09 - Acts 18-20, 1 Corinthians 1-

Discussion on the New Testament, focusing on chapters from the book of Acts and Paul's epistle known as First Corinthians.
Participants: Professor Ray L. Huntington, Professor Rex C. Reeve Junior, Professor Tom A. Wehman, Robert J. Matthews.

The discussion centers on Paul's third missionary journey as detailed in Acts 18.
This journey is significant as the majority of Paul's epistles stem from this time.

Identity: Apollos is introduced as a Jew from Alexandria.
Initial Knowledge: He is described as having incomplete knowledge of the Gospel; specifically, he had only heard half of the baptism discussion, missing the Holy Ghost.
Mentorship: Aquila and Priscilla, senior missionaries, recognized his lack of understanding and taught him "the way of God more perfectly."
Impact: After receiving the complete teaching from Paul, Apollos becomes a strong advocate for Christianity, convincing many Jews through the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah (Acts 18:28).

The Gospel’s spread leads to various teachings, some incomplete or incorrect, which Paul had to address in his letters.
This complexity illustrates the diverse methods of spreading the Gospel and the potential for false teachings within early Christian communities.

Paul encounters individuals who had received baptism but lacked the proper authority (Acts 19:5).
He reteaches and baptizes them again in the name of the Lord Jesus, emphasizing the necessity of proper baptism.
This incident underscores the importance of authority in administering sacred ordinances.

After rebaptism, Paul lays his hands on the newly baptized individuals to confer the Holy Ghost.

Impact of Paul's Teachings: In Ephesus, Paul’s influence diminishes the sales of pagan idols, particularly those pertaining to Diana, stirring up opposition among craftsmen who profit from idolatry.
Significant Disturbance: Residents of Ephesus shout “Great is Diana of the Ephesians” for two hours, illustrating the cultural clash and emotional impact on both the crowd and Paul.
Paul's teachings challenge their cultural practices, highlighting the often adversarial relationship between the Gospel and local traditions.

Paul's ambitions lead him to propose visits to Jerusalem and then Rome after his time in Ephesus (Acts 19:20).
Welfare Work: Paul’s missions include gathering supplies and aid for the poor saints in Jerusalem, showcasing his multifaceted approach to missionary work.

Paul predicts he will not return to Ephesus, stirring sorrow among the church leaders who loved him.
He emphasizes his ministry's ethical dimension, reinforcing that he sought no material gain, serving instead with his own hands (Acts 20:33-35).
Final Teachings: This farewell highlights Paul's deep emotional connections with the communities he served, as well as his commitment to selfless service.

Written to address divisions within the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 1:11) arising from reports sent by Chloe's household.
Paul aims to rectify issues and provide guidance, making this letter primarily corrective.

Declaration of Apostleship: In his greeting (1 Corinthians 1), he asserts his calling as an apostle, which seems to have occurred between his second and third missionary journeys.
This establishes his authority in addressing the concerns of the Corinthian church.

Paul emphasizes the necessity of the Holy Spirit for understanding God's truths (1 Corinthians 2:10-14).
The contrast between the spiritual and natural man highlights the limitation of intellectual understanding without divine revelation.
Paul notes that reliance on the spirit is essential for comprehending the spiritual nature of his teachings (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

Paul teaches that spiritual gifts are vital for the church's functioning; all members contribute to the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12).
Illustration: The church is likened to a body where each part is essential, reinforcing that all gifts serve the common good.
The presence of spiritual gifts is a sign of a functioning priesthood on earth.

In discussing sacraments, Paul cautions about partaking unworthily (1 Corinthians 11).
He emphasizes proper conduct and attitudes in church practices, linking them to deeper spiritual truths and the remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.

The discussion emphasizes the rich, multifaceted teaching from Paul's journeys and epistles.
Understanding Acts and First Corinthians provides insight into early church struggles, the importance of correct doctrine, and the necessity for spiritual guidance.