Bible Commentary

Acts 19

Acts 19 — Overview

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible · Matthew Henry (1662–1714) · Public Domain

We left Paul in his circuit visiting the churches (ch. xviii. 23), but we have not forgotten, nor has he, the promise he made to his friends at Ephesus, to return to them, and make some stay there; now this chapter shows us his performance of that promise, his coming to Ephesus, and his continuance there two years; we are here told, I. How he laboured there in the word and doctrine, how he taught some weak believers that had gone no further than John's baptism (ver. 1-7), how he taught three months in the synagogue of the Jews (ver. 8), and, when he was driven thence, how he taught the Gentiles a long time in a public school (ver. 9, 10), and how he confirmed his doctrine by miracles, ver. 11, 12. II. What was the fruit of his labour, particularly among the conjurors, the worst of sinners: some were confounded, that did but make use of his name (ver. 13-17), but others were converted, that received and embraced his doctrine, ver. 18-20. III. What projects he had of further usefulness (ver. 21, 22), and what trouble at length he met with at Ephesus from the silversmiths, which forced him thence to pursue the measures he had laid; how a mob was raised by Demetrius to cry up Diana (ver. 23-34), and how it was suppressed and dispersed by the town-clerk, ver. 35-41.

Paul at Ephesus.

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Acts 19 — OverviewActs 19 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeActs 19:1, The Holy Ghost is given by Paul’s hands; Acts 19:8, The Jews blaspheme his doctrine, which is confirmed by miracles; Acts 19:13, The Jewish exorcists, Acts 19:16. are beaten by the devil; Acts 19:19,…Acts 19:1-7Acts 19:1-7 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleEphesus was a city of great note in Asia, famous for a temple built there to Diana, which was one of the wonders of the world: thither Paul came to preach the gospel while Apollos was at Corinth (v. 1); while he…Acts 19:1Acts 19:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryCountry for coasts, A.V.; found for finding, A.V. and T.R. The upper country ( τὰ ἀνωτερικὰ μέρη); the inland districts of Galatia and Phrygia, through which St. Paul journeyed on his way to Ephesus, as…Acts 19:1-7Acts 19:1-7 · The Pulpit CommentaryEssential but insufficient; valuable but temporary. We have here, in connection with the Christian faith and with Christian work— I. THE ESSENTIAL BUT THE INSUFFICIENT. (Acts 19:1-5.) At Ephesus Paul met with…Acts 19:1-7Acts 19:1-7 · The Pulpit CommentaryPaul and the Baptist's disciples. I. LESSONS FROM PAUL IN THIS RELATION. His care for souls is comprehensive, zealous, and wise. 1. "Have ye received the Holy Ghost?" Is your religion genuine? Is it profound? Is it a…Acts 19:1-7Acts 19:1-7 · The Pulpit CommentaryPractical exemplification of Christian doctrine. The principles involved in the case of Apollos might be lost sight of for lack of examples. He himself was so distinguished. The Church needed to be taught by a more…