September 22, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 20:31–32
The Acts of the Apostles
The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth
Acts 13:1-28:31 (40)
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23-21:16) (11)
(3) In Light of Their Duty (20:28-32)
(a) Their Duty Described (20:28-30)
(b) The Sphere of Their Duty (20:28b1-2)
(c) The Peculiarities of Their Duty (20:28b3-d)
(d) The Dangers Associated with their Duty (20:29-32)
(1) The Nature of the Danger (20:29)
(2) The Origins of the Danger (20:30)
(3) The Response to the Danger (20:31-32)
(a) They Must be Watchful (20:31)
(i) The Call to It (20:31a)
! be alert lay awake, guard, watch; vigilant,
aware
(ii) The Expression of it (20:31b-c)
! admonish to impart understanding; to set right, to lay on the heart; instruction, warn, remind, correct
(b) They Must be Secured (20:32)
(i) In God and His Word (20:32a)
! commended to place before; to entrust
(ii) In Their Salvation (20:32b)
(a) The Power of the Word (20:32b1-3)
! able power; inherent power, capability
(b) The Accomplishment of the Word (20:32b4-19)
(1) Spiritually Constructing Them (20:32b4-7)
! build construct
(2) Spiritually Enriching Them (20:32b8-19)
! give produce, grant
! sanctified consecrate, make
holy, set aside
Preparational sanctification focused upon the work of the Holy Spirit prior to and during the conversion process whereby He makes the sinner ready and able to repent and believe the gospel, so that he might be saved (1 Pet. 1:1-2).
Positional sanctification refers to the new status of the sinner accomplished by the working of the Holy Spirit that has set him apart from the masses of condemned humanity and placed him in an unchangeable standing with and before God, a saint (1 Cor. 1:2; 6:11).
Progressive sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit in conjunction with the believer in which the Spirit perfects the believer’s new status of holiness through the steady reduction of sin’s hold and influence in his life and the steady increase of the manifestation and control of God’s influence in his life, by His various means (Rom. 6:12-22; 2 Cor. 7:1; Phil. 2:12-13; 1 Pet. 1:14-16). Most of us, when we hear of the idea of sanctification, this is the meaning that comes to our minds. Finally, there is prospective sanctification.
Prospective sanctification, the conclusion of the progressive sanctification process, at which time the Christian, having experienced within them the continual conforming work of the image of Christ, will be brought into absolute and perfect conformity to the purity of Jesus Himself (Eph.1:4; 4:13; 1 Thess. 5:23-24; 1 Jn. 3:1-3). We would tie this to glorification.
The Dangers Associated with the Elder's Duty
September 15, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 20:28–30
The Acts of the Apostles
The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth
Acts 13:1-28:31 (39)
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23-21:16) (10)
(3) In Light of Their Duty (20:28-32)
(a) Their Duty Described (20:28-30)
(b) The Sphere of Their Duty (20:28b1-2)
(c) The Peculiarities of Their Duty (20:28b3
-d)
(1) Arranged by the Holy Spirit (20:28b3-8)
(2) Intended for Oversight (20:28b9
)
(3) Intended to Shepherd (20:28c-d)
(d) The Dangers Associated with their Duty (20:29-30)
(1) The Nature of the Danger (20:29)
(a) Its Surety (20:29a1-2)
! know intelligent comprehension; understanding; seeing
clearly
(b) Its Time (20:29a3-6)
(c) Its Source (20:29a7-13
)
(d) Its Intent (20:29b)
(2) The Origins of the Danger (20:30)
(a) From Within the Church (20:30a)
(b) From False Doctrine (20:30b)
! perverse to twist, bind, or steer
! speaking various types of communication
(c) From a Divisive/Factious Intent (20:30c)
! draw away draw out, to attract, to tear away
The Elder's Duty Described
September 8, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 20:17–28
The Acts of the Apostles
The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth
Acts 13:1-28:31 (38)
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23-21:16) (9)
2) Paul’s Farewell to the Elders of Ephesus (20:17-38)
a) Paul Called for the Elders (20:17)
b) Paul Reviewed with the Elders (20:18-24)
c) Paul Admonished the Elder (20:25-35)
(1) In Light of His Departure (20:25)
(2) In Light of His Service/Ministry (20:26-27)
(3) In Light of Their Duty (20:28-32)
(a) Their Duty Described (20:28-30)
(b) The Sphere of Their Duty (20:28b1-2)
(c) The Peculiarities of Their Duty (20:28b3
-d)
(1) Arranged by the Holy Spirit (20:28b3-8)
! The elder, who is also an overseer, is gifted by the
Holy Spirit with the ability to teach.
! The elder, who is also a pastor, is part of the gift
given to the church by Jesus Christ.
(2) Intended for Oversight (20:28b9)
! overseer (episkopos) bishop
(3) Intended to Shepherd (20:28c-d)
(a) The Duty of Shepherding (20:28c)
! shepherd to tend a flock
! Jesus is the Shepherd
! Jesus Appointed Human Shepherds
! pastor (poimenas) shepherd, sheep-
herder
(b) The Context of Shepherding (20:28d)
! An Assembly
" church (ekklesia) assembly
! An Assembly of God
! An Assembly Purchased by God
" purchase preserve, reserve;
acquire, bring about, effect
! Elders are part of the church not simply over the church.
! True biblical preaching is based in instruction.
! There are not levels of ordination.
! Official offices of the church should be limited to biblically identifiable categories.
! Elder, overseer, and pastor are three terms which describe the same person
! The assembly headed up by these individuals is God’s not their’s.
Paul Admonished the Elders
September 1, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 20:17–38
The Acts of the Apostles
The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth
Acts 13:1-28:31 (37)
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23-21:16) (8)
2) Paul’s Farewell to the Elders of Ephesus (20:17-38)
a) Paul Called for the Elders (20:17)
b) Paul Reviewed with the Elders (20:18-24)
(1) His Ministry in Ephesus Recalled (20:18-21)
(2) His Future Plans Reviewed (20:22-24)
c) Paul Admonished the Elder (20:25-35)
(1) In Light of His Departure (20:25)
(2) In Light of His Service/Ministry (20:26-27)
(a) He Ministered Genuinely (20:26)
! innocent clean or pure
(b) He Ministered Biblically (20:27)
(3) In Light of Their Duty (20:28-32)
(a) Their Duty Described (20:28-30)
i) Their Position (20:28)
(a) The Essence of Their Duty (20:28a)
! guard pay attention to, follow, care for,
devote, be occupied
(i) The Elders Themselves (20:28a1-5)
! Godliness
! Modeling
! Instruction
! Guarding
(ii) The Flock Itself (20:28a6-10
)
! Defending the Flock
! Instructing the Flock
! Organizing the Flock
! Training for the Flock
Paul Reviewed with the Elders
August 25, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 20:17–38
The Acts of the Apostles
The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth
Acts 13:1-28:31 (36)
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23-21:16) (7)
5. The Journey to Jerusalem (20:7-21:16)
a. The Layover in Troas (20:7-12)
b. The Layover in Mileus (20:13-38)
1) From Troas to Miletus (20:13-16)
2) Paul’s Farewell to the Elders of Ephesus (20:17-38)
a) Paul Called for the Elders (20:17)
b) Paul Reviewed with the Elders (20:18-24)
(1) His Ministry in Ephesus Recalled (20:18-21)
(a) His Connection to Them (20:18b-d)
(b) His Disposition in Serving Them (20:19)
(c) His Determination in
Teaching (20:20)
● shrink from draw back, retreat
● declaring various type of communication
● profitable helpful, beneficial or advantageous
(d) His Serious Message (20:21)
● solemnly testifying to adjure, earnestly beg, grave, emphatic declaration
(2) His Future Plans Reviewed (20:22-
24)
(a) His Intention (20:22a-b)
(b) His Expectations (20:22c-23)
(c) His Resolve (20:24)
(I) The Focus of His Resolve (20:24a)
● life soul
● dear precious
(ii) The Purpose of His Resolve (20:24b-
c) 2 ● finish completing or
perfecting something
Paul’s Farewell to the Elders of Ephesus
August 18, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 20:17–38
The Acts of the Apostles
The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth
Acts 13:1-28:31 (35)
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23-21:16) (6)
D. Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23-21:16)
1. The Commencement of the Journey (18:23)
2. Parenthesis: Apollos in Ephesus(18:24-28)
3. The Outreach in Ephesus (19:1-20:1)
4. Outreach in Macedonia and Greece (20:2-6)
5. The Journey to Jerusalem (20:7-21:16)
a. The Layover in Troas (20:7-12)
b. The Layover in Miletus (20:13-38)
1) From Troas to Miletus (20:13-16)
2) Paul’s Farewell to the Elders of Ephesus (20:17-38)
a) Paul Called for the Elders (20:17)
b) Paul Reviewed with the Elders (20:18-24)
(1) His Ministry in Ephesus Recalled (20:18-21)
(a) His Connection to Them (20:18b-d)
(b) His Disposition in Serving Them (20:19)
! serving doulos (noun); douleo
(verb)
slave; to slave, to act
as a slave
! humility low, flat, servile,
lowly
The Resurrection of Christ 1 Corinthians 15
The Incarnation of Christ Philippians 2
Spiritual Gifts 1 Corinthians 12
Eldership and Its Importance
! The Immediacy of Eldership
! The Role of Elders (20:28)
! The Duty of Elders (20:28, 30, 35)
! The Danger of Eldership (20:29-30)
1
The Character of Christian Ministry
! The Nature of Christian Ministry (20:19)
! The Emotional Intensity of the Ministry (20:19, 31)
! The Determination of the Ministry (20:20)
! The Scope of the Ministry (20:20, 26, 31)
! The Sphere of the Ministry (20:20, 25)
! The Seriousness of the Ministry (20:21, 31)
! The Message of the Ministry (20:21, 24)
! The Courage of the Ministry (20:22-23)
! The Sacrifice of the Ministry (20:24)
! The Intention of the Ministry (20:24)
! Trustworthiness in Ministry (20:26, 33)
The Nature of the Local Church
! Objects of Instruction (20:18-20, 27)
! Trans-ethnic (20:21)
! The Kingdom (20:25)
! Flock (20:28-29)
! Purchased (20:28)
! Disciples (20:30)
! The Sanctified (20:32)
1) the conversion of lost men
2) those converted lost men faithfully attending the fellowship
3) the Christian character of some of them standing out profoundly in recognizable ways
4) the application of biblical principles to their household being fruitful
5) the gift of teaching being manifested in their lives and apparently in teaching
opportunities of some sort, so they became known.
A Ministry Worth Imitating
August 11, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 20:1–16
The Acts of the Apostles
The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth
Acts 13:1-28:31 (34)
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23-21:16) (5)
A ministry worth imitating
D. Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23-21:16)
1. The Commencement of the Journey (18:23)
2. Parenthesis: Apollos in Ephesus(18:24-28)
3. The Outreach in Ephesus (19:1-20:1)
a. The Consolidation of Previous Ministry (19:1-7)
b. The Forging of New Ministry (19:8-19)
Progress Report #6 (19:20)
c. Parenthesis: Paul’s Future Ministry Plans (19:21-22)
d. The Uprising in Ephesus (19:23-41)
e. The Conclusion of the Ephesian Mission (20:1)
4. Outreach in Macedonia and Greece (20:2-6)
a. His Ministry in Macedonia (20:2)
b. His Ministry in Greece (20:3-4)
c. His Journey to Troas (20:5-6)
5. The Journey to Jerusalem (20:7-21:16)
a. The Layover in Troas (20:7-12)
1) Early Church Worship (20:7-8)
! prolonged to stretch or extend
2) Early Church Challenges: Eutychus (20:9-12)
b. The Layover in Mileus (20:13-38)
1) From Troas to Miletus (20:13-16)
The Uprising in Ephesus
August 4, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 19:21–41
The Acts of the Apostles
The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth
Acts 13:1-28:31 (33)
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23-21:16) (4)
3. The Outreach in Ephesus (19:1-20:1)
a. The Consolidation of Previous Ministry (19:1-7)
b. The Forging of New Ministry (19:8-19)
Progress Report #6 (19:20)
c. Parenthesis: Paul’s Future Ministry Plans (19:21-22)
1) The Plans (19:21)
a) Short-term (Jerusalem) (19:21a-b)
b) Long-term (Rome) (19:21c)
! purposed to place, lay or appoint; to make
2) The Groundwork (19:22)
d. The Uprising in Ephesus (19:23-41)
1) The Summary of It (19:23)
2) The Basis of It (19:24-27)
a) The Instigator of the Discord: Demetrius (19:24)
b) The Fomenting of the Discord (19:25-27)
(1) The Nature of Their Livelihood (19:25)
(2) The Impact of Christianity on Their Livelihood (19:26)
(3) The Impact of Christianity on Their Religion (19:27)
3) The Uprising Itself (19:28-34)
a) The Riot’s Beginnings (19:28-29)
b) Parenthesis: Paul is Restrained from Engaging (19:30-31)
c) The Riot’s Escalation (19:32-34)
4) The Diffusion of It (19:35-41)
a) The Town Clerk Made a Logical Appeal (19:35-36)
b) The Town Clerk Made a Legal Appeal (19:37-39)
c) The Town Clerk Made a Political/Civic Appeal (19:40)
d) The Town Clerk Exercised His Authority (19:41)
“All cities worship Artemis of Ephesus and individuals hold her honor above all the gods. The reason, in my view, is the renown of the Amazons who traditionally dedicated the image, also the extreme antiquity of this sanctuary. Three points as well have contributed to her renown, the size of the temple, surpassing all other buildings among humans, the eminence of the city of the Ephesians and the renown of the goddess who dwells there” (Witherington, pg. 587).
“Asiarchs were the leading men of the province, members of of the noblest and wealthiest local families who among other things were current or former holders of important offices in the league of Asian cities, and more importantly it appears from their ranks was annually elected the high priests of the imperial cult. Their main task was to promote the cult of the emperor and Roma, and secure allegiance to Rome” (Witherington pg. 595)
The Acts of the Apostles
The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth
Acts 13:1-28:31 (31)
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23-21:16) (2)
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)
D. Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23-21:16)
1. The Commencement of the Journey (18:23)
2. Parenthesis: Apollos in Ephesus (18:24-28)
3. The Outreach in Ephesus (19:1-20:1)
a. The Consolidation of Previous Ministry (19:1-7)
● Spiritual Diversity within a Local Church
1) The Previous Ministry (19:1-4)
a) The Encounter (19:1-2)
(1) The Meeting Itself (19:1)
(2) The Result of the Dialogue (19:2)
b) The Explanation (19:3)
c) The Answer (19:4)
2) The Consolidation (19:5-7)
b. The Forging of New Ministry (19:8-20)
1) It was Comprehensive (19:8-10)
a) Its Normal Pattern (19:8-9)
(1)
The Essence of His Ministry (19:8)
● reasoning argue,
dispute; converse
● persuading win
over, strive to please
(2)
The Fallout of the His Ministry
(19:9)
● hardened thicken, become firm or solid, callus
● disobedient unbelief
2
● withdrew desert, abandon
b) Its Extent (19:10)
Outreach in Ephesus
May 26, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 18:23–28
The Acts of the Apostles
The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth
Acts 13:1-28:31 (30)
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23-21:16) (1)
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)
D. Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23-21:16)
Ephesus capital of Asia Minor
both a free city and an assize city
rich economic background
location of the Pan-Ionian Games
the temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the world)
1. The Commencement of the Journey (18:23)
a. The Team (18:23a-b2)
b. The Route (18:23b3-11)
c. The Purpose (18:23c)
! strengthening to make firm
2. Parenthesis: Apollos in Ephesus (18:24-28)
a. The Man (18:24)
1) His Identity (18:24a1-10, 14-16)
2) His Giftedness (18:24a11-13,b)
! eloquent skilled in speech or skilled in
knowledge (educated)
! mighty powerful or strong
b. His Ministry (18:25-26a)
1) Its Foundation (18:25a)
! instructed heard or taught
2) Its Dynamic (18:25b)
3) Its Extent (18:25c)
4) Its Place (18:26a)
c. His Limitations (18:26b-c)
1) Exposed (18:26b)
2) Corrected (18:26c)
! more accurately strict conformity to a norm or standard
d. His Plans (18:27-28)
1) Identified (18:27a)
2) Supported (18:27b-c)
3) Implemented (18:27d-28)
! powerfully to a great extent
! refuted to thoroughly disarm
Paul Prepared to Defend His Ministry in Corinth
May 19, 2024 • Roger Skepple • Acts 18:12–22
The Acts of the Apostles
The Growth and Expansion of the Church to the Ends of the Earth
Acts 13:1-28:31 (29)
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22) (14)
C. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22)
8. The Outreach in Corinth (18:1-22)
a. Paul Introduced the Gospel to Corinth (18:1-4)
b. Paul Intensified His Ministry in Corinth (18:5-11)
c. Paul Prepared to Defend His Ministry in Corinth (18:12-17)
1) A Formal Charge was Made to the Proconsul (18:12-13)
a) The Judge (18:12a)
b) The Plaintiff (18:12b)
c) The Charge (18:13)
! persuades incite, seduce, induce, solicit
2) The Proconsul Refused to Hear the Case (18:14-16)
a) The Reason for the Rejection (18:14)
! put up patient with, endure; accept a
complaint
b) The Rejection of the Case (18:15-16)
! questions disputes, disagreements
! drove away to move with force
3) The Jews’ Reaction (18:17a-b)
4) The Proconsul’s Reaction (18:17c)
d. Paul Concluded His Corinthian Ministry (18:18-22)
1) Wrap Up in Corinth (18:18)
a) The Time of His Travel (18:18a-b)
b) His Traveling Companions (18:18c)
c) His Spiritual Condition (18:18d-e)
2) Layover in Ephesus (18:19-21)
a) Their Arrival In Ephesus (18:19a-b)
b) Paul’s Brief Ministry in Ephesus (18:19c-21)
(1) Its Nature (18:19c-d)
(2) Its Impact (18:20-21)
3) Arrival in Antioch (18:22)
Gallio Junius Gallio
5 BC to AD 65
Proconsul of Achaea in AD 51
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
