Acts 19
Summary. In this chapter, the apostle Paul continues his missionary work. Primarily in this chapter, the apostle Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, does the work of the Lord in the city of Ephesus. The Lord God Almighty works great miracles through the hands of the apostle Paul, and the name of the Lord Jesus is magnified. Acts 19:1-12. Apostle Paul in Ephesus. At Ephesus, the apostle Paul teaches that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, and believers must repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. By laying on of the hands, the Holy Spirit came upon a group of men who were baptized in the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul continued, guided by the Holy Spirit, the mission of spreading the good news in this area for two years. The Lord God Almighty performed mighty miracles through His apostle because of His mercy for the people. Acts 19:13-20. The name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. Some of the Jews who had strayed away and allowed their minds to be controlled by the dark, having seen the miraculous works done in the name of the Lord Jesus by the apostle Paul, acted independently, without true faith in the Lord Jesus, and sought to cast out evil spirits. Their actions brought shame to them, and this had become known to all. Ultimately, fear came upon many, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified, and many repented and believed the word of the Lord. Acts 19:21-41. A riot at Ephesus concerning the Way. In Ephesus, some occupations benefited from their idol worship. Some began feeding misinformation to the minds of the multitude, claiming that the apostle Paul was coming to eliminate their jobs and wealth by proclaiming the Lord God Almighty, and a riot occurred. The town clerk managed to disperse the assembly of people by arguing that there was no reason to justify their cause.
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Now it came to pass, while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul, having passed through the upper district, came to Ephesus, and having found certain disciples,
Comments Acts 19:1
“Now it came to pass, while Apollos ...” The separation between believers is always for a purpose. The believer stayed put in this place for work; the Lord God Almighty called this believer for a certain job in this place.
“Paul, having passed through the upper district ...” The apostle, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, went to the specific areas and places for spreading the good news. The apostle followed the guidance of the Holy Spirit with all his might for the work.
“And having found certain disciples ...” Now, the work for the apostle was starting in this place when the apostle met with certain believers, which would link him to doing further work in the area.
“Paul, having passed through the upper district ...” The apostle, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, went to the specific areas and places for spreading the good news. The apostle followed the guidance of the Holy Spirit with all his might for the work.
“And having found certain disciples ...” Now, the work for the apostle was starting in this place when the apostle met with certain believers, which would link him to doing further work in the area.
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he said also to them, Having believed, did you receive the Holy Spirit ? And they said to him, But we did not even hear whether there is a Holy Spirit .
Comments Acts 19:2
“Having believed, did you receive ...” The question the apostle asked the believers in this area will stir up many hearts to think about what this is all about. Let all believers think about this question as well. When you truly believe in the Lord God Almighty, the eternal gift is given to your heart, and the Holy Spirit will come upon the faithful heart. By asking for the gift, the hearts of all believers will think and search for themselves.
“And they said to him, But we did not even ...” The answer that the apostle received will also indicate the work for the apostle himself. This area needed to hear the full gospel to be able to understand how the Lord God Almighty gives the gift of the Holy Spirit to all true believers. The Holy Spirit will come upon every heart when the heart fully accepts and has faith in the Lord God Almighty, and the Holy Spirit baptism will take place in that heart as well. But these believers did not yet have knowledge about this blessed gift. The apostle will have the big task of working here in spreading the full gospel to every believer. And humans, regardless of nation and place, can receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit, because the Lord God Almighty has mercy for all humans, not only for His own children alone.
“And they said to him, But we did not even ...” The answer that the apostle received will also indicate the work for the apostle himself. This area needed to hear the full gospel to be able to understand how the Lord God Almighty gives the gift of the Holy Spirit to all true believers. The Holy Spirit will come upon every heart when the heart fully accepts and has faith in the Lord God Almighty, and the Holy Spirit baptism will take place in that heart as well. But these believers did not yet have knowledge about this blessed gift. The apostle will have the big task of working here in spreading the full gospel to every believer. And humans, regardless of nation and place, can receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit, because the Lord God Almighty has mercy for all humans, not only for His own children alone.
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Then he said, Into what then were you baptized? And they said, Into John's baptism.
Comments Acts 19:3
A simple and straightforward question was asked. At that time, the messenger baptized many people, but they came to be baptized because they believed the messenger was the man the Lord God Almighty had sent to save them.
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And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that in the One coming after him they should believe, that is, in Jesus .
Comments Acts 19:4
“And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism ...” Give attention, the messenger of the Lord proclaimed the truth he had received. The Lord God Almighty used him as His own messenger to announce that for the people to receive forgiveness of sins, they must repent, feel sorry for the sins they committed, and seek repentance and forgiveness from the Lord God Almighty.
“Saying to the people that in the One coming ...” The messenger of the Lord proclaimed to all people the truth that he had received from the Lord God Almighty regarding the coming of the beloved Son of God to save the whole world. The Lord God Almighty sent His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to be the Savior of the world.
“Saying to the people that in the One coming ...” The messenger of the Lord proclaimed to all people the truth that he had received from the Lord God Almighty regarding the coming of the beloved Son of God to save the whole world. The Lord God Almighty sent His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to be the Savior of the world.
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Then having heard, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus .
Comments Acts 19:5
“Then having heard.” The blessed humans, by hearing with the ears, the truth will make the heart accept and acknowledge the Lord God Almighty. The clean hearts will make the ears open.
“They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” In the name of the beloved Son of God, the heart that is open makes the soul ready to receive forgiveness. The baptism in the water in the name of God the Father, God the Son (the Lord Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit is the next step after the heart has received the blessing. The messenger of the Lord gave the baptism for repentance, but the apostle of the Lord gave the baptism not only of the body but of the soul as well.
“They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” In the name of the beloved Son of God, the heart that is open makes the soul ready to receive forgiveness. The baptism in the water in the name of God the Father, God the Son (the Lord Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit is the next step after the heart has received the blessing. The messenger of the Lord gave the baptism for repentance, but the apostle of the Lord gave the baptism not only of the body but of the soul as well.
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And Paul having laid the hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them; and they spoke in tongues, and prophesied.
Comments Acts 19:6
“And Paul having laid the hands ...” The apostle got the direction of laying hands above someone, signifying that the person is under the authority and protection of the Lord God Almighty.
“The Holy Spirit came upon them.” When the physical body accepts the cleansing, and the heart also accepts the teaching, the Lord God Almighty blesses that soul with the Holy Spirit baptism.
“And they spoke in tongues ...” Speaking in tongues is the sign of the completion of baptism: both physical and spiritual have been counted in the protection. That person belongs to the Lord God Almighty, but they must remain faithful to the gift and keep their heart with the teaching, meditating on the word regularly to receive complete protection over them.
“The Holy Spirit came upon them.” When the physical body accepts the cleansing, and the heart also accepts the teaching, the Lord God Almighty blesses that soul with the Holy Spirit baptism.
“And they spoke in tongues ...” Speaking in tongues is the sign of the completion of baptism: both physical and spiritual have been counted in the protection. That person belongs to the Lord God Almighty, but they must remain faithful to the gift and keep their heart with the teaching, meditating on the word regularly to receive complete protection over them.
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Then they were in all about twelve men.
Comments Acts 19:7
When the apostle followed the Lord God Almighty’s guidance, the result happened in front of his eyes. These men gave their hearts because of the good news; when their ears heard the good Word, the Word impacted their hearts, making all these men commit themselves to the faith in the Lord God Almighty.
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And having entered into the synagogue, he spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the kingdom of God .
Comments Acts 19:8
“And having entered into the synagogue ...” The place for the apostle to be in spreading the good news was the synagogue. The length of time staying was not that long, but the result came out according to the Word. The Lord God Almighty worked in many hearts and brought them in to be saved.
“Reasoning and persuading concerning ...” The Lord God Almighty gave the apostle the ability and the way to speak and debate to explain to people; no human could talk against, because the word of the Lord God Almighty is beyond human ability to counterattack.
“Reasoning and persuading concerning ...” The Lord God Almighty gave the apostle the ability and the way to speak and debate to explain to people; no human could talk against, because the word of the Lord God Almighty is beyond human ability to counterattack.
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But when some were hardened and were disbelieving, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, having departed from them, he separated the disciples, reasoning every day in the school of Tyrannus.
Comments Acts 19:9
“But when some were hardened and were ...” Then and now, humans are the same. When the ears hear the good news, some with ignorant and disbelieving hearts will act in blasphemy. Some may walk away, and some may use profane words, but the hearts that are clean will benefit and spread the word forward. The apostle spoke the word that the Lord God Almighty has guided him, and those words will work in people’s hearts.
“Having departed from them, he separated ...” The apostle’s action followed the Lord God Almighty’s advice to separate out, and those whose hearts accepted the good news followed the apostle. The way humans separate between those who choose the light and those who choose the dark side, the action will be clear, and the apostle can see who those are that the Lord God Almighty was working in their hearts to accept the good news.
“Having departed from them, he separated ...” The apostle’s action followed the Lord God Almighty’s advice to separate out, and those whose hearts accepted the good news followed the apostle. The way humans separate between those who choose the light and those who choose the dark side, the action will be clear, and the apostle can see who those are that the Lord God Almighty was working in their hearts to accept the good news.
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Then this continued for two years, so that all those inhabiting Asia heard the word of the Lord , both Jews and Greeks.
Comments Acts 19:10
The Lord God Almighty guided the apostle to stay there for a certain time. During this time, the apostle spread out the good news, and the Lord God Almighty worked with the apostle. The apostle continued to share the good news with all the people, and the Lord God Almighty worked among people regardless of who they were. If their hearts are open and willing to obey the good news, they will follow and benefit eternal life.
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And God was performing not ordinary miracles by the hands of Paul,
Comments Acts 19:11
“And God was performing not ordinary miracles.” The Lord God Almighty performed miracles through His apostle. The Lord God Almighty used His apostle to perform miracles because of His mercy towards people, and the apostle received this blessing.
“By the hands of Paul.” The apostle received the blessing of helping others, whom the Lord God Almighty brought into his path, to receive mercy.
“By the hands of Paul.” The apostle received the blessing of helping others, whom the Lord God Almighty brought into his path, to receive mercy.
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so that even to the sick were brought from his skin handkerchiefs or aprons, and the sickness departed from them, and the evil spirits went out.
Comments Acts 19:12
“So that even to the sick were brought ...” This was a miracle work from the Lord God Almighty upon His apostle. If the believers touched the partial body of the apostle, they would be blessed. The people who were in need of help and had faith received mercy through this partial body contact from the apostle.
“And the sickness departed from them ...” The sickness affecting the physical body happened from the dark spirits; the dark spirits made the body become weak. The dark evil that clung to the body of a person made the human body weak. But the partial substance from the apostle had power to chase all dark spirits away.
“And the sickness departed from them ...” The sickness affecting the physical body happened from the dark spirits; the dark spirits made the body become weak. The dark evil that clung to the body of a person made the human body weak. But the partial substance from the apostle had power to chase all dark spirits away.
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But also, certain of the wandering exorcists, Jews, attempted to invoke over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus , saying, I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul proclaims.
Comments Acts 19:13
“But certain, also of the wondering exorcists ...” Some of the Lord’s children who strayed away and let the dark mind control themselves were attempting to use the beloved Son of God, the Lord Jesus’ name, to gain power to control people for themselves.
“I adjure you by Jesus whom ...” The hearts that had no faith and the minds that did not believe used the apostle of the Lord’s word. The good news that the apostle proclaimed made these Jews think that they also had the power to use the name that the apostle used and be able to control all evil spirits.
“I adjure you by Jesus whom ...” The hearts that had no faith and the minds that did not believe used the apostle of the Lord’s word. The good news that the apostle proclaimed made these Jews think that they also had the power to use the name that the apostle used and be able to control all evil spirits.
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And they were certain seven sons of Sceva, a Jew, a high priest, were doing this.
Comments Acts 19:14
These had their own father as a servant of the Lord God Most High, and this led them to believe that, given the importance of their family, the Lord God Almighty must act according to their own will.
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However answering, the evil spirit said to them, Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?
Comments Acts 19:15
“However answering, the evil spirit said ...” The evil spirits themselves also have knowledge about the Lord God Almighty, the ruler of both the seen and the unseen worlds. The Holy Name has been glorified, and every world knows and has fear.
“Jesus I know, and Paul I know ...” Give attention, the evil spirit admits to all that they know the beloved Son of God, the Lord Jesus, and also, they know that the apostle is the servant of the Lord God Almighty.
“Jesus I know, and Paul I know ...” Give attention, the evil spirit admits to all that they know the beloved Son of God, the Lord Jesus, and also, they know that the apostle is the servant of the Lord God Almighty.
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And the man in whom was the evil spirit, having leaped on them, having overpowered them all, he prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
Comments Acts 19:16
“And the man in whom was the evil spirit ...” The people, whose hearts did not accept the Lord Jesus and were not under the Lord God Almighty, tried to impersonate using the name of the beloved Son of God, the Lord Jesus, but without a true heart in worship, the word became empty and had no meaning for the evil spirit to obey.
“So that they fled out of that house ...” When the evil spirit took control of the human body, it gave the human body extra power, more than normal. Give attention to what happened to those who did not respect and blaspheme and use the name of the beloved Son of God to seek power for themselves: their end was nothing good. The shame would be on their face; wherever they would go, people would point out their shameful act.
“So that they fled out of that house ...” When the evil spirit took control of the human body, it gave the human body extra power, more than normal. Give attention to what happened to those who did not respect and blaspheme and use the name of the beloved Son of God to seek power for themselves: their end was nothing good. The shame would be on their face; wherever they would go, people would point out their shameful act.
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And this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, those inhabiting Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
Comments Acts 19:17
“And this became known to all, both ...” Extraordinary power had been witnessed here, making all people to speak the name of the Lord God Almighty among humans. If you do not belong to Him, don’t impersonate and blaspheme the name of the Lord Jesus.
“And fear fell upon them all, and the name ...” The name of the beloved Son of God, the Lord Jesus, had been magnified among humans as the true King of all, the seen and the unseen worlds. Humans acknowledged the true King of all.
“And fear fell upon them all, and the name ...” The name of the beloved Son of God, the Lord Jesus, had been magnified among humans as the true King of all, the seen and the unseen worlds. Humans acknowledged the true King of all.
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Then many of those who believed came, confessing and declaring their deeds.
Comments Acts 19:18
“Then many of those who believed came.” The eyes saw, the ears heard, and the heart believed. The ones that the Lord God Almighty touched came not as inspectors but as hearts waiting for worship. These people with faithful hearts wanted to glorify the Lord God Almighty.
“Confessing and declaring their deeds.” When the heart has been touched by the Lord God Almighty, that heart makes the person obey and follow the prompting. The selfish and proud heart has been humbled when it has been touched by the Lord God Almighty.
“Confessing and declaring their deeds.” When the heart has been touched by the Lord God Almighty, that heart makes the person obey and follow the prompting. The selfish and proud heart has been humbled when it has been touched by the Lord God Almighty.
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And many of those having practiced magic arts brought the books and burned them before all; and they counted the prices of them, and found it five myriads of silverlings.
Comments Acts 19:19
“And many of those having practiced magic arts ...” The actions tell all people that these people themselves have been touched by the Lord God Almighty, and their hearts have surrendered, bringing the most precious treasures they had. Their black magic books had been brought out and burned in the eyes of people.
“And they counted the prices of them ...” The greed in the hearts also disappeared. The value of dark magic practiced was significant in that time for everyone, but when people had been touched by the Lord God Almighty, their greed also disappeared.
“And they counted the prices of them ...” The greed in the hearts also disappeared. The value of dark magic practiced was significant in that time for everyone, but when people had been touched by the Lord God Almighty, their greed also disappeared.
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So the word of the Lord grew and prevailed mightily.
Comments Acts 19:20
With these great miracles, the name of the Lord God Almighty had been glorified; the people had seen the true light in these actions and came to glorify the Lord God Almighty.
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Now, after these things were fulfilled, Paul purposed in the S pirit , having passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, having said, After my having been there, it behooves me also to see Rome.
Comments Acts 19:21
“Now, after these things were fulfilled.” The apostle followed the guidance of the Lord God Almighty. When the work he had received was fulfilled in this place, he received guidance from the Holy Spirit, and the apostle traveled further on. The work of spreading the good news continued, and the Lord God Almighty guided him to the next area where people needed to hear the good news and be saved.
“Paul purposed in the Spirit ...” Passing through wherever he goes, the good news has also been told to people. The travel may be long, but it also provides an opportunity to spread the good news further. To stay long in one place happens only when the Lord God Almighty guides him for more benefit in that area. If the hearts are covered with the dark too deeply, the Lord God Almighty will guide His apostle to stay long to help them.
“After my having been there ...” The Lord God Almighty guided his heart to the next place, because a larger place with more people was waiting, and the work, which would be hard both mentally and physically, would also be waiting, needing the apostle’s guidance.
“Paul purposed in the Spirit ...” Passing through wherever he goes, the good news has also been told to people. The travel may be long, but it also provides an opportunity to spread the good news further. To stay long in one place happens only when the Lord God Almighty guides him for more benefit in that area. If the hearts are covered with the dark too deeply, the Lord God Almighty will guide His apostle to stay long to help them.
“After my having been there ...” The Lord God Almighty guided his heart to the next place, because a larger place with more people was waiting, and the work, which would be hard both mentally and physically, would also be waiting, needing the apostle’s guidance.
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Then, having sent into Macedonia two of those ministering under him, Timothy and Erastus, he remained in Asia for a time.
Comments Acts 19:22
Two faithful servants of the Lord have been with the apostle for some time. The apostle received guidance to send these two faithful believers to this place for work, but he himself needed to go further for the work. The Lord God Almighty had a plan for the faithful servants to remain and guide people to follow the good news.
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And at that time there arose not a small disturbance concerning the Way.
Comments Acts 19:23
People were doing everything in their own way without concern for right or wrong. Their own beliefs did not teach them to follow the right way, and the hearts of people did not seek to worship the Lord God Almighty, even though they had heard about Him. And for them, the Lord God Almighty was not powerful enough, from what they heard, compared to what they already had.
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For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen;
Comments Acts 19:24
“For a certain man named ...” Some occupations benefited from their idol worship, and the people did not think about why this image became their idol for them to worship. When someone creates an idol and profits from it, they will also fabricate stories of miracles about what their idol performs, regardless of whether anyone has ever experienced such a thing or not.
“Brought no little business to the craftsmen.” Money has more power than idols, and those who benefit from this idol will be impacted when they lack money to come to them.
“Brought no little business to the craftsmen.” Money has more power than idols, and those who benefit from this idol will be impacted when they lack money to come to them.
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whom having gathered together, and those workmen in such things, he said, Men, you know that from this business our wealth is.
Comments Acts 19:25
Money is the root of all evil deeds, and here is an example of that. This group of people came together solely for one reason: money. Greed is a god for these people; they have no money, and their life has no meaning. Humans do not look to have wealth of the soul, but the wealth of the body on this earth only. Money is a sign of power for humans; remember that you cannot take money with you when you die. Keep your eyes on the money that is in heaven. The faith in the Lord Jesus, that will buy for you the joy of your souls.
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And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but almost in all of Asia, this Paul, having persuaded, has turned away sufficient people, saying that they are not gods, that are made by hands;
Comments Acts 19:26
“And you see and hear that not only ...” Feeding the multitude with the idea that if this teaching by the apostle spreads out, not only will they suffer, but others in like manner with them will also suffer. This idea will capture the minds of people to fight against the teaching of the Lord God Almighty that it is unjust for humans to have wealth from worship of idols.
“This Paul, having persuaded, has turned ...” Feeding information to the minds of the multitude that the apostle was coming to eliminate their job and wealth by proclaiming the Lord God Almighty--who is not in the real world that the eyes can see-- and this would make them lose power, and even their money would not come for them anymore, would make the multitude feel threatened.
“This Paul, having persuaded, has turned ...” Feeding information to the minds of the multitude that the apostle was coming to eliminate their job and wealth by proclaiming the Lord God Almighty--who is not in the real world that the eyes can see-- and this would make them lose power, and even their money would not come for them anymore, would make the multitude feel threatened.
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but not only is there danger that this business of ours come into disrepute, but also, the temple of the great goddess Artemis be made of no account, and also her greatness is about to be brought down, whom all Asia and the world worship.
Comments Acts 19:27
“But not only is there danger that ...” The people are concerned about their own money, and that the idol they are making will lose its importance for the people; money becomes an issue for these people.
“And also her greatness is about ...” The people who made this idol also make up stories about who worships this idol. Business minds think of profit by saying that not just this place, but the world also worships this idol. The way to build people’s minds to help is by making them believe that what they have is important, not only for themselves but for the whole world as well.
“And also her greatness is about ...” The people who made this idol also make up stories about who worships this idol. Business minds think of profit by saying that not just this place, but the world also worships this idol. The way to build people’s minds to help is by making them believe that what they have is important, not only for themselves but for the whole world as well.
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Then, having heard and having become full of rage, they cried out, saying, Great is Artemis of the Ephesus!
Comments Acts 19:28
When the human mind has been controlled by the dark itself, it makes all have one thing in common: they are important because this idol is with them, and the idol must remain at the center for worship. If they can maintain the idol’s reputation high, the world itself will be as they want, because people will want to ask for help from this idol, and they themselves will reap more benefits from it.
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And the city was filled with confusion; and they rushed with one accord to the theatre, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, of Macedonia, Paul's fellow travelers.
Comments Acts 19:29
“And the city was filled with confusion ...” When people with dark mind control gather together, the dark mind itself gets more strength and stirs people to have one mind together. Regardless of right or wrong, the mind will not have that question in.
“Having seized Gaius and Aristarchus ...” Give attention, all readers; when you support the spreading out of the good news, the evil will try to stop you, and here is an example. Being with the apostle also brought trouble for these two. But being in trouble for the Lord God Almighty is better than being in trouble for the dark influence.
“Having seized Gaius and Aristarchus ...” Give attention, all readers; when you support the spreading out of the good news, the evil will try to stop you, and here is an example. Being with the apostle also brought trouble for these two. But being in trouble for the Lord God Almighty is better than being in trouble for the dark influence.
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However, of Paul intending to enter in to the people, the disciples would not allow him.
Comments Acts 19:30
The apostle with a gentle heart worried about his fellow travelers, wishing to be there to support them. But the fellow believers, stirred by the Lord God Almighty to stop the apostle, prevented him from joining in, because the work for the apostle was still ahead.
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And certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, having sent to him, urged him not to venture himself into the theatre.
Comments Acts 19:31
“And certain also of the Asiarchs ...” The way of life for the apostle required him to travel long distances, but it also allowed him to have many friends, and these friends did not seek benefit from the apostle in earthly things. These became friends with the apostle, not driven by personal benefit, but by the Lord God Almighty’s mercy, linking the feeling of friendship.
“Having sent to him, urged him ...” The true friends, when they see danger, will warn their friends to avoid it, and here the true friends of the apostle, without worrying for themselves, warned the apostle not to enter the place. By warning the apostle, they might also have put themselves in trouble.
“Having sent to him, urged him ...” The true friends, when they see danger, will warn their friends to avoid it, and here the true friends of the apostle, without worrying for themselves, warned the apostle not to enter the place. By warning the apostle, they might also have put themselves in trouble.
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Some indeed, therefore, cried one thing, and some another; for the assembly was confused, and most did not know for what they were assembled.
Comments Acts 19:32
“Some indeed, therefore, cried one thing ...” When people come and join together without a real cause, confusion will already be in each person’s mind. Joining the action without knowing the purpose creates confusion in people’s minds.
“And most did not know for what ...” The verse tells us clearly that people did not know the purpose of gathering in this place. They wanted to fight against someone, but did not have a cause or purpose; the mob would not hold or have the power to be strong enough.
“And most did not know for what ...” The verse tells us clearly that people did not know the purpose of gathering in this place. They wanted to fight against someone, but did not have a cause or purpose; the mob would not hold or have the power to be strong enough.
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Now they brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander having motioned with the hand, wished to make a defense to the people.
Comments Acts 19:33
“Now they brought Alexander ...” The Lord’s children have something in them that makes people notice if they are from the same area or not. With one accord, the Jews agreed to put this person out to show that not all of them are the followers of the apostle and to make the authority notice that they were not the same people. As the verse tells, this person looked different from them, and all have one understanding that this person must be a follower of the apostle.
“And Alexander having motioned ...” Humans want to make a defense for themselves, but before knowing the accusations, he wanted to let people know that he was also one of the spectators among them, who came from a different area to visit this place.
“And Alexander having motioned ...” Humans want to make a defense for themselves, but before knowing the accusations, he wanted to let people know that he was also one of the spectators among them, who came from a different area to visit this place.
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However, having recognized that he is a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Artemis of the Ephesians.
Comments Acts 19:34
The Lord’s children that live in this area have dark mind control and see others as enemies of their faith. Even though they are all the Lord’s children, with different beliefs and areas, they considered them as not the same people as they are.
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Then the town clerk, having calmed the multitude, he says, Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple-keeper of the great Artemis, and of that fallen from the sky?
Comments Acts 19:35
“Then the town clerk, having calmed ...” Give attention, all readers. The verse tells us clearly that a man-made story has taken hold of the minds of people in this area. The dark mind has been controlling people for a long time here, and now, when the riot happened, the town clerk needed to calm the people down. The problem with the people was not that they did not follow the town clerk’s order, but what happened during this time stirred up many questions in people’s minds.
“And of that fallen from the sky.” The town clerk reminded the people of the things that their forefathers had told them. The image of their idol was not of this earth, but came down from heaven for them, and also reminded the people to be careful about what they were about to do. The story the forefathers told had no proof, true or not, but it had been told, and the children must believe it regardless.
“And of that fallen from the sky.” The town clerk reminded the people of the things that their forefathers had told them. The image of their idol was not of this earth, but came down from heaven for them, and also reminded the people to be careful about what they were about to do. The story the forefathers told had no proof, true or not, but it had been told, and the children must believe it regardless.
36
Therefore, these things being undeniable, it is necessary for you to be calm and to do nothing rash.
Comments Acts 19:36
What was received from the forefathers, the story had been told, the children must obey. And people should calm down and not do anything rash, regardless of what the outsiders tell them. The children of this town must remain faithful to what their forefathers taught them and need to obey.
37
For you brought these men, neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess.
Comments Acts 19:37
When people bring out someone and accuse them of things that have no proof, everyone can notice the power of dark mind control on humans; even if they could not find fault with the person, the violence would not stop. The dark mind servants of evil only want to harm humans and create problems, as has been pointed out in this place.
38
If indeed therefore Demetrius, and the craftsmen with him, have a matter against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls; let them accuse one another.
Comments Acts 19:38
“If indeed therefore ...” The occupation that sought to fight against someone was also pointed out in this place. The reason must be told, and the proof must be provided against someone, even if by occupational guidance.
“The courts are open, and there are ...” The system of humans in resolving the problems between humans had been set up, and when the leader does not want to have a problem, they will shift the situation to a place to be resolved by letting people fight against each other until they can find the point at which they can determine who will win and who will receive punishment. It is a smart way out for the leaders themselves, not to be the ones who make decisions that could turn people against them.
“The courts are open, and there are ...” The system of humans in resolving the problems between humans had been set up, and when the leader does not want to have a problem, they will shift the situation to a place to be resolved by letting people fight against each other until they can find the point at which they can determine who will win and who will receive punishment. It is a smart way out for the leaders themselves, not to be the ones who make decisions that could turn people against them.
39
However, if you seek after anything beyond this, it shall be resolved in the lawful assembly.
Comments Acts 19:39
“However, if you seek after ...” Humans tend to seek more punishment when their hearts dislike someone or some action. And in this place, humans used human law to try to punish the servants of the Lord. And the way to convince people to agree with them was to give reasons to people to believe that the apostle and faithful servants of the Lord acted against their law.
“It shall be resolved in the ...” Bringing the accusations to the ruler was not the right way to do, but they must go through the human court of law. And that way, the punishment will be established as an example to create fear in people so that they will not follow when the apostle of the Lord teaches something. They only use the law to make people feel it is not right to follow the teaching, so the good news will not be able to spread further.
“It shall be resolved in the ...” Bringing the accusations to the ruler was not the right way to do, but they must go through the human court of law. And that way, the punishment will be established as an example to create fear in people so that they will not follow when the apostle of the Lord teaches something. They only use the law to make people feel it is not right to follow the teaching, so the good news will not be able to spread further.
40
And, for we are in danger of being accused concerning this day's riot; there exists no cause for it, and we will not be able to give a reason for this commotion.
Comments Acts 19:40
“And, for we are in danger of being ...” Give attention, all readers: the ruler was not concerned about the people but for themselves only. The ruler’s fear was not about doing right or wrong, but only about their own safety.
“There exists no cause for it.” The ruler understood and knew that for all the commotion, there was no reason to justify it. However, for the ruler to report to their controllers, they needed proper reasons.
“And we will not be able to give ...” In this place, the ruler tells the reasons for their objections. They themselves cannot find a reason to save themselves from trouble if the people continue making a commotion; the ruler wants to stop the commotion.
“There exists no cause for it.” The ruler understood and knew that for all the commotion, there was no reason to justify it. However, for the ruler to report to their controllers, they needed proper reasons.
“And we will not be able to give ...” In this place, the ruler tells the reasons for their objections. They themselves cannot find a reason to save themselves from trouble if the people continue making a commotion; the ruler wants to stop the commotion.
41
And having said these things, he dismissed the assembly.
Comments Acts 19:41
The way the ruler can save themselves is to show agreement or disagreement with the people’s actions. In this case, the only way the ruler can save themselves is to dismiss all charges and let the people return to their own homes.
Life and faith applications. 1) Every believer in the Lord Jesus must be baptized in water in the name of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. 2) Every believer should seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which is done through the laying on of hands. The sign of receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit is the miraculous speaking of at least one word in an angelic tongue. 3) Do not get involved in any form of idol worship, magic arts, or spiritism. 4) Do not give up on spreading the good news despite opposition from the dark side. Pray and listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all situations. 5) If you hold a leadership position or are judging, do not allow yourself to be swayed by favoritism. Instead, enforce the law fairly and fear God in all matters.