Acts 19
Acts 19:1-19
Digging Deeper
In Acts 19, Paul successfully preaches the Gospel in Ephesus, and believers are baptized with the Holy Spirit. The Word is spread throughout Asia's providence to Jews and Greeks. Paul performs miracles, heals many people and casts out evil spirits. Many are saved, and the name of Jesus is feared and honored.
Paul also faced difficult situations and opposition in Ephesus. This opposition took several different forms. Just as when Paul was in other cities, some Jews opposed him, rejected the message Paul preached and spoke against the Gospel. Also, during this time, false prophets tried to cast out evil spirits by imitating Paul and by using the name of Jesus. The man, who had the evil spirit that these false prophets were addressing, violently dealt with these false prophets as they were practicing evil against the true God. Finally, a silversmith named Demetrius opposed Paul and caused a mob to riot. Demetrius claimed that Paul, by proclaiming the Gospel, was wrecking the livelihood of many in Ephesus who manufactured idols of the goddess Artemis.
Throughout his time in Ephesus, God was with Paul. God continued to provide believers who were Paul's friends and protectors. Paul had amazing ministry opportunities, and his faithfulness in proclaiming the Gospel enabled the message to be spread far and wide. May God guide believers in how we can be most effective, like Paul, and share our faith with our neighbors and nations so that all the world will hear the Good News.
WHAT NOT TO MISS
The Holy Spirit does not call attention to Himself but points to God the Father and God the Son.
God loves and likes you. You are totally and completely forgiven. God will never, ever be angry at you. His anger is poured out on the sin that Jesus bore on the cross. You will run out of sin before God runs out of grace. We are the King's kids. We will live forever because of what Jesus Christ did for us.
God's Spirit has impressed on us the truth of what we have read in the Word over and over, and He has told us to keep reminding ourselves of what we have learned. We also need to remind each other. Preach the Gospel to one another so that we do not get discouraged.
Main Points:
Arab Axiom:
1. There are those who don't know and think they know. They are fools… shun them. (Acts 19:8-9)
2. There are those who don't know and know they don't know. They are students. Teach them. (Acts 19:2)
3. There are those who do know and don't know they know. They are asleep. Wake them. (Acts 19:3-6)
4. There are those who know and know that they know. They are wise. Follow them. (Acts 19:10)
LIFE APPLICATION
As we share the Gospel, we rejoice when someone accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior. However, we know that just like Paul experienced in Ephesus, there will be those who are stubborn, reject the message and oppose what is being shared. This week, think about your response to those who are hostile to the Gospel, and proactively think of ways you can handle situations that might be caused by jealousy, or because someone feels threatened by the Gospel you are sharing.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Describe a situation when you did something right, good or beneficial and your efforts were rejected.
What are some of the ways that Paul ministered in Ephesus?
How did Paul handle those who opposed him or rejected what he was teaching them?
Contrast the miracles that Paul was performing in Ephesus with the false miracles the Seven Sons of Sceva were doing.
As believers, how should we react when encountering situations like in Acts 19:1-19?
DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE PASSAGES
Day 1: The Kingdom of God-Luke 17:20-21; Matthew 6:33; Mark 1:15
Day 2: False Teaching-1 John 4:1-2; Matthew 7:15; Colossians 2:8
Day 3: Opposition to the Gospel-Romans 16:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Peter 3:14
Day 4: Confession-James 5:16; 1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13
Day 5: Fear of God-Deuteronomy 8:6; Deuteronomy 10:12; Proverbs 1:7
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, this week, I pray that you will give me opportunities to be a witness for Jesus and that I will boldly share the Gospel with others through the power of the Holy Spirit. May many come to know Jesus. Father, if any with whom I share the Gospel oppose me, I pray that You will change their hearts and give me wisdom to handle the situations I find myself in. I ask for your power and protection as I spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to neighbors and nations.
