Acts of the Apostles

The Way Spreads Through the Upper Regions of Ephesus

Review: Paul Is Given a Time of Rest in Corinth (Acts 18:9–18)

The Lord appears to Paul in a night vision, instructing him not to fear but to speak boldly (Acts 18:9–10). Paul remains in Corinth for a year and six months, teaching the word of God (Acts 18:11). Despite opposition, he is divinely protected and continues his ministry without interference.

Paul Begins His Journey to Jerusalem (Acts 18:19–23)

Paul departs from Corinth and briefly stops in Ephesus, where he reasons with the Jews. He then sails to Caesarea, greets the church, and travels to Antioch. After some time, he departs again, journeying through Galatia and Phrygia to strengthen the disciples.

Apollos (Acts 18:24–28)

Apollos, an eloquent man mighty in the Scriptures, arrives in Ephesus. He teaches accurately about Jesus, though he knows only the baptism of John. Aquila and Priscilla explain the way of God more fully to him. Later, Apollos travels to Achaia, where he powerfully refutes the Jews, demonstrating from Scripture that Jesus is the Christ.

Disciples of John in Ephesus (Acts 19:1–7)

While Apollos is in Corinth, Paul travels through the inland, elevated regions (Phrygia and Galatia) to reach Ephesus (Acts 19:1). Upon arriving, he encounters some disciples and asks whether they received the Holy Spirit when they believed (Acts 19:2). They respond that they had not even heard of the Holy Spirit and had only received John’s immersion (Acts 19:2–3). Paul explains that John’s immersion signified repentance in anticipation of the coming Messiah (Acts 19:4). The disciples are then immersed in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:5). This immersion does not save but publicly acknowledges belief in God’s message (cf. 1 Peter 3:21). Paul lays hands on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and prophesying (Acts 19:6). This act serves as a sign to Jews rather than a model for Gentiles (cf. Acts 8:17; 10:44), as Jews seek signs while Gentiles seek wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:22). In total, there are about twelve men (Acts 19:7).

Paul Teaches “The Way” in the Synagogue (Acts 19:8–10)

For three months, Paul speaks boldly in the synagogue, reasoning and persuading concerning the Kingdom of God (Acts 19:8). The Kingdom of God refers to the sphere of salvation across all dispensations, while the Kingdom of the Heavens pertains to the Messiah’s rule over Israel and the nations. Some Jews harden their hearts and speak against The Way (Acts 19:9), which was the early Church’s designation in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 22:4; 24:14). Paul then separates from them and begins teaching daily in the school of Tyrannus (Acts 19:9). This continues for two years, ensuring that all in Asia—both Jews and Greeks—hear the word of the Lord (Acts 19:10).

The Word of the Lord Grows in the Region (Acts 19:11–20)

God performs extraordinary miracles through Paul—miracles beyond natural means (Acts 19:11). Even handkerchiefs and aprons from Paul are used to heal the sick and cast out demons (Acts 19:12). Some traveling Jewish exorcists, including the seven sons of Sceva, attempt to invoke Jesus’ name to expel spirits (Acts 19:13–14). However, an evil spirit responds, acknowledging Jesus and Paul but rejecting them (Acts 19:15). The possessed man overpowers the exorcists, stripping and wounding them (Acts 19:16). News of this spreads, instilling fear among Jews and Greeks in Ephesus and magnifying the name of the Lord (Acts 19:17). Many believers confess their former involvement in magical arts (Acts 19:18), publicly burning their books—valued at 50,000 pieces of silver (Acts 19:19). As a result, the word of the Lord grows mightily and prevails (Acts 19:20).

Paul Renews His Determination to Go to Jerusalem (Acts 19:21–22)

After two years in Ephesus, Paul resolves in his spirit to go to Jerusalem and then to Rome (Acts 19:21). He sends Timothy and Erastus ahead to Macedonia while remaining in Asia for a short time longer (Acts 19:22).

Trouble in Ephesus (Acts 19:23–41)

Demetrius Causes a Commotion About The Way (Acts 19:23–27)

Demetrius, a silversmith who crafts silver shrines of Diana, becomes agitated over The Way’s influence (Acts 19:23–24). He gathers fellow tradesmen, warning that Paul’s teachings threaten their livelihood by turning people away from man-made gods (Acts 19:25–26). Their trade risks disrepute, and even the temple of Diana may be disregarded (Acts 19:27).

The Silversmiths Cause an Uproar in the City (Acts 19:28–36)

Enraged, the silversmiths chant, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” (Acts 19:28). The city erupts in chaos, with crowds rushing into the theater and seizing Paul’s companions (Acts 19:29). Though Paul wishes to intervene, he is persuaded not to enter (Acts 19:30–31). Alexander attempts to address the crowd but is shouted down (Acts 19:33–34). Eventually, the city clerk restores order (Acts 19:35–36).

Demetrius and the Tradesmen Are Rebuked (Acts 19:37–39)

The clerk rebukes Demetrius and his associates for inciting disorder (Acts 19:37–39).

The Crowd Is Dismissed (Acts 19:40–41)

The clerk warns that they risk being charged with rioting (Acts 19:40) before dismissing the assembly (Acts 19:41).