08 - Acts 16-18 1 Thes 1 - Him De

Discussion focuses on chapters from the book of Acts regarding Paul’s missionary experiences.
Reading from two of Paul’s epistles.
Participants: Professor Ray L. Huntington, Professor Rex C. Reeve Jr., Professor Thomas A. Wehmet, and Robert J. Matthews.

Quote from President Brigham Young:
- "Do you read the scriptures my brethren and sisters as though you were writing them a thousand, two thousand or five thousand years ago?"
- Encourages readers to immerse in the context and background of the scriptures.
Understanding background is crucial for grasping the spirit and meaning of scripture, particularly Paul’s writings.

Paul's custom: Start at synagogues in every city.
- Philippi: Notable because it lacked a synagogue.
- Populated mainly by Roman soldiers and Gentiles.
- Jewish individuals likely met in small groups; Paul sought contact through the river, indicating communal prayer.

Acts 15:40-16:1: Paul chose Silas and travelled through Syria and Cilicia, confirming churches.
Acts 16:12-13:
- Arrival in Philippi, the chief city of Macedonia, a Roman colony.
- On the Sabbath, Paul and companions went to the riverside where Jewish prayers occurred.
- Encountered women, particularly Lydia, a seller of purple dye from seashells, denoting her wealth and stature.
- Lydia’s significance: Represents successful businesswomen of the time; she helped facilitate the growth of the church in the area by "constraining" Paul and his companions to stay.

Acts 16:20-26:
- Paul and Silas were arrested in Philippi, accused of troubling the city and promoting unlawful customs for Romans.
- They were beaten and imprisoned in stocks.
- At midnight, they prayed and sang praises, leading to an earthquake that opened the prison doors, facilitating the conversion of the jailer and his family.
Discussion about Paul’s Roman citizenship and the implications:
- He demanded formal release from the magistrates, highlighting his rights, and possibly securing better treatment for future missionaries in the city.

The branch in Philippi appeared healthy and thriving, contrasting with other locations Paul wrote to that experienced issues such as persecution or apostasy.
Paul was strategic and thoughtful in protecting future missions and baptisms in the area.

Acts 17:
- Paul and Silas moved to Thessalonica, found a synagogue, and preached about Christ’s resurrection, stirring both interest and opposition.
After Thessalonica, they headed to Athens, where Paul was disturbed by the religious practices of the Greeks.
The significant address at Mars Hill to the Areopagus, focusing on the Unknown God:
- Uses local culture and references to connect with the audience, demonstrating his adaptability.
- Quotes from Greek poets: Epinides and Auretis, showcasing Paul's ability to engage different audiences.
- Acts 17:31: Discussion of resurrection and judgment through Jesus, which was controversial to the Greek audience who viewed the physical body as less desirable.
- Concludes with mixed responses: mocking versus polite interest in further discussion.

Acts 18:
- Paul arrives in Corinth, meeting Aquila and Priscilla, who shared his tent-making trade and played a key role in the church.
- Paul preached in synagogues on Sabbaths, expanding his focus to both Jews and Gentiles.
- Noted that Corinth was known for its wickedness, yet the Lord assured Paul of many disciples there, indicating potential for growth even in difficult circumstances.

Transition to writing letters as a venue for teaching after establishing churches.
The First Epistle to the Thessalonians is composed during this period:
- Opens with Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timotheus (Timothy) addressing the church.
- Commends them for their strong faith amid persecution (1 Thessalonians 1:7).
- The letter serves as encouragement, reaffirming that the gospel came with power and the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
Concluding thoughts on the themes of hope and perseverance in adversity, and reminders of ethical living and spiritual vigilance found throughout the letter (phrases such as, "the times and the seasons," and "abstain from the appearance of evil").