Acts Chapter 19
Typically, our focus for this chapter centers mainly on the discourse between Paul and the believers in Ephesus, as we substantiates our doctrinal beliefs on baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit. As we read through the entire chapter, we should be able to draw out greater and deeper insights, interesting points regarding the mark of the church of God, including key questions that we should ask.
- “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
Believing and receiving the Holy Spirit are two different matters. One may not automatically receive the Holy Spirit at the time of believe.
- “Into what then were you baptized?”
The importance in the manner in which baptism is carried out cannot be overstated. Paul’s doubts was fueled by the believers lack of knowledge about the truth (i.e. have not heard about the Holy Spirit). As such, without any hesitation, Paul immediately baptized the believers in the right way. God’s stamp of approval in this matter was seen in the way that these believers received the Holy Spirit. This also attested to the urgency of the matter, which is to correct wrong practices without delay.
- “The Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 Now the men were about twelve in all.”
There is a clear distinguishing way to differentiate between one who has received the Holy Spirit from one who has not. The sign is so clear that there will not be any dispute on who has received and how many.
- “And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.” “And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.” “And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds”. “So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.”
Pau’s effort and dedication in preaching the word tied in closely with his strong conviction that believers must be properly grounded in the faith. Not only must believers have the correct knowledge about the word of God, they must be fully convinced and manifest their conviction through their actions. By this, God’s name will be glorified.
- “Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul”. “And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” “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.”
Do signs and miracles accompany us as we preach the gospel? Jesus highlighted in Mark 16:17 – 18 that signs and miracles attest to the truth that we preaches. However let us bear in mind that the key is in the word of God. Signs and miracles are not the key things that we emphasized on. They are merely the supporting evidence to verify the authenticity and power of the word. Just like in the time of Moses, we note that those without the truth, such as the magicians in Pharaoh’s courts, they could, to a limited extent, copy the acts of Moses. They could not replicate fully and will at some point fall short. The point is that, are we deceive by their false front and fail to see through the deception in their entirety.
- “But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude.” “And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way.”
The final point that we bear in mind is that as the word of the Lord prospered, similarly the opposition will increase as well. Are we prepared to face the wrath, the madness, the rough, crude, extreme and cruel treatment that may spin out of our control, as we do the work of the Lord. In John 15:18 to 25, Jesus from the beginning, have already prepared us about this. But let us take heart, in verse 26 and 27, He added on that we have a Helper. God will not leave us alone in the battle. He will be with us always. Emmanuel.
