Acts 19, Confirm, Confess, Confront

 

Acts 19 – Confirm, Confess, Confront.

Paul retraced his first and second missionary journeys, then returned to Ephesus. He spends two years here where he speaks daily in the school of Tyrannus. Paul asked the believers if they received the Holy spirit. When John baptized people it was for repentance of sin. They did not know of the Holy spirit back then. After Jesus was baptized, he went around baptizing in His name and every who followed His example received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Since the believers were taught by Apollos who for a time only knew of John the Baptist, they did not receive the Holy Spirit.

When you believe in Jesus Christ and are baptized, you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 10:43-48, Romans 8:9). Many people think they are converted but do not have the Spirit’s witness within (I John 5:9-13). Paul could not build a church on men with an inadequate spiritual experience, nor can we today. We must be honest with God.

To teach the Jews and Gentiles about Jesus, Paul performed many miracles. There were exorcists who tried to duplicate Paul’s miracles. As a result, their efforts backfired on them, and the evil spirits overpowered them. So much so that they burned their magic books and turned to worshiping Jesus Christ, our Lord.

The devil is a great imitator, but in this case, his attempt was a humiliating failure. The Lord used it for good, because the believers became convicted about their secret sins and confessed them. Then the Spirit could work in mighty power, and the Word increased.

Paul did not openly attack their idolatry by picketing the temple of Diana or petitioning the city government. He simply shared the Word, and lives were changed. Of course, the real issue was money, not religion. Paul was wise not to go into the theater, although we admire him for his courage. But the riot only called attention to the gospel and gave the believers more opportunity to witness.

Circumstances that look like obstacles are really opportunities when you let God work.

 

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J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible