Description
When Paul left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus, he promised to "return. . . if God wills." After he had gone up to Jerusalem, he spent some time in Antioch before embarking on his third missionary journey. He revisits the churches in Asia Minor (modern-day central Turkey), strengthening the believers. We now find him back in Ephesus, where he meets some disciples who knew only John's baptism. Paul tells them about Jesus, and they are "re-baptized." Paul prays for them and lays hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit. This is considered to be the Pentecost of Ephesus. Unusual miracles and events take place, culminating with the forsaking of "magic arts," and the destruction of their books. The result is "the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed."
Chapter 20 of the book of Acts records the conclusion of Paul’s 3rd missionary journey. As we mentioned last week, Paul is making his way back to Jerusalem, hoping to arrive before Pentecost. On his way, he stops in Macedonia and Greece to encourage the brethren there.
Published 11/17/24
Today, we find Paul making the decision to leave Ephesus as he has had great success here. Everyone in the area had heard the message. He decides to move through Macedonia and Achaia, preaching along the way, on his way back to Jerusalem. However, before he goes, the Way causes a riot in the...
Published 11/10/24