Pastor's Sermon Notes: Paul’s Farewell Sermon to the Ephesian Elders, Part 2 (Acts 20:32-38)

Paul’s Farewell Sermon to the Ephesian Elders, Part 2

Acts 20:32-38

³² And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. ³³ I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. ³⁴ Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. ³⁵ I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. ³⁶ And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. ³⁷ And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him, ³⁸ Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

Introduction:

We have reminded often concerning the transitional nature of the historical narrative encountered in the book of Acts. This is the foundational period in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ. Some aspects of the contents of this book must be discerned as not having direct application to the subsequent periods of the Church. This episode is not one of them. Just as in the book of Revelation when observation was made that the Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia in chapters two and three are the most directly applicable portions of the New Testament to us today, even so does Paul’s final sermon at Miletus to the Ephesian Elders in Acts 20 stand as one of the portions of this book that we should consider as having direct application to us today without qualification.

Outline:

II. The Sermon, Part 2 (20:32-35)

III. The Parting - From their Knees to the Ship with Sorrow (20:36-38)

Transition:  Now begins Paul’s conclusion of what has been referred to as his third missionary journey, which will terminate in Jerusalem and usher in the end of the book with Paul in Rome.

5. The Conclusion - The Example of Paul’s Ministry (20:32-35)

 ³² And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. ³³ I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. ³⁴ Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. ³⁵ I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

There is an unmistakable contrast in these concluding sentences of Paul’s sermon between the eternal inheritance and worldly riches.

1) The True Inheritance (20:32)

2) An Example Pure of Covetousness (20:33)

3) A Self-Supporting Example (20:34)

4) The Blessed Generosity (20:35)

1) The True Inheritance (20:32)

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Since we focused on verses 33-34 out of sequence in the sermon on verse 35 last Lord’s Day we now must back up and give attention to verse 32.

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Sometimes we need to get out our spiritual table ware, or knives and forks if you will, in order to cut the Word up into smaller portions to aid our digestion. In the words before us is a picture of just such a meal with rewards for focusing our attention on the smaller portions as we progress.

(1) The Commendation of the Apostle of Jesus Christ

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace [1]

Here three very large subjects in the Scriptures are brought together, two of them in one descriptive phrase.

a. Paul commends the Elders to God

And now, brethren, I commend you to God

The picture here is that of presenting them, or placing them in the presence of God as a host, with the Word of God’s grace as a banquet provided by the host.

b. Paul commends the Elders to the Word of God’s Grace

and to the word [2] of his grace

When we considered verse 21 mention was made of the following:

Woven throughout this sermon are the following characterizations of the content of Paul’s ministry:

repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ (20:21)

the gospel of the grace of God (20:24)

the kingdom of God (20:25)

all the counsel of God (20:27)

the word of his grace (20:32)

These characterizations all refer to the same thing viewed from different aspects in various contexts which contain bases for why that description is used at that point.

Now at this last reference it would behoove us to consider what is meant by the Gospel, and what should be the content of faithful preaching of the Word of God, lest we follow others in their guilty reductionism of the Gospel to simplistic paradigms.

(2) The Power of the Word of God’s Grace

which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. [3]

In these phrases may be seen a focus on the ability and ultimate success of the Word of God for the people of God both corporately and individually.

a. The Word of God’s Grace is Sufficient for Full Edification

which is able [4] to build you up [5]

The verb in this case has been described as having both “messianic significance” and an “ecclesiastical ring.” Otto Michel, TDNT 5:139.

Here is a focus on the ability of the Word of God on behalf of the people of God corporately.

b. The Word of God’s Grace is Sufficient for Final Sanctification

and to give [6] you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. [7]

Here is a focus on the ultimate success of the Word of God on behalf of the people of God individually.

For “eternal inheritance” see Dt. 9:26; 12:9; 19:14; 32:9; 33:3; Eph. 1:18; 5:5-7; Col. 1:12; 3:24; Heb. 9:15; 1 Pet. 1:4.

2) An Example Pure of Covetousness (20:33)

 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.

3) A Self-Supporting Example (20:34)

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

4) The Blessed Generosity (20:35)

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

We considered this verse in the Incarnation season sermon last Lord’s Day. See “Pastor’s Sermon Notes: You Can Take His Word For It, Subtitle: A Reminder From the Lord Jesus (Acts 20:35)” on Wayside Gospel Chapel at http://waysidegospelchapel.blogspot.com/2014/12/pastors-sermon-notes-you-can-take-his.html [accessed 24 DEC 2014].

III. The Parting - From their Knees to the Ship with Sorrow (20:36-38)

 ³⁶ And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. ³⁷ And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him, ³⁸ Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

“Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say goodnight till it be morrow.”

- Juliet to Romeo, in William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Scene 2

1. The Final Prayer with the Ephesian Elders (20:36)

2. The Physical Expressions of Emotion from the Ephesian Elders (20:37)

3. The Basis for the Sorrow of the Ephesian Elders (20:38a)

4. The Last View of Paul by the Ephesian Elders (20:38b)

1. The Final Prayer with the Ephesian Elders (20:36)

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

2. The Physical Expressions of Emotion from the Ephesian Elders (20:37)

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him

3. The Basis for the Sorrow of the Ephesian Elders (20:38a)

Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more.

4. The Last View of Paul by the Ephesian Elders (20:38b)

And they accompanied him unto the ship.

Complete outline:

II. The Sermon, Part 2 (20:18-35)

5. The Conclusion - The Example of Paul’s Ministry (20:32-35)

1) The True Inheritance (20:32)

2) An Example Pure of Covetousness (20:33)

3) A Self-Supporting Example (20:34)

4) The Blessed Generosity (20:35)

III. The Parting - From their Knees to the Ship with Sorrow (20:36-38)

1. The Final Prayer with the Ephesian Elders (20:36)

2. The Physical Expressions of Emotion from the Ephesian Elders (20:37)

3. The Basis for the Sorrow of the Ephesian Elders (20:38a)

4. The Last View of Paul by the Ephesian Elders (20:38b)

[Sermon preached 28 DEC 2014 by Pastor John T. “Jack” Jeffery at Wayside Gospel Chapel, Greentown, PA.]

Appendix 1 - Selected Sermons:

S. Lewis Johnson, “The Integrity of Paul’s Ministry: Part III” (Acts 20:32-38), on SLJ Institute at https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/sljinstitute/new_testament/Acts/46_SLJ_Acts.pdf [accessed 19 DEC 2014].

John MacArthur, “A Charge to New Testament Church Leaders, Part 2” (Acts 20:29-38; preached 26 MAY 1974), sermon 1780 on Grace to You at  http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/1780/a-charge-to-new-testament-church-leaders-part-2 [accessed 19 DEC 2014].

John Piper, “I Entrust You to God and to the Word of His Grace” (Acts 20:32-35; preached 30 APR 1989), on desiring God at http://www.desiringgod.org/sermons/i-entrust-you-to-god-and-to-the-word-of-his-grace [19 DEC 2014].

Appendix 2 - Resources on the Sermons in Acts:

F. F. Bruce, The Speeches in the Acts of the Apostles (London: The Tyndale Press, 1942); on Biblical Studies at http://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/speeches_bruce.pdf [accessed 8 FEB 2013]. [8]

F. F. Bruce, “The Speeches In Acts―Thirty Years After,” Robert Banks, ed., Reconciliation and

Hope. New Testament Essays on Atonement and Eschatology Presented to L.L. Morris on his 60th

Birthday (Carlisle: The Paternoster Press, 1974), pp. 53-68; on Biblical Studies at http://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/rh/acts_bruce.pdf [accessed 8 FEB 2013].

Colin J. Hemer, “The Speeches of Acts,” Tyndale Bulletin 40:1 (NA 1989), pp. 77-85.

Simon J. Kistemaker, “The Speeches In Acts,” Criswell Theological Review 5:1 (1990), pp. 31-41; on Theodore Hildebrandt’s “Biblical eSources,” on Gordon Faculty Online at  https://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/ntesources/ntarticles/ctr-nt/kistemaker-speechesacts-ctr.pdf [accessed 27 AUG 2014].

William L. Lane, "The Speeches of the Book of Acts", in Jerusalem and Athens: Critical Discussions on the Philosophy and Apologetics of Cornelius Van Til, ed. E. R. Geehan (Phillipsburg, NJ:  Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co., 1971), pp. 260-272, Ch. XIII, notes on pp. 473-477.

Stanley E. Porter, Paul in Acts, in Library of Pauline Studies, gen. ed. Stanley E. Porter (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1999; 2001 reprint of The Paul of Acts: Essays in Literary Criticism, Rhetoric and Theology, in Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament 115, by Mohr Siebeck, Tubingen), pp. 58-60, 86-89, 109-165.

Appendix 3 - Resources on Acts:

G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson, eds., Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), pp. 513-606.

Paul Barnett, The Birth of Christianity: The First Twenty Years, After Jesus, Vol. 1 (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2005).

Darrell L. Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, eds. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007).

                                                  

F. F. Bruce, The Acts of the Apostles: The Greek Text with Introduction and Commentary, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951, 1952).

Dennis E. Johnson, The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 1997).

I. Howard Marshall, Acts: An Introduction And Commentary, Vol. 5 in Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. Leon Morris (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980; 2008 reprint).

David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, in The Pillar New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009).

John B. Polhill, Acts, Vol. 26 in The New American Commentary, gen. ed. David S. Dockery (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, Publishers, 1992).

Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Vol. 5 in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, gen. ed. Clinton E. Arnold (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012).

W. C. van Unnik, “The ‘Book of Acts’ the Confirmation of the Gospel,” in Novum Testamentum 4:1 (OCT 1960), pp. 26-59; reprinted in The Composition of Luke’s Gospel: Selected Studies from Novum Testamentum, compiled by David E. Orton, Vol. 1 of Brill’s Readers in Biblical Studies (Leiden: Brill, 1999), pp. 184-218.

William H. Willimon, Acts, in Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, series ed. James Luther Mays, New Testament ed. Paul J. Achtemeier (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010).

Appendix 4 - Resources on Paul:

Kenneth E. Bailey, Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes: Cultural Studies in 1 Corinthians  (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2011).

F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1977).

D. A. Carson, The Gagging of God: Christianity Confronts Pluralism (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996), pp. 496-501.

W. J. Conybeare and J. S. Howson, The Life, Times and Travels of St. Paul, 2 vols. in 1, unabridged American ed. (New York: E. B. Treat U Co., 1869); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=Bn1CAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 12 FEB 2013].

Adolf Deissmann, Paul: A Study in Social and Religious History, 2nd ed., trans. William E. Wilson (New York: Harper Torchbooks, n.d.).

F. W. Farrar, The Life and Work of St. Paul (New York: E. P. Dutton and Co., 1889); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=RB2KeCSM6KsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 12 FEB 2013].

Bruce N. Fisk, “Paul: Life and Letters”, in The Face of New Testament Studies: A Survey of Recent Research, ed. Scot McKnight and Grant R. Osborne (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2004), pp. 283-325.

Richard B.Gaffin, Jr., "Acts and Paul", 46 lectures (MP3 format), WTS Resources Media Center on Westminster Theological Seminary at http://wts.edu/resources/media.html?paramType=audio&filterTopic=5&filterSpeaker=10&filterYear=2005 [accessed 20 MAR 2013].

Frank J. Goodwin, A Harmony of the Life of the St. Paul According to the Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline Epistles (New York: American Tract Society, 1895); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=YgpEAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 12 FEB 2013].

Richard N. Longenecker, The Ministry And Message Of Paul (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1971).

Richard N. Longenecker, Paul, Apostle Of Liberty (New York: Harper & Row, 1964).

Richard N. Longenecker, ed., The Road From Damascus : The Impact Of Paul's Conversion On His Life, Thought, And Ministry (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997).

Richard N. Longenecker, Studies In Paul, Exegetical And Theological (Sheffield : Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2004).

J. Gresham Machen, The Origin of Paul's Religion: The James Sprunt Lectures Delivered at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1925).

Leon Morris, The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1955).

John Pollock, The Apostle: A Life of Paul, 3rd ed. (Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 1969, 2012); also published as The Man Who Shook the World (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1972; originally The Apostle: A Life of Paul, New York: Doubleday, 1969).

Stanley E. Porter, Paul in Acts, in Library of Pauline Studies, gen. ed. Stanley E. Porter (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1999; 2001 reprint of The Paul of Acts: Essays in Literary Criticism, Rhetoric and Theology, in Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament 115, by Mohr Siebeck, Tubingen).

W. M. Ramsay, The Cities of St. Paul: Their Influence on his Life and Thought (New York: A. C. Armstrong and Son; London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1908); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=JryEbmKool0C&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 13 FEB 2013].

W. M. Ramsay, Pauline and Other Studies in Early Christian History (New York: A. C. Armstrong and Son, 1906); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=-1ZJAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 13 FEB 2013].

W. M. Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveler and the Roman Citizen, 10th ed. (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1907); on Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/ramsay/paul_roman.html [accessed 13 FEB 2013].

W. M. Ramsay, The Teaching of Paul in terms of The Present Day: The Deems Lectures in New York University (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1914); on Internet Archive at http://ia600404.us.archive.org/2/items/teachingofpaulin00rams/teachingofpaulin00rams.pdf [accessed 13 FEB 2013].

A. T. Robertson, Epochs in the Life of Paul: A Study of Development in Paul's Character (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1974).

Eckhard J. Schnabel, Paul The Missionary: Realities, Strategies And Methods (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008).

Udo Schnelle, Apostle Paul: His Life and Theology, trans. M. Eugene Boring (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003; trans. from Paulus: Leben und Denken, Berlin: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co., n.d.).

Thomas R. Schreiner, Paul, Apostle of God's Glory in Christ: A Pauline Theology (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2001).

James Stalker, The Life of St. Paul, (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1885; rev. ed. 2010 by Kessinger Publishing from 1912 ed.); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=vT0HAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 7 FEB 2013].

James Ironside Still, St. Paul on Trial (London: Student Christian Movement, 1923).

---

End Notes:

[1] On the contrast between this “commendation” and deliverance to Satan in 1 Tim. 1:20 and 1 Cor. 5:3-5 see Adolf Deissmann, Paul: A Study in Social and Religious History, 2nd ed., trans. William E. Wilson (New York: Harper Torchbooks, n.d.), pg. 70. This is significant in this context given the previous warnings concerning sheep destroying wolves from without, and sheep stealing false teachers from within in verses 29-30.

[2] See Bertold Klappert’s contribution on the significance of λόγος in the Scriptures in The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology, gen. ed. Colin Brown, English ed. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1971, 1978 ; trans. from Germ. original, Theologisches Begriffslexikon Zum Neuen Testament by Theologischer Verlag Rolf Brockhaus, Wuppertal), 3:1087-1117, s.v. “Word, Tongue Utterance.”

[3] The “…universal scope is pointed to further by the conclusion in v. 32 that if the elders are faithful to Paul’s admonition, then they will receive “the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” G. K. Beale, A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2011), pg. 823, note 59.

[4] “An attributive Adjective Participle may be used to describe a person or thing alreadyknown or identified. It is then equivalent to an explanatory relative clause.” Ernest De Witt Burton, Syntax of the Moods and Tenses in New Testament Greek, 3rd ed. (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1978 reprint of 1900 edition, University of Chicago Press, Chicago), pg. 166, s.v. §426. The Explanatory Attributive Participle.

[5] On this verb see Jurgen Goetzmann’s  article in The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology, gen. ed. Colin Brown, English ed. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1967, 1969, 1971, 1976 ; trans. from Germ. original, Theologisches Begriffslexikon Zum Neuen Testament by Theologischer Verlag Rolf Brockhaus, Wuppertal), 2:251-253, s.v. “House, Build, Manage, Steward.” See also Goetzmann’s previous article on the noun related to this verb, op. cit., pp. 247-251.

[6] ”…not simply a general statement that God’s grace gives an inheritance to those who are sanctified, but that he will give to these particular saints at Ephesus, whose pastors Paul is addressing, an inheritance among all the sanctified, emphasizing the corporate nature of the Church within which these believers have their place.” Nigel Turner, Syntax, Vol. III in James Hope Moulton, A Grammar of New Testament Greek, 4 vols. (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1963), pg. 350. “Luke does not in fact use δίδωμι with ἐν for give to. Out of 81 occasions when he uses this verb with a possible direct object, 74 have simple dat., and of the seven others it is very doubtful whether the preposition means to in any instance; it more naturally introduces an adverbial expression and is not an indirect object.” Op. cit., note 1.

[7] “God’s word in the Bible creates his people as faith comes by hearing the word of Christ (Rom. 10:17), and in turn, God’s people gathered in a local church is to become a community of the Book (Acts 20:32). A community where what is “normal” is what the Bible says.” Jim Hamilton, God’s Glory in Salvation Through Judgment: A Biblical Theology (Wheaton: Crossway, 2010), pg. 568.

[8] “This was delivered as The Tyndale New Testament Lecture 19 DEC 1942 at a Conference of graduate and theological student members of the Inter-Varsity Fellowship in Wadham College, Oxford.”

Pastor's Sermon Notes: Paul’s Farewell Sermon to the Ephesian Elders, Part 1 (Acts 20:13-31)

Paul’s Farewell Sermon to the Ephesian Elders, Part 1

Acts 20:13-31

¹³ And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. ¹⁴ And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. ¹⁵ And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. ¹⁶ For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. ¹⁷ And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. ¹⁸ And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, ¹⁹ Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: ²⁰ And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, ²¹ Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. ²² And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: ²³ Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. ²⁴ But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. ²⁵ And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. ²⁶ Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. ²⁷ For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. ²⁸ Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. ²⁹ For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. ³⁰ Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. ³¹ Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Introduction:

We have reminded often concerning the transitional nature of the historical narrative encountered in the book of Acts. This is the foundational period in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ. Some aspects of the contents of this book must be discerned as not having direct application to the subsequent periods of the Church. This episode is not one of them. Just as in the book of Revelation when observation was made that the Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia in chapters two and three are the most directly applicable portions of the New Testament to us today, even so does Paul’s final sermon at Miletus to the Ephesian Elders in Acts 20 stand as one of the portions of this book that we should consider as having direct application to us today without qualification.

Outline:

I. The Journey - from Troas to Miletus (20:13-17)

II. The Sermon, Part 1 (20:18-31)

Transition:  Now begins Paul’s conclusion of what has been referred to as his third missionary journey, which will terminate in Jerusalem and usher in the end of the book with Paul in Rome.

I. The Journey - from Troas to Miletus (20:13-17)

¹³ And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. ¹⁴ And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. ¹⁵ And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. ¹⁶ For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. ¹⁷ And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

The most significant aspect of this voyage is where Paul did not go.

1. The Separate Teams Reunited at Mitylene (20:13-14)

2. The Journey from Mitylene to Miletus (20:15)

3. The Reason for Bypassing Ephesus (20:16)

4. The Call for the Elders at Miletus (20:17)

1. The Separate Teams Reunited at Mitylene (20:13-14)

¹³ And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. ¹⁴ And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

2. The Journey from Mitylene to Miletus (20:15)

And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

3. The Reason for Bypassing Ephesus (20:16)

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

This must have been very hard for Paul to do, but verse 22 explains why he resisted the temptation. He had already invested a lot of time in Ephesus, and now had other priorities that precluded any more delay than he already had due to the attempted ambush by the Jews in Greece.  The content of the sermon to follow makes clear that he could leave with a clear conscience, and with the church there in the capable hands of trained and trusted elders.

4. The Call for the Elders at Miletus (20:17)

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.[1]

This is a very significant event, perhaps more so than many readers of Acts realize. One point that must be insisted on is that he did not call for the apostles, nor the apostles and elders. Here is the Great Apostle handing off the baton of ministry, and the responsibility for the well-being of the church to the elders. The only record of a mix of apostles and elders in a church in Acts was at Jerusalem in chapter 15 (verses 2, 4, 6, 22, and 23), and the reference to the subsequent delivery in 16:4. There are no accounts of any ordaining of apostles in every church coordinate with that of the ordination of “elders in every church” (14:23). And in 11:30, and 21:18 it is only the elders who are mentioned. It must be made clear, maintained and insisted on in the face of wide spread false teaching that the apostolic office was: 1) historically unique to the first century, and to this foundation period of the Church, and 2) personally unique being held only by the immediate associates and successors of Jesus Christ Himself.

With that in mind this event must be viewed as a historical “hinge” moment in the history of the Church. The Apostle to the Gentiles is leaving, never to return. He has fulfilled his mission. It is now for the elders then, and in all subsequent centuries to carry on, and fulfill theirs by building on the foundation Paul laid.

II. The Sermon, Part 1 (20:18-31)

1. The Introduction - The Summary of Paul’s Ministry in Asia (20:18-21)

2. The Testimony - The Essence of Paul’s Ministry (20:22-24)

3. The Record - The Fulfillment of Paul’s Ministry (20:25-27)

4. The Warning - The Legacy of Paul’s Ministry (20:28-31)

1. The Introduction - The Summary of Paul’s Ministry in Asia (20:18-21)

 ¹⁸ And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, ¹⁹ Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: ²⁰ And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, ²¹ Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

1) Paul’s Personal Example (20:18-19)

2) Paul’s Profitable Preaching (20:20-21)

1) Paul’s Personal Example (20:18-19)

¹⁸ And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, ¹⁹ Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

(1) When - from the first day…at all seasons

(2) How - humbly, tearfully, in the face of opposition

            tears - also verse 31, and weeping in verse 37

            This entire episode is loaded with emotion.

2) Paul’s Profitable Preaching (20:20-21)

²⁰ And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, ²¹ Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

(1) What - in a general and negative sense concerning his intent

(2) Where - publicly and privately

(3) Who - Jews and Gentiles

(4) What - in a specific sense concerning the content

Woven throughout this sermon are the following characterizations of the content of Paul’s ministry:

repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ (20:21)

the gospel of the grace of God (20:24)

the kingdom of God (20:25)

all the counsel of God (20:27)

the word of his grace (20:32)

These characterizations all refer to the same thing viewed from different aspects in various contexts which contain bases for why that description is used at that point.

Keep this in mind as we continue through the rest of this sermon.

2. The Testimony - The Essence of Paul’s Ministry (20:22-24)

 ²² And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: ²³ Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. ²⁴ But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

The predominant theme here is bondage.

1) Bound in the spirit into the Face of Uncertainty (20:22)

2) Taught by the Spirit of Bondage to Come (20:23)

3) Perseverance to the Finish Line beyond Trials and Death (20:24)

1) Bound in the spirit into the Face of Uncertainty (20:22)

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there

lower case “s” in “spirit” - KJV, HCSB

upper case “S” in “Spirit” - NASB, ESV, NIV, NLT

2) Taught by the Spirit of Bondage to Come (20:23)

Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.[2]

3) Perseverance to the Finish Line beyond Trials and Death (20:24)

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

3. The Record - The Fulfillment of Paul’s Ministry (20:25-27)

 ²⁵ And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. ²⁶ Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. ²⁷ For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

There is a very personal tone to these words, as elsewhere throughout this sermon.

1) Preaching the Kingdom of God (20:25)

2) Pure from the Blood of All Men (20:26)

3) Proclaiming the Counsel of God (20:27)

1) Preaching the Kingdom of God (20:25)

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

            Compare 20:21

2) Pure from the Blood of All Men (20:26)

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

3) Proclaiming the Counsel of God (20:27)

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

counsel (KJV, ESV) - “purpose” (NASB), “plan” (HCSB), “will” (NIV)

Compare 20:21

4. The Warning - The Legacy of Paul’s Ministry (20:28-31)

 ²⁸ Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. ²⁹ For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. ³⁰ Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. ³¹ Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Notice should be taken in these verses of the sermon of the temporal movement from past history throught the present to the future.

1) The Primary Charge - Paul’s Present Stipulations: Feed the Church of God (20:28)

2) The Prophetic Basis for the Warnings - Paul’s Future Vision:

3) The Personal Reminder - Paul’s Historical Example: Vigilance is Called For Always (20:31)

1) The Primary Charge - Paul’s Present Stipulations: Feed the Church of God (20:28)

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

            There is a repeated emphasis here on the church as the flock.

purchased - “obtained”[3]

This final affirmation must be considered by defining what is meant by the church of God in light of what follows in the next two verses, and especially in verse 30.

2) The Prophetic Basis for the Warnings - Paul’s Future Vision:

(1) Wolves will Come from Without (20:29)

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

            grievous - “savage” (NASB, HCSB, NIV), “fierce” (ESV), “vicious” (NLT)

            What does this mean for the sheep? In other words, what is the basis for this          characterization of the “wolves” as grievous?

(2) False Shepherds will Divide from Within (20:30)

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

                        perverse (KJV, NASB) - “twisted” (ESV), “deviant” (HCSB),

                        “distort” (NIV, NLT)

                        What makes the teaching of these “sheep stealers” perverse?

3) The Personal Reminder - Paul’s Historical Example: Vigilance is Called For Always (20:31)

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Conclusion:

Complete outline:

I. The Journey - from Troas to Miletus (20:13-17)

1. The Separate Teams Reunited at Mitylene (20:13-14)

2. The Journey from Mitylene to Miletus (20:15)

3. The Reason for Bypassing Ephesus (20:16)

4. The Call for the Elders at Miletus (20:17)

II. The Sermon, Part 1 (20:18-31)

1. The Introduction - The Summary of Paul’s Ministry in Asia (20:18-21)

1) Paul’s Personal Example (20:18-19)

2) Paul’s Profitable Preaching (20:20-21)

2. The Testimony - The Essence of Paul’s Ministry (20:22-24)

1) Bound in the spirit into the Face of Uncertainty (20:22)

2) Taught by the Spirit of Bondage to Come (20:23)

3) Perseverance to the Finish Line beyond Trials and Death (20:24)

3. The Record - The Fulfillment of Paul’s Ministry (20:25-27)

1) Preaching the Kingdom of God (20:25)

2) Pure from the Blood of All Men (20:26)

3) Proclaiming the Counsel of God (20:27)

4. The Warning - The Legacy of Paul’s Ministry (20:28-31)

1) The Primary Charge - Paul’s Present Stipulations: Feed the Church of God (20:28)

2) The Prophetic Basis for the Warnings - Paul’s Future Vision:

(1) Wolves will Come from Without (20:29)

(2) False Shepherds will Divide from Within (20:30)

3) The Personal Reminder - Paul’s Historical Example: Vigilance is Called For Always (20:31)

[Sermon preached 14 DEC 2014 by Pastor John T. “Jack” Jeffery at Wayside Gospel Chapel, Greentown, PA.]

Sources cited in Notes:

G. K. Beale, A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2011), pp. 820-823, s.v. “Elders and Eschatological Tribulation.”

Jonathan Gibson, “The Glorious, Indivisible, Trinitarian Work of God in Christ: Definite Atonement in Paul’s Theology of Salvation,” in From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Historical, Biblical, Theological,and Pastoral Perspective, eds. David Gibson and Jonathan Gibson (Wheaton: Crossway, 2013), pp. 331-373.

Jim Hamilton, God’s Glory in Salvation Through Judgment: A Biblical Theology (Wheaton: Crossway, 2010), pg. 437.

John Owen, “The True Nature of A Gospel Church and its Government,” (1689), in The Works of John Owen, ed. William H. Goold, 16 vols. (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1976 reprint of 1850-1853 Johnstone & Hunter ed.), 16:45, 74-96.

Thomas F. Torrance, Atonement: The Person and Work of Christ, ed. Robert T. Walker (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2009), pg. 49, note 72, and pg. 176.

Resources on Acts:

G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson, eds., Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), pp. 513-606.

Paul Barnett, The Birth of Christianity: The First Twenty Years, After Jesus, Vol. 1 (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2005).

Darrell L. Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, eds. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007).

                                                  

F. F. Bruce, The Acts of the Apostles: The Greek Text with Introduction and Commentary, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951, 1952).

Dennis E. Johnson, The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 1997).

I. Howard Marshall, Acts: An Introduction And Commentary, Vol. 5 in Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. Leon Morris (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980; 2008 reprint).

David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, in The Pillar New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009).

John B. Polhill, Acts, Vol. 26 in The New American Commentary, gen. ed. David S. Dockery (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, Publishers, 1992).

Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Vol. 5 in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, gen. ed. Clinton E. Arnold (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012).

W. C. van Unnik, “The ‘Book of Acts’ the Confirmation of the Gospel,” in Novum Testamentum 4:1 (OCT 1960), pp. 26-59; reprinted in The Composition of Luke’s Gospel: Selected Studies from Novum Testamentum, compiled by David E. Orton, Vol. 1 of Brill’s Readers in Biblical Studies (Leiden: Brill, 1999), pp. 184-218.

William H. Willimon, Acts, in Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, series ed. James Luther Mays, New Testament ed. Paul J. Achtemeier (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010).

Resources on Paul:

Kenneth E. Bailey, Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes: Cultural Studies in 1 Corinthians  (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2011).

F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1977).

D. A. Carson, The Gagging of God: Christianity Confronts Pluralism (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996), pp. 496-501.

W. J. Conybeare and J. S. Howson, The Life, Times and Travels of St. Paul, 2 vols. in 1, unabridged American ed. (New York: E. B. Treat U Co., 1869); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=Bn1CAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 12 FEB 2013].

Adolf Deissmann, Paul: A Study in Social and Religious History, 2nd ed., trans. William E. Wilson (New York: Harper Torchbooks, n.d.).

F. W. Farrar, The Life and Work of St. Paul (New York: E. P. Dutton and Co., 1889); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=RB2KeCSM6KsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 12 FEB 2013].

Bruce N. Fisk, “Paul: Life and Letters”, in The Face of New Testament Studies: A Survey of Recent Research, ed. Scot McKnight and Grant R. Osborne (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2004), pp. 283-325.

Richard B.Gaffin, Jr., "Acts and Paul", 46 lectures (MP3 format), WTS Resources Media Center on Westminster Theological Seminary at http://wts.edu/resources/media.html?paramType=audio&filterTopic=5&filterSpeaker=10&filterYear=2005 [accessed 20 MAR 2013].

Frank J. Goodwin, A Harmony of the Life of the St. Paul According to the Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline Epistles (New York: American Tract Society, 1895); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=YgpEAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 12 FEB 2013].

Richard N. Longenecker, The Ministry And Message Of Paul (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1971).

Richard N. Longenecker, Paul, Apostle Of Liberty (New York: Harper & Row, 1964).

Richard N. Longenecker, ed., The Road From Damascus : The Impact Of Paul's Conversion On His Life, Thought, And Ministry (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997).

Richard N. Longenecker, Studies In Paul, Exegetical And Theological (Sheffield : Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2004).

J. Gresham Machen, The Origin of Paul's Religion: The James Sprunt Lectures Delivered at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1925).

Leon Morris, The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1955).

John Pollock, The Apostle: A Life of Paul, 3rd ed. (Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 1969, 2012); also published as The Man Who Shook the World (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1972; originally The Apostle: A Life of Paul, New York: Doubleday, 1969).

Stanley E. Porter, Paul in Acts, in Library of Pauline Studies, gen. ed. Stanley E. Porter (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1999; 2001 reprint of The Paul of Acts: Essays in Literary Criticism, Rhetoric and Theology, in Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament 115, by Mohr Siebeck, Tubingen).

W. M. Ramsay, The Cities of St. Paul: Their Influence on his Life and Thought (New York: A. C. Armstrong and Son; London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1908); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=JryEbmKool0C&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 13 FEB 2013].

W. M. Ramsay, Pauline and Other Studies in Early Christian History (New York: A. C. Armstrong and Son, 1906); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=-1ZJAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 13 FEB 2013].

W. M. Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveler and the Roman Citizen, 10th ed. (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1907); on Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/ramsay/paul_roman.html [accessed 13 FEB 2013].

W. M. Ramsay, The Teaching of Paul in terms of The Present Day: The Deems Lectures in New York University (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1914); on Internet Archive at http://ia600404.us.archive.org/2/items/teachingofpaulin00rams/teachingofpaulin00rams.pdf [accessed 13 FEB 2013].

A. T. Robertson, Epochs in the Life of Paul: A Study of Development in Paul's Character (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1974).

Eckhard J. Schnabel, Paul The Missionary: Realities, Strategies And Methods (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008).

Udo Schnelle, Apostle Paul: His Life and Theology, trans. M. Eugene Boring (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003; trans. from Paulus: Leben und Denken, Berlin: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co., n.d.).

Thomas R. Schreiner, Paul, Apostle of God's Glory in Christ: A Pauline Theology (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2001).

James Stalker, The Life of St. Paul, (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1885; rev. ed. 2010 by Kessinger Publishing from 1912 ed.); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=vT0HAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 7 FEB 2013].

James Ironside Still, St. Paul on Trial (London: Student Christian Movement, 1923).

---

End Notes:

[1] On this see John Owen, “The True Nature of A Gospel Church and its Government,” (1689), in The Works of John Owen, ed. William H. Goold, 16 vols. (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1976 reprint of 1850-1853 Johnstone & Hunter ed.), 16:45, 74-96; and G. K. Beale, A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2011), pp. 820-823, s.v. “Elders and Eschatological Tribulation.”

[2] On this see Jim Hamilton, God’s Glory in Salvation Through Judgment: A Biblical Theology (Wheaton: Crossway, 2010), pg. 437.

[3] On this see Thomas F. Torrance, Atonement: The Person and Work of Christ, ed. Robert T. Walker (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2009), pg. 49, note 72, and pg. 176; and Jonathan Gibson, “The Glorious, Indivisible, Trinitarian Work of God in Christ: Definite Atonement in Paul’s Theology of Salvation,” in From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Historical, Biblical, Theological,and Pastoral Perspective, eds. David Gibson and Jonathan Gibson (Wheaton: Crossway, 2013), pp. 331-373.

Pastor's Sermon Notes: Hitting Them Where It Hurts - The Greatness of the False Goddess Diana of the Ephesians and the Almighty Dollar (Acts 19:21-41)

Hitting Them Where It Hurts:

The Greatness of the False Goddess Diana of the Ephesians and the Almighty Dollar

Acts 19:21-41

²¹ After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. ²² So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season. ²³ And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. ²⁴ For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; ²⁵ Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. ²⁶ Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: ²⁷ So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. ²⁸ And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. ²⁹ And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. ³⁰ And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. ³¹ And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. ³² Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. ³³ And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. ³⁴ But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. ³⁵ And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? ³⁶ Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. ³⁷ For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. ³⁸ Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. ³⁹ But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. ⁴⁰ For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. ⁴¹ And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

Introduction:

Opposition from unregenerate Jews concerning Moses’ Law and the Temple

Opposition from idolatrous Gentiles and greedy tradesmen

Use of Bible dictionaries, encyclopedias, and atlases

Outline:

I. The Purposes of Paul (19:21-22)

II. No Small Stir (19:23-28)

III. The Confused City (19:29-34)

IV. The Clerk’s Counsel (19:35-41)

Transition:  In this chapter of Acts we have seen the baptism of Christ and the Kingdom of God prevailing. Then the demoniac prevailed over the sons of Sceva, and lastly the Word of God prevailed. The question for us today is: what prevails in this last scene in the face of the uproar incited by the silversmiths at Ephesus?

I. The Purposes of Paul (19:21-22)

²¹ After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. ²² So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

1. Paul’s Proposed Itinerary (19:21)

2. Paul’s Advance Party (19:22a-b)

3. Paul’s Extended Stay (19:22c)

1. Paul’s Proposed Itinerary (19:21)

After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

1) From Asia to Macedonia and Achaia

2) From Macedonia and Achaia to Jerusalem

3) From Jerusalem to Rome

2. Paul’s Advance Party (19:22a-b)

So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus

1) Timothy

2) Erastus - Rom. 16:23; 2 Tim 4:20

3. Paul’s Extended Stay (19:22c)

but he himself stayed in Asia for a season

II. No Small Stir (19:23-28)

 ²³ And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. ²⁴ For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; ²⁵ Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. ²⁶ Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: ²⁷ So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. ²⁸ And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

1. The Summary Introduction (19:23)

2. The Crafty Agitator (19:24a-b)

3. The Real Issue (19:24c-25)

4. The Personal Focus (19:26)

5. The Inflammatory Threat (19:27)

6. The United Response (19:28)

1. The Summary Introduction (19:23)

And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

no small stir - compare no small gain (19:24)

that way

2. The Crafty Agitator (19:24a-b)

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith…

Demetrius the silversmith

3. The Real Issue (19:24c-25)

…which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; ²⁵ Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.

silver shrines

consider Diana with verse 27

no small gain - compare no small stir (19:23)

craftsmen…the workmen of like occupation

our wealth - The real issue for them

4. The Personal Focus (19:26)

Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

1) Not just here - Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia

As if to say, “This is not just about us!”

Or, “This is bigger than just an Ephesian problem!”

2) This one man - this Paul

Paul is made to be the focus of their issue and attention.

3) What he has done - hath persuaded and turned away much people

The success of Paul’s ministry of the Word of the God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ had become a problem for their livelihood.

4) How he has done it - saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands

This Pauline assertion is at the center of the upheaval at Ephesus, and the truth or falsehood of this assertion is never called into question.

5. The Inflammatory Threat (19:27)

So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

1) Danger for Diana’s union - our craft is in danger to be set at nought

Compare 19:40

2) Despite for Diana’s temple - the temple…despised

the great goddess Diana... whom all Asia and the world worshippeth

Artemis [1] - This is not a translation of the name, but a transliteration. Diana is the Latin form of the name, and is apparently adopted by the earlier English translations from the Latin versions.

“Artemis was the ancient Gk mother goddess believed to control fertility.” [2]

“Latin Diana, goddess of the moon, hence of fertility and sexual relations.” [3]

“Artemis, the Greek counterpart of the Roman Diana, was the mythological goddess of the moon and fertility.” [4]

3) Destruction for Diana’s reputation - her magnificence…destroyed

“Roman name for the mythological Greek goddess Artemis, daughter of Jupiter and Latona and the twin sister of Apollo. She renounced all idea of marriage, supposedly because she was appalled at the birth pains her mother had suffered in bearing her, and remained the unattainable virgin goddess. Although goddess of the moon, Diana was more often portrayed as the huntress with two dogs beside her….The temple of Diana at Ephesus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The impressive building was supported on 100 large columns.” [5]

“Artemis, Ephesus’ chief divinity; her temple was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.” [6]

“Artemis, that is to say the so called Tauric or Persian or Ephesian Artemis, the goddess of many Asiatic people, to be distinguished from the Artemis of the Greeks, the sister of Apollo. A very splendid temple was built to her at Ephesus, which was set on fire by Herostratus and reduced to ashes; but afterwards in the times of Alexander the Great, it was rebuilt in a style of greater magnificence.” [7]

6. The United Response (19:28)

And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

Compare 19:34

One wonders concerning the fragility of her touted “greatness.” If she is so “great” how could “her magnificence” be “destroyed”?

III. The Confused City (19:29-34)

 ²⁹ And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. ³⁰ And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. ³¹ And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. ³² Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. ³³ And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. ³⁴ But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

1. The Infection of the Incitement (19:29a)

2. The Movement of the Mob (19:29b-e)

3. The Prevention of Paul (19:30-31)

4. The Mentality of the Multitude (19:32)

5. The Attempt by Alexander (19:33)

6. The Chant of the City (19:34)

1. The Infection of the Incitement (19:29a)

And the whole city was filled with confusion

Compare 19:32

2. The Movement of the Mob (19:29b-e)

and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

Gaius - Acts 20:4 (Derbe), Rom. 16:23; 1 Cor. 1:14 (Corinth); 3 Jn. 1 (friend of John)

Aristrachus - Acts 20:4; 27:2; Col. 4:10; Phm. 24.

theatre - usually differs from the odeion (roofed, similar to modern concert halls), and the ampitheater or arena (free-standing, similar to older unroofed stadiums) like the Colosseum in Rome, and elsewhere. This theater the only one explicitly referred to in the New Testament, and may have had a seating capacity of 25,000. However Josephus mentions that the free-standing example at Caesarea built under Herod the Great was where the demise of Herod Agrippa I occurred (Antiquities of the Jews 19:8:2; Acts 12:20-23). [8]

3. The Prevention of Paul (19:30-31)

certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends

certain of the chief of Asia - Asiarchs - high ranking provincial political and religious officials

4. The Mentality of the Multitude (19:32)

Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

Compare 19:29

the assembly - 1st of 3 usages of this word in this chapter - Compare to churches (19:37), lawful assembly (19:39), concourse (19:40), and assembly (19:41)

KJV	Verse	Greek	NASB	ESV	HCSB	NIV
the assembly	19:32	ἡ ἐκκλησία	same	same	same	same
robbers of churches	19:37	ἱεροσύλους	robbers of temples	sacrilegious	temple robbers	robbed temples
a lawful assembly	19:39	τῇ ἐννόμῳ ἐκκλησίᾳ	the lawful assembly	the regular assembly	a legal assembly	a legal assembly
this concourse	19:40	τῆς συστροφῆς	this disorderly gathering	this commotion	this disorderly gathering	this commotion
the assembly	19:41	τὴν ἐκκλησίαν	same	same	same	same

Compare the other New Testament usages of ἐκκλησία in Mt. 16:18; 18:17 (2X); 20 other usages in Acts from 5:11-22:28; throughout the Pauline Epistles; Heb. 2:12; 12:23; Jas. 5:14; 3 Jn. 6, 9, 10; and Rev. 1-3.

Here, as elsewhere, there are some who would reduce the meaning of this word in the New Testament to the “lowest common denominator,” i.e., the root meaning. This is done by ignoring its development as a technical term in multiplied contexts, and insisting on leaving it at the root meaning found employed here in Acts 19 (verses 32, 39, and 41). Any specialized sense is lost when there is a refusal to translate it elsewhere as “church,” rather than “assembly.” Such an insistence flies in the face of the contextual evidence in every other usage in the New Testament outside of this chapter. Context determines meaning, and words often bear more than one meaning, as any study of lexicons and dictionaries will attest. A simplistic etymological approach to the study of this important theological term reduces the sense of “church” to a mere gathering undifferentiated in kind from what took place here at Ephesus. A refusal to recognize derived meanings in translation fails to acknowledge the sense this word bore for the inspired authors in its primary usage in the Scriptures. A careful study of all of the New Testament usages in their contexts will expose how exegetically untenable such a treatment is. We have only begun to define what is meant by this word when it is used for “the church” when we refer to it as “the assembly.” The serious student of the Word will endeavor to differentiate the usages for “the church” from any mere assembling of the general populace. The translation of the word as “church” outside of this chapter is the first step in rightly distinguishing the one from the other.

5. The Attempt by Alexander (19:33)

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

Alexander - Mk. 15:21; Acts 4:6; 1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 4:14.

6. The Chant of the City (19:34)

But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

Compare 19:28

“Ephesian Headache #34”! Need Excedrin?

IV. The Clerk’s Counsel (19:35-41)

 ³⁵ And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? ³⁶ Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. ³⁷ For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. ³⁸ Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. ³⁹ But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. ⁴⁰ For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. ⁴¹ And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

1. The Control of the Unruly Mob (19:35a)

2. The Reminder of Unimpeachable Facts (19:35-36a)

3. The Counsel regarding Positive and Negative Behaviors (19:36b-c)

4. The Rejection of Both Counts (19:37)

5. The Mandate concerning Further Resolutions (19:38-39)

6. The Threat for Continued Upheaval (19:40)

7. The End of the Entire Episode (19:41)

1. The Control of the Unruly Mob (19:35a)

And when the townclerk had appeased the people

the townclerk - city clerk - hapaxlegomena

appeased the people

Compare 19:41

2. The Reminder of Unimpeachable Facts (19:35-36a)

he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? ³⁶ Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against

1) Everybody knows (19:35)

Jupiter - heaven (the sky - ESV)

textual issue - goddess - Cr omits; Byz/MT/TR includes - nothing in NA/UBS apparatus or Metzger’s Commentary

2) Nobody can deny (19:36a)

3. The Counsel regarding Positive and Negative Behaviors (19:36b-c)

ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

What is, and what ought to be!

1) be quiet

2) do nothing rashly

4. The Rejection of Both Counts (19:37)

For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

1) The Two Men - For ye have brought hither these men

Compare 19:29 - Gaius and Aristrachus

2) The First Count - which are neither robbers of churches

churches - Compare to assembly (19:32), lawful assembly (19:39), concourse (19:40), and assembly (19:41)

3) The Second Count - nor yet blasphemers of your goddess

5. The Mandate concerning Further Resolutions (19:38-39)

³⁸ Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. ³⁹ But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

1) The Legal Recourse for the Craftsmen (19:38)

Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.

deputies - Acts 13:7-8, 12; 18:12 - proconsul - provincial ruler under Roman Senate

2) The Legal Alternative for “Other Matters” (19:39)

But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

lawful assembly - 2nd usage in this chapter - Compare to assembly (19:32), churches (19:37), concourse (19:40), and assembly (19:40)

6. The Threat for Continued Upheaval (19:40)

For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

danger - compare 19:27

uproar

concourse - Compare to assembly (19:32), churches (19:37), lawful assembly (19:39), and assembly (19:41)

7. The End of the Entire Episode (19:41)

And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

Compare 19:35a

asssembly - 3rd usage in this chapter - Compare to assembly (19:32), churches (19:37), lawful assembly (19:39), and concourse (19:40)

Conclusion:

At the beginning of the sermon I mentioned that in this chapter of Acts we have seen the baptism of Christ and the Kingdomof God prevailing. Then the demoniac prevailed over the sons of Sceva, and lastly the Word of God prevailed. Then I introduced the question for us today as: what prevails in this last scene in the face of the uproar incited by the silversmiths at Ephesus?

Should we conclude that “Common Sense” prevailed in this case?

Or, was it “Common Grace”?!?!

Might we not assume that “Cooler Heads” won the day?

Or, was it the “Crowned Head” ?!?!

Christ on the Throne!

Psalm 135

Complete outline:

I. The Purposes of Paul (19:21-22)

1. Paul’s Proposed Itinerary (19:21)

2. Paul’s Advance Party (19:22a-b)

3. Paul’s Extended Stay (19:22c)

II. No Small Stir (19:23-28)

1. The Summary Introduction (19:23)

2. The Crafty Agitator (19:24a-b)

3. The Real Issue (19:24c-25)

4. The Personal Focus (19:26)

5. The Inflammatory Threat (19:27)

6. The United Response (19:28)

III. The Confused City (19:29-34)

1. The Infection of the Incitement (19:29a)

2. The Movement of the Mob (19:29b-e)

3. The Prevention of Paul (19:30-31)

4. The Mentality of the Multitude (19:32)

5. The Attempt by Alexander (19:33)

6. The Chant of the City (19:34)

IV. The Clerk’s Counsel (19:35-41)

1. The Control of the Unruly Mob (19:35a)

2. The Reminder of Unimpeachable Facts (19:35-36a)

3. The Counsel regarding Positive and Negative Behaviors (19:36b-c)

4. The Rejection of Both Counts (19:37)

5. The Mandate concerning Further Resolutions (19:38-39)

6. The Threat for Continued Upheaval (19:40)

7. The End of the Entire Episode (19:41)

[Sermon preached 30 NOV 2014 by Pastor John T. “Jack” Jeffery at Wayside Gospel Chapel, Greentown, PA.]

Resources on Acts:

G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson, eds., Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), pp. 513-606.

Paul Barnett, The Birth of Christianity: The First Twenty Years, After Jesus, Vol. 1 (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2005).

Darrell L. Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, eds. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007).

                                                  

F. F. Bruce, The Acts of the Apostles: The Greek Text with Introduction and Commentary, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951, 1952).

Dennis E. Johnson, The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 1997).

I. Howard Marshall, Acts: An Introduction And Commentary, Vol. 5 in Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. Leon Morris (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980; 2008 reprint).

David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, in The Pillar New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009).

John B. Polhill, Acts, Vol. 26 in The New American Commentary, gen. ed. David S. Dockery (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, Publishers, 1992).

Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Vol. 5 in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, gen. ed. Clinton E. Arnold (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012).

W. C. van Unnik, “The ‘Book of Acts’ the Confirmation of the Gospel,” in Novum Testamentum 4:1 (OCT 1960), pp. 26-59; reprinted in The Composition of Luke’s Gospel: Selected Studies from Novum Testamentum, compiled by David E. Orton, Vol. 1 of Brill’s Readers in Biblical Studies (Leiden: Brill, 1999), pp. 184-218.

William H. Willimon, Acts, in Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, series ed. James Luther Mays, New Testament ed. Paul J. Achtemeier (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010).

Resources on Paul:

Kenneth E. Bailey, Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes: Cultural Studies in 1 Corinthians  (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2011).

F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1977).

D. A. Carson, The Gagging of God: Christianity Confronts Pluralism (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996), pp. 496-501.

W. J. Conybeare and J. S. Howson, The Life, Times and Travels of St. Paul, 2 vols. in 1, unabridged American ed. (New York: E. B. Treat U Co., 1869); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=Bn1CAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 12 FEB 2013].

Adolf Deissmann, Paul: A Study in Social and Religious History, 2nd ed., trans. William E. Wilson (New York: Harper Torchbooks, n.d.).

F. W. Farrar, The Life and Work of St. Paul (New York: E. P. Dutton and Co., 1889); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=RB2KeCSM6KsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 12 FEB 2013].

Bruce N. Fisk, “Paul: Life and Letters”, in The Face of New Testament Studies: A Survey of Recent Research, ed. Scot McKnight and Grant R. Osborne (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2004), pp. 283-325.

Richard B.Gaffin, Jr., "Acts and Paul", 46 lectures (MP3 format), WTS Resources Media Center on Westminster Theological Seminary at http://wts.edu/resources/media.html?paramType=audio&filterTopic=5&filterSpeaker=10&filterYear=2005 [accessed 20 MAR 2013].

Frank J. Goodwin, A Harmony of the Life of the St. Paul According to the Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline Epistles (New York: American Tract Society, 1895); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=YgpEAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 12 FEB 2013].

Richard N. Longenecker, The Ministry And Message Of Paul (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1971).

Richard N. Longenecker, Paul, Apostle Of Liberty (New York: Harper & Row, 1964).

Richard N. Longenecker, ed., The Road From Damascus : The Impact Of Paul's Conversion On His Life, Thought, And Ministry (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997).

Richard N. Longenecker, Studies In Paul, Exegetical And Theological (Sheffield : Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2004).

J. Gresham Machen, The Origin of Paul's Religion: The James Sprunt Lectures Delivered at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1925).

Leon Morris, The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1955).

John Pollock, The Apostle: A Life of Paul, 3rd ed. (Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 1969, 2012); also published as The Man Who Shook the World (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1972; originally The Apostle: A Life of Paul, New York: Doubleday, 1969).

Stanley E. Porter, Paul in Acts, in Library of Pauline Studies, gen. ed. Stanley E. Porter (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1999; 2001 reprint of The Paul of Acts: Essays in Literary Criticism, Rhetoric and Theology, in Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament 115, by Mohr Siebeck, Tubingen).

W. M. Ramsay, The Cities of St. Paul: Their Influence on his Life and Thought (New York: A. C. Armstrong and Son; London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1908); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=JryEbmKool0C&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 13 FEB 2013].

W. M. Ramsay, Pauline and Other Studies in Early Christian History (New York: A. C. Armstrong and Son, 1906); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=-1ZJAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 13 FEB 2013].

W. M. Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveler and the Roman Citizen, 10th ed. (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1907); on Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/ramsay/paul_roman.html [accessed 13 FEB 2013].

W. M. Ramsay, The Teaching of Paul in terms of The Present Day: The Deems Lectures in New York University (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1914); on Internet Archive at http://ia600404.us.archive.org/2/items/teachingofpaulin00rams/teachingofpaulin00rams.pdf [accessed 13 FEB 2013].

A. T. Robertson, Epochs in the Life of Paul: A Study of Development in Paul's Character (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1974).

Eckhard J. Schnabel, Paul The Missionary: Realities, Strategies And Methods (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008).

Udo Schnelle, Apostle Paul: His Life and Theology, trans. M. Eugene Boring (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003; trans. from Paulus: Leben und Denken, Berlin: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co., n.d.).

Thomas R. Schreiner, Paul, Apostle of God's Glory in Christ: A Pauline Theology (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2001).

James Stalker, The Life of St. Paul, (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1885; rev. ed. 2010 by Kessinger Publishing from 1912 ed.); on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=vT0HAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 7 FEB 2013].

James Ironside Still, St. Paul on Trial (London: Student Christian Movement, 1923).

---

End Notes:

[1] This is the form of the name included in modern translations almost without exception since 1929 including the NASB, ESV, HCSB, NIV,  NLT, RSV, and the NRSV. The American Standard Version  followed the Revised Version (1881), by including “Diana” in the text with the following note, “Gr. Artemis.” (New York: Thomas Nelson & Sons, 1901, 1929), pg. 146. John Nelson Darby anticipated the modern consensus by placing “Artemis” in the text with the note, “Lat. Diana.’ The Holy Scriptures, A New Translation From The Original Languages, 3rd ed., rev. (Lancing, Sussex, UK: Kingston Bible Trust, n.d.; 1973 reprint of the 1939 Stow Hill Bible and Tract Depot ed. from the 1884 original by G. Moorish, London, 1890), pg. 1332. One noteworthy modern exception which retains the KJV rendering without annotation is The New English Bible, 2nd ed. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1961, 1970), pg. 175. The New Living Translation includes the following note: “Artemis is otherwise known as Diana.” (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1997), pg. 628, s.v. note on Acts 19:24. Other examples of modern translations with Artemis in the text: William F. Beck, in The Four Translation New Testament (World Wide Publications, Minneapolis, 1966; from The New Testament in the Language of Today, rev., St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1963), pg. 386; George M. Lamsa, The Holy Bible From Ancient Eastern Manuscripts, Containing the Old and New Testaments Translated from the Peshitta, The Authorized Bible of the Church of the East (Nashville: A. J. Holman Co., 1968), pg. 1108; James Moffatt, The New Testament, A New Translation, rev. ed. (New York: Doubleday, Doran & Co., 1922), pg. 208; and James Moffatt, A New Translation Of The Bible Containing The Old And New Testaments, rev. ed. (New York: Harper & Brothers Publishers, 1922, 1924, 1926, 1935), pg. 173;  J. B. Phillips, The New Testament in Modern English, Student Edition, rev. ed. (New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., 1955, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1972), pg. 282; Gerrit Verkuyl, The Berkeley Version of the New Testament In Modern English (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1945, 1958), pg. 145; Gerrit Verkuyl, ed.-in-chief, The Modern Language Bible, The Berkeley Version, rev. ed. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1945, 1958, 1969), pg. 149; and Charles Williams, in The Four Translation New Testament (World Wide Publications, Minneapolis, 1966; from The New Testament in the Language of the People (Chicago: Moody Press, 1963), pg. 386.

[2] The Holman Student Bible (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2007), pg. 1478, note b, s.v. Acts 19:24.

[3] Gerrit Verkuyl, The Berkeley Version of the New Testament In Modern English (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1945, 1958), pg. 145, note v, s.v. Acts 19:24.

[4] Gerrit Verkuyl, ed.-in-chief, The Modern Language Bible, The Berkeley Version, rev. ed. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1945, 1958, 1969), pg. 149, note t, s.v. Acts 19:24.

[5] Emphasis mine. W. A. Elwell, gen. ed., Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1988), pp. 622-623.

[6] The Oxford Annotated Bible, The Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version Containing The Old And New Testaments, eds. Herbert G. May and Bruce M. Metzger (New York: Oxford University Press, 1962), pg. 1345, s.v. note on Acts 19:27.

[7] Emphasis mine. Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. On Herostratus see Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herostratus [accessed 29 NOV 2014].

[8] See Elwell, op. cit., pp. 2047–2048.