The Acts of the Apostles Acts 19 – Ephesus … “I Shunned Not …” Sunday – November 18, 2018

Sources of information. Acts of the apostles, Book of Ephesians, Letters to the churches in Asia. (Acts 18:19-21; 19; 20:18- 38; Ephesians 1-6; Revelation 2:1-7

The Acts of the Apostles Acts 19 – Ephesus… “I Shunned Not…” Sunday – October 28, 2018

Ephesus Theater The Theater at Ephesus was able to seat up to 25,000 spectators … It was here in AD 57 that Demetrius’ protest against the Apostle Paul took place in which the Ephesians cried out for two hours, “great is Diana of the Ephesians.” (from Bible Photos of the Holy Land, Photo Copyright © 1993, 1994 Corel Corporation.)

Paul’s message Preached things concerning the Kingdom of God. (Acts 19:8) The word of the Lord. (Acts 19:20). The Way. (Acts 19:23) Preached to Jews and Gentiles, “repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21) Against images and idolatry, “There are no gods made with hands.” (Acts 19:26) Taught disciples in separate group. (Acts 19:9) Taught anything that was profitable publicly and from house to house. (Acts 20:20)

Paul’s message Repentance and faith. (Acts 20:21) The kingdom and the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24-25) The whole counsel of God. (Acts 20:27) Commended them to God and the word of his grace. (Acts 20:32)

The results Were baptized in the name of Christ. (Acts 19:4-5) They believed and burned their books of magic and witchcraft. (Acts 19:18-20) They heard the word of truth, trusted, and believed. (Ephesians 1:13) Saved by the grace of God and through their faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

The means enabling Paul to do this work … Sent out (Romans 10:15). Must be sent (Acts 13:3). Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas out. (Later Paul and Silas) Other churches cooperated in supporting this work. (Philippians 1:3-5). This is God’s plan.

The character of the Ephesian church. A church of strong conviction as to truth of the Gospel. Endured boldness in teaching and preaching the Gospel. (Acts 19:8) Faith in Christ. (Ephesians 1:15) Note: “Ye also …” (Ephesians 1:13) Tried and proved false teachers. (Revelation 2:2-6)

The character of the Ephesian church. Diligent in teaching and in studying the truth. Heard Paul daily in the school of Tyrannus for two years. (Acts 19:9-10) Publicly and from house to house were taught. (Acts 20:20) Were not blind followers of the blind Investigated and exposed false teachers. (Acts 19:13-20; Revelation 2:2) Did not tolerate sin and evil-doers in the church. (Revelation 2:6) Hated the work of the Nicolaitans.

The character of the Ephesian church. Tender in their devotion and love for Paul. (Acts 20:37-38) Faithful and steadfast, not only in faith but in works and service. (Revelation 2:2) Endured persecution and hardships for the Lord’s sake with patience (Revelation 2:3)

The character of the Ephesian church. A missionary church … “All Asia heard the word of the Lord.” (Acts 19:10) Having been taught they became teachers. The church having been planted, established others. Assos, Smyrna, Pergamos, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, and others grew out of the work done in and around Ephesus. This sort of work is the primary challenge of being a Christian.

The character of the Ephesian church. “But, this I have against thee” Revelation 2:4 “Thou didst leave thy first love.” Though formality of service to God had been persistently carried on, they were motivated through fear or by custom and did not have genuine love in their hearts toward God. First love is the love of devotion and espousal. It is characterized by an anxiety to please and serve. It leads one to ask, not, “How much must I do?” but “How much can I do?”

The character of the Ephesian church. “But, this I have against thee” Revelation 2:4 They had held on to a form of godliness (1 Timothy 3:5), but had drifted away from real love and devotion as the motivating power upon which it should rest. Contrast the Ephesian church with its “work, labor, patience” (Revelation 2:2), with the “work of faith, labor of love, patience of hope” (1 Thessalonians 1:3), of the Thessalonian church. The indispensability of love as a motive. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

The character of the Ephesian church. “But I have this against thee” (Revelation 2:4) A fatal error unless corrected. (Revelation 2:5) The candlestick represented the identity of this congregation as a church of Christ. To remove the candlestick meant to lose their identity. (Revelation 1:20) One therefore, can be outwardly faithful in the performance of his duty and yet lose the spirit of acceptable service in his heart!

General Exhortations and Things Enjoined: To the elders. (Acts 20:28-31) Take heed to yourselves. Feed the church. Protect from false teachers. Help for the poor and weak. (Acts 20:35) Walk worthily of calling. (Ephesians 4-5) Take up the whole armor of God. (Ephesians 6) “Repent and do the first works.” (Revelation 2:5)

The Acts of the Apostles Acts 19 – Ephesus… “I Shunned Not…” Sunday – October 28, 2018