Reading Assignment
Things To Consider
- Timothy's mixed ethnicity probably left him an outcast.
- Timothy's character and witness caused the church to see the evidence of grace in his life.
- This second missionary journey would further the Gentile cause and strengthen the church.
- Lydia had the means to help financially support the church in the new area.
- Following God's mission does not mean that you will avoid persecution.
- Even Paul and Silas' jailer recognized their authority and treated them with respect.
- The Gentile leaders response show the confusion of the gospel and what it really meant.
- Berea was a contrast to the people in Thessalonica.
- Christianity is not illogical and Paul shows a great example of contextualizing the message and reasoning with people through philosophical arguments.
- Christianity must engage the culture and not run from it.
- Paul spends considerable time in Corinth.
- Corinth was a difficult place to minister but God tells Paul not to be afraid and to contend for the faith under difficult circumstances.
- Paul's trial shows that the Gentiles have no spiritual framework to understand the gospel.
- Eloquence does not mean complete comprehension and correction is sometimes required.
- The ministry of the Holy Spirit is essential in a believers life.
- Paul ministers in Ephesus for a long time showing his commitment to the church there.
- Miracles and signs serve to authenticate their ministry.
- Words are not a formula for power. The power belongs to Jesus.
- Paul's time in Ephesus ends in a riot but the peaceful resolution allows the church to continue.