Studying in seminary brought me two great opportunities.  The first was a study tour in Israel.  The second, a study tour tracing the footsteps of Paul in Greece, impacted the way I understood the spread of the Gospel and the struggles of the early church.  Looking back in time, visiting the places where Paul and the early believers lived and worked, and seeing places mentioned in Scripture has helped me to see our own struggles as believers in a new light.  This was very apparent to me in Athens.  In Acts 17: 16-23 and following we read, "Now while Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was deeply vexed as he saw the whole city full of idols...And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects.  For, while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’  What therefore you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you...”

            Paul was a masterful preacher.  His sermon to the Athenians in the verses which follow this statement demonstrate how gifted he was in relating to people through their culture and times.  He walked through the bustling streets of the city and took note their lifestyle (v.16).  He observed their belief that the gods had limited powers and ruled over small areas of the city.  He knew that in Athens' history there had been a terrible plague six hundred years earlier.  At the time the Cretan poet Epimondes proposed that a herd of black and white sheep be let loose from the Areopagus.  Wherever the sheep would stop to rest, they would then be sacrificed to the nearest god.   If there was no known god at that place, the sheep would be sacrificed to “The Unknown God”.  It was believed that this would appease all the gods and the plague would then stop.  Paul not only used this piece of history as his starting point in presenting the Gospel, but he also quotes Epimonides in his presentation (v.28).

            Paul expertly moves his message from pagan belief to monotheism by emphasizing that God (the Unknown God to them) is not the one who is "made" as some of the Athenian gods were, but The One who made everything (v. 24-25).  He states to his audience that it is God who guides history (v. 26) and that men who seek God will find His fullest expression in Jesus (v. 27, 31).  However although the Athenians had decorated their illustrious city with wonderful architecture like the Parthenon and the Areopagus, they were not interested in decorating their hearts with the Truth (v.32).

            Athens was a city known for its intellectual prowess.  Philosophers spent hours teaching their students about the “spirit world” which was in their opinion far better than physical matter.  The Epicureans sought pleasures; the Stoics a sense of duty and right (v.18).  While ideas and ideologies abounded, Greek philosophy did not have room for this curious Jewish man who spoke of a bodily resurrection (v.32), even though they were intrigued by it (vv. 19-21).  In the end it appears that Paul had little success in Athens.  Acts 17:33 records that “he went out of their midst”.  However some did believe and in spite of the fact that the majority of the council rejected his message, Dionysius the Areopagite, one of the council members accepted it, along with Damarias, who also must have shared a high status in Athens since her name is specifically made known to us (v.34).

            The Gospel will always have three responses from those who hear it.  Some will reject it.  Some will resist it.  And some will receive it.  The outcome did not change Paul’s sense of mission to share the Gospel, nor his methods of presenting the Gospel message.  He continued to go to the synagogues and reason with the “God-fearers” (v.17).  He continued to set up shop in the market place and preach (v. 17).  By the end of his life and through the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul had changed the course of the civilized world.  We may not walk on exactly the same path as Paul.  But we have the same resources he did.  We are also actively engaged in our culture whether we realize it or not.  There are holidays and events we commemorate.  We deal with non-believers in our workplaces.  We encounter people with opposing opinions and beliefs in many aspects of our lives.  These relationships and arenas are very similar to the ones Paul operated in.  And in each instance there were mixed reactions to his message.  We can expect the same reactions.  But we should never stop sharing the Gospel.  And by God’s grace there may be a Dionysius or Damarias listening when we do.

Ann LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

    My study tour tracing the footsteps of Paul in Greece impacted the way I understood the spread of the Gospel and the struggles of the early church.  Although there is a great gap in time between believers today and those of Paul's day, there are many similarities in the struggles we face, especially when it comes to understanding what God's Word is saying to us and how we should apply it to our own lives.  Standing in the places where Paul stood gives one the ability to personalize the life of Paul.  It is both challenging and inspiring.  Take for example Paul's experience in Borea.  After a rather harrowing experience in Thessalonica, the believers there send Paula and Silas off to Borea under the cover of night.  Luke notes in Acts 17:10-12 that when Paul and Silas enter the synagogue there they are received in a more respectful manner, "Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.  Many of them therefore believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men".

     Borea is only 60 miles west of Thessalonica.  Today there is only one thing that remains there from Paul's day, the steps which led to the bema seat.  The bema seat was a platform where judgments and rewards in legal matters and athletic competitions were given out.  It is believed that Paul spoke from this spot as well.  The steps now reside in a large monument erected to honor Paul and the Boreans who listened intently and checked out his proclamation diligently.  It is important to understand the role the Scriptures play here.  They not only were the basis for Paul's preaching, they were also the key to the Boreans' belief.  The claims Paul made were affirmed by the Scriptures themselves.  It could be said that Paul's claims were not his own, but actually those of Scripture.

     What objections would these honorable Borean scholars have with Paul's claims?  The Jews of Paul's day would be certain that Jesus could not have been the Messiah because He was crucified.  To them a crucified man was equal to being cursed by God.  In response to this Paul probably introduced passages like Isaiah 53 to his audience.  Through Isaiah's words they could se how Jesus' death had fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah and their search was rewarded with faith.  It is interesting to note that Paul didn't use a fancy program or the art and literature of his day to explain or "update" the message of Scripture.  He took the Scripture as it was and look at the impact!  Not only did those noble-minded Jews believe, but Luke also notes that prominent Greeks also believed.  Those little steps in Borea stand as a testimony to the power of God's Word.

     Paul was also true to his convictions.  Instead of going into hiding in Borea, we find Paul in the local synagogue eager to preset the Gospel once again.  In these actions we see Paul's confession of Romans 1:16 in full bloom, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (NAS).  His first concern was always to bring the Gospel to the Jews, so at every stop on his missionary journey you will find Paul in the synagogue doing what any rabbi does best, studying and teaching the tenets of Scripture.  But he did not forget or shun the Gentiles.  Whether they were "God-fearers" who attended the synagogue or folks doing business in the market place, Paul never failed to share the Gospel with them as well.  Paul also invited those who heard the Gospel to dialogue with him and God's Word.  He wasn't afraid of a little digging or thoughtful questions.  He wanted people to find the answers themselves for in that way they would truly know what and Whom they believed in.

     Paul has a boldness that is rare.  Nothing stopped him.  When I visited Borea and stood at those ancient steps where Paul once argued in the defense of the Crucified Savior, I was in awe of his fortitude and painfully aware of my own timidity.  I know Paul was  a man with faults like everyone else.  But in his own way Paul was one-of-a-kind, a unique man with a boldness that God used to reach a broad spectrum of people.  However, God sees me no differently than Paul.  He has given me my own uniqueness and in His hands, I too can effect change in another's life.  Like Paul, I do not need to rely on my own strength, but that of the Scriptures.  They speak for themselves.  And who knows, when I am bold enough to proclaim the Gospel to others through God's Word, I may actually meet some modern day Boreans and see them come to faith.

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

     The ancient city of Philippi was located on the Via Egnatia, an ancient trade and military highway that stretched across the Roman Empire.  Paul arrived in Philippi on his second missionary trip some time between A. D. 49 and 50 (Acts 16:11-40).  He was accompanied by Timothy, Silas, and Luke.  He came to a bustling city that boasted a market place, an amphitheater and a dome shaped acropolis.  Paul had not originally planned to go to the Macedonian region, but a vision from the Lord directed him there.  He was not disappointed by the redirection of his trip for the church in Philippi became his most faithful friend, even to the end of his life.  And it all began thanks to one woman- Lydia.

     For Lydia, "a seller of purple fabric", this was the ideal place to live.  Not only did the Via Egnatia run right through Philippi's market, its port was relatively close too; an ideal location for a businesswoman such as Lydia.  Like many of the women we read about in the Bible, we don't know much about Lydia's background or how she became wealthy.  It's unlikely that she came into her money and business by the death of her husband since Roman law only allowed a widow to collect 10% of her husband's wealth.  Women were entitled to inherit more from their fathers, but there is nothing in the Acts passage to indicate that Lydia received her money any other way than by earning it herself.  Many times a person in a trade such as this was a freed slave, who continued to work for their former master by becoming an agent or manager of the master's business.  But again, there is nothing that points to Lydia and says this was her story.  All we know is that she was wealthy enough to own her own business and maintain a household with servants.

     What we do know about Lydia is that she was a "worshipper of God".  This description was used of Gentile people who attended services and took part in reciting prayers but did not adhere to the "rules" of Pharisaic Judaism.  Paul meets Lydia at an informal meeting place where she and several other people have gathered for prayer on the Sabbath.  It was customary to have a visiting rabbi speak during a gathering such as this, so an invitation is given to Paul and he presents the Gospel.  And Lydia responds.  She is the first European non-Jewish convert to Christianity (Cornelius was the first Gentile convert but he lived in Joppa, Israel).  The interesting thing about her response is that it very Jewish!  She extends the same hospitality to Paul and his fellow travelers that a Bedouin like Abraham would give to a fellow traveler in the desert.  Lydia's generosity becomes the seed which grows into the church of Philippi, one of Paul's favorite places (see Philippians 1:1-8).

     Lydia has two prominent characteristics- heart and hospitality.  She has a heart for fellowship and prayer (Acts 16:13), an open heart to receive the Gospel message (Acts 16:14) and a devoted heart demonstrated in her baptism (Acts 16:15).  Hospitality is demonstrated in her immediate offer to house Paul and his friends.  When Paul described Christian character in Rom. 12:13, he said that the Christian should be "given to hospitality".  When Peter urged Christian duty among his converts he told them, "Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another" (1 Pet. 4:9).  Lydia's hospitality was a result of her heart for the Lord.

     I have to say something about hospitality, just to clarify a misconception about this attribute.  Some say hospitality is a gift- a spiritual gift.  I counted six verses in my concordance concerning this word, and none of them spoke of hospitality as a gift.  Four out of the six verses were commands to practice hospitality.  What does the word practice imply?  We have to do that which is being spoken of over and over again.  Not so we get it down pat, but that we get better and better at it and it comes to us naturally.  Michael Jordan, one of basketball's greatest athletes, still practiced his jump shot 2 to 3 hours a day at the top of his game.  It kept his skill sharp.  Hospitality is to be practiced the same way.  My friend JoAnn (who lives in Saint Louis) claims she is domestically challenged, especially in the kitchen.  Though she says she can't really cook, she has served me some pretty good meals!  JoAnn says she has four recipes which she has practiced over and over again and those are the ones she serves to guests.  It may be a rather humorous way to approach the art of being a hostess, but it is a great example of how practicing hospitality is to be a part of our Christian walk.  You don't have to become a master of it, but you do have to practice it.  And truthfully, I think those who practice hospitality, like Lydia did and JoAnn does, reveal what's truly in their heart.  So...start practicing!

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/annhlefevre;
https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre
    

     Have you ever wondered what some of the early churches' websites might have looked like on the internet today?  What kind of mission statements would they have?  What would snapshots of their worship time look like?  What would they list as their statement of belief?  How would their "church history" read?  Some of them, like the church at Corinth, might read like the latest episode of one of TV's top reality shows.  But I know one church that would look very attractive.  It's one of the early churches that we have a rather complete picture of as well- the church at Philippi (Acts 16).

     How's this for an imaginary webpage?  Welcome to the Church at Philippi- where the breadth of the Gospel lives!  Our history:  we began as a small gathering of believers who met by the Krenides River to pray.  Our fellowship grew tremendously after a traveling evangelist named Paul and his entourage arrived.  We then moved to the home of Lydia the Dye-Maker for weekly study and prayer.  No matter what walk of life you find yourself in- from slave to civil servant to wealthy business owner, you are welcome to join us!  Our statement of faith:  We strive to have the same attitude as Christ, who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as a thing to be held tightly and instead emptied Himself of that quality and took on the likeness of humankind.  As a man He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death; dying for all of us on a cross.  We believe that for His faithfulness to God the Father, God has now highly exalted Him so that when the Name of Jesus is spoken every knee, in every place, will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father!  (Phil. 2:5-11).  Our Ministries:  We are actively proclaiming the Gospel in the Forum and market place and also have a vibrant prison ministry.  We believe everyone, male and female, is called to serve in the cause of the Gospel.  See our ministry leaders Epaphroditus, Clement, Euodia or Syntyche for further details (Phil. 2:25-30; 4:2-3) or join us for our weekly gathering at Lydia's place on the Via Egnatia (Acts 16:15. 40).  (If you're interested in seeing pictures of ancient Philippi, check out http://www.bibleplaces.com/philippi/).

     In its earliest days of the church, the community of believers was basically comprised of Jews who'd come to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.  As devout Jews they continued their association with the Temple and the practice of Jewish prayer.  But that changed when persecution in Jerusalem moved these believers out of the Temple and as the Gospel spread throughout the Roman Empire, its outreach came to include Gentiles.  We can see in passages such as Acts 2:42; 5:42; 11:26 and 13:1 that the first generation believers gathered to remember and discuss Jesus' sayings as well as to reflect on the Scriptures and what they meant in light of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus (Lk. 24:25-27; 44-45; Acts 8:32; 17:2-3, 11).  Prayer played an important role in these gatherings too with the Lord's prayer holding a prominent place (Mt. 6:9-13; Lk. 11:2-4).  Matthew's version is found in one of the earliest church writings we have called The Didache (teachings).  Expressions like "Father", "Maranatha" and "Amen" were part of formalized prayer (Rom. 8:15; 1 Cor. 14:16; Gal. 4:6).  Besides fixed forms of prayer, rites such as baptism and community building activities such as breaking bread together served to define the fledgling church as an entity in the world they lived in.  Against incredible odds due to cultural pressure, the church grew just as Jesus said it would (Mt. 16:17-18).

     The church at Philippi is a great example of how the early believers drew from their culture and interacted with it.  For example while many purport that there is a (shall we say) pecking order of sorts within the church (men, women, then children), Scripture and early church writings prove otherwise.  Even within the Roman culture women were able to attain positions of prominence and authority.  While it's true a higher social status for women was not as  common then as it is today, it was more common than some are willing to admit!  Women in Philippi were responsible for the initial gathering of believers (Acts 16:13), spreading the Gospel (Phil. 4:2-3) and for providing a home where the believers could meet to hear Paul teach (Acts 16:15, 40).

     The benchmark of the Philippian church was its attitude of love.  It was demonstrated in a number of ways, but most significantly in the sacrificial gift they sent to minister to Paul while he was imprisoned in Ephesus (Phil. 1:8-9; 4:10-19).  How are you participating in the ministry (ministries) of your church?  Does you church have an attitude of love like that of the Philippian church when it comes to supporting those who proclaim the Gospel?  Does your congregation illustrate the breadth of the Gospel and welcome people from a wide variety of backgrounds?  If so great!  If not, what is the Lord asking you to do to change it (Phil. 1:3-6; 2:12-16; 8:17; 4:4-9)?

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https:www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

     On June 29, 2013 i set out on what I expected to be an uneventful trip to Michigan to meet my (then) newest grandson, Micah Christopher LeFevre.  But at 150 miles into the trip, while passing a slow moving truck in the center lane, I heard a loud POP and I knew immediately that I'd just gotten a flat!  I quickly pulled over on to the shoulder and while my mind was racing as to what to do next, I noticed that someone else had pulled over ahead of me.  As I stepped out of the car to assess the damage (and boy was that shredded tire a shock!), a kind gentleman came up to offer assistance.  First order of business: move the car from the left shoulder to the right shoulder!  Oh dear!  That was going to be tricky!!  But we managed to do it and then decided AAA was the best "call" to make.  Three and 1/2 hours later I was on my way again thanks to a tow truck/auto shop owner who had my tires in stock (coincidence?) and noticed that a second tire was about to give out too.

     As I sat in the air conditioned waiting room and thought about what had just happened, I realized in a modern sense that I'd been visited by "angels"; not the winged and awesome kind that gather about God's throne to praise Him (Is. 6:1-3) but the human kind whose hearts are geared toward helping people in distress.  And I'd like to say that the rest of the trip was uneventful and worry-free but it wasn't!  Just after crossing over the Pennsylvania/Ohio border, the speedometer decided it had lived a long and productive life and died.  Four days later, the battery did the same.  Poor Jeff, every time I called home I could hear the unspoken question, "What broke now?"  This was definitely NOT the trip I'd planned!  But, I eventually arrived in Michigan.

     Once settled in at my son's house after the tire fiasco, I was reminded of Paul's second missionary journey.  Instead of heading east into the regions of Bythnia and Pontus, God redirected him on a westward route to Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10).  I thought about Paul's original intention to go to Asia Minor.  Had he reached it at that time we may never have had several New Testament letters that Paul wrote to churches he planted on that re-routed trip (Philippians and 1st and 2nd Thessalonians) or Luke's account of the detour in Acts 16.  I started to wonder what had occurred that day in June of 2013 which wouldn't have happened otherwise: a 30 minute time of praise and prayer while waiting for the tow truck, being able to speak a blessing into the lives of two helpful strangers, and even the enjoyment of a beautiful sunset since a broken speedometer tends to insure you keep the speed limit!

     But more recently I've been impressed with another aspect of Paul's travels.  Paul was incredibly attuned to God's travel plans.  Yes, he had his own ideas of where to go, who to preach to, and areas that needed to hear the Gospel.  But when obstacles arose, Paul figured it to mean there was another path the Lord wanted him to take and he had no problem adjusting his itinerary.  Even more impressive is the participation of the Holy Spirit in these plans (also referred to as the "Spirit of Jesus", Jn. 14:26).  While it's not explicit in the text, it appears that Paul expects the Spirit to have input so much so that when he sees a man in a vision pleading with him to come to Macedonia, Paul determines this is the way the Holy Spirit is having a say as to where the missionaries should travel next.  So off they go to Macedonia!  Many scholars look at this passage and determine that the road blocks which prevented Paul and his companions passage to Asia Minor not once, but twice, were most likely VERY disheartening.  Their expectations to preach in cities like Nicea and Byzantium were probably quite high.  Instead they find themselves traveling through the wild backwoods of Mysia over the coast and down into Troas.  It would have been logical for Paul to conclude that Troas was his final destination.  It was a significant harbor and had a sizable population.  But once again, the Lord reveals to Paul the journey has not come to its final resting place.  However, I don't see disappointment over this latest revelation.  In fact I look at Paul's response to his vision and see a renewed vigor and enthusiasm.  Paul can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do and where He is going to do it.

     How excited do we get when our plans are delayed, detoured or even brought to a complete halt?  Most of us complain, get angry or accuse the Lord of "punishing" us when the goals or destinations we've set for ourselves don't come to pass.  But what if those delays, detours, or dead ends are just the Spirit's way of telling us we're heading in the wrong direction?  Are we willing to stop and listen to what He might be saying?  If we open our eyes to see where we CAN go, instead of where we can't what kind of conclusion will we reach?  I may not have planned to have the kind of trip I took to Michigan back in 2013 just like Paul may not have planned to go to Macedonia.  But each of us realized a blessing from the Lord that we may never have had if we'd disregarded how the Lord WAS working.  So the question I have for you now is, "Where is the Lord at work in your travel plans?" He was at work in mine.  He was at work in Paul's and He's at work in yours.  Can you see it?

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre
https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

     Our tour group clustered together in the lobby of the hotel.  We'd barely had enough time to drop off our bags in our rooms but we were excited to be heading out into the city of Thessalonica to see the first Biblical site of our "In the Footsteps of Paul" tour.  We shuffled along the modern streets until we arrived at the edge of the archaeological dig in the center of a commercial neighborhood.  We were not expecting to see what we saw.  The small area which had been uncovered showed the partial remains of the ancient agora and it looked more like a construction site than an archaeological dig.  To make matters even more humorous there was a log cabin at the center of the the pit, presumably for those who were directing the excavation but we never did find out for certain why it was there.  It was an odd start to say the least, but it did have an impact on us when we realized we were standing in a place which played a crucial part in Paul's ministry and the spread of the Gospel.
     Thessalonica was the capitol of the Macedonian province and had a population of more than 200,000 people.  It was situated on one of the most prominent Roman highways, the Via Egnatia, linking the Adriatic Sea to the Middle East.  Luke links it to two other prominent cities in the region, Amphipolis and Apollonia.  While the mention of these names seem of no consequence to us, Luke is actually covering a three-day's journey in one brief sentence!  Unlike several other Macedonian cities on the Via Egnatia which were military towns, Thessalonica was a freed city, a privilege granted to them in 42 B. C.  Among its large Roman and Jewish population, one could find numerous religions represented by temples to Roman gods, a Jewish synagogue, and oriental cults all jostling for devotees and their offerings.
     Paul came to Thessalonica after a successful ministry in Philippi and as it was his custom he headed to the synagogue to share the Good News (Acts 17:1-9).  For three weeks Paul engaged in evangelism and taught at the synagogue.  The words Luke uses to describe this activity are those of the highest form of Greek rhetoric.  Paul was no light-weight when it came to expository evangelism.  The Scriptures were always central to his arguments that Jesus was the Messiah.  The Gospel was received by a wide spectrum of people in Thessalonica as it was in Philippi- Jews, God-fearing Gentiles and some of the city's prominent women (vv. 2-4).  But jealousy reared its ugly head among some of the non-believing Jews who stirred up a crowd of reprobates in the market place and attacked the home of a man named Jason in search of Paul and Silas.  The believers were accused of treason (much like Jesus was in Lk. 23:3-4 and Jn. 19:12, 15) and to secure that there would be no further trouble, Jason (whom we presume to be a well-known leader in the synagogue) and the others are ordered to make a pledge (that is a financial contribution to the town coffers!) to keep peace (vv.5-9).  Paul is then whisked away under the cover of night and his ministry in Thessalonica comes quickly to an end (Acts 17:10).
     It is obvious that Paul developed a great deal of affection for the church he established in Thessalonica (1 Thes. 2:7-8).  From a ministry standpoint his stay there had been too short and his desire was to further instruct these new converts concerning godly living in a culture that was at best antagonistic toward their faith, and at worst violently opposed to it.  Since Paul moved on to Corinth (and it appears he is unable to return for the time being according to 1 Thes. 2:17-18), he took up a correspondence course to continue his teaching with them which is now available to us in the Bible books of 1st and 2nd Thessalonians.
     When I look at the picture I took of the ancient agora in modern Thessalonica I try to imagine what it must have felt like for those early believers to receive those letters from their teacher Paul.  My trip to Greece was the result of one dedicated Greek teacher, Dr. Shelly, so it's not really that hard for me to imagine the love between Paul and the Thessalonians since I've experienced it myself.  That relationship with Dr. Shelly underscored how important those letters were since Paul's physical ministry in Thessalonica lasted only three weeks (as opposed to Dr. Shelly's class which lasted for a semester and resulted in the Footsteps of Paul trip).  I rather doubt those early believers would have had any inkling that the encouraging letters Paul wrote to them would encourage other believers thousands of years later but I'm thankful they have.  It reminds me that I can do the same- and so can you.  Send an encouraging word this week to someone you know who needs it.  And when you do, why not close that note with some of Paul's words to the Thessalonians, "May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.  May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it (1 Thes. 5:23-24).

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann_h_lefevre

     Greetings Miriam!  It is your cousin Barsabbas writing to you from Antioch.  My trade has brought me to this city and while here I have made the most wonderful discovery!  A man named Paul has been teaching from the Scriptures concerning a man named Jesus.  Oh, but He was more than a man; He was the Messiah.  This man Paul has related testimony after testimony of His saving grace and I have embraced every word.  I know this will delight you as you have already believed in Jesus as the Messiah.  I am learning so much but there has been some trouble recently as men from Judea have come in with a different message and we are so concerned about their thoughts a decision has been made for myself and Silas to travel to Jerusalem with Paul and his co-worker Barnabas for some guidance.  I will let you know what takes place there.  I hope all will work out for God's glory.  Your faithful cousin, B.
    We often read through the Book of Acts at such a rapid pace we don't realize some of the ground-breaking events that are taking place there.  In Acts 15 there are two important pieces that are easy to miss in this day and age.  The first is the shift in leadership.  While the apostles are still the predominant authority due to the fact that they had been "trained" by Jesus Himself, Paul and his fellow missionaries begin to emerge as leaders in the church too.  The second shift is that Jerusalem as a base for this new movement is expanding (so to speak) its territory.  Antioch is emerging as another hub in the wheel of faith but unlike Jerusalem, the predominant make-up of this city is Gentile and not Jewish, raising a very important issue in the minds of the early believers.  The question at hand is, "Do Gentiles have to convert to Judaism in order to become Christians?"  To the 21st century believer this is hardly a second thought but for those in the 1st century it was epic.  It is not surprising then that this issue is going to be a struggle for some and disagreements are going to spring up because of it.  While we may not struggle with this question today, there are principles we can learn from those early Christians that will help us through some of the 21st century disagreements that might arise in our church today- especially between individuals.
     For the most part the relationship between Jew and Gentile in the Antioch church had been harmonious.  But the "traditionalists", a. k. a. the Judiaizers, felt that faith was based on a covenant relationship with God and the primary covenant that was in effect was the Mosaic Covenant.  This argument has been made between God and the Jews (Israel).  Circumcision was the "sign" of that covenant.  It was an outward symbol of an inward bond.  All Jews (if they were males) were circumcised on the 8th day after their birth.  But Gentiles believers were not circumcised.  Their faith was expressed in a complete change of lifestyle, often at a great loss of income and cultural connection.  The Judiaizers wanted the Gentiles to take on the outward symbol and "become Jews" in order to be part of the church which they recognized as a continuation of God's dealings with the people of Israel.  The Gentiles did not see that as necessary.  A rift of doubt threatened to tear the congregation in Antioch apart.  But before the disagreement could escalate, calmer heads prevailed and a decision was made.
     There were 5 phases in seeking an answer to this debate and the decision that settled it.  First, the believers looked to their "local" leaders for guidance but when there was no resolution there, they went further and asked the apostles in Jerusalem for their guidance as well (Acts 15:1-6).  Secondly, they looked at how God had worked in the past through the promises He had made and applied their findings to the current situation (vv. 7-12).  Thirdly, they went to God's Word (vv. 13-19) to find principles that would apply to everyone involved (vv. 20-21).  Fourth, they agreed upon a course of action and then followed through by doing it (vv. 22-30).  Once an agreement was reached by studying God's Word, they sent a letter to the churches which recorded the agreement and attributed the agreeable outcome to the Holy Spirit (v. 28).  Lastly, the outcome of this decision is recorded in vv. 31-34.  The believers rejoiced, continued to learn from Paul and Barnabas, and as a result the church grew.
     The opening paragraph of this recitation may be fictional but I like to think that Barsabbas and Silas were both honored to be a part of the entourage that traveled to Jerusalem to hear the ruling from the apostles and pleased with the outcome when a general principle was found that everyone could live by.  Disagreements are going to arise in our churches too.  It's inevitable because no two humans are exactly alike.  But if we keep Christ central to our decisions and truly look for answers in God's Word, we will always find a solution that is best for all parties concerned.  It takes commitment and humility to do so (Phil. 2:1-7).  Thanks to the Holy Spirit dwelling in every believer, it can be done (Eph. 1:13-14; 2 Tim. 1:13-14).

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://lindedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

     When I was in Greece in 2005 we road through the countryside by bus but the pilgrims in Paul's day would come through the Gkoina Mountains to Delphi on foot to walk along the Sacred Way.  Their destination was the Temple of Apollo, built on the side of one mountain and overlooking a beautiful valley below.  In its chambers the Oracle of Delphi held court.  The prophetess would begin her ritual by drinking from the Castalian Spring to obtain the gift of prophecy from Apollo and then proceed to the temple crypt where she inhaled fumes of burning laurel leaves and barley meal.  After the ingestion of the spring's (most likely drug infused) waters and the intoxicating fumes of the  laurel and barley she would then take her place on her famous tripod (stool) and enter into a trance.  It was believed that as she babbled and convulsed, Apollo's wisdom would be given to those seeking answers to their questions (but only to those who paid dues to the treasury of course!).  The seekers never seemed to question that most of the time her messages were ambiguous and noncommittal, sometimes even incomprehensible.  But her influence and "wisdom" was continually sought after until A. D. 393 when the emperor Theodosius rose to power in the Byzantine Empire and abolished the Oracle and other pagan cult practices.
     The history of the Oracle at Delphi has the feel of an old fairy tale, but in reality it is much darker.  The Oracle's famous symbol was that of a snake, Pythia by name, and it traced back to Greek mythology and underworld deities.  However, this pagan cult reached far beyond the borders of Delphi.  When Paul was in Philippi, he encountered a slave girl whose psychic powers were connected to Pythia (this is not obvious in our English translations but it is in the Greek) and the Oracle of Delphi (Acts 16:16-24).  The encounter seems brief but underscored with all the intensity of an Alfred Hitchcock thriller.  Apollo's Temple has only a few columns standing and the glorious treasuries that once lined the Sacred Way are remembered by only a few stones.  But Delphi was anything but harmless in its heyday.  Even the church, especially the believers in nearby Corinth, struggled with its influence upon worship and the understanding of God's wisdom.  Yet Paul confidently wrote that though the world may consider the Gospel to be foolish, it held the power to release men from evil (1 Cor. 1:18-25) endow them with true wisdom.  And in God's power Paul healed the slave girl with the python spirit.
     The ancient voices of Delphi claimed they held the answer for those seeking wisdom.  They claimed they had the power to reveal the destinies of the great and small.  But their wisdom was costly, not just in the monetary sense as the treasuries and offerings testify, but down to the seekers' very souls.  Those voices still cry out today and people are still eager to listen to them.  From stock market and financial gurus, exercise and fitness experts, to doctors, analysts, and spiritual leaders, and everything in between people are seeking solutions to the questions they face in the course of life.  More often than not they come to realize these sources do not offer the long term peace or wisdom they actually seek.  Even believers can get sucked into thinking these worldly "wisdom-givers" have solutions to the questions life brings their way.
     Are these sources really the place where we should be seeking wisdom?  And is this truly the wisdom we should seek?  Paul considered our source of wisdom to be different.  He wrote, "And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.  For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling.  And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom; but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God."  (1 Cor. 2:1-5)
     Although there are many voices today proclaiming to offer wisdom, the believer must turn his or her ear to Christ.  While others seek answers from conventional sources, believers find their answers in Christ, the most unconventional source of all in the eyes of the world.  Some people still seek other worldly signs for direction, and some people will insist  on relying on the knowledge of the experts, but for the believer there is only One source of true wisdom and guidance, and that is Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:26-31).

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

            I have met two people in the last month who are convinced they’ve met me somewhere else.  I do not remember meeting them (sorry!) but they are positive they have seen me before and we’ve held conversations.  Now, it’s true my memory is not what it used to be, but I’m fairly certain I’d remember meeting and holding a conversation with someone to the extent they are claiming we’ve talked!  I think I have a familiar kind of face.  It’s not a show stopper, but it’s not unpleasant so perhaps they are confusing me with someone else.  It’s easy to get faces and people mixed up especially when it’s just a casual encounter.  But that was not the case for Paul and Barnabas when they entered the small city of Lystra in Acts 14:8-18.

            When Paul and Barnabas arrived in Lystra they immediately went to work proclaiming the Gospel.  Even though they had just barely escaped a plot against them in Iconium, it did not stop them from heading 20 miles east to continue the ministry God had given them.  While he is preaching Paul locks eyes with a man who has been crippled from birth.  An attentive listener/reader will recall a similar event in the ministry of Peter (Acts 3:2-10; 9:32-35).  The difference here is that no words are exchanged.  Paul looks at the man and tells him to “Stand up on your feet!”  Once again the healing of someone is attached to the proclamation of the Gospel.  In Old Testament times a miracle was confirmation that God was at work in the midst of the people.  It is no different here.  The power of the Holy Spirit is clearly working through Paul demonstrating that God is present in this healing.  However, instead of a Jewish crowd which would naturally see the connection, this crowd is predominantly Gentile and this fact will put Paul and Barnabas into an unusual and uncomfortable situation.

            The town I live in has a restaurant called the Tom X Inn.  Its origins are documented by three local tales: 1) it was established by an unidentified settler who was killed by Indians, 2) it was a brothel, hence the X in its name, and 3) it is widely believed to have been established by Tom Mix, a famous cowboy and silent film star who owned and operated a Dude Ranch on this location.  Some say it is even older than that and connect it to the Underground Railroad.  Of course with a murky history like that there are also ghost stories attached to the building.  Paul and Barnabas encountered a reaction to the lame man’s healing that was thoroughly entrenched in local history but at first they were unaware of what was taking place due to the fact that the crowd was responding in their local dialect (v.11).  The Lystians believed that the gods Zeus and Hermes had once visited them in human form but they were ignored and disrespected at first.  Finally an elderly peasant couple offered them hospitality.  As a reward when a massive flood hit the area, the couple was spared while their neighbors perished and their humble home was converted into a gilded temple in honor of Zeus and Hermes.  When they died Philemon and Baucis (as they were known by) were turned into lofty trees.  This myth was ingrained in the minds of those who lived in Lystra and they didn’t want to make the same mistake again.  It was obvious there was some divine attributes bestowed upon these two men so the first order of business was to prepare a sacrifice and pay them homage.  The priest of Zeus was called in to orchestrate the proceedings (Acts 14:11-13).

            When Paul and Barnabas realize what is taking place they are horrified.  They rush into the crowd “tearing their garments” to express extreme distress and try to set the record straight.  They point out two important facts.  First they are human (v. 15) and the good things the Lystrians experience are from God above and no other source (v. 17).  They barely convince the people but they manage to ward off the sacrificial ceremony (v. 18).  It is the first sermon in Acts to a purely pagan, polytheistic crowd.  Paul begins by contrasting “these worthless things” (pagan gods such as Zeus and Hermes) to “the living God” who is the Creator of all they enjoy (vv. 11-17).  We can learn a lot from this approach.  While Paul acknowledges the futility of their pagan beliefs, he also finds a common point from which to begin his Gospel message within it- everything has a beginning.  Paul and Barnabas attributed that beginning to the Living God, the true God the Lystrians had “missed”. 

            People today are just as confused about the Living God as the Lystrians were.  They know about Jesus, but they have a number of ways to identify Him that are incorrect of incomplete.  He is a misguided but nice guy, a great teacher or prophet, a god among many gods.  It is up to us to actually take and use those incorrect or false assumptions as a starting point to introduce them to the truth through God’s Word.  For Paul the correction began with a respectful question, “Men, why are you doing this?  We can do the same by simply asking “Why do you believe that?” and let the conversation flow from there.  Are you ready to dissolve someone’s confusion?  Listen to them and then open their eyes to the Truth (Col. 1:28; 2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Pet. 2:9).

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre