Acts 19

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Paul’s Third Missionary Journey Continues at Ephesus

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The Word of the Lord is confirmed by signs.

  2. The Word of the Lord is confirmed by revival.

  3. The Word of the Lord is confirmed by opposition.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Let God use clerks and courts if He so chooses.

QUESTIONS

  1. When did the Apostle Paul first come to Ephesus?

  2. Who did Paul encounter when he returned to Ephesus?

  3. Why did God work such unusual miracles through Paul?

  4. Tell the story of the seven sons of Seva.

  5. What revival occurred in Ephesus?

  6. How did the Lord intervene to protect Paul during the riot in Ephesus?

ANSWERS

  1. He had visited Ephesus briefly during his second missionary journey. He left Priscilla and Aquila there to lay the groundwork for his promised return on his third missionary journey.

  2. He met some disciples who, like Apollos, were only acquainted with the teaching of John the Baptist and had undergone John’s baptism of repentance.

  3. To show that the power of God was in him and to confirm his teaching.

  4. These Jewish exorcists attempted to use the name of Jesus to cast out an evil spirit, because they saw that Paul was so successful. But the evil spirit drove the man to attack the sons instead!

  5. Those who had been involved in occult practices brought their books and burned them.

  6. By using the city clerk and his logic of the judicial court system to calm the people.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. God confirms His Word by signs. These signs may or may not be extraordinary miracles, but there is evidence that God’s Word is the truth. What sort of evidences have you seen?

  2. Have you ever thought of opposition as confirmation that God’s Word is powerful? Satan doesn’t bother opposing unproductive ministries. How could this mindset be an encouragement for you to continue in your ministry?

CHALLENGE

  1. Do you have ungodly possessions around that you need to get rid of? Don’t just put them in a closet or sell them – get rid of them for good!

KEY VERSES

  • “Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul.” Acts 19:11

  • “And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all.” Acts 19:18-19

  • “And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way.” Acts 19:23

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