Acts 19: The Extension of the Apostolic Age to the Modern Church
1 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
After Apollos received the Holy Spirit, the Lord sent him from Ephesus to Achaia, where he watered Paul’s field. The One Spirit led Paul to Ephesus to fill Apollos’ void. He was there to plant. And Paul met a group of disciples who knew nothing of the Pentecostal gift- the outpouring of the Spirit. "Apparently they were some of those who had been taught by Apollos prior to the time he had been taught the way of the Lord more perfectly. They were disciples of Christ, because Apollos 'taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John' (Acts 19:1-2; Acts 18:24-25). They answered Paul’s question about receipt of the Holy Spirit by saying they did not even know there was a Holy Spirit. McGarvey thinks the word ‘given’ ought to be supplied… He points out that a similar understanding is needed in reading John 7:39 or else the Lord could be understood to be saying the Holy Spirit did not yet exist.” (Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books)
“But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet ‘given’, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (John 7:9)
6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 Now the men were about twelve in all.
In truth, I find myself doubting the power of God when I hear of happenings in the church. But if we want the Power of the early church, we must lose our concern with appearance and orthodoxy. And we must not only have a form of godliness but acknowledge the Power thereof- as in the case of charismatic gifts.
Some call this a ”miniature Pentecost”, but at the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus in Jerusalem- as well as at the second pentecostal outpouring of the Spirit at Antioch- the Spirit of God came first. In contrast, here it came secondly, after obedience. This suggests to me that the charismatic gifts and miracles are not just for them, but for us too.
On America soil on April 9, 1906, a revival with a Methodist influence began at Azusa Street, Los Angeles, California. “The revival was characterized by ecstatic spiritual experiences accompanied by amazing physical healing miracles, dramatic worship services, speaking in tongues, and inter-racial mingling. The participants were criticized by the secular media and Christian theologians for behaviors considered to be outrageous and unorthodox, especially at the time.” (Wikipedia)
8 And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. 9 But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks
As was usual, Paul went first to the Jewish synagogue in Ephesus, but many were hardened - "by resisting and rejecting the truth" (Justin Edwards). “Such places of public worship, where nothing but contradiction to the pure Christian doctrine can be met with, may be lawfully withdrawn from. The apostle separates himself and the disciples from… where he had preached three months, meeting only with contradiction to his doctrine, and blasphemy against his dear Redeemer." (Burkitt Notes)
So, Paul found another base, not in a home, but rather in the school of Tyrannus— “perhaps, what the Jews call Bethmidrash, or a divinity school; in which they used to handle intricate questions and difficult doctrines. There St. Paul kept his assembly for two years together; and, according to two ancient manuscripts he taught five hours a day; that is to say, from eleven o'clock in the morning to four in the after-noon. By his indefatigable diligence for so long a time, Christianity spread very much; for all the inhabitants of proconsular Asia, whether Jews or Gentiles, had thereby an opportunity to learn the true Christian doctrine, and to see it confirmed by mighty and convincing attestations." (Coke Commentary)
"The rejection of the gospel by some is thus made the occasion of salvation to others." (Justin Edwards)
11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.
Ask around to see what the Lord is doing in the lives of others. You may be surprised. Many use this text to support their theory that these special miracles are limited to the early church, but don’t you believe that Jesus can continue “unusual” miracles today? Did you received the Holy Spirit when you believed? Have you been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus? Trust and obey, my friend… and see if “your” theology changes.
Acts 19: The Name of Jesus Magnified
13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”
16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. 19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
There had been revival in Ephesus as the result of Paul’s teaching in the school of Tyrannus. “And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.” To those being saved, the teachings added to knowledge and conversion, but these Jews heard the Word and remained unchanged. These “exorcists” must have had success at some point their careers. They were sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, and therefore legitimate priests in the order of Aaron. Before news of Christianity had reached their shores, they could have through earnest desire cast out demons in the name of Yahweh.
And now knowledge of Jesus had come to them. And unawares, the priesthood had shifted to Him after the order of Melchizedek.
And not only that but without the Spirit of God leading, leaven was in their doctrine. “From time immemorial superstition has grown in Ephesus, and to add one superstition to another came quite easy to the sophisticated minds of the Asiatics. Christianity was another department of magic. It seemed to succeed well in the hands of Paul and his colleagues, and it might be worth while to incorporate it with Ephesian mysteries. At all events, the men who had practised exorcism, or the art of casting out, were willing to try it, and the trial is related in this passage… We must not dismiss the men as impostors. They were deluded, but not necessarily wicked. They wanted to do a good work, and so far we must credit them with a good motive… [But] They—the seven sons of Sceva—knew nothing about the Name with which they conjured. Instead of saying, ‘We adjure you by Jesus Christ whom we love,’ they said, ‘We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.’ The sacred influence will not pass through such negative or non-conducting connections. That is one of the noblest tributes that can be paid to the dignity and heavenliness of Christianity. It will not have anything to do with any other thought; it will not be incorporated; it will stand by itself and by itself alone. There are many persons who would be glad to amalgamate Christianity with something else. But Christianity will not be amalgamated. This is new cloth that will be put upon an old garment without making the rent worn. This is new wine that will be put into old bottles without utterly tearing them to pieces. Christianity will not mix. Christianity will not consent to be part of an eclectic philosophy, saying, ‘You can add a little of me to a little of Aristotle and other great teachers and inventors of ethical systems.’ Christianity wants the world to itself. It would be more popular if it were more neighbourly. If it could sit down with other philosophies and confer with them upon equal terms it might receive a little caressing and a little patronage and a more immediate recognition. But no; it must cleanse the house, drive out all revelry, and reign alone. Can we wonder that it is not the popular religion? The wonder would be if it were.”
(The People's Bible by Joseph Parker)
“Since an irreverent use of the name of Jesus precipitated this attack by the evil spirit, both Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus were moved to reverent awe for the authority of Jesus.” (Gary Hampton Commentary) This incident caused a revival from fear of the Lord, as the name of Jesus was magnified. Many who believed came confessing their wicked deeds of dabbling in magic and other religions; and they therefore brought their expensive, evil literature... and burned them together in the sight of all, as the Jews customarily had done annually with leaven gathered from their homes, before keeping the feast of Passover. And thus the Word of the Lord Jesus therefore grew mightily and prevailed.
21 When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.
Acts 19: The Tumult at Ephesus
23 And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. 24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. 25 He called them together with the workers of similar occupation and said:
“Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. 26 Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. 27 So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.”
The great commotion was about the Way— "the way of salvation through Jesus Christ." (Justin Edwards' Family Bible) "The name of the Lord Jesus was magnified, and a searching work of grace led to the confession of sin and the cleansing of heart and life in many who had followed vain superstitions.” (F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary)
In contrast, at the center of the idolatry in Ephesus was the local legend that the statue of Diana fell from heaven (Acts 19:35). This was Diana of the Ephesians. And the temple of Diana at Ephesus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Diana was actually the Roman name “for the mythological Greek goddess Artemis, daughter of Jupiter and Latona and the twin sister of Apollo. She renounced all idea of marriage, supposedly because she was appalled at the birth pains her mother had suffered in bearing her, and remained the unattainable virgin goddess. Although goddess of the moon, Diana was more often portrayed as the huntress with two dogs beside her.” (Tyndale Bible Dictionary)
The great goddess Diana had been worshiped by all in the Roman empire. “Over thirty sites around the Roman Empire from Spain to Syria have been located where the worship of Artemis was carried on, while according to Pausanias this cult achieved the most extensive and most supreme worship in the ancient world. People flocked to Ephesus from all over the Empire in order to participate in the Games, take part in the festivities, and enjoy the religious orgies (cf. Revelation 2:14; 2:20). ” (Peter Pett) “But the multitude of those that err does not turn error into truth.” (Wesley)
Just as in the Jewish religion and Jerusalem, there were various religious pilgrimages of Diana worshippers to Ephesus. People came from afar to pay their devotions at the temple of Diana, and they “bought little silver shrines, or models of the temple…” (Henry), as well as other objects made by these merchants. “And these the superstitious people carried home to their houses and friends; not only to evidence what a pilgrimage they had performed, but to incite the more their devotions towards this idol.” (Poole)“Gain cloaked with a show of religion is the very cause why idolatry is strongly and stubbornly defended.” (The Geneva Study Bible)
Demetrius- the silversmith “called together men of similar occupation.” “We have, first, the protest of the shrine-makers’ guild or trades-union, got up by the skilful manipulation of Demetrius. He was evidently an important man in the trade, probably well-to-do. As his speech shows, he knew exactly how to hit the average mind.” (Alexander MacLaren)—>
1- “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade… the word signifies “wealth, but also abundance." (Adam Clarke) So, instead of heeding the Gospel and trusting in Jesus – the only God and Savior– as their hope for the future, they trusted in “the wordling’s god, which he prizeth, as Micah did his idol; and can as hardly forego it." (Trapp) And here we learn that “gain-getting” is a mighty temptation “to carnal men, to use impious means for supporting superstition and idolatry." (Burkitt)
Paul thus turned them away from these superstitions saying, "they are not gods which are made with hands." (Acts 17:29) Note that their claims was true. Paul had indeed taught this precept which "manifestly shows, that the contrary opinion did then generally prevail, namely, that there was a real Divinity in their sacred images…” (Wesley) This is still an idea which thrives in catholicism. They were not gods, “though some of the later heathens spoke of them [as such] just as the Romanists do now.” (Wesley)
2- Not only is the market for their models of Diane’a temple, and the other images of her, in danger of falling, “but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed…” "Miserable majesty, which was capable of being thus destroyed!” (Wesley) Here is the pretense of piety: “not only are we likely to lose our livelihood, but our religion too! Our goddess Diana will be despised, her temple profaned, and her worshippers scorned." (Burkitt)
“The application of these words to present-day life is a task that might be assigned to a child. The speech of Demetrius is a speech that was made yesterday in every centre of civilization affected by Christian ideas and demands.” (Joseph Parker) Salvation or the way of Balaam for a profit? God or mammon? The Kingdom of God or those of the world?
28 Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”
"'Diana of the Ephesians' was rather a particular image of Artemis, reputed to have fallen from heaven; Acts 19:35." (Scofield)
Here in verses 29-41, we leave the actions and motives of the merchants of Ephesus and see the response of the people. The “whole city” rushed upon the scene in judgement- chaos ensued. And Paul was refrained from coming forward by those who knew of their hatred for “this Paul.”
Ironically Alexander was put forth by the Jews to make a defense to the plantiffs. But when they heard that he was a Jew, they cried all the more. Yes, the heathen are not so liberal in their theology as they would have you think. “This easily heated the rabble's blood, put the multitude into a ferment, and caused an hideous outcry for two hours together, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” (Burkitt’s Notes)
And then by providence of God, the appointed city magistrate stepped forward to take control of the situation. “It is a very good rule at all times, both in private and public affairs, not to be hasty and rash in our motions, but to take time to consider; and always to keep our passions under check. We ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly; to do nothing in haste, of which we may repent at leisure. The regular methods of the law ought always to stop popular tumults, and in well-governed nations will do so. Most people stand in awe of men's judgments more than of the judgement of God. How well it were if we would thus quiet our disorderly appetites and passions, by considering the account we must shortly give to the Judge of heaven and earth! And see how the overruling providence of God keeps the public peace, by an unaccountable power over the spirits of men. Thus the world is kept in some order, and men are held back from devouring each other. We can scarcely look around but we see men act like Demetrius and the workmen. It is as safe to contend with wild beasts as with men enraged by party zeal and disappointed covetousness, who think that all arguments are answered, when they have shown that they grow rich by the practices which are opposed. Whatever side in religious disputes, or whatever name this spirit assumes, it is worldly, and should be discountenanced by all who regard truth and piety. And let us not be dismayed; the Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters; he can still the rage of the people.” (Matthew Henry's Concise)