Question 1

What is the difference between John’s baptism and baptism in the name of Jesus?

Accepted Answer

John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance that prepared people for the One who was coming after him. It called people to turn from sin and to be ready to believe in the promised Messiah. When Paul met the disciples in Ephesus, they had only received this preparatory baptism and did not yet understand the full message about Jesus or the gift of the Holy Spirit. Baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus marks faith in Jesus as the Messiah who has already come, died, and risen, and it is joined with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Question 2

Why did Paul ask the disciples in Ephesus if they had received the Holy Spirit?

Accepted Answer

Paul’s question shows that he expected believers in Jesus to know about the Holy Spirit and His work. When he met these disciples, something about their understanding or experience seemed incomplete, so he asked if they had received the Holy Spirit since they believed. Their answer showed they did not even know about the Spirit’s present work. This led Paul to ask about their baptism, explain that John’s baptism pointed to Christ, and then baptize them in Jesus’ name. After that, the Holy Spirit came on them with clear signs.

Question 3

What is the meaning of the seven sons of Sceva story in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The seven sons of Sceva tried to use the name of Jesus like a magic formula. They said, “We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth,” but they did not truly know or trust Jesus. The evil spirit replied that it knew Jesus and Paul but not them, then attacked and beat them. This shows that spiritual power is not found in simply saying Jesus’ name without faith. It also shows that evil spirits are real but are under God’s control. The event led many people to fear, respect Jesus’ name, and confess their sins.

Question 4

Why did believers in Ephesus burn their books of curious arts?

Accepted Answer

Many in Ephesus had practiced magic and used books that taught spells and secret arts. After seeing God’s real power and the failure of the sons of Sceva, they were deeply convicted. Those who had believed came, confessed their deeds, and brought their books together to burn them in public. By doing this, they broke with their old life, gave up tools of sin, and showed that they trusted in Jesus alone. The large value of the books shows how costly this choice was, yet they chose obedience to God over their former gain and habits.

Question 5

Why did Demetrius and the craftsmen start a riot about Paul’s teaching?

Accepted Answer

Demetrius was a silversmith who made small silver shrines of Diana. Paul’s preaching had turned many people away from idols, teaching that gods made with hands are not true gods. Demetrius saw that if people kept turning to Jesus, both their trade and the honor of Diana’s temple would suffer. He stirred up the other craftsmen by appealing to their wealth and their pride in Diana. Their anger spread to the whole city, and a confused mob rushed into the theatre shouting in defense of their goddess, even though many did not really know why they were there.

Question 6

What does this passage show about the work of the Holy Spirit?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows the Holy Spirit as a real and active person, not just an idea. In Ephesus, people who had only known John’s baptism were brought into full faith in Jesus and then received the Spirit. The Spirit’s presence was seen in speaking with tongues and prophesying, and in unusual healings done through Paul. At the same time, the story of the sons of Sceva warns that the Spirit’s power is not controlled by human tricks. The Spirit comes in connection with true faith in Christ and works to build up the church and turn people from sin.

Question 7

Why did Paul leave the synagogue and begin teaching in the school of Tyrannus?

Accepted Answer

Paul first spent about three months speaking boldly in the synagogue, reasoning about the kingdom of God. Some listeners, however, became hardened, refused to believe, and spoke evil of “the way” in front of the crowd. To protect the disciples and the message, Paul separated the believers from those who were speaking against it and moved his daily teaching to the school of Tyrannus. This was not a rejection of all Jews but a wise step to continue teaching without constant disruption, and God used it so that many in the wider region heard the word of the Lord.

Question 8

How does this passage show the clash between the gospel and idolatry?

Accepted Answer

In Ephesus, the message about Jesus did not just change private beliefs, it touched public life and business. As people believed, they turned from magic books and idol worship. This threatened trades that depended on selling images of Diana. The riot led by Demetrius shows how strongly people can cling to idols that bring them profit or local pride. At the same time, the passage shows that Paul did not attack the temple by force or stir up disorder. He preached the truth, trusted God to change hearts, and let lawful authorities handle public order.

Question 9

What does the riot in Ephesus teach about how authorities responded to Paul’s work?

Accepted Answer

The town clerk calmed the crowd by reminding them that Paul and his companions were not temple robbers or open blasphemers of Diana. He urged the people to use proper legal channels if they had real charges, and warned that the city could be called to account for the uproar. This shows that, at least in this case, a civic leader was more concerned with order and law than with pleasing the angry crowd. It also shows that the followers of Jesus were not troublemakers by nature, and that sometimes God uses secular rulers to protect His people from mob violence.

Acts 19:1

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

The Holy Spirit Received at Ephesus

Paul Ministers in Ephesus

Seven Sons of Sceva

The Riot in Ephesus

The Holy Spirit Received at Ephesus

Cross References

Acts 19:1

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

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The Holy Spirit Received at Ephesus

Paul Ministers in Ephesus

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The Holy Spirit Received at Ephesus

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