Bible Study Acts 19: 1-41

 

Commentary of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study Acts 19: 1-41

Text:

Paul in Ephesus

19 Now it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper regions and came to Ephesus and found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “No, we have not even heard if the Holy Spirit is being received.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 Then Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 And when they heard this, they were baptized [a]in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying. 7 Now there were in all about twelve men.

8 And after he entered the synagogue, he continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some were becoming hardened and were not believing, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he left them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 10 This took place for two years, so that all who lived in [b]Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

Miracles in Ephesus

11 And God was doing extraordinary [c]miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that cloths or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out. 13 But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to invoke over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I implore you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 Now seven sons of one named Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” 16 And the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them, subdued all of them, and utterly prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified. 18 Also, many of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices. 19 And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and were burning them in the sight of everyone; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty thousand [d]pieces of silver. 20 So [e]the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing.

Riots in Ephesus

21 Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the [f]Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in [g]Asia for a while.

23 Now about that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of [h]Artemis, was bringing no little [i]business to the craftsmen; 25 these he gathered together with the workers of similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity is from this business. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable crowd, saying that things made with hands are not gods. 27 And not only is there danger that this trade of ours fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess [j]Artemis be considered as worthless and that she, whom all of Asia and the [k]world worship, is even about to be brought down from her majesty.”

28 When they heard this and were filled with rage, they began crying out, saying, “Great is [l]Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 And the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed [m]with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. 30 And when Paul wanted to go into the [n]assembly, the disciples would not let him. 31 Also some of the [o]Asiarchs who were friends of his sent to him and repeatedly urged him not to [p]venture into the theater. 32 So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the [q]meeting was in confusion and the majority did not know [r]for what reason they had come together. 33 And some of the crowd [s]concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the [t]assembly. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, a single cry arose from them all as they shouted for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 35 Now after calming the crowd, the city clerk *said, “Men of Ephesus, what man is there after all who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of the image which fell down from heaven? 36 So, since these are undeniable facts, you ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are in session and [u]proconsuls are available; let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the [v]lawful meeting. 40 For indeed we are in danger of being accused of a riot in connection with today’s events, since there is no cause for which we can give as an account for this disorderly gathering.” 41 After saying this he dismissed the meeting.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “Now it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper regions and came to Ephesus and found some disciples.”

After ministering in the regions of Phrygia and Galatia, Paul traveled westward through Colosse, Laodicea, and Hierapolis in the Lycus Valley before reaching Ephesus. He spent approximately three years ministering in Ephesus, from about 53 to 56 A.D. Ephesus, the capital of the Roman province of Asia, was established around the twelfth century B.C. by Ionians from Athens. It rose to become a significant commercial hub, although its economic strength diminished due to harbor silting caused by river erosion. The city's wealth and reputation were significantly linked to its temple dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of fertility. By the time of Paul, Ephesus had passed its peak but remained a vital center for both commerce and religion. “Some disciples” means about 12 according to verse 7. 

Verse 2: “And he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “No, we have not even heard if the Holy Spirit is being received.’’

Paul questioned their spiritual standing, as all Christians receive the Holy Spirit upon salvation. Their response indicated they were not yet true Christians, a fact further supported by their having received only John's baptism, not Christian baptism.

Verse 3: “And he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ And they said, ‘Into John’s baptism.’”

These individuals had undergone baptism, yet they had not experienced salvation. The absence of the Holy Spirit indicated their unsaved status. The first step is regeneration by the Holy Spirit. Spiritual life is created within the heart of the unsaved one. This new heart provides the desire to be saved. Man’s responsibility is to place his faith in Christ, and as a result, several spiritual realities occur instantly: indwelling by the Spirit, sealing by the Spirit, and baptism into the community of believers through the Spirit. Paul recognized that these experiences were absent in this group. Consequently, he clarified that their salvation depended on trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ. His message was well-received, leading many to believe.

Verse 4: “Then Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.’”

John the Baptist's ministry centered around a specific and significant baptism: a baptism of repentance. This act was not merely a symbolic washing but a deliberate call to the people to turn away from their sins. It was a recognition of their shortcomings and a public declaration of their desire for a change of heart and behavior. Crucially, John's baptism was forward-looking. It pointed beyond itself to the coming of Jesus Christ and His redemptive work. It served as a preparatory act, urging individuals to get their hearts right in anticipation of the Messiah. The focus was not on the water itself conferring forgiveness, but rather on the individual's genuine repentance of sins, with the understanding that ultimate redemption would come through Jesus. John's ministry, therefore, played a vital role in preparing the way for the Lord, calling people to a state of spiritual readiness for the arrival and saving work of Jesus.

Verse 5: “And when they heard this, they were baptized ]in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and accepting Paul's gospel led to their salvation. While baptism is a requirement for all Christians, it is not the means of salvation.

Verse 6: ”And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying.”

When Paul laid hands on them, it symbolized their acceptance into the church. Similar to the church's beginnings and the inclusion of Samaritans and Gentiles, the presence of apostles here underscores God's intention for church unity. Their speaking in tongues and prophesying offered tangible confirmation of their incorporation into the church and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, something they hadn't previously experienced.

Verse 7: “Now there were in all about twelve men.”

The observation that there were twelve men marks the start of the ministry in Ephesus. Paul experienced significant ministry in Corinth, but his work in Ephesus was even more impactful.

Verse 8: “And after he entered the synagogue, he continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.”

The passage notes that Paul spent approximately three months teaching and debating in the synagogue of Ephesus. This duration marks his most extended engagement within any single synagogue, with a potential parallel in his time spent in the synagogue of Corinth. This sustained ministry within the Ephesian synagogue highlights its initial openness to Paul's message and the considerable effort Paul invested in reaching the Jewish community in this significant urban center. The prolonged stay suggests a period of both teaching and likely engaging in discussions and disputations as he sought to persuade his Jewish brethren regarding the message of Jesus Christ. This foundational work within the synagogue would have laid the groundwork for his subsequent and more extensive ministry in Ephesus, which later transitioned beyond the synagogue walls.

Verse 9: “But when some were becoming hardened and were not believing, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he left them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.”

Tyrannus is otherwise unknown. Certain ancient texts include the detail "from the fifth to the tenth hour," which corresponds to 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is possible that Tyrannus utilized the space during the cooler morning and then allowed Paul to use it for the remainder of the day.

Verse 10: “This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.”

The Roman province of Asia encompassed the western region of Asia Minor. Paul's teachings led to the establishment of numerous groups of believers throughout this area.

Verse 11: “And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul,”

Since the New Testament was not yet complete, the miracles Paul performed served as confirmation that his message was divinely inspired. Once the canon was complete, a minister’s message was confirmed by its adherence to Scripture. 

Verse 12: “so that cloths or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out.”

Sweat cloths or work aprons that Paul used while making tents or awnings were taken from his skin to the sick. This practice, likely influenced by the Ephesians' pagan religious background and their familiarity with superstitious methods, was not initiated by Paul. Instead, God graciously worked within their understanding and ignorance. The word “cloths” here is “soudaria”, meaning sweat cloths. These were likely the cloths Paul used while working (remember, he was a tentmaker, tied around the head or neck to absorb sweat.

Verse 13: “ But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to invoke over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, ‘I implore you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.’”

In Ephesus during ancient times, the use of magical names for exorcism was widespread. Jewish individuals there attempted to replicate Paul's practice of invoking the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed.

Verse 14: “Now seven sons of one named Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.”

Lacking any historical evidence of a Jewish High Priest with that name, it's likely the individual adopted the title deceptively to gain influence. Early examples of what we call “stolen valor” today.

Verse 15: “ And the evil spirit answered and said to them, ‘I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?’”

The failed attempt of the exorcists highlights their lack of authority compared to the Lord Jesus Christ and Paul, as acknowledged by the demon. This incident underscores that the power to expel demons was exclusive to the Lord Jesus Christ and his apostles, a fact even demons attest to.

Verse 16: “And the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them, subdued all of them, and utterly prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”

The endeavor by the sons of Sceva to replicate Paul's miraculous deeds resulted in failure. This failure led to their public humiliation and physical harm, causing them significant embarrassment.

The attempt of the sons of Sceva to try to duplicate the miracles of Paul backfired. It backfired to their humiliation and hurt and apparently was a great embarrassment for them.

Verse 17: “And this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified.”

The events previously mentioned had a clear impact on the area, leading to the widespread knowledge of the Lord Jesus throughout the entire pagan city. Ephesus, a large city, underwent significant disruption as a result.

The miracles performed by Paul and the other apostles were notably different from modern day accounts of miracles. While stories of miracles have existed for many years in “healing crusades” and other special meetings normally conducted by prosperity gospel preachers, they have not caused any noticeable change in major secular urban centers. In contrast, Paul's miracles deeply affected Ephesus, reaching its center. Through these actions, the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. This is the difference between fake miracles and real ones.

Verse 18: “Also, many of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices.”

Individuals guilty of wicked practices confessed their sins. Many believers who had been baptized, but perhaps not thorough in their initial confession, were so awestruck by the exaltation of Jesus Christ's name that they approached Paul and his fellow ministers. They voluntarily confessed the secret wickedness that troubled their consciences—hidden deceits and impurities. By revealing their deeds, they brought shame upon themselves, gave glory to God, and provided a warning to others. These confessions were not forced but freely offered for the sake of their conscience, which had been deeply affected by the recent miracles. It should be noted that genuine sorrow for sin leads to sincere confession to God in prayer and to those we have offended, when necessary.

Verse 19: “And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and were burning them in the sight of everyone; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.”

Secret magical spell books were burned, demonstrating the magicians' genuine repentance. This act also prevented them from easily returning to their former practices. The destroyed books were valued at fifty thousand pieces of silver, equivalent to roughly fifty thousand days' wages for a common laborer. This remarkably large sum highlights the extensive prevalence of magic in Ephesus.

Verse 20: “So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing.”

The powerful growth and triumph of God's word is a truly inspiring spectacle. This passage illustrates two key aspects of its flourishing:

1. Extensive Growth: This occurs through the increasing number of individuals being converted to the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The gospel's impact and the transformation it brings lead to this growth. It is particularly evident when those resistant or opposed to the message are persuaded and embrace obedience. Such conversions signify a mighty growth.

2. Extensive Prevailing: This is seen in the spiritual progress of those who have joined the church. As individuals deepen their understanding and grace, the word prevails. This is demonstrated by the overcoming of deeply ingrained corruption, the alteration of harmful behaviors, the abandonment of long-standing negative practices, and even the rejection of appealing and popular sins. Through these victories, Christ and His word continue to advance and conquer mightily.

Verse 21: “ Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, ‘After I have been there, I must also see Rome.’”

Paul’s journey, marked by a turning point in Acts, was driven by a deep sense of purpose. While the Legacy Standard Version translates “purposed in the Spirit” as referring to the Holy Spirit, it more likely signifies Paul’s own spirit. His path led him through Macedonia and Achaia, located on the Greek mainland, in the opposite direction from Jerusalem. This roundabout route served a crucial purpose: to collect offerings for the needy Jerusalem church.

Ultimately, Paul declared, “I must also see Rome.” Having never visited the Imperial capital, he felt compelled to go due to the strategic importance of the church there. Furthermore, he envisioned Rome as a launching pad for his ministry in Spain. From this declaration forward, Rome became Paul’s primary goal, a destination he would eventually reach as a Roman prisoner.

Verse 22: “And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.”

Erastus is mentioned twice elsewhere in Scripture (Romans 16:23; 2 Timothy 4:20), but it's uncertain if these references are to the same individual. Paul dispatched him and another person ahead to help gather the offering.

Verse 23: “Now about that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way.”

At that time, the churches of Christianity had no denominational name; it was simply known as "the Way." This new way was undeniably the Lord Jesus, who declared,  “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6)

Verse 24: “For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little [b]business to the craftsmen;”

Ephesus was home to a significant guild of silversmiths, flourishing due to the multitude of religious pilgrims. These pilgrims journeyed to worship Diana, known as Artemis in Greek mythology, a fertility goddess depicted with numerous breasts in a renowned statue at Ephesus. Her "image," believed to have fallen "from the sky", was likely a meteorite that had become an object of veneration. The Temple of Artemis, a banking depository as well as a religious pilgrimage site, was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The creation of silver shrines and images of the goddess was a vital trade in the city.

Verse 25: “these he gathered together with the workers of similar trades, and said, ‘Men, you know that our prosperity is from this business.’”

The unrest among the silversmiths, instigated by Demetrius, fundamentally stemmed from economic concerns. Their prosperity was derived from the creation and sale of small idols. The Temple of Diana in Ephesus, being one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, attracted numerous visitors, thereby enabling these craftsmen to accumulate wealth through their trade. It is evident that challenging an individual's financial interests inevitably elicits a strong reaction.

Verse 26: “And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable crowd, saying that things made with hands are not gods.”

People often become protective of their sources of income, whether those sources are legitimate or not. This inherent protectiveness frequently leads individuals to oppose the Christian gospel, simply because it encourages abandoning illicit trades, regardless of their profitability. Paul was accused of discouraging idol worship. The indictment stated that he asserted, "saying that things made with hands are not gods.” It's difficult to imagine a more obvious truth or a more compelling argument than the prophets' reasoning: "The workman made it, therefore it is not God."

Verse 27: “And not only is there danger that this trade of ours fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis be considered as worthless and that she, whom all of Asia and the world worship, is even about to be brought down from her majesty.”

Demetrius skillfully manipulated his audience's anxieties regarding financial collapse, religious fervor, and their city's standing. He contended that Christian preachers jeopardized Ephesus's ongoing prosperity. The intensity of his audience's response indicates the gravity with which they perceived this threat.

Verse 28: “When they heard this and were filled with rage, they began crying out, saying, ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’”

In Ephesus, a massive procession chanted, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" Incense filled the air as devotees, including agitated silversmiths, carried placards of the multi-breasted Artemis (Diana), symbolizing fertility. News of Paul's new doctrine, threatening their worship and livelihood, sparked this defiant demonstration. The crowd, driven by devotion and economic concern, moved towards the Temple of Diana, one of the Seven Wonders, their roars declaring unwavering faith and resolve.

Verse 29: “And the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia.”

While Gaius and Aristarchus are identified as Macedonians, Acts 20:4 states that Gaius's hometown was Derbe, a city in Galatia. It is possible that the Gaius mentioned in Acts 20:4 is a different individual. “The city was filled with the confusion”, which meant there was a great disorder among the people. This is the common and natural effect of intemperate zeal for a false religion: it dethrones reason, enthrones passion, and throws all into confusion. People run together, not knowing one another’s minds, and not even knowing their own.

Verse 30: “And when Paul wanted to go into the assembly, the disciples would not let him.”

Paul would certainly have been killed, likely by a mob. He had previously endured a similar experience in Lystra, located in the Galatian country, where he was stoned.

Verse 31: “Also some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent to him and repeatedly urged him not to [b]venture into the theater.”

The Asiarchs, influential aristocrats dedicated to Roman interests, held their title for life, though only one served at a time. Paul's friendship with such powerful figures indicates that neither he nor his message were perceived as criminal, suggesting the riot lacked legitimate cause.

Verse 32: “So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the meeting was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together.”

A frenzied mob filled the theater. Paul, despite his courageous attempt to address them, was begged by the Asiarchs and Ephesian Christians to stay away. Their concern was twofold: the Apostle's safety and the fear that his presence would only worsen the already explosive situation.

Verse 33: “And some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly.”

This individual was likely not the false teacher mentioned in [1 Tim. 1:20] or Paul's opponent in [2 Tim. 4:14], as the name was common. He was either a Christian Jew or a representative of the Jewish community in Ephesus. Regardless of his affiliation, the Jews put him forward with the same goal: to distance themselves from the Christians and prevent a massacre of the Jewish people. His "defense" would have been made on behalf of either the Christians or the Jews, depending on the group he represented.

Verse 34: “But when they recognized that he was a Jew, a single cry arose from them all as they shouted for about two hours, ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’”

Alexander's attempt to address the crowd on behalf of the Jews backfired, as the crowd, in a two-hour display of religious frenzy, chanted the name of their goddess.

Verse 35: “Now after calming the crowd, the city clerk said, ‘Men of Ephesus, what man is there after all who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of the image which fell down from heaven?’”

The "city clerk" served as Ephesus's mayor, acting as the crucial link between the town council and the Roman authorities. He bore personal accountability for any unrest. The phrase "which fell down from heaven" likely refers to a meteorite, and became an object often integrated into the worship of Diana.

Verse 36: “So, since these are undeniable facts, you ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash.”

He warns them against violent and tumultuous actions, which their religion neither required nor benefited from: "you ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash." This is an excellent rule for all times, in both private and public matters. We should not be hasty or impulsive in our actions, but rather deliberate and take time to consider. We should avoid getting ourselves or others agitated, remaining calm and composed, always allowing reason to reign and keeping passion in check.

Verse 37: “For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess.”

The typical accusation was that the goddess had been either sacrilegiously defiled or blasphemed. These were typical accusations made by Gentiles against Jews and Jewish Christians. Neither applied in this case.

Verse 38: “So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are in session and proconsuls are available; let them bring charges against one another.”

He asserts that the court is available should the silversmiths wish to file a legal charge.

Verse 39: “But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the lawful meeting.”

He instructed them that any issues should be addressed in an orderly meeting. They were to cease displaying placards and halt their shouting and disorderly conduct. Their actions posed a risk of being charged with rioting, a phenomenon that has historical precedence. This entire scenario appears remarkably contemporary.

Verse 40: “For indeed we are in danger of being accused of a riot in connection with today’s events, since there is no cause for which we can give as an account for this disorderly gathering.”

The city clerk rightly criticized the crowd for the disturbance, stating that they should have adhered to established legal processes by seeking recourse in the courts and from proconsuls if they had grievances, thereby avoiding severe repercussions from Rome.

Verse 41: “ After saying this he dismissed the meeting.”

Paul’s ministry in Ephesus concluded when he dismissed the crowd, drawing their attention to their actions. The crowd dispersed, and people returned home. Afterward, Paul departed Ephesus and returned to Macedonia.