Bible Characters                                                                                                          Power Point Show

 

Scripture Reading:  Acts 20:17-27

 

Part 7

Third Preaching Journey of Paul

(The word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed)

 

Intro.

1.  Paul “spent some time” at Antioch after his 2nd journey.

2.  Then, began a journey that would be his longest.

3.  Continue to be struck with Paul’s urgency, unceasing devotion & tireless faith – 1 Cor. 15:10.

 

I.  THE TRIP – Acts 18:23-21:17.

  A.  Distance:  2,800 – 3,000 miles.

  B.  Length:  ~4 ˝ years (A.D. 53-58).

  C.  Companions Included:  Timothy, Erastus, Gaius, Aristarchus, Sopater, Secundus, Tychicus, Trophimus, Titus and Luke – Acts 19:22, 29; 20:4-5; 2 Cor. 7:5-7.

  D.  Places:

    1.  Regions of Galatia & Phrygia (cf. 15:41; 16:6-9).

    2.  Ephesus – 18:21; 19:1-41 (20:17-35).

      a.  Fought with “wild beasts” – 1 Cor. 15:32 (2 Cor. 1:8-11).

      b.  Wrote 1 Corinthians (1 Cor. 16:7-10).

      c.  Sent Timothy to Corinth (1 Cor. 4:16-17).

      d.  Great door of opportunity; many adversaries (1 Cor. 16:8-9).

    3.  Troas – 2 Cor. 2:12.

    4.  Macedonia – 2 Cor. 2:13; Acts 20:1-2; 2 Cor. 7:5-7.

       -Wrote 2 Corinthians from Macedonia

    5.  Greece – Acts 20:2-3.

      a.  Urged a collection in the churches of Galatia, Macedonia & Achaia for the needy saints in Jerusalem (1 Co. 16:1-2; 2 Co. 8-9).

      b.  Plot by Jews when he was about to sail for Syria.

    6.  Macedonia – 20:3-6 (returned by land through that region).

    7.  Philippi – 20:5-6.  -Picked up Luke (“us”, “we”).

    8.  Troas – 20:6-12.

    9.  Assos – 20:13-14.

   10. Island hopping – 20:14-15.

   11. Miletus – 20:15-38 (met with Ephesian elders).

   12. Cos to Tyre – 21:1-6.

   13. Ptolemais – 21:7.

   14. Caesarea – 21:8-14.  (prophesy of arrest)

   15. Jerusalem – 21:15-17 (gladly received; alms delivered, 24:17).

 

II.  LESSONS FOR US.

1.  There is room in the kingdom for workers (value of fellow-laborers, 1 Cor. 3:5-9):

    a.  Aquila & Priscilla – Acts 18:24-26.

    b.  Apollos – Acts 18:27-28.

    c.  Luke – Acts 16:40; 20:5-6.

    d.  Messengers for the churches – Acts 20:4 (1 Cor. 16:3-4; 2 Cor. 8:23).

2.  Opposition has always accompanied the gospel – Acts 19:8-9 (1 Cor. 15:32); cf. 1 Ths. 2:1-2.

    -Will we hold up under it, or compromise? – 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 2:2-3

3.  Worship with disciples when you travel – 20:6-7 (Heb. 10:24-25).

4.  Lessons re. Lord’s Supper – Acts 20:7.

    a.  Every first day of the week (cf. Exo. 20:8) – Necessary inference.

    b.  Disciples “came together” – LS is an assembly activity (1 Cor. 11:20).

    c.  “Breaking bread” – LS & common meal – 20:7, 11 (Acts 2:42, 46).

5.  Tips on teaching the gospel:

    a.  Ask the right questions – 19:1-2, 3 (Acts 8:30).

    b.  Go to where the lost are – 19:8-9.

    c.  Keep helpful attitudes – 20:18-20 (Humility, zeal, courage).

    d.  Keep right motives – 20:19, 33-35 (Service, spiritual, giving).

    e.  Keep right priority as we teach – 20:22-24 (not self, saving others; see your work through to the end).

    f.  Declare (make known) the whole counsel of God – 20:27.

      1)        What is needed – 20:20.

      2)    Warnings – 20:28-31.

      3)    All truth (At Ephesus Paul taught gospel:  True God, Christ, sin, grace, kingdom of God, the church, elders, faithful endurance, spiritual alertness, heaven – 20:21-32).

6.  Trust the will of God.  (cf. song:  “Sweet Will of God”)

    a.  Return to Ephesus – 18:21; 19:1.  (Did happen)

    b.  “I must see Rome” – 19:21 (cf. Rom. 1:13; 15:22-29).  (Will happen)

    c.  Trip to Jerusalem – 20:16, 22-23 (21:4, 10-14).  (What will happen?)

    d.  Alms for needy saints.  (Will it be received?)

    e.  Paul is agonizing in prayer:  Trusts God will answer – Rom. 15:30-32.

7.  It is more blessed to give than to receive – 20:35.

  a.  Paul has alms for his country as he says this (24:17) – Prov. 11:24-26; cf. 2 Cor. 9:6-11).

  b.  Our giving should reflect our faith in God to favor us with increased opportunities & ability.

 

Conclusion

1.  Uncertainty awaits Paul in Jerusalem (alms, arrest, plans he has).

2.  Acts 21:17-20 – He was received, the alms accepted, the Lord praised for his work.