Lesson Thirty-Seven: Paul at Ephesus

Supplementary Materials

Third Missionary Journey: Overview Aspect Details Scripture Acts 18:23-21:16 Approximate dates AD 53-57 (about 4 years) Starting point Antioch of Syria (18:23) Major center Ephesus — Paul stayed about 3 years (Acts 20:31) Other regions Galatia, Phrygia, Macedonia, Greece (Achaia), Troas, Miletus Letters written 1 Corinthians (from Ephesus), 2 Corinthians (from Macedonia), Romans (from Corinth), possibly Galatians Ending point Jerusalem (21:17) — where Paul was arrested

Apollos: An Eloquent Preacher (18:24-28) Characteristic Description Origin Alexandria, Egypt — home to a large Jewish community and famous for its learning; the Septuagint was produced there "Eloquent" (logios) Learned, cultured, skilled in speaking; could mean either eloquent or well-educated (probably both) "Mighty in the scriptures" Powerful in his knowledge and use of the Old Testament "Instructed in the way of the Had been taught about Jesus — but his knowledge was Lord" incomplete "Fervent in the spirit" Zealous, enthusiastic, passionate in his teaching "Spake and taught diligently" Accurate in what he knew — his problem was incompleteness, not error His limitation "Knowing only the baptism of John" — he knew Jesus was the Messiah but apparently not the full gospel including Christian baptism

A Model of Gentle Correction (18:26) "And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly." Notice how Aquila and Priscilla handled this situation:

• They listened first — they heard him in the synagogue before acting
• They acted privately — "took him unto them" (aside), not publicly embarrassing him
• They taught positively — "expounded... the way of God MORE PERFECTLY" — adding to his knowledge, not attacking what he had
• A tentmaker couple taught an eloquent scholar — education doesn't guarantee complete knowledge; humble workers can teach professors

Apollos' response: He was teachable! He accepted their instruction and became even more effective. Later he became a powerful minister in Corinth (18:27-28; 1 Cor. 1:12; 3:4-6; 16:12).

The Twelve Disciples at Ephesus (19:1-7) Paul found about twelve men who were "disciples" but had received only John's baptism: Paul's Question/Action Their Response/Result "Have ye received the Holy "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost since ye believed?" Ghost" "Unto what then were ye "Unto John's baptism" baptized?" Paul explained John's "They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" baptism pointed to Jesus Paul laid hands on them "The Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied" Why Was John's Baptism No Longer Valid?

• John's baptism was preparatory — looking forward to the Messiah
• After Jesus' death, resurrection, and Pentecost, the new covenant was in effect
• Baptism "in the name of Jesus" (or "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" — Matt. 28:19) was now required
• These men needed to be rebaptized — showing that the content and authority of baptism matters

Ephesus: Paul's Longest Ministry Aspect Details Location Western coast of Asia Minor (modern Turkey); major port city Importance Fourth largest city in Roman Empire; capital of province of Asia; commercial and religious center Famous for Temple of Artemis (Diana) — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Also known for Magic, sorcery, occult practices — "Ephesian letters" were famous magical formulas Paul's time there About 3 years (Acts 20:31): 3 months in synagogue + 2 years in school of Tyrannus + additional time Result "All they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks" (19:10)

Paul's Ministry Pattern in Ephesus (19:8-10)

Phase Duration Description Synagogue 3 months "Spake boldly... disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God" Opposition — "Divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude" School of Tyrannus 2 years "Separated the disciples, disputing daily" — one manuscript adds "from the fifth to the tenth hour" (11am-4pm, siesta time)

The result (19:10): "ALL they which dwelt in Asia heard the word" — from this base, the gospel spread throughout the entire province. The seven churches of Revelation (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea) were likely founded during this period, either by Paul or his co-workers.

Special Miracles and the Sons of Sceva (19:11-16) "Special miracles" (19:11): Literally "not ordinary" — even handkerchiefs and aprons that touched Paul healed the sick and cast out demons. This was similar to Peter's shadow (Acts 5:15) and was suited to a city steeped in magical practices. The Seven Sons of Sceva (19:13-16)

• Jewish exorcists tried to use "the name of Jesus whom Paul preacheth"
• They treated Jesus' name as a magic formula — without personal faith or relationship
• The demon's response: "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?"
• The demon-possessed man attacked them — they fled "naked and wounded"

Lesson: The name of Jesus is not a magic word. Power comes through genuine faith and relationship with Christ, not ritual use of His name.

The Burning of the Magic Books (19:17-20) "And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver."

The principle: True conversion involves a complete break with sinful practices. These believers destroyed valuable property rather than profit from evil or leave temptation available. The cost of discipleship is real — but the result was worth it: "So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed" (19:20).

Key Cross-References

Lessons from Acts 18:23-19:20 1. Be teachable like Apollos — even eloquent scholars can learn from humble believers. 2. Correct gently like Aquila and Priscilla — privately, positively, adding to knowledge. 3. The content and authority of baptism matters — John's baptism was no longer valid after Pentecost. 4. Jesus' name is not a magic formula — power comes through genuine faith and relationship. 5. True repentance involves a complete break with sin — even at great cost. 6. Patient, sustained ministry produces lasting fruit — from Ephesus, all Asia heard the word.