A Life of Sacrificial Service
Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders is a heartfelt and powerful moment, as he reflects on his ministry and prepares them for the challenges ahead. He reminds them of his humility, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, even in the face of trials. Paul emphasizes that he did not shrink…
Dedication and Strategic Ministry
Paul’s journey from Troas to Miletus reflects his unwavering dedication to the mission of spreading the Gospel, even as he carefully manages his time and relationships. Choosing to travel on foot to Assos while his companions sail ahead, Paul demonstrates his intentionality, perhaps using the time for prayer, reflection, or personal…
Life Restored and the Power of Fellowship
As Paul continues his journey, we are given a glimpse into a remarkable event during his time in Troas. The believers gather on the first day of the week to break bread and hear Paul teach, knowing he will soon depart. Paul speaks late into the night, eager to impart as much as possible to the young church. In the midst of…
Encouragement and Unity in Ministry
Here, we see Paul’s deep commitment to encouraging and strengthening the churches as he begins his journey toward Jerusalem. After the uproar in Ephesus, Paul departs for Macedonia, where he spends time encouraging the believers with many words. His journey reflects his pastoral heart, as he revisits the churches he had…
The Wisdom of Calm Leadership
In this passage, we see the city clerk of Ephesus step in to calm the chaotic and dangerous riot stirred up by Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen. The clerk’s speech is a masterclass in diplomacy and leadership, as he appeals to the crowd’s civic pride and religious beliefs of Artemis’s greatness, which he argues is not threatened by Paul’s…
More Mob Mentality and the Power of the Gospel
In this passage, we see the chaotic and irrational nature of mob mentality as the crowd in Ephesus becomes increasingly unruly. The confusion is palpable, with many in the assembly not even knowing why they are there. This disorganized and emotionally charged gathering reflects the danger of groupthink, where individuals are swept…
Mob Mentality
Here we see the escalating tension in Ephesus as Demetrius’s speech incites a mob against Paul and his companions. The crowd, filled with anger and confusion, begins chanting in unison, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians,” and the uproar spreads throughout the city. The mob seizes Paul’s companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, and…
Following God’s Plan Amid Opposition
In this passage, we see a pivotal moment in Paul’s ministry as he resolves to travel to Jerusalem and ultimately to Rome, guided by the Spirit. Paul’s decision is not based on any apparent failure or opposition in Ephesus but rather on a clear sense of divine purpose for the next phase of his mission. This moment reflects a shift in the narrative, as Paul…
Genuine Repentance and the Power of God’s Word
In this passage, we see a remarkable display of repentance and transformation among the believers in Ephesus. Those who had already come to faith openly confessed their past deeds, including their involvement in magic and sorcery. This public confession signified a complete break from their old lives and practices, which were incompatible…
The Reality of Spiritual Power
We see a striking contrast between the true power of God displayed through Paul’s ministry and the futile attempts of others to exploit that power. God works extraordinary miracles through Paul, including healings and exorcisms, even through indirect means such as cloths or aprons that had touched him. These miracles meet the physical and spiritual needs…
Only God's Power and Only God’s Servants
We see a striking contrast between the true power of God displayed through Paul’s ministry and the futile attempts of others to exploit that power. God works extraordinary miracles through Paul, including healings and exorcisms, even through indirect means such as cloths or aprons that had touched him. These miracles meet the physical and spiritual needs…
Strategic Ministry and Perseverance
Paul is strategic in his approach to ministry as he spends three months teaching boldly in the synagogue before transitioning to a more neutral venue due to growing opposition. Despite initial openness, hostility arises as some in the synagogue harden their hearts and publicly slander “the Way.” Recognizing the need to protect new disciples…
Baptism, the Holy Spirit, and Empowerment
Paul encounters a group of disciples in Ephesus who had been baptized into John’s baptism of repentance but were unaware of the full message of salvation through Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Upon hearing this, Paul explains that John’s baptism was preparatory, pointing to the One who would baptize with the Spirit. The disciples are then baptized in Jesus’s name, and through the laying…
From Incomplete Faith to Full Knowledge
In this passage, Paul encounters a group of disciples in Ephesus who had received John’s baptism of repentance but lacked a complete understanding of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit. These disciples, possibly devout followers of John the Baptist, were unaware that the Spirit had been poured out as John himself had foretold. Paul identifies…
Advancing the Gospel with Skill and Encouragement
In this passage, we see Apollos stepping into a pivotal role as he travels to Achaia with the support of other believers, equipped with letters of recommendation. Apollos, a gifted speaker with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, becomes a powerful asset to the church in Corinth. His ability to engage in public discussions and refute opposition using Scripture…
Equipping Others for Ministry
Here, we are introduced to Apollos, a Jewish believer from Alexandria who possessed great eloquence, a deep knowledge of the Scriptures, and a fervent spirit. However, his understanding of the Gospel was incomplete, as he only knew of John’s baptism and lacked a fuller grasp of Jesus’ teachings. Priscilla and Aquila, Paul’s trusted…
Commitment to the Mission
We now see Paul’s continued commitment to the mission of spreading the Gospel as he transitions from Corinth to Ephesus and then onward toward Antioch. Before departing Corinth, Paul fulfills a vow by shaving his head, a clear indication of his devotion to God and continued fidelity to his Jewish heritage. His journey is marked…
God’s Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Here, we see Paul brought before Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, by his Jewish opponents, who accuse him of persuading people to worship God contrary to the law. Gallio, however, dismisses the case as an internal matter of Jewish law, refusing to involve Roman authorities in theological disputes. This legal decision sets an…
God’s Encouragement to Persevere
We see Paul’s ministry take a significant turn as he continues to proclaim the Gospel in Corinth. After facing opposition in the synagogue, he moves his work to the house of Titius Justus, a Gentile worshiper of God whose home provided a strategic base for ministry. Interestingly, Titius Justus’s house was located right next to the synagogue, ensuring…
Devotion to the Word and Bold Witness
In this passage, we see a pivotal moment in Paul’s ministry as Silas and Timothy arrive, likely bringing support from the Macedonian churches, which allows Paul to fully devote himself to preaching the Word. Freed from the need to labor for his livelihood, Paul intensifies his efforts to testify to the Jews that Jesus is the promised…