two brethren” are sent to Corinth - 2 Corinthians 8:16-24
• Likely taking Second Corinthians
• To assist the Corinthians concerning the collection - 2 Corinthians 8:6-8; 9:1-5

B. IN ACHAIA (GREECE)...

1.  Paul spent three months - Acts 20:2-3
2. It included his third visit to Corinth - 2 Corinthians 12:14
• A visit he hoped would not be sorrowful - 2 Corinthians 2:1
• A visit he hoped would not be embarrassing for them - 2 Corinthians 9:3-4
• A visit he hoped would not require stern judgment - 2 Corinthians 12:20-21; 13:1-3
3. Paul wrote Romans (spring of 58 A.D.) - Romans 16:23; cf. 1 Corinthians 1:14; 2 Timothy 4:20
• Purpose: To set straight the design and nature of the gospel
• Theme: The gospel is God’s power of salvation
• Brief Outline:
• Justification by faith in Christ - Romans 1:1-11:36
• The transformed life - Romans 12:1-16:27
4. Paul’s companions while in Corinth
• Phoebe, servant of the church in nearby Cenchrea - Romans 16:1-2
• Timothy, Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, Paul’s countrymen - Romans 16:21
• Tertius, writer for Paul - Romans 16:22
• Gaius, host of Paul and the church - Romans 16:23
• Erastus, treasurer of the city, and Quartus, a brother - Romans 16:23
5. Paul’s plans for when he leaves Corinth
• To visit Rome and eventually Spain - Romans 1:8-13; 15:22-24
• But first he must go to Jerusalem with the contribution for the needy saints - Romans 15:25-29

1.  [After just three months, then, Paul prepares to leave Corinth and head straight toward Syria on his way to Jerusalem. But circumstances demand a change in the itinerary...]

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Other Resources:

2 Thessalonians 3:1-18

Paul's Prayer Request

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Warning Against Lazy, Irresponsible Behavior

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

Final Greeting and Benediction

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

(2 THESSALONIANS 3)

Paul closes his letter with a request for prayer and an exhortation to a life of godliness.

I. Paul’s Request (3:1–2): He asks for prayer for two things from the believers in Thessalonica.

A. That they pray for God’s messenger (3:2): He asks for prayer that he would be delivered from wicked and evil men.

B. That they pray for God’s message (3:1): Paul desires that the gospel message be allowed to spread rapidly everywhere.

II. Paul’s Reassurance (3:3–5)

A. He reassures them concerning God’s faithfulness (3:3–4).

B. He reassures them concerning God’s love and patience (3:5).

III. Paul’s Reprimand (3:6–18)

A. The recipients (3:6–11, 13, 14b): Paul lists three kinds of individuals needing to be rebuked.

1. The lazy (3:6–10): They should work hard.

2. The gossipers (3:11, 13): They should mind their own business and do good.

3. The disobedient (3:14b): Stay away from them.

B. The rules (3:12, 14a, 15): Paul gives three steps to be taken in dealing with these individuals.

1. Step 1—identify them (3:14a)

2. Step 2—admonish them (3:12, 15a)

3. Step 3—love them (3:15b): Look upon the person not as an enemy but as an erring brother or sister.

IV. Paul’s Final Remarks (3:16–18)

A. The apostle’s heart (3:16, 18)

1. He prays that they will experience God’s peace (3:16).

2. He prays that they will experience God’s grace (3:18).

B. The apostle’s hand (3:17): He pens the closing words with his own hand.

 

 

OPEN:

• What is one prayer you were taught to memorize? 
• What was your first paid job? How long or hard did you work at it? What did you do with your money?

DIG:

• Paul has twice prayed for these people (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; 2:16-17). How does he want them to pray for him and his companions? How would the encouragements in verses 3-5 help them in their trials? 
• How might a misunderstanding of Paul's earlier teaching (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3) have led to the problem of idleness? Why would Paul see that as a serious problem then (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) and now (2 Thessalonians 3:6)? What model does Paul leave for the others to follow (2 Thessalonians 3:7-13)? What does this have to do with taking responsibility? 
• Why does Paul call attention to his handwriting (2 Thessalonians 3:17)? How else is the close of the letter similar to its beginning? Why do you think Paul emphasizes grace and peace? What does it say about God's will?

REFLECT:

• On a scale from 1 (high anxiety) to 10 (blissfully peaceful), where would you rate your sense of God's peace now? Where in particular do you need group prayer and support? 
• How are God's love and Christ's perseverance needed in your life now?
• What have you found helpful in encouraging you to pray for missionaries? For whom do you regularly pray? What types of pressures may he or she face in that part of the world? 
• Are you idle, a busy-body, a worrywart, or a workaholic?
• What is God's message to you in 2 Thessalonians?

SOMEONE IS WATCHING

Dr. Joe Pettigrew

“We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. ” 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9

One very important task every Christian is responsible for is to be a good example to others. Many of our co-workers and friends do not read the Word of God for themselves, they have not learned what God wants them to do, and are more reliant on a Godly example than they probably should be. It is dangerous for them to totally follow someone else, but it happens every day.

For this reason, the Apostle Paul was very aware when people paid attention to his behavior and actions. He warns us to keep our distance from others who are not doing right (disorderly), even if they are Christians. He defines “disorderly” as those who are lazy and not working, and those who are meddling in other people's business (“busybodies”). Association with these people may give others the impression that you are also like the crowd you are with. (Sounds like advice you heard from your mother, doesn’t it?)

Don’t stop doing what you know to be right. There are those around you, even Christians, who may not be obeying God or involved in reaching others for Christ. We are to keep on track and not get tired, no matter what others are doing. 

“But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Thought of the Day:  Your friends will often follow the actions and behavior of those they associate with. With this in mind, your responsibility is be a proper, Godly “example”. Provide those who are watching you by leading them down the right path.