The Journey Continues

Time to go

Paul had been in Ephesus for 3 years. He had some great success, some trials and some concerns about the church at Corinth. Paul, did not run from the turmoil in Ephesus he stayed, worked through with them, then moved on.

After the uproar Paul exhorted and left (Act20:1)

Acts 20:1 NASB95

1 After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had exhorted them and taken his leave of them, he left to go to Macedonia.

i will tell you at this point that Luke, you know the detail guy, does not give much detail about the journeys in Macedonia and Greece. But, that does not mean there is not much we can learn from here and other scriptures to help us fill in lots.

Paul’s plans (Act19:21-22; 2Cor8:16-19; ref: 1Cor4:17)

Acts 19:21–22 NASB95

21 Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

Go to Macedonia, Achaia on way to Jerusalem and then onto Rome

He planned and had sent Timothy to Macedonia and then on to Corinth.

He planned and also had sent Titus onto Corinth

2 Corinthians 8:16–17 NASB95

16 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus. 17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest, he has gone to you of his own accord.

2 Corinthians 8:18–19 NASB95

18 We have sent along with him the brother whose fame in the things of the gospel has spread through all the churches; 19 and not only this, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in this gracious work, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself, and to show our readiness,

So, here we have Paul who had a plan, and started to execute the plan, he had encouraged and strengthened the brethren in Ephesus (Act20:1) and now it was time to head out toward Macedonia.

Paul arrives in Troas and finds an open door (2Cor2:12)

2 Corinthians 2:12 NASB95

12 Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord,

Paul looking for Titus did not find him and continued on toward Macedonia (2Cor2:13)

2 Corinthians 2:13 NASB95

13 I had no rest for my spirit, not finding Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went on to Macedonia.

Remember Paul had gotten word about the state of the church in Corinth and it weighed heavy on Paul. He continues his journey, following his intended plan to Macedonia and Greece.

The passage

The journey continues and for us in the Word just as it continues for Paul onto Macedonia and Greece. So may we take a few to pull from the scripture and will look at Paul’s plan, and then Paul’s companions (friends).

Acts 20:1–2 NASB95

1 After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had exhorted them and taken his leave of them, he left to go to Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through those districts and had given them much exhortation, he came to Greece.

Acts 20:3–4 NASB95

3 And there he spent three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.

Acts 20:4–5 NASB95

4 And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. 5 But these had gone on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas.

Acts 20:6 NASB95

6 We sailed from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas within five days; and there we stayed seven days.

What do you see, what do you notice, what sticks out to you?

Gleaning from the scripture:

Question: Paul is fulfilling his purpose for the mission trip by doing what in (vv.1-2)?

By exhorting the disciples

Question: How long was Paul in Greece, why did he leave (v.3)?

He was there for three months, and he left because there was a plot formed against him by the Jews.

Question: Paul names several companions (v.4) what did he have them do according to (v.5)?

He had them go on ahead of him to Troas

Again, we have limited information from Luke on the continued journey so we want to pull from a few places in scripture to get a better picture. Hence a great reminder why we need the whole counsel of God (the entire bible)

Paul’s plan (Itinerary)

The aim of Paul’s third missionary trip was to “strengthen the disciples” (Act18:23) and to aid in the collection for the saints in Judea (Rom15:26; 1Cor16:1). The trip had been very successful with lots of pressures and issues along the way and not going the way he planned either. Now it is time to continue to journey.

Macedonia

In the region he encouraged them with many words (Act20:2) then went onto Greece (Ref: Act16:11-17:15)

(Insert Encourage picture here)

Expand on encourage some here

Paul had been through Macedonia on the 2nd missionary trip (Act16:11-17:15)

On that trip established churches in Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea

in Philippi was jailed, there were conversions, they tried to sneak Paul out of town, but left on his own but men followed him to Thessalonica

In Thessalonica again many conversions and people were scared that “those who turned the world upside down” were there and they chased Paul out of town

In Berea the people greatly accepted the word, but then searched to make sure it was true, then more trouble came and Paul had to leave there too.

On this trip though Paul could have ventured over to Illyricum (Rom15:19)

Paul finds Titus and gets words of comfort and comfort from Corinth (2Cor7:5-7 , 13-16; Ref: 2Cor8:1-8; 2Cor1:1; 2Cor8:16-9:5)

2 Corinthians 7:5–6 NASB95

5 For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

2 Corinthians 7:7 NASB95

7 and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced even more.

I was going to put the word comfort up on the screen but then I have more scripture for you regarding the comfort that Paul received at the coming of Titus. So key words thus far are encouragement and comfort

2 Corinthians 7:13–14 NASB95

13 For this reason we have been comforted. And besides our comfort, we rejoiced even much more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 14 For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, so also our boasting before Titus proved to be the truth.

2 Corinthians 7:15–16 NASB95

15 His affection abounds all the more toward you, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. 16 I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you.

In Macedonia the brethren gave in the relief effort for the saints in Jerusalem (Re: 2Cor8:1-5)

(Transition) So add to your words you have so far, encouragement, comfort and now giving. A few more minor points to get about this time.

In Macedonia Timothy returns and joins Paul and assists in the writing to Church at Corinth, what we call 2nd Corinthians (Ref:2Cor1:1)

From Macedonia Titus and brethren are sent to Corinth (ref: 2Cor8:16-9:5)

Carrying the letter to Corinthians and possibly picking up the collection to take to Jerusalem.

Greece (Act20:2-3)

Paul spent three months there

This is Paul’s third trip to Corinth (2Cor12:14; ref: 2Cor8:3-4, 12:20-13:3)

2 Corinthians 12:14 NASB95

14 Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

He was not going to be a burden, and hoped it would not a be a sorrowful visit (2Cor2:1)

He hoped it would not be an embarrassing visit for them either

Also, hoped it would not be visit that brought about stern judgment (2Cor12:20-13:3)

That passage is a long passage with some pretty harsh words you can read that when you get a chance

Paul wrote letter to the Romans from Corinth (Rom16:23)

Paul’s friends/companions in Corinth

Phoebe (Rom16:1-2), Timothy, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater (Rom16:21); Tertius (Rom16:22)

Phoebe servant from Cenchrea

Timothy, Lucius, Jason and Sosipater fellow Roman /Greeks

Tertius was Paul’s scribe who penned Roman’s for Paul.

Gaius, Erastus and Quartus(Rom16:23);

Gaius is whom Paul stayed with and Erastus the City treasurer, and Quartus a brother.

Paul’s plan/itinerary upon leaving Corinth

To visit Rome and make way to Spain (Rom1:8-13; 15:22-24)

Paul wanted to go to Rome after hearing about them and wanted to impart some spiritual gift (Rom1:11) but as hindered from going (v.13)

Hey, will go by Rome on the way to Spain (16:24)

To go to Jerusalem with the gift to the saints (Rom15:25-29)

Paul had to go to Jerusalem to minister there and bring the gift that the churches Macedonia and Achaia had prepared to go to the saints in Jerusalem

(Transition) Now plans are just that plans, plans change and that is what happens with Paul here.

Acts 20:3 NASB95

3 And there he spent three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.

He planned to go to Syria, but ended up going through Macedonia.

Macedonia:

Intention was Syria, went to Macedonia (Act20:3)

He was only passing through Macedonia on the say to Asia

Seven travelling companions were dispatched to go on and wait for Paul in Troas (Act20:4-5)

(Transition) here is another word to add to our list: Companions, we all need people to come along side, to join us in the ministry. Paul had a circle of men and women, on this occasion we have a list, so may we take a few minutes and look at them.

Paul’s Ministry Companions

Mission team, we are a mission team here, all working for the furtherance of the gospel. Paul had a mission team comprising of people from all over and we are going to look at a few as mentioned in our passage this evening.

So, in looking at Paul’s companions, mission team, I would like to look at who they were, why they were with him and and finally what we may learn from them (so, you know application).

Acts 20:4 NASB95

4 And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.

Who were the companions?

Sopater of Berea (Act20:4; Act17:11; Rom16:21)

So one of the more noble minded (Act17:11)

Some believe this is the Sosipater note in (Rom16:21)

Then there is Aristarchus of Thessalonica (Act20:4; Act17:1-3; Act19:29; Act27:2; Col4:10)

Member of the church of Thessalonica and one taken into the theater in Ephesus (Act19:29) in the Diana incidence.

I should give you this verse as a reminder

Acts 19:29 NASB95

29 The city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia.

He travelled with Paul and Luke to Rome (Act27:2) and was a fellow prisoner with Paul in Rome (Col4:10)

Add to that Secundus of Thessalonica (Act10:4, 17:1-4)

We don’t have much information except he is a member of the church at Thessalonica

We then have Gaius of Derbe (Act20:4)

There are several Gaius named in scripture (these are not on your outline though)

Gaius of Macedonia as noted in (Act19:29)

Gaius who was dragged into the theater in Ephesus with Aristarchus

Gaius of Corinth, Paul’s convert (1Cor1:14) who hosted Paul as noted before from (Rom16:23)

Who was one of the few that was baptized by Paul in Corinth, who later hosted him when he came to Corinth the 3rd time.

Gaius the recipient of Johns Epistle (3Jn1)

Loved and acknowledge by John for his generosity and witness of his love for the body, for the church.

Paul’s son in the faith Timothy of Lystra (Act20:4; Act16:1-4, 17:13-14; Php2:19-22)

One selected especially by Paul for the work, whose tasks sometimes were challenging and even dangerous.

He was a fellow-laborer in the gospel, like minded, in fact look at this.

Philippians 2:19–20 NASB95

19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 20 For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.

Philippians 2:21–22 NASB95

21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.

(Transition) Time to add another word, genuine! So we have:

Genuine, companion, comfort, giving and encouragement

We then have Tychicus of Asia (Act20:4; Ref: Eph6:21; Col4:7-9; 2Tim4:12)

He was a letter carrier to the church at Ephesus (Eph6:21) as well as to the church of Colossi (Col4:7-9)

It is also believe that according to Holman bible dictionary he died a martyrs death (sorry no more details than that)

How about Trophimus of Asia (Act20:4, 21:29; 2Tim4:20)

One who was with Paul and Paul was accused of taking him into the temple (he was a gentile) by accusers in Ephesus.

He also is found in (2Tim4:20) as one left sick in Miletus.

It is also believed that Luke, was with Paul too due to the use of “we” and “us” but is not named in the passage.

(transition) so we have some great companions; ministry partners with Paul and very quickly may we look at why they were with him?

Why were the companions with him?

As stated earlier there is limited information in our passage (Act20:1-6) and we need to pull from other sources to fill in for information so we do that hereto answer the question why were they with Paul from all these different places?

They were representatives form respected churches (1Cor16:1-4)

1 Corinthians 16:1–2 NASB95

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. 2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.

1 Corinthians 16:3–4 NASB95

3 When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem; 4 and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.

So to be a blessing, and honorable in sight of God and man, free from any blame (2Cor8:16-21)

To be carriers of the gifts, the collection for the saints in Jerusalem (Rom15:25-26)

Romans 15:25–26 NASB95

25 but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.

Some take away’s from today:

The spread of the gospel is a team effort, many parts, many members to spread one message.

Being s servant can come with high cost and many were put in danger , suffered and some even were martyrs

Take extra effort to do all things honorable in the sight of all men. be transparent and above reproach.

Finally the key words I asked you to write down tonight.

Be genuine

Be a companion

Be a comforter

Be giving

Be encouraging

(Prayer) (Exit)