Koinonia Bible Studies

According to a 2015 Deloitte Survey, 6 out of 10 Millennials chose to work for their current employers due to their “sense of purpose.” What we value gives us purpose. Just as organizations have values, individuals do also. Most people have 5 to 7 core values that identify who they are. For the Christian, we are to be “in the world, but not of it.” We are to be different than the world – in our values, in our beliefs, in our character and in our behavior. What is the pointe in Jerusalem, the lesson we can glean from Paul’s desire to return to the city?

The Pointe in Jerusalem

Are there lessons that we can learn from Paul’s brief stop in Jerusalem between his second and third journeys? The content packed into the walls of the city of Jerusalem is rich and filled with inspiration. Here are a few things we should always consider when we think and study about Jerusalem

• There is value in heritage and tradition.

The fast pace and changing mores keep most people unsettled and insecure. The importance of traditions and heritage is significant, especially as a person ages. Even though his salvation was freed from the regulations of the Law, Paul desired to spend the Passover in the midst of his traditions and with his family. Jerusalem provided the setting for memories, fellowship and worship.

• It is important to give God a physical place in your life.

Jerusalem became synonymous with the “city of God.” Inside its gates were His people and His temple. The activities surrounding the worship of God centered on performance in the city. Jerusalem gave the people a specific place where they saw God as being present. The faithful understood that God does not dwell in temples made of hands (Acts 17:24), but the concept helped limited people have a focal point for devotion and challenge.

Of the almost twenty festivals and feasts celebrated by the Jewish faithful, three of the festivals were considered “pilgrimage feasts.” Pesah (Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread), Shavuot (Feast of Weeks, Pentecost) and Sukkot (Feast of Booths, Tabernacles) connected the people with both the cycles of God’s creation and important events in Jewish history.

Do you have a place in your home which allows you to focus, study and worship your Lord?

• Jerusalem represents what God is going to provide for His people.

The term “New Jerusalem” occurs in Revelation 21:2 and Revelation 21:10. The concept is based upon prophecies that there will be a spectacular future for the city of Jerusalem. Scholars debate whether the future is figurative or literal, but the reality exists for a future of God’s presence with His people. In many ways, the New Jerusalem culminates the entire historic process of redemption. The New Jerusalem is a restoration of the Garden of Eden and Paradise (Revelation 21:6, Revelation 22:1-2).

Are you looking forward to that day?

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“The City of Jerusalem” from the lesson series Grab Your Passport, April 2021

our Scripture

When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.

Other Scripture references:

Acts 27:2

Philippians 4:16

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

2 Timothy 4:10

2 Thessalonians 3:17-18

our Lessons

Jerusalem is the capital city of biblical Israel, known also as the “City of David,” “City of God,” “Holy City,” and “Mount Zion.” Jerusalem is the central location for Israel’s understanding of their identity and role as God’s people. The earliest references to Jerusalem are found in ancient Egyptian texts, dating back to 1900-1800_BC.

It is possible the name Jerusalem is a compound word, doming from yarah, “pillar,” and shalom, “peace.”  The old city of Jerusalem is located atop a limestone plateau. Early references in the Bible come from Isaiah 32:14; Micah 4:8; 2 Kings 5:24; Nehemiah 3:25-25; Nehemiah 11:21.

There are other names for the city. In Isaiah 29:1 the city is called the “hearth of God.” In Isaiah 1:26 it is called the “city of righteousness.” There are times when it is called “the city” in contrast to “the land” (Psalm 72:16; Jeremiah 32:24; Ezekiel 7:23). There are many times that we understand a sanctity of the city. The term “holy city” is found in Isaiah 48:2; Isaiah 52:1; Nehemiah 11:1; Matthew 4:5; Matthew 27:53). The word “Zion” is sometimes used to describe Jerusalem and sometimes the nation of Israel as a whole.

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Jerusalem is a holy city for the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Throughout the background of all three religions, Jerusalem call for redemption and reconciliation among people. It bids for pilgrimages. It attracts both citizens and visitors. It has been destroyed and rebuilt. It is the location of peace and conflict.

For the faithful, Jerusalem represents both a physical and a spiritual location where God’s presence flourishes and He provides nourishment and protection for His people. Jerusalem is the place where the Lord dwells (Isaiah 8:18; Psalm 74:2). In Jerusalem God himself reigns as King (Isaiah 24:23) and He has established His king, David (Psalm 2:6).

But Jerusalem also foreshadows what God intends to provide for His people. The New Jerusalem is the heavenly city which God has prepared for the end of time when He makes all things new. It is described in detail in Revelation 21:9-27. The New Jerusalem will not just be a revamped, new and improved version of the old city. God’s creative majesty will once again reign without sin.

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“The City of Ephesus” from the lesson series Grab Your Passport, April 2021

our Scripture

They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila.

Other Scripture references:

Acts 27:2

Philippians 4:16

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

2 Timothy 4:10

2 Thessalonians 3:17-18

Revelation 1:11

Revelation 2:1

Ephesians 1:1

our Lessons

Have you ever longed for your church to be more like a church of the New Testament?  If so, you should carefully study the church at Ephesus.  More material in the NT pertains historically to Ephesus than any other community of believers.  No less than 20 chapters, covering a period of more than 40 years, describe God’s work in this city.  Luke describes its founding (Acts 18 – 20), Paul wrote Ephesians to the congregation there and sent two letters to Timothy, its young evangelist.  John, repeating a message from Christ, encouraged and warned the believers in a letter preserved in the book of Revelation (2:1-7).

Paul Begins a Journey

The eighteenth chapter of Acts is filled with much movement for Paul and his companions.  He decides that his ministry in Corinth is about to come to an end. The apostle senses it is time to report back to Antioch.  He travels a short distance to a town named Cenchrea, Corinth’s eastern sea port.  Sailors would haul small ships and their cargo across the Isthmus of Corinth on a man-made ship road rather than sailing 200 miles around the dangerous peninsula.  Apparently Paul takes a vow here and has his head shaved.  Cenchrea was the home of Phoebe who gained biblical fame for being the courier of the letter to the Romans.

Sailing from Cenchrea, Paul apparently has a “lay-over” in Ephesus.  This was very common in the ancient world, much like spending waiting time in an airport today.  Most likely some goods were being left at Ephesus and other goods and passengers were brought aboard.  A typical stop would take about a week, but often was extended because of weather conditions.  Paul takes the opportunity to “reason with the Jews” in the synagogue.  Intrigued in some way by their response or the size of the city, Paul leaves Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus.  Luke interestingly adds that the two friends asked Paul to stay longer in Ephesus, leaving us to only speculate the situation.  Paul’s answer, though, is clearly given: he will not stay for he desires to be in Jerusalem for the upcoming Passover feast.

Sound Doctrine in Ephesus

After visiting Jerusalem and the Temple for the Passover and spending some time in Antioch reporting on his journey, Paul again embarks on travel.  He retraces his steps through Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening the churches in Lystra, Derbe and Iconium.  Paul’s ultimate destination is to return to Ephesus and reunite with his friends.  Luke interjects a story at this point giving us a picture of what is happening with Priscilla and Aquila.  A Jew from Alexandria, Egypt named Apollos has arrived in Ephesus.  Luke describes him as eloquent, a term referring to his speaking ability.  He also tells us that he was mighty in the Scriptures – what an incredible description – and that he had the ability to reason and convince his listeners.  The picture of the two helping Apollos understand the Scripture and then commending him to a ministry should encourage us today to prepare and send servants.

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“The City of Thessalonica” from the lesson series Grab Your Passport, April 2021

our Scripture

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica

Other Scripture references:

Acts 27:2

Philippians 4:16

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

2 Timothy 4:10

2 Thessalonians 3:17-18

our Lessons

From Philippi Paul and his companions journeyed west-by-south-west along the Egnatian Way through Amphipolis on the Strymon (capital of the first district of Macedonia) and Apollonia and arrived at Thessalonica, about 90 miles from Philippi.

The city and port of Thessalonica stood near the earlier city of Therme. The Thermaic Gulf derives its name from the city.  Cassander, then king of Macedonia, founded Thessalonica around 315 _BC.  The king named the city after his wife Thessalonica, daughter of Phillip and half-sister to Alexander the Great.  Its original residents were from Therme and about 25 other surrounding villages whom Cassander forcibly relocated to populate the new city which honored his wife.

When the Romans divided Macedonia into four districts in 167 _BC Thessalonica became the capital of the second district.  Later Rome made Macedonia a province, Thessalonica became the seat of provincial government.  In 42_BC the city enjoyed its status as a free city, governed by its own politarchs.  Interestingly this title appears nowhere in Greek literature apart from Acts 17:6, but it is amply attested in inscriptions belonging to the period for Thessalonica itself and several other Macedonian cities.

Paul’s Arrival in Thessalonica

As was Paul’s custom or tradition, he preached the message of the gospel first to the Jews, wherever he was able to find them.  While in Philippi he had to find them outside the city gates, in Thessalonica a thriving synagogue community was established.  Luke tells us that for three consecutive Sabbaths, Paul reasoned with the congregation that the scriptures found their fulfillment in Jesus.  Given our culture, it may not be easy to picture how a stranger traveling through town would have such access to a presentation in the synagogue service and structure.

Recognized rabbinic travelers like Paul were often asked to read Scripture (which included expounding upon them) in the synagogue service.  On occasion, particularly when a rabbi shared common rabbinical instructors with other synagogue officials, the rabbi might be asked to give the main address.  Paul studied at the feet of Gamaliel, one of the most well-known and well-respected rabbinical instructors of the day. But it is more likely that Paul took a posture in the courts, pulling up his own soap box and proclaiming his message.  With a combination of the Greek philosopher and the Jewish rabbinic teacher, evangelists and their followers often filled the synagogue courts.

The Jewish monotheism was not the only religious influence in Thessalonica. Turning the gaze inland, Thessalonica provided a perfect view above the clouds of the tip of Mount Olympus. Stories of the gods and goddesses thrived in Thessalonica because of the view. Pagan worship of the Egyptian gods Serapis and Isis emerged through travelers from Alexandria.

Thessaloniki Today

Do you have difficulty imagining the places in the New Testament existing today? The disconnect between the past and the present contributes to an almost fictional understanding of the cities of the Bible. Thessalonica is the Anglicized form of the Grecian city Thessaloniki. Today’s population is close to 300,000 – about the size of Greensboro, North Carolina or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

As in Paul’s day, the city resides right on the edge of a gulf, providing a thriving sea port for incoming and outgoing trade and traffic. Located on the great Roman Via Egnatia, Thessaloniki bustled with land travelers as well.

Abrupt Departure

Paul’s departure from a city had almost become a tradition as well.  Amidst accusations of treason and religious blasphemy, Paul reluctantly left the new Christians who would require teaching and guidance.  The charges must be set in the context of widespread unrest in Jewish communities throughout the Empire.  Individuals with Messianic hopes were springing up everywhere, trying to rally the Jewish populations into rebelling against governments.  It speaks highly of the maturity of the leadership of the politarchs of Thessalonica that they did not panic when they heard of the serious charges against these preachers.  Their well-worded presentation, along with quick decisive action, took the wind out of the fiery riots.

Let’s apply the lesson to today. How was Paul’s presentation of the gospel and Christianity persecuted on the second journey? How was persecution seen in Thessalonica? What was the source of the persecution?

How is Christianity persecuted today? In the world? In the United States? Has the persecution changed in your lifetime? Have your convictions and beliefs changed because of the persecution? Does persecution alter your ability to share the gospel changed?

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