Lesson 396

(Lesson 396)(09-14-12) Acts 19:8-12, "And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them."

This lesson again reminds us of the struggles that were prevalent in the spreading of the early Church. Note that Paul had preached to the same group for three months then because of Jewish dissenters in the group, left them.

The text says, "But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus."

Paul "separated the disciples" and gathered together those from among them who believed. Even then, there were those who obviously and for whatever reason, caused trouble among them. The text says Paul and the group were, "disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus."

We should all remember that those who made up the early Church did not have all of God's word, the bible, neatly written with it's intent neatly ordered so as to make it easily understandable such as we do today. They had only those divinely inspired teachers, Paul and the others, who like them were human and fallible, just like you and I.

The gospel of Jesus Christ was dependent upon the memories and Christian intent of those who heard it then passed it on. As is recorded, there were some who took the gospel message and properly applied it vastly spreading the knowledge of God's saving grace. Then, on the other hand, there were those who took the gospel message and distorted it using it for their own personal gain, or agenda.

Understanding the struggles of the early Church helps us better understand the challenges we face, today, as we attempt to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

This lesson also tells of the many miracles performed through Paul as he preached God's word.~