Two Baptisms
Acts 19:1 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,
Acts 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
Were they Christians? They were called disciples.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Acts 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
John had spoken of the one who would come with a new baptism, in the Holy Ghost.
Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Like Apollos, they had only the bapism of repentance. The Baptism of Jesus is the Holy Spirit. Some believe it is the dunking in water and saying the right words, that brings the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Acts 19:7 And all the men were about twelve.
Paul laid his hands upon them, and they received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of tongues. They now were believers.
Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
One sealing, and many fillings. Lord use us for your glory, fill us with your spirit so that you are glorified in our lives.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Seven Son's of Sceva
Acts 19:8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
Acts 19:9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
After three months of persuading the Jews in the synagogue, there were many who were hardened, believed not, who openly spoke evil of him before the others, it was time to move on.
Jesus spoke of those Jews who would not receive the good news.
Mat 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Their hearts were hard
Heb 4:7 ...To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Paul took his disciples to a school building, where he taught for 2 more years. If the established religious place will not tolerate the Holy Spirit, then go to another place.
2 Tim 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
2 Tim 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Acts 19:10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
The gospel is for all who will believe.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Acts 19:11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
Acts 19:12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
God used his obedient servant to work miracles as he was preaching the word of God, signs followed.
Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
The anointing for healing went from him to the sick, through handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. It was God healing through His anointed servant. The only thing preventing healing in this anointing was unbelief.
As Jesus said of his home town;
Mat 13:57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
Mat 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
If people only see the "old you," they may block God's healing. Let us not limit God's moving in our lives by seeing "the old us" but by faith know we are children of God.
These were special and unusual miracles, not by laying on of hands, but through garments. Does this mean God will not do this again? If they were repeated, they would be usual and predictable miracles. Let God work His miracles His way. The natural man wants to do "magic tricks" to gain the approval of others, God does not use people who are not his in this way.
Acts 19:13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
Certain wandering Jews, exorcists, specializing in casting out demons, saw Paul's success and tried to imitate him. Note that they used the name of Jesus, whom Paul preached, but did not belong to him, they had no personal relationship to Jesus. We must believe in that name, we must belong to him. Then we will receive his Spirit, and he will be within us, knowing us as we know him.
Paul wrote to his disciples to imitate him as he followed the Lord.
1 Cor 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
1 Cor 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
Acts 19:14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
These sons of Sceva were not followers of Paul or Jesus, but they wanted his miracles. They were sons of the chief priest of the Jews, no doubt feeling that by their connection to their father that they were somehow favored. Each must come to the lord on their own. We cannot rely on our heritage or the faith of a father.
Jesus was accused of casting out devils by satan's power
Mat 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
Mat 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
Mat 12:26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Acts 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
Satan knows God's people and he watches us for weaknesses. If we are in the flesh he can get to us but if in the Spirit, he has no part of God's Spirit. In God's Spirit is overcoming power. In Christ is power and victory. These 7 sons were not in Christ, they were only doing things in the flesh. We should not go looking for demons, especially in the flesh, but we should be in God's Spirit. Therein is discernment.
Acts 19:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
The 7 sons had a form of godliness, but without Jesus they had no power and were overcome
2 Tim 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. They were overcome and shamed by the devil. There is no shame in our Lord. One devil in a man overcame 7 grown men, and sent them naked from that house. They were looking for honor in the flesh, and received shame. Satan will only give shame, and honor belongs to the Lord. We don't fight demons in the flesh, they are spirit with supernatural powers. We fight the devil with the word and armor of God in the Spirit of our Lord. If we receive favor, it is of the Lord.
We can judge a man by their fruit
Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
Mark 9:39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
Mark 9:40 For he that is not against us is on our part.
Yet the ultimate judge is the Lord himself, then it is too late. We don't play religious games and arrive at the judgment seat without having a connection to Jesus.
Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Acts 19:17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
Jesus was magnified, perhaps more by the testimony of the demon, then of the work of the 7 sons. He knew Jesus and Paul, but who are you? Paul's ministry took on new life after these things. His God was greater then all that they trusted in. Jesus was glorified.
Acts 19:18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds.
Many believed, confessing their sins and repenting.
“Ephesus was a stronghold of Satan. Here many evil things both superstitious and satanic were practiced. Books containing formula for sorcery and other ungodly and forbidden arts were plentiful in that city.” (Gaebelein)
Acts 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty-thousand pieces of silver.
A great bonfire of evil books dealing in the occult and evil things. These books and scrolls full of magic charms, amulets and incantations were well known in Ephesus, and they were valuable. A million dollars worth of books were burned.
We should remove things that may have demonic spirits and dispose of them. Jack Hayford spoke of pornography, these are idols in which evil spirits reside in the submission to them. Pornography floods the Internet mailboxes.
Acts 19:20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
People turned from their wicked ways to the Lord. They wanted to hear the word of God and it prevailed in their lives. This is one evidence of a spirit led life. Don't let satan keep you from God's word. When the enemy comes with discouragement raise up the shield of faith and get in the word of God.
It is time to put away all things that offend and trust completely in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Idol makers revolt
Acts 19:21 After these things were ended, 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.
With all of Asia hearing the gospel with much success, still Paul plans to go to new areas to spred the gospel message. He had the vision of our Lord to go unto all nations.
Phil 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Phil 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Acts 19:22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
Notice the job of Timothy and Erastus: they ministered to him (Paul); they were truly assistants to the apostle, helping Paul with his ministry
Acts 19:23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
Jesus is the way.
Mark 1:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Acts 19:24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
Acts 19:25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
Acts 19:26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
Acts 19:27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
Acts 19:28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
The temple of Diana, the sex-goddess, in Ephesus was one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. It was supported by 127 pillars, each sixty feet high, and was adorned with great sculptures. Trinkets and idols from it must have been a substantial trade, no matter how immoral the worship of the sex-goddess was. I have seen trinkets and symbols for sale in one large world wide church, this church also has statues of the saints and even Jesus on the cross. Perhaps they took on the custom of worshipping man made statues from the Greeks. These are representing those great in the Christian faith. There are sincere people worshipping the Lord and giving reverance to God in this church.
The pillars of our faith are the apostles and prophets of old, the foundation is Jesus. It is spiritual, not made of marble, silver or gold.
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Acts 19:29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
Acts 19:30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
The motive behind the uprising was financial gain. "The way", had diminished the sale of objects of worship, their income was their real god. We don't have to look very far back in our nations recent history to see a people of greed, not interested in morality and righteousness but only wealth. This seems to be a universal. Look at the American Indians who have been protected from imposed taxes and given special rights to pursue their customs and worship. They have sold out to gambling casinos and wealth, what could be more alien from the simple lifestyle of the Indian culture?
Acts 19:31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.
Not Indian chiefs, but the officials, men of authority.
Acts 19:32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
Sounds like the accusers of Jesus,
Mark 14:56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.
Acts 19:33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.
Acts 19:34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
Alexander wanted to make sure that the mob knew that the Jews did not approve of Paul either; but he accomplished nothing before the angry crowd. Was this the Alexander that Paul referred to later?
1 Tim 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
1 Tim 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
2 Tim 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 2 Tim 4:15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
Acts 19:35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
Acts 19:36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
Acts 19:37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
Acts 19:38 Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.
Acts 19:39 But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
Acts 19:40 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.
Acts 19:41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
The town clerk used common sense to disperse the confused mob.
1.You believe in Diana, she cannot be spoken against, calm down
2. These men are not robbers or blasphemers
3. If laws are broken, let them go to court
4. We are in danger, as a mob, of bringing Roman soldiers to control us
With every gain in the Spirit, satan tries to undo the gain
The arm of God once again was with Paul
Do we put wealth above serving our God?
What other idols are before him? Pleasure, lusts? Put them in the fire.
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