AWAKE BIBLE IN A YEAR NOVEMBER 22
Read Acts 18:19-28, 19:1-41
“while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus “ Acts 19:1
Twelve men who are disciples of John’s baptism receive the Holy Spirit, speak in tongues and prophesy. Acts 19:4-7 The men were baptized into the name of Jesus, WHY, this second baptism? Well John’s was not sufficient or complete. The Spirit had been given and these men needed the baptism into the body of Jesus and the Acts 1:8 infilling of the Spirit. Jesus Christ is taking ground in a city dedicated to idol worship, specifically the image of goddess Artemis.
Affliction in Asia: Paul describes it after the fact in 2 Cor 1:8-11 (no little disturbance).
The riot broke out and the people grabbed Gaius and Aristarchus (Acts 20:4 Acts 27:2 Col 4:10 Phm 24. During the riot Paul wanted to go to the theatre where the mob had taken his co-workers in the gospel, although both the church and the state officials wouldn’t let him. All efforts were failing to calm the rioters, who shouted for two hours “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” They had zeal, I’ll give them that. In our society what do we shout about? Is it an idol? What do we riot about? Is it just?
What should we have the courage to stand up for? If not the truth.
Though it takes all you have stand for truth.
Though is costs all get wisdom. The silversmith Demetrius wasn’t willing, and yet eternal life was offered, truth came to his city and he was overly concerned with his wages. The miracles in the city were unlike anything an idol could provide, demonic deliverance, handkerchief’s healing because of the Lord Jesus endorsing the truth with power. Wow wow wow!
Proverbs 4:7-9 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”
So there is an empowering role along with believing and it is the baptism of the Holy Spirit, just like Apollos with Pricilla and Aquilla believers may need a further instruction. Consider how they ‘explained to him the way of God more accurately’ (Acts 18:25) Conversion to belief and infilling of the Spirit may come all at once, or may have a gap. The believer’s highest aim is to align more with the Holy Spirit, for the power needed to witness. Pray we, the church, are willing and ready, no matter the cost.
Have you been water baptized? Have you been filled with the Spirit of God? It is God’s will you have both.
