Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 21, 2018

“And Now for a Word of Encouragement”   Acts 18:1-17   Bible Study   01/21/18

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.

I. Background

• Summary of events in Europe: beaten in Philippi, civil rejection in Thessalonica and Berea, indifference in Athens
• Athens: culture shock
• Corinth: moral shock
• 1 Cor. 2:1-5

II. Transition to Athens (1-4)

• 50 mile journey, didn’t wait for Silas and Timothy
• a home
• a trade
• a passion

III. Intensified Activity (5-8)

• arrival of Silas and Timothy (Phil. 4:15, 2 Cor. 11:9, 1 Thess. 3:6)
• “occupied” with the word
• opposition and response
• gospel fruit

IV. Instructions from the Lord (9-11)

• don’t fear
• keep on speaking
• promise of presence and protection
• promised fruit
• putting down roots in Corinth

V. Evidence of Faithfulness (12-17)

• attacked by Jews
• Gallio’s refusal
• seizure of Sosthenes
• Gallio’s indifference

VI. So What?

• When you prize the Lord’s person and promises, you can persevere in serving Him for His glory.
• “The consequence of God’s presence is not exemption from attacks, but preservation in them.” (A. Maclaren)
• “The craving to impart ever accompanies real possession.” (A. Maclaren)
• “But I’m not going to be fearful about what I have no grace available for yet.” (Joni Eareckson Tada)
• “Then we will fight in the shade!”