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Home , Acts 16, Eutychus

CHARACTERS MENTIONED IN THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE LESSON- SERMON* December 12, 2004

Prepared by C. Norman Wood, Burke, VA, 703-898-8818, [email protected] for CSDirectory.com

SUBJECT: God the Preserver of Man

SECTION II: Saul on the Road to Damascus; Ananias’ Vision; Saul in Damascus (: 1-6, 8-11 [to :], 17,18,20)

Saul /Paul

TIME LINE: @20-68 CE

Benjamin ⇓ Father (a Pharisee)=Mother (unknown) Saul (Paul) (Sister) (Nephew)

Paul, whose original name was Saul, was born a Roman citizen, although a Jew, in Tarsus, an important city of . He was a tentmaker. All the influences about him from the beginning—Jewish, Greek, Roman—contributed, apart from any consciousness or intention on his part to fit him for the work of his life.

His Conversion. As a young man, he sought out and persecuted . The conversion of Saul is regarded as a miraculous event.

Near Damascus Saw a Great Light Saul Was Blinded ’s Rebuke Saul’s Reply Was Led to Damascus Fasted and Prayed On one of his journeys on the way to Damascus, he saw a great light, was blinded by it, heard the rebuke of the Christ, and was led to Damascus where he fasted and prayed. Ananias Sent to Him Was Baptized A Christian named Ananias was sent to Saul and baptized him, and from that point on he received his sight, his name was changed to Paul, and he preached Christ in the .

After Conversion.

During his missionary, Paul made three specific journeys all around the area we know today as the Middle East. Subsequently, he spent time in , and lived the remainder of his years in , mostly in prison. 12.12.04

Second Missionary Journey (50-52 CE)). At the beginning of the next journey came the memorable difference of opinion between Paul and . Barnabas and Mark went to . So, on Paul’s second missionary journey, from [] through what we know today as southeastern Turkey, he journeyed to the Roman colony of [today’s Greek coast on the ] accompanied by Luke and . The Vision at Troas [W coast, Turkey], The text and meaning of are both in dispute. According to the “North Galatian” view, Paul, Luke, and Silas now passed through the Phrygian and Galatic country after and because he was hindered by the Holy Spirit from going west into to . This would be the occasion on which he first visited , and the Galatia now visited would be part of Asia Minor ethnographically as well as politically entitled to the name. They instead turned north and northwest, reaching the seaport of Troas. Here Paul was told in a vision to cross the north Aegean Sea and preach the in . At Philippi, Lydia and jailor converted It was here that Lydia was baptized, and invited Paul to come into her house. Paul continued to preach in Philippi and was jailed with Silas by the magistrates for teaching customs which were not lawful. Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God, and a great earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, and all the doors were opened and the prisoners’ bands loosed. After converting the jailer, they continued their journey to Thessalonica, Berea, and [all cities in Greece]. Athens. Sermon on Mars Hill Some of the brethren went with him as far as Athens. Here the apostle delivered that wonderful discourse reported in . He gained but few converts in Athens. Vision,--Church founded He soon took his departure and went to Corinth [SW of Athens], where he became acquainted with Aquila and Priscilla, and where Timothy joined him. The two to the Thessalonians—and these alone—belong to the present missionary journey. Ephesus,--a Brief Visit The ship in which he sailed from Corinth touched at Ephesus [Izmir, Turkey], and he had time to enter the and talk with the Jews, but though he promised to return, he could not stay. The Return to Antioch He returned to Antioch [inland, Turkey]. Much of his history is found in his letters to those communities.

Third Missionary Journey (53-58 CE) On the third missionary journey, several brethren were associated with him in this expedition, the bearers, no doubt, of the collections made in all the churches for the poor at Jerusalem. Visits Galatia and His companions were sent on by sea, and probably the money with them, to Troas, where they were to await Paul. He went round by way of Philippi, where Luke joined him, to Troas where the incident of occurred, and thence to [slightly SW of Troas; today Troy]. He completed his third journey by going to [SW coast of Turkey]; through [island, S of Turkey] and Patars [S coast of Turkey], to Tyre [N coast of Israel]; and finally through Cæsarea [coastal city of Israel] to Jerusalem.

In Jerusalem (@60 BCE) Seized by the Romans After appearing before the Sanhedrin at Jerusalem, and before Felix and Festus at Cæsarea, he was compelled to protest against injustice and delay (he had been a prisoner fully two years) by exercising his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to the emperor. To the imprisonment belongs the group of letters to Philemon, to the Colossians [Turkey], to the Ephesians [Turkey], and to the Philippians [Greece].

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Voyage to Rome (@62 BCE) After appearing before the Sanhedrin at Jerusalem, and before Felix and Festus at Cæsarea, he was compelled to protest against injustice and delay (he had been a prisoner fully two years) by exercising his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to the Emperor. The voyage to Rome is told by an eye-witness. The Storm The Vision The Shipwreck On the island of Melita

Paul was a controversial figure in his lifetime, even within the Christian movement. In accordance with early , he accepted slavery without criticism, and he assumes the property right of a slave-owner; but he recognizes the slave as a brother in Christ, to whom is due not merely forgiveness but Christian fellowship. He had many opponents who disagreed with his interpretation of the message of . In the closing years of his life, when imprisonment prevented him from moving about freely, Paul’s opponents were able to make headway with their rival interpretations. However, Paul became a venerated figure. His letters, together with the , became the foundation of the Christian movement.

Broadbridge, H. Leslie, “Twice Born,” Christian Science Journal (April 1910), p. 39.

--Few if any of the characters in sacred history had a more varied career than he who is first presented to us as Saul, the zealous persecutor of the Christians, and again, when “born of the Spirit," as Paul the saintly student and exponent of the Christ-teaching. • Saul, we read, was born of good Jewish parentage, in the city of Tarsus, province of Cilicia, Asia Minor. ---Tarsus being a leading trading-point, as a child and youth he doubtless watched with eagerness and was profoundly impressed by the activity of commercial life in this city, as is proven by his style of writing and the metaphors he employs. • At an early age he became a pupil of , a learned doctor who was thoroughly versed in the Jewish law, and who was also very broad and liberal in his views: but while Saul absorbed his teacher's legal instruction, he failed to take on his liberality, for we find him later developed into a biased, narrow- minded, fanatical man.

Macartney, Marjorie, “On the Road to Damascus,” Christian Science Journal (March 1968), p. 143.

--The Bible tells us that “Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:1,2) --As Saul journeyed on the road to Damascus, a light from heaven appeared to him, and he fell to earth. • Then he heard a voice speaking to him. ---Saul had been introduced to the truths of Christianity before, when he listened to the address of Stephen, a Christian, but he had stood aside and consented to Stephen’s martyrdom. • This second opportunity, however, resulted in Saul’s conversion to Christianity. --The familiar story unfolds the events leading to his awakening at Damascus. • He arose from the earth blinded, and was led to Damascus, where Ananias, a disciple of the Lord, went to him and healed him of his blindness.

Ananias [Ãn a ni’as] (Jehovah has been gracious)

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Ananias was a common Jewish name; the same as Hananiah. Three men by the name of Ananias are mentioned in the Bible—all in the , and all in the

TIME LINE: 50-52 CE

This week’s lesson refers to a Christian at Damascus of high repute. He reluctantly restores Saul’s vision after Saul’s road to Damascus experience. He became Paul's instructor; but when or by what means he himself became a Christian we have no information. He was "a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt" at Damascus.

Baker, Phyllis R., “Ananias,” POEM, Christian Science Journal (December 1969), p. 625.

Fear gripped him, Based on rumor and report of Stephen’s death. But he sought his God. And God’s command was firm:

Go, then, and find him; He is mine; His work before him, And his sufferings, too. Go, heal him.

Ananias went, And Saul was healed.

So when I see my brother men, Intransigent, aggressive, full of hate, Unyielding to my human sense of love, I’ll think of that courageous man and say: The Christ is there, on the Damascus road.

Whitney, Katherine S., “’Brother Saul’,” Christian Science Journal (August 1971), p. 414.

--In the Bible account of Saul’s persecution of the Christians we have an evidence of the false, mistaken human conviction so often expressed in violence. • With the awesome revelation of Christ Jesus’ true mission, and the realization of his own mistake, Saul was outwardly blinded on his way to Damascus. • But it was revealed to Ananias that he wa to go to Saul where he was praying. ---Ananias protested. ---He had heard of the evil that this man had done, and that Saul had come to Damascus with authority from the chief priests to bind all those who preached Christ. • However, Ananias was truly an spiritually reassured. ---Obediently he went to Saul, greeting him with the words, “Brother Saul.” (Acts 9: 17)

SECTION III: Paul on Trial (: 15-33)

Claudius Lysias /“chief captain of the band”

TIME LINE:

Paul is in real danger of being lynched. He is rescued in the nick of time by , the commander of the Roman garrison stationed in the Antonio fortress, which overlooked the temple and was

4 12/5/2004 12.12.04 designed precisely to quell religious riots such as this. So, it is a Roman who orders Paul bound “with two chains,” thereby fulfilling the prophecy of Acts 21:11.

Mather, Richard A. (CSB, Spokane, WA), “Apostle Paul’s life and journeys—Part 2, The” BIBLE FORUM, Christian Science Journal (June 2003), p. 46.

--Gradually, Paul began to write to churches instead of visiting them. --In AD 57, after making another quick tour of the Greek churches, Paul began to retrace his steps to Jerusalem. --Even in Jerusalem, Paul wasn’t totally safe. • When he was praying in the Temple one day, he was taken and beaten by a hostile mob of Jews. ---He was only saved from death by the Roman cohort that took him into custody. • From that point to the end of his days, so far as the Biblical record goes, Paul remained in the custody of the Roman authorities. --Eventually Paul appealed his case to the Roman Emperor, a right available to him as a Roman citizen.

Merrifield, Frances Fouraker, “’Love is Enthroned’,” Christian Science Sentinel (11 February 1950), p. 233.

--Mary Baker Eddy writes in “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” (p. 454): “Human hate has no legitimate mandate and no kingdom. Love is enthroned.” • If “Love is enthroned” in consciousness, no room remains for hate. • If hate has no mandate, it has no mind; hence it has no authority, no agencies through which to act. • If hate has no kingdom, it is bereft of the Principle of all true being. --Mrs. Eddy makes clear the remedy for all discord where she says (Un p. 49): “To me the reality and substance of being are good, and nothing else. Through the eternal reality of existence I reach, in thought, a glorified consciousness of the only living God and the genuine man. So long as I hold evil in consciousness, I cannot be wholly good.” • The eradication of all error from human consciousness is the solution, then, to all problems. ---A glorified consciousness of God and man equipped Christ Jesus to overcome evil and crowned with success his sublime mission of Christian healing.

SECTION IV: Storm and Shipwreck (: 1, 20-24, 41-44)

Julius [Jew’lee us](Lat. name of a Roman clan)

TIME LINE: 59-60 CE

Julius was the centurion of the Augustan cohort, or the emperor's body-guard, in whose charge Paul was sent as a prisoner from Caesarea to Rome. He entreated Paul "courteously," showing in many ways a friendly regard for him.

Leishman, Thomas L., “Imprisonment at Caesarea and Voyage to Rome,” THE CONTINUITY OF THE BIBLE: Paul the Missionary Apostle, Christian Science Journal (October 1976), p. 571.

--by about A.D. 60, Paul set out on his voyage from Rome under the charge of the centurion Julius. • He was accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian, and perhaps by Luke himself, for Luke writes Acts 27 as one taking part in its events. ---The sailing became dangerous around the southern shore of , “because the fast was now already past” (v.9)—that is, the autumnal equinox, which is usually followed by severe gales.

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--As the storm continued, Paul encouraged the distraught crew, reporting his revelation that their lives would be spared. --After three months Julius’ men and prisoners boarded an Alexandrian ship headed for , landing eventually in Puteoli, where Christians warmly received the apostle.

Phinney, Allison W., Jr. (CSB and Editor, Boston, MA), “’The of God, whose I am, and whom I serve’,” EDITORIAL, Christian Science Sentinel (9 March 1992), p. 26.

--Strong examples of moral courage mean a great deal to us these days. --The Bible tells of Paul’s example in a shipwreck when he was being taken to prison by boat. • Imagine what it would have meant to hear his assurances if you were one of those having to jump into mountainous seas as the ship foundered and sank. --What he said was recorded in the Bible in rather measured cadences, but thinking of the scene, we can hear the words above the wind: “For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” --Instinctively, we are drawn to such accounts. • We feel the potent encouragement in them, the wonder of God’s real presence, known as more significant and powerful than any apparently overwhelming force, fire, or storm.

SECTION VI: Miracle on ; Paul’s Last Words in Rome (: 7-10, 16, 30, 31)

Publius [Pub’li us]

TIME LINE: 59 CE

Publius was "the chief man of the island" of Malta (Error! Bookmark not defined.), who courteously entertained Paul and his shipwrecked companions for three days, till they found a more permanent place of residence; for they remained on the island for three months, till the stormy season had passed. He was rewarded by Paul by prayer and the laying on of hands cured the father of Publius of fever and dysentery (Acts 28: 7,8). The word here rendered "chief man" (protos) is supposed by some to be properly a Maltese term, the official title of the governor.

“Healing of Fever and Convulsions,” HOW CHRISTIAN SCIENCE HEALS: Radio Program No. 213, Christian Science Sentinel (19 October 1957), p. 1836.

--“I went to bed with a very high fever and convulsions. • Christian Science treatment was begun immediately. --a close friend with medical training….said that the symptoms indicated Malta fever, which I believe is now called undulant fever, among other names. --Mother sang hymns from the Christian Science Hymnal and read the weekly Bible Lesson • I remember one [hymn] especially (No. 156): “In Thee, O Spirit true and tender, I find my life as God's own child.” • Soon I fell asleep and awoke the next morning completely well.” --In Christian Science healing it is essential to resist the belief that sickness has any foundation, any right to exist, or any place to exist and that the man of God’s creating could ever be the victim of it.

WAGERS, RALPH E. (CSB, Lecturer, Associate Editor, President, and Normal Class Teacher), “The Laying On of Hands,” EDITORIAL, Christian Science Sentinel (16 September 1961), p. 1605.

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--[Laying on of hands is] a statement that needs to be interpreted spiritually to be understood. --the laying on of hands points to the art of spiritual healing, healing on a purely spiritual basis. --When one helps another in Christian Science, the service is often referred to as “working” for another. • It means the same as praying for another, except that it involves a more scientific concept of prayer than merely pleading or petitioning. --disease and sin are signs of spiritual deficiency rather than phenomena of nature --Spiritual undernourishment is even more harmful than physical undernourishment, because it make one inferior to his entire environment, moral, physical, social, economic. --In spiritual healing, primary attention is given to the needed spiritual nourishment

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