Acts 19

Acts 19 details a significant period in the ministry of the Apostle Paul during his time in Ephesus.

Key Points

1.  Paul in Ephesus: The Reception of the Holy Spirit (Verses 1-7)

• Paul’s Encounter with Disciples**: Paul meets about twelve disciples in Ephesus who had received John's baptism (a baptism of repentance) but had not heard of the Holy Spirit.

• Baptism in the Name of Jesus**: Paul explains that John's baptism pointed to Jesus. The disciples are then baptized in the name of Jesus, and Paul lays hands on them, resulting in them receiving the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and prophesying.

2.   Paul’s Teaching and Miracles in Ephesus (Verses 8-12)

• Teaching in the Synagogue**: Paul spends three months speaking boldly in the synagogue, reasoning and persuading about the kingdom of God. When some become obstinate and refuse to believe, he moves to the lecture hall of Tyrannus, teaching there for two years.

• Extraordinary Miracles**: God performs extraordinary miracles through Paul, such that even handkerchiefs and aprons that touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured, and evil spirits left them.

3.   The Seven Sons of Sceva (Verses 13-16)

•   Imitation of Paul’s Exorcisms: Some Jews, including the seven sons of Sceva, attempt to invoke the name of Jesus to cast out evil spirits, imitating Paul.

•  The Demon’s Response: A demon, recognizing Jesus and Paul but not the sons of Sceva, overpowers them, leaving them wounded and naked. This event causes fear and respect for the name of Jesus to spread throughout Ephesus.

4.  Revival and Repentance in Ephesus (Verses 17-20)

• Public Confession and Burning of Sorcery Scrolls: The incident with the sons of Sceva leads many in Ephesus to openly confess their evil deeds. Those practicing sorcery bring their scrolls and burn them publicly. The value of the scrolls burned is calculated to be 50,000 drachmas.

• Growth of the Word of the Lord: The word of the Lord spreads widely and grows in power as a result of these events.

5.   The Riot in Ephesus (Verses 21-41)

• Demetrius the Silversmith: A silversmith named Demetrius, who makes silver shrines of Artemis, stirs up a riot. He argues that Paul’s preaching is endangering their trade and the worship of Artemis, the goddess whose temple in Ephesus is a major religious and economic center.

• The Uproar in the City: The city is thrown into confusion, and a large crowd gathers in the theater, shouting, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" for about two hours.

• Paul’s Attempt to Address the Crowd: Paul wants to speak to the crowd, but his disciples and some city officials, who were friendly to him, persuade him not to.

• The City Clerk’s Intervention: The city clerk eventually quiets the crowd, reminding them that they are in danger of being charged with rioting. He dismisses the assembly, urging them to settle any disputes through the proper legal channels.

Takeaways:

• • The Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit: The chapter begins with Paul ensuring that the believers in Ephesus receive the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of the Spirit’s role in empowering believers.

  • Authentic Faith vs. Imitation: The incident with the seven sons of Sceva underscores the danger of attempting to use spiritual power without genuine faith or authority from God.

  • Impact of the Gospel on Society: Paul’s ministry in Ephesus leads to significant social and economic changes, challenging the existing pagan practices and causing a shift in the spiritual atmosphere of the city.

  • Opposition to the Gospel: The riot led by Demetrius illustrates how the gospel can threaten established economic and religious systems, leading to opposition and conflict.

Acts 19 highlights the transformative power of the gospel and the Holy Spirit, showing both the positive change in individuals and communities as well as the resistance from those whose interests are threatened.

50,000 drachmas: A significant amount of money, a drachmas was a days wage, in today's numbers approximately $135,000,000 USD.