What can we learn from Paul's journey to Ephesus about spreading the Gospel? Setting the Scene: Paul Arrives in Ephesus “While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior to arrive at Ephesus. There he found some disciples.” (Acts 19:1) Ephesus was a thriving port city, steeped in paganism and commerce. From the outset, God shows that even the busiest, most secular places are ripe for the gospel when His timing is right (compare Acts 16:6–10; 1 Corinthians 16:8–9). Lesson 1: Go Where the Spirit Opens the Door • Paul had tried earlier to enter Asia and was restrained (Acts 16:6). Now the door swings wide. • Gospel work advances best when we follow God’s timing, not mere human strategy (Proverbs 3:5–6). • Practical takeaway: pray, listen, and move only when the Lord directs. Lesson 2: Start with the Light People Already Have • Paul “found some disciples.” They knew John’s baptism but not the full gospel (Acts 19:2–4). • He built on their existing faith rather than dismissing it. • Romans 10:14–17 underscores the importance of hearing the complete message about Christ. Lesson 3: Keep Christ-Centered Clarity • “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” (Acts 19:4) • The core remains Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). • Clear, direct proclamation guards against confusion and syncretism. Lesson 4: Depend on the Holy Spirit’s Empowering • “When Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.” (Acts 19:6) • Acts 1:8 promises power for witness. • Ministry that begins in the Spirit must continue in the Spirit (Galatians 3:3). Lesson 5: Teach Faithfully and Publicly • Three months in the synagogue, then two years daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus (Acts 19:8–10). • Steady, systematic teaching allowed “all who lived in Asia” to hear the word. • 2 Timothy 4:2 calls us to preach in season and out of season. Lesson 6: Expect God to Confirm His Word • “God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul” (Acts 19:11). • Mark 16:20 notes that the Lord confirmed the message with accompanying signs. • Miracles remain God’s sovereign work, pointing people to Christ, not to the minister. Lesson 7: Expose Counterfeit Spirituality • The sons of Sceva tried to mimic Paul and were overpowered (Acts 19:13–16). • Authentic authority flows from genuine relationship with Jesus (Matthew 7:21–23). • Integrity in ministry protects the gospel’s credibility. Lesson 8: Welcome Costly Repentance • Believers burned their occult scrolls worth fifty thousand drachmas (Acts 19:18–19). • True repentance often carries tangible cost (Luke 14:33). • Such acts demonstrate the incomparable value of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8). Lesson 9: Watch the Word Prevail • “So the word of the Lord continued to grow mightily and prevail.” (Acts 19:20) • When the message is clear, Spirit-empowered, and accompanied by obedient lives, it will advance despite opposition (Isaiah 55:11). Putting It All Together • Follow the Spirit’s timing. • Begin with the spiritual hunger you discover. • Proclaim Jesus plainly. • Rely on the Spirit for power. • Teach consistently and publicly. • Trust God to validate His message. • Maintain authentic authority, exposing counterfeits. • Encourage visible, costly repentance. • Expect the unstoppable Word to prevail. Paul’s stay in Ephesus shows that gospel work thrives when Scripture is taken literally, Christ is exalted, and every step is Spirit-directed. |
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