Acts 19:1-23 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus… or the contact of Christianity with idolatry, as sustained by superstition, by national pride, and by the love of gain. Note — I. THE DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED FROM THE PECULIAR FORM OF IDOLATRY. 1. The two obstacles which the apostles everywhere encountered were, of course, Judaism and Paganism. But, while Judaism was fixed and unchanging, the heathen systems were variable; and the form of their opposition to Christianity varied with the character of the prevalent idolatry or philosophy, and with the intelligence or barbarism of the people. In one place heathenism was connected with gross profligacy and superstition; in another with intellectual refinement, with all that was beautiful in art and profound in learning; in others with national pride, with secular callings, with the power of the state. All these were to be overcome before Christianity could secure its ascendency. 2. In all countries religion is the most powerful principle that controls the human mind. In its very nature it is supreme as a principle in governing men. There is power in attachment to one's country, to friends, to property, to liberty, to life; but the power of religion, as such, is superior to all these, for men are willing to sacrifice them all in honour of their religion. In addition to this, there is a power derived from the incorporation of religion with customs, opinions, and lucrative pursuits; laws, vested rights, caste, and civil and sacred offices. Both these sources of power existed here in forms most difficult to overcome. (1) The religious principle itself was as mighty as in any other part of the world. All the religious affections of the people were absorbed in the worship of one divinity. (2) The natural power of religion was combined with all that could add to its hold upon the mind. It was closely combined with — (a) The practice of magic (ver. 19). (b) National pride. The temple of Diana yeas the chief glory of the city; and, around that, all that there was of patriotism and pride would be concentrated. (c) The wealth of the city furnished employment to a considerable portion of its inhabitants (ver. 24). II. THE PREPARATION WHICH HAD BEEN MADE FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF THE GOSPEL. Unlike most ether places, Ephesus was prepared for the gospel, and in a way which bore a striking resemblance to that which was made for Christ by the forerunner. The doctrines of John had been brought to Ephesus, and had been enforced by the eloquence of Apollos, with the result that a little band of disciples were apparently waiting for the coining of the Messiah. Their knowledge was very defective; yet it illustrates their sincerity, their desire to serve God, and their purpose to welcome the truth from whatever quarter it might come, that when these twelve disciples were told by Paul what was the real purport of the doctrines of John (ver. 4), they welcomed the announcement, and "were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (ver. 5). On them as on the apostles at Pentecost "the Holy Ghost" now "came, and they spake with tongues, and prophesied" (ver. 6). III. THE MANNER OF PAUL'S LABOURS AT EPHESUS. For this we are indebted to Acts 20:18-21. 1. Paul had a tender heart; a heart made for, and warmed with love. He wept much, for he saw the condition of lost men — their guilt, their danger, their insensibility, their folly (Romans 9:2, 3). 2. He kept back nothing that was "profitable" to them — none of the things which would promote their salvation. 3. He did this "publicly." In the synagogue, in the open air — wherever men were accustomed to be assembled, and "from house to house." He went from family to family. 4. That on which he relied, as the means of men's conversion, was not human learning; nor did he preach good works as the ground of salvation, but repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. IV. THE RESULTS WHICH FOLLOWED. A Church was established among the most interesting of all the New Testament churches — one to which the Saviour subsequently said, "I know thy works," etc. (Revelation 2:2, 8). From the address, the narrative, and the Epistle we learn that — 1. was not a small Church. This may be inferred from the number of its elders who met Paul at Miletus, and from the fact stated by Demetrius, that Paul had "turned away much people" (vers. 26, 27). 2. It was Presbyterian in its form. Those who met Paul at Miletus were elders or presbyters. There is no mention of "a bishop" in connection with the place, except that the elders are termed "overseers" or bishops. 3. Its religion was eminently one of principle, and not a thing of mere feeling, nor the result of temporary excitement. It led to such voluntary sacrifices as to show that it must have been founded on principle (vers. 19, 20). 4. Its doctrinal belief, if we may judge by the Epistle, was most advanced. They were evidently capable of appreciating the deep things of God. V. THE OPPOSITION WHICH WAS AROUSED. 1. It was based on — (1) Personal interest. (2) National religion. 2. Christianity promotes the welfare of the world, and in so doing it condemns wrong sources of gain. Commotions may ensue, but society is a gainer in the end. (A. Barnes, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, |
    |