In this passage, we see a remarkable display of repentance and transformation among the believers in Ephesus. Those who had already come to faith openly confessed their past deeds, including their involvement in magic and sorcery. This public confession signified a complete break from their old lives and practices, which were incompatible…

We see a striking contrast between the true power of God displayed through Paul’s ministry and the futile attempts of others to exploit that power. God works extraordinary miracles through Paul, including healings and exorcisms, even through indirect means such as cloths or aprons that had touched him. These miracles meet the physical and spiritual needs…

We see a striking contrast between the true power of God displayed through Paul’s ministry and the futile attempts of others to exploit that power. God works extraordinary miracles through Paul, including healings and exorcisms, even through indirect means such as cloths or aprons that had touched him. These miracles meet the physical and spiritual needs…

Paul is strategic in his approach to ministry as he spends three months teaching boldly in the synagogue before transitioning to a more neutral venue due to growing opposition. Despite initial openness, hostility arises as some in the synagogue harden their hearts and publicly slander “the Way.” Recognizing the need to protect new disciples…

Paul encounters a group of disciples in Ephesus who had been baptized into John’s baptism of repentance but were unaware of the full message of salvation through Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Upon hearing this, Paul explains that John’s baptism was preparatory, pointing to the One who would baptize with the Spirit. The disciples are then baptized in Jesus’s name, and through the laying…

In this passage, Paul encounters a group of disciples in Ephesus who had received John’s baptism of repentance but lacked a complete understanding of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit. These disciples, possibly devout followers of John the Baptist, were unaware that the Spirit had been poured out as John himself had foretold. Paul identifies…

In this passage, we see Apollos stepping into a pivotal role as he travels to Achaia with the support of other believers, equipped with letters of recommendation. Apollos, a gifted speaker with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, becomes a powerful asset to the church in Corinth. His ability to engage in public discussions and refute opposition using Scripture…

Here, we are introduced to Apollos, a Jewish believer from Alexandria who possessed great eloquence, a deep knowledge of the Scriptures, and a fervent spirit. However, his understanding of the Gospel was incomplete, as he only knew of John’s baptism and lacked a fuller grasp of Jesus’ teachings. Priscilla and Aquila, Paul’s trusted…

We now see Paul’s continued commitment to the mission of spreading the Gospel as he transitions from Corinth to Ephesus and then onward toward Antioch. Before departing Corinth, Paul fulfills a vow by shaving his head, a clear indication of his devotion to God and continued fidelity to his Jewish heritage. His journey is marked…

Here, we see Paul brought before Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, by his Jewish opponents, who accuse him of persuading people to worship God contrary to the law. Gallio, however, dismisses the case as an internal matter of Jewish law, refusing to involve Roman authorities in theological disputes. This legal decision sets an…

We see Paul’s ministry take a significant turn as he continues to proclaim the Gospel in Corinth. After facing opposition in the synagogue, he moves his work to the house of Titius Justus, a Gentile worshiper of God whose home provided a strategic base for ministry. Interestingly, Titius Justus’s house was located right next to the synagogue, ensuring…

In this passage, we see a pivotal moment in Paul’s ministry as Silas and Timothy arrive, likely bringing support from the Macedonian churches, which allows Paul to fully devote himself to preaching the Word. Freed from the need to labor for his livelihood, Paul intensifies his efforts to testify to the Jews that Jesus is the promised…

In these verses Paul’s arrival in Corinth is characterized by an inspiring blend of practical work and purposeful ministry. Arriving in a bustling Roman colony marked by economic vibrancy and cultural diversity, Paul finds welcome and partnership in the home and workshop of Aquila and Priscilla—a devoted couple who share the same…

In this passage, we see how Paul’s address in Athens received a spectrum of reactions, an outcome that remains all too familiar today. His carefully delivered message stirred both mockery and curiosity among his audience. While some listeners responded with scornful laughter—a reaction steeped in the traditional Greek…

In these verses, we see Paul’s continued use of his rhetorical skill. Again, rhetoric is the art of speaking and persuasion.  

Paul combines reasoning (logos), personal credibility (ethos), and an appeal to the listeners' emotions (pathos). He begins by establishing common ground with his audience, reminding them that they are God’s…

In this passage, we see Paul speaking in Athens with remarkable rhetorical skill—a method rooted in the art of persuasion. Rhetoric, at its essence, is the disciplined art of using language effectively to inform, influence, and inspire. Paul, fully aware of the intellectual traditions of his audience, begins by respectfully acknowledging…

Paul’s experience in Athens takes on a strikingly thoughtful dimension as he is brought before the city’s venerable council for inquiry. The Areopagus, long known as the respected tribunal of Athenian aristocrats, provided a formal venue for evaluating the propriety of any new teaching. Here, Paul, much like the revered school of Socrates, presents ideas…

We see Paul profoundly moved by the overwhelming presence of idolatry that filled Athens—a city renowned for its philosophical legacy and rich array of temple images. His spirit was stirred as he beheld the multitude of idols, reflecting a righteous discontent toward misplaced worship. Far from reacting with harshness, Paul allowed this…

Here we see Paul acting with discernment and leadership amid rising opposition. Rather than engaging in futile confrontation, Paul, as the mission’s primary leader, wisely chose to withdraw from a hostile environment. His strategic departure was not an act of defeat, but a deliberate move designed to remove himself from the escalating…

In this passage, we read about the exemplary response of the Beroeans to Paul’s message—a response marked by nobility of mind and a genuine eagerness to search the Scriptures. The Beroeans did not simply receive the teaching at face value; rather, they diligently examined the sacred scriptures—likely the Old Testament in its Greek translation—to see if…