Acts 16 -20

ACTS

Chapter 16

(A.D. 53)

TIMOTHY

1 Then came he (Paul) to Derbe and Lystra (the Second Missionary Journey will have a greater effect on civilization than anything that has ever happened, other than the First Advent of Christ): and, behold, a certain Disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed (speaks of Timothy and his Mother as being followers of Christ); but his Father was a Greek (it seems he was not a Believer):

2 Which was well reported of by the Brethren Who were at Lystra and Iconium (Timothy’s consecration is obvious here).

3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him (which was undoubtedly a leading of the Spirit); and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters (this was wisdom on Paul’s part, which he felt led by the Holy Spirit to do): for they knew all that his Father was a Greek (Paul would do all he could to appease people, but not at the expense of compromising the Gospel).

4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the Apostles and Elders which were at Jerusalem (pertained to copies of the decision concerning the Law/Grace issue, which came out of the Council at Jerusalem).

5 And so were the Churches established in the Faith (Jesus Christ and Him Crucified), and increased in number daily (many were being saved).

6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia (implies a time frame of probably several months), and were forbidden of the Holy Spirit to preach the Word in Asia (refers to the area now known as northwestern Turkey; while the Holy Spirit definitely wanted the Gospel to go to this area, there was another place He desired first),

7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia (represented an area east of the Ephesus area): but the Spirit suffered them not (proclaims the door being closed to this area as well!).

8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas (this area would be closed for the time being also).

THE MACEDONIAN CALL

9 And a Vision appeared to Paul in the night (proclaims the Holy Spirit now telling the Apostle exactly where He wanted him to go); there stood a man of Macedonia (the northern part of modern Greece, from the Adriatic to the Hebrus River), and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us (thus was ushered in the most momentous event in the history of the world, the going forth of Paul to take the Gospel to the nations of the West).

10 And after he had seen the Vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia (by the use of the pronoun “we,” we know that Luke, the writer of this Book of Acts, now joins Paul here at Troas), assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the Gospel unto them (they knew they now had the Mind of the Lord).

PHILIPPI

11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis (this would be the very first presentation of the Gospel on European soil, which would have such a bearing on what is presently referred to as “Western Civilization”);

12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia (Paul’s destination), and a colony (was a colony of Rome): and we were in that city abiding certain days (represents tremendous hardships, but a Church was established here).

FIRST CONVERT

13 And on the Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made (evidently meant there was no Synagogue in the city; what few Jews were there met by the Riverside); and we sat down, and spoke unto the women which resorted thither (seems to tell us that no men were present other than Paul and his party).

14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira (she was a businesswoman), which worshipped God (proclaims her as a Gentile who had probably begun visiting a Jewish Synagogue in Thyatira), heard us (Paul evidently was asked to speak to these women, thus proclaiming the story of Jesus Christ and His Redemption afforded by the Cross of Calvary): whose heart the Lord opened (presents her hungry for God), that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul (she gave her heart to Christ, and was, thereby, the first convert on European soil).

15 And when she was baptized (evidently took place some days later), and her household (refers to the fact that all of those with her accepted the Lord as well, and were baptized), she besought us, saying, If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there (as well, her house was probably the first Church on European soil). And she constrained us (means they did not acquiesce at first, feeling perhaps that it may be an imposition on her; but she would not take no for an answer).

DELIVERANCE

16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer (does not tell us exactly where this was, but does specify that it was a certain place, more than likely the home of Lydia), a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us (speaks of the girl being demon possessed), which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying (claiming to give advice and counsel from the spirit world, which brought quite a sum of money to her owners):

17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying (implies that this went on for some time, possibly several days), These men are the servants of the Most High God, which show unto us the way of Salvation (should have been translated, “a way of Salvation,” because that’s the way it is in the original Text).

18 And this did she many days (for some reason, the Holy Spirit didn’t give Paul latitude to pray for the girl until now). But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit (addressed himself to the evil spirit, and not directly to the girl), I Command you in the Name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he (the evil spirit) came out the same hour (means that the spirit came out instantly).

19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone (meaning that the girl could no longer function as she had previously done), they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the Rulers (these men evidently had some sway with these Rulers),

20 And brought them to the Magistrates (pertained to Romans appointed by Rome), saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city (the manner in which the word “Jews” is used implies contempt),

21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe (a gross untruth! actually, Judaism was a legal religion in the Roman Empire; even though Paul and Silas were not actually teaching Judaism, but rather proclaiming Jesus, still the Romans would not have been able to distinguish the difference), being Romans (implying superiority).

22 And the multitude rose up together against them (presents a stacked audience against Paul and Silas): and the Magistrates rent off their clothes (took off Paul and Silas’ clothes, at least to the waist), and commanded to beat them (Paul recalls this in I Thess. 2:2; scourging under Roman Law was a most brutal and cruel punishment).

23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them (the lictors were egged on by the mob, with the Apostles being beaten almost to death), they cast them into prison (prisons then were far worse than anything we can now imagine), charging the jailor to keep them safely (contains the implication that Paul and Silas were desperados):

24 Who, having received such a charge (means that he could punish them even more if he so desired, which he did), thrust them into the inner prison (reserved for the most violent of criminals), and made their feet fast in the stocks (the legs were pulled wide apart, with the individual laying on their back on the floor; after a short time, the muscles in the legs would begin to constrict, causing severe pain).

THE CONVERSION

25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed (doesn’t mean they began to pray at midnight, but rather that they were still praying at midnight having begun some time earlier), and sang praises unto God (the Greek Text suggests that bursts of song broke out from time to time as they prayed; their song was probably one of the Psalms): and the prisoners heard them (means they prayed and sang so loud that other prisoners heard them).

26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake (this was no ordinary earthquake), so that the foundations of the prison were shaken (presents the Lord as the Instigator of this upheaval, not a normal force of nature): and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed (this implies no normal earthquake, but rather something supernatural).

27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open (automatically causes him to assume that all the prisoners had fled), he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled (meaning that under the penalty of death, he was responsible for the prisoners).

28 But Paul cried with a loud voice (Paul sees what the jailer is about to do to himself), saying, Do yourself no harm: for we are all here (tells us that none of the prisoners, ever how many there were, took the opportunity to escape; this also tells us that quite possibly some, if not all, had given their hearts to the Lord).

29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling (proclaims that something powerful was happening to this man, over and above the shock of the earthquake and his thoughts of suicide), and fell down before Paul and Silas (the jailer treated Paul with great brutality, but Paul treated him with great humanity),

30 And brought them out (brought Paul and Silas out of the prison), and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (This presents terminology that shows some familiarity with the Gospel; quite possibly before the arrest of the Apostle, the jailer had heard him preach)

31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved (presents the most beautiful explanation of Salvation that could ever be given), and your house (means that Salvation is not limited merely to the jailer, but is available to the entirety of his family as well, that is if they will meet the conditions of Faith in Christ required of them).

32 And they spoke unto him the Word of the Lord (pertained to a fleshing out of the answer given in the previous Verse, explaining what believing in Christ really meant), and to all that were in his house (presents this service being conducted sometime after midnight, which resulted in all of his family giving their hearts to Christ; what a beautiful night it turned out to be!).

33 And he (the jailer) took them (Paul and Silas) the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes (speaks of the terrible beating they had suffered a short time before); and was baptized, he and all his, straightway (immediately).

34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them (proclaims, as obvious, a meal prepared for them), and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house (a night of misery turned into a night of great joy, and joy which would last forever for this jailer and his family).

THE MAGISTRATES

35 And when it was day, the Magistrates sent the serjeants (probably refers to the same men who had administered the beating to Paul and Silas), saying, Let those men go (the Codex Bezae says that the Magistrates came into Court that morning feeling that their treatment of Paul and Silas had brought on the earthquake; they were right!).

36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The Magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans (presents a scenario which puts an entirely different complexion on the matter; it was against Roman Law for Romans to be beaten; so, in beating them, the Magistrates had broken the law, evidently not realizing they were Romans), and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? (They were treated as common criminals.) No verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out (in this way, the city of Philippi would know that the charges were false).

38 And the serjeants told these words unto the Magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans (if Paul and Silas so desired, they could have brought charges against these individuals, which could have resulted in severe consequences).

39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out (refers to the fact that the “Magistrates” now came to Paul and Silas), and desired them to depart out of the city (has reference to the fact that they were pleading with the Apostles not to bring charges against them, but rather depart in peace).

40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia (they were somewhat the worse for wear in the physical sense, but greatly encouraged in the spiritual sense): and when they had seen the Brethren, they comforted them, and departed (these were new converts in the Philippian Church).

Chapter 17

(A.D. 53)

THESSALONICA

1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica (presents Paul’s destination evidently directed here by the Holy Spirit), where was a Synagogue of the Jews (presents Paul once again taking the Gospel first of all to the Jews):

2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them (should have been translated, “as his custom was”), and three Sabbath Days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures (the Old Testament, and concerning Christ),

3 Opening and alleging (to expound and present), that Christ must needs have suffered (had to go to the Cross in order that all sin might be atoned [Gen. 3:15; Ex. 12:13; Isa., Chpt. 53]), and risen again from the dead (Lev. 14:1-7; Ps. 16:10); and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ (is the Messiah, the One pointed to in the Scriptures).

4 And some of them believed (some Jews), and consorted with Paul and Silas (wanted to hear more about Jesus); and of the devout Greeks a great multitude (many Gentiles were saved), and of the Chief women not a few (could have referred to the wives of some of the Civil Rulers in the city, or at least wives of influential men).

5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy (presents a perfect example of religious people who refuse the Light of the Gospel, and then set about to stop the propagation of that Light), took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar (presents these Jews as being unable to Scripturally counter Paul’s Message, so they now resort to other measures), and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people (evidently refers to where Paul and his associates were staying).

6 And when they found them not (evidently Paul and Silas were not there at the time), they drew Jason and certain Brethren unto the Rulers of the city (proclaims the mob determined to take their anger out on someone, if not Paul!), crying, These who have turned the world upside down are come hither also (tells us that the Jews had prepped certain people in this mob thoroughly);

7 Whom Jason has received (charges Jason as being a part of the alleged conspiracy): and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another King, One Jesus (presents that which is blatantly false, and the Jews knew it was false).

8 And they troubled the people and the Rulers of the city, when they heard these things (by their lies, they created a commotion).

9 And when they had taken security of Jason (probably means that Jason put up a security bond of some sorts), and of the other (probably refers to a guarantee on the part of Jason and others that Paul and his party would leave the city, even though they were not to blame), they let them go (implies that the authorities were now satisfied).

BEREA

10 And the Brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea (this town is about fifty miles from Thessalonica; they left by night, because to remain longer could have caused more problems): who coming thither went into the Synagogue of the Jews (presents, as stated, Paul’s custom, but which this time will turn out better, for a change).

11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica (we now learn God’s definition of “noble”), in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind (this is the meaning of the word “noble”), and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so (tells us why they so eagerly accepted the Message of Jesus Christ).

12 Therefore many of them believed (speaks of Jews who accepted Christ as Saviour); also of Honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few (speaks of Gentiles who had been attending the Jewish Synagogue and, as well, accepted Christ).

13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the Word of God was preached of Paul at Berea (these Jews in Thessalonica, not content with what they had done in their city, now attempt to stop that which is happening in Berea), they came thither also, and stirred up the people (shows how effective a lie can be).

14 And then immediately the Brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the Sea (speaks of the Aegean, which was about seventeen miles from Berea): but Silas and Timotheus abode there still (remained in Berea).

15 And they who conducted Paul brought him unto Athens (presents the chief city of Greece, famed for its learning): and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed (Paul sends the Message back with these men that Silas and Timothy are to come to Athens as soon as possible).

ATHENS

16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry (means it was full of idols).

17 Therefore disputed he in the Synagogue with the Jews (from the Scriptures, he would preach Jesus; the Scriptures then, at least as far as the Jews were concerned, were the Old Testament), and with the devout persons (singles out the Jews who really seemed to be devoted to the Scriptures), and in the market daily with them that met with him (this was a place in Athens, where speakers generally gave forth).

18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans (those who claimed that gratification of the appetites and pleasures was the only end in life), and of the Stoics (they taught that man was not to be moved by either joy or grief), encountered him (challenged his statements about Christ). And some said, What will this babbler say? (This presents the highest insult of which they could think.) other some, He seems to be a setter forth of strange gods (in their minds, anything outside of Greek philosophy was of no consequence): because he preached unto them Jesus, and the Resurrection (they didn’t want a Resurrection, simply because they did not desire the idea of living this life over again; this shows they totally misunderstood what Paul said).

19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus (refers to Mars’ Hill which faces the Acropolis; this was the Supreme Court of Athens), saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof you speak, is? (This presents Paul facing this Supreme Court Justices’ of Athens.)

20 For you bring certain strange things to our ears (it’s strange that those who brought Paul to this place labeled what he said as mere babblings, but yet think it important enough to be taken to the highest Court in Athens): we would know therefore what these things mean (presents a noble request to Paul, and an unparalleled opportunity).

21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) (With the great Philosophers now dead, Athens was attempting to live off the glory of former times.)

MARS’ HILL

22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, You men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious (in this one sentence, he debunks all of their philosophies; they are guided by superstition, which is no way to live).

23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions (has reference to their objects of worship), I found an Altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD (by addressing the situation in this way, he could not be accused of preaching a foreign god to them). Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, Him declare I unto you (refers to them acknowledging that maybe they did not have the last word on gods! actually, they did not have any word at all).

24 God Who made the world and all things therein (presents God as the Creator), seeing that he is Lord of Heaven and Earth (proclaims Him not only as Creator, but the constant Manager of all that He has created as well), dwells not in Temples made with hands (He is bigger than that!);

25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands (the Second Commandment forbids the making of any graven image of God, or the worship of any type of statue, etc.), as though He needed any thing (God needs nothing!), seeing He gives to all life, and breath, and all things (presents His Creation needing what He provides, which is provided by no other source);

26 And has made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth (proclaims all having their origin in Adam), and has determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation (pertains to particular parts of the world, and those who occupy these areas; however, the statement, “one blood all nations of men,” eliminates any type of racial superiority);

27 That they should seek the Lord (presents the chief end of all God’s dealings with men [I Pet. 2:24; II Pet. 3:9; Jn. 3:15-20; Rev. 22:17]), if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him (Paul is appealing to the action of logic and common sense in trying to address these Pagans), though He be not far from every one of us (speaks of the Creator being very close to His Creation):

28 For in Him we live, and move, and have our being (proclaims God as the source of all life [Heb. 1:3]); as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring (presents a direct quote from Aratus of Tarsus, Paul’s own country).

29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God (is offered by Paul in the sense of Creation; it does not mean the “Fatherhood of God, and the Brotherhood of Man,” as many contend), we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device (Paul is saying that God is not a device of man, as all the Greek gods in fact were).

30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at (does not reflect that such ignorance was Salvation, for it was not! before the Cross, there was very little Light in the world, so God withheld Judgment); but now commands all men every where to repent (but since the Cross, the “Way” is open to all; it’s up to us Believers to make that “Way” known to all men):

31 Because He has appointed a day (refers to the coming of the Great White Throne Judgment [Rev. 20:11-15]), in the which He will Judge the world in Righteousness by that Man Whom He has ordained (this Righteousness is exclusively in Christ Jesus and what He has done for us at the Cross, and can be gained only by Faith in Him [Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 10:9-10,13; Rev. 22:17]); whereof He has given assurance unto all men, in that He has raised Him from the dead (refers to the Resurrection ratifying that which was done at Calvary, and is applicable to all men, at least all who will believe!).

32 And when they heard of the Resurrection of the Dead, some mocked (the “mocking” was caused by sheer unbelief): and others said, We will hear you again of this matter (many were touched by Paul’s Message, but regrettably procrastinated).

33 So Paul departed from among them (they ascertained that he had broken none of their laws, so he was free to go, which he did!).

34 Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed (these believed wholeheartedly, recognizing in Paul the true Words of Life): among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite (he was a member of the Great Court of Athens; tradition says that he became the Pastor of the Church in Athens), and a woman named Damaris (a person of prominence), and others with them.

Chapter 18

(A.D. 54)

CORINTH

1 After these things Paul departed from Athens (seems to imply that he departed alone, with Silas and Timothy joining him later at Corinth), and came to Corinth (one of the great cities of the Roman Empire);

2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla (pertains to a husband and wife who became very close friends to Paul); (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) (believed to have occurred in about A.D. 49 or 50) and came unto them (Paul came to them).

3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought (evidently means that Paul had inquired concerning those involved in this occupation): for by their occupation they were tentmakers (tentmakers wove the black cloth of goat or camel’s hair with which tents were made).

4 And he reasoned in the Synagogue every Sabbath (preached Christ from the Old Testament), and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks (his argument was ironclad).

SILAS AND TIMOTHY

5 And when Silas and Timothy were come from Macedonia (probably means that Silas had come from Berea, with Timothy coming from Thessalonica; Macedonia was a Province which included both places), Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ (the Holy Spirit told him to bear down even harder!).

6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed (proclaims the response of some of these Jews to Paul’s claim that Christ was the Messiah), he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean (in other words, he had delivered his soul): from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles (does not mean that he would no longer minister to Jews if given the opportunity, which he did do at Ephesus [Acts 19:8], but that the thrust would be toward the Gentiles).

THE HOUSE

7 And he departed thence (out of the Synagogue), and entered into a certain man’s house (a meeting place for Church), named Justus, one who worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the Synagogue (evidently points to Justus in the recent past as having accepted Christ under Paul’s Ministry).

8 And Crispus, the Chief Ruler of the Synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house (this must have been galling to the Jews to have their Chief Ruler of the Synagogue converted to Christ); and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized (speaks of many Gentiles now being saved).

9 Then spoke the Lord to Paul in the night by a Vision (does not clarify whether Paul saw the Lord, or only heard Him speak? it being a “Vision” implies that he was awake), Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not your peace (there evidently was fear in Paul’s heart regarding the tremendous opposition against him; he was told by the Lord to speak with boldness):

10 For I am with you, and no man shall set on you to hurt you (speaks to the idea that Paul had threats on his life, threats which were not empty, but rather deadly serious): for I have much people in this city (concerns the great Church which will be raised up at Corinth).

11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the Word of God among them (records the longest time that Paul spent in any place other than Ephesus, where he spent some three years).

12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia (it is believed that he was Proconsul in A.D. 52-53), the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat (Jews had no power to punish any person in a Roman Province, so they were obliged to bring Paul before the Roman Governor),

13 Saying, This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the Law (does not pertain to Roman Law as some claim, but rather the Law of Moses).

14 And when Paul was now about to open his mouth (refers to him waiting for his accusers to cease their tirade against him), Gallio said unto the Jews (proclaims the Proconsul interrupting Paul), If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O you Jews, reason would that I should bear with you (proclaims the Governor putting everything in its proper perspective immediately!):

15 But if it be a question of words and names, and of your Law, look ye to it (in effect, tells them to settle this thing themselves because it had no place in a Roman Court); for I will be no judge of such matters (in essence says, “you will not use a Roman Court to carry forth your personal schemes!”).

16 And he drove them from the judgment seat (implies the humiliating dismissal of the case, without even being tried or further heard).

17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the Chief Ruler of the Synagogue (presents the man who took the place of Crispus, with the latter having given his heart to the Lord), and beat him before the judgment seat (gives us little clue as to why this was done, unless they had refused to dissemble). And Gallio cared for none of those things (means that he considered the whole matter outside his jurisdiction).

EPHESUS

18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while (could have referred to several months), and then took his leave of the Brethren (was done strictly according to the timing of the Lord), and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila (they had now become fast friends of Paul); having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow (Cenchrea was the Port of Corinth; there was a Church there as well; we aren’t told what this “vow” was).

19 And he came to Ephesus (Ephesus was the most important city in the Roman Province of Asia), and left them there (has to do with Priscilla and Acquila remaining in Ephesus when Paul left some days later): but he himself entered into the Synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews (has no reference to the previous phrase; no doubt, Priscilla and Acquila were with him during this meeting).

20 When they (the Jews in the Synagogue) desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not (Paul left, but Priscilla and Acquila remained and, no doubt, continued teaching these Jews about Christ);

ANTIOCH

21 But bade them farewell (speaks of Priscilla and Acquila, and possibly some few Jews who had accepted Christ), saying, I must by all means keep this Feast that comes in Jerusalem (probably was the Passover): but I will return again unto you, if God will (portrays the manner in which all Believers should conduct everything). And he sailed from Ephesus (places him on his way to Jerusalem).

22 And when he had landed at Caesarea (puts him about sixty-five miles northwest of Jerusalem), and gone up, and saluted the Church (refers to the Mother Church at Jerusalem), he went down to Antioch (refers to Antioch, Syria).

THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY

23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed (portrays the beginning of his Third Missionary Journey), and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the Disciples (probably lasted about six months; it is believed that Timothy, Erastus, Gaius, and Aristarchus may have been traveling with Paul at this time; Titus may have been included as well).

APOLLOS

24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus (introduces a man whom Paul came to hold in high esteem).

25 This man was instructed in the Way of the Lord (however, his knowledge was greatly limited respecting Grace and the Baptism with the Holy Spirit); and being fervent in the spirit (spoke of his own spirit and not the Holy Spirit), he spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the Baptism of John (speaks of Repentance and Water Baptism).

26 And he began to speak boldly in the Synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard (presents that which was all in the providence of God), they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the Way of God more perfectly (no doubt pertained to the full complement of Salvation by the Grace of God exclusively, correct Water Baptism, and the Baptism with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking with other Tongues).

27 And when he (Apollos) was disposed to pass into Achaia (refers to Greece, across the Aegean Sea, and Corinth in particular), the Brethren wrote, exhorting the Disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through Grace (he is now proficient in this most excellent Message of the Grace of God that comes through the Cross):

28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was Christ (had reference more than likely to ministering in their Synagogue).

Chapter 19

(A.D. 58)

EPHESUS

1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth (pertains to Acts 18:27), Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus (refers back to Acts 18:23): and finding certain Disciples (they were followers of Christ, but deficient in their understanding),

2 He said unto them, Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? (In the Greek, this is literally, “having believed, did you receive?” We know these men were already Saved because every time the word “Disciples” is used in the Book of Acts, it refers to individuals who have accepted Christ. Paul could tell that these individuals, although Saved, had not yet been baptized with the Holy Spirit.) And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Spirit (doesn’t mean that they didn’t know of the existence of the Holy Spirit, but they were not aware that the Age of the Spirit had come, and that Believers could literally be baptized with Him; at Salvation, the Holy Spirit baptizes Believing sinners into Christ; at the Spirit Baptism, Jesus baptizes Believers into the Holy Spirit [Mat. 3:11]).

3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were you baptized? (After asking about the Holy Spirit Baptism, Paul was met with a blank stare, so to speak.) And they said, Unto John’s Baptism (this was the Baptism of Repentance).

4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the Baptism of Repentance (which, in effect, was all that could be done at that particular time), saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus (proclaims John the Baptist lifting up Jesus as the Saviour of mankind).

5 When they heard this (no doubt, Paul said much more; however, the evidence is they instantly believed and accepted what Paul said, and they then desired what he said), they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (means, “by the authority of the Lord Jesus”; the only Baptismal formula in the Word of God is Mat. 28:19).

6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them (constitutes a Biblical principle [Acts 8:17; 9:17-18]), the Holy Spirit came on them (refers to them being baptized with the Holy Spirit); and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied (proclaims Tongues as the initial physical evidence that one has been baptized with the Holy Spirit; sometimes there is prophesying at that time, and sometimes not [Acts 8:17; 9:17; 10:46]).

7 And all the men were about twelve (it seems that no women were involved at this particular time).

THE SYNAGOGUE

8 And he (Paul) went into the Synagogue, and spoke boldly for the space of three months (it seems that he lasted longer here than he had in most Synagogues), disputing and persuading the things concerning the Kingdom of God (he would have brought reasonable proofs from the Old Testament Scriptures to show that the Kingdom [ruled authority] of God is revealed in Jesus, Who is now Ascended to the Right Hand of the Father and seated at the Father’s Throne [Acts 2:30-33]).

THE CHURCH

9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spoke evil of that way before the multitude (they rebelled against the Gospel of Christ), he departed from them, and separated the Disciples (proclaims the break with the Synagogue), disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus (is thought to be the Lecture Hall of a Greek Philosopher).

10 And this continued by the space of two years (probably referred to most every night and, at times, during the day as well; he spent a total of three years in Ephesus [Acts 20:31]); so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the Word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks (does not refer to every single person, but rather to people from all walks of life, and from all surrounding areas).

MIRACLES

11 And God wrought special Miracles by the hands of Paul (the Lord did these things, not Paul):

12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons (there is no indication in the Text that he purposely sent these things out, although he definitely may have, but rather that people on their own simply picked them up; they took them to the diseased or demon-possessed, evidently placing the cloth on the person, with them receiving healing and/or deliverance), and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them (it was not the pieces of cloth which did this, but rather the Power of God using these cloths as a point of contact regarding Faith).

13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists (speaks of individuals who practiced divination, and who were not of God, but rather of Satan), took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus (apparently these people had heard Paul minister and observed him praying for the sick and casting out demons; they evidently noted that he used “The Name of Jesus,” which had a powerful effect), saying, We adjure you by Jesus Whom Paul preaches (seems to be their own formula or incantation they cooked up by observing Paul).

14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and Chief of the Priests, which did so (infers that this man may have been a member of the Jewish Council at Ephesus).

15 And the evil spirit answered and said (points to a man who was demon-possessed, and that some or all of these seven sons had been hired to exorcise this spirit), Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? (This represents two different and distinct Greek verbs regarding the word “know.” Referring to Jesus, it implied fear! Referring to Paul, there was much less action.)

16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them (probably involved all seven sons being soundly whipped by the demon-possessed man), so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded (the Greek Text indicates that they suffered wounds severe enough to effect them for a while).

17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus (“all” does not mean every single person, but rather quite a number); and fear fell on them all (they now knew not to trifle with the Name of Jesus), and the Name of the Lord Jesus was magnified (presents the constant idea of the Holy Spirit that Jesus will always be Glorified [Jn. 16:14]).

18 And many who believed came (speaks of those who had trusted the Lord for Salvation, but as of yet had not given up particular sins), and confessed, and showed their deeds (concerns the Holy Spirit now leading these Believers to Holiness and Righteousness, even as He had led them to Salvation previously).

19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men (“curious arts” refers to the practicing of magic; so the Holy Spirit was mightily working in people’s lives, just as He desires to do always; if we will allow Him, He will clean us up; He does it through our Faith in Christ and the Cross [Rom. 8:2]): and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver (it must have been many, many books, etc., for the amount in 2003 dollars would be approximately $2,000,000).

20 So mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed (it doesn’t say that the Church grew mightily, but rather the “Word of God . . .”).

21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the Spirit (refers to the Holy Spirit), when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem (he wanted to be there for the Feast of Pentecost [Acts 20:16]), saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome (the Greek Text indicates a Divine Hand laid upon Paul).

22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them who ministered unto him, Timothy and Erastus (concerned preparations they would make in the Churches for Paul’s visit a short time later); but he himself stayed in Asia for a season (stayed in Ephesus a little longer, maybe two or three months).

EPHESUS

23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that Way (“that Way” is the “Pentecostal Way,” which characterizes the entirety of the Book of Acts).

24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith (he was probably the guild-master of the silversmith guild or trade union), which made silver shrines for Diana (speaks of miniatures of the Temple of Diana with the goddess in the middle of the Temple background), brought no small gain unto the craftsmen (speaks of those who made their living by this particular craft);

25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation (whom Demetrius called together), and said, Sirs, you know that by this craft we have our wealth (tells us that their chief concern was not really the worship or the honor of this goddess, but their own prosperity).

26 Moreover you see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia (presents a powerful Testimony, from an enemy no less, to the power and effectiveness of Paul’s labors and his Message), this Paul has persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands (proclaims that which Paul had preached, and which many people had come to believe, and rightly so):

27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought (follows the idea that it would fall in disrepute); but also that the Temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships (there was quite a bit of exaggeration here).

28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath (the accusations of Demetrius had the desired effect), and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians (actually, the great wealth and prominence of the city of Ephesus were largely due to its great Temple of Diana, but it was basically localized to that city).

29 And the whole city was filled with confusion (the mob is forming): and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre (recognizing these two men as Paul’s associates, they dragged them into the amphitheater).

30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people (Paul was determined to go into the theater and address the mob), the Disciples suffered him not (these were the Believers who were a part of the Church at Ephesus, and who knew the danger that awaited Paul).

31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends (these were men of high rank and great wealth, which presents another striking proof of the enormous influence of Paul’s preaching in Asia), sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre (seems to me that they sent Paul word, but did not come to him in person).

32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another (presents the actions and mannerisms of a mob): for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together (means that a few were agitating the many).

33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward (exactly as to who this Alexander was is not clear). And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people (presents that which is to no avail).

34 But when they knew that he was a Jew (proclaims the reason for their outburst which followed), all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians (despite all of this, history records that the Gospel, which Paul preached, had such an effect that the worshipers of the goddess Diana came in ever fewer numbers, while the Church in Ephesus continued to flourish).

35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people (presents an office of influence), he said, You men of Ephesus, what man is there who knows not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? (The idea is that Ephesus is the proud possessor of this goddess, of which no other city in the world could boast.)

36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against (appeals to the pride of these individuals, as to Diana being so great), you ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly (represents good advice, although coming from a heathen).

37 For you have brought hither these men (speaking of Gaius and Aristarchus), which are neither robbers of Churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess (means that Paul had not directed attention to this particular idol, but had, no doubt, referred to idols made by men’s hands [Vs. 26]).

38 Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open (reflects the common sense of the town clerk), and there are deputies: let them implead one another (he was saying that if Demetrius really had a case against Paul and those with him, he should pursue it in open Court).

39 But if you inquire any thing concerning other matters (in effect, is saying, if there are other complaints against Paul than that mentioned, it should be addressed correctly, and not by mob action), it shall be determined in a lawful assembly (open Court).

40 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar (refers to Roman peace being disturbed for no good reason), there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse (proclaims the town clerk wondering how this mob action could be explained to Roman authorities, if called to account).

41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly (common sense prevailed, and Gaius and Aristarchus were released forthwith).

Chapter 20

(A.D. 60)

MACEDONIA AND GREECE

1 And after the uproar was ceased (the mob had dispersed), Paul called unto him the Disciples, and embraced them (speaks of some of the Believers of the Church in Ephesus), and departed for to go into Macedonia (pertained to his care for the Churches in that region).

2 And when he had gone over those parts (no doubt included Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea), and had given them much exhortation (refers to the teaching of the Word of God, as is obvious), he came into Greece (probably refers to a repeat visit to Athens, Corinth, and Cenchrea, as well as other places),

3 And there abode three months (he probably spent most of this time at Corinth [I Cor. 16:6]). And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria (these were most probably Jews from the Synagogue at Corinth, who planned to kill him), he purposed to return through Macedonia (basically presents the opposite direction, actually to Philippi, from where he would then turn toward Syria).

4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus (some expositors believe that some of these men where chosen by various Churches to travel with Paul, and take their offerings for the poor in Jerusalem [Acts 19:29; 27:2; Rom. 15:25-28; I Cor. 16:3; II Cor. 8:19-23]).

5 These going before tarried for us at Troas (by the use of the pronoun “us,” Luke indicates that he has once again joined Paul and his party).

PAUL AT TROAS

6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread (speaks of the Passover Week), and came unto them to Troas in five days (evidently portrays the length of time it took to make the voyage by ship); where we abode seven days.

7 And upon the first day of the week (Sunday), when the Disciples came together to break bread (Sunday had become the main day of worship), Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight (proclaims him preaching possibly for several hours).

8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber (evidently spoke of a third story room, which would seat two or three hundred people), where they were gathered together (this was the meeting place or Church in Troas).

9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead (the Greek Text declares that he was a lifeless corpse; the fall had killed him).

10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said (presents the example of Elijah in this, which is probably what Paul intended [I Ki. 17:17-21]), Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him (does not mean, as some claim, that the boy had merely been knocked unconscious, but rather that he had been dead, and that the Lord had infused life back into him; he was raised from the dead!).

11 When he (Paul) therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day (this all night Message was interrupted only by the raising of the boy from the dead; he had much to tell them, and there was much they needed to hear), so he departed.

12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted (what a night it had been!).

PAUL

13 And we went before to ship (refers to Luke and the men of Verse 4, but not Paul, at least at this time), and sailed unto Assos (a short distance of about forty miles around Cape Electum), there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot (by land it was about twenty miles; he would walk this distance alone, no doubt desiring to be alone with the Lord in prayer).

14 And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene (presented another approximate forty miles by ship).

15 And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios (presents another Island about the size of Lesbos; it lay due west of both Smyrna and Ephesus, about a hundred miles in distance); and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus (not stop there), because he would not spend the time in Asia (tells us, I think, he did not want to tarry, having settled this thing with the Lord respecting this eventful trip): for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the Day of Pentecost (the Holy Spirit has warned him of the coming difficulties he will face on this trip, and it is almost as if he must haste, lest he draw back because of these coming difficulties).

EPHESIAN ELDERS

17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the Elders of the Church (it was about thirty miles to Ephesus; he wanted the Elders to come meet him at Melitus before he left).

18 And when they were come to him (probably represents two or three days from the time the Messenger was originally sent), he said unto them, You know, from the first day that I came into Asia (takes them back to the very beginning of the Church at Ephesus), after what manner I have been with you at all seasons (indicates him nurturing them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ),

19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind (presents that which was the very opposite of the Judaizers and other false teachers, who were attempting to draw a following after themselves), and with many tears (Paul’s emotions ran deep), and temptations (a provocation to deal with a situation outside the Ways of the Lord), which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews (the constant plots against Paul by the Jews were never ceasing):

20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you (he did not allow anything to silence his voice respecting the great Doctrine of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified), but have showed you (explained the Scriptures), and have taught you publickly, and from house to house (most Churches were then in houses),

21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks (the Gospel is the same for all), repentance toward God, and Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ (presents the Gospel in the proverbial nutshell; Faith in Christ pertains to Faith in what He did at the Cross).

22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem (speaks of the Holy Spirit, and the desire of the Spirit that Paul take this trip, irrespective of the coming difficulties), not knowing the things that shall befall me there (the Holy Spirit tells him to go to Jerusalem and that there will be great problems, but doesn’t tell him exactly what they will be):

23 Save that the Holy Spirit witnesses in every city (tells us that such happened, but gave no information about the actual events), saying that bonds and afflictions abide me (the Holy Spirit didn’t tell Paul exactly how these things would come about).

24 But none of these things move me (proclaims Paul putting himself entirely in the hands of the Lord), neither count I my life dear unto myself (his life belonged to the Lord, and the Lord could do with it as He so desired), so that I might finish my course with joy (and that he ultimately did), and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the Grace of God (proclaims basically what this “course” actually is; his Message was Jesus Christ and Him Crucified).

25 And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the Kingdom of God (he had faithfully preached the Message to these Ephesians), shall see my face no more (he knew this would be the last time he would see them, and therefore, the reason he had sent for them).

26 Wherefore I take you to record this day (the Heavenly record will show), that I am pure from the blood of all men (means that he had delivered the Gospel to everyone who heard him preach, exactly as it was given to him by the Lord).

27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you (refers to the fact that the temptation was always there to trim the Message) all the Counsel of God (all the Word of God, holding back nothing).

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the Flock (this word is directed to the Pastors who had come from Ephesus to meet him), over the which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers (Elders, Bishops, Overseers, Shepherds, and Presbyters all mean the same thing, “Pastor”), to feed the Church of God (to tend as a Shepherd), which He has purchased with His Own Blood (Christ bought us at a great price).

29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock (presents a perfect description of those who merchandise the Body of Christ, and in whatever way).

30 Also of your own selves shall men arise (will not come from the outside, but from the inside), speaking perverse things, to draw away Disciples after them (not to Christ, but to themselves).

31 Therefore watch (be spiritually vigilant), and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears (Paul not only preached the Truth of the Word, but warned of and pointed out false doctrine and false apostles as well).

32 And now, Brethren, I commend you to God (he has planted enough of the Gospel in them that they will not turn from the Lord), and to the Word of His Grace (that “Word” is “the Cross”), which is able to build you up (the Gospel of Grace alone can build one up), and to give you an inheritance among all them which are Sanctified (the Believer is Sanctified only by making the Cross the Object of His Faith, which gives the Holy Spirit the latitude to carry out this work within our hearts and lives; the Believer cannot Sanctify himself).

33 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel (he was not after their money as were these grievous wolves of Verse 29).

34 Yes, you yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them who were with me (refers to Paul repairing tents to support himself [Acts 18:3]).

35 I have showed you all things (means that this particular aspect of unselfishness is to serve as an example), how that so labouring you ought to support the weak (everything the Believer does is to set a spiritual example), and to remember the Words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive (these words are not recorded in the Gospels; however, we know that only a tiny part of what He said and did is recorded; Peter, or one of the other Apostles who were with Jesus, evidently related this to Paul).

36 And when he had thus spoken (represented the last time they would ever hear him speak to them), he kneeled down, and prayed with them all (as well, concerns the last time he will pray with them, even though he will continue to pray for them).

37 And they all wept sore (concerns their great love for the Apostle), and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him (his Message had brought them from death to life),

38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they should see his face no more (so far as is known, these Ephesians never saw the Apostle again until they saw him in Glory). And they accompanied him unto the ship (this was at the port of Melitus).