Lessons

The lesson on May 2, 2021 was part 13 of the “Acts – When and Why?” study.  Wayne opened up with a review of the previous lessons and what we have learned in studying the Acts and determining what epistles that were written by the Apostle Paul in performing his Acts ministry of going to the Jew first and then to the Gentiles.  This lesson eventually gets into looking at when Corinthians was written.  Prior to that, Wayne took time to show how he mentioned his trip to Ephesus in Acts 19 (second missionary journey) and there were many examples of powers that were manifested to confirm the message that Paul was carrying to Israel as Jesus Christ was the Messiah.  He then showed how when you cross the great divide of Acts 28, PAul reveals the Mystery in Ephesians and Colossians.  This was a fresh revelation not in the scriptures but hidden in God!  PAul had the challenge to speak to the group of believers that were in Acts and then explain that they now have a new hope, but it was not found in the Old Testament scriptures.  To help with this, God gave gifts after Acts 28 in the form of Apostles and Prophets to help “adjust” the believers into this new hope.  Even PAul said in his prayer in Ephesians 1:18 that “the eyes of their understanding being enlightened…” realizing that it would require a spiritual unveiling of this new truth so they would be able see the final body of truth that was revealed by Paul.  This Mystery completed the word of God (Colossians 1:25-26 KJV).  This lesson was a good review of the transition of hope found in Acts to the new hope revealed in Ephesians and Colossians. The scripture reading was Acts 18:1-11 KJV

“1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. 3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. 5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. 6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. 7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. 8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. 9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: 10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”