Central Truth

Although we may not see it in such dramatic ways as we do in Luke's account of the growing church, God's power is still at work in the lives of believers and non-believers showing His kingship and reign over the entire world. 

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Reflections

Acts 19 records the beginning of Paul's ministry in Ephesus, a work that continued for at least two years. In today's passage, we read how God's power works as the Gospel spreads to Ephesus. Disciples of John the Baptist in Ephesus, demonstrating an incomplete understanding of salvation, express to Paul their lack of knowledge about the work of the Holy Spirit; Paul lays hands on them and they receive the Holy Spirit.  Here, we see how God's Spirit reaches people where they are, that those who confess their need can find it met in Christ.   

Paul's time in Ephesus, however, is not without difficulty. For three months, he speaks boldly in the synagogue; over that time, opposition arises, and Paul is forced to go elsewhere to speak of Christ.  As we have seen throughout the book of Acts, when believers are driven out from one place by opposition or persecution, the message of Christ spreads even further. So in Ephesus, as a result of Paul's being forced out of the synagogue, "all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks" (Acts 19: 10, NKJV).  

The power of God at work attracts those seeking salvation, and others seeking celebrity. Miracles that accompany Paul's preaching attract the seven sons of Sceva, exorcists who perhaps feel Paul is encroaching on their territory. They use what they think is the winning combination, of invoking the names of Jesus and Paul in their rituals. In a near-comic moment, the demon replies to the exorcists, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" (Acts 19:15).  Read verse 16 to see what happens to those who claim knowledge and power they do not have.  

This incident with the exorcists leads others to repent of their "evil deeds" (Acts 19:18). Luke reveals once again how the word of the Lord spreads widely and powerfully, bringing a new way of life to the known world. Paul, having worked effectively for the Gospel at Ephesus, declares his intention to go to Jerusalem, then on to Rome.

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Discussion Questions

1. What first attracted you to the Gospel, and how you became a believer in Christ?  

2. How do you respond to those who oppose or reject the message of the Gospel and the work of God's Spirit?

3. Do you live with the awareness that God's Spirit works not only in your own life, but also works through you in the lives of others?

4. How has the life of a fellow believer shown the work of God's Spirit, and how has that believer's life affected you?

5. How has God's Spirit set you free of "evil deeds"?  

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