November 29
Lesson 13
TEACHING GOD’S WORD
DEVOTIONAL READING: Matthew 28:16–20
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Acts 18
ACTS 18:1–11, 18–21A
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 tent-makers.
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.
18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
20 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
21a But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will.
KEY VERSES
Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
—Acts 18:9, 10
THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY COMES ALIVE
Unit 3: Spreading the Gospel
LESSONS 9–13
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. List the names of those who supported Paul during his ministry in Corinth.
2. Compare and contrast Paul’s ministries in Corinth and Athens.
3. Participate in a mock debate on the proposal that all missionary endeavors should follow Paul’s “tentmaker” model.
LESSON OUTLINE
Introduction
A. Displacement for Ministry
B. Lesson Background
I. New Connection (ACTS 18:1–4)
A. Making Tents (vv. 1–3)
Policy Writing for God
B. Presenting Christ (v. 4)
II. Renewed Connection (ACTS 18:5–11)
A. Turning to the Gentiles (vv. 5, 6)
He Sends Help
B. Baptizing Jews and Gentiles (vv. 7, 8)
C. Receiving a Vision (vv. 9–11)
III. New Mission Field (ACTS 18:18–21a)
A. Sailing for Syria (v. 18)
B. Reasoning in Ephesus (vv. 19–21a)
Conclusion
A. Adaptability for Ministry
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
Achaia Uh-kay-uh.
Aquila Ack-wih-luh.
Aegean Uh-jee-un.
Berea Buh-ree-uh.
Caesarea Maritima Sess-uh-ree-uh Mar-uh-tee-muh.
Cenchrea Sen-kree-uh.
diolkos (Greek) dih-all-kos (o as in cost).
Gallio Gal-ee-o.
Gamaliel Guh-may-lih-ul or Guh-may-lee-al.
Ionian Eye-owe-nee-un.
Nazarite Naz-uh-rite.
Peloponnesian Peh-luh-puh-nee-shun.
Thessalonica Thess-uh-lo-nye-kuh (th as in thin).
___________________
What Do You Think?
Is Paul’s self-supporting approach a precedent for mission funding today? Why, or why not?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Contexts where it is advantageous today
■ Contexts where it is disadvantageous today
■ 1 Corinthians 9:4–14
___________________
What Do You Think?
How would you begin to share your faith with a new neighbor who moved to your street?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Timing considerations
■ Common ground considerations
■ Cautions to consider
■ Other
___________________
What Do You Think?
Under what circumstances is Paul’s giving up on certain people a model for us today, if ever?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Considering circumstances of overt hostility
■ Considering best use of time
■ Considering cases of apostasy
■ Other
Visual for Lesson 13. For deeper discussion, ask simply, “Why baptism?” as you address the implications of verse 8.
___________________
What Do You Think?
What things are important enough for you to take a vow for, if any? Why?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding what you intend to defend
■ Regarding what you intend to quit
■ Regarding what you intend to accomplish
■ Considering Numbers 30:2
■ Other
___________________
What Do You Think?
Why is learning to say no an important part of the Christian’s life? How have you grown spiritually in this regard?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding issues of rest
■ Regarding issues of keeping promises
■ Regarding issues of prior commitments
■ Other
Krause, Mark S. et al. “Teaching God’s Word.” The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2015–2016. Ed. Ronald L. Nickelson and Jim Eichenberger. Vol. 63. Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 2015. 111. Print.
Comments