Acts 19

We are living in a multi-racial and multi-religious country; therefore, being tolerant is very vital to maintain the harmonious environment. We have to be sensitive to the people around us.

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Rom 12:18

In today’s reading, we will see that Apostle Paul caused quite a big uproar in Ephesus, but was it his fault? Let’s first read this chapter to see what actually happened.

Bible Passage: Acts 19

Paul arrived at Ephesus and finding some disciples, he asked the very important questions, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” and “Into what then were you baptized?”

These are the two very important matters that concern our salvation.

Very sadly, we know that not all Christians today see these as important as how the apostles back then and the True Jesus Church see them to be. But just as how the apostles understood these two matters and preached them diligently, so we who believe and understood the Bible must diligently preach them to those who have yet to perceive these truths of salvation.

But of course, we must do it with tact so that we are not seen as arrogant or extreme, or even offensive in the eyes of people. I believe recently you must have read of the news about a religious leader who spoke something that greatly offended two other religions.

Coming back to the uproar in Ephesus, from the mouth of the city clerk, we can see that Apostle Paul did not criticize the religion of the Ephesians.

For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor

blasphemers of your goddess.

Act 19:37

The Apostle Paul reasoned with the Jews and also preached the truth boldly, and he even did many miracles in the Name of Jesus, so much so that he became so popular, in both good and bad sense. And I believe he abided by what he had said before,

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might

win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who

are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law;

to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but

under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law;

to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to

all men, that I might by all means save some.

1Cor. 9:19 – 22

This is something that all of us must understand and emulate. But in order to become all things to all men, first we need to be understanding and willing to learn, be empathetic to others and be humble.

We in the True Jesus Church indeed have the complete truth of salvation, therefore we must go forth to share with the people who do not have, but again, we need to use the wisdom that God has given us.

In preaching the gospel, we need not criticize, belittle or condemn the beliefs of other religions, but we can compare the differences if we see a need to do that, then again we need to be tactful in doing it. If not, we just need to preach the pure Word of God and let the Spirit touch the hearers.