Acts 19–20

Acts 19 and 20 represent the peak of Paul’s ministry power and the beginning of his final journey toward Rome. At Ephesus the Holy Ghost falls on twelve disciples who had been missed, extraordinary miracles shake an entire city, and a riot breaks out over the economic consequences of the Gospel. In Acts 20 Paul delivers his farewell address to the Ephesian elders — the most emotionally and pastorally rich passage in all of Acts. Read both chapters fully before working through this lesson.

Verses 1–7: The Question That Changed Everything

When Paul arrived at Ephesus he found some disciples and asked them a question every minister should ask: Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? They answered that they had not even heard there was a Holy Ghost. Paul asked what they had been baptized into. They said: John’s baptism.

Paul explained that John’s baptism was one of repentance — a preparation for the One who would come after him. On hearing this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came on them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve of them.

Verses 8–22: Three Years — Extraordinary Miracles

For three months Paul argued persuasively about the Kingdom in the synagogue. When some became obstinate he withdrew and taught daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus for two years — so that all who lived in Asia heard the Word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. God did extraordinary miracles through Paul. Even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick and they were healed and evil spirits left them.

Some Jewish men tried invoking the name of Jesus over demon-possessed people, saying: In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, come out. The evil spirit answered: Jesus I know, and Paul I know about — but who are you? The man with the evil spirit overpowered all seven of them and they fled naked and bleeding. When this became known across Ephesus great fear fell on the city and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly.

Verses 23–41: The Riot of the Silversmiths

A silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis stirred up his fellow craftsmen. Paul’s teaching was destroying their trade — people all across Asia were turning from idols to the living God. The city erupted. The theater filled with a riotous crowd shouting for two hours: Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! The city clerk eventually calmed them and dismissed the assembly.

Verses 17–27: The Minister’s Testimony

Paul sent for the elders of the Ephesian church and reviewed his entire ministry among them. He had served with great humility and with tears. He had not hesitated to preach anything helpful. He had taught publicly and from house to house. He had declared repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to both Jews and Greeks. Now, compelled by the Spirit, he was going to Jerusalem — not knowing what would happen — only knowing the Holy Ghost had warned him that prison and hardships awaited.

Verses 28–38: The Charge, the Tears, and the Farewell

Paul charged the elders to keep watch over themselves and all the flock. He warned that savage wolves would come after his departure — even from among their own number — distorting the truth to draw disciples after themselves. He commended them to God and to the Word of His grace. He reminded them that he had never coveted silver or gold — he had worked with his own hands and given to those in need, proving that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

When Paul finished speaking he knelt and prayed with all of them. They wept as they embraced him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. They accompanied him to the ship.