Here’s Luke’s report on Paul first visit to the city Ephesus, a chief Roman city. “And he came to Ephesus.” Acts 18:19 … pretty brief, isn’t it?

Yet, once settled in, the Apostle preached three full years there! According to Acts 20:31. Then later he wrote what may be the New Testament’s most sublime Epistle … addressed to that Church, the saints at Ephesus.

Here’s one outstanding victory during Paul’s stay in that famed city. “Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and BURNED them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.” Souls saved, rescued from the clutches of spiritism, demonism, heathenism, Acts 19:19.

They gave up all association with the spirit world … the evil spirit world that is. (Recall here 1 John 4:1 please. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.”)

Yes, many of the Ephesians tuned their backs on that past life of anti-Christian philosophy, those “doctrines of devils.”

And they grew in their knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20

As if, when they jettisoned interest in any false spirit … the Holy Spirit of God rewarded them with intimate Fellowship, Communion!

And that thought brings me to the Epistle of Ephesians! And the point of today’s Lesson.

Perhaps in no other Body of Literature (divinely inspired) did Paul convey a higher sense of Spiritual Privilege! For example, there we learn that we Christians are already “seated in heavenly places” in Christ Jesus our Lord! (Ephesians 2:6)

Wow!

I am simply saying this: to the congregation that spurned all those wrong spirits … God gave the fullest knowledge of the TRUE SPIRIT, the Spirit of Almighty God, the very Holy Spirit Himself!

They spurned hellish demons … even at great cost! Luke says this much: “Fifty thousand pieces of silver!”

But they certainly were compensated to an infinitely greater degree than mere silver or gold!

In Ephesians, especially to these folks …

Paul penned verses like these, undoubted realities: “After that ye believed, ye were SEALED with that Holy Spirit of promise.” Ephesians 1:13

And … “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may GIVE unto you the (Holy) Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Ephesians 1:17

“For through him (Jesus) we both have ACCESS by one (Holy) Spirit unto the Father.” Ephesians 2:18

Jesus … “In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:22

Wow!

“That He (our Lord Jesus Christ) would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be STRENGTHENED with might by His (Holy) Spirit in the inner man.” Ephesians 3:16

Where (in Ephesians) we learn that the Holy Spirit is a Person of the Godhead, and can thereby be “grieved!” Ephesians 4:30

Where we learn of the “Fruit of the Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 5:9

Where we learn that we are expected to be “filled with the Holy Spirit!” Ephesians 5:18

Where we learn about the “Sword of the Holy Spirit!” (Which is the powerfully sharp Word of God) Ephesians 6:17

And where we learn about praying in the Holy Spirit! “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the (Holy) Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Ephesians

They indeed gave up on set of spirits … but became intimate with The Holy Spirit of God!

And that is likely why, in my opinion, Paul labored so abundantly at Ephesus for three years! A record for a Church stay for him!

Thank God today for the Ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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Chronologically, it was his longest ministry. His longest “pastorate,” one might accurately say. I mean Paul’s time in the city of Ephesus.

Generally … Paul and his team (which often varied in both numbers and membership) stayed in a place only a short time. Though occasionally he did leave a Preacher behind to further strengthen the work, young Timothy coming to mind.

For example, they were in Thessalonica only “three sabbath days!” (Acts 17:2) The work there (though a Church resulted) was no doubt cut short due to strong persecution!

Yes, I think I am safe saying “short stays” … as a pattern. Paul longed to go elsewhere and preach Jesus! His own words, Romans 15:20 … “Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named.”A spiritual pioneer!

Wow!

Yet in one place, Ephesus, Paul broke his normal modus operandi. He labored (preaching the Word of God) in the city of Ephesus longer, much longer!

Again, his own testimony: “Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of THREE YEARS I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” Speaking to the men who had become the leaders of the Ephesian Church, Acts 20:31.

Three years!

Why that long?

One idea tomorrow, the Lord willing.

But undoubtedly this, at least … Paul found in Ephesus a healthy hunger for God’s Word, among the believers, that is.

A craving which he helped satisfy, gloriously so.

Now, if anyone asks you to name the place the Apostle Paul stayed the longest (in voluntary Ministry, serving our Lord … just say EPHESUS!

And thanks be unto God, how spiritually enriched we are to be able to have a Book of Scripture (Ephesians) that gives us a glimpse at Paul’s Preaching Material over those thirty-six months!

God is good!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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As you know Paul is often (and properly) called the “Apostle to the Gentiles.” Romans 11:13 clearly tells us so, in Paul’s own words: “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles.” In fact, his vast ministry was always opposed by the Jews, sometimes severely and perilously so.

Once, to further prove my point, Paul was commanded by God to “get out” of Jerusalem. (Acts 22:18 … “Make haste, and GET THEE QUICKLY OUT of Jerusalem: for THEY WILL NOT RECEIVE thy testimony concerning me.”) An imperative, a command!

Yet … he still tried to preach to the Jews everywhere he went! With minimal success and maximum opposition!

Once when preaching (on his first missionary journey, in Antioch of Pisidia) Paul was so accosted by the Jews, Luke writes: “But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, WE TURN TO THE GENTILES.” Acts 13:45-46, wisely done, Paul!

This scenario repeats itself (today’s Lesson) on the second missionary journey, in Corinth: “And when they (the Jews) opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I WILL GO TO THE GENTILES.” Acts 18:6

Wow!

Then, upon once again resolving to obey the Lord “in going to the Gentiles” … the Lord (almost immediately) appeared to Paul, encouraging his ministry to the gentiles in Corinth! “Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in THIS CITY. And he continued THERE a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.” Acts 18:9-11

Jerusalem … GET OUT!

Corinth … STAY!

Here’s what I am saying today … when Paul preached to the Gentiles … GOD BLESSED HIM NO END! When Paul interacted with the Jews (albeit via preaching, evangelism) he met strong persecution!

Truth be told … his last trip to Jerusalem (Paul now having made a vow and having reverted to some Mosaic practices, after preaching so strongly against the Law) was warned by God … demonstrably!

On the way to the City (where he was arrested, sent to Caesarea then to Rome and detained for years) God warned Paul once more: “And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the JEWS at JERUSALEM bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.” Acts 21:10-11, in other words, DO NOT GO TO JERUSALEM!

Now read Acts 21:12, the very next verse: “And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, BESOUGHT (BEGGED) him NOT TO GO up to Jerusalem.” Another warning!

I personally believe Paul experienced a somewhat premature death (likely at the hands of Nero, in jail in Rome … initially because of Jewish hatred and accusations, false but powerful accusations). Because he did not fully pursue his ministry to the gentiles as he had been instructed.

I sit here typing and wishing Paul had kept to his resolve that day long ago in Corinth! I mean Acts 18:6 … “From henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.”

Had he done so we might have another half dozen divinely inspired Epistles in our New Testament! And Paul indeed might have lived to make that long voyage to Spain, preaching to the gentiles there! Would there have been a sequel to the Book of Acts as well? (“Whensoever I take my journey into SPAIN, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.” Romans 15:24)

Students reading these line here today … STAY WITHN THE CONFINES OF GOD’S WILL FOR YOU LIVES!

After all, that (His Will) is always good and acceptable and perfect! And probably the safest place you can be!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Do not misconstrue this Lesson as being in any way anti-Jewish! I pray: “God bless those children of Abraham!” And the Lord is burdened for their salvation! And many Jewish people today are turning to the Saviour. It is just that God had chosen Paul as a Preacher to the Gentiles! And among them he did his best work.

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I don’t always begin these Lessons by immediately sharing the Bible Text. I often lead up to its introduction. But today …

“After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; and found a certain Jew named AQUILA, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife PRISCILLA.” 1 Corinthians 18:1-2

Thus began a friendship that lasted for years.

Paul knew how to practice the same trade as did this man and his wife! “For by their occupation they were tentmakers.” And Paul is soon living in their home (probably a shop downstairs with rooms up above, both levels facing some busy Corinthian street.) And soon Paul (from his workbench) is witnessing to all passers-by, magnifying the good Grace of God! (By the way, this Couple was also Christian, both being ardent believers in Jesus!)

The “point” of today’s Devotional here?

Often right in the middle of serving our Lord, right in the middle of doing His good Will … one is apt to meet some of the best friends he will ever know!

Yes, God gives us our friends (so much in the Bible tells us the kind of people to “avoid”) as we stay “in the way.” Following “in His Steps!”

Abraham’s faithful servant, entrusted with finding a wife for Isaac, comes to mind here. He testified: “I being IN THE WAY, the LORD led me to the house of my master’s brethren.” Genesis 24:27, the Lord led him to Rebekah’s home, best friend Isaac every had!

Live “in the way” of obedience, patience, hope … and God just might give you some loyal friends too!

This new set of friends (by the way, they are Husband and Wife) is mentioned in the New Testament six times, all in connection to the Apostle Paul! He once referred to them as “helpers” (in Greek it’s “sunergos,” becoming our word “synergy”)! Co-workers!

Someone reading here today just might need to “back away” from certain so-called friends! And begin trusting the Lord to send you a new friend or two … who will encourage you to stay faithful to Jesus!

We never know what our next (spiritually correct) move might bring … perhaps a new friend!

God certainly did it for Daniel … “Now God had brought Daniel into FAVOUR and TENDER LOVE with the prince of the eunuchs.” Daniel 1:9, a friendship that protected Daniel from many a temptation! “Brought into favour” … endeared to Daniel’s heat!

God gives friends!

Praise His name!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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When Paul left Athens, a bit discouraged I think, he traveled westward to the city of Corinth. (There is no Biblical record of his being miraculously directed that way, no “Macedonian Vision” here.)

Best I could tell, via maps and research, Corinth is just over 50 miles from Athens. “After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth.” Acts 18:1, with the Apostle apparently traveling alone. (Silas and Timothy were still preaching elsewhere.)

The city is situated on a fairly narrow isthmus connecting two oceans! The Ionian and the Aegean Seas, to be exact. This fact alone made Corinth a bustling city of commerce, with ships (and sailors) and merchants aplenty! Also with the accompanying sins and debauchery!

Think how impoverished we would be if our Bibles lacked both First and Second Corinthians! Virtual Manuals on proper Church behavior (1st Corinthians) and as good a look into the heart of Paul as exists anywhere (2nd Corinthians).

Yes, Paul went (walking likely) to Corinth from Athens! (Several days on foot on the road!)

Yet he transversed …

From a short stay (Athens) to a long ministry (Corinth)! “And Paul continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God (not teaching philosophy) among them.” Acts 18:11

From a relatively fruitless ministry to a dramatically successful one! “Many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.” Acts 18:8

From laboring alone (seldom a good idea) to a host of companions in the work! (Silas and Timothy were soon coming … plus he there met Aquila and Priscilla!)

And from a city with no organized Church (Athens, even after Paul left) to a city with a vibrant, growing Church (in no time flat)!

What a wise move!

Yes, some Churches thrive, even in unlikely environments!

Such was Corinth.

By the way, I am writing this Lesson on Saturday Morning, February 1, 2020. That means tomorrow is the Lord’s Day. What about your Church? Do you plan to support its services with you attendance? Are you contributing to its welfare and strength … no matter its location?

The Bible is clear. We are to “not forsake” the assembling of ourselves together! Luke some do! And when we do meet, we are further urged to “exhort” (encourage) one another!

Why?

Because hard times well may be coming!

I have just given you the Essence of Hebrews 10:25. Here it is in the King James Version, word for word: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

May I hear a good, strong AMEN please?

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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