And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
And all the men were about twelve.
And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.
But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.
But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.
And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
Acts 19 marks a pivotal point in Paul's third missionary journey, primarily focusing on his impactful three-year ministry in Ephesus. This chapter is rich with accounts of spiritual transformation, confrontation with pagan practices, and the powerful spread of the Gospel. Understanding the events in Acts 19 provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of early Christian mission work and highlights the transformative power of encountering Jesus Christ.
Context: Ephesus and Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Chapter Context Acts 19 is the heart of Paul's third missionary voyage. Following his revisit to the churches in Galatia and Phrygia (Acts 18:23), Paul arrives in Ephesus for an extended three-year stay. His time there is marked by firmly establishing the church, liberating many from pagan magic and the worship of Artemis, before heading back to Macedonia and Greece. A threat on his life forces him to retrace his steps through Macedonia and across to Troas. He shares a poignant farewell with the Ephesian elders, foretelling they will not meet again (Acts 20). His journey ultimately leads to his arrest in Jerusalem and subsequent journey to Rome.
Disciples of John the Baptist and the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-7)
Upon arriving in Ephesus, Paul encounters a group of about twelve disciples who had been baptized by John the Baptist. Similar to Apollos (Acts 18:24-28), these individuals were fervent followers of John's teachings on repentance but were unaware of Jesus' baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Paul clarifies that John's baptism was a preparation for the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. He explains that being baptized in Jesus' name signifies a public declaration of allegiance to Him, and that faith in Jesus brings the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Consequently, they are baptized in the name of Jesus, and when Paul lays his hands on them, they receive the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and prophesying. This event mirrors the experience of the apostles on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:5-11), signifying their full integration into the new covenant age. This episode underscores the importance of understanding the complete Gospel message and receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit. It also highlights the transitional period in the early church, where the reception of the Spirit sometimes followed belief, particularly when an apostle was present, demonstrating the unity of their faith.
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:8-10)
Acts 19:8-10 offers a concise summary of Paul's three-year ministry in Ephesus (Acts 20:31). Initially, Paul enters the synagogue, following his usual practice, and persuasively speaks about the kingdom of God for three months. The kingdom of God was a central theme in Jesus' teaching (Mark 1:14-15, Acts 1:3) and remained the focus of Paul's preaching. The goal of redemption is for believers to live under God's sovereign rule as kingdom disciples. However, as opposition arises from some who "became obstinate and publicly maligned the Way" (Acts 19:9), Paul decides to move his ministry to the lecture hall of Tyrannus. "The Way" was an early designation for Christianity (Acts 9:2, 19:23; 24:14, 22), representing a new way of life centered on Jesus (John 14:6; Rom 6:1-7). He taught there daily for two years, so that all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord. This strategic shift demonstrates how God can use opposition to expand His reach. Paul's dedicated teaching resulted in a widespread exposure to the Gospel throughout the region of Asia.
Miracles and the Power of Jesus' Name (Acts 19:11-20)
The Holy Spirit empowered Paul to perform extraordinary miracles, including healing the sick and casting out evil spirits. These miracles served as powerful validation of Paul's message that Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures. People even took aprons he used in his tent-making trade to heal others of diseases. This display of divine power attracts the attention of itinerant Jewish exorcists, who attempt to replicate Paul's success by invoking the name of Jesus. However, their efforts backfire when they encounter a demon-possessed man who recognizes Jesus and Paul but scoffs at their authority. The demon-possessed man violently attacks them, leaving them naked and wounded. This humiliating experience reveals the emptiness of merely using Jesus' name as a magical formula without genuine faith and relationship with Him. The incident has a profound impact on the people of Ephesus, leading many who practiced magic to confess their sins and publicly burn their sorcery books. This act of repentance and renunciation of false spirituality demonstrates a genuine turning to Christ and a commitment to following Him wholeheartedly. As a result, "the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily" (Acts 19:20). This section serves as a caution against superficial faith and emphasizes the importance of genuine conversion and a wholehearted commitment to Christ. It also highlights the incompatibility of Christian faith with superstitious practices such as horoscopes, tarot cards, and palm reading. True power comes from a personal relationship with Jesus, not from manipulating His name for selfish purposes.
The Riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:21-41)
Paul's successful ministry in Ephesus begins to threaten the economic interests of those involved in the worship of Artemis, the Greek goddess of fertility and the hunt (known as Diana to the Romans). Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, incites his fellow craftsmen by pointing out that Paul's preaching against idols is diminishing their sales and threatening the reputation of the temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Demetrius worked the crowd into a frenzy so that they began shouting, Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! (19:28). This economic anxiety quickly escalates into a city-wide uproar. The craftsmen seize two of Paul's companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, and drag them into the local theater, which seated approximately 24,000. A chaotic mob gathers, with many not even knowing the cause of the commotion. When a Jewish believer named Alexander attempted to talk, they simply shouted him down (19:33). For two hours, the crowd chants, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" (Acts 19:34).
The town clerk eventually intervenes, skillfully calming the crowd by reminding them of Ephesus' renowned status as the guardian of Artemis and her temple. He advises them to pursue legal channels if Demetrius has a legitimate grievance against Paul and his companions, and warns them of the potential consequences of rioting, as it could attract the attention of the Roman authorities. With this, he dismisses the assembly.
This episode illustrates the clash between the Gospel and vested economic interests, as well as the potential for religious fervor to be manipulated for personal gain. It also highlights the importance of maintaining order and resolving conflicts through legal means. The word translated “assembly” here is the Greek word ekklēsia. When it refers to the assembly of believers, it’s translated “church.” So when Jesus and the apostles started speaking of the church, they were not coining a new term. It was a common word used to speak of a gathering of people to address an issue, especially one legal in nature. The church of Jesus Christ is God’s legally authorized assembly on earth to draw down heaven to execute the will of God in history (see commentary on Matt 16:16-20).
Aftermath and Paul's Departure
Following the riot, Paul recognizes the need to leave Ephesus. He travels through Macedonia and Greece, likely revisiting the churches he had previously established. He then spends three months in Corinth. Discovering a plot against his life, Paul decides to return through Macedonia and Troas, eventually meeting with the Ephesian elders in Miletus. During this brief encounter, he expresses his conviction that he will not see them again and forewarns them of the challenges they will face. This sets the stage for Paul's eventual journey to Jerusalem, where he is arrested and ultimately sent to Rome.
Conclusion
Acts 19 vividly portrays the transformative power of the Gospel in the face of spiritual darkness and economic opposition. Paul's ministry in Ephesus demonstrates the importance of proclaiming the full Gospel message, exercising spiritual authority through faith in Jesus, and remaining steadfast in the face of adversity. The events in this chapter offer valuable lessons for believers today, reminding us to examine the sincerity of our faith, renounce false spirituality, and trust in God's power to overcome any obstacle. The Ephesian church would later be commended for their discernment but rebuked for losing their first love (Revelation 2:1-7), a reminder that maintaining a vibrant relationship with Christ is essential for enduring faith.
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
And all the men were about twelve.
And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.
But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.
But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.
And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
Acts 19 marks a pivotal point in Paul's third missionary journey, primarily focusing on his impactful three-year ministry in Ephesus. This chapter is rich with accounts of spiritual transformation, confrontation with pagan practices, and the powerful spread of the Gospel. Understanding the events in Acts 19 provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of early Christian mission work and highlights the transformative power of encountering Jesus Christ.
Context: Ephesus and Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Chapter Context Acts 19 is the heart of Paul's third missionary voyage. Following his revisit to the churches in Galatia and Phrygia (Acts 18:23), Paul arrives in Ephesus for an extended three-year stay. His time there is marked by firmly establishing the church, liberating many from pagan magic and the worship of Artemis, before heading back to Macedonia and Greece. A threat on his life forces him to retrace his steps through Macedonia and across to Troas. He shares a poignant farewell with the Ephesian elders, foretelling they will not meet again (Acts 20). His journey ultimately leads to his arrest in Jerusalem and subsequent journey to Rome.
Disciples of John the Baptist and the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-7)
Upon arriving in Ephesus, Paul encounters a group of about twelve disciples who had been baptized by John the Baptist. Similar to Apollos (Acts 18:24-28), these individuals were fervent followers of John's teachings on repentance but were unaware of Jesus' baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Paul clarifies that John's baptism was a preparation for the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. He explains that being baptized in Jesus' name signifies a public declaration of allegiance to Him, and that faith in Jesus brings the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Consequently, they are baptized in the name of Jesus, and when Paul lays his hands on them, they receive the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and prophesying. This event mirrors the experience of the apostles on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:5-11), signifying their full integration into the new covenant age. This episode underscores the importance of understanding the complete Gospel message and receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit. It also highlights the transitional period in the early church, where the reception of the Spirit sometimes followed belief, particularly when an apostle was present, demonstrating the unity of their faith.
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:8-10)
Acts 19:8-10 offers a concise summary of Paul's three-year ministry in Ephesus (Acts 20:31). Initially, Paul enters the synagogue, following his usual practice, and persuasively speaks about the kingdom of God for three months. The kingdom of God was a central theme in Jesus' teaching (Mark 1:14-15, Acts 1:3) and remained the focus of Paul's preaching. The goal of redemption is for believers to live under God's sovereign rule as kingdom disciples. However, as opposition arises from some who "became obstinate and publicly maligned the Way" (Acts 19:9), Paul decides to move his ministry to the lecture hall of Tyrannus. "The Way" was an early designation for Christianity (Acts 9:2, 19:23; 24:14, 22), representing a new way of life centered on Jesus (John 14:6; Rom 6:1-7). He taught there daily for two years, so that all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord. This strategic shift demonstrates how God can use opposition to expand His reach. Paul's dedicated teaching resulted in a widespread exposure to the Gospel throughout the region of Asia.
Miracles and the Power of Jesus' Name (Acts 19:11-20)
The Holy Spirit empowered Paul to perform extraordinary miracles, including healing the sick and casting out evil spirits. These miracles served as powerful validation of Paul's message that Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures. People even took aprons he used in his tent-making trade to heal others of diseases. This display of divine power attracts the attention of itinerant Jewish exorcists, who attempt to replicate Paul's success by invoking the name of Jesus. However, their efforts backfire when they encounter a demon-possessed man who recognizes Jesus and Paul but scoffs at their authority. The demon-possessed man violently attacks them, leaving them naked and wounded. This humiliating experience reveals the emptiness of merely using Jesus' name as a magical formula without genuine faith and relationship with Him. The incident has a profound impact on the people of Ephesus, leading many who practiced magic to confess their sins and publicly burn their sorcery books. This act of repentance and renunciation of false spirituality demonstrates a genuine turning to Christ and a commitment to following Him wholeheartedly. As a result, "the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily" (Acts 19:20). This section serves as a caution against superficial faith and emphasizes the importance of genuine conversion and a wholehearted commitment to Christ. It also highlights the incompatibility of Christian faith with superstitious practices such as horoscopes, tarot cards, and palm reading. True power comes from a personal relationship with Jesus, not from manipulating His name for selfish purposes.
The Riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:21-41)
Paul's successful ministry in Ephesus begins to threaten the economic interests of those involved in the worship of Artemis, the Greek goddess of fertility and the hunt (known as Diana to the Romans). Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, incites his fellow craftsmen by pointing out that Paul's preaching against idols is diminishing their sales and threatening the reputation of the temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Demetrius worked the crowd into a frenzy so that they began shouting, Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! (19:28). This economic anxiety quickly escalates into a city-wide uproar. The craftsmen seize two of Paul's companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, and drag them into the local theater, which seated approximately 24,000. A chaotic mob gathers, with many not even knowing the cause of the commotion. When a Jewish believer named Alexander attempted to talk, they simply shouted him down (19:33). For two hours, the crowd chants, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" (Acts 19:34).
The town clerk eventually intervenes, skillfully calming the crowd by reminding them of Ephesus' renowned status as the guardian of Artemis and her temple. He advises them to pursue legal channels if Demetrius has a legitimate grievance against Paul and his companions, and warns them of the potential consequences of rioting, as it could attract the attention of the Roman authorities. With this, he dismisses the assembly.
This episode illustrates the clash between the Gospel and vested economic interests, as well as the potential for religious fervor to be manipulated for personal gain. It also highlights the importance of maintaining order and resolving conflicts through legal means. The word translated “assembly” here is the Greek word ekklēsia. When it refers to the assembly of believers, it’s translated “church.” So when Jesus and the apostles started speaking of the church, they were not coining a new term. It was a common word used to speak of a gathering of people to address an issue, especially one legal in nature. The church of Jesus Christ is God’s legally authorized assembly on earth to draw down heaven to execute the will of God in history (see commentary on Matt 16:16-20).
Aftermath and Paul's Departure
Following the riot, Paul recognizes the need to leave Ephesus. He travels through Macedonia and Greece, likely revisiting the churches he had previously established. He then spends three months in Corinth. Discovering a plot against his life, Paul decides to return through Macedonia and Troas, eventually meeting with the Ephesian elders in Miletus. During this brief encounter, he expresses his conviction that he will not see them again and forewarns them of the challenges they will face. This sets the stage for Paul's eventual journey to Jerusalem, where he is arrested and ultimately sent to Rome.
Conclusion
Acts 19 vividly portrays the transformative power of the Gospel in the face of spiritual darkness and economic opposition. Paul's ministry in Ephesus demonstrates the importance of proclaiming the full Gospel message, exercising spiritual authority through faith in Jesus, and remaining steadfast in the face of adversity. The events in this chapter offer valuable lessons for believers today, reminding us to examine the sincerity of our faith, renounce false spirituality, and trust in God's power to overcome any obstacle. The Ephesian church would later be commended for their discernment but rebuked for losing their first love (Revelation 2:1-7), a reminder that maintaining a vibrant relationship with Christ is essential for enduring faith.