In Acts chapter 19 we journey with Paul as he deepens the work of the gospel in Ephesus, and we witness a series of events that invite us to reflect on the power of transformation and the cost of proclaiming truth. The chapter begins with Paul arriving in Ephesus, where he finds a group of disciples who had received John’s baptism but did not know about the Holy Spirit. When Paul asks them if they received the Holy Spirit when they believed, they reply that they had not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit. For us, this moment is a reminder that there is always more to the journey of faith—a call to move beyond a surface understanding of repentance and to embrace the fullness of the Spirit’s work in our lives. Paul explains that John’s baptism was one of repentance, and then he baptizes them in the name of the Lord Jesus. As a result, they receive the Holy Spirit, and we see in this transformation a powerful picture of new beginnings and the deepening of faith.
Paul’s ministry in Ephesus continues with great zeal. He enters the synagogue and speaks boldly for about three months, but soon the message turns to the wider community of believers. For two years, Paul dedicates himself to teaching and sharing the gospel, and the word of the Lord spreads mightily throughout the region. This period of ministry is filled with extraordinary signs and miracles—acts that remind us that God is not limited by human expectations. In fact, God performs miracles through Paul such that handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him are brought to the sick, and every kind of disease and every evil spirit is healed or cast out. We are encouraged to see that even the simplest items, touched by God’s messenger, can become conduits of divine power, reinforcing for us that God’s presence is active in our everyday lives.
Yet, not every act of power is received with joy. In a striking account later in the chapter, some Jewish exorcists attempt to invoke the name of Jesus over those with unclean spirits. They say, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” But the evil spirit responds, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?” This incident leaves the exorcists overpowered, and they flee the scene. It is a sobering reminder for us that the name of Jesus carries authority that cannot be manipulated or misused. When we rely on the truth of the gospel, it is not enough to merely name it; we must be filled with genuine faith and understanding. The power of God is not an accessory to be worn lightly, but a force that demands respect and sincere commitment.
As Paul’s ministry continues, the effect of the gospel becomes even more tangible in Ephesus. Many who practice sorcery bring their books together and burn them publicly, and the value of these books is reckoned to be quite high. For the believers there, the act of burning these books is more than a symbolic break with the past—it is a public declaration that the ways of darkness no longer have power over them. It is as if we, too, are called to examine our own lives and let go of practices or habits that keep us chained to old patterns of sin. The willingness of these new converts to let go of something so valuable shows that when the truth of the gospel penetrates the heart, it compels us to turn away from anything that contradicts the light of Christ.
However, not all in Ephesus welcome this radical change. A significant part of the chapter is devoted to the reaction of those who see their livelihoods threatened by the spread of the gospel. Demetrius, a silversmith who makes silver shrines of Artemis, finds himself deeply disturbed. He realizes that the growing number of believers will undermine the worship of Artemis—a goddess whose cult has brought him both honor and income. For us, this is a stark reminder that the gospel often upends established systems, and that proclaiming the truth can unsettle even those who seem firmly rooted in their traditions. Demetrius stirs up the craftsmen and the silversmiths, calling them together and inciting a great uproar. He argues that the temple of Artemis is not only a spiritual center but also a pillar of the local economy. When his fellow artisans hear his passionate speech, they are filled with anger, and a riot begins in the city.
The chaos that follows in Ephesus is not merely a clash of commerce and belief; it is a dramatic demonstration of how the gospel challenges the status quo. As the uproar grows, people from all parts of the city come into the theater where the assembly is held. The crowd is so tumultuous that the magistrates have to intervene, and the situation is eventually calmed by a formal inquiry. For us, the disturbance in Ephesus calls us to reflect on the cost of truth. It is a reminder that when we stand for what is right, especially in proclaiming the message of salvation, there may be fierce resistance. Yet, even in the midst of opposition, the work of God continues. The unrest is a testimony to the transformative power of the gospel—a power that not only changes individual lives but also shakes the very foundations of society.
Throughout Acts chapter 19, we see a vivid picture of the early church as it grapples with both external challenges and internal transformation. Paul’s ministry in Ephesus is marked by clear evidence of God’s power through miracles, the conversion of those bound by former practices, and the inevitable conflict with systems that oppose change. As we journey through this chapter, we are encouraged to examine our own lives, to let go of practices that hold us back, and to boldly proclaim the truth of Jesus, even when it disrupts the status quo.
In the midst of turmoil and triumph, Acts 19 reminds us that the gospel is a dynamic and unstoppable force. It transforms hearts, overturns old values, and invites us into a new way of living in the light of God’s grace. As we embrace this calling, may we learn to stand firm in our faith, trusting that every trial and every act of opposition is an opportunity for God to reveal His power in our lives and in the world around us.