Act 19 | MHM | STEP | Paul at Ephesus Ephesus was a large and famous city in Asia, known especially for its great temple to Diana. While Apollos was preaching in Corinth, Paul came to Ephesus to share the gospel. Paul was not jealous that Apollos was working in a place where he himself had preached before. Instead, he was happy that the work was continuing and focused on what God had for him to do in Ephesus. When Paul arrived, he found some disciples who had only a basic understanding of the Christian faith and had not yet learned about the Holy Spirit. There were about twelve of these disciples. This story shows the importance of both teaching new believers and working together with other Christian leaders for the growth of the church. v. 1 : Paul traveled through Galatia and Phrygia, then came to Ephesus. There, he found a group of disciples who believed in Jesus but had only learned from the teaching of John the Baptist. They had not yet been fully taught about the Holy Spirit or about baptism in the name of Jesus.

‏ Acts 19

Paul at Ephesus

Ephesus was a large and famous city in Asia, known especially for its great temple to Diana. While Apollos was preaching in Corinth, Paul came to Ephesus to share the gospel. Paul was not jealous that Apollos was working in a place where he himself had preached before. Instead, he was happy that the work was continuing and focused on what God had for him to do in Ephesus. When Paul arrived, he found some disciples who had only a basic understanding of the Christian faith and had not yet learned about the Holy Spirit. There were about twelve of these disciples. This story shows the importance of both teaching new believers and working together with other Christian leaders for the growth of the church.

v. 1: Paul traveled through Galatia and Phrygia, then came to Ephesus. There, he found a group of disciples who believed in Jesus but had only learned from the teaching of John the Baptist. They had not yet been fully taught about the Holy Spirit or about baptism in the name of Jesus.

v. 2: Paul began by asking these disciples if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed. The Holy Spirit is given to all true Christians, bringing conviction, comfort, and new life (Ephesians 1:13-14 ^a). The disciples answered that they had not even heard that the Holy Spirit had been given, showing that their knowledge of the gospel was incomplete.

v. 3: Paul then asked them about their baptism. He wanted to know what they understood when they were baptized. If they truly followed Jesus, they should have known about the Holy Spirit, because Christian baptism is in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19 ^b). Their answer showed their faith was good, but their teaching was limited.

v. 4: The disciples explained that they had received John’s baptism. This meant they had repented, but had not learned that John’s teaching was only a preparation for Jesus. Paul explained that John’s baptism pointed people toward faith in Jesus Christ, who was the promised Savior. John never meant for people to follow him instead of Jesus (Behold the Lamb of God, John 1:29 ^c).

v. 5: When these disciples understood the full meaning of the gospel, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. They accepted the truth and wanted to follow Jesus completely. There is no need for someone to be baptized again if they were truly baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but these disciples had not yet received Christian baptism.

v. 6: Paul prayed for them and laid his hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came upon them. They began to speak in tongues and prophesy, just as the first disciples did at Pentecost (Acts 2:4 ^d). This was a special sign to show that God was working in Ephesus and that these men were now true disciples, ready to help lead others. God’s Spirit gave them new power and gifts for ministry.

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Paul at Ephesus

This passage tells us about Paul’s busy work in Ephesus. He started, as usual, by preaching to the Jews in their synagogue. Paul reasoned with them about the kingdom of God and tried to persuade them that Jesus was the Messiah. When many Jews rejected his message, he separated the believers and began teaching in a new place, which allowed the gospel to spread to many others. God also confirmed Paul’s teaching with miracles, showing his power and helping more people believe.

v. 8: Paul began his ministry in Ephesus by preaching in the synagogue. He taught there for three months, speaking boldly about the kingdom of God. He explained the scriptures, argued with people who had questions, and tried to persuade them that Jesus was the promised Savior. Paul preached with courage, using both logical reasons and passionate appeals to reach their hearts.

v. 9: Some of the Jews were persuaded, but many others refused to believe. Their hearts became hard, and they spoke badly about the Christian faith in front of others. When Paul saw that his message was being rejected and that some were trying to turn others away, he separated the new believers from the rest. He then began teaching every day in the school of Tyrannus, which was probably a place for public learning. This new location made it easier for both Jews and Gentiles to hear the gospel.

v. 10: Paul continued teaching in the school of Tyrannus for two years. Because Ephesus was a major city, people from all over the province of Asia heard about Jesus, either directly from Paul or from those who had heard him. In this way, the gospel spread far beyond Ephesus to many towns and villages. Even though Paul faced opposition, God used his faithfulness to bring light to many people who were in spiritual darkness.

v. 11: God supported Paul’s message with special miracles. These were not ordinary, but extraordinary miracles that showed God’s power in a unique way. God used Paul as his servant, but the miracles were truly the work of God.

v. 12: People brought handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched Paul’s body to the sick, and they were healed. Diseases left them, and evil spirits came out of those who were possessed. These miracles proved that Jesus’ power was real and that the gospel could heal both body and soul. This also fulfilled Jesus’ promise that his followers would do great works in his name (John 14:12 ^e).

The Disgrace of the Exorcists

This passage shows how the power of Jesus is far greater than any magic or superstition. Paul and the other apostles were fighting against Satan’s power, and God gave them victory. Here, we see two examples of Christ’s triumph: first, over people who tried to use Jesus’ name without faith, and second, over those who truly turned away from evil practices. The story warns us not to misuse God’s name and encourages true repentance and faith in Jesus.

v. 13: Some Jews who traveled from place to place tried to use Jesus’ name to cast out evil spirits. They were called exorcists and made money by pretending to have special powers. They did not believe in Jesus themselves but thought they could use his name like a magic word. They said, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches, hoping to copy Paul’s miracles.

v. 14: Among these exorcists were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest. It is sad that even people from a priestly family were involved in such things. Instead of serving God, they were using tricks and magic to get money and attention.

v. 15: When these men tried to use Jesus’ name, the evil spirit answered them, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? The demon recognized the true authority of Jesus and Paul, but not these men. This shows that only those who truly believe in Jesus have power over evil, not those who just use his name without faith (Psalm 50:16-17 ^f).

v. 16: The man with the evil spirit attacked the seven sons of Sceva. He was so strong and violent that they ran out of the house naked and wounded. This was a warning to everyone that God’s name is not to be used for selfish or superstitious reasons. Only true faith in Jesus can defeat the power of Satan.

v. 17: News of what happened spread quickly through Ephesus. Both Jews and Greeks were filled with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was honored even more. People realized that Jesus’ power was real and not to be treated lightly.

v. 18: Many people who had believed in Jesus came and openly confessed their sins. They admitted the wrong things they had done, even things that were secret. This honest confession showed true repentance and a desire to live for God.

v. 19: Those who had practiced magic brought their books and burned them in public. These books were very valuable, but the people wanted to show they were finished with their old sinful ways. By burning the books, they made sure they would not return to those practices or tempt others to do so. This act showed their strong commitment to Jesus, even though it cost them a lot of money.

v. 20: Because of these events, the message about Jesus spread even more powerfully. The word of God grew and prevailed in Ephesus. Many people turned away from sin and followed Christ, showing that the gospel can change lives and overcome even the strongest evil.

Paul Plans to Go to Rome; The Riot in Ephesus

After many successful years of ministry in Ephesus, Paul began thinking about where God wanted him to go next. He felt led by the Holy Spirit to visit Jerusalem, and then to travel to Rome. Paul had a great desire to preach the gospel in Rome, the center of the Roman Empire, because he believed it was important for the message of Jesus to reach the whole world. However, before he could leave, a major disturbance broke out in Ephesus because of the impact Paul’s message was having on the city’s business and religious life.

v. 21–22: Paul decided in his spirit to travel through Macedonia and Achaia, then go to Jerusalem, and afterwards to Rome. He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, ahead to Macedonia, but he stayed a little longer in Asia (the province where Ephesus was located). Paul was always planning ahead, but he also waited for God’s timing. His desire to visit Rome showed his vision for spreading the gospel as far as possible (Acts 19:21 ^g).

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v. 23–27: At that time, a serious problem arose in Ephesus. A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of the goddess Artemis (also called Diana), saw his business threatened because so many people were turning to Christianity. Demetrius called together other craftsmen and complained that Paul was leading many people away from worshiping Artemis by saying that gods made by hands are not real gods. He warned that their trade was in danger, and that the temple of Artemis, which was famous throughout the world, could lose its importance.

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v. 28–34: The craftsmen were furious and started shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” The whole city was in an uproar. People rushed into the theater, dragging Paul’s companions Gaius and Aristarchus with them. Paul wanted to go in and speak to the crowd, but his friends and even some local officials urged him not to risk his life. The crowd was confused, and many people didn’t even know why they were there. Some Jews tried to make a defense, but when the crowd realized they were Jews, they shouted even louder for two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

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v. 35–41: The city clerk finally quieted the crowd. He reminded them that Ephesus was famous for the temple of Artemis, and that no one could deny its greatness. He told the people that Paul and his friends had not robbed temples or blasphemed the goddess. If Demetrius and the craftsmen had a legal complaint, they should use the courts. The city clerk warned them not to cause a riot, because the Roman authorities could punish the city for disorder. After his speech, he dismissed the crowd, and the riot ended peacefully.