Chapter Twenty –
Third Journey of Paul Continued
ACTS 20:1-3, Part 1:
We actually began the third journey in
Chapter 18:23. Paul returned from the second journey to Antioch
of Syria and then went out again to the region of
Galatia
and
Phrygia
strengthening the brethren in these locations; Luke tells us.
Please use this map:
http://www.plvcc.org/index.html?/articles_live_by_faith/image2/clip_image002.jpg
Paul has
come to
Ephesus
and has met and worked with disciples of the coming Messiah by the work of
John the Baptist. He would now more accurately explain the way of God
through Jesus Christ to them (see:
Acts
18:26). Paul would continue to work in the synagogues of the Jews
for 3 months; however, when some were hardened, he went to the school of
Tyrannus and continued to teach from this singular location for two years,
successfully bringing the Gospel’s truth to all of Asia. At the conclusion
of the events that transpired in the first two years at Ephesus (special
miracles, false exorcists, and the word of the Lord growing mightily and
prevailing); we looked into the events that would make up the remainder of
the time he will stay in
Ephesus.
In our
previous lesson, Paul staying in Ephesus
“For a time” –Acts
19:22; would become aware of problems in the
Body of Christ at
Corinth
(messengers from the household of Chloe –
1
Corinthians 1:11, and a letter composed by the brethren and sent
to him –
7:1),
he would write the first letter to them and send it by Titus (2
Corinthians 2:12-13;
7:6-7).
We covered
the events that will cause Paul to change his plans prematurely (he wanted
to stay here in Ephesus until Pentecost (1
Corinthians 16:8); which he believed was enough time for Titus to
return with a report while he was still in Ephesus. However, as the events
in Ephesus unfold and the chaos of riot ensued, Paul will be forced to leave
Ephesus far sooner than he had hoped. In this lesson, we will see the route
Paul takes in hope of reuniting with Titus.
Text #1:
Acts 20:1-3
“After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples
to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia.
2 Now
when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he
came to Greece
3 and
stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about
to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.”
Departed to
go to Macedonia:
Paul had
wished to stay in Ephesus till Passover (1
Corinthians 16:8); however, the silversmith’s riot signaled that
Paul’s effective work in Ephesus was at least for now, over. Here, Luke
records that Paul is leaving Ephesus to go to Macedonia; however, if we
rightly divide Paul’s own words, with Luke’s record, we find an important
stop along the way that has to be recorded for our notes in the journey.
2 Corinthians 2:12-13
“Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach
Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,
13 I
had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but
taking my leave of them, I departed for
Macedonia.
In
Acts
16:8; we read that Paul had come to Troas during the second
journey, and although he is there, nothing is recorded in terms of work in
the Gospel. Here however, Paul notes that a door was opened for Him by the
Lord.
Acts 14:27
“Now when they had come and gathered the church together,
they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the
door of faith to the Gentiles.”
1 Corinthians 16:8-9
“But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.
9 For
a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are
many adversaries.”
We can see
by the use of the terminology in these passages, that it is used to express
the Gospel’s work in specific places. So, we can see that on this trip to
Troas, there is no doubt that Paul has shared and had success in the Gospel.
Macedonia:
Luke records that upon arriving in Macedonia (the northern province of
Greece), he encouraged them with many words. The
“them”, would be the three
churches the Gospel has established in this region during the second
journey; Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. It is also important to note
prior to Paul moving south, that he will inform us in his own letters that
something happens while he is here in Macedonia.
First,
it is believed that it is here that Paul either ventures physically or
teaches the Gospel to those who live in Illyricum (a Roman province farther
north and west bordering Macedonia) and they take it back home with them.
But either way, he will be able to say:
Romans 15:19
“in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit
of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have
fully preached the gospel of Christ.”
Second,
when Paul sent the first letter to the Christians in Corinth by Titus, Titus
was to return and report to Paul in Ephesus (as Paul assumed he would still
be there). Having had to leave Ephesus sooner than he thought, which in turn
caused great anxiety about meeting up with him. He has gone into Macedonia
on a route that he believes will cause him to run into Titus. When he came
to Troas, he was still anxious because he had not encountered Titus there.
We learn that it is here in Macedonia that Paul and Titus meet up.
2 Corinthians 7:5-7
“For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no
rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts,
inside were fears.
6 Nevertheless
God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,
7 and
not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was
comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning,
your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.”
Not only
has Titus and Paul reunited, but Titus’ report of the acceptance of the
first letter has caused Paul’s heart to soar.
2 Corinthians 7:8-12
“For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not
regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made
you sorry, though only for a while.
9 Now
I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to
repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer
loss from us in nothing.
10 For
godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be
regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
11 For
observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence
it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation,
what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what
vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this
matter.
12 Therefore,
although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him
who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that
our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you.”
Not only
has Titus come, but he has brought a report that the majority of the
brethren in Corinth have indeed repented and are once again unified in
Christ’s work and doctrine. Paul wrote the first letter as a disciplinarian
father, stern and authoritarian in his work to restore them. With Titus’
report, Paul is now from Macedonia, writing back to them (writing
2
Corinthians). This time as a loving restoring father! In
addition, we know that Paul would stay in Macedonia for enough time to write
this letter, send in back with Titus (2
Corinthians 8:16-17), and give them time before he himself would
follow (2
Corinthians 13:2,
10).
Outline of
2
Corinthians:
Chapters 1-7:
Comfort to Friends
Chapters 8-9:
Instructions in Benevolence
Chapters 10-13:
Remarks and Warnings to Enemies
So, in your
notes in the
20th
Chapter of Acts, next to
verse one and two, make a note that Paul would write
2
Corinthians. Now don’t get too excited, we are not done with
verses 1-3 yet. In our next lesson, we will cover what transpires
in Greece (or the southern province of Achaia).
Next: “Paul’s Return to Corinth!”