The Acts of the Apostles - Part 3

Read Chapter 19 and then answer the questions.

Ephesus, the capital of Asia Minor, was a center of idolatry.

In the days of the Apostle Paul, this city had an open-air theater (verses 29 and 31) that could hold about 25,000 people. There was also a senate, a legislative assembly (verse 39) and a city clerk (verse 35) who had to lead the assemblies.

Ephesus was especially famous for the Temple of Artemis or Diana. This temple was one of the seven wonders of the world. It was claimed that a picture was kept in this temple that had fallen from the sky (verse 35). Perhaps this image was a meteorite in a human-like form.

Artemis was the goddess of fertility and was revered throughout Asia Minor and beyond by pilgrims from all over the world (verse 27).

After his first short visit (Acts 18:19-21), Paul now comes to the city of Ephesus for the second time and encounters a group of about twelve men there. They are referred to as "some disciples".

Perhaps they were disciples (followers) of John the Baptist. Paul is missing something in these men, just like Aquila and Priscilla were with Apollos.

What question does he ask them because of this?

They reply:

This does not mean that these men knew nothing about the existence of the Holy Spirit or of the fact that the Holy Spirit can work in people.

Instead, it means that they do not know that since Pentecost, the Holy Spirit dwells in believers.

The LORD said: “But I say the truth to you, It is profitable for you that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I go I will send him to you.” (John 16:7)

So the Holy Spirit could come, only after the death, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus.