As we approach the end of Paul’s second missionary journey, we see the Apostle ministering in Corinth. In this city, we see God providing encouragement by raising up fellow gospel coworkers, yielding unexpected fruit, a powerful vision and even support from those in authority.
It’s hard to share the gospel in a busy, distracted and pleasure seeking world. In this passage, we see Paul effectively engage his hearers by noticing their religious devotion, winsomely commenting and then challenging their ignorance. The Apostle has no reputation to command respect, but he does bring home three truths about God, man and…
How do we know what teaching is true? Is the persuasiveness of the speaker, the tradition they appeal to, or what feels right the ultimate measure. The Bereans are commended for weighing up the Apostle Paul’s words against the gold standard of Scripture. What does this mean for believers and also those who are yet…
Could you explain the gospel from the Old Testament? When Paul visits the synagogue in Thessalonica, he explains that Jesus is the Christ (Anointed One) from the OT. The Apostle’s Jewish audience would have been pointed to Jesus as being the ultimate Prophet, Priest and King foretold from the OT Scriptures.
How do most people respond to trials, difficulties and crisis? In this passage, we’ll see the different responses to trials by believers and unbelievers. Whilst Paul & Silas sing & pray during their crisis, the jailer wants to commit self harm during his trial. Thankfully, this crisis will lead to his conversion and his household.…
Ever wondered whether missionaries should bring the gospel to foreign communities? In this passage, we see the clash between the worldviews of Roman slaveowners and the Apostle Paul. For some, the gospel brings new life, for others it brings trouble. Either way, those who preach the gospel need to expect that it will be an…
Have you ever made plans to share the gospel with others which haven’t worked out? In this passage, we see Paul’s plans to evangelise the regions of Asia and Bithynia frustrated by the Holy Spirit as God has more pressing priorities for the Apostle. Paul is to go to Macedonia to meet with Lydia, whose…
Paul’s second missionary journey records the conversion of Lydia, the Philippian jailer, the Mars Hill address, and churches planted in Corinth, Thessalonica and Ephesus. It is a fruitful mission but it has a very rocky start. In this message, we see division and conflict, a new missionary team formed and also the individual sacrifice needed…
In Acts 15, we see two churches interacting with each other over doctrinal and practical matters. What does this teach us about how churches interact? Should each local church stick to their own lanes and mind their own business, or can one church tell another what to do? Do some churches have greater authority over…
Questions arise regarding what a Gentile must believe or do to be welcome in God’s family. In the past, Gentiles who became Jews needed to be circumcised. Is this a reasonable expectation for those who now want to become Christians? This passage challenges us regarding our understanding of the gospel and what is helpful in…