Lesson 336 - Senior
Memory Verse
“Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 3:11).
Cross References
I The Corinthian Church
1. Arriving at Corinth, Paul found Aquila and Priscilla, with whom he lived and laboured, [Acts:18:1-3]; [Romans:16:3-4].
2. Paul reasoned with the Jews and Greeks in the synagogue on the Sabbath Days, [Acts:18:4]; [1 Corinthians:2:1-4].
3. Silas and Timotheus came to help Paul in Corinth, [Acts:18:5]; [1 Thessalonians:3:6-9].
4. The Jews received not the testimony, so Paul preached to the Gentiles, [Acts:18:6-7]; [Acts:13:50-52]; [Matthew:10:14-15].
5. The chief ruler of the synagogue believed on the Lord, [Acts:18:8].
6. Encouraged by the Lord in a vision, Paul remained in Corinth for eighteen months, [Acts:18:9-11].
II In Gallio’s Court
1. The Jews made insurrection against Paul, [Acts:18:12-13].
2. Gallio threw the case out of court, [Acts:18:14-16].
3. The Greeks administered a beating to Sosthenes before the judgment seat, [Acts:18:17].
III Return to Jerusalem
1. Leaving Corinth, Paul with Aquila and Priscilla travelled into Syria and then to Ephesus, [Acts:18:18-20].
2. Paul journeyed on to Cæsarea and Jerusalem, [Acts:18:21-22].
Notes
Constantly Labouring
Departing from Athens, Paul came to Corinth, apparently travelling without his usual companions. Timotheus had come to Athens from Berea, but Paul had sent him back to Thessalonica: “When we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; and sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow-labourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith” [1 Thessalonians:3:1-2]). While Paul waited in Corinth for the other members of his company, he abode with Aquila and Priscilla and laboured with them in their trade of tent making. He reasoned in the synagogue on the Sabbath Days and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
Manual labour was certainly not beneath Paul’s dignity. Jesus said, “Freely ye have received, freely give” [Matthew:10:8]) -– the admonition that Paul believed and practised. Paul would not be chargeable to any man. Much modern religion has lost its respect among men because, among other things, it has become so burdensome to men. The practice of begging for money in the name of Christianity is certainly alien to the plan of God. He has ordained the plan of tithing to finance His Church, and God expects His people to follow that rule, even today. God honours and supplies the needs of any group of people who trust Him fully. (For reference, see Bible Studies, Lesson 264; or, “Tithing -– God’s Plan of Financing.” Apostolic Faith tract, Number 31.)
Opportunities
This is the first mention of Aquila and Priscilla in the Scriptures. We are not told whether they were Christians when Paul went to live with them, but they became true soldiers of the Gospel. No doubt Paul’s zealous life and example had a great influence toward the building of the outstanding Christian character that these people later displayed. Though Paul found it necessary to labour with his hands, yet he improved every possible opportunity -– even at the workbench -– to declare the Gospel that he loved so well.
Aquila and Priscilla learned thoroughly the lessons from Paul, and before long they were qualified instructors of the Word of God. When Paul was removed to other fields of labour, Aquila and Priscilla were able to carry on the Gospel work where they were.
In like manner, the lessons taught today by Spirit-filled ministers should be learned and practised. When new fields of labour and opportunity open, and when the older ministers are called to their reward, someone must be in a spiritual condition to fill the place. Let us ask ourselves the question: “Why cannot that someone be I?” All depends on how well the Gospel lessons taught through the years have been learned and practised.
Universal Duty
When Silas and Timotheus arrived from Macedonia to labour with Paul in Corinth, Paul was pressed in the spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. Paul’s testimony of the risen Saviour was sure and stirring. The Jews soon arose in opposition to Paul and went so far as to speak blasphemy; so Paul shook his raiment and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.”
God has made His ministers and witnesses responsible in a large measures to the people with whom they live and labour. God said to the prophet: “O Son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me” [Ezekiel:33:7]). God is saying much the same to Christians today: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” [Mark:16:15]). “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” [1 Timothy:4:16]). If the Christian is faithful to declare God’s message of salvation and hope, he will deliver his soul. Are we, as Christians, doing our full duty in witnessing to the people of the world? Can we truly say with Paul, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean”? God help every Christian to fulfil this duty!
To further help Paul in his Corinthians ministry, the Lord spoke to him in a vision at night: “Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on the to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” Paul may have felt that his enemies were numerous and strong, but the Lord gave assurance that He would deliver Paul from all these. This assurance was all that Paul needed. He and his company remained in Corinth for a year and six months, teaching the Word of God to the people of that city.
Strong Sermons
Men and women are sometimes inclined to criticise the minister of God who preaches forcefully, with much power and fervency. Can anyone imagine Paul speaking in a low voice or monotone when he said to the Jews of Corinth, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles”? We are sure this proclamation had the unction of the Holy Spirit, for Paul was doing what Jesus had commanded His disciples: “Whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet” [Matthew:10:14]). The Jews of Corinth did not appreciate this strong sermon of Paul’s but it had its effect, nonetheless. Paul separated himself from the synagogue and began to preach in the house of Justus, whose house was located next door to the synagogue. Before long, Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, became a believer and follower of the Lord. Thus started the Corinthian revival; for many people, hearing of Crispus’ conversion, believed also and were baptised.
Ministers who tickle the ears of the people often gain a greater following than those ministers who preach the unadulterated Word of God, but tickled ears may not be conducive to exemplary Christianity. The true Christian is the man who is a doer of the whole Word of God; and, in order to be a doer of the Word, most men need someone to encourage them to that activity. A strong sermon, delivered with the power and unction of the Holy Ghost, is a wonderful instrument to encourage Christians onward to greater endeavour for the Lord. Christendom today needs more men like Paul and fewer of these modern pulpit-enthroned philosophers.
Paul’s Protection
Paul’s preaching of the Word of God must not have diminished as he preached through the months to the people of Corinth. If it had, the Jews would have forgotten Paul, but at length they tried again to silence this forceful Apostle of the Gentiles. They made insurrection against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat of Gallio. True to His promise to Paul that no harm should come to him in Corinth, God caused Gallio to dismiss the charges and throw the case out of court. The charges were false to begin with, and the Jews were unable to move a hand against Paul. He remained “yet a good while” before taking his leave of the Corinthians brethren and sailing into Syria.
To Jerusalem
Aquila and Priscilla accompanied Paul as far as Ephesus. Paul entered into the synagogue of this city and reasoned with the Jews. No doubt some of these people were converted, for they desired Paul to remain with them for a longer period. Aquila and Priscilla tarried in Ephesus, probably to teach and instruct these new Christians, but Paul travelled on with the promise to the Ephesians that he would return to them if God willed. Paul sailed to Caesarea, from whence he went to Jerusalem and saluted the church. He later returned to Antioch.
Thus ended Paul’s second missionary journey. Though he faced hard trials at every city and place where he preached, Paul gained lasting victories. At least four churches were established during this short space of time; and the letter of instruction that Paul wrote to these churches, through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, have been instructions used to the utmost spiritual profit by Christians of all ages. When the Lord leads, everything is certain to end well.
Questions
1. Name two Jews whom Paul found in Corinth who were later to become Christian helpers.
2. What was Paul’s secular occupation?
3. Why did Paul separate himself from the synagogue?
4. Who was Crispus? What did he do?
5. How was Paul encouraged to go forward in his preaching at Corinth?
6. How long did the Christian party remain in Corinth?
7. In what way did Gallio help Paul?
8. Where did Paul go after he left Corinth?