The Acts of the Apostles Acts 19 – Ephesus … “I Shunned Not …” Sunday – October 7, 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 City Of Ephesus Influential commercially. Lay in the Roman Province of Asia near the sea coast and the mouth of the Cayster River. Most accessible city in the Province. It had an artificial harbor that accommodated the largest ships. And was connected by highways with the chief cities of the province. Commerce and manufacturing flourished.

The City Of Ephesus Influential Religiously. Known throughout the world for the worship of Diana and the practice of magic. A great temple was erected in honor of Diana. The rituals of the temple included sacrifices and sensual indulgences including prostitution. cf. Ephesians 4:17- 19

The City Of Ephesus Diana Diana in Roman religion was the goddess of wild animals and the hunt. She is almost indistinguishable from the Greek goddess Artemis. An important center for her worship was located at Ephesus. The Temple of Artemis (Diana) in Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. (from Bible Photos of the Holy Land)

The City Of Ephesus Ephesus provided an annual festival to the honor of Diana. There was much activity, entertainment, and excitement. There were many games and athletic contests. Magicians, sorcerers, and exorcists were abundant. Shrines of Diana were purchased by the thousands as souvenirs. cf. Acts 19:29- 30

Ephesus Paul would have preached here had providence allowed in the early stages of his second tour (Acts 16:6). At the close of the journey on way from Corinth to Antioch he stopped at Ephesus; preached in the synagogue, and promised to return (Acts 18:19-21). Three years spent in Ephesus on the third tour (Acts 20:31; Chapter 19). From here Paul wrote the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 16:8-9). Timothy labored with this church (1 Timothy 1:3). John spent the closing scenes of his life at Ephesus. Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos were all at Ephesus.

Starts Here Acts 15-18

Starts Here Acts 18-21

The beginning of the Ephesian church Paul’s first visit found the Ephesians interested and willing to learn. They besought him to stay (Acts 18:19-21). He did not, but promised to return if God was willing. Apollos is taught the way of the Lord more perfectly by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:24- 28). He was informed about Jesus, but misinformed as to the subject of baptism, knowing only the baptism of John (Acts 18:25).

The beginning of the Ephesian church Paul returns. (Acts 19:1) Finds the disciples who had been baptized with John’s baptism (Acts 19:1-3). Teaches them the difference between John’s baptism and baptism in the name of Christ. (Acts 19:4) John’s baptism conditioned on repentance alone. Baptism commanded by Christ is conditioned on both faith in Christ and repentance from sin (Acts 19:4; 20:21). Preached to Jews and Greeks. John’s baptism was not administered in Jesus’ name, into the death of Christ (Rom. 6:3-4). Men commanded to be baptized in the name of Christ (Acts 19:5; 10:47). These disciples were then baptized into the name of Christ. Acts 19:5