Table of Contents
- 1 Week 10: Paul’s Second and Third Missionary Journeys
- 1.1 1 Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-18:22)
- 1.1.1 Acts 15 opens up with a debate. Should Gentile Christians be circumcised? A small group of believers who “belonged to the party of the Pharisees” (15:5) say that “it is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.” Read Genesis 17:9-14. For a faithful Jew, what did circumcision mean? What was its significance for being a member of the covenant people of God?
- 1.1.2 Acts 16:16-34 records Paul and Silas in prison. What is the jailer’s question in 16:30? How do they answer him (16:31)? How does he respond (16:33-34)?
- 1.1.3 In Acts 17:1-15, the episodes in Thessalonica and nearby Berea offer vivid illustrations of nearly opposite reactions to the gospel. How does each city respond, respectively?
- 1.1.4 Paul’s approach to the Greek elites of Athens is a contrast in preaching style to how he approaches the Jews in the synagogues, but it is same gospel of the grace of God through Jesus Christ that he preaches to Jews and Greeks. Paul’s outreach to the Gentiles, though it tends to stir up the Jews too jealously, is simply a reflection of Jesus’ gracious approach to outsiders.
- 1.1.5 Paul’s speech at the Areopagus (Acts 17:22-34) offers an example of witnessing with relevance. He studies the culture to find the most relevant and engaging inroads for the gospel. Despite his passionate disdain for the idolatry of the city (v. 16), how does Paul begin his discourse (v. 22)? Knowing that his listeners are not familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures, whom does Paul quote (v. 28)?
- 1.1.6 Paul’s understanding of the local culture, however, does not prevent him from confronting their misconceptions and denouncing their idols (Acts 17:29-30). The gospel has not changed, even though Paul’s presentation of it begins in a much different manner than usual. Look at verses 30-31. What does Paul say God is commanding everyone to do (v. 30)? Why does he say they must do this (v. 31)? What assurance has God given (v. 31)?
- 1.1.7 Before Paul returned to Antioch to bring his second missionary journey to a close (Acts 18:18-22), he spends some time in Corinth (18:1-17). In 18:6 Paul seems frustrated. In verses 9-10 God speaks to Paul, encouraging him to remain in Corinth despite his frustrations, because God apparently has many people to bring to faith there. In the face of opposition, God steps in with faithful love to strengthen Paul’s resolve. In 18:9-10, how does God promise his presence and protection?
- 1.2 2 Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23-21:16)
- 1.1 1 Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-18:22)
Welcome to our 12-week Bible study, ‘Acts: We Are The Church,’ delving into the Book of Acts—a continuation of Jesus’ ministry through the early church.
Throughout this study, you’ll gain a profound understanding of how the early church carried forward the mission of Jesus, performing miracles, spreading the gospel, and facing challenges with unwavering faith. We’ll explore the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the formation of a vibrant community of believers.
Each week, we’ll dive into a different aspect of Acts, examining themes of faith, courage, and unity among believers. Together, we’ll discover what it means to be part of the body of Christ and how these early church experiences can inform our lives as modern-day Christians.
Discover a profound understanding of the Scriptures, relish the fellowship with fellow believers, and experience the delight of nurturing your faith while sharing the Gospel of Jesus with others. Don’t miss out!
Week 10: Paul’s Second and Third Missionary Journeys
Here’s a quick recap of what we covered in week ten using Justin S. Holcomb’s Acts: A 12-Week Study (Knowing the Bible) as our weekly discussion guide:
- The controversial debate about embracing and unifying both Jewish and Gentile Christians.
- The outpouring of the gospel and its cleansing of the Gentiles’ hearts by faith.
- The contrasting differences in the yoking of the burden of the law and Jesus.
- The letter from the Jerusalem council and its outcome and impact on the gospel.
1 Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-18:22)
Acts 15 opens up with a debate. Should Gentile Christians be circumcised? A small group of believers who “belonged to the party of the Pharisees” (15:5) say that “it is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.” Read Genesis 17:9-14. For a faithful Jew, what did circumcision mean? What was its significance for being a member of the covenant people of God?
In Acts 16:14, Luke makes it clear that God is the active force in bringing people to faith in Christ. He notes that “the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul,” emphasizing that God’s intervention is crucial for individuals to receive and respond to the gospel message. This theme is also seen in Acts 18:27, where it mentions that “Apollos greatly helped those who through grace had believed.” This phrase “through grace” underscores that faith and belief are gifts from God, highlighting His role in the process of bringing people to faith in Christ.
Acts 16:16-34 records Paul and Silas in prison. What is the jailer’s question in 16:30? How do they answer him (16:31)? How does he respond (16:33-34)?
In Acts 16:30, the jailer asks, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas reply, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (16:31).
The jailer responds by releasing them from prison, tending to their injuries, and having his whole household baptized. He rejoices, believing in God with his entire family (16:33-34).
In Acts 17:1-15, the episodes in Thessalonica and nearby Berea offer vivid illustrations of nearly opposite reactions to the gospel. How does each city respond, respectively?
In Thessalonica, people were jealous and stirred up a mob against Paul and Silas, resulting in opposition and persecution.
In Berea, the response was more positive. The people received the message eagerly, examined the Scriptures, and many believed, demonstrating open-mindedness and receptivity.
Paul’s approach to the Greek elites of Athens is a contrast in preaching style to how he approaches the Jews in the synagogues, but it is same gospel of the grace of God through Jesus Christ that he preaches to Jews and Greeks. Paul’s outreach to the Gentiles, though it tends to stir up the Jews too jealously, is simply a reflection of Jesus’ gracious approach to outsiders.
Paul’s speech at the Areopagus (Acts 17:22-34) offers an example of witnessing with relevance. He studies the culture to find the most relevant and engaging inroads for the gospel. Despite his passionate disdain for the idolatry of the city (v. 16), how does Paul begin his discourse (v. 22)? Knowing that his listeners are not familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures, whom does Paul quote (v. 28)?
Despite his disdain for idolatry in the city, Paul begins his discourse by acknowledging their religiousness and the altar they had dedicated to an unknown god (v. 22).
Since his listeners are not familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures, Paul quotes the Greek poets, saying, “For in him we live and move and have our being” (v. 28), showing an understanding of their cultural context.
Paul’s understanding of the local culture, however, does not prevent him from confronting their misconceptions and denouncing their idols (Acts 17:29-30). The gospel has not changed, even though Paul’s presentation of it begins in a much different manner than usual. Look at verses 30-31. What does Paul say God is commanding everyone to do (v. 30)? Why does he say they must do this (v. 31)? What assurance has God given (v. 31)?
In verses 30-31, Paul emphasizes that God commands everyone to repent. This is because God has appointed a specific day for judging the world in righteousness, and He has given assurance of this by raising Jesus from the dead.
Before Paul returned to Antioch to bring his second missionary journey to a close (Acts 18:18-22), he spends some time in Corinth (18:1-17). In 18:6 Paul seems frustrated. In verses 9-10 God speaks to Paul, encouraging him to remain in Corinth despite his frustrations, because God apparently has many people to bring to faith there. In the face of opposition, God steps in with faithful love to strengthen Paul’s resolve. In 18:9-10, how does God promise his presence and protection?
In Acts 18:9-10, God promises His presence and protection to Paul by telling him not to be afraid and assuring him that He is with him. God emphasizes that no one will attack or harm him while he continues his work in Corinth, and God assures Paul that He has many people in the city who belong to Him. This promise encourages Paul to stay in Corinth and continue his mission despite the challenges he faces.
2 Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23-21:16)
In Acts 19:1-7, we read that some Ephesians had become followers of John the Baptist and had received his baptism (see also 18:24-28, concerning the similar experience of Apollos). They knew that John pointed beyond himself to Jesus. They apparently knew of Jesus’ life and ministry, and his death and resurrection, but not about the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost, and its significance for the new era. These believers were in a salvation-history “time-warp,” as if they were still in Acts 1, before the unfolding of redemptive history at Pentecost. The tongues of Acts 19:7 serve as the witness to the Ephesian believers themselves of the gift of the Spirit that transfers them as a group from the old era to the new one in which they should be living. How is this a continued fulfillment of Acts 1:8?
In Acts 19:1-7, some Ephesian believers were followers of John the Baptist and had received his baptism, similar to Apollos in Acts 18. They knew about Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection but were not aware of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. They were essentially in a time warp, not experiencing the fullness of the new era initiated by the Spirit’s arrival.
The speaking in tongues in Acts 19:7 signifies their transition from the old era to the new one, aligning with Acts 1:8. This event reflects the ongoing expansion of the Gospel, bringing more people into the faith community through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Just as the disciples were empowered to be witnesses in different regions, the Ephesian believers now had a transformed understanding and experience of faith and became witnesses in their context, fulfilling the broader scope of Acts 1:8.
Take a few moments now to ask the Lord to bless you, change you, and help you understand and apply the unique light Acts throws on the gospel to your life.
We hope these notes have helped catch up on what we’ve covered. We’re excited to continue our study of Acts together next week in week eleven!
In the meantime, explore a very engaging animation video from the Bible Project team that explains the first twelve chapters of the Book of Acts.
Alvin Brown, the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church Fort Worth, brings over a decade of pastoral ministry experience and more than 20 years of operational and technical leadership expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications Management from DeVry University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Mallary, and their three children and contributing as a writer to various media outlets.