Ruins of Ancient Corinth

IntroductionIntroduction

• From Athens, the educational center of Greece, Paul goes to Corinth, its commercial

center.

• The people here, as in most metropolitan cities are more worldly than those in the

smaller cities in the heartland.

• Later, Paul will write two letters to the Christians in this city, chiefly to correct their

many serious problems.

• From Athens, the educational center of Greece, Paul goes to Corinth, its commercial

center.

• The people here, as in most metropolitan cities are more worldly than those in the

smaller cities in the heartland.

• Later, Paul will write two letters to the Christians in this city, chiefly to correct their

many serious problems.

CorinthTheir religious and philosophical worldview had no adequate basis

for objective moral norms

CorinthCorinth

• Isthmus with skids built over• Isthmus with skids built over

• Therefore a trade center• Very wealthy

• Learning center

• Therefore a trade center• Very wealthy

• Learning center

• Religious pluralism-- • Demeter & Bacchus cult

• Aphrodite temple• 1000 + temple prostitutes

• Mystery religions

CorinthCorinthSummary:

• Alcohol &Drugs

• Wealth & materialism

• Occult

• Rampant sexuality

• Moral anarchy

But not resistant to Christ!

But not resistant to Christ!

The emptiness of a life based on self-gratification The emptiness of a life based on self-gratification leaves us crying out:leaves us crying out:

Is this all?Is this all?

• Acts 18:1-4• 18:1 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul

went to see them, 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. 4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the

synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.

• Acts 18:1-4• 18:1 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul

went to see them, 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. 4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the

synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.

• After Paul came to Corinth, the first people he met and joined in their work were Aquila and his wife Priscilla, tentmakers

like him. • Aquila was from Pontus, a province in Asia Minor, now in

northern Turkey. • But Aquila and Priscilla had moved to Rome some time past.

Now they were in Corinth in enforced exile because the Emperor Claudius had driven all Jews out of Rome.

• This exile will not last long because in the 16th chapter of Romans we learn they are back in Rome and have a church

in their house.

• After Paul came to Corinth, the first people he met and joined in their work were Aquila and his wife Priscilla, tentmakers

like him. • Aquila was from Pontus, a province in Asia Minor, now in

northern Turkey. • But Aquila and Priscilla had moved to Rome some time past.

Now they were in Corinth in enforced exile because the Emperor Claudius had driven all Jews out of Rome.

• This exile will not last long because in the 16th chapter of Romans we learn they are back in Rome and have a church

in their house.

Suetonius, Claudius, 25:4 Claudius “expelled the Jews from Rome because they were indulging in constant riots at the instigation of Chrestus.”“Chrestus” could be an alternative spelling for “Christus”

• “If others have this right of support from you, shouldn't we have it all the more? . . .

• 14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

• 15 But I have not used any of these rights. . .” - 1Cor 9:13-15 (NIV)

v3 Is it OK to pay full time workers?

“Tent-making” = a valid and often preferred approach to ministry financing

-because it requires no church funds, it should be the norm for all Christians

-- When the church needs certain people full or part time, they ought to be paid a reasonable wage

- Although paying selected Christian workers is biblical, this should - Although paying selected Christian workers is biblical, this should never be a means of personal enrichmentnever be a means of personal enrichment

- Accounting and handling of funds should be public and beyond - Accounting and handling of funds should be public and beyond reproach II Cor. 8:21reproach II Cor. 8:21

““For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.” the Lord but also in the eyes of men.”

• Paul was proud of the fact that he supported himself and those who traveled with him,

“working with his own hands,” as he put it. All Jewish boys were trained in an occupation.

• In his youth, his parents must have been wealthy enough to send him to Palestine to be taught the Jewish religion by none other than Gamaliel, one of the most famous teachers in

Jewish history.• He must have also attended a Greco-Roman

university to learn the history, culture and classics of Greece and Rome.

• Paul was proud of the fact that he supported himself and those who traveled with him,

“working with his own hands,” as he put it. All Jewish boys were trained in an occupation.

• In his youth, his parents must have been wealthy enough to send him to Palestine to be taught the Jewish religion by none other than Gamaliel, one of the most famous teachers in

Jewish history.• He must have also attended a Greco-Roman

university to learn the history, culture and classics of Greece and Rome.

• Acts 18:5-6

• 5 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself

exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 6 But

when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in

protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my

responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."

• Acts 18:5-6

• 5 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself

exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 6 But

when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in

protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my

responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."

4 And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.

5 But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

The Corinthian MinistryThe Corinthian Ministry

““Tent-making” Tent-making” = a valid and often preferred = a valid and often preferred

approach to ministry financing approach to ministry financing- because it requires no church - because it requires no church funds, it should be the norm funds, it should be the norm

for all Christians for all Christians

• Acts 18:5-6

• 5 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself

exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 6 But

when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in

protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my

responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."

• Acts 18:5-6

• 5 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself

exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 6 But

when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in

protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my

responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."

• He had been making tents all week and going to the synagogue every Sabbath Day to reason with the

Jews.• But when Silas and Timothy joined him he quit making tents and worked full time to make disciples

for Jesus.• As usual, the Jewish leaders feared that Paul would

take away their followers, so they began to abuse Paul and oppose his teaching.

• He had gone first to Jews as Jesus commanded. They rejected the message so he went to the

Gentiles.

• He had been making tents all week and going to the synagogue every Sabbath Day to reason with the

Jews.• But when Silas and Timothy joined him he quit making tents and worked full time to make disciples

for Jesus.• As usual, the Jewish leaders feared that Paul would

take away their followers, so they began to abuse Paul and oppose his teaching.

• He had gone first to Jews as Jesus commanded. They rejected the message so he went to the

Gentiles.

• “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the

power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the

Jew first, and also to the Greek.”-Romans 1:16 (KJV)

Would Paul ever go to the Jews again?

• “When I say to the wicked, `O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak out to dissuade

him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 9 But if you do warn the wicked man . . . you will

be saved yourself” - Ezekiel 33:8-9 (NIV)

Why would Paul be willing to reach out to the Gentiles?

“14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave

that home or town.” Matt 10:14 (NIV)

• Acts 18:7-8• 7 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next

door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. 8 Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and

were baptized. • This sounds as if the small congregation Paul

created through the gospel met in the house of Justus who lived next door to the synagogue.

• Acts 18:7-8• 7 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next

door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. 8 Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and

were baptized. • This sounds as if the small congregation Paul

created through the gospel met in the house of Justus who lived next door to the synagogue.

Church of Paul in Corinth

• Each Jewish synagogue had a ruler or president who assigned duties for the synagogue service. Crispus was that man in this synagogue. He and

his family became Christians and moved next door to worship with the new church.

• Many other Corinthians, possibly including some members of the synagogue, but others as well,

were baptized.• From inferences in 1 Corinthians 11, I think it was

not long before the church left Justus’ house and had its own meeting place.

• Each Jewish synagogue had a ruler or president who assigned duties for the synagogue service. Crispus was that man in this synagogue. He and

his family became Christians and moved next door to worship with the new church.

• Many other Corinthians, possibly including some members of the synagogue, but others as well,

were baptized.• From inferences in 1 Corinthians 11, I think it was

not long before the church left Justus’ house and had its own meeting place.

Synagogue Lintel, Corinth, Greece

• As in every case of conversion in the Book of Acts, the converts were baptized in water for the

forgiveness of sins. If a person reads through the cases he will find that baptism is the one thing that is always mentioned (See the chart of Conversions in

Acts 2:38;).• The theory that in Acts there is a transition between

salvation by works and salvation by faith alone is untenable. Baptism is simply the obedience of faith

and not a work to earn salvation (Romans 6:17).

• As in every case of conversion in the Book of Acts, the converts were baptized in water for the

forgiveness of sins. If a person reads through the cases he will find that baptism is the one thing that is always mentioned (See the chart of Conversions in

Acts 2:38;).• The theory that in Acts there is a transition between

salvation by works and salvation by faith alone is untenable. Baptism is simply the obedience of faith

and not a work to earn salvation (Romans 6:17).

• Acts 18:9-11• 9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a

vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with

you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." 11 So Paul stayed for a year and

a half, teaching them the word of God. • What a wonderful assurance this must

have been to Paul! Thus he could stay without fear until his work was

accomplished in this place, a year and a half.

• Acts 18:9-11• 9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a

vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with

you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." 11 So Paul stayed for a year and

a half, teaching them the word of God. • What a wonderful assurance this must

have been to Paul! Thus he could stay without fear until his work was

accomplished in this place, a year and a half.

• “I have many people in this city.” “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19). God, Who knows the heart, knows who will respond to the

gospel and who will not.• The value of knowing the gospel, beyond the

forgiveness of sins that the sincere seeker for truth may already have, is a more complete knowledge of

God. • It is to know His promises and blessings, a way of

life that is elevated above superstition and anxiety and the fellowship of a wonderful group of people,

the church.

• “I have many people in this city.” “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19). God, Who knows the heart, knows who will respond to the

gospel and who will not.• The value of knowing the gospel, beyond the

forgiveness of sins that the sincere seeker for truth may already have, is a more complete knowledge of

God. • It is to know His promises and blessings, a way of

life that is elevated above superstition and anxiety and the fellowship of a wonderful group of people,

the church.

• Acts 18:12-13• 12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him into court. 13 "This man," they charged, "is persuading the people to worship God in ways

contrary to the law." • As usual, after a time, the unbelieving Jewish

leaders make their false accusations against Paul, this time in a Roman court. The Roman courts, as a matter of policy, will not decide

religious disputes.

• Acts 18:12-13• 12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him into court. 13 "This man," they charged, "is persuading the people to worship God in ways

contrary to the law." • As usual, after a time, the unbelieving Jewish

leaders make their false accusations against Paul, this time in a Roman court. The Roman courts, as a matter of policy, will not decide

religious disputes.

Bema (Judgment Seat) at Corinth

• Acts 18:14-15• 14 Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said

to the Jews, "If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to

you. 15 But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law-settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such

things.“• Gallio refused to hear the case since it did not

concern Roman law or involve monetary damages or physical harm.

• Acts 18:14-15• 14 Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said

to the Jews, "If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to

you. 15 But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law-settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such

things.“• Gallio refused to hear the case since it did not

concern Roman law or involve monetary damages or physical harm.

Inscription in Delphi mentioning Gallio as Proconsul of Achaia

• Acts 18:16-17

• 16 So he had them ejected from the court. 17 Then they all turned

on Sosthenes the synagogue ruler and

beat him in front of the court. But Gallio

showed no concern whatever.

• Acts 18:16-17

• 16 So he had them ejected from the court. 17 Then they all turned

on Sosthenes the synagogue ruler and

beat him in front of the court. But Gallio

showed no concern whatever.

Rom. 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

• Evidently Sosthenes had become the ruler of the synagogue after Crispus left. He had talked these Jews into bringing these charges against Paul in this venue. Now they were angry with

him and took out their rage on him.

• I think he learned not to make promises he couldn’t keep and build up expectations that

might not be realized.

• I’ll bet the Jews left Paul alone after that.

• Evidently Sosthenes had become the ruler of the synagogue after Crispus left. He had talked these Jews into bringing these charges against Paul in this venue. Now they were angry with

him and took out their rage on him.

• I think he learned not to make promises he couldn’t keep and build up expectations that

might not be realized.

• I’ll bet the Jews left Paul alone after that.

Man named Sosthenes becomes a Christian but he was not the same

man!

• “Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2

To the church of God in Corinth. . . “ - 1Cor 1:1-2 (NIV)

• Acts 18:18-19• 18 Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then

he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he

sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken.

• After a year and a half in Corinth Paul wants to return to Antioch and report to the church that

had sent him out. Priscilla and Aquila travel with him as far as Ephesus.

• Acts 18:18-19• 18 Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then

he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he

sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken.

• After a year and a half in Corinth Paul wants to return to Antioch and report to the church that

had sent him out. Priscilla and Aquila travel with him as far as Ephesus.

Ruins at Cenchrea

Paul’s Vow. Paul might have bound himself with a temporary Nazirite vow at Corinth or even at Antioch before he left on this journey. When he left Corinth,

his vow was fulfilled. My belief is that his vow involved overcoming his fear about staying in Corinth

and speaking out to preach the gospel there.

Paul’s Vow. Paul might have bound himself with a temporary Nazirite vow at Corinth or even at Antioch before he left on this journey. When he left Corinth,

his vow was fulfilled. My belief is that his vow involved overcoming his fear about staying in Corinth

and speaking out to preach the gospel there.

• The hair he had allowed to grow during the period of his vow at Corinth he cut at

Cenchrea, the seaport of Corinth, where he embarked for Asia.

• He carried the hair to Jerusalem to be burned on the altar before God as a

testimony that he had fulfilled his vow.

• The hair he had allowed to grow during the period of his vow at Corinth he cut at

Cenchrea, the seaport of Corinth, where he embarked for Asia.

• He carried the hair to Jerusalem to be burned on the altar before God as a

testimony that he had fulfilled his vow.

• See also Acts 21:24 (NIV) “Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their

expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved.” -

• For information about the Nazirite and the Nazirite vow, see Numbers 6.

• Cenchrea was the seaport for Corinth. A church was later established there and Phoebe was one called a deacon (Romans 16:1 RSV). The Greek word transliterated “deacon,” unlike most Greek

nouns is gender neutral.

• For information about the Nazirite and the Nazirite vow, see Numbers 6.

• Cenchrea was the seaport for Corinth. A church was later established there and Phoebe was one called a deacon (Romans 16:1 RSV). The Greek word transliterated “deacon,” unlike most Greek

nouns is gender neutral.

• In the early church, widows who met the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:11 (“The women

likewise must be…” RSV and 1 Timothy 5:9-12: “let a widow be enrolled…”) served the church

doing “woman’s work:” hospitality, teaching women and children and taking care of widows

and orphans.

• These congregations didn’t need special orphans’ homes.

• In the early church, widows who met the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:11 (“The women

likewise must be…” RSV and 1 Timothy 5:9-12: “let a widow be enrolled…”) served the church

doing “woman’s work:” hospitality, teaching women and children and taking care of widows

and orphans.

• These congregations didn’t need special orphans’ homes.

Acts 18:18-22• 19 They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and

Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to spend more

time with them, he declined. 21 But as he left, he promised, "I will come back if it is God's will." Then he set

sail from Ephesus. 22 When he landed ata Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church and then went down to

Antioch.

Acts 18:18-22• 19 They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and

Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to spend more

time with them, he declined. 21 But as he left, he promised, "I will come back if it is God's will." Then he set

sail from Ephesus. 22 When he landed ata Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church and then went down to

Antioch.

Ephesus – Ancient Pier

Sand.The Latinword for

sand is “arena.”<<<<<<<<

• Ephesus was the chief city in the Roman province of Asia, the province that contained the seven

churches of Revelation. There were at least ten churches in this province at the time Revelation

was written. But seven is a symbolic number that represents the universal church. That is why that

number was used.• Paul leaves his tentmaker friends in Ephesus with

his promise to return if God permits.

• Ephesus was the chief city in the Roman province of Asia, the province that contained the seven

churches of Revelation. There were at least ten churches in this province at the time Revelation

was written. But seven is a symbolic number that represents the universal church. That is why that

number was used.• Paul leaves his tentmaker friends in Ephesus with

his promise to return if God permits.

v21;

James 4:13-16 says that we should speak of the future in the terms "if it is God's will".

Why don't we hear this phrase more often?

• From Ephesus he sails to Palestine, landing at Caesarea. Then he goes up to Jerusalem, visits

the church there, then goes down to Antioch.• Acts 18:23

• 23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia,

strengthening all the disciples. • After a while Paul leaves Antioch and visits and

encourages the churches of Asia Minor on his way to Ephesus.

• From Ephesus he sails to Palestine, landing at Caesarea. Then he goes up to Jerusalem, visits

the church there, then goes down to Antioch.• Acts 18:23

• 23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia,

strengthening all the disciples. • After a while Paul leaves Antioch and visits and

encourages the churches of Asia Minor on his way to Ephesus.

• Acts 18:24-26• 24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of

Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the

Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak

boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home

and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

• Acts 18:24-26• 24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of

Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the

Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak

boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home

and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

APompey’s Pillar – Ancient Alexandria, Egypt

Appollos1)An eloquent man

2)Mighty in the Scriptures

3) Instructed in the way of the Lord

4)Fervent in spirit

5)Spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord

6)Except he knew only the baptism of John (the Immerser).

v24 It would be good if we could be described in similar terms

today,

Why don't more people have a thorough knowledge of the

scriptures today?

What can we do to improve on this?

“Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.”- 1Tim

5:20 (NIV)

Can we learn from them today?

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Col 4:6

“. speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head,

that is, Christ.” - Ephesians 4:15;

Why didn't they oppose him in the Synagogue as described in 1Tim 5:20?

• Apollos became one of the great teachers of the churches of Ephesus, Corinth and many others.

He knew some things about Jesus but lacked some important information about His teachings. He knew about the baptism of John but not the

baptism in the name of Jesus.• John had taught that his baptism was for a limited

time, ending with the death and resurrection of Jesus. It was to prepare the Jews for their coming

Messiah. • Christian baptism is a reenactment of the death,

burial and resurrection of Christ.

• Apollos became one of the great teachers of the churches of Ephesus, Corinth and many others.

He knew some things about Jesus but lacked some important information about His teachings. He knew about the baptism of John but not the

baptism in the name of Jesus.• John had taught that his baptism was for a limited

time, ending with the death and resurrection of Jesus. It was to prepare the Jews for their coming

Messiah. • Christian baptism is a reenactment of the death,

burial and resurrection of Christ.

Christian baptism is to put the alien sinner into the Body of Christ, to bring God’s forgiveness of sins to him and to enable him to receive the indwelling

of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism into Christ in N.T. times even enabled the new disciple to receive the miraculous gifts of the

Spirit if an Apostle laid his hands on him.

Many things like this Apollos did not know so Priscilla and her husband took him aside and

“taught him the way of the Lord more adequately” or completely.

Christian baptism is to put the alien sinner into the Body of Christ, to bring God’s forgiveness of sins to him and to enable him to receive the indwelling

of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism into Christ in N.T. times even enabled the new disciple to receive the miraculous gifts of the

Spirit if an Apostle laid his hands on him.

Many things like this Apollos did not know so Priscilla and her husband took him aside and

“taught him the way of the Lord more adequately” or completely.

• Acts 18:27-28• 27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia [Corinth], the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him.

On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving

from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. • Apollos was from Alexandria, Egypt, that from

the time of Alexander the Great was a seat of Jewish learning famous throughout the world.

• Acts 18:27-28• 27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia [Corinth], the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him.

On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving

from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. • Apollos was from Alexandria, Egypt, that from

the time of Alexander the Great was a seat of Jewish learning famous throughout the world.

Excavations at Alexandria

What we know about Acquila and Priscilla is found in =

What we know about Apollos is found in =

Romans 16:3-4;

1 Cor 16:19

2 Tim 4:19

1Cor 1:12 “What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow

Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ." 13 Is Christ

divided? . . . “

ConclusionConclusion

• Paul has completed his second missionary journey. He has returned to the church at Antioch whence he had left on both of his missionary journeys. He has established

many churches in Asia and in Europe. He has made many good friends.

• But after a while he gets restless to return and visit the churches and his friends in them.

• In our next chapter he will leave for Ephesus.

• Paul has completed his second missionary journey. He has returned to the church at Antioch whence he had left on both of his missionary journeys. He has established

many churches in Asia and in Europe. He has made many good friends.

• But after a while he gets restless to return and visit the churches and his friends in them.

• In our next chapter he will leave for Ephesus.

• Ephesus will become the next center for missionary work among the Gentiles. It was traditionally the last residence of

John the Apostle and Mary the mother of Jesus whose care had been entrusted to

John.

• John’s tomb and a small stone house said to be the home of Jesus’ mother are at

Ephesus.

• Ephesus will become the next center for missionary work among the Gentiles. It was traditionally the last residence of

John the Apostle and Mary the mother of Jesus whose care had been entrusted to

John.

• John’s tomb and a small stone house said to be the home of Jesus’ mother are at

Ephesus.

Street in Ancient Ephesus (excavated)

Foreknowledge and PredestinationForeknowledge and Predestination

by Ellis Jones

Known to God are all His works,

From eternity past.[1]

He’s with each generation,

From the first to the last.[2]•

[1] Acts 15:18• [2] Isaiah 41:4

by Ellis Jones

Known to God are all His works,

From eternity past.[1]

He’s with each generation,

From the first to the last.[2]•

[1] Acts 15:18• [2] Isaiah 41:4

Images are from the Hubble Space Telescope

The end from the beginning,

In omniscience, He knows,[1]

The end from the beginning,

In omniscience, He knows,[1]

And how to saveHis children,

While destroying His foes.[2]

[1] Isaiah 46:10[2] 2 Peter 2:9

He chose the saved in Jesus,

Before the world was made.[1]

Even before creation,

Redemption’s plan was laid.[2]

•[1] Ephesians 1:4

• [2] Acts 2:23

He chose the saved in Jesus,

Before the world was made.[1]

Even before creation,

Redemption’s plan was laid.[2]

•[1] Ephesians 1:4

• [2] Acts 2:23

All names were in His Book,

And were there from the start.[1]

But your name can be removed

If sin corrupts your heart.[2]

•[1] Revelation 17:8

• [2] Exodus 32:33

All names were in His Book,

And were there from the start.[1]

But your name can be removed

If sin corrupts your heart.[2]

•[1] Revelation 17:8

• [2] Exodus 32:33

He predestines and predictsThe things that serve His plan.[1]

He brought all things togetherTo center in One Man.[2]

•[1] Ephesians 3:9-11

• [2] Ephesians 2:21 & 22

He predestines and predictsThe things that serve His plan.[1]

He brought all things togetherTo center in One Man.[2]

•[1] Ephesians 3:9-11

• [2] Ephesians 2:21 & 22

Sacrificed before the world

And time and space began,

That Lamb of God was Jesus;

He executes God’s plan.[1]•

[1] Revelation 13:8

Sacrificed before the world

And time and space began,

That Lamb of God was Jesus;

He executes God’s plan.[1]•

[1] Revelation 13:8

In the rectangle is a “blowup” of a distant object.

God knows who are His own,

Who will obey or won’t-

All those who honor Him

And all those who don’t.[1]

•[1] 2 Timothy 2:19

God knows who are His own,

Who will obey or won’t-

All those who honor Him

And all those who don’t.[1]

•[1] 2 Timothy 2:19

But all men have a choice.

He knows what choice you’ll make.

Before you start your journey

He knows what road you’ll take.

But all men have a choice.

He knows what choice you’ll make.

Before you start your journey

He knows what road you’ll take.