IV. PAUL'S THIRD TOUR (continued) (18:23-21:16)
C. Paul reaches Ephesus and re-baptizes a dozen men. (19:1-7)
v.1 Paul fulfills his promise of Acts 18:21 by returning to Ephesus. Paul arrives while Apollos is in Corinth. The upper country can be seen on our map. These 12 men had knowledge similar to Apollos when Aquila and Priscilla found him teaching John's baptism. They had had certain instruction concerning Jesus, but their knowledge was not complete.
v.2 The lack of knowledge that these disciples had concerning the Holy Spirit shows that they were deficient in their understanding of Christianity. If they were familiar with the teaching of John, then they knew the Holy Spirit existed. The KJV is not a good translation of this verse. Mt. 3:11; Jn. 1:33. Is this reception of the Holy Spirit miraculous or not?
v.3 These men had evidently been baptized after the time when John's baptism was in effect. Notice that baptism is into something. What?
v.4 Here is the definition of John's baptism. What is it? Lu. 1:17; Mt. 3:11; Mk. 1:7; Lu. 3:16; Jn. 1:15
v.5 Paul has convinced these brethren that they needed to be baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Were the apostles and others under John's baptism re-baptized?
v.6,7 This is not baptism of the Holy Spirit. What is it then? The laying on of hands bestowed this spiritual gift. Why did the inspired writer say "about 12 men?" (More on John's baptism see McGarvey pp. 152,153.)
D. Preaching in the synagogue and the school of Tyrannus (vv. 8-12)
v.8 Paul now begins working on the Jews and pagans in the city. Notice that the Jews put up with Paul longer here than anywhere else he had been. What is the kingdom of God? Acts 20:28
v.9 Finally the unbelieving Jews want Paul out of the synagogue. We know nothing of the school of Tyrannus other than this reference. Was Paul a coward to leave the synagogue?
v.10 Paul remained in Ephesus long enough for all of Asia to hear Christ. Paul wrote the lost letter to the Corinthians (I Cor. 5;9) as well as I Cor. while at Ephesus. How does the 2 years 3 months of this verse coincide with the 3 years of verse 31 of chapter 20?
v.11,12 Paul uses miracles to confirm the word. His powers were such that he did not have to visit the sick, just cloth that he touched could heal them. What does "special miracles" mean?
E. Exorcists exposed, and books of magic burned (vv. 13-20)
v.13 How could men deny these miracles? Simon the sorcerer thought the power could be purchased. Barjesus tried to convince Sergius Paulus that Paul was a fraud. Now the Ephesians were turned away by so-called magicians. These Jews practiced sorcery in the name of Solomon. They tried to convince the people that they were working through the same power as Paul. What is an exorcist?
v.14 We know nothing of Sceva. Seven sons would be significant to the superstitious. Why?
v.15 The evil spirit speaks through the man possessed as in Mk. 3:11. The spirit does not recognize the authority of these men.
v.16 The word "both" means more than two. Naked probably means "with torn garments." The evil spirit gave the possessed man enough strength to overcome the seven pretenders.
v.17 The effect upon the people was that it caused them to fear (respect) the Lord. The use of the Lord's name in a rash manner (that is, without authority) produced fearful results. The name now commanded more respect among both the Jews and the Gentiles.
v.18 Discredit comes upon the sorcerers. Many of the believers admitted to practicing these evil arts.
v.19 The books containing magic practiced by the believers were brought together and burned. This is an outward sign that their confession of v.18 was from their hearts. 50,000 pieces of silver is about $10,000.
v.20 The word of God increased, the magical arts have been laid aside the gospel now replaces them. "mightily" means an overpowering force with an irresistible strength.
F. Paul forms a plan for future journeys (vv. 21,22)
v.21 Paul now feels the time is nearing for him to leave Ephesus, Paul wanted to visit Macedonia and Achia for two reasons: 1) to stir up the faith of the churches and 2) to complete the collection for the poor saints at Jerusalem. Paul's wish to go to Rome is further amplified in Rom. 1:13; 15:23,24,28.
v.22 Paul sends Timothy and Erastus on ahead but chooses remain in Asia a while longer.
ADDENDA: Miracles in the book of Acts
26) 12 men spoke in tongues, 19:6
27) Special miracles performed by Paul, 19:11,12