Day 40

Memorize: New believers in Ephesus

Acts 19

Key Verses: 2, 6, 12, 14-15, 32,

We again hear the role of the Holy Spirit in the growth of the Church. Here are some people identified as disciples, but they have not received the Holy Spirit yet. They understand the facts, but they are not complete. They are baptized in Jesus’ name and Paul lays his hands on them and they receive the Holy Spirit. Again there is a physical sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence confirming His presence; they speak in tongues and prophesy. The application of this pattern to the modern church will be left for others to argue. This pattern clearly existed in the early church. I personally think the pattern still happens today. When the Holy Spirit comes there is a physical sign.

Handkerchiefs did not become part of the normal, everyday mode of the Holy Spirit’s work in the Church. He does use some strange things sometimes to emphasize His presence, doesn’t he!

There is no such thing as secondary power. The seven sons of Sceva found this out. Jesus’ name is not a magic formula to get things done. We can’t just throw out His name and expect things to happen. We must know Him in order for Him to do His work through us. We are vessels. He uses us. We see the death of the magic arts in this chapter. Those who practiced them now believe, and bring their paraphernalia to be destroyed. They realize the true nature of Jesus’ power. And the Word continues to spread.

Opposition to the Word is usually pretty disorganized, as it was in Ephesus. The riotous crowd did not even know why they were rioting. Sounds like the Occupy movement in our day. Occupy only came up with the “99%” after they were gathered. They started as groups of paid protesters and aimless people. The people in Ephesus only unite when they learn Alexander is a Jew. Then they become united. It only takes one city employee with some sense to quiet the crowd and dismiss them.

The result of the time in Ephesus was a great number of believers. Some were discipled for two years. Perhaps the LORD will use you in some unusual ways, like we have seen in the chapter. I wouldn’t stock up on handkerchiefs, but I would draw in close to Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit free reign in you life.

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