In an interesting twist, Numbers 15 offers the instructions of what Israel is to do when it enters the land that God has promised, even though those hearing these instructions will never enter the land. It would seem they must instruct their children to the proper behavior of what is to be offered to God when they enter the Promised Land.
Almost as a means of reinforcement, we are offered the story of the man who fails to observe the Sabbath being put to death. This would seem to try and get the point across to Israel to follow the previous instructions, or this penalty could fall on them and their children.
Finally, chapter 15 closes with instructions on the creation of fringes on the garments to remind Israel of the commandments. This is the beginning of what will become a prayer shawl.
Unfortunately, turmoil and revolt have not left the camp of Israel. In Numbers 16, we hear of a group of Levites and men from the tribe of Reuben decide that Moses and Aaron have taken too much power for themselves and decide to rise up against them. Part of the argument would seem to be theological, all the people are holy, why are Moses and Aaron the only ones who are seen as leaders?
Moses challenges those bringing forward this theological claim to present themselves with censers, which were bronze trays on which one would place coals, before the Tent of Meeting and the Lord will decide. Regarding those who have risen up from the tribe of Reuben, Moses warns the people to get away from the tents of those who follow Dathan and Abiram and then asks them to observe what happens and then decide who speaks for God.
The earth promptly opens up and swallows the rebels from the tribe of Reuben and then fire consumes the rebel Levites at the Tent of Meeting. The censers of then fashioned into a cover of the altar as a reminder to the Israelites of what happened.
Yet the stiff necked people have not learned, and continue to rebel, not a few but whole of the congregation. God's wrath now burns brightly, and a plague begins in the camp. Moses and Aaron spring into action and Aaron's offering staves off the plague, but not before 14,700 are killed.
At what point in time will the people realize that God has chosen Moses and Aaron and that is the end of the story?
Acts 18
Paul continues in his journey through Greece, leaving Athens and heading to Corinth, a major economic hub. He meets individuals from Rome, who are believers, so the Gospel is spreading not just by Paul. His stay in Corinth follows the usual trajectory: he preaches the Gospel, makes converts, then is chased out of town by a segment of the Jewish population.
This cycle is broken, however, as Paul has a vision from God encouraging him to stick with it, so Paul remains. The encounter with Gallio demonstrates that most Roman authorities had not interest in theological debates, but were only really concerned with the peace in the community. Gallio was not going to be drawn into an internal debate about God.
In the character of Priscilla, again we note that woman, such as Lydia, are very active in the early church. Again, through the person of Apollos, we see that others are traveling to proclaim the Gospel, and like Apollos, many would seem to not truly understand the Gospel. Later, Paul will write against "super apostles", those like Apollos that proclaim the Word and take advantage of their place in the community but not really live a Christ-like existence.
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