Beginning of the 3rd Missionary Journey. Paul in Ephesus.
The
Passage: Acts 18:23-19:20
Structure:
a. 18:24-28, grow in faith
b. 19:1-5, [baptism
in] the name of the Lord Jesus
c. 19:6-7,
Gift of the Holy Spirit
d. 19:8-10,
All the inhabitants heard the Word of the Lord
c’. 19:11-12,
miracle of Paul
b’. 19:13-17,
the name of the Lord Jesus [held in great esteem]
a’.
19:18-20, grow in faith
Historical
and geographical context:
By now the
church or messianic movement has become universal in character. Apollos came
from Alexandria (Africa) to Ephesus. He is catechized by Aquilla and Priscilla
who came from Rome through Corinth (cp. 18:1). Prior to Paul’s arrival Apollos
goes to Corinth with the letters of recommendation. Then Paul came to Ephesus
from Antioch, coming through inland country. On his way he most likely visited
the saints in Debre, Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia – the
congregations that he established together with Bar-Nabas during his first
missionary journey (cp. Acts 13-14, 16:1-5).
Theology:
Constant
growth. It is vital
that the believers will not consider themselves to be fully mature at any point
in their life. It does not mean that we cannot have an assurance of salvation.
It’s like being a child in a family – from the time of conception and birth,
one is born into the family. At the same time if a five-year-old does nothing
but sleep and wants to breastfed, you might want to consult a doctor. Same
thing here, Apollos comes with an accurate knowledge of the Way, competence in
the Scriptures, and preaches Jesus (Acts 18:24-25). Yet, Aquilla and Priscilla
catechized him. There is always something else to learn or adjust in skills.
Yet, his background raises some questions: being from Alexandria, how did he
learn about the Way, and how come he is baptized by St. John the Forerunner? First,
he was a faithful Jew knowing the Scriptures. The theology of the Way should’ve
been familiar to him from Torah (Deut. 30:11-20), Prophets (Jer. 6:16-21), and
Psalms (1:5-6). Also, he could’ve visited Jerusalem during the Pentecostal
sermon of St. Peter or hear it [if he didn’t go] from someone else.
Second, the
knowledge of the baptism of John does not mean that he was baptized this
way. It can mean that he was aware of it and understood how it worked
theologically.
Baptism
in the Name of Jesus.
Turns out that St. Paul also practiced constant growth. When he found the
disciples who were baptized by St. John the Forerunner only, he asks them about
their understanding of the Holy Spirit. Confessing that they did not hear
anything of the Holy Spirit, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Notice that Jesus is the one who reveals the fullness of Godhead (Col. 1:19).
As a result of the baptism in His name disciples experienced the descending of
the Holy Spirit.
The
reality of the spiritual world. Jesus during the time of his earthly ministry had
cured/cleaned the people of demonic oppression (Mk. 1:21-27). So did the
apostles, for example St. Paul heals a girl at Phillipi (Acts 16:16-18).
Apparently, the seven sons of a High Priest also decided engaging in exorcism.
Evil spirit acknowledged the power of Jesus and Paul, but questioned their
stand in the faith: Who are you? (Acts 19:15). That’s a question of identity –
a weak spot for those priests. Exorcism is a frontier of spiritual warfare…
people should be additionally trained and prepared, like special forces in the
military.
Other
themes:
Two
interesting practices: (1) shawls of St. Paul and (2) the usage of financial
means [burning the books] for the glory of God. First, it is helpful to
understand that an apparel of a Jew had a symbolical dimension (cp. Num.
15:37-41; Zech. 8:23). The covenantal presence of God was revealed via prayer
garment of St. Paul – faithful apostle.
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