Here Paul encounters a group of believers who knew only the baptism of John the Baptist. With insights from an early Christian writer, we explore the purpose and limitations of John’s baptism. The word spreads from Ephesus throughout the region, bearing fruit and creating conflict. Many publicly burn their very expensive collections of occult scrolls,
In Ephesus we encounter Apollos, a Jewish believer from Alexandria, described as “an eloquent man, mighty in the Scriptures”. However, he also is open to learning more about the faith from Priscila and Aquila, traveling companions of Paul. The life of Apollos continues to provide a convicting upward call to Christians today, especially through his
On Paul’s second missionary journey we encounter the Bereans, who are commended for being “fair minded”. They diligently checked the Scriptures daily to see if Paul was speaking the truth! Then Paul travels alone to Athens. There, in his famous ‘Mars Hill’ sermon, Paul provides a practical example of how to present the gospel to
Paul Preaches in Thessalonica, Borea and Athens (Acts 17) View Lesson
Paul Preaches in Thessalonica, Borea and Athens (Acts 17) View Lesson
Paul’s second missionary trip is filled with adventures, and lessons for us. How do we handle disagreements between spiritual leaders? What can we learn from Timothy undergoing circumcision, "becoming all things to all men", to reach out to Jews? Here we see God using an unjust prison stay to bring a jailer and his family
Paul's Second Missionary Journey: Into Europe (Acts 15:36-16:40) View Lesson
Paul's Second Missionary Journey: Into Europe (Acts 15:36-16:40) View Lesson
Certain Jewish Christians demand that the Gentile believers be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses. In response, the apostles and elders convene in Jerusalem to resolve the dispute. Understanding this conflict is crucial to understanding passages in several of Paul's letters, including Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians and Romans. In this passage we also see how
As church leaders fasted, the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Paul for a special missionary trip. On the island of Cyprus, Paul encounters a false prophet and issues a graphic rebuke. Is it ever appropriate for us to rebuke others like this? At Pisidian Antioch we find the most detailed gospel sermon by Paul
Persecution scatters the disciples as far as Antioch in Syria, destined to become a famous missionary base for spreading the gospel to the east and west. There the disciples were first called Christians: a new name that one early Christian writer saw as fulfilling an Old Testament prophecy. We then return to Jerusalem, where Herod Agrippa
Gospel to Antioch; an Angel Rescues Peter (Acts 11:19-12:25) View Lesson
Gospel to Antioch; an Angel Rescues Peter (Acts 11:19-12:25) View Lesson
Tragically, many Christians have suffered under corrupt church leaders. Why do things like this happen? How do we respond and move on from such experiences without losing our faith or becoming bitter? This lesson strives to answer these questions, and to equip us to help others recovering from abuse at the hands of other Christians. Teaching Notes
Here we see in Tabitha, who Peter raised from the dead, a tremendous example of a godly woman. However, are the same qualities equally revered in Christian women today? Next, we come to the conversion of Cornelius, opening the gospel door to the Gentiles. Cornelius is described as a “righteous” man, with a life characterized
Tabitha Raised and the Conversion of Cornelius (Acts 9:26-11:18) View Lesson
Tabitha Raised and the Conversion of Cornelius (Acts 9:26-11:18) View Lesson
If we want to understand the gospel that Paul preached, we need to start with the story of his own conversion and the message he preached to unbelievers. Only after that should we proceed to his letters. In this lesson we examine the three accounts of Paul’s dramatic conversion story, all found in Acts. In the