Before the Resurrection

The resurrection is arguably the most unique and yet, critical, doctrine of the Christian faith. The resurrection changes our understanding of our future. It alters how we perceive our value and purpose. The resurrection validates the truth of Christianity’s teachings and claims, as it motivates and moves each step we take.

Even though all four gospels tell the resurrection story, each writer approaches the event from a unique perspective. For example, only Matthew describes the events of nature at the time of the resurrection. As the women approached the tomb, the ground suddenly begins shaking under each step – the result of an earthquake. These tremors are followed by a blaze of lightning, which actually turned out to be an angel. This unique combination put the Roman soldiers so filled with fear they could not even move.

This Easter season, let’s look at five ways being “raised with Jesus” touched the lives of the gospel writers even before the resurrection.

Perhaps you would like a quick reference all of the stories of the resurrection in one place. The chart below will give you a peek of each gospel writer’s perspective, written from several translations. The chart is followed by the resurrection perspective given later by the Apostle Paul.

 

raised for such a time as this raised to walk sabbaths rest raise hallelujah do not be afraid

Gospel Accounts of Resurrection Morning

  Matthew Mark Luke John
NIV Matthew 28:1-10 NIV Mark 16:1-8 NIV Luke 24:1-12 NIV John 20:1-18 NIV
NASB Matthew 28:1-10 NASB Mark 16:1-8 NASB Luke 24:1-12 NASB John 20:1-18 NASB
ESV Matthew 28:1-10 ESV Mark 16:1-8 ESV Luke 24:1-12 ESV John 20:1-18 ESV
NLT Matthew 28:1-10 NLT Mark 16:1-8 NLT Luke 24:1-12 NLT John 20:1-18 NLT
MESSAGE
 Matthew 28:1-10 MESSAGE Mark 16:1-8 MESSAGE Luke 24:1-12 MESSAGE John 20:1-18 MESSAGE

 

Paul – 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 NIV

 

 

Understanding the Books

Without a doubt, the last book written by Paul in our possession, 2 Timothy is an intimate look into the relationship that exists between the apostle and the protege. The letter is a spattering of the glory of the Lord and the gloom of life. Throughout it is a book of hope for both Paul and Timothy. 2 Timothy gives a glimpse of Paul’s last pieces of advice to Timothy.

Who Wrote the Book of 2 Timothy?

Since the 18th century, the Pastoral Epistles – 1 Timothy, Titus, and 2 Timothy – have been considered together in theological discussions. For the most part, the epistles have been considered genuine works from the apostle Paul. Walter Lock (International Critical Commentary “The Pastoral Epistles”) writes, “1 Timothy is entirely pastoral and perhaps intended to be of universal application; Titus is mainly pastoral, but also a letter of commendation and a letter of recall; 2 Timothy is mainly personal, a letter of recall, and only incidentally pastoral.” Both the internal and external evidence point to the Apostle Paul as the author.

External Evidence

Biblical scholar James Hastings, editor of The Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, says, “While the witness of the non-canonical writers is not so strong for the Pastorals as for Romans and Corinthians, it compares favorably with that for Galatians and Philippians, and is much better than that for 1 and 2 Thessalonians.”

[su_pullquote align=”right”]William Robertson Nicoll, editor of the Expositor’s Greek New Testament, writes, “They are included in all manuscripts, versions, and lists of the Pauline epistles without exception, and in the same order.”[/su_pullquote]

Clement of Rome wrote in the late first century. He probably assumed leadership around Rome after Paul’s martyrdom. In his Epistle to the Corinthians, he alludes to passages in all three Pastoral letters. Ignatius and Polycarp have references to both of the letters to Timothy. Justin Martyr uses a phrase from Titus and another from 2 Timothy.

Internal Evidence

The internal evidence supports the evidence from outside. In each of the three Pastoral Letters, the writer addresses himself as Paul (1 Timothy 1:1, Titus 1:1, and 2 Timothy 1:1). Both of the letters to Timothy contain many personal references to both Paul and to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:13, 1 Timothy 1:15, 2 Timothy alone has 23 personal references).

In addition, the theology of the epistles consistently supports the known theology of Paul’s other epistles. Similarities exist in the treatment of Old Testament Scriptures, of the development of the leadership within the church, and the understanding of the person and work of Christ.

To Whom was the Book Written?

The name Timothy is mentioned in the first verses of both 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy. One of Paul’s best-known companions, the apostle describes Timothy as “his beloved and faithful son in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17), “my true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2), and “my beloved child” (2 Timothy 1:2). For references in the New Testament, refer to Acts 17:14, 18:5, 19:22, 20:4, Romans 16:21, 1 Corinthians 4:17, 16:10,

Timothy was a resident and native of either Lystra or Derbe, cities which Paul visited on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:6). Luke mentions Paul’s friends and includes “Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy” (Acts 20:4) which probably infers that Timothy was not of Derbe. Conclusions lead us to believe Lystra to be Timothy’s hometown.

By the second journey, Timothy is ready to work. Timothy is mentioned with Paul at Berea (Acts 17:14). Silas and Timothy are left there as Paul travels to Athens. The two join the apostle there a short time later, meeting him in Corinth. Timothy and Silas were immediately sent to Thessalonica.

Timothy’s name connects with Paul in the salutation of several epistles (2 Corinthians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Colossians 1:1, and Philemon 1:1. It can also be found mentioned with Silas in 1 Thessalonians 1:1 and 2 Thessalonians 1:1.

When was 2 Timothy Written?

It is difficult to know the exact chronology of the apostle Paul following the book of Acts. Following two years of house arrest awaiting his accusers, Paul was released from confinement late AD61 or early 62. Paul mentions in his letter to the Romans his eventual goal of reaching Spain (Romans 15:24, 28). New Testament scholars William Ramsay and Theodor Zahn confidently infer from Comments by Clement of Rome that Paul paid a visit to Spain. Spanish traditions, as well as notations in the Muratorian Canon and the histories of Eusebius support the trip. It is extremely likely that Paul was accompanied on this trip further west by Luke and Timothy.

Travels after the Book of Acts

Assuming he stayed in Spain six months to a year, the apostle was ready to move on sometime in AD63. Paul probably carried out his plans to visit Nicopolis (Titus 3:12). The problem is there were eight places in the Mediterranean area that bore the name. Many scholars think Paul visits a Nicopolis in Italy near Rome.

Upon their return, Timothy is left in Ephesus to oversee the ministry there. Paul’s first letter to Timothy presents a thorough look at the organization of the leadership of a congregation.

But then things take an abrupt turn for the worse. On the night of July 18th in AD64 a fire broke out and swept across the city of Rome. The disastrous fire ravaged the capital of the Empire for over a week. The Great Fire of Rome holds several legends guarding complete knowledge of the truth. Emperor Nero was decadent, unpopular, and growing more mentally unstable throughout his reign. While the stories of Nero fiddling while the city burned are nothing more than myth, history does paint a bad picture of Rome’s leader.

Burning of Rome

No primary sources about the fire survive. We rely on the accounts of three Roman historians Tacitus, Suetonius, and Cassius Dio. Tacitus wrote about sixty years after the event, Suetonius about two years later, and Cassius Dio about 100 years after.

The fire was said to have started in merchant shops near the chariot racing stadium. Tacitus says the merchants sold “flammable goods” which aided the fire’s spread. Strong winds from the Sahara sweep across Italy during the summer months. Poorly constructed timber houses provided ample fuel during the dry conditions.

Tacitus documents that efforts to douse the fire were hindered by gangs of looters and arsonists. The fire ended with two-thirds of Rome damaged or destroyed, hundreds killed, and thousands homeless. Tacitus claimed Nero was away from Rome at the time but implied the looted might have done so under someone’s orders. Suetonius and Cassius Dio placed the blame at Nero’s feet, claiming he wanted to burn down the parts of the city he disliked in order to build a new lavish palace.

Persecution Begins

Nero lay the blame for the fire upon the Christians, beginning nearly three centuries of Roman persecution against them. Christians were arrested, tortured, and executed, allowing an angry populace to have a scapegoat. Peter and Paul, Christianity’s leading spokesmen, both paid the ultimate sacrifice of faith.

Nero dies on June 8, AD68, so Paul’s death had to be shortly before. Paul urges Timothy to join him “before winter” (2 Timothy 4:21), placing the date of the writing of 2 Timothy in late summer or early autumn of 67.

What Messages Resonate in the Book

Knowing that death was just around the corner, Paul wanted to leave Timothy with a message of encouraging hope while emphasizing themes that were important to Paul. Paul speaks to Timothy of hope during hopeless and helpless times. The apostle emphasizes important lessons of communication a leader of faith must follow. He continues urging the importance of sound doctrine and grace.

What Do People Say About 2 Timothy?

Many leading Bible teachers make strong comments about the book of 2 Timothy. Their words may encourage you to read the book.

Paul wrote his Second Letter to Timothy from the loneliness of a dungeon while awaiting a likely death (2 Timothy 4:6-8). He attempted to fortify Timothy for accomplishment and steadfastness in ministry after his departure.

D. Thomas Lea, New American Commentary

Paul was serving God as his forefathers did. He appreciated very much his religious heritage, and so today should all those who have been brought up in a Christian environment.

Ralph Earle, Expositor’s Bible Commentary

The Pastoral Epistles are the natural and human expressions of the apostle’s own reflections about the future of the work he is obliged to delegate to others. They reveal, therefore, as much about their author’s reactions to the situations he faces as contemporary conditions in the church.

Donald Guthrie, Tyndale New Testament Commentary

The second letter is Paul’s last will and testament for Timothy, his great legacy for the rest of Timothy’s life. In the shadow of death Paul lays the work into Timothy’s hands so that he might carry it forward as his worthy successor in the field where God shall place this beloved assistant of his.

R.C.H. Lenski, Commentary on the New Testament

Each chapter of Paul’s second letter to Timothy presents a focused theme, encouraging Timothy to take a second look at the foundations of his faith. Each theme provides the structure for Paul’s “last words” to Timothy. Here are the things that are important to Paul, the things that Paul wants Timothy to remember. In many ways, he is offering Timothy a “second look” at his teachings, for he has taught him and written him in the past. We looked in the first chapter at Timothy’s calling. The second chapter focuses on giving Timothy a second helping of hope. Here is our key verse.

The Scripture

Here’s a statement you can trust: If we died with Him, we will live with Him.

2 TIMOTHY 2:11 VOICE

NIV 2 Timothy 2:11 NIV

NASB 2 Timothy 2:11 NASB

ESV 2 Timothy 2:11 ESV

HCSB 2 Timothy 2:11 HCSB

MSG 2 Timothy 2:11 MESSAGE

NLT 2 Timothy 2:11 NLT

Understand the original Greek? See 2 Timothy 1:2 in the Nestle – Aland Greek text.

The Pointe

The Pointe

The student will discover concrete examples which help explain the reason for the hope within them.

In this study, we will find four concepts that Paul wants to re-emphasize to Timothy. Understanding these words may be Paul’s last chance to teach his protégé, we are privileged to eavesdrop on a touching and meaningful conversation. Today’s theme challenges Timothy to embrace and embellish his faith by taking a second look at the hope that he has in Christ.

The Christian faith speaks on a practical level of a life well-lived. Within its pages, Christianity teaches ways that an individual can understand the world, sense personal satisfaction, and properly relate to others.

Faith in Hopeless Times

But the heart of Christianity speaks to the future. Our faith sees that Jesus overcame the greatest enemy of all humanity – death – in a victorious manner. Christian doctrine affirms the same thing will happen to those whose belief and trust is in Jesus as the Messiah.

But Paul’s situation is hopeless. Emperor Nero is blaming the burning of Rome, which history later reveals was his own doing, upon Christians. Paul is now behind bars not for teaching beliefs contrary to accepted Jewish principles, but as the leader of a movement that was being blamed for the loss of countless lives and property.

Understand Paul’s circumstance in a modern setting. In the remaining days of September of 2011, imagine if Osama bin Laden and high officials in al-Qaeda had been found in New York City and put in prison. The country and our government would have insisted upon justice and punishment.

Is it possible that Paul has abandoned his faith? Is he being supported in a way to encourage and challenge him to continue? Timothy’s own faith might have been shaken depending on the words and tenor of this letter.

Had Paul given up hope? Timothy must have been anxious to hear from his friend.

A Second Look at Hope for the Christian

Paul presents Christianity as standing on the three grand pillars – faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). The non-believer sees faith and love at work around them, but hope gave Christianity a unique flair. We live in a world laced with hopelessness.

Ironically, Paul had earlier written to the Romans, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Now Paul, in Rome, faces the end of his life because of his faith. Is there still reason for his hope? He begins to write to Timothy to offer him a second helping of hope.

Hope of Eternal Life

Only Christianity offers the promise of a glorious life beyond the grave. While other religions hint at a cycle of life, there is no other understanding of the continuance and continuity of personality and relationships. Paul spoke of the “hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time” (Titus 1:2).

Eternal life is not about time, though we tend to measure everything through time. Eternal life is life that exceeds our expectations and understanding. There is a hope within us that the next life will be better than this one. Eternal life is the realization of that desire. We will always be close to God, fulfilled abundantly, gloriously happy and at peace.

The Psalmist expressed it in these words, “You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11).

Hope for Christ’s Return

Early Christians believed that Christ would return at any time. Look at what he tells the Thessalonians. They thought Jesus would return with all of His saints (1 Thessalonians 3:13). Christians expected the return of Jesus to be accompanied with all those who had died believing in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:14).  The belief stated that Christians would appear with Jesus in glory (Colossians 3:4) and they would receive a crown of glory when He appeared (1 Peter 5:4).

Hope of a Resurrection of the Body

The Greek philosophers of Paul’s day saw the body as sinful and evil. When Paul preached in Athens (Acts 17:32) many of the scholars ridiculed and scorned his position for that very reason. Christianity through Jesus’ own resurrection brought the reality and hope of a resurrected body to life.

In this epistle, Paul challenges Timothy to reflect upon “the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10).

Hope of a Glorious Heritage

Paul had also told the Thessalonians, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19). Believers will receive the riches of heaven the way that a child inherits the wealth of the family. Perhaps that is why the psalmist wrote, “You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name” (Psalm 61:5).

Paul’s Second Helping of Hope to Encourage Timothy

Paul’s second letter to Timothy is a touching, personal expression of his faith to his close companion. Tender but strong, the letter is far from sentimental or contemplative. Timothy may have read each line with tear-blurred eyes, but every word bolstered him to valiantly continue the faith.

The letter accomplished its purpose. After Paul’s death, Timothy labored in the churches in Asia Minor (the ones mentioned in the beginning of Revelation), particularly around Ephesus. The apostle John worked around Ephesus during the latter days of his life – often exiled on an island near the area. John does not mention Timothy in his epistles or the book of Revelation.

Timothy’s death is not mentioned in the Bible. Tradition has Timothy ministering in Ephesus at the time of his death. Stories were passed that Timothy died when he rushed into the porch area of a pagan temple to stop activities of lewd dances and immoral acts were on display to “honor” their gods. Outraged, the pagans beat Timothy to death.

Most traditions have Timothy’s death occurring around 97. Since John, who wrote in the early 90’s, did not mention Timothy, a more plausible date should be about ten years’ earlier.

Roman, Anglican, and Lutheran churches use January 26th to commemorate Timothy and Titus, the faithful companions of Paul.

Notice the handful of things that Timothy would have found encouraging and hopeful.

The Encouragement of Paul’s Faith

Timothy would have been encouraged to hear that Paul had not abandoned his faith even in the face of persecution. Paul begins the epistle as he did his letters to churches by affirming his apostleship. He continues to say that this is God’s will and that it keeps in line with the promises of life that are found in Christ Jesus.

As Paul faces the reality of death, he wants Timothy to know that he understands the reality of life – life that continues beyond the grave.

The Encouragement of Paul’s Love

“Timothy, my dearly beloved son” (2 Timothy 1:2) is much stronger than “Timothy, my own son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). Paul’s love for Timothy probably had not changed, but as he approached death, he expresses it more. Paul offers Timothy “grace, mercy, and peace” (2 Timothy 1:2).

It is interesting that in Paul’s greetings, he adds the word “mercy” to grace and peace, his normal greeting, to Titus and Timothy (Titus 1:4, 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2). Paul knew that pastors needed mercy.

The Encouragement of Paul’s Prayers

It had to encourage Timothy to understand how the apostle prayed for him. Paul claims that he thanks God night and day for Timothy. He longs to see Timothy – recalls the tears in Timothy’s eyes – and wants Timothy to join him in Rome.

The source of Timothy’s tears is unknown. Perhaps tears were shed at a time when Paul left Timothy behind at a church as he was continuing his journey. Others speculate that Timothy was present when Paul was arrested, and tears were shed. Regardless, Paul remembers the moment with tenderness.

The Encouragement of Paul’s Support

Paul has supported Timothy from the beginning. He reminds Timothy of his heritage – of the faith of his mother and grandmother. Paul also speaks of encouraging Timothy in the past and of imparting a gift to Timothy through the laying on of hands.

Paul asks for Timothy’s support as well. Paul encourages Timothy to no be ashamed to give testimony about the Lord. Also, Timothy should not be ashamed of Paul as a prisoner. This may come from others who are trying to distance themselves from the apostle. Timothy may have simply been ashamed because of the circumstances of Paul’s imprisonment.

A visit to Rome reveals a location where tradition has Paul was kept in prison. The cell seems to be nothing more than an underground dungeon. The domed ceiling has a small hole, letting in a small beam of light and breaths of air.

The Encouragement of Paul’s Commission

Throughout the story of Timothy’s family and background, Paul calls to Timothy’s mind how God had called him into service and how a local church had ordained him. Paul speaks of laying his own hands upon Timothy and blessing him with a spiritual gift. Laying on hands was a common practice of the day (Acts 6:6, Acts 13:3).

What is So Important About Hope?

Christians define hope differently than its common usage. The word “hope” in English normally connotes a departure from certainty. “I hope we get tickets to the big game.” For the Christian, hope is not wishful thinking.

Peter says, “Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). This does not mean that we don’t know if it is going to happen, but my wish is for it to happen.

Christian hope occurs when God has promised that something is going to happen. The Christian puts faith and trust in the promise. Christian hope, then, becomes confident assurance that an event will happen because God has promised it. Within it is woven the desire and passion to see the time when the promise comes true.

[content_block id=8616]

A Second Look at Hope for You

As the lesson on hope concludes, let’s conclude our thoughts with a prayer.

Heavenly Father, Like Paul, there are times when the world around us makes it seem as if we are helpless, if not hopeless. May we return to you for a second helping of hope. Strengthen and focus our faith so that we might maintain the hope we have been given because of our experience with your Words and your Son, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Print Lesson Summary

Print Lesson Discussion Questions

Print For Further Study

Continue to the Next Lesson

KBS2501_03

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

our Scripture

After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.

Acts 18:1-17 ESV

Acts 18:1-17 NIV

Acts 18:1-17 NASB

Acts 18:1-17 NLT

Acts 18:1-17 MESSAGE

Other Scripture references:

Acts 19:1, 1 Corinthians 1:2, 1 Corinthians 4:18, 2 Corinthians 1:1

2 Corinthians 1:16, 2 Corinthians 1:23, 2 Corinthians 10:14, 2 Timothy 4:20

our City

Ancient Corinth
Temple of Apollo in Ancient Corinth, Greece
Modern Corinth

Modern Corinth

our Lessons

If you pick up a Bible study or commentary on the book of 1 Corinthians, or if you listen to a sermon series studying through the book, you are most likely to hear that the church in Corinth was a problem church – a church that wasn’t very grounded in the faith, a church that had problems.

The church in Corinth had numerous spiritual problems …

The Christian Courier

The church in Corinth struggled with problems, sins affecting the church …

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Doctoral Dissertation

The Corinthian church was corroded with sin …

Charles Swindoll

The problems that he encountered in this place were more numerous than he had found in other cities …

Cliffs Notes

But the church in Corinth had the same beginnings, the same foundation that other churches started by Paul enjoyed. In some ways, they even had several advantages. Paul stayed in Corinth for an extended period of time. Aquila and Priscilla were left there to help the church grow and mature. Why did Corinth have problems that didn’t seem to surface in Ephesus, Philippi or Colossae?

Perhaps the church at Corinth wasn’t so much a problem church as it was a struggling church. It seems that a more appropriate observation about the church in Corinth would be that it was a church that was wrestling with what it meant to be the church – to be Christian – in a very urban, a very pluralistic, a very non-Christian culture. How can Christians stay Christian and not be influenced by the world around them?

Sound familiar?

Corinth and American Have Much in Common

In many ways the culture of first century Corinth shares some deep parallels with the culture of twenty-first century America. While technology and science have surely advanced the opportunities in this century, both first century Corinth and twenty-first century America are colored by a distinct worldview. Secular. Pluralistic. Political. Commercial. Transient. Sexual. Relative.

Today America’s church wrestles with the same questions. Has it become more difficult to be a Christian in today’s culture? Has Christianity become irrelevant and ineffective in changing the hearts of mankind? Can Christianity survive in a modern multi-cultural, atheistic community? A study of the book of First Corinthians answers a resounding “Yes!” but if the church is to stay true and faithful, distinct from the worldly culture, it is not going to be easy.

our Time in Corinth

weather underground

Weather in Corinth Today

AthensDJ

Athens Radio

Kathimerini

Corinthian Newspaper

places to see

Bucketlist
History Hit

discover Greece

Athens

discover Athens

Corinth

discover Corinth

Thessalonica

discover Thessaloniki

Athens

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

our Scripture

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.

Acts 17:16-34 ESV
NIV

Acts 17:1-9 NIV

 NASB

Acts 17:1-9 NASB

 NLT

Acts 17:1-9 NLT

 MESSAGE

Acts 17:1-9 MESSAGE

 

Other Scripture references:

Acts 18:1

1 Thessalonians 3:1

 

 

our Lessons

The brothers brought Paul from Berea to Athens (Acts 17:15), hoping to give Paul a moment of safety and a chance to rest and breathe. The distance from Berea to Athens is about 100 miles. Today in a car going 50 MPH it would take about 2 hours and between 4 and 5 gallons of gas. Two hours of time, $10 of fuel.

On foot, across rugged terrain, the journey might take ten days. Paul anxiously waits for Silas and Timothy, but it is uncertain how long their presence will be necessary in Berea. So Paul waits in Athens.

Ever been far from home, waiting?

Sometimes it isn’t a matter of distance. You can be next door and feel far from home. You feel a little out of place. Things are just not comfortable. It seems as if you do not know the customs. You don’t comprehend the jargon. It is almost as if you don’t speak the language.

Do you ever feel that way about the culture and the world that you live in?

A Different World

As Paul wandered around the city of Athens, waiting for his friends, I wonder if he just felt far from home. Not far from Tarsus, his birthplace. Not even far from Antioch or Jerusalem. I wonder if he just thought that Athens was far from the Father’s home.

Paul doesn’t say much about his stop at Athens, except that he was there (1 Thessalonians 3:1). Along with the other tourists, Paul would have visited the Acropolis. Temples and shrines for the gods and goddesses line the way to the top of the hill. Peppered into the trip are marketplaces and monuments. All of the building structures paled in comparison to the Parthenon – the temple for the goddess Athena perched at the top of the mountain.

From its courtyards, the entire city and countryside could be seen in a panoramic 360 view. The city was a sprawling wonderland, filled with people who were misguided in their search for God, or, like Jonah, were consumed with running away from Him.

 

We know several schools of philosophy that were intrigued by Paul’s message. The Jewish community in Athens was intrigued by the application of Scripture which Paul made for the Messianic prophecies being fulfilled by Jesus. Epicureans and Stoics, quite opposite ends of the spectrum, pondered how Paul viewed God as real and involved in life. But almost every group would have been fascinated by the idea of a resurrection.

A Reasonable Faith

Like the Bereans, the Athenians wanted to hear the reasoning behind Paul’s words. When the gospel is presented to different cultures, three responses are usually present. All three can be seen in Athens. Some believed, some wanted to hear more, and others immediately write the message off as foolish babbling. The Greek word originally applied to the sound birds made as they were pecking up grain. Eventually the application included the sounds made by a worthless person. If we were capturing the idiom today, some would have been calling Paul “a bird brain.”

Paul carried his arguments before the Areopagus in Athens. The Athenians used the word (literally “the hill of Ares”) to describe the geographical location, but also to describe a council of about 100 scholars. Some have suggested that the council functioned as an “accrediting board” that tested those who would lecture “on the Hill.” Regardless, they served in some sort of official capacity and Paul’s presence and speech there was a significant event.

 

This Series This Lesson: The Pointe This Lesson: Mediterranean Moments
KBS_2105_Grab_Your_Passport Mediterranean Moments

 

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

our Scripture

As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea.

Acts 17:10-15 ESV
NIV

Acts 17:10-15 NIV

 NASB

Acts 17:10-15 NASB

 NLT

Acts 17:10-15 NLT

 MESSAGE

Acts 17:10-15 MESSAGE

 

Other Scripture references:

2 Timothy 2:15

Hebrews 4:12

Joshua 1:8

Revelation 1:3

Romans 15:4

Psalm 119:15-16

Psalm 119:47-48

2 Timothy 3:16-17

 

our Lessons

The turmoil in Thessalonica causes our travelers to leave the main east-west thoroughfare and travel southwest some 50 miles to Berea.  Because of its close proximity to the major political strongholds of Thessalonica and Philippi, road ways to Berea were strong and travel was safe.  The brothers in Thessalonica escorted Paul and his friends to Berea, perhaps thinking that leaving the main highway would throw off the scent from the Jewish bloodhounds who were dogging Paul every step of the way.

 

When Paul first set out with his companions to travel from east to west along the Egnatian Way, it is quite probable that he had his sights set on Rome as the final destination.  We know from his letter to the Roman Christians, written about seven years from this point in the journey, that he had often intended to visit them but had been prevented from doing so (Romans 1:13; 15:22).  If this is one of those occasions, the brothers from Thessalonica may have given Paul little choice, though Paul seems difficult to dissuade once his mind is set.  It is possible that he did not want to head to Rome with the stigma of subversion hanging over his head so he chose to wait until the charges from Thessalonica began to fade.  It was about this time, however, that an edict from Claudius expelled the Jewish community from the city of Rome (c AD49 ).  This would have deprived him of his “custom” of presenting the gospel first to the Jewish population.  It also would have created a personal spotlight, because although a Roman citizen, his Jewish heritage would have caused him to constantly be proving his citizenship, much the way a twenty-one year old has to show proof of age today.  God’s hand can be seen even in this edict, as only a month or two later, when Paul comes to Corinth he will find there two of those recently expelled from Rome who will become his faithful, lifelong friends.

 

In Berea Paul found a little different flavor of people receiving his message.  Probably because it was closer to the intellectual center of the Greek world, Athens, the Bereans were eager to be challenged mentally with new, more complete understandings of the Scripture.  Luke describes them as more “fair-minded” than those farther north in Thessalonica.  They eagerly drank in all that Paul was presenting.  They searched daily through the Scriptures just to make sure what Paul was saying was true.  Had anything that Paul offered been found to lack biblical basis, Paul wouldn’t have been run out of town, but he would have lost access to their minds.

 

This Series This Lesson: The Pointe This Lesson: Mediterranean Moments
KBS_2105_Grab_Your_Passport Mediterranean Moments
the Pointe

People from many walks of life speak of the POV. Point Of View as listed at dictionary.com contains three similar meanings:

  • a specified or stated manner of consideration or appraisal; standpoint
  • an opinion, attitude or judgment
  • the position of the narrator in relation to the story, as indicated by the narrator’s outlook from which the events are depicted and by the attitude toward the characters

Videos or movies are often given a particular POV. The story may even be told from the POV of the viewer or reader.

Luke’s Point of View

Luke writes the history of the early church through the activities of the apostles Peter and Paul. During Paul’s second missionary journey, Luke joins Paul’s group in their travels. The account of the history has the flavor or POV of someone who experienced the mission. Luke provides his POV on the group’s time spent in Berea.

The historian analyzes the Berean Jews, likely comparing them to the Jews they had met in Philippi and Thessalonica. Luke summarizes that these Jews were of a different nature. He describes them with the Greek word εὐγενέστερος (EU-GEN-ESTER-OS) literally meaning “well-bred.” Originally it meant someone who came from a wealthy and well-educated family, but over the years it developed the connotation of someone who was open-minded, tolerant, generous, and kind-hearted. The character and integrity of the people to whom Paul spoke impressed the author of Acts.

Understanding the Pointe in Berea

He continues on to explain why their nature struck him so strongly. “They examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11). They did not take the easy route of either extreme – accepting everything Paul said, or immediately rejecting his words out of anger. Instead they weighed carefully his message against the message of Scripture.

As we look to the pointe in Berea, Luke’s perspectives helps place things in focus.

  1. We should strive to receive the message of Scripture with eagerness. There should be an excited anticipation any time we will have God’s Word shared with us.
  2. When we hear a message from Scripture, we need to examine the message and compare it to Scripture to collaborate its truth. Although we develop a trusting relationship with many of our teachers and mentors, we need to constantly balance our trust with critical (not negative) evaluation. Does the message, lesson or sermon mesh with the teachings of Scripture?
  3. We should spend time in the Scriptures daily. Our understanding of Scripture cannot mature by seeing it once a week and having someone else feed it to us. The responsibility become entrenched in the Word rests on our shoulders. Time each day on our own will deepen our understanding.

 

Lesson Series This Lesson Mediterranean Moments
KBS_2105_Grab_Your_Passport Mediterranean Moments
Mediterranean Moments

The first stop on Paul’s second journey is the village of Lystra. Our Mediterranean Moments at Lystra focus on a market village situated in a pleasant valley, bordered by gently sloping hills through which two small but steady streams meandered their way to the open Lycaonian plain a few miles farther east.  The city resided on a small hill in the middle of the valley at the intersection of the streams.  Paul evangelized the village on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:8-21); revisited it on his second (16:1) and probably his third (18:23) excursions.

History of the Village of Lystra

Little is known of the early history of Lystra.  The name is apparently from the Lycaonian language as there are several bergs with derivatives of the name in the region.  Since Lystra did not lie along the course of the main roads, it was not destined to become a great city.  As a result, it was able to preserve more of its primitive, local character when Hellenism flavored the region.

 

Despite these drawbacks, or perhaps because of them, Augustus designated Lystra, along with Antioch of Psidia, a Roman colony in AD 6. Roman rule demanded a safe passage way connect the two cities.  Rome ruled Lystra for some time previously, following the reign of the Seleucids and Attalids. Augustus’ generals regarded Lystra as a suitable place for the Roman garrison charged to defend the province of Galatia from the mountain tribes.

 

Lystra was probably not significant enough to have been on Paul’s original itinerary during the first journey.  Paul and Barnabas were driven there from Iconium by hostile opponents. Thus Lystra became a relatively unimportant city of refuge, as did Berea later when Paul and Silas fled the wrath of the Thessalonians (Acts 17:10).

 

Luke identifies Lystra along with Derbe as cities of Lycaonia (in contrast to Iconium).  Lycaonia was a region or “state” in a broader region known as Galatia. In turn, Galatia occupied an even broader region known as Asia Minor. References in the area become a little confusing, as “Galatia” was also the designation of a smaller “state” like Lyconia. (Compare that to our “New York City, New York” concept.)  These cities of southern Galatia were most likely the recipients of the epistle to the Galatians.

Mission and Mentoring in Mediterranean Moments at Lystra

Converts made at Lystra during the first journey fulfilled Paul’s mission. Soon, though, many allowed themselves to be carried away by efforts from Jews in the area seeking Paul’s death.  Although Lystra was a Roman colony, the account contains no hint of Roman order or justice.  At the end of his career, Paul referred to the persecution that he experienced in Lystra (2 Tim 3:11). Earlier he explicitly recalls a stoning attempt (2 Cor 11:25).  It is probable that he alluded to this life event in the Galatian letter when he poignantly proclaims that “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (Gal 6:17).

 

Mediterranean moments at Lystra remind us of the setting in which Paul started his mission and his mentoring.