Bible Characters                                                                                                          Power Point Show

Scripture Reading:  Acts 16:25-34

Part 6

Second Preaching Journey of Paul

(Let us return and visit our brethren)

Intro.

1.  While the meeting in Jerusalem confirmed one gospel for all, that truth was not without its challenges, but truth prevailed – cf. Gal. 2:11-14.

2.  Paul’s deep concern for the churches compelled him to want to visit the brethren from 1^st preaching trip – Acts 15:36    (cf. 2 Cor. 11:28).

3.  This trip was 3-4 years long (A.D. 51-53).

4.  Paul’s faith, courage, determination & loyalty to Christ severely tested; & he would find himself being encouraged in the gospel.

I.  THE PURPOSE OF THE TRIP – Acts 15:36.

  A.  To See How the Brethren Were Doing (encourage them) – 15:41 (facing trials of faith, Acts 14:22).

    1.  By the letter from apostles & elders in Jerusalem – Acts 16:4-5.

    2.  By his personal presence – 16:40 (cf. Rom. 1:11; 1 Cor. 14:12).

    3.  By preaching the word of God – 15:36; 16:6, 10; 17:3, 13.

      a.  Strengthened in faith & increased in number daily.

      b.  He wasn’t arranging fund-raisers, “youth rallies”, banquets, etc. as means of strengthening the saints (Rom. 14:17).

II.  THE TRIP.

  A.  His Companions – Acts 15:36-40.

    1.  Sharp contention with Barnabas re. John Mark – 15:37-39.

      a.  Barnabas was determined (purposed in heart) to take him.

      b.  Paul insisted (axioo) that he would not go.

    2.  Gr. lit.:  “And there was sharp feeling, so as to separate them from each other” (Acts, 318, Stringer).

    3.  Barnabas & Mark to Cyprus; Paul & Silas to Asia.

    4.  Timothy (16:1-3); Luke (16:8-10).

  B.  The Journey.

    1.  Syria & Cilicia (strengthened churches) – 15:41.

    2.  Derbe & Lystra (Timothy; churches strengthened) – 16:1-5.

    3.  Phrygia & Galatia…not in Asia – 16:6.

    4.  Came to Mysia…not into Bithynia – 16:7.

    5.  Troas (Macedonian call; Luke) – 16:8-10.

    6.  Philippi (Lydia, prison, jailer)– 16:11-40.

    7.  Thessalonica (reasoned, mob, brethren to the rulers) – 17:1-9.

    8.  Berea (fair, searched Scriptures daily, many bel.) – 17:10-13.

    9.  Athens (Paul; philosophers, Mars Hill) – 17:14-34

   10. Corinth (Aquila & Priscilla, vision, > 1½ yrs., 1 & 2 Ths.), 18:1-18.

   11. Cenchrea (Paul took a vow) – 18:18.

   12. Ephesus (synagogue, “I will return”) – 18:19-21.

   13. Caesarea (landed); Greeted brethren at Jerusalem; Antioch, 18:22.

III.  SOME ITEMS OF IMPORTANCE:

  A.  Points on Persuasive Gospel Preaching.

    1.  Speak to your audience’s need – Acts 16:32; 17:3, 17:23; 18:5.

    2.  Set forth the appropriate evidence:

      a.  Of the Christ from Scripture (to believers in God, Acts 17:2-4).

      b.  Of God from created world (to atheists, etc., Acts 17:22-31).

    3.  Be persistent (don’t be discouraged) – Acts 18:5-8, 11.

  B.  Progress in Spite of Problems.

    1.  Paul fell sick, prompting his work in Galatia – (16:6; Gal. 4:13-15; 1 Cor. 16:1).

    2.  Imprisoned in Philippi reaped harvest of souls (16:16-34).

    3.  Left alone so others could be helped – 1 Ths. 3:1-6 (18:5).

  C.  Some Conversions.

    1.  Lydia & her household – Acts 16:14-15.

    2.  Philippian jailer & his house – Acts 16:30-34.

    3.  Bereans – Acts 17:11-12.  (Truth is knowable.)

    4.  Corinthians – Acts 18:8 (1 Cor. 1:14).

IV. LESSONS FOR US.

• Christians can disagree over matters of judgment without sinning & disrupting the work of the gospel – 15:36-39.

• It requires sacrifice to become “all things to all men” – 16:3 (1 Cor. 9:22).

• God calls us to the work of preaching the gospel – 16:9-10.

• Trust the Lord when tried & tested (all things work together for good, Rom. 8:28) – 16:22-25; 18:9-11.

• “What must I do to be saved?” is answered – 16:30-34.

• Doing God’s will doesn’t mean we are not entitled to justice – 16:35-40.

• The kingdom of God & the kingdoms of men are not of the same nature – 17:7-9; 18:12-17 (Jno. 18:36; Rom. 14:17).

• Man can still know the unknown God (He is “not far from each one of us”) – 17:23-28.

• Always remember the Lord’s will in our plans – 18:21 (Jas. 4:15).

  • Paul knew where he wanted to go, but the Lord had other plans (16:6-8)!

  • Opportunities always exist, & as the Lord wills we should use them (18:20-21).

Conclusion

1.  Brethren were strengthened and many more saved in Christ.

2.  Will you obey the same gospel today?  (Acts 16:30-34; 18:8)