Saying Goodbye for the Sake of the Gospel (Acts 18:18-23)

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11/22/20
Rev. Clint Smith
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Saying Goodbye for the Sake of the Gospel – Acts 18:18-23

Paul established deep bonds with his fellow brothers and sisters in Corinth. Although the Church at Corinth had many problems, Paul loved them and offered godly, corrective instruction to them. See 1 & 2 Corinthians.

God allowed Paul and his team to see many Jews and Gentiles come to Christ in Corinth. This coming together forced people from different backgrounds to be transformed into ONE body. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)

Paul attempted to deal with the false accusations brought against him in Corinth by remaining with the believers and lovingly instructing them in the way of God.

Paul made a vow to God. By shaving his head, he affirmed that he had completed his vow. This is called a Nazarite Vow. Paul was a man on mission.
What is the Nazarite vow?

Paul said goodbye to the Church at Corinth and set his attention to do the feast in Jerusalem.

Paul arrived in Ephesus on his way to Jerusalem. He reasoned with the Jews in the synagogue. He shared the gospel of Jesus with them.

The Jews in Ephesus wanted Paul to stay with them longer. Paul said goodbye, because his priority at this point was to do the Hebrew Festival in Jerusalem.

Paul arrived in Caesarea and greeted the Church in Antioch. He stayed with them briefly before saying goodbye and heading to edify the Church in Galatia and Phrygia.

Today our Bibles contain the words God gave Paul to write to his fellow believers he encountered throughout his missionary journeys. We have a record of God’s love.