Act 19:8-22 | TNotes

19:10 ^a Paul probably wrote 1 Corinthians during this time (see 1 Corinthians Book Introduction, “Date and Occasion of Writing”).
Summary for Acts 19:11-12: 19:11-12 ^b Paul, like other Christian evangelists (3:1-11 ^c; 4:22 ^d; 5:12-16 ^e; 6:8 ^f; 8:6-7 ^g, 13 ^h; 9:33-42 ⁱ), performed unusual miracles.

• evil spirits were expelled: As Jesus and Peter had done (cp. 5:16 ^j; Mark 1:21-34 ^k; Luke 4:31-37 ^l).
Summary for Acts 19:13-16: 19:13-16 ^m Paul’s effectiveness is contrasted with the impotence of the traveling Jewish exorcists, who used the name of Jesus as though it were magical but did not have a relationship with him or the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit (cp. Matt 12:27 ⁿ; Mark 9:38-39 ^o; Luke 9:49-50 ^p; 11:19 ^q).
Summary for Acts 19:17-19: 19:17-19 ^r The contrast between Paul and the Jewish exorcists was not lost on the people of Ephesus, Jews and Greeks alike. The resulting fear caused the inhabitants to honor and respect the name of the Lord Jesus. It led many to confess and forsake their sinful practices, including sorcery.
19:20 ^s Luke’s summary of the success of the Good News in Ephesus is short but pungent (cp. 2:43-47 ^t; 5:14 ^u; 6:7 ^v; 9:31 ^w; 12:24 ^x; 16:5 ^y; see Rom 1:16 ^z). When the Christian faith overcame problems of internal dissension, idolatry, and pagan practices, it spread widely and grew rapidly.
Summary for Acts 19:21-22: 19:21-22 ^aa felt compelled by the Spirit: No doubt Paul was troubled by what he had heard about the situation in Corinth (see 1 Corinthians Book Introduction). Instead of going immediately himself, he sent ... Timothy, who was carrying a letter, 1 Corinthians, from Paul to the Corinthians (1 Cor 4:17 ^ab; 16:10-11 ^ac). Paul himself did go over to Macedonia and Achaia not long afterward (Acts 20:1-3 ^ad).

• “I must go on to Rome!”: Perhaps compelled by his proven strategy (see study note on 16:8), Paul wanted to proclaim the Good News in the most significant city in the world.