Study #16: Acts 18

Recap

In our previous study, we examined another sermon from Paul's sermons, one noticeably different. Paul chose to contextualise the message, speaking to men and women who had never even heard of the God of the Israelites, or of Jesus. He first appealed to what they knew, then began to bridge the gap by introducing the God he worshipped. This sermon led many people to be interested and want to hear more; some turned their noses up at it, and a few came to believe. Through this story, we see how the gospel meets us right where we are. The gospel can come to us in our own language and use our language's imagery and culture. This sermon has been paradigmatic for much of the evangelism done around the world and throughout history.

Introduction

Today’s reading picks up as Paul and some of his companions leave Athens and arrive at the city of Corinth, a city nestled on the western side of an isthmus (a narrow strip of land with the sea on either side). It was an important trade city, as it controlled the mercantile trade by land to the North and South, and its harbours to the east and west would have given it great financial success, as it held access to further trade from the Ionian to the Aegean sea.  It was an economically prosperous city that was also famous for its licentiousness, even amidst a very permissive Greco-Roman world.

It would not be the kind of place that you would expect Paul to develop great friendships or have much success in his ministry, and yet the chapter is filled with stories of strong relationships and partnerships being developed here, and great success in his ministry.

In this chapter, we meet several notable characters, whom we hear of in several of Pauls others letters. We see that Gospel ministry can not be done alone, and we are reminded that God is always at work long before us.

Read Acts 18

(Remember - First read out loud, either one person reads the whole thing, or separate it by verses. After you read through the passage out loud, take a little bit of time to re-read it individually, noting and marking verses, words or phrases that stand out in the story.)

Three Quick Questions:

1. Is there anything that stands out to you as we read through the passage?

2. Did you learn anything new or surprising about Jesus or God’s character?

3. Are there any other stories or passages in the Bible that Luke may be subtly referencing? Why is Luke connecting this story to that passage?

Diving Deeper

1. In verses 1-4, we meet the biblically famous couple, Priscilla and Aquila (Rom 16:3, 1 Cor 16:19, 2 Tim 4:19), who had recently come to Corinth from Rome because the  Jews were being sent out of Rome. What most likely seemed like terrible news and hardship to them became a boon and blessing of companionship to Paul.
   Have there been moments in your life that felt like terrible news, but later revealed that God was working in a surprising way?
   How can we hold these tensions, knowing that bad things happen, while believing God can use them for his glory?
   

2. Upon his arrival, Paul went to Priscilla and Aquila to work with them as a Tentmaker or leatherworker, and on the Sabbath, he went and preached at the synagogue. But when Silas and Timothy arrived, he turned his full attention to preaching.
   What do you think changed?
   What might this show us about the importance of community in the work of the gospel?
   

3. After a year and a half in Corinth, Paul heads to Ephesus, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. There in Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila, meet Apollos (whom we hear about in 1 Corinthians and Titus 3). Apollos knows about Jesus and his works, but is missing important information - he only knows about “John’s baptism.” Priscilla and Aquila invited him into their home to teach him of the further revelation of the spirit that had been received. 
   What information is Apollos missing, and why is it important that he learn it?
   What do Priscilla and Aquila’s actions teach us about growing in faith?
   

4. As we have examined this story, it has been filled with names, people, men and women who were companions, supporters and encouragers of one another for the glory of God - Priscilla, Aquila, Apollos, Silas, Timothy, Titus Justus, Crispus, and many other unnamed disciples.
   What might Luke be trying to get us, the reader, to see about how the Gospel moves and grows?
   Who are some of the people in your life who have supported, encouraged and instructed you in faith?
   Take time to give thanks for the companions that God sends to us.

Benediction

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,  not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.- Hebrews 10:23-25

Amen.