Next Steps

Paul and his followers begin ministry out of the school of Tyrannus. The seven sons of Sceva are emboldened to conduct exorcisms. Eliezer sinks deeper into the use of sorcery to get rid of Paul.

Acts 19:9-10, Joel 2:28-32; Jeremiah 31:31-34

…

“Don’t you dare drop it.” Harim yells out to a younger brother who struggles to keep the heavy sack in balance over his head. “Or you will be here all day picking up every last grain.”

“Instead of antagonizing him.” Yedaiah yells back. “Why don’t you help him, Harim? We all got to get these to market before the heat comes.”

The seven brothers labor to keep the bags of grain from falling off the rickety mule led cart. 

“Stupid cart.” Harim lashes out. “I can’t believe it hasn’t just collapsed right here on the road.”

“At least we have a cart.” Yedaiah counters. “Could you imagine actually carrying all of these into town?”

“When I get older.” A younger brother offers. “I’m going to own all of this land.”

“Really?” Harim cautions. “You think you’ll be rich enough to own this? Where will you get said riches.”

Ignoring the question, the younger brother continues with his fantasy. “Yeah, and you guys will be working for me. I’ll lease my land out to you at a premium rate.”

“Oh that’s generous of you.” Yedaiah retorts.

“Father was right, my brothers.” Immer interrupts. “We shouldn’t be practicing in the safety of our home. We need to be doing this for real… out here.”

Intently looking at his brothers as the cart lumbers through a rutted path, Immer receives their nods of agreement.

Harim interjects, “Hey, you know that guy who has been preaching at synagogue?”

“That guy… you mean Paul from Syria? We’ve all heard him.” Another brother states the obvious. “What of it?”

Yet another brother points out, “I don’t know. I liked the other teacher.”

Harim nods. “Apollos from Alexandria… Now he was amazing. A brilliant rhetorician. Nobody has ever taught like him. Not in Ephesus anyway.”

The grooved road mercilessly submits to the rigid pavers where a large bump has fashioned itself over time. Harim yells out. “Let’s start pushing guys. Watch the left side. We don’t want to go that way and get stuck in that hole.” 

Used to the routine, the brothers guide the mule and the cart to the right of the eroded path and safely upon the paved road.

Looking over at Yedaiah who has suddenly become introspective, Immir shoves him in the shoulder and asks. “What’s up with you?”

Yedaiah suddenly comes to attention and says, “Sorry, just was thinking about something.”

Harim cajoles. “What… you can think?”

Yedaiah smirks and replies. “Shut up.” Satisfied by this, he continues. “Do you think Paul was right?”

Surprised by the question, Immer nods for Yedaiah to continue. “What do you mean?” He asks.

“I mean…” Yedaiah goes on. “We were there when we heard those guys speaking in foreign languages…”

Another brother weighs in. “Yeah, I had no idea that Hermogenes and the other guy… what was his name? …knew that other dialect.”

“Phygelus.” Yedaiah replies. “I’m not sure that they did.”

Harim jumps in and asks. “What, are you saying, crazy? That he just made up a bunch of gibberish there on the spot?”

“No.” Yedaiah shakes his head. “If he was making it up, then why were some of those in the crowd so astonished? More importantly, why were they scared?”

“Because they thought Hermogenes was crazy too.” Harim chorts.

“No way.” Immer says. “Yedaiah’s right. They were freaked because some of them heard and understood what he was saying.”

Yedaiah waves his arms and says, “Hold on guys. All I’m saying is that what we saw was an act of God. What we witnessed was God’s hands on this guy Paul?”

“So what?” Harim replies. “What does that have to do with us?”

“It means.” Immer follows. “Think about it, you nitwit, if God’s hand is on Paul, then doesn’t that tell us he’s right?”

A newly sullen Harim grows defensive. “Right about what?”

“Right about Messiah’s coming. Right about God raising that man from Nazareth from the dead.” Immer responds. “Right about the Spirit of God coming upon us as the prophet Joel promised. It’s like he is able to speak with the command of God.”

Yedaiah thinks out loud. “If Paul harnesses the power of God, shouldn’t we call on that power as well? Doesn’t it make sense that we tap into the power of Jesus that Paul is talking about?”

Immir nods while holding up his father’s ring. “Think about it guys… We know there is power in this ring. We also know there is power in a lot of things we have available to us… but Yedaiah is right. We saw it with our own eyes that this Jesus that Paul is proclaiming is the all powerful one. We need to call on him.”

The others nod with some hesitation back at their brother.

“Great!” Immer follows. “Where should we start?”

Yedaiah shrugs and offers, “There are a lot of pagans out there plagued with demons. We wouldn’t have to walk far in the streets of Ephesus to see how we can help.”

“What interest do we have in the Gentiles?” Harim contends. “They are not our people.”

Immer nods, “He’s right.” He says. “We’re not here for the Gentiles that only want to destroy us.” He thinks for a while longer and then offers, “There are a lot of Jews right here in Ephesus that are overwhelmed by them. I say we start there.”

…

The apartment door slowly creaks open, revealing a sliver of utter darkness from the room behind it. Like a prisoner from its cell, any trace of light flees in desperation from the dank, blackened room. 

“Eliezer.” The raspy voice says dismissively. “I’ve done what was needed. Why have you returned?”

“I’m here…” Eliezer gulps with difficulty while trying to keep a straight face. “…to see that you have carried out that which was promised.”

“And what of the evangelist?” The man replies.

“Well…” Eliezer concedes. “He has left our community.”

“Then we are finished here.” The voice replies and begins to shut the door.

Sticking his foot in the door before it closes, splinters of wood graze along the top of the skin. Eliezer winces and says, “Yes, but he is settling in our city and has taken a number of our people with him.”

The voice pauses then asks. “And what is that to me?”

“Our agreement was to have him removed… permanently.” Eliezer replies. “Furthermore, this man is not only a threat to us.”

“Why should he be of any concern to me?” The voice follows.

“He consults with the gods.” Eliezer replies.

“Everyone consults with the gods.” The voice indifferently rebuts.

Eliezer chuckles and replies. “Yeah… well, the most high god seems to be listening.”

Silence ensues, and the door remains cracked open. Not knowing what comes next, Eliezer takes this as his cue to enter into the darkened room behind.

The voice points over to a wooden stool and says, “sit.”

Eyes adjusting to a room lit by a single oil lamp, Eliezer familiarizes himself with the walls ladened with rings, rods, amulets with the remains of live insects upon them, polished stones and an entire shelf filled with papyri. He then looks across to see a hearty wooden table with a mortar and pestle resting on its top.

“Now…” The voice looks up at Eliezer from the other side of the table. “Tell me… everything.”

…

“What do you think, gentlemen?” Paul examines the larger room and continues. “I guess this is our new home.”

The others fan throughout the space, shrugging and nodding their heads.

“Should work.” Aquila says.

“Yeah, I think so.” Paul agrees.

Straining to uncover a blocked window, Epaphras grunts and finally lets up when the wood plank does not budge. “Gonna get hot in here in the afternoons,” he says.

“No time for napping,” Aquila jokes with a wink. “I’ll throw water on you if I see you drifting off to sleep.”

“Some ventilation would be helpful.” An unexpected voice chimes in from behind the men.

Paul turns and smiles when he discovers who it is. “Phygelus, hey what are you doing here?”

“Just seeing what the commotion is about.” Phygelus replies with a wink. 

“Hey, look who’s here!” Epaphras grins and teases. “Man, if you’re letting the riff raff in, I don’t know if I’m going to be able to hang out with you guys anymore.” He rushes in to give Phygelus a hug.

“Everyone, gather around.” Paul yells out. “Phygelus, you too. Get over here.”

The men huddle around Paul. He smiles back at them and says. “Guys, listen up. Tyrannus’ managers have agreed to let us meet here in the afternoons, well after the morning classes have ended. It’s not perfect, nor is it a synagogue, but it will do. They’ve given us a pretty decent price, but they also have some rules that we need to abide by if we want to stick around.”

Aquila knowingly nods and follows. “Clean as you go, men. You break it, you buy it. You’re also responsible for anyone that you’re raising up in the faith. If they screw up or do something stupid in here, it’s on you. Understand me?”

Paul lets out a chuckle and replies. “You heard the man. Those are the basics for now…and we’re going to need to step up our contributions to pay for this room.” He stops to assess the discomfort. “Guys, if you’re going to commit to this, then you’ll need to put your money where your mouth is. Some in Thessaloniki were arrested on account of me and what Jesus was doing in that city, yet they gifted enough for me to minister in Corinth without having to do other work. Think about it! The poorest church gave me money to minister in a wealthy city because they believed in what God was doing through me.”

Aquila laughs and adds, “Yeah, they’ve put the Corinthians to shame when it comes to giving.” He then shakes his head in frustration when he sees a nervousness fall upon the faces before him. “Men, we need to finish what we’ve started here. Without a home to teach from, we won’t be able to impact this city like God wants us to. That takes money, guys. Your money!”

Paul continues: “Take a breath and listen. There is something larger happening here that requires our focus.” He pauses. “Men, you have responded to the Holy Spirit’s promptings within you. How do I know this? When I placed my hands on your heads and commissioned you at the outset, the Holy Spirit came upon you and demonstrated His power through you. You spoke in different languages that you yourselves didn’t know, as a God given testimony to those who were present, especially the synagogue’s leaders. Those present heard the blessings and the warnings of God in their own native languages. For those who have been against us, they heard through you that God is with Jesus… and Jesus is with us. Don’t you get it? God has already used you in a powerful way, but that is just the beginning of something much larger to come.”

Placing one hand upon Aquila’s head and another upon Epaphras’ head, Paul then looks up towards the ceiling and says to both. “Men, get closer right now. Do in kind to those around you. Make sure the chain is not broken.”

The others place their hands on the heads of those nearest to them.

Paul continues: “This is our commissioning. This is our new, God-given home. We are here to emancipate this city from the chokehold brought upon it by the Kingdom of Darkness. You are the light that will bring freedom to the anguishing souls of Ephesus, for where the Spirit of the Lord is… there is freedom.”

Paul beams as he sees the men gather closely around him. “Father in heaven,” Paul begins. “My Lord, we have providentially been removed from the synagogue, but as my brother here attests…” He gently shakes Aquila’s head, “…where you guide, you provide. You have brought us to this school to continue the good work that you have begun here in this city. Lord, we know you will be faithful to complete it until the day of your righteous return. Lord, we also know there are unseen principalities here in this city, forces at work behind the scenes that wish to do us harm, that keep this city from knowing you. Father, protect us from these ones. Keep us equipped, as if soldiers trained for battle, to keep alert at all times and to be ready to respond as your generous Spirit leads.”

…

We’re going to stop here for today:

With the intention of giving both warning and promise, the prophet Joel, who likely dates back to 835 BC during a time when Judah’s only Queen, Athaliah, was set on destroying the royal line of Judah. 

As a quick sidenote, her son Ahaziah was killed by Jehu who was commissioned by God to clean up the mess that King Ahab and his family line caused. 

Anyway, Joel was ministering during a pretty turbulent season. Israel was divided into two kingdoms during this time, Israel and Judah, so being a prophet of God in a factious nation was likely to be a short-term and less than popular position. 

Why? In a quick answer, Israel’s leadership had moved away from the worship of God and began serving other local deities. The culture of Israel rapidly changed, including the focus and funding of new roles and even livelihoods. This cultural upheaval came as quite a blow to its people who longed to worship the God of Israel. Moreover, many Israelites tried to cross over into Judah and Jerusalem so as to worship, and this didn’t sit well with Israel’s leadership.

So Joel, as with some others, warned about how God was not pleased by this direction and that he was going to set things right by promising a future day of reckoning known as the “Day of the Lord”.

Woe for the day! For the day of the LORD is near, And it will come as destruction from the Almighty.

– Joel 1:15

Along with warning Israel about the Day of the Lord, Joel also called them to get right with God and return to the proper worship of him, which would require reconciliation between the two nations and having an open border between them for worship. The current leadership of Israel wasn’t too keen on doing this for several reasons, and Joel would have his work cut out for him.

However, Joel not only warned of a future day of judgment. He also included a promise whereby the Spirit of God would become more active in the lives of those who seek him out and place Him at the forefront of their daily activities. 

“Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike. And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth—blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and terrible day of the LORD arrives. But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.

– Joel 2:28-32

The Apostle Peter yelled out this exact verse from inside the temple courts in Jerusalem during the Feast of Weeks… a celebration of the firstfruits and the harvest season to come… Pentecost. In front of a huge crowd of Jewish pilgrims from all over the known world, Peter shared this message in response to the Holy Spirit supernaturally communicating through several followers of Jesus. These Galilean disciples likely knew Aramaic, Hebrew and maybe a little Greek, and they found themselves speaking about both the judgment and promises of God in foreign dialects known only among the pilgrims who have travelled there from far away lands. At a pivotal moment, Peter’s sermon would cut all of these witnesses to the core and spark the beginning of what would rapidly become a wildfire known as the church.

In essence, Peter was saying the “Day of the Lord” had come, but not in a way that Israel had expected. The promise of the Holy Spirit’s pouring out of himself would come before the final judgment of God. Thank God it did!

What do I mean by this? Yes, God promised a future day of reckoning where He would make all things right and reward his followers for their faithfulness. The problem was that faithfulness wasn’t that common. While Law abiders were in abundance, Jesus questioned the deeper heart conditions of these Law abiders who lost sight of their first love, namely a desire to live pleasingly to God and to wholly reflect his character. “Their hearts were not in it,” we might say. Jesus affirmed a corrupted heart condition that was characteristic of all Israel (humanity really) which desperately needed an intervention of God to bring about change. A day of reckoning without a supernatural change in the human condition would result in the bleakest of outcomes for humanity and the Kingdom of Heaven. Judgment carried out upon a people without first extending a lifeline would have had terrible implications for the world.

But, that is not how God worked things out. No, a heart transformation where forgiveness of sin would be permanently extended and where God would implant his desires and wishes upon those seeking him out would first be offered to an otherwise hopeless humanity. 

This new approach, or New Covenant, was not original with Jesus, though he would be the one to make it happen. It was predicted well beforehand by both the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel who similarly warned the people of Israel and Judah about the coming Day of the Lord when God would rectify the world’s woes. They also predicted the promise of the coming day when God’s people would experience the permanence of forgiveness from sin as well as the permanent writing of God’s wishes upon the hearts of humankind. All would know the Lord and permanently experience his presence.

“The day is coming,” says the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the LORD.

“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,” says the LORD. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the LORD.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already,” says the LORD. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”

– Jeremiah 31:31-34

What we learn through the ministry of Jesus and Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 is how this New Covenant is put into play before God’s promised day of judgment occurs. 

Fortunately, we have Hebrews chapter 8 to walk us through a better understanding of how Jesus has ushered in this New Covenant reality. Through his priestly mediation as God’s representative who operates from a place of full authority–that is, from God’s right hand–Jesus brings about the avenue to rectify humanity’s corrupted heart problem.

When the Holy Spirit shows up in Acts Chapter 2, some fifty days after Jesus’ death and resurrection, the followers of Jesus as well as thousands of Jewish pilgrims would have sensed that God was finally doing what the prophets and Jesus promised he would do. 

Let’s wrap things up for today. I hope this paints a larger picture of what motivated Paul to minister like he did. Like Paul, we are to be ministers of this New Covenant promise that was predicted long ago and fulfilled through the death and resurrection of Jesus. The New Covenant allows for the Holy Spirit to come upon us and empower us to live lives that are fully pleasing to our maker, God. 

He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life.

– 2 Corinthians 3:6

May you be motivated like Paul who was God’s agent of the New Covenant promises. May God use you to invest in others so that He changes them just like He changed you from the inside out. Ever empowered by the Holy Spirit who has come upon you as a result of Jesus’ work of personal sacrifice and protection from the judgment of God. Let’s move forward together.

Paul is confronted by the synagogue leaders who had resorted to using magic to bring about a curse on Paul. Timothy and the church in Corinth receive a letter from Paul that proves to be confusing.

Acts 19:8-20, Acts 2:1-12

With torch lamps spaced hundreds of feet from one another, deep shadows engulf the arterials that sprawl away from the main streets. The hushed voices of a few men are barely discernible through the hazy night. Walking aimlessly along a darkened street, the men continue in deep whispered conversation.

“Eliezer.” One of the men lets out in a subdued voice. “Have you completed your task?”

“Yes.” Eliezer replies. He turns around and peers to see nothing but an evening fog billowing into two nearby streets. “Perfect!” He thinks as the marine layer encroaches. “Now nobody will see what happens when someone takes us out.” He sighs. “What are we even doing here?”  

Interrupting Eliezer’s train of thought, a more excited… an annoyingly nasal… voice chimes in. “How much?”

Surprised by the question of price, Eliezer turns to the hooded man and asks, “What?”

“Were you able to drive down his costs?” The man gripes. “We gave you a lot of money for this.”

Stopping, Eliezer turns around and faces the hooded man from inches away. “What are you, an accountant? Look. This guy threatened me with my life. I couldn’t get out of there quick enough, and you’re asking me if I haggled a good deal. Shut up! You go in there next time.”

Insulted, the hooded man goes toe to toe with Eliezer. His voice grows more shrill with each syllable. “How do we know you didn’t profit from this?”

“Enough.” The lower voiced man says. “Both of you, back down… Eliezer,” He continues, “what has he done for our cause?”

Looking back at his hooded foe, Eliezer shakes his head, spits and takes several breaths before speaking. “To be honest, I’m conflicted,” he says. “What I saw him do.”

“What did he do?” The lower voiced man implores.

“It’s all a blur to me now,” Eliezer continues, “I saw him filet live animals, concoct the vilest of potions. He then altered his state of consciousness and invoked the underworld.”

“And…” the man says. “What does that mean?”

Eliezer turns to look back at the lower voiced man and replies, “It means that the forces of hell have been turned against this false evangelist.”

“Good! Good!” The man with the hushed voiced utters.

“To be honest, this is where I’m conflicted.” Eliezer confesses. “Look, the Law is pretty clear that we shouldn’t even associate with this… whatever he is. Shouldn’t we be calling on the Most High God to deal with the insurrectionist and not this… this… shaman or whatever he is?”

The lower voiced man waves Eliezer’s concern off dismissively. “When God is silent, we must leverage what is necessary to accomplish what is right.”

…

The burly wooden door scrapes along the dirt floor as it opens. Sceva grunts while noting how the rotted wood has nearly split around the hinges. “Another repair.” He sighs. Looking up at the small home, he breathes out and mutters. “You need some attention, my old friend.”

Whatever noises were previously heard coming from inside of the room suddenly halt when Sceva enters the main room. As he walks in his startled sons rigidly come to attention, as if surprised by their father’s unexpected arrival. 

Reading the straight faces of some of his sons, Sceva smirks as he watches them overcompensate for… well… whatever it is they’re up to. “What is going on here?” He asks as he places a heavy hand upon the shoulder of his most eagerly informative son. He smiles knowingly at the teenager, thinking a confession, or better, a finger pointing blame at the instigator would come quickly. He glances at the others and sets his attention on his second eldest son whose fists are clenched. Sceva raises a wary eyebrow and sizes up the young man. “What do you have in your hand, Harim?” He asks. 

Harim glances furtively over at his older brother, Yedaiah, who responds only with widened eyes.

Sceva lessens the distance between he and his second born and says, “I shall ask only one more time, Harim. What are you holding?”

Harim opens his fist to reveal a gold ring with a pentagram etched onto it.

Sceva then meets Harim’s eyes from only inches away, and the silent tension that ensues feels like a tightened noose around Harim’s throat. “Well.” He asks calmly. “Are you able to command it?”

“I…” Harim stammers. “I don’t know.”

“That’s too bad. I expected greater from you,” Sceva replies while looking around the darkened room. Gaining the full attention of his sons, Sceva cajoles, “Do any of you have what it takes to control the power of this ring?”

Immer, one of his younger sons, steps over and replies, “I do, father.”

“Really.” Sceva skeptically replies. “You have commanded this ring to exorcise a daemon?”

“I have.” Immer says bluntly. “I have been showing them what to do with it.”

Sceva looks around the room and says, “In here?”

“We were rehearsing.” Harim interjects.

“Hmmmmm… What is this I sense?” Sceva thoughtfully calculates to himself. “Defiance? Bravado?”

“I see.” Sceva raises his eyebrow and responds. “In the safety and warmth of this home… you were rehearsing. Was the daemon in this room threatening you enough to exorcise it, hmmm?” He asks. “Well then,” he mocks. “By all means, keep rehearsing.”

Sceva guffaws as he turns to walk towards the door. With his head looking out the door, he replies in a measured voice. “Let us pray your rehearsal here in this room proves to be sufficient. One day, we will see if your training has prepared you adequately enough.”

…

“Well, that’s what is written here.” Timothy says to the curious faces surrounding him. With parchment in hand, he looks up to see an unsatisfied group of people. 

Shaking his head, Titius voices his concern. “I don’t know about the others here, Timothy, but I’m thoroughly confused. So is he saying we should have no dealings with sexually immoral people?” 

“Makes sense to me,” Sosthanes replies as he shares a glance with Crispus. “It’s appropriately in alignment with the Law.”  

“No sexually immoral person shall inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.” Crispus affirms. “We simply cannot afford to let ourselves be easily swayed by the likes of an Esau who showed no willpower, no self-discipline, and traded his own birthright for a single bowl of soup. Just as he made his bed when he caved in, so are these immoral reprobates who live to please themselves.”

Sensing the immediate tension, Timothy replies, “Hang on guys, if that’s the case, who can we possibly associate with… outside of… us? Why then should we bother with the task of proclaiming the Gospel if we can’t talk with anyone who is sexually immoral?”

Gaius speaks up. “It’s true. Isn’t that why we’re here? Furthermore, how exactly do we find out who is behaving immorally? Are we now supposed to be keeping tabs on all the citizens of Corinth?”

Chloe blurts out. “We’re also forgetting how the Holy Spirit plays an important role in our internal change. If those who are only sexually pure are deemed worthy to hear the Gospel, are we supposed to wait for all these immoral people to clean up their acts before we share it?”

“Indeed!” Apollos finally weighs in. 

The room falls silent to hear him speak.

“Chloe is right in asking this.” Apollos continues. “Are we to demonstrate our worthiness before hearing the Gospel? How exactly is that supposed to happen? The futility of our obedience to the Law of Moses should indicate well enough that we can never become worthy without the Holy Spirit first exercising the much needed change within us. If the Holy Spirit takes residence within us only after we hear the Gospel and believe in Jesus, how is it that anyone can be deemed as worthy in the sight of God?”

Fiery voices spread throughout the cavernous room. The numerous conversations bounce off of the walls creating a cacophony of indiscernible noise. Finally raising his hands to quiet the group, Timothy yells out. “People. It is so loud in here, we can’t even think, let alone have a discussion. Please, quiet things down for a moment.” 

The room pauses to look back at Timothy who says, “We need to get a better sense of what Paul is saying here.” He looks over at Crispus and Sosthanes standing next to one another. “Sosthanes.” He addresses. 

Sosthanes looks up from his private conversation with Crispus and now feels every eye on him. “Me? Yes?”

Timothy replies. “Yes. Would you be willing to pay Paul a visit?”

“In Ephesus?” Sosthanes asks with surprise. 

“Yes,” Timothy replies. “We need your help. You can tap into Paul’s legal mind and shed some clearer light on this matter. Plus, there are a number of other concerns that have been raised in our midst that need to be addressed as well.”

“Wow. Will I need to memorize the list, or can you write them down for me?” Sosthanes jokes. 

“Actually,” Apollos shares. “I think we would do well to convene our time here. The few of us should then meet to collectively write down all of our pressing questions of Paul. After all, he has been our entrusted Father in the faith, and he can help bring clarity to much of these matters.”

…

“There he is!” A staffer points out to the leaders who stand huddled by the synagogue’s doorway. 

“He has amassed quite a following in such a short time.” One of the elders says. “Impressive!”

Eliezer turns around to see Paul walk towards the synagogue with some twenty or so people in tow. He snorts and spits. “Yes, we’ll see about that.” Signalling several other young men, Eliezer and the others line up to form a barrier between Paul and the synagogue’s doorway.

“You!” Eliezer shouts out, calling all attention to himself. 

Dozens of congregants scatter towards the sides of the courtyard and form a circle around the two groups.

“You are no longer allowed in the house of God.” Eliezer continues. “You have worn out your welcome here.”

Realizing the immediate tension, Paul turns around to calm those behind him. “It’s okay everyone. Just keep your cool. We’ll figure this out.”

Overhearing Paul, Eliezer counters with a raised voice. “There’s nothing to figure out. You, and those simpletons who blindly follow you must leave.”

Paul turns back to see his accuser and the wall of men backing him. “I see.” He reasons. “I’m surprised by this sudden turn of events. This is now an issue? I’ve been available to you… to the people here in this blessed synagogue… for three solid months. I’ve been faithfully sharing, from right inside that hall behind you, for more than twelve weeks, and now you’re locking me out?” In disbelief, Paul continues. “Maybe a discussion could’ve happened? Maybe a conversation between the elders? I approached all of you on many occasions and have yet to hear back from a single one of you. You didn’t give me the time of day, so I pressed forward. Talk about your conflict resolution skills!”

An elder steps into view from behind Eliezer and replies. “You have now heard from this man, as if you have heard from the elder council. You are not welcome here any longer.”

“Sounds like you have done a fair amount of talking amongst yourselves.” Paul reasons. “Yet none of this reached my ears.” Paul turns around to see an amassing crowd listening in around him. He then turns back to the elders. “Have you soured these good people to the Kingdom of God? Did you give the same courtesy to Apollos who came before me here and shared the message of John? Apollos called you to repent. Did you listen? Did you soften your hearts in preparation for the coming King?”

Feeling a tap on his shoulder, Paul turns to see one of his recent followers smile back at him. “Are you sure you want to do this? These are your people, my son.”

Paul’s pupil smiles back and quietly says, “How can I deny what the Spirit of God has already done through us because of you.” He turns to call several others alongside them. “How can any of us?” 

“Yeah.” Another speaks out loud enough to be heard by everyone. “What else does God need to do to prove to you that what this man is teaching is true? The Holy Spirit came upon us right in front of you. We spoke in languages that we didn’t know in front of all of you.”

“Yet, many of you from outlying provinces understood what we were saying,” Another disciple offers. “You were blown away because we spoke in your native tongues!”

“And…” Yet another chimes in. “By the looks of your faces you went from being surprised to angry. It was as if what was coming out of our mouths was speaking God’s judgment against you for your disbelief.”

“Enough.” Eliezer says as he seems to be losing momentum. He continues. “We have said our peace, and we will force you out of here if you don’t…”

Interrupting, Paul raises a hand and says, “Give me a moment please.”

“What the…” Eliezer sighs.

“Guys!” Paul smiles. “I couldn’t be more proud of you. Look, I know you wish to make your stand with me here and now, but this is not your fight. As you said, these people all around us saw what the Lord did through you. Many are as troubled about this situation as you are. Constantly entreat the Lord and pray for me right now my faithful brothers. Pray for these people. Pray for these elders with all perseverance.”

Turning around, Paul then bows to the opposing wall of men. “I will take my leave then.” He finally says. “Let me ask you all standing here a final question. What do you do with Isaiah’s lament over unbelieving Israel, hmmm? Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand on the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved. The Lord will carry out his sentence of wrath upon the faithless earth fully and without delay.”

“Silence!” The elder next to Eliezer yells out. “That you would lecture us about the words of the prophet! Be gone with you.”

Paul looks around to see a deeply conflicted group of witnesses. He turns to exit and calls out, “It was Hosea who had a child with Gomer, a prostitute. Lo-Ammi was his name… Not my people, for Israel is not my people and I am not their God. And she who was not beloved, I will call beloved. And in the very place where it was said to them, you are not my people, there will come a day when they will be called, sons of the living God!”

…

We’re going to stop here for today.

While Paul was familiar with the hostile responses of such synagogue leaders, he had made sizable inroads within Ephesus to grow his group of followers. We see in Acts 19:9 that after this particular exchange and possibly many other heated exchanges like this, Paul finally withdraws and teaches his followers at another venue called the School of Tyrannus. 

The judgment of God is upon those who refuse to believe 

It is likely that when Paul’s new disciple group spoke in tongues, it was in front of a mixed Jewish audience of both believing and unbelieving leaders and laypeople. Similar to the experience that occurred when the church was just starting at Pentecost back in AD 33 (Acts 2), the disciples of Paul were evidencing a “sign” from God to those Israelis who had either welcomed or rejected Jesus as Messiah. This miracle of speaking various languages not known by the disciples themselves was intended to serve as a message from God to those who were able to understand the words the disciples were speaking. The more looming question that comes to mind from these two particular instances (there were others besides these) is… what were these disciples, who were speaking in languages unknown to them, saying? What was the subject matter of their communication? Moreover, what was God up to here? Why would God use this as a sign to Israel?

By this time in AD 54 and for hundreds of years prior, Israel had long since been scattered around the known world. Large population clusters of Jewish people emerged in Rome, Alexandria, Antioch, and even here in Ephesus. These clusters of Jewish people made up entire subcultures working and living within many large cities throughout the Empire. In some cases, such as in Alexandria, Jews made up one third of the entire population. While working within the boundaries prescribed by Roman law, Jews were more committed to living within the confines of Mosaic Law. No surprise that from time to time these two systems of law would conflict with one another and Jews would be forced to make choices that reflected their priorities. For those who chose Mosaic Law over Roman Law, their allegiance to Moses would occasionally follow with unfavorable consequences. In some cases, however, regardless of what Law was individually upheld and followed, Jews were periodically flagged as a collective whole and negatively dealt with by broad sweeping Roman policies. One example of such a broad sweeping policy is when Claudius expelled the Jewish population outside of Rome’s city limits (Circa AD 49). Many stayed nearby while others left Rome altogether. Priscilla and Aquila left Rome and resettled in Corinth as a result of this expulsion (Acts 18:2).

Using Aquila as a good example of what everyday life as a Jew looked like, he grew up in Pontus which is just south of the easternmost part of the Black Sea, later moved to Rome and then made his way to Corinth. Eventually he and Priscilla landed here in Ephesus. So how many languages did Aquila likely speak? At least three: Koine Greek, Pontic Greek (a dialect that might have been quite foreign to Koine in its own right), and Latin. Aquila possibly spoke Hebrew and Aramaic as well. 

Like many Jews who had moved to various regions of the Roman world (and beyond), they had children who would grow up in these foreign lands and be naturalized within their cultures as second generation individuals. They, unlike their parents, would have been comfortable within these cultures. These second generation children (and beyond) would be very familiar with their local customs and languages. They were also unmistakably Jewish, and they would know that world and language as well. So when these second generation folks journeyed back to Jerusalem for a feast like Pentecost, the Holy Spirit used that opportunity to use the disciples of Jesus as vessels to speak the praises and warnings of God into the lives of these pilgrims by speaking in their own native languages known only to them and the group they traveled with.

It’s likely that when Paul unleashed the Holy Spirit here in Acts 19, it was also in front of a larger Jewish audience. While Ephesus was not Jerusalem in that it was not the epicenter of all things Jewish, it still had a thriving group of people from all over the known world. Ephesus was a cosmopolitan city, where many languages were spoken and understood by its inhabitants. It was also a migrant city, where coming and going was commonplace. It also had a large Jewish population of great ethnic diversity. So… when the Spirit of God used Paul and his disciples to showcase a God sign by having his disciples speaking in a foreign tongue, it was likely that a number of Jews of varying ethnicities were present. It was likely they heard a similar message to the message received back in Jerusalem some twenty years earlier.

What happened back at Pentecost in Jerusalem? Let’s take a quick look at Acts 2:1-12

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.

– Acts 2:1-12

The message? To those who welcomed Jesus and his followers, like Paul, it was a message of confirmation. To those who tried to chase Paul away for his outspokenness, it was a shot off the bow that served as a warning to Israel. In either case, how do you ignore a supernatural God sign such as this? 

If the message in Ephesus is similar to the message Peter gave in Acts 2, then the message was about identifying the Holy Spirit of God at work, seeing this as a warning about the judgment to come, and a call to repentance for anyone who believes in the most high God.

There is much more we can talk about here, but I think we’re at a place to wrap things up. How do you ignore the signs when God seeks to get your attention? Do you receive them as a means to search God out? Or… is your mind so made up that you wouldn’t give God or these God signs a second thought? 

May you identify the moments God places in your pathway as a motivation to seek Him out further. With that, let’s move forward and seek out God… together. 

Acts 19:1-10; Luke 19:36-40; 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Paul ramps up his ministry in Ephesus, specifically in the synagogues. Jews and converted Jews alike are receptive to him… at first.

…

“There is no one who is not afraid of spells.” — Pliny the Elder

As dusk yields to darkness and the evening torches begin to glow around the cityscape, the streets clear of the day’s activities. A raucous party has moved into its evening phase and can be heard from the terraced houses some several blocks away. Sound just travels further at night. The boisterous recalling of heroic tales bounce off of the walls throughout the city, much to the helpless frustration held among the lower classes trying to settle in for the night. 

More than a dozen blocks away from the party, a solitary figure trapses quietly along the narrow city streets, only to seldomly reveal a silhouette against an occasional apartment building. The man ducks behind a low rise apartment complex and makes his way down a smaller alleyway. He knocks on an inconspicuous door and is greeted by an unseen figure in an even darker room. 

“Eliezer.” The voice speaks. “Have you obtained everything I require?”

“I think so.” Eliezer replies. “Though some of these items were rather difficult to find, let alone procure.”

“Come.” The figure replies. 

Eliezer slips through the doorway and exits the city behind him.

Seated next to a solitary candle, Eliezer looks up to assess a wall organized with an array of curse tablets, amulets, animal parts and various herbs. He startles when he hears what is presumably an animal rustling around nearby in a wooden cage.

Suddenly uncomfortable with the idea of being in this man’s apartment, Eliezer begins to fidget and starts to stand. “You know what?” He says. “I just remembered…”

“Sit!” The voice commands.

Eliezer complies.

“No use if you don’t have the guts to finish what you started.” The voice says.

The room grows stuffier by the second, as Eliezer begins to fan himself with his hand. Unable to get a good look at the older man who stares back at him from across the room, Eliezer feels helpless as the man cautiously readies some sort of… “What is that?” He finally asks. “An ointment? Some sort of potion?” He can’t be sure. 

The man doesn’t respond. 

Eliezer’s level of discomfort rises. He begins to ask another question. “Do I…”

“Quiet, fool.” The man replies. “Don’t know what we are dealing with here.”

Stymied, Eliezer says, “No… I don’t, “Which is why he begins to stand up again.

“Sit down!” The voice sternly warns. “Won’t make it out alive.”

Eliezer sweats, as he sits again.

The voice looks up, and asks. “Said this man is threat to us… yes?”

A look of purpose is finally realized across Eliezer’s face.

“Must rid us of him.” The voice calmly replies.

Working the substance in front of him, the voice deftly grabs a live rodent from a nearby cage, wrings its neck, and makes an incision down its front. Pushing out its innards into the mixture, he then begins to chant, interwoven with imprecatory yells as if to wake it.

…

Passing the Heracles gate, Paul admires the stoa held up by a long row of columns on either side of the road. He watches the merchants setting up their wares for the business day ahead, as he and Aquila make their way towards the pathway beyond the eastern part of the city.

“The natives are sure to be getting restless by now.” Paul muses.

“You think?” Aquila jokes.

Paul laughs. “That’s your sense too, I guess.”

Aquila looks up at the hill looming to their left and watches some younger men running down a nearby trail. He points up at one of the men and says, “I’ve been waiting… for that one to crash and burn. Oh, that’s going to hurt.”

Both stop to watch as the younger men abandon any sense of fear to work their way down the rocky terrain. 

“Three months.” Aquila finally speaks up. “In three months, you have managed to sour the synagogue and pit its leaders against you.”

Paul gazes at the younger men and pauses for several moments. A smile crosses his face. He then shrugs and says. “Hey, I take that as a win.”

“I beg your pardon?” Aquila says.

Paul continues: “Think about it. How long did it take Corinthians to revolt?”

Aquila concedes. “Not this long,” He says. 

“Not even close,” Paul counters. “Furthermore, it took the Thessalonians only a few weeks to chase us away. They even made the fifty mile trek over to Berea to make sure we weren’t causing a problem there. Three months though… I don’t think I’ve ever lasted this long without being forcefully removed.”

Aquila chuckles at this.

Facing Aquila, Paul says, “Look, don’t make the mistake of thinking that I enjoy causing division. I don’t wake up in the morning and think, ‘Hmmm, how can I pick a fight today?’”

Aquila raises an eyebrow, “Are you sure about that?” He says. “Regardless of your intentions, those at the synagogue have certainly heard enough.”

Paul squares off and says frankly. “Aquila, I literally was brought to the ground when Jesus blindsided me. The guys who escorted me were dumbfounded as well. I was commissioned, by the risen Jesus himself, as God’s vessel to introduce Him to the gentiles. My life has become a drink offering in the hands of God ever since I had this encounter with Jesus.” He points to his eyes and says, “Aquila, I was blinded for three days and then my sight was restored by a guy of God’s choosing in Damascus!” 

Aquila stares back to see Paul’s face refresh with a new look of resolve.

Paul goes on: “I have to share what I’ve seen and what God is clearly doing among us today. I also share because I’m not the only one who has had such an encounter. The other apostles have had similar encounters with Jesus. They have spent far more time with him than I have, and look at what they were willing to do. None of them have shrunk back and said, “This is too scary.” No, each one of his closest followers has repeatedly risked his life with the message of ‘getting right with God’ by believing in Jesus as Messiah. You know that the power of the Spirit can only come through Jesus. Peter and John were threatened by the Sanhedrin to keep quiet. John’s brother, James, was slain early on because of his outspokenness. Steven was stoned to death at the hands of my own witch hunt. Aquila, if that means creating tension among those who are unreceptive… If that means I die trying… then so be it.”

Loud voices are heard a short distance away, causing both men to look towards the hillside and notice a cloud of dirt begin to rise around the young man who appears to have fallen.

“Ohhhhhh man.” One of them cries out.

Paul and Aquila both look up to see the others rally around the fallen individual, though neither can see him over the shrubs blocking their view.

“Hey.” Another calls out. “You alright, man?”

Two more join in and help the newly bloodied young man up to his feet. One of them lets out a piercing whistle.

Aquila laughs and smacks Paul’s shoulder. “Hey that’s you!” He says. “Here you are our fearless leader, always first into battle and is to be the most bloodied along the way.”

“Yes,” Paul counters. “But, battles are won by such efforts.”

“Only, when the opportunity is right.” Aquila rebuts. “Otherwise, your drink offering of a life will be short lived, and we will be a church without our leader.”

Paul sighs defensively. “Okay, fine! What do you recommend that I do?”

“Oh, I dunno.” Aquila reasons. “What did you do in Corinth?”

“What?” Paul says. “Titius?”

“Yes, Titius!” Aquila affirms. “God provided us with Titius’ home and we made that our basecamp.”

Paul breathes out, smirks and says, “Let’s slow down a bit. I need to think about this.” He rubs his chin for a while and finally asks, “Do we have another Titius in our midst?”

Carefully carrying the bloodied young man off the side of the hill and onto a city street, the young men are met by three women carrying water, linens and ointment.

With a wry smile, Aquila asks, “Aren’t you the one always telling me that where God guides, he provides?”

…

Pulling the heavy thread, Paul tightens the gap between the two adjoining panels. 

“Well?” Priscilla says from over his shoulder. “Do you think that will hold, or do I need to add a bit more?”

“It’s too close to call just yet.” Paul replies. “Give me a few moments to get this tighter.”

Priscilla waves him off as she goes back to continue her weaving. “Okay then. Just let me know.”

Paul gets back to his repair and doesn’t notice Aquila standing above him. 

TIred of waiting for Paul to notice him, Aquila finally clears his throat to get his attention.

“Give me just a moment.” Paul offers. “I’ve almost got this stitched.”

Aquila drops a piece of parchment at Paul’s feet.

Looking over his skins and down at the ground, Paul looks back up at Aquila and asks. “What is it?”

“Well what does it look like?” Aquila jokes. “Put your stuff aside and read it.”

Grabbing the letter off of the floor, Paul blows off the dust and opens it up to read. “It’s a letter.”

Aquila catches Paul’s eye and dead pans.

“From Chloe.” Paul follows. 

“Okay.” Aquila says. “Go on.”

“Well, let’s see.” Paul reads on. “May God’s grace… uhhh… hang on… Just a greeting so far. Oh, okay. Apollos has been preaching in the synagogue there and he has been recently joined by an old friend who I guess is every bit the speaker as he is.”

“Woah!” Aquila says. “There are two of them now?”

“I guess.” Paul continues on. “Looks like they have amassed quite the following.”

“What of Timothy?” Aquila asks.

“Not sure just yet.” Paul comments. “But, from the sound of it, Chloe is growing deeply concerned about how a deep seeded arrogance is beginning to sprout.”

“What do you mean?” Aquila asks. “I don’t under…”

Paul interrupts and continues reading. “It means that those who are following Apollos and this Zenas character are condescending those who follow Timothy or those who have learned from us.”

“Oh.” Aquila follows. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

“Me neither.” Paul replies. “Me neither!”

…

We’re going to stop here for today.

Acts 19:1-10; Luke 19:36-40; 2 Timothy 4:6-8

As Paul gets settled in Ephesus, we see the stage being set for some fairly explosive things to come. We learn later on in Acts 19 that Paul’s impassioned ministry and his unwillingness to stop preaching about what he has personally encountered with the risen Jesus ends up being problematic. First, Jewish members of the synagogue dismiss Paul and his teaching and eventually seek to do something about it. Second, at least two of Ephesus’ primary industries–silversmithing and magic–are also negatively affected. 

Yes, magic was an industry in Ephesus and a very lucrative one at that. Even the most sophisticated and educated of individuals had a fascination with the supernatural. Magic offered the promise of personal enlightenment as well as the opportunity to bend supernatural powers to accomplish one’s will. We’ll address these issues in greater detail as we go along, but to be sure, proponents of silversmithing and magic will become increasingly agitated with the continued success that Paul has in Ephesus. 

At this time in Acts 19, Paul has been boldly teaching in the Ephesian synagogue for three months, much to the growing disapproval of many who have rejected his teachings. Sensing the conflict, Aquila suspects that another teaching location will be needed for Paul sooner than later. In Acts 16:9, we learn that Paul makes the switch and begins teaching daily at the school of Tyrannus. 

As a side note, it has been debated as to what the School of Tyrannus was, but in all likeliness, it was a venue made available to Paul in the afternoons with possible costs involved. Schools of Philosophy were commonly found in many of the larger cities throughout the Roman Empire. Athens had many, as did Alexandria and Rome itself. Ephesus also was one of the larger cities in the Empire where schools would offer sessions of various philosophical bents to the wealthy in the cooler mornings. It’s possible that Paul either knew the venue’s owner, or maybe he struck a deal by meeting in the afternoons after the morning sessions had ended. 

During this time, Paul also receives a letter from Chloe or from some of her close friends. Both Paul and Aquila are discouraged to hear about the divisions and even rivalries that are being described about those in the growing Corinthian church. At some point, Paul later learns about some of the adulterous and self-indulgent behavior taking place within the fellowship.

Paul responds by writing back a first letter that for some reason doesn’t seem to be well understood by those in Corinth. This letter has not been found, but we do see hints of its existence from 1 Cor 5:9-11, when Paul explains how he had written the Corinthians, warning them about the sexual immorality taking place within the church.

We also learn that Sosthenes co-writes 1 Corinthians with Paul, which likely means that Sosthenes would have had to come from Corinth to Ephesus to better understand what Paul was wishing to convey. If that is the case, Paul would have easily sent the letter back with Sosthenes who could then clearly convey the intent and the spirit behind the letter without it being misconstrued.  

Let’s wrap this up with one takeaway: When you’ve experienced Jesus, how can you keep your mouth shut? When you have experienced the transformation brought upon your life by the Spirit of God, you simply cannot keep quiet about it. So, when somebody tries to silence you, your joy will have to show up somewhere else then. 

Even the elders of Israel called for Jesus to quiet his people. When riding the foal of a donkey down from the Mount of Olives, Jesus was met by hundreds, if not thousands, who lined up on both sides of the pathway to celebrate him as the coming Messiah, the promised King that would rule from the line of King David and usher in the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Clearly understanding what the cheering meant, the religious leaders saw this as blasphemy, if not outright insurrection, and they admonished Jesus to quiet them. Jesus’ response? How can I keep them from celebrating when their long awaited King has come? If they are silenced, even creation will celebrate in their place.

As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.

“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the LORD! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!” 

But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”

– Luke 19:36-40

If you’ve been changed by Jesus, you just can’t keep quiet about it. It’s inside of you, and it’s waiting to burst out in one way or another. The pivotal moment when Paul encountered Jesus face to face heavily motivated Paul to continue to put his life on the line to share about Jesus’ coming as the promised Messiah and rightful heir to the throne of David. He simply couldn’t sit idly by and not share.

In a final reflective letter to Timothy, one of his key disciples, Paul describes his life as a “drink offering” poured out sacrificially before his Lord and final Judge, Jesus. 

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

– 2 Timothy 4:6-8

How can we sit idly by and not share what Jesus has done with us? That has been Paul’s message to every audience he encountered, and it is equally fitting for us today. 

How can we keep from talking about what God has done with and through us?

This is our calling. This is our purpose. This is our life! May you keep talking about what God has done through you. With that, let’s move forward together.

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Paul ventures back into modern-day Turkey for his third missionary trip. Meanwhile, Apollos confounds the Jewish community and meets up with the Corinthian church.

Acts 18:23, 27-28; Psalm 2, 8

In a crowded hall, a sole figure commands the eyes and ears of every individual in attendance.

“What do we require for God to warrant our attention?” He asks rhetorically. “Yet another sign? Hasn’t he already endeavored to great lengths to call us his own, to esteem us as members of his family? We, the children of Abraham, born into the birthright of God’s chosen lineage–purposed to be an auspicious light to spark brilliance within a dark and unseeing world–we ourselves have turned a blind eye to our very maker who has called us out of darkness and into His glorious light. What is most unfortunate is that we–as God’s chosen children, though a most forlorn lot, have forsaken the very reason for our calling. Yet, God still endlessly labors to shepherd us back into his fold.

When he unveiled the Law of Moses, God hemmed a tight fabric around our frightened and wayward ancestors. No doubt, this felt restrictive, but along with such guidelines, our people felt safe, directed for the first time, purposed in their otherwise paltry lives. God brought the rule of Law to our rescued ancestors, and a new hope with endless possibility was forged… that is, for a season. 

You see, even though God placed the worship of Him at the very center of this newly fashioned community, he had gained Israel’s attention… though for a moment. When making camp in various locations throughout the desert while heading towards the land of promise, the tabernacle of worship holding the shekinah glory itself was not enough to hold their attention. The shaft of light illuminating down from the heavens and brilliantly confounding the night sky, ever reminding his people of his presence, was not sufficient.

What is it within us that vindicates the lament of Elijah when he cried out to the Israeli spectators, “How long are you going to struggle between the two choices? Choose a side!” Will it be God? Or mindless idol worship? Indeed, we are a lamentable people, especially when we lose sight of the Lord’s work in front of us. What must God do to keep us from drifting away and neglecting so great a salvation? 

For hundreds of years, God sent us prophets who have diligently risked their own lives to warn us, as wanderers… as idol worshippers, of the wrath to come. “Stop wandering… stop serving yourselves and the idols who promote such destructive thinking… and place yourselves under the protection of the Law.” 

“What could possibly motivate God to remain steadfast in warning his children? What motivates any good parent to give such warnings? What is man that you think of him, or a son of man that you are concerned about him? You have made man lower than the angels… Yet… You, Oh God, have given man, more specifically the Son of Man, the nations of all the earth as an inheritance. And who is this son of man? Surely no one in Israel, not even the prophets, holds a light to the one who is worthy to receive praise from all the nations of the earth. Messiah!”

Quietly seated amongst the larger crowd, Chloe’s eyes grow wide. She then elbows her neighbor and gives her a curious look. She whispers, “Did you hear that?”

“It is this Messiah,” He continues. “This chosen son of man to harness and redirect the ways of the earth and all who inhabit it. It is he with whom I wish to speak of today. Would you recognize him if he bared his face right here in this room?”

Keeping her eyes fixed on the well groomed and captivating speaker in the middle of the room, Chloe’s friend finally renders a subtle nod.

…

Standing in the middle of the mostly deserted street, Paul turns to see the remaining vendors cleaning up their areas along the sides of the road. He then follows the direction of the city’s thoroughfare which appears to spill out at the foot of the enormous mountain directly to the south. His stare becomes so intent that he doesn’t notice the flock of sheep approaching him from behind and passing by. A teenage shepherd boy follows from behind as well, slows and turns to see what Paul is looking at.

Standing next to Paul, the two quietly stare at the mountain for a while longer before the shepherd boy finally speaks up. “New here?” He asks.

A startled Paul takes his eyes off of the mountain to see a dozen sheep surrounding him and the shepherd boy standing strangely close. Feeling awkward, Paul finally says, “It’s beautiful here.”

The shepherd shrugs indifferently. “I guess.” He says.

Paul then bends down to examine the face of one of the ewes. “Good looking flock.” He says. “These yours?”

The shepherd shakes his head.

“Your family’s?” Paul inquires.

He shakes his head again.

Paul laughs. “Are you a rustler then?”

The young man smiles at the thought. “If I were a thief, do you think I would parade them right through the middle of town?”

“Hey,” Paul responds. “I was out of options. Nothing else was making sense.”

“My owner’s.” The boy says.

Now feeling sheepish himself, Paul lets out a sigh. “I see. What of your family?” He asks.

The young man shakes his head again without an answer.

Silence ensues as the two continue to gaze upon the mountain.

“Well,” Paul finally announces. “You said it. I’m new here. Would you be willing to introduce me to your master?” 

The teenager shrugs again. “I guess.” He lets out, as he begins to collect his sheep and move them towards their home.

Paul nods. “I didn’t get your name.”

“Onesimus.” The boy replies.

…

Gathering around a table in the small courtyard situated in front of Titius Justus’ home, Timothy and Sosthanes suddenly look up to hear a woman’s voice clamoring for their attention. 

Seeing Chloe’s face, Timothy smiles and says, “Hey, there she is. How are you, Chloe?”

Without pleasantries, Chloe gets straight to the point. She turns back to see her friend walking with the man who had just finished addressing the synagogue. “You must meet this man.” She says.

Sosthanes and Timothy both lean over to see the two walking towards them.

Chloe blurts out. “I’ve never heard anyone speak like him before. He was… sheer brilliance… as if from the voice of God.”

Sosthanes’ eyes widen. “Wow! Did this gentleman just speak?”

As the two make their way into the courtyard, Chloe replies. “Yes, very much so.” She turns to introduce the man. “Timothy, Sosthanes, this is Apollos. You three need to have a conversation.”

“It’s an honor to meet you both.” Apollos offers. “I’ve heard much about you.”

Timothy and Sosthanes exchange a confused glance.

Sosthanes asks. “You know of us?”

“Purely by reputation.” Apollos bows.

“Forgive us.” Timothy questions. “How is it that you have heard of us?”

Apollos smiles and reaches into his satchel. “Ahh, there they are. “Aquila and Priscilla send you greetings of extravagant grace.” Handing over his letter of recommendation, he offers, “This might be of service.”

Chloe blushes and gives a slight grin.

…

Trying to shut a stubborn gate, Onesimus doesn’t see his master watching. He kicks away at the ground where the gate post normally sits. “Stupid gate.” He mutters, as he keeps kicking at the ground to loosen the dirt around it.

“Fix it right the first time, and you won’t have that problem.” A voice calls out.

Onesimus looks up to see his master who wears that “I told you so” look.

“I thought you would be out with the sheep longer than that.” His master says. “I wasn’t expecting you back until dusk.”

Onesimus looks around at Paul who takes his cue to make introductions.

Watching Paul walk towards him, he asks. “Who’s your friend?”

“Paulus.” Paul offers. “I met Onesimus shortly after arriving in Colossae.”

“Where are you coming from?” The man says.

“Just arriving from Galatia, but before that Antioch of Syria.” Paul says.

“That’s a lot of travel.” The man says.

“Indeed it is.” Paul agrees. “I had been in Jerusalem before that and Ephesus before that.”

“Jewish?” The man asks.

Surprised by the question, Paul nods and replies. “Yes… I am.”

The man grimaces and looks back at Onesimus. “Make him a bed.” He turns back to Paul and asks. “You hungry?”

“Yes.” Paul replies.

He sizes up Paul for a second time and manages to find a slight smile. He then extends a hand and says, “Philemon.”

… 

We’re going to stop here for today:

The mic is dropped in Achaia when Apollos, the sophisticated savant from Alexandria, addresses the Jewish Community in Corinth and proclaims the arrival of Jesus as Messiah. Not unlike Paul from the year before, Apollos presents a persuasive case citing multiple passages in the Septuigint that hint at the coming of the Messiah. 

In this episode, I highlighted two Psalms written by King David, Psalms 2 and 8. In a similar way, the author of Hebrews, who may or may not be Apollos himself (that’s my take anyway) uses these passages to heighten the value of humanity above all else. More specifically, he highlights the son of man who will reign over all of the world’s created order (Hebrews 2:8). Quoting the two psalms of David is insightful, especially when juxtaposed against the backdrop of God’s promise made to David himself about having a descendant who will rule all the nations on a permanent basis. Yes, there is more to understanding the role of Messiah than what is seen here in these two psalms, but understanding the “Davidic Covenant” is one important factor.

On his way to Ephesus, Paul arrives in Colossae, which is one of many towns in Roman Phrygia. Colossae is in the same fertile valley as Laodicea, which is one of the churches later addressed in John’s Revelation. Also later written is Paul’s letter to Philemon, which encourages the wealthier Colossian business man to take it easy on his younger slave, Onesimus, who somehow gets himself into trouble. While Onesimus appears to go through some hard times, he later becomes of great use to Paul in his ministry.

It is likely that both Philemon and Onesimus learned of Jesus through Paul and made personal life commitments to Jesus under the ministry of Epaphrus who returned to his hometown of Colossae after spending time with Paul in Ephesus (Colossians 1:7). Curiously, we’ll see other New Testament sightings from Aristarchus, Luke, Barnabas and even John Mark in Colossae over time.

Loads of activity happening here at the end of Acts 18, but as we’ll see, we’re only warming up to some of the amazing God sightings encountered in Paul’s third mission trip.

Well that’s it for this week: May the events that transpire around you this week be seen from a different lens. May you see God at work all around you. With that, let’s move forward together.

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Paul clarifies his next ministry endeavor and prepares for his third missionary trip. Meanwhile, Apollos has a significant “A ha!” moment and discovers Jesus on a whole new level.

Acts 18:23, 26; Matthew 11:2-6

Speechless, as if in another world, Apollos blankly stares back at Priscilla and Aquila. With eyes glazed over, Apollos ponders the impossibility of what he has just heard.

Trying to get a read of his face, Priscilla tilts her head and begins to nudge Aquila. “Honey,” She says. “I don’t know if he’s with us anymore.”

Absent from reality, Apollos continues to look beyond the two seated in front of him.

Aquila looks back at his wife with the moments more awkwardly passing by. Finally, with his foot, he gently pushes Apollos’ feet to get his attention.

Finally coming to, Apollos shakes his head and brings himself back to the reality in front of him. He smiles with a hint of embarrassment. “I must have left you for a moment.”

“You think?” Priscilla cracks. “I was about to have Aquila start pounding your chest.”

With a curious smile, Aquila asks. “What just happened right there? Where did you go?”

Apollos lets out a deep breath. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to alarm you. It’s a blessing and a curse I suppose.”

“Wait.” Priscilla jumps in. “What are you talking about?”

“What you just witnessed.” Apollos shares. “Is more or less a retreat into the back of my head. I refer to it as a ‘mind retreat’. It’s something I did growing up, often to escape some rather challenging family dynamics.” 

“Wish I could do that.” Aquila gibes. 

Priscilla slugs him in the shoulder.

“I tease. I tease.” Aquila responds.

“One of my tutors noticed how I would often withdraw before an exam or before delivering an oratory. Said it focused me.” Apollos continues.

“You can tune out the rest of the world when you’re in that… that… What did you call it?” Priscilla asks.

In unison, Apollos and Aquila respond. “Mind retreat.”

Priscilla nods. “Yeah, that doesn’t sound half bad after all.”

Looking intently at the two, Apollos tries to grasp what had just been shared. “When the prophet John was baptizing the penitent Jews in the Judean desert, my father took me to see him, to learn from him.”

Both raise their eyebrows. “You were a part of John’s ministry?” Aquila asks.

Priscilla adds, “Did he baptize you?”

“Well…” Apollos begins. “Indirectly, I suppose. One of his disciples did.” He shakes his head. “Anyway, I share this story with you to explain how this moment marked my life. The need for repentance was impressed upon my father. It was also galvanizing for me. Repentance would bring reconciliation, but…”

Priscilla finishes his thought. “But it wouldn’t…”

Together Apollos and Priscilla say aloud. “Be enough.”

A moment of realization crosses his face. “That’s it!” He announces. “Of course! Reconciliation with a perfect God would require a perfect offering.”

Aquila smiles and offers. “A perfect lamb.”

“Yes!” Apollos exerts. “Precisely.” 

“And a perfect priest.” Priscilla adds.

“That goes without saying.” Apollos thinks deeper.

Priscilla and Aquila exchange glances. “Stay with us, buddy.” Aquila prods him again.

“I assure you.” Apollos says. “I’m completely here.” He stands and paces back and forth in the room. “A perfect sacrifice with a permanent result.” He says. “Messiah’s body would, in fact, replace the altar. But… a risen Messiah would ensure the mediation required to keep the sacrifice as permanent. Yes, whoever conquers the grave will have the world at his feet.” Wild eyed, Apollos places his hands upon Aquila’s shoulders.

Feeling somewhat ill at ease, Aquila adds. “Seated at the right hand of the Father.”

“Yes!” Apollos agrees. “He would be the master of all.” He marvels. “Imagine, the fullness of God dwelling in a human body, setting up the one and only opportunity for humanity to be made alive in the likeness and incorruptibility of its maker. No fallible son of Aaron could make that happen. That would require a completely different priestly line. But… What line would grant authority to this role as high priest?” He puzzles. “How… does… that… fit?”

 “Oh I don’t know…” Priscilla smirks. “Who mediated for Abraham?”

Apollos releases his firm grip on Aquila’s shoulders and turns to meet Priscilla’s face. His face contorts, as he thinks aloud, “God’s first promise to Abraham took place in Ur and would be reaffirmed after rescuing Lot from his captors.”

“By whom?” Priscilla prompts.

Apollos reels in his thoughts and finally lights up. “Melchizedek!” 

Aquila looks over at his nodding wife and teases. “Boy… that was intense.”

…

Dusk rapidly approaches, and the evening needles uncomfortably between cool and biting. Paul wraps his mantle closer around his neck, as he, Barnabas, Titus and Niger sit around a warming fire. 

As the chit chat wanes, Barnabas looks at the others and over at Paul. “So, is the verdict in?”

“Is what verdict in?” Paul asks. 

“Where have you decided to go?” Barnabas asks.

Paul slumps further in his chair.

Barnabas shares a wry look at Titus. “Oh, that’s the game we’re playing now?”

Paul breaks a smile and says, “Hey, I had you going though.”

Niger impatiently rolls his eyes and says, “Out with it.”

“You sure you don’t want me to get you anything to eat?” Paul playfully asks.

All three roll their eyes.

“What about something to dri…?” Paul nearly finishes.

“Out with it!” The three bark in unison.

“Alright, alright.” Paul concedes. “I’ve thought about this a lot, but Barnabas, God love you, you… you… super encouraging guy.” Paul drips with sarcasm. “You’re right. I’ve mentioned how deeply concerned I am over how the others in Jerusalem are playing with fire.”

“But…” Barnabas says.

“But…” Paul continues. “My calling isn’t to the Jews in Jerusalem.” He says as he points at Titus. “It’s with guys like Titus.” He then looks at Barnabas and explains further. “When you and I went to Pisidia, Iconium and Lystra…”

“You mean,” Barnabas corrects. “When you nearly got us killed in Pisidia, Iconium, and Lystra.”

“Potato, potahto.” Paul shrugs indifferently.

“Get out of here!” Barnabas exclaims. “They may not be so nice next time.”

“Kidding.” Paul says. “Look, I just know that the believers in those towns plus many others like them have few teachers and fewer to lead them towards life in the Spirit. Besides, Silas is back in Jerusalem now. He and John Mark will have to advocate for us.”

Barnabas raises an eyebrow while the other two nod.

Niger asks, “Will you do a repeat tour then?”

“I think so… I’ll visit some of the towns in Galatia.” Paul replies. “But, I want to move further towards Phrygia and Ionia.”

“Ahhh. Ephesus.” Niger says. 

“They were open there.” Paul agrees. “They were hungry to learn more. To add, both Aquila and Priscilla have relocated there to rebuild their business and start meetings with other believers. They are going to need some help.”

“Will you move onto other cities?” Barnabas asks.

“Eventually, I think so.” Paul replies. “There are so many working parts now.”

…

We’re going to stop here for today.

So many working parts indeed. By this time in Paul’s ministry, he had a network of disciples roving about their respective provinces while carrying out ongoing ministry throughout the larger cities in modern day Turkey, Macedonia and Greece. To name a few, Priscilla and Aquila are in Ephesus (Paul has yet to meet Apollos), Sopater in Berea, Aristarchus in Thessalonica, Gaius and Luke might still be in Philippi, and of course, Timothy is in Corinth. To add, there were many faithful individuals running ministries within their own local communities. But… this is only the beginning. By the end of his third trip, Paul had envoys in every metropolitan area from Achaia (West of Corinth) to Antioch in Syria.

Switching Gears… Did Apollos Write the Letter to the Hebrews?

Like many, I’ve wondered who is responsible for such an elegant work of prose. While Paul certainly had the capacity to reason, Paul had no trouble identifying himself as the author or the one communicating to the author who wrote on his behalf. Some assert that it was Paul due to the legal nature of the letter and the fact that Timothy was a trusted companion mentioned at the end of the letter (Hebrews 13:23). But there is no indicator that Paul is the author. Some have suspected Barnabas to write this letter. After all, Barnabas had the inside scoop about Jesus and was closely affiliated with the apostles in the Jerusalem church from the very beginning. As to whether Barnabas had the legal training, we know he was a Levite and had to at least have some basic understanding of the levitical duties. The problem? There seems to be no indicator that Barnabas ever made it to Rome. In fact, Christian tradition indicates that he died a martyr in Salamis (Cypress). 

As a side note, history is chalk-full of examples of well meaning (perhaps some not-so-well meaning) believers who claimed to have an apostle or well known figure, such as Mary, Mark, Peter, or John, show up and conduct ministry, or possibly even die, in their communities. In many cases, these claims were made hundreds of years later and were often done for political and financial gain. After all, what benefit might there be for a town that claims to have an apostle’s grave in its city center? Considering that within a few hundred years, the entire continent of Europe has been Christianized… Let’s just say there might be some tourism, political and economic advantages. For Rome, which was on the verge of losing its leverage to the much larger community in Constantinople, this was a really big deal.   

While I can’t say for sure that Apollos wrote the letter to the Hebrews, he would’ve been a great candidate who well understood the Jewish sacrificial system, was well trained in Alexandria under a school of more analogous thought, and was quite well read on account of having access to the largest library in the world at that time. 

At its peak before a fire burned a portion of it down in 48 BC, the library in Alexandria was reported to have anywhere between 500,000 to 1,000,000 scrolls available for public access. As a quick sidenote, the library of Celcus in Ephesus reportedly had over 12,000 scrolls available for public viewing, which could have been an additional incentive for Apollos, a lifelong student in his own right, to include Ephesus in his speaking tour. Later on, he would venture to Corinth and eventually Rome.

Who better to draw the comparisons between Christ as Lord over all humankind–even angelic beings would serve him… as a sympathetic, yet flawless High Priest in the order of Melchizedek… as the fully human son of God… as the fulfillment of the New Covenant promises… as the bearer of God’s perfect sacrificial requirement… as the supreme temple as well as the source and rightful recipient of all worship… as the future judge over all… as the originator and perfecter of the faith found within all believers… and the escort of those who do not turn away into his unshakeable kingdom… Who better to write such a persuasive and systematic apologetic than Apollos?

Furthermore, we know Timothy was in Corinth to greet Apollos after his tour in Ephesus. Timothy would have been the one to receive the letters of recommendation from Aquila and Priscilla regarding Apollos’ credibility (18:27). The writer of Hebrews later mentions Timothy when writing from Italy and expresses how they are both excited to reunite with the receiving audience (possibly here in Ephesus where Timothy would later come to oversee the church) (Hebrews 13:23).

Sorry for the longer digression, but it’s been a point of much debate over the years. One thing for sure in our passage today is that Apollos peels back the multi-layered dimensionality of Christ as Messiah. While the Hebrew bible (Tenahk) gives us many glimpses of the Messiah’s identity, especially in light of that future day where God comes to judge the earth (The Day of the Lord), our view is limited in scope. Like a shadow of things to come, Israel knew Messiah was coming, but they weren’t too sure what He would look like. So, when Jesus steps on the scene, for several reasons, Israel’s leadership rejected him as a candidate and elected to wait for someone else. Even John the Baptizer scratched his head and had to have confirmation:

John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”

— Matthew 11:2-3

Jesus responded this way: 

Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And tell him, ‘God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.

— Matthew 11:4-6

In other words… The proof is in the putting. What those have seen me do should be enough to satisfy your inquiry.

God has a bottom line for us: What you do with Jesus will determine what God will do with you. 

This idea of being “Pro Jesus” speaks not only to the reality of being a resident in the Kingdom of Heaven, but it also deals with your willingness to come under the leadership of Jesus and allowing yourself to be transformed by the Spirit of God here and now.

May you… be “Pro Jesus”, not only in receiving Jesus as Lord but in allowing him to change you from the inside out one day at a time. 

With that, let’s move forward together!

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Paul’s burden for ministry continues to increase while Aquila and Priscilla meet up to learn more about Apollos.

Acts 18:23, 26; 2 Timothy 4:5-7; Isaiah 55:10-11; Colossians 1:6; Philippians 3:12-14; 21

…

Eleven men hike their way up the twisted trail leading to a promontory that overlooks the city of Antioch below. The vegetation overgrowth concerns the younger Evodius who leads with a stick, ever prodding it into the ground in search of snakes or other nefarious creatures. 

Lucius humorously observes the nervous Evodius and asks: “Everything okay up there?”

Right behind him is a snickering Ignatius who sees the bead of sweat dripping off of Evodius’ neck. “Purely adrenaline.” Ignatius thinks to himself. He knows Evodius is doing his best to keep from cowering in fear with every step and poke of the stick. And, he finds the scene hilarious.

As Barnabas trails behind Paul, he quips, “Hey, this looks familiar.”

Paul laughs. “Yeah we’ve done this once or twice before, haven’t we.”

Arriving at the top of the bluff, some of the men stretch, while others take in the view of the valley below and the far away mountains rising above the western side of the Orontes. Always prepared, Lucius passes around two water skins to share among the men. 

Taking the lead, Niger calls out to the others. “Men, let us gather together.” 

The men huddle.

Niger raises his hands above him and with his head aiming towards the sky, he offers: “We must give thanks to the Lord, my friends and partners in ministry.”

“Let Him be praised.” Manaen asserts.

“So be it!” Cry out the others.

Niger smiles broadly, as he looks Paul in the eyes. “My brothers, we have traversed this hill on many occasions now, and it has become a hill of commissioning.”

Lucius nods and laughs. “Yes it has.”

Niger continues: “This hill of commissioning symbolizes the light of our Lord being sent to places such as Alexandria, Damascus, Persia, Ethiopia, Cypress, Crete, Galatia, Asia, and now, as we have learned from our faithful brother, Saul, much of Greece has even heard of the wonderful salvation of our Lord.”

“So be it and may it continue!” Manaen shouts.

Smiling again, Niger addresses his maker. “Lord, as you know, a new issue faces the work you have entrusted to us as your earthly stewards. Many of our own continue to revert back to zealously practice the Law of Moses, at the expense of understanding the role of the Spirit you have so graciously given as a deposit for our future inheritance. Your Spirit is sufficient to change anyone who follows you, yet there are many who say, ‘it isn’t enough’. Even those who have believed have foolishly succumbed to the yoke of the Law, a yoke they couldn’t manage in the first place. Why have we foolishly abandoned your gift of grace? Why have we said “no” to the power of your Spirit?”

Titus nods and acknowledges. “Even some of the apostles in Jerusalem have lost sight of this.”

Paul quietly looks over at Titus, who is looking in another direction. He then ponders over what was just said, breathes a heavy sigh, and shakes his head.

Unbeknownst to Paul, Barnabas casts a long stare his way and is finally able to flag down his attention. He then gestures towards the mountain range in the west and uses his fingers as if to walk on his other palm. He points back at Paul.

Understanding his meaning, Paul slowly lets out another heavy breath and nods.

…

Priscilla cannot help but stare at the man seated across from her at the table. 

Feeling the weight of her gaze, Apollos awkwardly looks over at Aquila who is slowly walking towards the two with an amphora of wine.

Catching her in her stare, Aquila dismisses the unspoken concern. “Don’t mind her.” He cracks. “She does that with any ridiculously good looking and well groomed man.”

Aquila’s comment doesn’t assuage Apollos’ discomfort.

“I tease.” Aquila quips with a laugh. “It’s not every day we host a sophisticated erudite in our humble abode.”

Apollos lets out a sigh and remarks. “Thank you, but I can assure you that…”

“Crack!” A loud thump interrupts from behind the wall.

 Startled by the noise, Apollos asks, “What was that?”

Disgruntled by the familiar noise, Aquila hits the wall in protest. “Hey, you okay over there?”

A muffled voice yells back. “Sorry. Just scooted my chair too close to the wall.”

“What can we say?” Aquila retorts. “The walls in a Roman insula aren’t all that thick. Good news is that we have plenty of entertainment right here without having to leave our home.”

Apollos laughs.

“Have you ever lived in an apartment?” Priscilla asks, feeling somewhat self-conscious about her previous staring.

“Me?” Apollos asks. “Well, no. I’ve stayed in one while traveling, but no.”

Priscilla changes the subject and asks, “Where did you learn to speak like that?”

Aquila’s eyes widen as he looks over at his wife. “Well, that was blunt, wasn’t it.” He says.

Catching herself again, Priscilla explains: “I mean, I’ve never heard anyone speak like that before.”

Apollos blushes, as she continues.

“Your speech is razor sharp, not frilly like some. You’re eloquent, clearly educated, yes… but you’re remarkably clear… accessible.” She assesses.

Apollos replies with new curiosity. “That’s quite an observation. You sound as if you’ve had an extensive education yourself.”

Priscilla shifts in her seat. “If you don’t mind, tell us something about yourself. Are you married?”

Aquila deadpans at his wife. “No, but you are.” He snies.

Priscilla backhands Aquila across the shoulder. “Easy.” She replies. “I’m just asking.”

Apollos laughs at the humorous scene in front of him and starts to relax a little. “No, I’m not married.”

Aquila wryly looks back at Priscilla. “Don’t get any ideas here.” He looks back at Apollos and says, “Hey, if I don’t happen to wake up in the morning… Or maybe I fall off a cliff, or if I’m left for dead at the bottom of the sea, then you might want to ask her some serious questions.”

Apollos laughs again. “Are you two always like this?”

Priscilla grins. “Like what?”

“Funny.” Apollos responds.

“That’s just part of the deal of being married to this guy.” Priscilla says. “Now… getting back to you. Where are you coming from, and what has brought you here to Ephesus? I want to learn about who has mentored you and where you were educated.”

“Slow the wagon, hon.” Aquila says. “Give him room to breathe and a chance to answer.”

…

“We had better get moving, gentlemen.” Manaen calls out. “Once the sun goes over those mountains, we will have a very hard time seeing a part of the trail on our way down.”

Ignatius ribs Evodius and teases. “Uh oh. Now you won’t be able to even see what you’re poking at.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Evodius spots a long tailed lizard. He deftly and softly pinches it. In one quick motion, he sets it on Ignatius’ head.

Startled, Ignatius screams, “What did you just do?” He runs his hands through his head, sending the lizard flying several feet away.

Surprised by the screams, the other men look over at Evodius for an explanation. 

He shrugs and reples, “Guess the critters like him. After all, what’s not to like?”

Hearing the laughter a short ways away, Barnabas asks, “When will you leave?”

“That obvious, huh?” Paul asks. 

Barnabas grins. “More importantly, where will you go? Jerusalem? Back to Greece?”

“Unfortunately,” Paul replies, “They aren’t exactly next to each other.”

“Can’t be in more than one place at a time.” Barnabas jokes.

“So, I’ve been told.” Paul says. “What can I say? I’m a burdened man.”

“You talked about how you were similarly burdened over the believers in Thessalonica.” Barnabas says.

Both see the group well in front of them, making their way down the primitive trail. 

Paul starts walking, as he contemplates Barnabas’ statement. “Very much so.”

“What did you do about it?” Barnabas asks. 

Paul chuckles and replies, “You’re right. I sent Timothy to follow up and return with a report.”

“And…” Barnabas baits. 

“And… I wrote to commend them and to further explain some things.” Paul says. “It’s what I needed to do. But some of these places need me to be hands on. I’m equally as concerned about returning back to Galatia and Ephesus as I am about needing to go back to Jerusalem.”

“I’m sorry.” Barnabas replies. “How many apostles are still there in Jerusalem?”

“Yes.” Paul concedes. “I’m just really nervous that some of them have lost their way.”

“So… Let me get this straight.” Barnabas condescends. “You’re saying that you need to be there–amongst all the other disciples who personally spent several years with Jesus himself–so you can teach them the right way to know Jesus? It’s almost like you want to be their savior. Here all along I thought that position was filled.”

Paul rolls his eyes in protest.

Reading his face, Barnabas continues, “Oh, maybe they got less of the Spirit than you?”

“No.” Paul replies. 

Turning around to face him, Barnabas warns. “Careful not to get in God’s way, Saul of Tarsus. You’ve been blind before. Don’t let your burden cloud your judgment.”

…

“Wait, you’ve come from Rome and Corinth?” Apollos asks with surprise.

“Yes.” Both affirm.

“Then, you’re not from here? No family?” Apollos inquires.

“No.” Aquila replies. “Originally, my family was from Pontus, and we relocated to Rome when I was much younger.”

“Yet, you’re not in Rome or Corinth now.” Apollos puzzles. 

Priscilla teases. “This guy’s a sharp one. Definitely a keeper.”

Apollos chuckles then blushes. “I’m confused, what would possibly bring you here to Ephesus?”

Priscilla raises an eyebrow. “We might ask you the same thing?”

Apollos raises his eyebrow over at Aquila. “You don’t get away with much, do you?”

Aquila sighs and says. “You have no idea!” He then addresses the previous question. “We were kicked out of Rome at the hands of Claudius. We relocated to Corinth.”

“Smart boy.” Priscilla pats her husband on the stomach. She then finishes his thought. “When we arrived in Corinth to start anew…” Priscilla explains, “We met somebody who…” She stops to choose her words.

Aquila smiles and cuts in. “Changed our direction?”

Priscilla nods. “Yes… that’s a nice way of saying things, isn’t it.”

Aquila smiles and explains. “There we were, minding our own business…”

Priscilla laughs.

“What?” Aquila asks. “We’re tent makers. We mind our own business.”

Rolling her eyes, Priscilla interrupts. “Move along, dear.”

“Too much?” He asks her.

Priscilla gestures, “Just a bit.”

“A man shows up one day at our kiosk.” Aquila continues. “At first, we thought he was just another Jewish refugee who made it from Rome and was needing shelter. But then he started looking closer at our structures and complimented our work in detail.”

“Turns out.” Priscilla continues. “He too was a tent maker.”

Apollos looks at both of his hosts. “Okay…”

Aquila continues. “He was needing work and offered to help in exchange for food and housing. We didn’t have much, and business was struggling at the time. But things began to change and having him there to help us was a Godsend.”

“But then…” Priscilla interjects. 

Waving in acknowledgement, Aquila says, “Yes, yes. I’m getting to this.”

“What happened?” Apollos asked. 

“Sabbath happened.” Priscilla explains. “Messiah happened. Saul of Tarsus happened.”

On the edge of his seat, Apollos lights up and asks, “What do you mean?”

“She means that this man who came asking for a job was none other than Saul of Tarsus.” Aquila explains to an unrealizing Apollos. Noticing his confusion, Aquila continues. “Saul of Tarsus. Surely you’ve heard of him. Surely you know his story. Almost every synagogue from Syria to Rome knows who he is by now.”

“I don’t know of the man.” Apollos responds. 

“You know.” Priscilla says. “The one who met Jesus, the risen Messiah?”

“Risen Messiah?” Apollos asks. “What are you talking about?”

With mouths agape, Priscilla and Aquila look at each other in complete bafflement. 

Patting her hand on Aquila’s arm, Priscilla says, “Honey, you had better get some more wine. I think we’re going to be here for a while.”

…

Acts 18:23, 26; 2 Timothy 4:5-7; Isaiah 55:10-11; Colossians 1:6; Philippians 3:12-14; 21

We’re going to stop here for today:

Priscilla and Aquila meet up with Apollos–a very polished and compelling guest speaker from Alexandria who recently taught in their synagogue and was advocating for the preparation of Messiah. More specifically, he was calling the congregation to get right with God, much like John the Baptist had while preaching out in the desert. Sensing that he didn’t have the full picture, Priscilla and Aquila invite him over for a meal and conversation.

Much to their surprise, they discover that Apollos knows little about Messiah and how he had already come on the scene. He has much to learn about who Jesus is, and what he has accomplished in both his ministry and resurrection. 

Meanwhile, Paul returns to Antioch of Syria after completing his second mission trip. In reconnecting with the leaders of his sending church, Paul becomes even further burdened to head back out to the mission field to address a looming threat. With so many young churches being composed of Jewish and Jewish converted followers, Paul is deeply concerned about the temptation of these fledgling churches, which are scattered throughout modern day Greece and Turkey, reverting back to the Law of Moses. But, he’s equally concerned about the churches throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria doing the same thing. 

How does one guy ensure that all of these churches stay in tact?

While we don’t know if Barnabas had this conversation with Paul, we can appreciate the wisdom coming from somebody like a Barnabas who at some point has served alongside of us in the ministry trenches. Who else would have better understood Paul’s concerns? Likewise, who better to understand ours?

Barnabas was one of the few who would understand what Paul was facing during his mission travels, for he accompanied Paul in his first endeavor. He was with Paul when they confronted the sorcerer in Cypress, when they fled for their lives out of Antioch of Pisidia and when they were nearly killed in Lystra. Barnabas also well understood the dynamics of the church in Jerusalem, as he was one of the first to fund the efforts of the disciples early on (Acts 4:36-37). Moreover, Barnabas knew all of the players in the Jerusalem church. He personally knew the apostles and possibly even knew Jesus at some level. Barnabas is the one who was responsible for introducing Paul to the leaders in Jerusalem shortly after Paul’s conversion experience (Acts 9:26-27). If anybody knew Paul, it was Barnabas.

Ministry is a burden. It’s a good burden, but it’s a burden nonetheless. So many things can go wrong. So many problems can emerge. In many cases, there is often so little to show for it. Yet, God plays the long range game and determines final outcomes. At the end of the day, we can take heart that:

We have fought the good fight!

So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.

— Colossians 1:28-29

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

— 2 Timothy 4:5-7

Our ministry has not been done in vain.

The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

— Isaiah 55:10-11

This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.

— Colossians 1:6

God is in charge. Our job is to simply press onward.

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

— Philippians 3:12-14; 21

May you be encouraged by this wherever you may find yourselves burdened to serve. Know that God is with you each step of the way, and take heart that he will finish in you what he first began.

In view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.

— Philippians 1:5-6

Let’s move forward together!

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As Paul’s third mission trip begins, another prominent and outspoken figure arrives in Ephesus.

Acts 18:24-26

As the early sun portends yet another brutal hot day ahead, a young man takes some comfort sitting along a river bank with his feet dipped into the cooler water. His father sits on an adjacent boulder, as the two observe one man teaching to a crowd of hundreds. His disciples, peppered behind him in the slightly deeper waters, are baptizing those wading out in their direction. 

Unable to fully hear what the disciples are quietly saying to those being baptized, the young man is able to make out a few words like “repent” or “turn”.

He looks up at his dad who catches his glimpse and then gestures over to the wild looking teacher. 

“Shhh.” His dad whispers. “This is important. Listen.”

The young man complies and turns his head back to a leathery figure dressed in primitive clothing. “I wonder where he lives.” He thinks to himself.

“How do you prove that you have repented and turned back to God?” The preacher rhetorically asks, as he looks heavily into the eyes of those in his audience. He then continues: “By the way you live. Don’t think you can hide behind the notion that you’re children of Abraham. That will not save you from the judgment to come. Believe me when I say that God will uproot the trees that do not produce good fruit. He will throw these useless trees into the fire. Do not be a useless tree that only produces bitter fruit.”

The young man looks up at his father once again and finds him staring back at him. “I don’t want to be a useless tree.” He laments.

“You won’t be.” His father replies. “Know God’s place in your life. Fear him, and let him be your master. Let His Laws determine your steps.”

The preacher continues in the background, “Stop skimming off the top. Collect only what the government requires, and be content with your pay.” He then points at the men who just asked him their questions and goes on, “It’s time to make amends, gentlemen.” He then nods at a nearby disciple to escort the men out into the deeper part of the river.

Uncertain, the men eventually follow the disciple, as the preacher moves on to address others in the crowd.

The young man’s father’s eyes do not drift away from his own. “Apollonius,” He asserts. “The Law is a lamp on your feet, a light for your path. Don’t fight against it. Trust that God knows what he’s doing.” His father hops off of the boulder and takes several steps into the deeper water. He turns to look back at his son and asks. “Well… are you ready to be a useful tree?”

…

In the middle of the columned hall, a sharply dressed man amasses the attention of the crowded room. He’s seen this before. In Alexandria, packing a room and keeping those in attendance at the edge of their seats was commonplace for him. Why would it be any different here? Nearly a half a head higher than anyone else in the room, he conscientiously straightens his posture, making him seem all the more taller. He intently stares at certain individuals situated throughout the room. Their body language betrays their thinking. He knows he has piqued their interest. He knows he has caused them to contemplate his prose… about their misdeeds… about their preoccupation to serve themselves first. 

His chiseled jaw, his tightly coiffed hair, and his pressed garments rival the statues found throughout Ephesus. Like moths to the flame, they simply cannot take their eyes off of him.

The longer he speaks, the more insecure they feel. Several in the room cannot help but to elevate the man as their own new tangible model of perfection. The men in the room find themselves looking down, taking deep breaths and shaking their heads, uncertain and wondering if being like him is attainable or if they should even bother trying. He’s the one they want to pattern their own lives around, or at least some aspect of their lives. He’s the full package.

The women seated on the other side of the room… well, that’s another story altogether.

It’s not that they haven’t seen good looking and fashionable men in Ephesus before. No, there were many of those types wandering throughout the city. But this man… there was something different about him, something balanced. Confident yet respectful. Bold yet self-effacing–his ability to clearly, crisply and systematically work through ideas in such easily digestible ways. His broad vocabulary wasn’t being used for ornate purposes… or uttered to make those listening feel inferior, though one may suspect that he could gush with the best of them. No, his words were precise. Clean. Purposeful, masterfully used and flawlessly executed. And… they cut to the heart.

“You.” He points to a row of well-dressed elders seated along the wall. “You enjoy the baths here in this city… I suspect no differently than the way we enjoy them in Alexandria. The cold water comfortably warms from the furnace fire at the ground level, resulting in an enjoyable bath for anyone with means to enjoy.”

He continues: “Are you comfortable? Do you live comfortably? Do you live with means? Does your wealth bring you options galore? How did you come about those means? Moreover, what have you done with those means? Have you used your means to generously benefit others? Or, have you been miserly with such generosity and hoarded your means to benefit only you?”

Listening from two separate corners in the room, Priscilla catches Aquila’s attention and mouths, “Who… is… this… guy?” She gestures to the speaker and at the elders seated along the wall.

Aquila shrugs.

The temperature in the room builds, and some begin to fidget.

The preacher continues, “Yes your baths are comfortable. You are comfortable. Some of you are openly opulent, showing off your wealth to those without, and you wonder why you are the objects of their covetousness. Some of you enjoy the finer things of life.” He gestures to many seated on the floor. “Whereas, many right here in this room wonder where their next meal might come from.” He looks back at the wealthy seated along the walls. “Does your comfort come at the expense of these servants, the very ones who feed the furnace a floor below you. Be mindful of those struggling around you.”

The room grows uncomfortably silent, as the preacher allows for several moments to pass. He finally continues: “The day has arrived where those without means will receive comfort, where the servants feeding the furnace will trade places with you and enjoy their baths. For those of you who have been less than generous. It is you who should feel uncomfortable, for your comfort will last but only a short while. The day of judgment is nigh and it burns much like that furnace. However, this fire will not consume the fuel of wood or coal. It will not be a fire designed to offer comfort to the smug or the arrogant. No… this fire is one of judgment where all who live for themselves will be called to give an account. For those who aim to satisfy themselves, this reckoning fire will only bring pain and sorrow. For those who live to help others, this purging fire will vindicate their lives. They will finally receive their comfort. For those of you who fear the Lord’s name, God’s Kingdom has come upon you. You will go free, leaping for joy like calves let out to pasture.”

He steps down and walks towards the synagogue’s exit, leaving a crowded yet stupefied room. With all eyes on him, he turns around and offers a final morsal. “I have little more to say at this point. Remember to obey the Lord’s servant, Moses, and the Laws given to Moses on Mount Sinai for all of Israel.” He exits the room and seats himself in the adjacent courtyard.

Conversations ensue as the service ends. Making small talk with those around her, Priscilla eyes her husband waiting patiently nearby. Excusing herself, she meets up with Aquila who greets her.

“Wow!” He says. “What just happened here?”

Priscilla smiles and says, “I think somebody has a crush.”

Aquila deadpans at his wife. 

“Too far?’ Priscilla jokes. “I think we need to hear more from our Alexandrian friend. Let’s go and find him.”

Aquila gestures at the crowd rushing to do the same. “Let’s hold out for a bit and wait for the line to thin. He’s going to be busy for a while.”

The room empties, and as expected, a swarm of men make a beeline towards the solitary figure seated on a stone bench.

“Are you Elijah?” One of the younger men asks.

“I am not.” The preacher responds.

“You are the prophet.” Another says aloud.

“No.” He replies. “I am simply turning the hearts of fathers to their children and children to their fathers. Each generation must know the heart of God and not forsake his teachings. Judgment is near and God will hold you responsible for your misdeeds.”

“What should we do?” Another cries out.

The preacher intently gazes upon the middle-aged man and replies. “If you have the means, which I suspect you do, help those who do not. Feed those who are hungry. Clothe those who are naked. Comfort those who can’t get a break. Look around you! There are those who call themselves children of Abraham who live in squalor and do what they can to make ends meet. Stop bragging about what you wear or eat or how you live. Start helping others in need.”

Yet another skeptically comments: “You say the Kingdom of God is here?”

“Yes.” The preacher says.

“Where is the King, then?” He asks. 

Carefully assessing the man in front of him, the preacher stands and let’s the question linger for the larger group gathered around him. “The very question Israel has asked of the one who has offered himself to lead them.” He says.

“What are you saying?” The man impatiently replies. “I don’t understand.”

“Our King has visited us.” The preacher replies. “But, we have rejected him.”

“What?” The man asks with surprise. “When…”

The preacher interrupts, “He will not shout or even raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or snuff a flickering candle. For those who have been wronged, he will bring about a prevailing justice throughout the earth, even to distant lands beyond the sea. Isaiah warned us of our coming King, and we missed him.”

…

We’re going to stop here for today. 

Showing up from out of nowhere, Apollos riles the Jewish community here in Ephesus. While Paul and Silas have made their ways back to Jerusalem and Antioch of Syria, Priscilla and Aquila decided to stick around to make Ephesus their new home. Upon hearing the well educated and quite articulate Alexandrian, the entire synagogue had been cut to the core.

Who is Apollos and why does he show up in Ephesus at this time? 

Apollos shows up in Ephesus from Alexandria of Egypt in what appears to be a “speaking tour” amongst the synagogues in some of the larger Roman cities. Proclaiming a message similar to that of John the Baptist, Apollos brings a whole new level of refinement with his own approach.

Though Alexandria was a large city of more than 300,000 inhabitants during Rome’s heightened era of imperialism, it perhaps even overshadowed Rome in intellect and learnedness. However, while elitism and intellectualism soared in Alexandria, it wasn’t without its troubles. Heavily influenced by Greek enlightenment and elitism, which happened to be at odds against a large contingent of indigenous Egyptians, Alexandria also had the largest and quite divergent Jewish community in the world at this time. With the likes of contemporary scholars such as Philo, who apologetically defended Jewish history and values–though personally he did not speak much Hebrew–he was heavily influenced by his Greek counterparts. Many schools were developed and adept at churning out exceptional scholarship and orators alike. While we don’t exactly know if Apollos saw John the Baptist at the river, and while we don’t exactly know if Apollos studied directly under Philo, who would have been some twenty years older, it is likely that Apollos had been indirectly schooled by both.

Some twenty years after the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus, Apollos shares a very similar message to that of John the Baptist, preparing the hearts of Israel to get right with God, realign themselves to the Mosaic covenant, and purge themselves from their selfish ways. In the Acts 18:24-26 passage we learn how there were some key things missing from Apollos’ content and that Priscilla and Aquila intervened to catch him up. What did they talk about? We’re not totally sure, but I suspect that it had something to do with the resurrection and the unveiling of the Spirit of God among both Jews and Gentiles alike.

How much did Apollos know about Jesus? 

While he knew who Jesus was, Apollos likely didn’t get the whole picture, so he stuck with what he knew from John’s message. The message of John the Baptist, who was well regarded by many, was far reaching. John’s ministry impacted tens of thousands if not more. Even today, there are still communities out there that follow the message of John the Baptist. Mandaeism is one such community with a fascinating history similar to that of the Jews. They have been scattered around the middle east and subject to much persecution by their Muslim counterparts, all the while treasuring the message of John the Baptist. 

Here’s a takeaway: Get right with God. Whether you’re a believer already or this is completely new to you, be reconciled with God. It’s why you were created. It’s why you are here. It’s also going to bite you in the butt if you don’t. The judgment of God is still to come, and an account of your life will still be required. 

John the Baptist’s message of, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand” is every bit as humbling today as it was when he first gave it 2000 years ago. As I have mentioned in previous episodes, John’s ministry goal was to get Israel and Jewish people from all over the world to prepare themselves for the arrival of the coming King who would come and judge the world and call all evil to account. The message unique to Christianity is that Jesus came the first time around not to judge as a righteous king but to make it possible for humanity to know God and become transformed, by God’s Spirit, into Kingdom worthy recipients. Without his first advent, the King’s righteous judgment would fall upon all humanity, not finding one soul worthy of His Kingdom. 

John’s goal was to prepare the hearts of those listening to feel the tension of not being good enough, of not measuring up to the standards found in the Law. But the problem… nobody’s perfect. Following the Law could not be sustainable, as that would require perfection. So we fail again and again. After beating our heads against the wall, we eventually come to discover that we need an intervention. 

But not everybody sees it this way. Many believed, back in the first century as well as today, they were good enough. Not too different from how we function today, when folks compared themselves to others who couldn’t measure up to them, they felt pretty good. But when measuring themselves up against the really upstanding folks, they couldn’t hold a candle to them. They figure, “Why beat yourself up? You can’t keep the Law at all times and in every way.”

Again, good as we are, nobody’s perfect. So why bother? Well, God requires perfection.

The good news is that through Christ’s sacrifice, God’s perfection has covered our imperfections, so when God looks at those who are covered under Christ’s sacrifice, he purposefully looks at us and chooses only to see the perfection of Christ in us.

So, when the King would offer his life as a means to account for the wrongdoing of humanity, many rejected this idea. Why? There are many reasons that factor in here, but some saw themselves as “Good enough”. But they also hurt themselves in the process.

Many of those who heard John’s message were also receptive to both Jesus’ teachings and his sacrificial offering. They were warm to his resurrection and the idea that God’s Spirit was up to something supernatural. This was the case with Apollos when he received more of the story from Priscilla and Aquila. He was strongly encouraged and ramped up his work even further. Shortly after spending time in Ephesus, he would move his teaching ministry on to the more challenging community of Corinth.

Let’s wrap things up. Get right with God. Reconcile your life with God. Yes, there is a future accounting of your life to come. But that’s only a small part of it. God has a much bigger goal of helping you see the universe from his eyes, to think like He thinks, and to supernaturally empower you to love like He loves. May you warmly receive his Kingdom offer by discovering who Jesus is and how he has given his life as a sacrifice for yours. With that, let’s move forward… together.