Acts 19:1-10 preached by Pastor Jon Needham

Big Ideas

1. John’s baptism
This can be one of the most confusing texts in all of Acts. But it doesn’t need to be. John’s baptism was a baptism of preparation (Matthew 3:1-3). It marked turning from past sins toward the Christ who was to come. However, baptism in Acts is baptism into Christ and his Church (Romans 6:3, Ephesians 4:4-5). It wasn’t about what God was about to do, but rather about what he had already done through Christ. Now, because of Jesus, our atoning sacrifice, we can receive the gift of the Spirit (Acts 2:31-33).

2. Speaking boldly
Luke refers to the Apostles and the Church as speaking boldly numerous times throughout Acts. It’s one of his favorite adjectives to describe their preaching. It emphasizes the confidence, clarity, and conviction of the speakers. They knew what they believed and understood why it mattered. They were willing to pay the price for their boldness, as they often did. But regardless of the outcome, they would not be silenced or discouraged.

3. Protecting the flock
It was Paul’s regular practice to reason with Jews in the synagogue about Jesus and his Kingdom wherever he went. Some were convinced, but others remained skeptical. However, in this text, the situation became unhealthy as skeptics began speaking evil of the believers. In an effort to protect the flock, Paul removed himself and his converts from the synagogue and found another place to gather for instruction. Though the attacks would have been nothing new for Paul, they would have created an unnecessary burden for the new believers.

Study Questions

1. Why is baptism so important? Have you been baptized? Why or why not? How is John’s baptism different from other baptisms recorded in Acts?

2. Talking about your faith can be intimidating, especially in a culture that is increasingly hostile to Christianity. How can you grow in clarity and confidence around sharing your faith?

3. Do you think Paul was right to remove himself and his converts from the synagogue? What principles might you take away from his decision?

Acts 18:18-28 preached by Pastor Jon Needham

Big Ideas

1. Evangelism and discipleship
There were two primary elements to Paul’s ministry. The first was evangelism, in which Paul proclaimed the Gospel to people who did not yet know Jesus; the goal of evangelism is conversion. The second was discipleship, which is the ongoing biblical teaching and instruction of Christians. The goal of discipleship is maturity and growth in obedience. Both of these are important tasks and neither can be ignored.

2. We never stop learning
In this text, Luke introduces us to Apollos, a gifted and passionate teacher. However, his gifting and passion did not negate his need for ongoing growth, instruction, and theological development. Through Aquila and Priscilla, God provided the instruction that Apollos needed to continue growing and maturing as an effective Bible teacher so that others could be encouraged and blessed by his ministry.

3. New gifted leaders are not a threat
Paul has occupied much of Luke’s attention in the recent chapters of Acts. He has been the leading evangelist and teacher, traveling from city to city, preaching the Gospel and establishing new churches. But in this text, Luke mentions Apollos, another gifted and powerful teacher, who, like Paul, effectively proved that Jesus was the Christ. Rather than seeing Apollos as a threat, Luke commends him as a gift to the Church.

Study Questions

1. The Church needs both discipleship and evangelism. Which do you feel more equipped for and why? How are you using your gift to benefit others?

2. Disciples never stop learning. How have you experienced personal growth over the past year? In what areas of your life would you like to grow over the next year?

3. How do you feel when another individual who is gifted in similar ways shows up at your work, your community group, or in any other sphere of your life? What would need to happen in order for you to see them as a gift to be encouraged?

As the Gospel spreads throughout the Greek world, the Church experiences more and more conflict. Religious leaders stir up riots. Paul and his team are accused of turning the world upside down. In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss Paul's missionary trips to Thessalonica and Berea, and why it's significant that Luke mentions converted women in Acts.

In this episode of The Blitz, Pastor Jon responds to the idea that a woman who feeds her own children is an oppressed victim of the patriarchy. He also explores a theology of food.

God made the world in such a way that little things add up. A field bears fruit after many steps of cultivation and care. We mature by walking step-by-step in Christ. In this episode of Bible Thoughts, Pastor Rusten begins a series on a biblical view of work and vocation. He starts by looking at Proverbs 24:30–34 and considering the Bible's teaching on habits. He discusses the importance of cultivating holy habits that are in step with the Spirit as we grow into the likeness of Christ.

Acts 18:1-17 preached by Pastor Jon Needham on February 6, 2022.

Big Ideas

1. Jesus and the Old Testament...again
Whenever Paul attempts to reason with the Jews that Jesus is the Christ, he always argues from the Old Testament. Always. Why? Because the Old Testament, with all of its types, antitypes, shadows, and promises, is all about Jesus. He is not an add-on to the Old Testament. Rather, he is the very foundation—the heart and soul of it. To reject Christ is to miss the entire point of the Old Testament.

2. Protection promised, protection provided
Paul did not live an easy life (2 Corinthians 11:23-29). Nearly everywhere he traveled and preached he faced opposition, riots, personal attacks, and physical violence. Yet God was gracious and merciful to him and his suffering was not endless. God knew Paul’s suffering and the limitations of his finitude and promised Paul protection for a season of approximately 18 months as he contended for the Gospel (Acts 18:9-11).

3. Protection from the magistrates
Throughout Acts, some Jews incite trouble for the Apostles. At times they did this by stirring up the local magistrates (Acts 17:6 & 18:12). However, in this text, Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, refuses to participate in the Jews’ opposition to Paul, because their issue with Paul was theological, not legal. In doing so, God provided protection for Paul from the Jews through the local magistrates who are God’s servants (Romans 13:4).

Study Questions

1. How does rejecting Jesus change the way we understand the Old Testament? In what ways is Jesus prefigured and promised in the Old Testament?

2. Sometimes we just need a break. How has God provided you with seasons of rest during difficult times in your life?

3. God is sovereign over all, even godless magistrates. How might this truth encourage you during a time of political turmoil?

In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten discuss how the sanctity of human life is rooted in the image of God. They also discuss how the fear of God should shape our posture towards this issue—especially with regard to abolishing legal abortion.