28 March, 2024

Lesson for November 18, 2018: The Church Grows in Europe (Acts 16:9-15, 22-34)

by | 12 November, 2018 | 0 comments

Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. This lesson treatment is published in issue no. 12 (weeks 45–48; November 11—December 2, 2018) of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com.

______

Lesson Aim: Pray for missionaries and other believers in areas known for the persecution of Christians.

______

By Mark Scott 

The first missionary journey (Acts 13, 14) was so successful that a church conference had to be called to handle the growth (15:1-35). Thanks to Peter’s testimony, Paul’s report, and James’ use of Amos 9:10, 11, the second missionary journey accelerated the success of the gospel (Acts 16-18). The new missionary team of Paul and Silas returned to the cities where the churches had been planted on the first journey. Timothy was added to the team, and it looked as though the gospel would spread to northern Galatia (Mysia and Bithynia). But God had other plans. Can you imagine how different the world would have been had the gospel not spread to Europe?

 

With a Vision |Acts 16:9, 10

It took a vision from God for the missionaries to cross the Aegean Sea. The Holy Spirit kept (hindered; forbade; did not allow) Paul and Silas from going north and east. Through a vision during the night God essentially said, “Go west, young man.” Since Luke used the word we it is safe to assume that the author had also joined the team at this point.

Macedonia meant Europe. The vision did not nail down many specifics—only “come and help.” The missionaries had to “conclude” (a cognitive word meaning “to put together with the use of the mind”) that God wanted the gospel in Europe. Once again, we see that the Holy Spirit’s primary role in Acts is directing the mission of the church. Making plans is good, but hold them loosely so that God can change them if he so chooses.

 

To a Woman |Acts 16:11-15

From Troas (western Turkey) they sailed past Samothrace and arrived in Neapolis (New City), which put the gospel on European soil. Working their way to the largest city (Thessalonica), they came first to the important Roman colony of Philippi. The lack of a Jewish synagogue probably indicated that there were not 10 Jewish men in the city. Therefore the beachhead for the gospel would be a river—not a synagogue.

One woman and her household (perhaps servants who worked with her in business) gave attention to the gospel. She is identified as a worshipper of God and a savvy business woman from Asia Minor. Being a dealer in purple cloth in a Roman colony was certainly smart. God so wanted the gospel in Europe that he opened Lydia’s heart. Maybe God will open anyone’s heart if they are listening to him. She responded to the Lord in baptism as did her workers (and perhaps children). She received salvation and then received the missionaries into her home. In fact, her hospitality set the example for one of the most generous churches in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 8:1-7; Philippians 1:5; 4:14-20).

 

By Persecution |Acts 16:22-34

Last week’s lesson noted that where the gospel went the devil surely followed. A slave girl who was being used by Satan and abused by men tried to mock the missionaries to discredit them. Paul called the evil spirit out and, as a result, got thrown into the slammer. If you are too kind you just might end up on a cross.

The owners of the slave girl realized their profits were shot. They manhandled Paul and Silas, successfully stirred up the magistrates, and played their political trump card by making the missionaries out to be Roman insurrectionists. The clamoring crowd joined in the persecution. Paul and Silas followed the example of their Lord in being stripped, beaten, and flogged (John 19:1-3; see 2 Corinthians 4:7-12; 6:4, 5; 11:23-28). They were placed in the inner cell with their feet in the stocks.

During the midnight vesper service (praying, singing, and preaching) God intervened with an earthquake. Luke graphically described the severity of it (violent, foundations shaken, prison doors dislodged, and chains came loose). The jailer assumed the prisoners had escaped and, true to the Code of Justinian 9.4.4 (a soldier would receive the punishment that escapees would have received), was about to commit suicide. Paul kept him from that drastic action.

Perhaps the jailer meant his question about being saved in a less “spiritual” sense, but it is framed up clearer than any of the other times this question occurs in the New Testament (Matthew 19:16; Luke 10:25; Acts 2:37). Paul told him to believe. He and his household (fellow jailers and/or family?) were baptized. Like Lydia he immediately became hospitable (washed the wounds and fed the missionaries). Joy had come to the jailer. Joy had come to Philippi (see the epistle). Joy had come to Europe even in the midst of persecution (see Acts 5:41).

________

Lesson study ©2018, Christian Standard Media. Print and digital subscribers are permitted to make one print copy per week of lesson material for personal use. Lesson based on the scope and sequence, ©2018 by Christian Standard Media. Scripture quotations are from the New International Version, ©2011, unless otherwise indicated.

<a href="https://christianstandard.com/author/markscott/" target="_self">Mark Scott</a>

Mark Scott

Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. He also serves as minister with Park Plaza Christian Church in Joplin.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: Impact Christian Church (Moon Township, Pa.) is seeking an executive pastor. The Christian Campus Foundation (CCF) at the University of Illinois is seeking a full-time director of campus ministry. New Brighton (Minn.) Christian Church needs a new senior minister. Summit Christian College (Gering, Neb.) is accepting applications for the position of academic dean. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.

The Best Sermon I Never Heard

“Can I tell you about the best sermon I never heard?” Matt Proctor asked the crowd at ICOM last November. “If I could time travel just once . . . I would go back to Luke 24. On that very first Easter Sunday . . . the resurrected Jesus is walking on the road to Emmaus, talking with two travelers. . . .”

KCU Announces Agreements with LBC, NEOBC

Kentucky Christian University has announced separate agreements to enable those who have earned a bachelor’s degree from Louisville Bible College or Northeast Ohio Bible College to seamlessly transition into the graduate programs offered by KCU’s Keeran School of Bible and Ministry. . . .

March 31 Lesson | Edification

What constitutes success in the church? The number of seats occupied on Sunday mornings? The number of baptisms per year? . . . For the apostle Paul, one litmus test for church success surely was edification.

March 31 Application | ‘Hidden Gems’

An inquisitive fellow e-mailed me some probing Bible questions. Fittingly, the doubter’s name was Thomas. I couldn’t tell whether he was sincere or just wanted to argue. I wrote back, “Would you like to meet in person to discuss your questions?” . . .

Follow Us