Study From the Book of Acts,18

Study From the Book of Acts,18

Today we study the eighteenth chapter of the Book of Acts and we choose two biblical principles and their lessons which are useful in Biblical Counselling.

Corinth was the political capital of Achaia. It was also a centre for the worship of Aphrodite, the goddess of fertility. It had a reputation of sexual immorality.

Apparently, Paul’s skill involved making cloth from goats’ hair. Paul custom was to go to the Jews first whenever he entered a new city. Thus, in Corinth, he began his proclamation of Jesus in the synagogue. After several attempts to reach the Jews of Corinth, attempts that had few results. Paul turned his attention almost exclusively to the Gentiles.

In view of the severe treatment Paul had received elsewhere, Paul must have been comforted by Christ’s statement that he would not be hurt or beaten in Corinth.

The Jewish leaders thought they would take advantage of the new governor Gallio to rid themselves of Paul and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Bringing Paul before the judgment seat of the governor, was a momentous event if the Roman governor rules Christianity illegal, it would set a precedent and encourage immediate persecution of all Christians.

Paul did not even have to open his mouth to defend his faith. God had already provided for Paul’s defence, He had prepared Gallio to make the correct decision. No crime had been committed against Rome. Once again, the sovereign hand of God preserved the life of His faithful servant.

Paul had his hair cut as part of a Nazirite vow; he had made. Such a vow had to be fulfilled in Jerusalem., where the hair would be preserved to God. Paul completed his vow when he went to Jerusalem and greeted the church there. Paul then returned to his sending church in Antioch, completing his second missionary journey, one that covered over three hundred miles.

Paul then deported and went on his third missionary journey where he travelled back through Asia Minor to visit the churches that had been established on his previous trips.  The cities included Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Ephesus. 

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandra, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scripture came to Ephesus.Apollos was a disciple of John the Baptist. Apparently, he did not know about the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross, the Resurrection, the Ascension, and the sending of the Holy Spirit.  

Structure:

Verses 1-17: ministering at Corinth

Verses 18-23: Paul returns to Antioch

Verses 24-28: Ministry of Apollos.

Principle 35: 18:4 --“---“And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.”

Lesson 35: Paul had a Bible-centred, through approach to evangelism. He reasoned and persuaded people of the truth of the gospel, working from the text of the Bible. He respected their intelligence and honoured their questions.

Principle 36: verse 18:9,10:” ----Do not be afraid, but speak and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you, for I have many people in this city.”

Lesson 36: Paul took courage in his evangelism efforts because: 1. Jesus told him to keep speaking; 2. Jesus promised to be with him; 3. Jesus promised to protect him; and 4. Jesus promised him success. We can take courage for identical reasons. 15/6/2025.