Christian Heritage Church Indeed my Heritage is Beautiful To Me (Psalm 16:6b)

Acts 18:1-11 After these things he left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them, and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working together, for by trade they were tent-makers. And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. But when they resisted and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them,

Acts 18:1-11 “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean From now on I will go to the Gentiles.“ Then he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house was next to the synagogue. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized. And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city." And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Paul Enters Corinth The City of CorinthThe City of Corinth New FriendsNew Friends Right PrioritiesRight Priorities OppositionOpposition God WorkingGod Working God EncouragingGod Encouraging

The City of Corinth Acts 18:1 After these things he left Athens and went to Corinth.Acts 18:1 After these things he left Athens and went to Corinth.Acts 18:1Acts 18:1 After its destruction in B.C. 146 Corinth was rebuilt by Julius Caesar in B.C. 46 and was now the capital of the province of Achaia and the chief commercial city of Greece - As an isthmus between the Aegean and Adriatic seas, Corinth had command of the trade routes between Asia and Rome and became a flourishing metropolis.After its destruction in B.C. 146 Corinth was rebuilt by Julius Caesar in B.C. 46 and was now the capital of the province of Achaia and the chief commercial city of Greece - As an isthmus between the Aegean and Adriatic seas, Corinth had command of the trade routes between Asia and Rome and became a flourishing metropolis. The Temple of Aphrodite was thereThe Temple of Aphrodite was there What could Paul expect in a city like this?What could Paul expect in a city like this?

New Friends Acts 18:2-3 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (Prisca), because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them, and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working together, for by trade they were tent-makers.Acts 18:2-3 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (Prisca), because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them, and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working together, for by trade they were tent-makers.Acts 18:2-3Acts 18:2-3 God’s Providence and ProvisionGod’s Providence and Provision Recently RelocatedRecently Relocated Of the Same Trade as PaulOf the Same Trade as Paul Income and a Place to StayIncome and a Place to Stay Aquila and Priscilla are described as Jews not disciplesAquila and Priscilla are described as Jews not disciples

New Friends Paul was probably instrumental in Aquila and Priscilla becoming disciplesPaul was probably instrumental in Aquila and Priscilla becoming disciples Acts 18:18 Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brethren and put out to sea for Syria, and with him were Priscilla (Prisca) and AquilaActs 18:18 Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brethren and put out to sea for Syria, and with him were Priscilla (Prisca) and AquilaActs 18:18Acts 18:18 Romans 16:3 Greet Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ JesusRomans 16:3 Greet Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ JesusRomans 16:3Romans 16:3 1 Corinthians 16:19 The churches of Asia greet you Aquila and Prisca (Priscilla) greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.1 Corinthians 16:19 The churches of Asia greet you Aquila and Prisca (Priscilla) greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.1 Corinthians 16:191 Corinthians 16:19

New Friends Aquila and Priscilla (Prisca) had a powerful ministry together, made disciples, planted churches and helped to train and equip those seeking the truthAquila and Priscilla (Prisca) had a powerful ministry together, made disciples, planted churches and helped to train and equip those seeking the truth Acts 18:24-26 Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla (Prisca) and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.Acts 18:24-26 Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla (Prisca) and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.Acts 18:24-26Acts 18:24-26

New Friends Aquila and Priscilla became some of Paul’s most trusted friends and ministry partnersAquila and Priscilla became some of Paul’s most trusted friends and ministry partners God provides for all of our ministry needsGod provides for all of our ministry needs Luke 10:2 And He was saying to them, " The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.Luke 10:2 And He was saying to them, " The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.Luke 10:2Luke 10:2 We have no idea where our next ministry partner will come fromWe have no idea where our next ministry partner will come from

Right Priorities Acts 18:4-5 And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.Acts 18:4-5 And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.Acts 18:4-5Acts 18:4-5 Even though Paul worked with his own hands to support himself his priority was making disciples – he was reasoning and persuading both Jews and GreeksEven though Paul worked with his own hands to support himself his priority was making disciples – he was reasoning and persuading both Jews and Greeks Does God provide for us so that we can just eat, drink and be merry? – or is it to bring glory to God and advance His Kingdom?Does God provide for us so that we can just eat, drink and be merry? – or is it to bring glory to God and advance His Kingdom?

Right Priorities Making and multiplying disciples in your own household equips you for the “Great Commission”Making and multiplying disciples in your own household equips you for the “Great Commission” Making disciples of all nations through the multiplication of local churchesMaking disciples of all nations through the multiplication of local churches Once Silas and Timothy arrived he devoted himself completely to the word – solemnly testifying that Jesus is the ChristOnce Silas and Timothy arrived he devoted himself completely to the word – solemnly testifying that Jesus is the Christ Some men are called specifically to this ministry and it is right for them to be supported by the Church or Churches that they are establishingSome men are called specifically to this ministry and it is right for them to be supported by the Church or Churches that they are establishing

Right Priorities 1 Timothy 5:17-18 The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages."1 Timothy 5:17-18 The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages."1 Timothy 5: Timothy 5:17-18 If you are called you will know itIf you are called you will know it An unquenchable desire and motivation to study God’s Word – Live God’s Word – Preach & Teach God’s WordAn unquenchable desire and motivation to study God’s Word – Live God’s Word – Preach & Teach God’s Word 1 Corinthians 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.1 Corinthians 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.1 Corinthians 9:161 Corinthians 9:16

Opposition Acts 18:6 But when they resisted and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean From now on I will go to the Gentiles."Acts 18:6 But when they resisted and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean From now on I will go to the Gentiles."Acts 18:6Acts 18:6 Wherever we faithfully proclaim the truth we will eventually face fierce oppositionWherever we faithfully proclaim the truth we will eventually face fierce opposition Why do we try to avoid this?Why do we try to avoid this? When is it time to move on?When is it time to move on? How can we have a clear conscience – or be free from blood-guiltiness?How can we have a clear conscience – or be free from blood-guiltiness?

Opposition Ezekiel 33:2-8 "Son of man, speak to the sons of your people and say to them, 'If I bring a sword upon a land, and the people of the land take one man from among them and make him their watchman, and he sees the sword coming upon the land and blows on the trumpet and warns the people, then he who hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, and a sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head. 'He heard the sound of the trumpet but did not take warning; his blood will be on himself. But had he taken warning, he would have delivered his life. 'But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpetEzekiel 33:2-8 "Son of man, speak to the sons of your people and say to them, 'If I bring a sword upon a land, and the people of the land take one man from among them and make him their watchman, and he sees the sword coming upon the land and blows on the trumpet and warns the people, then he who hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, and a sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head. 'He heard the sound of the trumpet but did not take warning; his blood will be on himself. But had he taken warning, he would have delivered his life. 'But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpetEzekiel 33:2-8Ezekiel 33:2-8

Opposition and the people are not warned, and a sword comes and takes a person from them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require from the watchman's hand.’ "Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth and give them warning from Me. "When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require from your hand. If Ezekiel warned the people and they did not listen their blood was on their own heads, but if he didn’t warn them their blood was on Ezekiel’s head.If Ezekiel warned the people and they did not listen their blood was on their own heads, but if he didn’t warn them their blood was on Ezekiel’s head.

Opposition Acts 20:18-27 "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility… how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ… "And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face. "Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. "For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.Acts 20:18-27 "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility… how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ… "And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face. "Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. "For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.Acts 20:18-27Acts 20:18-27

Opposition Acts 20:18-27 "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility… how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ… "And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face. "Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. "For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.Acts 20:18-27 "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility… how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ… "And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face. "Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. "For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.Acts 20:18-27Acts 20:18-27

God Working Acts 18:7-8 Then he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house was next to the synagogue. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized.Acts 18:7-8 Then he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house was next to the synagogue. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized.Acts 18:7-8Acts 18:7-8 God blesses the faithful preaching of His Word, even in the midst of opposition God is still at workGod blesses the faithful preaching of His Word, even in the midst of opposition God is still at work Titius JustusTitius Justus Crispus, the leader of the synagogue and his houseCrispus, the leader of the synagogue and his house Many of the Corinthians – A Major Church EstablishedMany of the Corinthians – A Major Church Established

God Encouraging Acts 18:9-10 And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city."Acts 18:9-10 And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city."Acts 18:9-10Acts 18:9-10 Do not be afraid any longerDo not be afraid any longer Go on speaking and do not be silentGo on speaking and do not be silent I am with you and no man will attack you to harm youI am with you and no man will attack you to harm you I have many people in this cityI have many people in this city

Paul Stays On Acts 18:11 And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.Acts 18:11 And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.Acts 18:11Acts 18:11 Some times we need encouragement to stay the courseSome times we need encouragement to stay the course From our familyFrom our family From the brothers and sisters in ChristFrom the brothers and sisters in Christ Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.Hebrews 3:13Hebrews 3:13 Most of all from the LordMost of all from the Lord

What Lessons do We Learn? God Provides for UsGod Provides for Us Even during fierce opposition God is Working and God is Encouraging UsEven during fierce opposition God is Working and God is Encouraging Us Do we have the right priorities in our lives?Do we have the right priorities in our lives?

Christian Heritage Church Indeed my Heritage is Beautiful To Me (Psalm 16:6b)