Greece - In Paul's Footsteps

Are you a Priscilla or an Aquila?

May 31, 2013 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. (NIV) Acts 18:2-3

As Paul entered Corinth, he entered a wealthy, but depraved society. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. To support himself while he was there, Paul worked as a tentmaker. He met “a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.” (Acts 18:2-3). Priscilla and Aquila became honored and much-loved friends of Paul. Together with Paul, they formed the nucleus of the young church in Corinth.

Priscilla is often listed before her husband, Aquila, which indicates that perhaps she was from a higher social class than her husband. In any case Priscilla and Aquila played an important role in early Christianity. Paul referred to them as “my fellow workers in Christ Jesus” (Romans 16:3). They were workers for God not slackers. The Edict of Claudius had forced them to leave Rome but, in doing so, God placed them in a position to make an impact for Him. The 2 shared Paul’s itinerant ministry. They went to Ephesus and Rome to assist the young churches. As missionaries, they shared the Gospel wherever they went (Acts 18:18; Romans 16:3; 2 Timothy 4:19).

Priscilla and Aquila were committed to God and they devoted their lives to sharing His message. How about you? Are you sharing God’s message while you’re in the workplace? At home? At the health club? In your neighborhood? Are you coming alongside one of God’s messengers and encouraging them? Are you obediently following God wherever He may send you? Or are you “bargaining” with Him wanting your own terms? How are you being diligent with expanding God’s Kingdom? Would Paul describe you as one of his “fellow workers in Christ Jesus?” If not, ask God to clearly direct you with becoming more effective in His Kingdom.

On The Road Again

May 30, 2013 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. (NIV) Acts 18:1

Paul traveled by boat from Asia Minor to Greece arriving first at Neapolis. He then set off on foot to Philippi, then to Thessalonica and Berea, and finally to Athens. He experienced opposition in every city. . . beaten and imprisoned in Philippi. . .ejected from Thessalonica because of the turmoil that the gospel caused in the city. . . escorted out of Berea due to an agitated crowd. . .scorned and ridiculed in Athens. He stayed a short time in each city, but then broke that pattern when he traveled to Corinth where he stayed for a year and a half.

In 1 Corinthians 2:3 Paul writes that he went there “in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.” Although he was directed by God to share the gospel in Greece (Acts 16:9-10), his journey had not at all gone as he had expected. I imagine that he must have been dejected as he traveled from Athens to Corinth. Was he wondering what more could happen? Was he questioning why God had allowed matters to progress so poorly? On top of it, he was extremely concerned over the difficulties that the new Thessalonian converts were experiencing (1Thessalonians 2:17-3:5).

As he neared Corinth, he would see the acropolis which provided an almost impregnable fortress for the city, on a mountain 1,886 feet high. The city was the seaport leading out to the Aegean Sea from the Adriatic Sea and therefore, had become prosperous because of its strategic land and sea location. It was a large city. Some estimate that over 700,000 people lived there during Paul’s visit.

Corinth was known not only for its wealth, but also for its immorality. The verb “to corinthianize” meant to be sexually immoral. It was the center for worship of the goddess, Aphrodite. Her temple at 1 time boasted that it had over a 1000 sacred prostitutes.Â As Paul entered Corinth, he entered into a depraved society.

Can you relate with Paul? Do you feel like you are living in a depraved neighborhood? City? Country? Society? Don’t lose hope! God is at work around you. And He will encourage you as you step out in faith and share His message with those around you!

Gods Of Our Own Making

May 28, 2013 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. (NIV) Acts 17:16

After trouble in Berea, the Christians immediately send Paul to the coast and then on to Athens. While Paul is waiting for Silas and Timothy to join him in Athens, he becomes greatly distressed because the city is full of idols. The Greeks worshiped many gods. Diversity was tolerated within their culture. There were male and female deities, high and low gods, and temples and sacrifices. Gods like Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and sexual desire. . .Artemis, goddess of childbirth, of nature, and of the harvest. . . Hermes, the messenger of the gods and the protector of travelers, thieves, and merchants. . .Poseidon, the god of the sea. . . and Zeus, the ruler of the gods.

Before we’re too quick to judge, who are the gods in your life? Who or what do you really worship? If we were to look at your checkbook and your calendar, what gods would they reveal?

Although we may not have modern day temples dedicated to gods, we have manufactured our own gods.

Gods like the pursuit of money. . .the accumulation of possessions. . . the obsession with shopping. . . the desire to have more than your neighbors.
Gods like the pursuit of getting the next promotion. . .the accumulation of honors and recognition. . . the obsession with being the best. . . the desire to be successful.
Gods like the pursuit of finding a mate to meet all your needs . . .the accumulation of people around us to quench the loneliness. . . the obsession with trying to “fix” someone you love. . . the desire to have relationships that fill unmet needs.

Gods, or idols, are anything or anyone that replaces God Almighty as the highest priority in life. Stop and ask God to reveal to you what gods are in your life. Then run to the foot of the cross, confess them, and allow Him to have the rightful place that only He deserves in your life.

Guilty By Association

May 26, 2013 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

After leaving Philippi, Paul and Silas travel 33 miles southwest on the Via Egnatia through Amphipolis and Apollonia, on their way to Thessalonica. They were consistent as they found a synagogue and shared God’s Word with the people. Some of the Jews were persuaded as were “a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women.” (Acts 17:4).

But, other Jews became jealous. They went into the marketplace where the idle unemployed were rounded up, formed into a mob, and they stirred up a riot in the city. With these rabble-rousers, the Jews go to Jason’s house with the goal of capturing Paul and Silas to bring them before the city officials. But, the mob could not find Paul and Silas. So instead, they drag Jason and some other Christian before the officials.

The accusations: “These men (Paul and Silas) who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house.” As their host, Jason is held responsible for their actions and for their proclamation of the Gospel. Guilty by association! The crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. What did Jason do? He did not join the jealous Jews. . .or the rabble-rousing mob. He did not deny his association with Paul. . .or his faith.

The officials ordered Jason and the others to post bond for the missionaries, thus assuring them that there would be no further trouble. Because of his faith, and his association with Paul, Jason was held responsible for the “turmoil” caused by people becoming Christians. In essence, he was guilty because of association. . .guilty because of his association with Christ!

Would you be held “guilty” in the world’s eyes because of your association with Christ? Or do you look like everyone else? How does your lifestyle reflect Jesus to others? When has your life persuaded others to look closer at God?

Who are you more like – the jealous Jews? The easily influenced mob? Or Jason?

Meet You At The River!

May 24, 2013 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. 13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. (NIV) Acts 16:11-15

Paul and his team travel about 150 miles from Troas to Neapolis, the port of Philippi. The journey took them 2 days. Once they landed in Neapolis they traveled northwest, approximately 10 miles, inland to Philippi. After several days, Paul and his fellow workers go outside the city to the Gangites River. At the river they meet a number of women who had gathered for prayer. The women welcome the men and Lydia’s life changes.

Luke, the author of Acts, writes that Lydia was originally from Thyatira, a city located in western Asia Minor. She had taken up residence in Philippi. She was a businesswoman who sold purple cloth. Most likely, Lydia was a wealthy woman. “The purple dye applied to fine linen was obtained from the secretion of shellfish (mollusks) that live in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea.’Since approximately eight thousand molluscs were required to produce one gram of purple dye, purple cloth was extremely expensive.’ Purple garments were worn by emperors and by private citizens as a status symbol. . .We conclude, then, that Lydia belonged to the class of wealthy merchants and was the owner of a large house.” (Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. New Testament commentary: Exposition of the Acts of the Apostles.)

God had been preparing Lydia’s heart. She was a “God-fearer,” a Gentile that believed in the Jew’s God. When she heard Paul share the Gospel, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. God knew that Lydia was one of His children. And He knew that Paul was His messenger to share His Word with her. Lydia’s life was eternally changed!

Today, we are surrounded by people who claim to be religious or spiritual or perhaps even, “God-fearers.” God knows who needs to hear His Word. . .He knows where they are right now. . .He knows when Truth will become more than an idea to them. . .and, He knows who His messenger of the Gospel will be. Yes, God still uses ordinary people like you and me to be His missionaries, His messengers of Good News!

Are you watching for the “God-fearers” (those who are remarkably receptive to God) in your life? They may not know His Name or who salvation comes through, but they are searching for meaning and purpose in life. Please take a few moments right now to stop, to pray, and to ask God to show you who around you is searching for Him. Then, meet them at the “river” and share His hope of salvation!

Vision to Go

May 23, 2013 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (NIV) Psalm 33:11

Paul was blocked by God from moving further into the region of Phrygia and Galatia to preach the Word in the province of Asia. “So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. (Acts 16:8-12)

God closed 1 door but opened up a new opportunity. Notice Paul’s immediate obedience to God’s call. He and his companions “got ready at once.” Can you imagine the anticipation and excitement as they realize that with the new vision that they are going to. . .

** New opportunities
** New territories
** New cultures
** New places of influence
** New people who had never heard the Gospel

Their obedience and excitement should be contagious for us today. God is still at work in our world. There are millions of people who do not have a relationship with Christ. Are you willing to take His Word into the “new territories” and “different cultures” where you live? How will you be used by God in new places of influence? When will you share the Gospel with new people who have never heard of God’s love for them?

Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger

Imitators of God

June 3, 2012 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

Be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1)

Ephesus was 1 of the top cultural cities. Architecturally, the city was magnificent. Its main thoroughfare has been called “the most splendid street of the Roman Empire.” It was the home of an open-air theater seating 24,000. Ephesus was also the center for the worship of Artemis, also known as Diana, the goddess of fertility. The city housed the temple of Artemis which drew multitudes of worshipers. It also provided income for those who made the idols. The temple of Artemis, constructed of marble, was the largest building in the Greek world measuring 377 feet by 235 feet (about the size of a football field) and was 1 of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. But, interest in Artemis was not only for religious purposes. The temple fueled the economy of Ephesus through the “tourists” who visited the temple.Â People from all parts of the world deposited money in the bank of her temple.

Paul’s words to the Christians living in this wealthy pagan city ring true for us today. He challenges them to “be imitators of God” (Ephesians 5:1). They were to be Christ’s hands and feet and mouths. They were to live different lives than their neighbors. As they imitated God, others would see a life that reflected Christ.

How are you being Christ’s hands and feet in your world serving others? When do you use your mouth to speak God’s Words? How does your life look different than the life of your neighbor? How do you reflect Christ to those around you? Would others say that your lifestyle imitates Christ? How can you change your life to better imitate God? It’s never too late to become an imitator of God. Why not start today?

Ephesus

September 28, 2006 By Marji "Mike" Kruger

Ephesus (population of around 200,000) was located on the River Cayster in Asia Minor only a few miles from the coast of the Aegean Sea. Its location made it a major trade center connecting the sea routes to the west with the land routes to the east. Ephesus was the chief communication and commercial link between Rome and the East. As a melting pot of nations and ethnic groups, it also became the major commercial center and capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor.Â Ephesus was 1 of the top cultural cities. Architecturally, the city was magnificent. Its main thoroughfare has been called “the most splendid street of the Roman Empire.” It was the home of an open-air theater seating 24,000. Ephesus was also the center for the worship of Artemis, also known as Diana, the goddess of fertility. The city housed the temple of Artemis which drew multitudes of worshipers. It also provided income for those who made the idols. The temple of Artemis, constructed of marble, was the largest building in the Greek world measuring 377 feet by 235 feet (about the size of a football field) and was 1 of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. But, interest in Artemis was not only for religious purposes. The temple fueled the economy of Ephesus through the “tourists” who visited the temple.Â People from all parts of the world deposited money in the bank of her temple.The Odeion, a covered theater, held about 1500 people. It was used for concerts and for meetings of the advisory council
Ephesus Odeion

Street that runs between the Odeion and the state agora:

Ephesus street

The Prytaneion, or Town Hall, had a large central square was surrounded by a protico of columns. The executive council of Ephesus met there as well as received diginitaries there. A holy fire burned in the middle of the building which housed statues of Artemis.

Ephesus town hall