Acts 19:1-10

Do not fixate on “a” point and miss “the” point.  That is a temptation when reading scripture.  We each read with preconceived beliefs, and that can affect our understanding.  “We” includes me, so when you read what I write, measure it by the Scripture.

Paul arrives at Ephesus and finds 12 disciples.  Anyone who follows another is that person’s disciple.  These 12 were Jews who had heard about Jesus and had determined that he was the promised messiah.  They were determined to learn and followed the teachings of Jesus.  When Paul asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit, he was expecting their answer to be yes.  Paul knew that when we believe in Jesus for salvation, we receive the Holy Spirit as our spiritual guide and counselor.  These men, being Jews, knew that the Holy Spirit existed, but they had never heard the good news that he was available to those of believed in Jesus.

Hearing this, Paul asked them what baptism they had received, and they told him they had received the baptism of repentance as preached by John.  Paul explained that faith in Jesus does not limit us to repentance and regret, but offers us reconciliation and salvation.  All who have and profess faith in Jesus are God’s family; Paul baptized them in the name of Jesus into God’s family.  He placed his hands upon them and prayed, and they received an awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, they spoke in languages not their own and preached.

When Paul left the synagogue, he took the disciples with him.  For two years, Paul taught an Ephesus.  In those two years, all the providence of Asia heard the gospel.  I believe God used the disciples with their gifts of language and preaching to help Paul spread the gospel.  God does not give gifts without a purpose.  His purpose is never to glorify individual Christians.  The purpose of gifts is to help others and build God’s kingdom.