Our text this morning records the advancement of the gospel through Paul’s extended ministry at Ephesus. After leaving Corinth, Paul had visited Ephesus briefly before returning to Jerusalem and Antioch. Now, after having visited churches in the Galatian region (start of third missionary journey), Paul returns for an extended stay in Ephesus. This large ancient city, with its great temple to Diana/Artemis and its notoriety for occult and superstitious practices, desperately needed the gospel. Through bold proclamation and diligent labor, Paul delivers the darkness-piercing message of Jesus Christ.

This morning we will turn our attention to Paul’s ministry in the city of Corinth which followed his encounter with the Greek intelligentsia in Athens. Paul was clearly a devoted servant of the Lord. As a man of intense focus and zeal, his character is summed up aptly by these words of J. C. Ryle: “He burns for one thing; and that one thing is to please the Lord and to advance His glory.” Nonetheless, Paul was human and faced the inevitable “ups” and “downs” of life and ministry. Our text today offers a realistic picture of Paul’s circumstances as well a powerful presentation of the Lord’s timely encouragement.

Our text this morning records the content of Paul’s gospel presentation to the Gentile intelligentsia of ancient Athens. After leaving Philippi (16:40), Paul enjoyed fruitful ministry in Thessalonica and Berea, but not without increasing opposition from the Jews in both places. Now, we find Paul, some 200 miles from Berea, in Athens, a city considered at the highest level of culture and learning in the ancient world. Paul’s presentation of the gospel here is both conciliatory and confrontational. As such, it provides a healthy model for believers today as they seek to share the gospel in a post-modern world.

In Acts 16, Luke records a series of events which occurred in Philippi in the midst of Paul’s second missionary journey. These events, while reminding us of the many ways we may be instruments for gospel influence, underscore a constant and prevailing theme in the book of Acts. That theme centers in the ongoing supernatural work of God, through the Holy Spirit, in protecting and propelling His church forward in the face of obstacles and opposition. Whether the human subject is a woman like Lydia, a demon-possessed slave girl, or a Gentile jailer, we may observe the purpose and plan of God coming into an ever-increasing focus. As we launch out into the opportunities of a new year, our text offers both strong encouragement and sobering challenge.