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THE KING’ S BUSINESS
(16:1-3) are' again visited, the churches there being strengthened. Here Paul dis covers Timothy (16:1-3), who accompanies the apostles just as Mark had done. Passing through Phrygia (16:6) where he probably visited the churches at Antioch and Iconium, he crosses the region o f Gala tia (16:6). There is no record of his vis iting any o f the churches o f Galatia at this time. Coming to Mysia, he assays to go into Bithynia, but was not allowed (16:7). Reaching Troas, Paul receives a vision in which he is told to go to Macedonia (Europe) (16:9, 10). Obedient to the heavenly vision, Paul leaves Troas and passing by Samothracia and Neapolis (16:11, 12), arrives at Macedonia (16:12), working in that region at Philippi (16:12- 40) where Lydia (16:14,T 5 ), the seller of purple, and the Philippian jailer are con verted (16:25-34). Paul and Silas received rough treatment in this city, being beaten and cast into prison. Thessalonica was the next stopping place (17:1-9). Their ministry was brief and divided in its effect (17:1-5). Such an uproar prevailed that Paul and Silas were obliged to leave by night (17:10) after which they arrived at Berea (17:10-13) where they were received gladly. Jews from Thessalonica came to Berea, however, and stirred up persecution so that Paul secretly left for Athens, leaving Silas and Timothy behind (17:14-16). While at Athens (17:15-34) waiting for Silas and Timothy, observing the wide spread idolatry o f the city (17:16),' he engaged the Athenians in a disputation regarding religion, false or true. The won derful address on Mars Hill (17:22-31) had a varying effect; some believed, others doubted, while still others mocked (17:32, 34). From Athens Paul leaves - for Corinth (18:1-8). Here the apostle stays with Aquila and Priscilla and engages in his trade o f tent-making, preaching each Sab bath in the synagogue (17:4). He is soon joined by Silas and Timothy (18:5). When the Jews refused to receive his message
“ For’ we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens?” Who can tell? In Derbe he seems to have labored in peace. This is the farthest point Reached by the gospel on the first missionary jour ney. The return trip o f the first missionary journey is occupied with visiting and strengthening the churches already founded. So he visits Lystra, Iconium, Antioch, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia, finally landing at Antioch in Syria, the starting place (14:21-28). y. The great convention at Jerusalem, i5 :i-3 3 - The call for such a conference is clearly stated (15:1, 2, 5, 6 ). Briefly put, it was this: Was it necessary for a Gentile con vert to submit to circumcision in order to be admitted into the Christian Church? Some Jewish teachers claimed it was abso lutely necessary. Paul declared as emphat ically that it was totally unnecessary, assert ing further that such an observance for salvation made void the free grace o f God (cf. Galatians 5:1-3; 2:16-21). Paul and his gospel of free grace came out victorious (15:19-30, cf. Galatians 2). 4 . The second missionary Journey—to Asia and Europe, 1 5 : • zz- The second missionary journey begins with a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over taking Mark with them again, seeing he had deserted them (15:36- 40). The contention resulted in Barnabas leaving Paul, his place being taken by Silas (15:40). Barnabas and Mark went to Cyprus, the home o f Barnabas (15.39)/; Paul, accompanied by Silas, leaves on his second missionary journey. The itinerary includes seven stations in Asia, seven in Europe, and four on the return trip. Starting again from Antioch, Paul and Silas visit the churches in Syria and Cil icia (15:14), probably taking in Tarsus, Paul’s native city. Derbe and Lystra
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