Empowered by the Spirit: Bold Witness in Ephesus

Summary

### Summary

Today, we reflect on the powerful events in Acts 19, which took place in Ephesus, a city that was once a bustling hub in the Roman Empire but now lies in ruins. Ephesus was a center of pagan worship, with temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses. In this context, the Holy Spirit was the main actor, moving through the apostles, especially Paul, who later wrote a letter to the Ephesians.

We begin by looking at Apollos, a Jew who was fervent and enthusiastic about teaching Jesus, even though he only knew about the baptism of John. Two believers took him aside to teach him more accurately about Jesus. This act of discipleship is a reminder for us to share what we have learned about Jesus with others, whether they are our neighbors or people in distant lands.

Paul's arrival in Ephesus marks a significant moment. He meets believers who had only experienced John's baptism and had not heard of the Holy Spirit. Paul baptizes them in the name of Jesus, and they receive the Holy Spirit, leading to an outpouring similar to Pentecost. This event shakes the gates of hell and initiates a series of powerful acts, including healings, exorcisms, and widespread repentance.

Paul's ministry in Ephesus was marked by courage. He left the synagogue to teach in a Greek philosophical lecture hall, reaching a diverse audience. This courage was not just Paul's but also that of the Jewish believers who joined him. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be bold witnesses, taking the gospel to new and unreached people.

As we reflect on these events, we are challenged to evaluate our own courage in sharing the good news of Jesus. Are we on fire for the Lord, or are we lukewarm? We are encouraged to seek more of the Holy Spirit, to hunger for a deeper experience, and to be bold in our witness. This week, let's read the book of Ephesians together, a chapter a day, and prepare our hearts for what the Holy Spirit wants to do in and through us.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of Accurate Teaching: Apollos was fervent in his teaching about Jesus, but he only knew about the baptism of John. Two believers took him aside to teach him more accurately. This highlights the importance of discipleship and ensuring that our understanding of the gospel is complete and accurate. We must be willing to both teach and be taught. [36:21]

2. Receiving the Holy Spirit: When Paul met the believers in Ephesus, they had not heard of the Holy Spirit and had only experienced John's baptism. Paul baptized them in the name of Jesus, and they received the Holy Spirit. This event reminds us of the necessity of the Holy Spirit in our lives for empowerment and boldness in our witness. [36:53]

3. Courage in Ministry: Paul's ministry in Ephesus required him to leave the familiar environment of the synagogue and teach in a Greek lecture hall. This act of courage, along with the courage of the Jewish believers who joined him, demonstrates the boldness the Holy Spirit gives us to reach new and diverse audiences with the gospel. [38:21]

4. The Power of the Holy Spirit: The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Ephesus led to miraculous healings, exorcisms, and widespread repentance. This shows the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in breaking down spiritual strongholds and advancing the kingdom of God. We should seek this same power in our own lives and ministries. [38:51]

5. Self-Examination and Hunger for More: We are challenged to evaluate our own courage and fervor in sharing the gospel. Are we on fire for the Lord, or are we lukewarm? We are encouraged to seek more of the Holy Spirit, to not settle for past experiences, but to hunger for a deeper and more powerful relationship with God. [39:22]

### Youtube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[34:21] - Introduction and Context of Ephesus
[34:51] - Apollos' Ministry and Accurate Teaching
[35:21] - Paul's Arrival and the Holy Spirit
[36:21] - The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
[37:21] - Paul's Ministry in the Lecture Hall
[38:21] - Courage in Ministry
[38:51] - Miracles and Repentance in Ephesus
[39:22] - Self-Examination and Seeking More
[40:25] - Conclusion and Reading Challenge

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 19:1-7
2. Acts 19:8-12
3. Acts 19:13-20

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Apollos' initial understanding of Jesus' teachings, and how did it change after he was taught more accurately? ([36:21])
2. What significant event occurred when Paul baptized the believers in Ephesus in the name of Jesus? ([36:53])
3. How did Paul’s ministry location change in Ephesus, and what was the significance of this change? ([37:21])
4. What were some of the miraculous events that took place in Ephesus as a result of the Holy Spirit's outpouring? ([38:51])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why was it important for Apollos to receive more accurate teaching about Jesus, and how does this reflect the importance of discipleship in the church today? ([36:21])
2. What does the reception of the Holy Spirit signify for the believers in Ephesus, and how does this compare to the events of Pentecost in Acts 2? ([36:53])
3. How did Paul’s decision to teach in a Greek lecture hall demonstrate courage, and what does this teach us about reaching diverse audiences with the gospel? ([37:21])
4. In what ways did the Holy Spirit's power manifest in Ephesus, and how can we seek this same power in our own lives and ministries? ([38:51])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you received new or more accurate teaching about Jesus. How did it impact your faith and understanding? ([36:21])
2. Have you experienced the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in your life? If so, how has it influenced your boldness in sharing the gospel? If not, what steps can you take to seek this empowerment? ([36:53])
3. Paul showed great courage by teaching in a new and unfamiliar environment. Is there a place or group of people you feel called to reach out to, but have hesitated due to fear or discomfort? How can you take a step of courage this week? ([37:21])
4. The Holy Spirit's power led to miraculous events and widespread repentance in Ephesus. What specific area of your life or ministry do you need to invite the Holy Spirit's transformative power into? ([38:51])
5. On a scale from 1 to 10, how would you rate your current courage in sharing the good news of Jesus? What practical steps can you take to increase your boldness and fervor? ([39:22])
6. This week, we are encouraged to read the book of Ephesians together. How can you prepare your heart and mind to receive what the Holy Spirit wants to teach you through this reading? ([39:53])
7. Think of someone in your life who might benefit from a deeper understanding of Jesus. How can you intentionally disciple or share your knowledge with them this week? ([36:21])

Devotional

Day 1: The Importance of Accurate Teaching
Description: Apollos was a passionate teacher of Jesus, but his knowledge was limited to the baptism of John. Two believers, Priscilla and Aquila, took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately. This act of discipleship underscores the importance of having a complete and accurate understanding of the gospel. It is essential for us to be open to learning and teaching others, ensuring that our knowledge of Jesus is thorough and precise. This mutual growth in understanding strengthens our faith and equips us to share the gospel more effectively. [36:21]

Acts 18:24-26 (ESV): "Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who could benefit from a deeper understanding of the gospel. How can you gently and lovingly share more about Jesus with them this week?

Day 2: Receiving the Holy Spirit
Description: When Paul arrived in Ephesus, he encountered believers who had only experienced John's baptism and had not heard of the Holy Spirit. Paul baptized them in the name of Jesus, and they received the Holy Spirit, resulting in an outpouring of spiritual gifts and boldness. This event highlights the necessity of the Holy Spirit in our lives for empowerment and effective witness. The Holy Spirit equips us with the courage and ability to share the gospel and live out our faith boldly. [36:53]

Acts 19:1-6 (ESV): "And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, 'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' And they said, 'No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.' And he said, 'Into what then were you baptized?' They said, 'Into John's baptism.' And Paul said, 'John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.' On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying."

Reflection: Reflect on your own experience with the Holy Spirit. Are you seeking His presence and empowerment in your daily life? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh today?

Day 3: Courage in Ministry
Description: Paul's ministry in Ephesus required him to step out of his comfort zone and teach in a Greek lecture hall, reaching a diverse audience. This act of courage, along with the bravery of the Jewish believers who joined him, demonstrates the boldness the Holy Spirit provides to reach new and diverse audiences with the gospel. We are called to be courageous in our ministry, stepping out in faith to share the good news with those who may be different from us or in unfamiliar settings. [38:21]

Acts 19:8-10 (ESV): "And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks."

Reflection: Is there a new or unfamiliar place where you feel God is calling you to share the gospel? What steps can you take to courageously follow His leading this week?

Day 4: The Power of the Holy Spirit
Description: The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Ephesus led to miraculous healings, exorcisms, and widespread repentance. This demonstrates the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in breaking down spiritual strongholds and advancing the kingdom of God. We are reminded to seek this same power in our own lives and ministries, trusting that the Holy Spirit can work through us to bring about significant change and healing. [38:51]

Acts 19:11-12 (ESV): "And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life or community where you need to see the transformative power of the Holy Spirit? How can you pray and seek His intervention in these areas today?

Day 5: Self-Examination and Hunger for More
Description: We are challenged to evaluate our own courage and fervor in sharing the gospel. Are we on fire for the Lord, or are we lukewarm? This reflection encourages us to seek more of the Holy Spirit, to not settle for past experiences, but to hunger for a deeper and more powerful relationship with God. We are called to continually seek growth in our faith and to be bold in our witness, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us in new and powerful ways. [39:22]

Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV): "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."

Reflection: Take a moment to honestly assess your spiritual fervor. Are you on fire for the Lord, or have you become lukewarm? What steps can you take to reignite your passion for Jesus and seek a deeper relationship with Him?

Quotes

### Quotes for outreach

1. "My hope is that all of us do that with our neighbors and the nations. Scripture says that Apollos was enthusiastic, fervent. He was boiling hot. It's the opposite of being a lukewarm Christian. We might say he was on fire. He was teaching accurately. But all he knew about the baptism of John." [35:51] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Paul arrives in Ephesus. He meets some believers and he asks this question. Allow the Holy Spirit to ask you this question today as well. Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? They had not even heard of the Holy Spirit. And Holy experienced the baptism of John. A call of a baptism of repentance of sin." [36:21] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Courage. An attribute followers of Jesus are given by the Holy Spirit to be bold witnesses and to take the gospel to new unreached people. In the rest of Acts 19 we see healings of disease. We see evil spirits expelled. We see God's stories God's side stories spreading quickly. There's a book burning. There's repentance and there's a riot." [38:21] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "From a scale from 1 to 10 1 being the least 10 being on fire red hot fire where is your courage in sharing the good news of Jesus? Sharing how you came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. From a scale from 1 to 10 where would you put yourself? How is Holy Spirit filling you to be a bold witness? Do you need more? Yes we all do." [39:22] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And so I want to encourage you to join me in hungering after the more. Don't settle for what has been don't settle for only what you have experienced but seek more what the Holy Spirit wants to give you." [39:53] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for members

1. "Apollos has been taught about the Lord and now he is teaching others about Jesus. Those of you who have gone on mission trips, most recently to Guatemala, you know about taking what you have been taught, taking that with you to a new people and teaching them about Jesus." [35:21] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "It seems these believers, these followers of Jesus, without knowledge were without knowledge or empowerment of Holy Spirit. An outpouring similar to Pentecost in Jerusalem in Acts chapter 2 happens in this pagan city and it shakes the gates of hell. Opposition of the way of Jesus starts some three months later." [36:53] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Paul and Ephesus away from home left his people and the culture of the synagogue to reach the pagan people. Jewish believers had courage to join Paul and leave the synagogue to join Paul in that lecture hall." [38:21] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Ephesus had a lot of traffic in and out. It was a trade city. It had a port and so both Jews and Greeks throughout the province heard the word of the Lord. The good news of Jesus. And people's God stories." [37:52] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "This week with this background of Acts 18 and 19 let's start reading the book of Ephesians together. A chapter a day will get you read the whole thing by next Sunday. And it's then that I look forward to seeing you and we'll begin this story of courage in the book of Ephesians." [40:25] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?