Bible Study Week 10
Part 4
Paul Brings the Gospel to the Gentiles
Paul was a chosen vessel to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). His ministry was to bear the name of the Lord before the Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites.
>>> Why is it important that salvation was not just for the Jews?
It's exciting to see Jesus extend His offer of salvation and covenant beyond the Jews in the New Testament. Because His Word invites whosoever will to come unto Him (Revelation 22:17). That means all of us today have the promise of salvation!
Paul on Mars' Hill
Paul was not like a candle upon a table that gives light to one room, but he was like the sun that goes in its circuit to give light to many. He took three major missionary journeys to establish churches in Gentile cities in the Roman Empire.
In Acts 17 Paul was on one of his missionary journeys. He preached at Thessalonica and Berea and then at Athens. He appalled at the idolatry he found in the latter city. Athens was full of temples, idols statues, and pagan altars.
His discussions with the philosophers of Athens led to Paul being taken to the Areopagus on Mars' Hill, a court that was the most sacred and reputable in the Gentil world. Four centuries earlier this same court had condemned Socrates.
Paul preached to the Athenians about their altar with the dedication to the unknown god. He preached the message of one God who is self-existing, the giver and supporter of life (Isaiah 46:9-10; Mark 12:30). He stated that everyone could find the Lord (Acts 17:27; Jeremiah 29:13).
Paul declared that God had tolerated the foolishness of people for a while, but judgment would come by Jesus Christ, who rose form the dead. At this saying, some mocked, but others believed. One of those who believed was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, the court of Mars' Hill. Eventually a fruitful church was established in Athens.
Paul in Prison Writing Epistles
An important part of Paul's ministry was writing letters (epistles) of instruction to various churches and individual Christians. God inspired these epistles as part of Scripture.
Paul wrote some of his epistles while he was in prison awaiting trial. While he was imprisoned, Paul witnessed to and many of his guards and visitors. Onesimus was one of the converts from his prison ministry.
Most conservative Bible scholars think that Paul was released for a while, but when a renewed persecution began, he was taken captive again. Finally, after years of frustration in prison, Paul was tired, condemned, and put to death.
His last words were, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith" (II Timothy 4:7). What an accomplishment to die full of faith, hope and victory as Paul did!
>>> How could Paul's testimony encourage us today in finding purpose for our lives?
By human reasoning, Paul had some big strikes against him. He had persecuted Christians and stood by as Stephen was executed. Yet God loved him enough to send someone to him find salvation. What's more, God used Paul to write major sections of Scripture. We, too, can take courage that despite our past mistakes, God can redeem us and use us for a great purpose in His kingdom.
Paul in Ephesus
In Acts 19 Paul arrived in Ephesus where he encountered a group of disciples who only knew of baptism from John the Baptist. Paul taught these disciples that they needed to be baptized in Jesus' name. When they were baptized, they received the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues and prophesied (Acts 19:6). Paul continued three months there in Ephesus, speaking boldly in the synagogue and "disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God" (Acts 19:8).
Questions for Personal Reflection
1. The early church valued teaching, fellowship, reaching others, and prayer. How am I doing in prioritizing each of these values?
2. God loves all people, as we can see by His extension of salvation to the Gentiles. How am I doing in loving all people?
3. God used Paul in powerful ways despite his past. What do I feel God is call me to do?
4. Christians are not immune to persecution. How am i doing in standing strong for God when I face criticism for following him?
5. What step can I take this week to draw closer to God?