What is the theme of this chapter?
Reasoning with and persuading the people of Ephesus.
What is the key verse(s) of this chapter? Verses 8-10
And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
What can I apply to my life from this chapter (things to do/avoid)?
Paul and his fellow workers were careful not to ridicule the goddess Artemis or insult the people who believed in her. Instead, they reasoned and debated with them, ultimately persuading many of them. This is something I can choose to do. There's no percentage in insulting people and what they believe. They will never be won over to the truth that way. It's important to speak boldly, though. Paul ministered a long time in Ephesus. He didn't retain his position among them for this length of time by maintaining a 'discreet silence' on some subjects.
Additional observations/questions:
Interesting that Gaebelein takes the same position as Stam regarding whether Paul was moved by his own spirit or the Holy Spirit to return to Jerusalem. Gaebelein makes a compelling case that Paul determined in his own spirit to go to Jerusalem, but from a good motive — out of love for his fellow countrymen. I still lean toward Paul being moved by the Holy Spirit to go, but I will keep an open mind going forward and see if I'm persuaded otherwise.
Reasoning with and persuading the people of Ephesus.
What is the key verse(s) of this chapter? Verses 8-10
And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
What can I apply to my life from this chapter (things to do/avoid)?
Paul and his fellow workers were careful not to ridicule the goddess Artemis or insult the people who believed in her. Instead, they reasoned and debated with them, ultimately persuading many of them. This is something I can choose to do. There's no percentage in insulting people and what they believe. They will never be won over to the truth that way. It's important to speak boldly, though. Paul ministered a long time in Ephesus. He didn't retain his position among them for this length of time by maintaining a 'discreet silence' on some subjects.
Additional observations/questions:
Interesting that Gaebelein takes the same position as Stam regarding whether Paul was moved by his own spirit or the Holy Spirit to return to Jerusalem. Gaebelein makes a compelling case that Paul determined in his own spirit to go to Jerusalem, but from a good motive — out of love for his fellow countrymen. I still lean toward Paul being moved by the Holy Spirit to go, but I will keep an open mind going forward and see if I'm persuaded otherwise.
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