Lesson 7:  Paul's 2nd Journey  (Acts 15:36 - 18:32)

Introduction: After the meeting at Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas expressed 
a desire to visit the churches from their first journey.  After a 
disagreement, Barnabas took John Mark and Paul took Silas.  This lesson 
deals with Paul's second journey.  It highlights his character, as well 
as the character of the Bereans and the Athenians.


I.  From Antioch to Berea  (15:36 - 17:14)
    A. Paul and Barnabas parted (15:36-40).
    B. Paul and Silas travelled through provinces of Syria & Cilicia  
       (15:41).
    C. To Derbe  (16:1)
    D. At Lystra, Paul took Timothy (16:1-3;  see also Lesson 13).
    E. They spread "decrees ordained of the apostles and elders" in 
       Jerusalem (16:4).
    F. They entered Phrygia & Galatia, but were forbidden to preach in 
       Asia (16:6).
    G. At Troas, Paul received a vision (16:8-10).
    H. So "we" went to Samothrace, then Neapolis (16:11).
    I. At Philippi, they converted Lydia, healed a demon-possessed woman, 
       received a beating, were imprisoned, and converted a jailer 
       (16:12-40;  see also Lesson 14). 
    J. Amphipolis, Apollonia (17:1)
    K. Thessalonica (17:1-10;  see also Lesson 15)
    L. Berea (17:10-14)
       1. Went into the synagogue
       2. They "received the word with all readiness of mind, and 
	  search the scriptures daily...."
       3. The Jews from Thessalonica came and "stirred up the people."
       4. Paul left, but Silas and Timothy remained.

Principles:
1. Good Christians often disagree (15:36-40).
2. The apostles spread "one faith," not several conflicting doctrines 
   (16:4; Eph. 4:5).
3. Even though they were inspired, the apostles restricted their 
   teaching as God instructed (16:6).
4. It is noble to "receive the word with all readiness of mind" and to 
   "search the scriptures daily."
5. As listeners, we should verify teaching with the scriptures (17:11).
6. Those who "stir up" trouble are displeasing to God.

II. From Athens back to Antioch (17:15 - 18:22)
    A. Athens (17:15-24)
       1. Paul's "spirit was stirred in him" when he saw the idolatry.
       2. He taught many Athenians in many places (vss. 17-18).
       3. He encountered philosophers and spoke at the Areopagus.
       4. He told them that they were religious, as evidenced by the 
	  altar to the "Unknown god."
       5. Paul quoted one of their own poets.
       6. When he mentioned the resurrection, some disbelieved, some 
	  wanted to hear more, and some believed.
    B. Corinth (18:1-7)
       1. He met Aquila and Priscilla.
       2. He reasoned in the synagogues with the Jews and Greeks.
       3. He was joined by Silas and Timothy.
       4. He taught effectively there for 1.5 years.
       5. The Jews brought him before Gallio, but Gallio was indifferent.
    C. Cenchrea (18:18)
    D. Ephesus (18:19-21;  see Lesson 18)
    E. Caesarea, Antioch (18:22)

Principles:
1. Ungodliness should "stir" our hearts (Acts 17:16).
2. We should teach constantly, even though we will face ridicule 
   (17:18, 32).
3. When we teach others, we should be reasonable (17:17; 18:4,19).
4. Some people love to talk about unimportant things (17:21).
5. False teachers can make true statements (17:28).
6. All life comes from God (Job 12:10; Acts 17:25;  14:15;  Rom. 1:25).
7. Many people believe in a god but deny the resurrection (17:18,32).
8. In the past, God overlooked ignorance; now He requires repentance 
   (17:30).


Questions:

1. Does Acts 15:36-40 offer apostolic authority to have an argument?  
   Comment also on Col. 4:10 and 2 Tim. 4:11.
2. When Paul entered a city, where did he go and what did he do 
   (Acts 17:1-2,10; 18:4)?
3. How did Paul discuss religion with others (Acts 17:2, 17; 18:4, 19)?
	How should we apply this today?
	Describe our teaching when we fail to apply this approach.
4. After reading passages like 1 Cor. 1:26, we often think that prominent 
   men and women were rarely converted to Christ.  Is this correct 
   (17:4,12)? 
5. In the King James Version, Paul's opening statement is, "Ye men of 
   Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious."  
	Looking at newer translations what does this type of opening 
	   statement say about Paul?
		a) He was impulsive and careless in his choice of words.
		b) He flattered them to gain popularity.
		c) He noticed a good trait in the people.
		d) He was too spineless to stand up for the truth.
		e) He was too wimpy to deliver a "fire & brimstone" sermon.
	How should we apply this approach in our teaching?
6. Why did the Athenians say that Paul was a babbler who promoted strange 
   gods (Acts 17:18)?
	How did they react after they heard more of this teaching (17:32)? 
7. In Acts 17:21, what is said of the Athenians?
	What does Jesus say about idle talk (Matt. 12:36)?
	How does Paul describe those who talk this way (I Tim. 5:13)?
	Is idle talk unique to pagans like the Athenians?  Does it 
	  occur among brethren?
	Describe idle talk as it occurs today...
	...at work.
	...in the church.
8. Read Acts 17:30.  In this context, what does ignorance refer to?
	How does this statement relate to a previous one Paul made 
	  (Acts 14:16)?
9. When teaching Gentiles, Paul described the nature and works of God in 
   clear language (14:15; 17:24-31).
	According to Paul's description, what is God like?
	What has God done?