Acts Chapter 19
Luke is making a distinction in this chapter between those who called themselves Christians and those who were actual born-again believers. This is something we struggle with in our culture as well. There are many who call themselves Christians, they believe there is a God, but they have never surrendered their life to Jesus Christ. They have never called on Jesus to forgive them of their sins nor entered into a personal relationship with Jesus.
As Paul came to Ephesus he found some believers, those believing that forgiveness of sin was possible, but had not yet surrendered their life to Jesus. There was something about their talk that must have indicated that they had not yet surrendered.
A Jewish man named Apollos, introduced to us in chapter 18 was a good example of this. Apollos had believed that one should repent and be baptized and had faith that there was a Messiah coming. When Apollos learned that the Messiah had come and died for Him, he placed his faith in Jesus for his salvation.
Let's Reflect
1. In the early church there was a beautiful work of the Holy Spirit that occurred when people became believers. They received the Holy Spirit just as you and I do when we are saved, but in addition to that they received an anointing of power from the Holy Spirit to boldly proclaim the gospel so that it spread like wildfire. What was the indication that these believers received power from the Holy Spirit?
2. The life of Paul is amazing, this man experienced all kinds of cultures and beliefs, and he just kept moving forward to proclaim God’s truth. In verse 8 we find that he was in the (Jewish) synagogue at Ephesus speaking boldly and trying to persuade them about the kingdom of God. How long did he keep trying before he realized the stubbornness and prejudice against people of “the way” (Christ followers) would not allow them to see the truth?
3. We may be tempted to really be amazed by what verse 11 says about the miracles that happened in Paul’s ministry, but there is something remarkable written in verse 10 that we shouldn’t miss. How effective was the missionary work in Asia?
4. For being a very religious people, the Jews sure had a lot of people who were involved in what satanic practices?
5. This account in verses 13-20 should encourage the believer because we can clearly see that satan has no power over the people unless we allow him that power. The power of Jesus will always prevail. What does verse 20 say?
6. What important thing did these new believers do, that all believers should do with things that were once associated with their sinful past?
7. Verse 21 tells us that Paul had a plan. He had many places he wanted to visit as he made his way back to Jerusalem. But his deepest desire was to take the gospel to what city?
8. Paul stayed in Asia for a while and was met with more opposition. This time it was craftsmen who made idols. Because the gospel message was changing the lifestyle of the new believers, the idol makers wanted Paul ousted. What did the people chant about their goddess when they heard that Paul’s ministry might cause the demise of the temple of their goddess, Artemis (or Dianna)? Notice in verse 34 how long their chanting lasted!
9. This big meeting was in the theatre and the noise of the chanting must have been incredible. It was all meant to discredit the ministry of the gospel. God used a town clerk to quiet the riotous people. He simply reasoned with them to be trusting of the power of their gods and the goddess Artemis. He wisely said they should do what? See verse 36.
“The epicenter of Artemis worship was a black meteorite that either resembled or had been fashioned into a grotesque image of a woman. The lower part was wrapped like a mummy…the idol was covered with breasts, symbolizing fertility.” [Hughes]
10. What was the result of this man’s speech? Do you think that Paul and the other disciples breathed a sigh of relief and recognized the hand of God at work?
Devotionals
