Mar 15, 2015
Acts 18:12-19:7


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http://zachadams.org/acts/acts18_12-19_7.mp3

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Outline:


As we noted last Sunday, to squelch Paul’s fear that his time in Corinth would be short lived, God made a promise that “no one would attack to hurt him.” Not only do we see God keep His promise by allowing Paul the opportunity to spend 18 months (vs.11) “teaching the word of God,” but we’re about to see God deliver him from the very situation he feared the most.



Acts 18:12-15, “When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, saying, “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you. But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters.” 



Though the scene may have initially unfolded like many other encounters Paul had experienced with a group of malcontent Jews, the end result was radically different. Before Paul could even mount a defense for himself this Roman “proconsul Gallio” bluntly dismissed their complaint sighting it as being nothing more than a petty religious matter.



Acts 18:16-17, “And he drove them from the judgment seat. Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things.”



According to 1 Corinthians 1, after taking this beating by the Greeks, this man Sosthenes (the ruler of the synagogue who assumed the position after Crispus came to faith), would eventually become a follower of Jesus and traveling companion of the Apostle Paul. While we’re not told how Sosthenes got saved, I can only reason a man in Corinth who had experienced similar hardships jumped at the chance to tended to his wounds!



Acts 18:18-21, “So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, but took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.”



After remaining in Corinth for a year and a half Paul senses a need to go to Jerusalem in time for one of main feasts (we do not know which one). Furthermore, it would seem the driving factor was specifically connected to “a vow” Paul had taken while in Corinth. 


Though we’re not told what specific vow Paul made, this detailed that “he had his hair cut off” before leaving Corinth indicates he may have taken the “vow of the Nazarite.” 


According to Numbers 6 “the purpose of the vow was to express a unique consecration to God by promising to abstain from all products from the grapevine, to not cut one’s hair, and to never come near a dead body.” Once the allotted period of time the vow encompassed was completed it was required you cut your hair and offer as a sacrifice at the Temple.


Three theories as to why Paul took the vow:




  1. By taking this ceremonial vow particular to the Law (which was public), Paul may have been fending off the criticism that he had become Anti-Jewish. In vs.6 Paul bluntly told the Jewish Corinthians, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” Not to mention the complaint levied against him in vs.13 claimed he was seeking to “persuade men to worship God contrary to the law."



  2. Though Paul would fight tooth and nail against the notion Gentiles should be required to adhere to Jewish ceremonies and traditions, Paul saw nothing wrong with Jewish Christians taking part in exercises particular to their ethnic heritage (as long as it wasn’t a form of religious works). Reinforcing his own appreciation of his Jewish heritage may explain why he publicly takes the vow and heads to Jerusalem for the feast.



  3. The vow may have been Paul’s way of reminding himself of the promise God had made to him while he was in Corinth. Paul had been struggling with fear so the vow might have been his way of keeping God’s promises in the forefront of his mind.


It may also be that in light of the intense immorality that permeated the city of Corinth Paul wanted to express his dedication and separation to the Lord in a way that would be a constant reminder of the stakes in the face of a constant barrage of temptation.


While we don’t know why Paul took this vow I can say with 100% certainty that Paul was not trying to earn God’s favor or demonstrate his ability to remain holy though the flesh!


Motion of the Text: Paul departs from Corinth (once again leaving behind Silas and Timothy to care for the church) and heads for Ephesus (taking with him Aquila and Priscilla). 


Though Paul’s time in Ephesus is brief (“I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem”) in an interesting twist the little time he does spend is strangely productive. 


Luke tells us “Paul entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews… and they asked him to stay a longer time with them.” While determined to get to Jerusalem this may explain why Paul leaves behind Aquila and Priscilla (the plan had been for them to sail with him to Syria) promising to return as soon as he could… “I will return again to you, God willing.”



Acts 18:21-22, “And Paul sailed from Ephesus. And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch.” 



Motion of the Text: It happens quick but there ends Paul’s 2nd missionary journey. “From Ephesus” he sailed to Caesarea where he “goes up” to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast and present his special offering. Then after spending some time with “the church, he went down to Antioch” (geographical direction - down from Jerusalem, but directionally north). Keep in mind Paul has been gone for approximately three years.


Recap: Aside from revisiting the churches he had planted in Galatia during his first missionary journey, this second endeavor took Paul from Asia Minor into Europe. Think about the fruit… In three years Paul has left a church in Philippi (Luke is presently pastoring), a church in Thessalonica, a church in Berea, a church in Corinth (Silas and Timothy are presently pastoring), and an early work started in Ephesus (overseen by Aquila and Priscilla).



Acts 18:23, “After he had spent some time there, Paul departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.”



Motion of the Text: Though we’re not sure how long Paul remained in Antioch, the itch returned and he headed back through the regions of “Galatia and Phrygia” launching his third missionary journey. Note: While Luke doesn’t mention any specific cities we can assume Paul would have undoubtedly visited: Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch.



Acts 18:24-26, “Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” 



Before we get to the particulars of our text, we should address a larger point of consideration… Why does Luke shift the scene so quickly off of Paul’s 3rd missionary journey choosing instead to keep the focal point here in Ephesus? 


Answer: While Paul’s revisiting of the churches in Galatia and Phrygia was important it wasn’t critical to the larger story arch. As we’ll see… The events that occurred in Ephesus while Paul was away set the context for a situation he would have to handle upon his return. 


Set the Scene: Between Paul’s initial arrival in Ephesus and his return (while Aquila and Priscilla are overseeing the ministry) Luke tells us “a certain Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus” and “began to speak boldly in the synagogue.” Profile of Apollos:




  1. Apollos was an ethnic Jew (Apollos was his Roman name after mythological god Apollo). 



  2. Apollos was “born in Alexandria.” As the 2nd largest city in the Roman Empire Alexandria not only boasted a significant Jewish population, but was also the educational center of the world. Because Claudius’ edict not only expelled Jews from Rome, but also Alexandria this may give us further insight into why Apollos had come to Ephesus in the first place.



  3. Apollos was “eloquent.” The Greek word “logios” referred to more than his speaking ability, but his level of education. The world literally means Apollos was “learned, a man of letters, skilled in literature and the arts, versed in history and the antiquities.”



  4. Apollos was “mighty in the Scriptures.” Though his education would have been well rounded growing up in Alexandria, it seems his specific area of expertise was that of the Hebrew Scriptures. Apollos was a scholar concerning the Law and the Prophets.



  5. Apollos “had been instructed in the way of the Lord.” Aside from Judaism, at some point in his educational development, Apollos had been exposed to some knowledge of the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus. Note: Egyptian Christians (also known as Coptic Christians) believe the church in Alexandria was founded by none other than Mark.



  6. Apollos was “fervent in spirit.” The Greek word “fervent” or “zeô” means “to boil with heat.” Apollos was a man of incredible passion. His love for God burned within his soul!



  7. Apollos “spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord.” Because of his passion, education, and natural giftings Apollos had a knack for communicating the truth of God! And yet, while he was diligent to speak the things he knew with accuracy (a limited version of Jesus), it was also clear something was missing.



  8. His theology was incomplete. Apollos “knew only the baptism of John.” While he rightly understood Jesus to be the Messiah and realized the importance of repentance, Apollos didn't have a complete picture. It’s likely he didn’t know the Gospel. He had never been told that salvation came through Jesus’ death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. Personally, I don’t think this is a mark on Apollos’ character… It would seem Apollos’ understanding was incomplete at no fault to himself. He wasn’t leaving out details on purpose or preaching heresy. He just didn’t know there was more to the story. And yet, I think Apollos should be commended for at least he was bold enough to communicate what he did know. Sadly, many times we fall into the trap of believing we have to know everything before we can say anything. The key to evangelism isn’t always knowing more to say, but being bold enough to say what you already know!



  9. Apollos was teachable. Upon hearing him speak in the synagogue and recognizing this man didn’t have the full story Aquila and Priscilla “take him aside and explain the way of God more accurately.” Once again to his credit Apollos didn’t resist their instruction. Here was an educated Jew, from the intellectual hub of the world, an expert in Scripture humbling submitting himself to the instruction of a few tent-makers! 



  10. Apollos was used by God in amazing ways…



Acts 18:27-28, “And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.”



Apollos leaves Ephesus and with a letter of endorsement from “the brethren” (no doubt Aquila and Priscilla) he lands in Corinth (Achaia was the greater region) where we’re told “he greatly helped those who had believed through grace.” Transition from repentance to grace!


While Paul would commend Apollos and his ministry in Corinth in his first letter to the Corinthians, please keep in mind there is no reference of Apollos ministering in Ephesus after receiving a more “accurate” understanding concerning the things of God.



Acts 19:1, “And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus.” 



Motion of the Text: It would seem Paul left Antioch with the desire to make good on his promise to come again to Ephesus. However, instead of returning the way he’d left (by sea) Paul comes over land from the east - Galatia and Phrygia. Note: Paul would spend 3 years in Ephesus and since the entire chapter documents his time in this great city we’re going to leave the development of a profile of Ephesus to next Sunday.



Acts 19:1-7, “And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all.”



Paul returns to Ephesus and immediately “finding some disciples” (vs.7 says “the men were about twelve in all”) he asks them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” 


It would appear by Paul’s inquiry that something was off about these men. While they claimed Christ it was clear they didn’t really understand the “life of Christ.” Understand, Paul’s question about the Holy Spirit was not really about the Holy Spirit, but was aimed at gaining a better understand as to what these men really “believed.” 


Example: “Did you receive a warm greeting from Linda Little when you visited Calvary316?” If you answer this question, “I have not so much as heard whether there is a Linda Little at Calvary316” it becomes evident you’ve never actually been to Calvary316.


This explains why upon answering that “we have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit” Paul’s follow up was not focused on explaining the ministry and role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer, but by asking instead “into what then were you baptized?” 


You see if they had “believed” in Jesus as the basis for their salvation, they would have known there was a Holy Spirit because they would have experienced the Spirit’s indwelling and regeneration. This question aimed at uncovering their belief system.


Their response is revealing… “Into what were you baptized? Into John’s baptism.” One of the reasons this passage gets complicated is that these men are first introduced as being “disciples.” And while it’s true when Luke references “disciples” in Acts he’s always referring to Christians, the Greek word “mathêtês” means “a learner, pupil, or student.”


In context and consistent with the larger flow of the narrative I believe these twelve men were in actuality disciples of Apollos who had not received the same corrective instruction from Aquila and Priscilla (who have likely returned to Rome while Apollos left for Corinth). Note: This explains why Luke gives us the backstory of Apollos in Ephesus.


Now that Paul has diagnosed what was off with these men (an incomplete believe system concerning Jesus) he continues by explaining to them that while “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance” he also told “the people that they should believe on Him who would came after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”


Paul’s point was that while John was interested in the Jewish people accepting Jesus as their Messiah, he wanted them to “believe on Jesus” as their Savior. 


I hope you realize there is only one belief concerning Jesus that will save a man. You can believe He is the Son of God, the promised Messiah, the Prince of Peace, your Comforter, the Moral Authority, or even your BFF (all of which are true), but if you don’t “believe on Him… that is, on Christ Jesus” as your Savior you will remain lost in your sins.


Notice their reaction… “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Whether they were physically baptized in water as a symbolic act or not there is one thing we can say for certain… Upon hearing of their need to “believe on Him” as their Savior these men immediately place their faith in Jesus and experience the miracle of salvation. 


Luke says “they were baptized (“baptizô” meaning “immersed, cleansed by submerging, made clean”) in the name (literally “eis onoma” or “on the account of”) the Lord Jesus.” You could translate this as “they were cleansed on account of their Lord Jesus.” As the hymnist Edward Mote so aptly wrote, “My hope is build on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name!”


Please consider this morning… “Is your hope built on something more, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” If it is (your best efforts, confession, religious rites, etc.)… I pray you’ll recognize it is nothing but “wholly leaning on Jesus’ name” that can save a man from sin.


“And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” It’s interesting, but while these men understood the nature of their sin, their need for repentance, and had even accepted Jesus as their Savior Paul still understood these men were missing something of vital importance… These men needed one more thing… “And when Paul laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them.”


Three Greek prepositions concerning the Holy Spirit: 




  1. “Para” from which we get our word “parallel” means “alongside or with.” 



  2. “En” or “in” describes the indwelling of the Spirit necessary for regeneration. 



  3. “Epi” or “upon” is a third role whereby the Spirit empowers a person to live the Christian life. The idea behind the word in context to the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” is that you inevitably get “upon” you whatever it is you’ve been baptized into.


“Spirit-filled” is not a title, but a condition. It’s a constant and continual experience Christians are able to enjoy with the person of the Holy Spirit. 


This morning as we transition our service back to worship I want you to examine yourself and ask… What evidence is there in your life that you’ve been filled with the Holy Spirit? Is your Christian life characterized by your human failings or a supernatural power? 


And if it’s the later is so please remember what Jesus promised to all of His followers in Luke 11:13, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

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