Acts (18)

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24.27

The video for lesson 18 is the same as for lesson 17. You can view it by clicking here (scroll down to Lesson 17).

Read and meditate on Acts 20.7-16.
Here we get a glimpse into what Paul undoubtedly did at each stop on his journey. Worship, instruction, good works, encouragement: these were the elements of Paul’s work of strengthening the churches.

For reflection
1.  As the believers gathered for worship – here referred to as breaking bread – he met with them, reinforcing and expanding on his previous teaching. We notice that they assembled on the first day of the week. Why? Notice, also that all those gathered for worship are referred to as disciples. Is being a disciple different from just being a believer or a church member? Explain.

2.  Paul had a lot to say and spoke a long time, but people understood his words were important, so we don’t find any of them tapping their watches or looking around. Paul obviously believed in the strengthening power of sound teaching. How can we know when our churches are providing enough of this?

3.  Eutychus made the mistake, in a room filling with warm and somewhat noxious air, of sitting on a window ledge. When he fell, Paul rushed to aid him, interrupting his teaching to care for this young man, and thus reminding the people of Troas that the Gospel is a ministry of words and deeds, and we must always be ready to care for those in our midst whose needs come to our attention. How is it apparent to the people in your community that your church’s ministry consists of both words and deeds?

4.  Paul departed Troas, heading for Jerusalem and ultimately, so he supposed, Antioch. He stayed away from Ephesus because returning there might delay him – and perhaps rekindle old hostilities? – but he will minister to the elders of the churches, having been away from them now for more than three months (v. 3). Why do you suppose it was so important to Paul to be in Jerusalem for the Day of Pentecost? Should we have a higher regard for Pentecost than we do? Explain.

5.  Why did Paul walk the brief distance from Troas to Assos, there to board the ship the others had taken? Was this an attempt to deceive any enemies that might have been lying in wait for him? Or did he simply need a little time to himself? We don’t know, really, But what do you think? Explain.

Summary
Paul was intent on getting to Jerusalem, but not so much so that he would fail to capitalize on opportunities to teach and equip. Paul seems like a very forward-thinking minister. Would you agree? Should ministers today be more forward-thinking in their lives and work? What about other disciples? Explain.

Closing Prayer
God has gone up with a shout,
The LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
Sing praises to God, sing praises!
Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
For God is the King of all the earth;
Sing praises with understanding.
God reigns over the nations;
God sits on His holy throne.
The princes of the people have gathered together,
The people of the God of Abraham.
For the shields of the earth belong to God;
He is greatly exalted.

Psalm 47.5-9

T. M. Moore

Each week’s studies in Acts are bound together into a free PDF that you can download for personal or group use (click here). Each week also features a video related to the studies of the week, which you may find helpful as you work through our studies in Acts.

Acts is the record of Christ’s ongoing work as King and Lord. This is the work of bringing the Kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven. Read more about the implications of this work in our new book, The Kingdom Turn (click here).

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