Acts 18–19
Common Theme
God advances His gospel through obedient workers, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the bold proclamation of truth despite opposition. The message of Christ transforms hearts, confronts false systems, and demonstrates God’s authority in real ways.
Questions
- What does Apollos’ growth and correction reveal about humility and teachability in ministry?
- How does the response in Ephesus challenge assumptions about the cost and impact of true repentance?
God Shot
God reveals Himself as supremely powerful, confirming His word with unmistakable authority over spiritual forces and false beliefs. He is purposeful and sovereign, orchestrating open doors, protection, and transformation as His truth spreads.
Deeper
Acts 18
Paul traveled from Athens to Corinth, where he met Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tentmakers who had recently left Rome. He preached in the synagogue every Sabbath, trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks about Jesus as the Christ. When faced with opposition, Paul decided to focus on the Gentiles. He stayed with Titius Justus, and many Corinthians, including Crispus, the synagogue ruler, believed and were baptized. God reassured Paul in a vision, promising protection and a significant following in the city. Later, when Paul was brought before Gallio, the proconsul, he dismissed the charges against Paul, stating they were matters of Jewish law. Afterward, Paul continued his journey, cutting his hair in Cenchreae due to a vow, and briefly stopped in Ephesus before returning to Antioch. Meanwhile, Apollos, an eloquent Jew from Alexandria, preached in Ephesus but needed further instruction from Priscilla and Aquila before successfully spreading the message of Jesus in Achaia.
Acts 19
In Ephesus, Paul encounters disciples who had only received John’s baptism and had not heard of the Holy Spirit. After explaining that John’s baptism was for repentance and pointing them to Jesus, they are baptized in His name. Paul lays hands on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and prophesying. He then teaches in the synagogue for three months but, after facing opposition, moves to the hall of Tyrannus, where he continues for two years, spreading the word of the Lord throughout Asia.
Extraordinary miracles occur through Paul, including healing the sick with handkerchiefs. Some Jewish exorcists attempt to invoke Jesus’ name but are overpowered by an evil spirit, leading to fear and the renunciation of magic practices among believers. Many burn their magic books, significantly impacting the community.
As Paul plans to travel to Macedonia and Jerusalem, a silversmith named Demetrius stirs up a riot against him, claiming that Paul’s teachings threaten their trade and the worship of Artemis. The crowd, confused and enraged, drags Paul’s companions into a theater. The town clerk eventually calms the crowd, asserting that the men are not blasphemers and advising them to resolve their grievances through legal channels, leading to the assembly’s dismissal.