Acts
The Holy Spirit Led Apostles
Outreach in Corinth
May 5, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 18:1–17
The Acts of the Apostles The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth Acts 13:1-28:31 (28) Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) (13) IV. The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth (13:1-28:31) A. Paul and Barnabas’ First Missionary Journey (13:1-14:28) B. The Jerusalem Council: Gentile Salvation (15:1-35) C. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) 8. The Outreach in Corinth (18:1-22) The Importance of the Books of Corinthians ● 1.8% of the Entire Bible ● 8% of the New Testament ● 34 % of Paul’s Writings Extensive Discussions ● Church Discipline (5) ● The Gospel (15) ● Christian Marriage (7) ● Christian Liberty (8-10) ● Spiritual Gifts and Tongues (12-14) ● Christian Love (13) ● Christian Ministry (2 Cor.) ● The Resurrection (15) ● Grace giving (2 Cor. 8-9) a. Paul Introduced the Gospel to Corinth (18:1-4) 1) Paul Journeyed to Corinth (18:1) 2) Paul Settled in Corinth (18:2-3) a) He Meets Aquila and Priscilla (18:2) b) He Connects with Aquila and Priscilla (18:3) 3) Paul’s Initial Ministry in Corinth (18:4) ● reasoning disputing, discussing, demonstrating, persuading b. Paul Intensified His Ministry in Corinth (18:5-11) 1) An Intensification (18:5) a) Its Enablement (18:5a) b) Its Nature (18:5b) ● devoting hold together, enclose, oppress, absorbed in 2) An Immediate Result (18:6) 3) A Separation and Accommodation (18:7) 4) A Significant Conversion (18:8) a) The Salvation of Crispus (18:8a) b) The Result of Crispus’ Conversion (18:8b) 5) A Reassurance from Christ (18:9-10) a) Paul’s Disposition (18:9b) b) Paul’s Responsibility (18:9c) c) Paul’s Assurance (18:10) (1) Of Physical Protection (18:10a-c) (2) Of Ministerial Success/Consequence (18:10d) 6) An Extended Stay (18:11) The Roman historian, Dio: “As for the Jews, who had again increased so greatly that by reason of their multitude it would have been hard without raising a tumult to bar them from the city, he did not drive them out, but ordered them, while continuing their traditional mode of life, not to hold meetings.” Brill: “Suetonius reports that Claudius expelled Jews from Rome because of regular disturbances instigated by one ‘Chrestus’ (Suet. Claud. 25.4). “The sheer volume of business and trade handled at Corinth becomes less surprising when we recall that a merchant would require goods and services not only for himself but often for those who had served as crew for his ship and other attendants. Rooms would be rented, taverns frequented, and the services of shops, entertainers, lawyers, laborers, dockers, warehousemen, leather workers, tentmakers, wagon repairers, pottery manufactures, banders, and presumably prostitutes would be in high demand.”
Sharing the Gospel
April 28, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 17:22–24
The Acts of the Apostles The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth Acts 13:1-28:31 (27) Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) (12) Sharing the Gospel ! A Fear ! A Pattern ! An Example 7. The Outreach in Athens (17:16-34) a. Christ against the Philosophies of Men (17:16-21) b. Christ through the Philosophies of Men (17:22-31) 1) Paul Connected with Them (17:22-23b) 2) Paul Stated His Intention (17:23c) 3) Paul Exposed Their Sin (17:24-29) 4) Paul Introduced Christ (17:30-31) a) He Called for Immediate Repentance (17:30) (1) The Need for Repentance (17:30a) ! overlooked look over; to disdain; to disregard (2) The Call for Repentance (17:30b) ! declaring to command b) He Warned of Impending Judgement (17:31) (1) The Judgement (17:31a) (a) Its Surety (17:31a1-13 ) ! fixed to stand; to be placed, set up; to establish ! judge to decide; to evaluate (b) Its Standard (17:31a14-15 ) ! righteousness to live by a standard (2) The Judge (17:31b-c) (a) His Status (17:31b) ! appointed to limit; to designate or declare (b) His Qualifications (17:31c) ! proof faith, trustworthy, faithful c. Christ over the Philosophies of Men (17:32-34) 1) The Rejection (17:32) 2) The Acceptance (17:33-34)
Challenges in Evangelizing the Lost
April 21, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 17:16–34
The Acts of the Apostles The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth Acts 13:1-28:31 (26) Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) (11) Challenges in Evangelizing the Lost 7. The Outreach in Athens (17:16-34) a. Christ against the Philosophies of Men (17:16-21) 1) Paul’s Problem (17:16) 2) Paul’s Response (17:17) 3) The City’s Reaction (17:18-21) a) Confusion (17:18) b) Request (17:19) c) Anticipation (17:20-21) b. Christ through the Philosophies of Men (17:22-31) ● Design mandates a designer, the universe evidences design, therefore the universe must possesses a grand designer, in the same way that a watch must mandate a watchmaker. 1) Paul Connected with Them (17:22-23b) ● religious too superstitious, extremely pious ● examining careful observation, connected with the concept of a serious consideration ● unknown (agnostos) existing, but unknowable 2) Paul Stated His Intention (17:23c) 3) Paul Exposed Their Sin (17:24-29) a) The Self-Existent Creator (17:24-25) (1) God, the Creator (17:24) (2) God, the Self-Existent (Aseity) one (17:25) ● aseity “the quality or state of being self-derived or self-originated, specifically: the absolute self-sufficiency, independence, and autonomy of God.” b) The Lord of Mankind (17:26-28) (1) Ordered Man’s Existence (17:26) (2) Drew Man’s Attention (17:27-28) (a) Man’s Seeking of God is Intended (17:27a) (b) Man’s Seeking of God is Ineffectual (17:27b) ● grope to feel, touch, handle
The Outreach in Athens
March 17, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 17:16–34
The Acts of the Apostles The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth Acts 13:1-28:31 (25) Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) (10) The Background of Athens ! Exhibit #1 ! Exhibit #2 C. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) 1. The Separation of Paul and Barnabas (15:36-41) 2. The Formation of Paul’s Missions Team (16:1-4) 3. The Call to Macedonia (16:6-10) 4. The Outreach in Philippi (16:11-40) 5. The Outreach in Thessalonica (17:1-9) 6. The Outreach in Berea (17:10-15) 7. The Outreach in Athens (17:16-34) ! In the World Not of It – Wheat & Tares (Mt. 13) ! In the World Not of It – Immoral Persons (1 Cor. 5) ! In the World Not of It – Discernment (1 Jn. 4) a. Christ against the Philosophies of Men (17:16-21) 1) Paul’s Problem (17:16) ! provoked urged on, stimulated, irritated, aroused to anger 2) Paul’s Response (17:17) 3) The City’s Reaction (17:18-21) a) Confusion (17:18) (1) Paul’s Opponents (17:18a) ! Exhibit #3 ! Exhibit #4 ! conversing throw together, discussing, considering, debating, disputing (2) Paul’s Depiction (17:18b-c) ! idle babbler a seed picker (spermologos) ! deities god, demon, demigod (daimon) b) Request (17:19) c) Anticipation (17:20-21)
The Christian’s DNA
March 10, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 17:10–15
The Acts of the Apostles The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth Acts 13:1-28:31 (24) Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) (9) Teachability – Part of the Christian’s DNA ! Spiritual DNA? ! Teachability " The Spirit Teaches Believers " The Spirit Gives the Gift of Teaching " Christ Gives Teachers to the Church C. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) 1. The Separation of Paul and Barnabas (15:36-41) 2. The Formation of Paul’s Missions Team (16:1-4) 3. The Call to Macedonia (16:6-10) 4. The Outreach in Philippi (16:11-40) 5. The Outreach in Thessalonica (17:1-9) 6. The Outreach in Berea (17:10-15) a. Berea’s Response to the Gospel (17:10-12) 1) The Clandestine Arrival in Berea (17:10a) 2) The Calculated Attendance at the Synagogue (17:10b) 3) The Commendable Attribute of the Bereans (17:11) a) The Attribute: Their Nobility (17:11a) ! noble-minded high born; open-minded b) The Source: Their Response to Scripture (17:11b-d) ! eagerness inclination, zeal, willingness, passion ! examining sift, interrogate, scrutinize, investigate 4) The Comprehensive Acceptance by the Bereans (17:12) b. Thessalonica’s Hindrance of the Gospel (17:13-15) 1) The Attack of the Jews (17:13) 2) The Response of the Church (17:14-15)
The City of Thessalonica
March 3, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 17:1–9
The Acts of the Apostles The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth Acts 13:1-28:31 (23) Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) (8) The City of Thessalonica C. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) 1. The Separation of Paul and Barnabas (15:36-41) 2. The Formation of Paul’s Missions Team (16:1-4) 3. The Call to Macedonia (16:6-10) 4. The Outreach in Philippi (16:11-40) 5. The Outreach in Thessalonica (17:1-9) a. The Ministry Pattern Proved to Be Fruitful (17:1-4) 1) The Missionaries Arrived in Thessalonica (17:1) 2) The Missionaries Presented Christ in the Synagogue (17:2-3) a) The Basis of Their Presentation: The Scriptures (17:2) ! reasoned discuss, argue, investigate, demonstrate b) The Focus of Their Presentation: The Prophet Backdrop (17:3) ! explaining to open ! giving evidence to set before 3) The Missionaries Formed a Fellowship (17:4) ! persuaded to win over, to strive to please ! joined to distribute, to assign b. The Pattern of Opposition Continued (17:5-9) 1) The Opposition (17:5-7) a) Its Source (17:5a-b3 ) ! wicked worthless, bad b) Its Intent (17:5b4 -c) ! uproar instigate a riot c) Its Alternative (17:6a-b) d) Its Complaint (17:6c-7) ! upset disturb, trouble 2) The Impact (17:8-9) a) Civil Unrest (17:8) ! stirred shake together, confusion, disarray, unsettled b) Civil Action (17:9) ! pledge adequate, sufficient, enough; bail, security
The Conversion of the Jailer
February 25, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 16:25–40
The Acts of the Apostles The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth Acts 13:1-28:31 (22) Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) (7) 4. The Outreach in Philippi (16:11-40) a. The Journey to Philippi (16:11-12) b. The Conversion of Lydia (16:13-15) c. The Rescue of the Demoniac (16:16-24) d. The Conversion of the Jailer (16:25-34) 1) Their Jail Stay Disrupted (16:25-30) a) The Disposition of the Missionaries (16:25) b) The Disruption by God (16:26) c) The Distress of the Jailer (16:27-28) d) The Desire of the Jailer (16:29-30) ! rushed leap into, burst upon ! fell down prostrate 2) Their Jailer Converted (16:31-34) a) The Promise of the Gospel (16:31-32) 1) The Essence of the Gospel (16:31) ! Believe incorporates the human: " will trust " mind understanding " emotions assent 2) The Source of the Gospel (16:32) b) The Impact of the Gospel (16:33-34) (1) Christian Piety (16:33a) (2) Christian Baptism (16:33b) (3) Christian Hospitality (16:34a) (4) Christian Joy (16:34b) ! rejoiced supremely jubilant joy, exceedingly enraptured or amplified joy e. The Safeguarding of the Church (16:35-40) 1) They Demanded a Public Recognition of Wrong (16:35-39) a) The Civil Authorities Approve Their Release (16:35-36) ! policemen lictor (bearer of the rod) b) The Missionaries Refuse Their Offer (16:37) c) The Civil Authorities Humbly Requested Their Departure (16:38- 39) 2) They Delayed Their Departure (16:40)
Bondage to Mammon’s Love
February 18, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 16:16–24
The Acts of the Apostles The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth Acts 13:1-28:31 (21) Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) (6) The Response to Our Salvation ● Heaven vs Mankind ● Our Orbit ● The Peculiarity of Acts 16 4. The Outreach in Philippi (16:11-40) a. The Journey to Philippi (16:11-12) b. The Conversion of Lydia (16:13-15) c. The Rescue of the Demoniac (16:16-24) 1) Freedom from Satan’s Bondage (16:16-18) 2) Bondage to Mammon’s Love (16:19-24) a) Unjustly Accused (16:19-21) (1) The Real Cause of the Problem (16:19) (a) The Cause: Financial Loss (16:19a) ● gone to go out, to extinguish ● profit effort, work; trade, business (b) The Reaction: Governmental Appeal (16:19b) ● seized catch, take possession, arrest, trap (2) The Feigned Cause of the Problem (16:20-21) (a) Jewish Agitators (16:20) ● confusion agitate (b) Jewish Soliciting (16:21) ● customs habits b) Unjustly Punished (16:22-24) (1) Publically Beaten (16:22-23a) (2) Severely Imprisoned (16:23b-24)
The Manifestation of Demon Possession
February 4, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 16:16–24
The Acts of the Apostles The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth Acts 13:1-28:31 (20) Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) (5) The Manifestation of Demon Possession Demon Influence vs Demonic Possession ! Demonic Influence: the exploitation of the world and the flesh by satanic forces in order to pressure or seek to shape the behavior of human beings. Some Errors Associated with Angels ! Errors in the Early Church ! Errors in the Modern Church Angels and Demons ! Angels are Person ! Demons are Fallen Angels ! Their Relationship to God ! Their Relationship to Christ ! Their Relationship to the World ! Their Relationship to Believers 4. The Outreach in Philippi (16:11-40) a. The Journey to Philippi (16:11-12) b. The Conversion of Lydia (16:13-15) c. The Rescue of the Demoniac (16:16-24) 1) Freedom from Satan’s Bondage (16:16-18) a) The Demoniac’ Identity (16:16) ! slave-girl maiden, maidservant, female servant or slave ! fortunetelling to divine, to predict b) The Demoniac’s Interference (16:17) ! bond-servants slaves c) The Demon is Cast Out (16:18)
The Outreach in Philippi
January 28, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 16:11–40
The Acts of the Apostles The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth Acts 13:1-28:31 (19) Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) (4) IV. The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth (13:1-28:31) A. Paul’s First Missionary Journey (13:1-14:28) B. The Jerusalem Council: Gentile Salvation (15:1-35) C. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) 1. The Separation of Paul and Barnabas (15:36-41) 2. The Formation of Paul’s Missions Team (16:1-4) 3. The Call to Macedonia (16:6-10) 4. The Outreach in Philippi (16:11-40) a. The Journey to Philippi (16:11-12) b. The Conversion of Lydia (16:13-15) 1) The Place They Met (16:13) 2) The Person She Was (16:14a) a) Her Name (16:14a1-6) b) Her Birthplace (16:14a7-11) c) Her Trade (16:14a12-16) d) Her Religious Disposition (16:14a17-20) e) Her Focus (16:14a21-22) 3) The Way She was Saved (16:14b) ● Divine intervention is necessary for the sinner to embrace the gospel. ● For the gospel to be embrace, the human heart must be opened. ● The gospel must be both agreed with and responded to. ○ respond to devote to, to occupy, to take care to do 4) The Manner She Responded (16:15) a) She Submitted to Christian Baptism (16:15a) ● The Importance of Baptism ● Pado-Baptism vs Credo-Baptism b) She Extended Christian Hospitality (16:15b-d)
The Call to Macedonia
January 21, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 6:6–13
The Acts of the Apostles The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth Acts 13:1-28:31 (18) Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) (3) I. The Prologue (1:1-8) II. The Founding of the Church in Jerusalem (1:9-8:3) III. The Growth and Expansion of the Church in Judea and Samaria (8:4-12:25) IV. The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth (13:1-28:31) A. Paul’s First Missionary Journey (13:1-14:28) B. The Jerusalem Council: Gentile Salvation (15:1-35) C. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) 1. The Separation of Paul and Barnabas (15:36-41) 2. The Formation of Paul’s Missions Team (16:1-4) Progress Report #5 (16:5) 3. The Call to Macedonia (16:6-10) a. The Spirit’s Objection: The Closing of a Door (16:6-8) 1) Hindered from Ministering in Asia (16:6) ● forbidden to cause something not to happen 2) Hindered from Ministering Bithynia (16:7) 3) Stuck in Troas (16:8) ● The Guidance of the Holy Spirit (Excursus 1) ○ We should make plans and realize that God’s sovereign will, will take precedence over them. ○ Where the Bible has spoken, we are obligated to follow Holy Scripture not our feelings, experiences, or impressions. ○ Trying to read into or interpret spiritual significance from one’s experiences or circumstances is referred to in the Bible as divination and is akin to witchcraft. ○ The Bible does not identify either “fleeces” or the “peace of God” as a means by which a believer can determine God’s will. ○ Believers are only obligated to obey what the Bible prescribes/commands and to apply its principles to their lives, outside of that, they are free to makes decisions based on their desires. b. The Spirit’s Guidance: The Opening of a Door (16:9-10) ● The Guidance of the Holy Spirit (Excursus 2) ○ The preventing of the believer’s plans from coming to fruition should not necessarily be understood as every facet of the plan being rejected by God. Rework the plan or come up with a new one and keep moving forward. ○ Getting frustrated with God’s sovereign providence is not only a losing battle, but it incorrectly concludes that one knows the sovereign plan of God, which they do not. ○ When living within the boundaries of Holy Scripture, learn to rest in the sovereign intentions of the Lord. 4. The Outreach in Philippi (16:11-40) a. The Journey to Philippi (16:11-12) 1) The Journey (16:11) 2) The City (16:12)
Progress Report #5
January 14, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 16:1–5
The Acts of the Apostles The Growth and Expansion of the Church in Jerusalem Progress Report #5 (16:5) ● Spiritual Stability (16:5a) ○ strengthened make stiff, firm, or strong ● Numerical Growth (16:5b) I. The Prologue (1:1-8) II. The Founding of the Church in Jerusalem (1:9-8:3) III. The Growth and Expansion of the Church in Judea and Samaria (8:4-12:25) IV. The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth (13:1-28:31) A. Paul’s First Missionary Journey (13:1-14:28) 1. The Call to Missions (13:1-3) 2. The Outreach in Cyprus (13:4-12) 3. The Outreach in Pisidian Antioch (13:13-52) 4. The Outreach in Iconium (14:1-7) 5. The Outreach in Lystra and Derbe (14:8-21b) 6. The Mission Trip concluded (14:21c-28) B. The Jerusalem Council: Gentile Salvation (15:1-35) 1. The Controversy (15:1-5) 2. The Council Meets and Delineates (15:6-21) 3. The Council Decides and Responds (15:22-29) 4. The Conclusion (15:30-35) C. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) 1. The Separation of Paul and Barnabas (15:36-41) 2. The Formation of Paul’s Missions Team (16:1-4)
The Relationship of Paul and Barnabas
January 7, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 15:1–5
The Acts of the Apostles The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth Acts 13:1-28:31 (16) Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) (1) The Relationship of Paul and Barnabas IV. The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth (13:1-28:31) A. Paul and Barnabas’ First Missionary Journey (13:1-14:28) B. The Jerusalem Council: Gentile Salvation (15:1-35) C. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) 1. The Separation of Paul and Barnabas (15:36-41) a. The Desire (15:36) b. The Disagreement (15:37-39a) ● sharp disagreement incitement or stimulation c. The Decision (15:39b-41) 1) Made by Barnabas (5:39b) 2) Made by Paul (15:40-41) ● committed to commend, hand over, deliver up ● {Map–Second Missionary Journey} 2. The Finalization of Paul’s Missions Team (16:1-4) a. The Discovery of Timothy (16:1-2) ● well spoken of approved, attested b. The Preparation of Timothy (16:3) c. The Continuation of the Mission (16:4) The Lingering Impact of Barnabas
The Safety Net of the Christian Marriage
December 31, 2023 • Roger Skepple • Acts 15:1–5
The Acts of the Apostles The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth Parenthesis: The Safety Net of the Christian Marriage: Problem Resolution IV. The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth (13:1-28:31) A. Paul and Barnabas’ First Missionary Journey (13:1-14:28) B. The Jerusalem Council: Gentile Salvation (15:1-35) 1. The Controversy (15:1-5) 2. The Council Meets and Delineates (15:6-21) 3. The Council Decides and Responds (15:22-29) 4. The Conclusion (15:30-35) ● Direct Vs Indirect Applications of Scriptural Passages ● The Challenges Related to Problem Solving in Relationships ● A Proposed Method to Problem Solving I. The Conflict (15:1-5) II. Stage 1: Information (15:6-7a) ● Includes Both Parties ● Includes an Authoritative Rule ● Includes Full Communication III. Stage 2: Brainstorming and Evaluation (15:6-18) ● Allows for Experience and Includes Scripture ● Avoids Hidden Agendas ● Avoids Disrespectful Interruptions IV. Stage 3: Isolation (15:19-21) ● Includes a Final Decider ● Includes Specific Solution to Specific Problem ● Includes a Clear Objective ● Includes Both Parties’ Concerns ● Includes a Clear Communication and Understanding V. Stage 4: Implementation and Verification (15:22-35) ● Response Executed Immediately ● Enlists the Necessary Assistance ● Maintains the Spirit of the Solution ● Verified through Implementation ● Implemented Completely
The Jerusalem Council's Decision
December 10, 2023 • Roger Skepple • Acts 15:22–35
The Acts of the Apostles The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth Acts 13:1-28:31 (14) The Jerusalem Council: Gentile Salvation (15:1-35) (4) IV. The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth (13:1-28:31) A. Paul and Barnabas’ First Missionary Journey (13:1-14:28) B. The Jerusalem Council: Gentile Salvation (15:1-35) 1. The Controversy (15:1-5) 2. The Council Meets and Delineates (15:6-21) 3. The Council Decides and Responds (15:22-29) a. They Selected Emissaries to Inform Antioch (15:22) ● seemed good suppose, think, opinion b. They Drafted a Letter to Accompany the Emissaries (15:23-29) 1) Salutation (15:23) 2) Body (15:24-27) a) The Disclaimer (15:24) ● instruction to give precise instructions or commands ● disturbed confusion, disarray, unsettled ● unsettling to dismantle b) The Review (15:25-27) ● one mind to bring thoughts or feelings together 3) Conclusion (15:28-29) ● burden oppressive weight, immeasurable weight 4. The Conclusion (15:30-35) a. Antioch is Encouraged in the Truth (15:30-32) b. The Entourage Return to Jerusalem (15:33) c. Paul and Barnabas Continue the Ministry in Antioch (15:35)