Acts 19
BSB1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the interior and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” “No,” they answered, “we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." 3 “Into what, then, were you baptized?” Paul asked. “The baptism of John,” they replied. 4 Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all. 8 Then Paul went into the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some of them stubbornly refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way, Paul took his disciples and left the synagogue to conduct daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that everyone who lived in the province of Asia, Jews and Greeks alike, heard the word of the Lord. 11 God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and the diseases and evil spirits left them. 13 Now there were some itinerant Jewish exorcists who tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those with evil spirits. They would say, “I bind you by Jesus, whom Paul proclaims." 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 Eventually, one of the evil spirits answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" 16 Then the man with the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. The attack was so violent that they ran out of the house naked and wounded. 17 This became known to all the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, and fear came over all of them. So the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many who had believed now came forward, confessing and disclosing their deeds. 19 And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books and burned them in front of everyone. When the value of the books was calculated, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. 20 So the word of the Lord powerfully continued to spread and prevail. 21 After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well." 22 He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed for a time in the province of Asia. 23 About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. 24 It began with a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis, bringing much business to the craftsmen. 25 Demetrius assembled the craftsmen, along with the workmen in related trades. “Men,” he said, “you know that this business is our source of prosperity. 26 And you can see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in nearly the whole province of Asia, Paul has persuaded a great number of people to turn away. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. 27 There is danger not only that our business will fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited and her majesty deposed—she who is worshiped by all the province of Asia and the whole world." 28 When the men heard this, they were enraged and began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" 29 Soon the whole city was in disarray. They rushed together into the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. 30 Paul wanted to go before the assembly, but the disciples would not allow him. 31 Even some of Paul’s friends who were officials of the province of Asia sent word to him, begging him not to venture into the theatre. 32 Meanwhile the assembly was in turmoil. Some were shouting one thing and some another, and most of them did not even know why they were there. 33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people. 34 But when they realized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" 35 Finally the city clerk quieted the crowd and declared, “Men of Ephesus, doesn’t everyone know that the city of Ephesus is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? 36 Since these things are undeniable, you ought to be calm and not do anything rash. 37 For you have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed our temple nor blasphemed our goddess. 38 So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and proconsuls are available. Let them bring charges against one another there. 39 But if you are seeking anything beyond this, it must be settled in a legal assembly. 40 For we are in jeopardy of being charged with rioting for today’s events, and we have no justification to account for this commotion." 41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
Study Notes — Acts 19
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Acts 19
- Themes from Acts 19
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Acts 19
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Acts chapter 19 begins with Paul's arrival in Ephesus, where he finds a group of disciples who have not received the Holy Spirit. Paul baptizes them in the name of Jesus, and they receive the Holy Spirit. He then spends three months preaching in the synagogue, but faces opposition from the Jews. Paul takes his ministry to the lecture hall of Tyrannus, where he preaches for two years, reaching a wide audience. The chapter also includes the account of the seven sons of Sceva, who try to cast out demons in Jesus' name but are overpowered by the demons. The chapter ends with a description of the riot in Ephesus, sparked by the silversmiths who are concerned about the economic impact of the gospel on their trade.
Context for the Chapter
Acts chapter 19 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Acts, which describes the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. The chapter is also part of the historical context of the early church, where believers faced opposition and persecution from the Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire. The chapter highlights the importance of the gospel message and the need for believers to be faithful in proclaiming it, despite the challenges and opposition they may face.
Heart Application
As we read Acts chapter 19, we are reminded of the importance of perseverance in the face of opposition. We are also encouraged to be faithful in proclaiming the gospel, despite the challenges and opposition we may face. The chapter highlights the power of the gospel to transform lives and overcome opposition, and we are called to trust in the Lord's sovereignty and grace as we seek to spread the gospel in our own context.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Acts chapter 19 is about the spread of the gospel in Ephesus, where Paul preached and performed miracles. The chapter highlights the power of the gospel to transform lives and overcome opposition. We see the importance of perseverance in the face of opposition, as Paul faces challenges from the Jews and the silversmiths. The chapter also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers and transforming lives.
Voices from the Church
“The gospel is the power of God unto salvation, and it is our duty to proclaim it to all nations.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Holy Spirit is the agent of transformation and empowerment in the lives of believers, and we must seek to be filled with the Spirit as we proclaim the gospel.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Paul's Ministry in Ephesus (19:1-7) — Paul finds a group of disciples who have not received the Holy Spirit and baptizes them in the name of Jesus. He then spends three months preaching in the synagogue, but faces opposition from the Jews.
- Paul's Ministry in the Lecture Hall of Tyrannus (19:8-10) — Paul takes his ministry to the lecture hall of Tyrannus, where he preaches for two years, reaching a wide audience.
- The Seven Sons of Sceva (19:11-16) — The seven sons of Sceva try to cast out demons in Jesus' name but are overpowered by the demons. This incident highlights the power of the gospel and the importance of faith in Jesus Christ.
- The Riot in Ephesus (19:23-41) — The silversmiths, who are concerned about the economic impact of the gospel on their trade, spark a riot in Ephesus. The chapter ends with a description of the chaos and confusion that ensues.
- Conclusion (19:20) — The chapter ends with a description of the spread of the gospel in Ephesus, despite the opposition and challenges faced by Paul and the early church.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter highlights the sovereignty of God in spreading the gospel, despite the opposition and challenges faced by Paul and the early church.
- The Power of the Gospel
- The chapter emphasizes the power of the gospel to transform lives and overcome opposition.
- The Importance of Perseverance
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of opposition, as Paul faces challenges from the Jews and the silversmiths.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit
- The chapter highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers and transforming lives.
Lessons from Acts 19
- The Importance of Perseverance — The chapter teaches us the importance of perseverance in the face of opposition, as Paul faces challenges from the Jews and the silversmiths.
- The Power of the Gospel — The chapter emphasizes the power of the gospel to transform lives and overcome opposition.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit — The chapter highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers and transforming lives.
- The Importance of Faith in Jesus Christ — The chapter teaches us the importance of faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in the baptism of the disciples and the preaching of Paul.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights the sovereignty of God in spreading the gospel, despite the opposition and challenges faced by Paul and the early church.
Themes from Acts 19
- The Spread of the Gospel — The chapter highlights the spread of the gospel in Ephesus, despite the opposition and challenges faced by Paul and the early church.
- The Power of the Gospel — The chapter emphasizes the power of the gospel to transform lives and overcome opposition.
- The Importance of Perseverance — The chapter teaches us the importance of perseverance in the face of opposition, as Paul faces challenges from the Jews and the silversmiths.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit — The chapter highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers and transforming lives.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights the sovereignty of God in spreading the gospel, despite the opposition and challenges faced by Paul and the early church.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Paul's ministry in Ephesus about the importance of perseverance in the face of opposition?
- How does the chapter highlight the power of the gospel to transform lives and overcome opposition?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in empowering believers and transforming lives, according to the chapter?
- How does the chapter describe the opposition faced by Paul and the early church, and what can we learn from their response?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of faith in Jesus Christ, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Paul's Arrival in Ephesus (19:1-7)
| 19:1 | Paul arrives in Ephesus and finds a group of disciples who have not received the Holy Spirit. |
| 19:2 | Paul asks the disciples if they have received the Holy Spirit, and they reply that they have not even heard of the Holy Spirit. |
| 19:3 | Paul asks the disciples what baptism they received, and they reply that they received the baptism of John. |
| 19:4 | Paul explains to the disciples that John's baptism was a baptism of repentance, and that they must believe in Jesus Christ to receive the Holy Spirit. |
| 19:5 | The disciples are baptized in the name of Jesus, and they receive the Holy Spirit. |
| 19:6 | Paul lays his hands on the disciples, and they receive the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and prophesying. |
| 19:7 | There are about twelve men in all who receive the Holy Spirit. |
2. Paul's Ministry in the Synagogue (19:8-10)
| 19:8 | Paul spends three months preaching in the synagogue, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. |
| 19:9 | But when some of the Jews become obstinate and refuse to believe, Paul takes his ministry to the lecture hall of Tyrannus. |
| 19:10 | Paul preaches in the lecture hall of Tyrannus for two years, reaching a wide audience. |
3. The Seven Sons of Sceva (19:11-16)
| 19:11 | God does extraordinary miracles through Paul, and people bring handkerchiefs and aprons that have touched Paul to the sick, and they are healed. |
| 19:12 | The seven sons of Sceva try to cast out demons in Jesus' name, but they are overpowered by the demons. |
| 19:13 | The demons recognize the power of Jesus' name, and they attack the seven sons of Sceva. |
| 19:14 | The seven sons of Sceva are forced to flee, and the demons are victorious. |
| 19:15 | The incident is a warning to those who try to use the name of Jesus for their own gain, without having faith in Him. |
| 19:16 | The incident also highlights the power of the gospel to transform lives and overcome opposition. |
4. The Riot in Ephesus (19:23-41)
| 19:23 | A riot breaks out in Ephesus, sparked by the silversmiths who are concerned about the economic impact of the gospel on their trade. |
| 19:24 | The silversmiths are led by Demetrius, who makes silver shrines of Artemis and brings a lot of business to the craftsmen. |
| 19:25 | Demetrius calls a meeting of the craftsmen and explains the situation to them, warning them that the gospel is a threat to their livelihood. |
| 19:26 | The craftsmen are stirred up and begin to shout, 'Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!' |
| 19:27 | The riot spreads, and the crowd becomes violent, dragging Gaius and Aristarchus, two of Paul's companions, into the theater. |
| 19:28 | The crowd is confused and does not know why they have been called together. |
| 19:29 | Some of the crowd shout one thing, and some another, and the assembly is in confusion. |
| 19:30 | Paul wants to go into the assembly to speak to the crowd, but the disciples do not let him. |
| 19:31 | Some of the officials of the province, who are friends of Paul, send a message to him, urging him not to venture into the theater. |
| 19:32 | The crowd is in an uproar, and some are shouting one thing and some another. |
| 19:33 | Alexander, one of the Jews, is pushed to the front by the Jews, and he tries to make a defense before the crowd. |
| 19:34 | But when the crowd recognizes that he is a Jew, they begin to shout again, 'Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!' for about two hours. |
| 19:35 | The city clerk quiets the crowd and reminds them that they should not be in a hurry to act, but should investigate the matter carefully. |
| 19:36 | The city clerk points out that the men who have been brought before them have not robbed temples or blasphemed their goddess. |
| 19:37 | The city clerk advises the crowd to take their complaints to the courts, rather than taking matters into their own hands. |
| 19:38 | If Demetrius and the craftsmen have a complaint, they should take it to the courts, and the proconsuls will hear their case. |
| 19:39 | The city clerk warns the crowd that they could be charged with rioting, and that they should disperse. |
| 19:40 | The crowd is finally quieted, and they disperse, and the assembly is dismissed. |
| 19:41 | The chapter ends with a sense of resolution, but also a sense of uncertainty about what the future holds for the church in Ephesus. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main reason for the riot in Ephesus?
The main reason for the riot in Ephesus was the economic impact of the gospel on the silversmiths' trade, as they were concerned that the gospel would reduce the demand for their idols and shrines (Acts 19:24-27).
Who were the seven sons of Sceva, and what did they try to do?
The seven sons of Sceva were a group of Jewish exorcists who tried to cast out demons in Jesus' name, but they were overpowered by the demons (Acts 19:13-16).
What was the outcome of the riot in Ephesus?
The outcome of the riot in Ephesus was that the crowd was finally quieted, and they dispersed, and the assembly was dismissed (Acts 19:40-41).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 19:1 → Matthew 28:19-20 | The commission to spread the gospel to all nations is seen in Paul's ministry in Ephesus, as he preaches to the disciples and baptizes them in the name of Jesus. |
| 2 | Acts 19:6 → John 14:16-17 | The role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers is seen in the baptism of the disciples, as they receive the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues and prophesy. |
| 3 | Acts 19:11 → Mark 16:17-18 | The power of the gospel to heal and transform lives is seen in the miracles performed by Paul, as people bring handkerchiefs and aprons that have touched Paul to the sick, and they are healed. |
| 4 | Acts 19:13 → Matthew 7:21-23 | The danger of using the name of Jesus without having faith in Him is seen in the incident with the seven sons of Sceva, as they try to cast out demons in Jesus' name but are overpowered by the demons. |
| 5 | Acts 19:20 → Isaiah 55:11 | The sovereignty of God in spreading the gospel is seen in the chapter, as the word of the Lord powerfully grows and spreads, despite the opposition and challenges faced by Paul and the early church. |
| 6 | Acts 19:24 → 1 Timothy 6:10 | The love of money and the desire for wealth and power can lead people to oppose the gospel, as seen in the silversmiths' reaction to the gospel in Ephesus. |
| 7 | Acts 19:27 → Romans 1:25 | The idolatry and paganism of the ancient world are seen in the worship of Artemis in Ephesus, as the crowd shouts, 'Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!' |
| 8 | Acts 19:30 → 2 Timothy 4:7 | The importance of perseverance in the face of opposition is seen in Paul's desire to go into the assembly to speak to the crowd, despite the danger and uncertainty of the situation. |
| 9 | Acts 19:35 → Proverbs 24:23-25 | The importance of wisdom and discernment in leadership is seen in the city clerk's speech, as he quiets the crowd and reminds them to investigate the matter carefully before acting. |
| 10 | Acts 19:41 → Psalm 37:7 | The chapter ends with a sense of resolution, but also a sense of uncertainty about what the future holds for the church in Ephesus, reminding us to trust in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. |
Sermons on Acts 19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(People God Uses) 04 Knowing the Word of God by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of running the race of serving the Lord Jesus Christ with all-out effort. He refers to the book of Acts, highlighting the powe |
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You Need the Baptism of the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man named Steve who was a rock star and wanted to use his fame to spread the message of Jesus. However, he was confronted by you |
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There's Something Missing by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how the word of the Lord spread and impacted people's lives in the absence of modern communication tools. He emphasizes the importance of havi |
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(Forging the Vessel of Recovery) 6- Recovery of Real Faith by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the preacher shares about a powerful experience of God's presence in a church service. He describes how the power of God hit the congregation, leading to intense pr |
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When the Spirit Comes by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the pastor shares his personal experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit at the age of 14. He emphasizes that this experience is not limited to strong Christi |
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A Word for Those Who Feel Like Quitting by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the struggles and challenges that believers face after experiencing a powerful transformation in their lives through Christ. He acknowledges |
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Judgement Seat 1-31-91 - Part 4 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the impact of one person's obedience to God. He uses examples of individuals who, despite their limitations, made a significant impact throug |
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A Man Who Is Known in Hell by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not hiding the truth of the gospel. He encourages the audience to boldly proclaim the truth they have received, acknowledg |
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Jesus Training the Twelve by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the loss of fire and power in the church. He shares examples of workers in South America who had lost their fire, but emphasizes that God is w |
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The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Flame of the Spi) by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having God in one's life. He contrasts the value of having God with the emptiness of having everything else without Him. T |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Acts 19
In Acts chapter 19, we see the power of the gospel to transform lives and overcome opposition. Paul's ministry in Ephesus is marked by miracles and wonders, as he preaches to the disciples and baptizes them in the name of Jesus. The chapter also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers, as the disciples receive the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues and prophesy. The incident with the seven sons of Sceva serves as a warning to those who would use the name of Jesus without having faith in Him. The chapter ends with a description of the riot in Ephesus, sparked by the silversmiths who are concerned about the economic impact of the gospel on their trade. Throughout the chapter, we see the sovereignty of God in spreading the gospel, despite the opposition and challenges faced by Paul and the early church. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The gospel is not a doctrine of words, but of power; and it is the duty of ministers to preach it, not in word only, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Power of the Gospel
The chapter highlights the power of the gospel to transform lives and overcome opposition. We see this in the baptism of the disciples (Acts 19:5-6) and the preaching of Paul (Acts 19:10).
The Importance of Perseverance
The chapter emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of opposition. Paul faces opposition in the synagogue (Acts 19:8-9) and from the silversmiths (Acts 19:23-41), but he continues to preach and teach.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The chapter highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers and transforming lives. We see this in the baptism of the disciples (Acts 19:6) and the preaching of Paul (Acts 19:11).