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 2^nd 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 ½ 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.