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Acts 19

41 verses

TL;DR

Paul’s ministry in Ephesus brings miracles and converts, provoking opposition from pagan craftsmen who worship the goddess Diana, leading to a civic assembly that diffuses conflict.

Summary

Paul arrives in Ephesus after visiting Corinth and baptizes a small group in the name of Jesus, laying hands on them and bringing the Holy Ghost. He teaches for three months, persuading Jews and Greeks alike. Paul performs miracles with handkerchiefs that drive out disease and evil spirits, prompting a confrontation with the exorcists Sceva’s seven sons who claim authority over Jesus’ name but are overpowered. The success of Paul’s ministry frightens local silversmiths, especially Demetrius, who lead a mob that threatens to destroy the shrine of Diana. The city’s assembly is called to resolve the unrest, and the city clerk ultimately prevents violence, emphasizing the need for calm. The chapter ends with Paul’s continued plans to travel to Jerusalem and Rome.

Outline
  1. Paul’s evangelistic work and miracles in Ephesus.
  2. Confrontation with the silversmiths and pagan worship of Diana.
  3. City assembly and resolution of the ensuing conflict.
Themes
The power of the Holy Spirit in conversion.Conflict between emerging Christianity and established pagan practices.The role of civic authority in religious disputes.
Keywords
Holy GhostbaptismprophecymiracleDianasilversmiththeatrecivic assemblypersecutionconversion
People
PaulApollosScevaDemetriusGaiusAristarchusAlexanderTimotheusErastusTyrannusJulius
Places
EphesusCorinthAsiaMacedoniaAchaiatheatresilversmiths’ workshop
Things
Holy GhostJohn’s baptism of repentancehandkerchiefs used in miraclessilversmiths’ silver shrinesthe goddess Dianacity clerk
Key Verses
  • Acts 19:5: Shows the decisive moment of baptism in Jesus’ name, marking a shift from John’s baptism.
  • Acts 19:6: Illustrates the tangible presence of the Holy Ghost through tongues and prophecy.
  • Acts 19:14: Depicts the powerful confrontation with the exorcists, underscoring the authority of Jesus’ name.
  • Acts 19:24: Introduces the socio‑economic conflict caused by the loss of silver shrine production.
  • Acts 19:31: Highlights the civic intervention that averts violence and preserves public order.
Questions
  • What does the contrast between John’s baptism and baptism in Jesus’ name reveal about early Christian identity?
  • How does Paul’s use of miracles function as a theological statement in the narrative?
  • In what ways does the conflict with the silversmiths illustrate the tension between economic interests and religious change?
  • What role does civic authority play in mediating religious disputes in this chapter?
  • How might the assembly’s resolution reflect broader patterns of Christian persecution in the Roman Empire?
Sentiment

mixed
The passage contains both triumphant miracles and tense civic conflict, resulting in an overall mixed tone.