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2. Spiritual Revival in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-20)
ACTS 19:8-12
8 He entered into the synagogue, and spoke boldly for a period of three months, reasoning and persuading about the things concerning the Kingdom of God. 9 But when some were hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all those who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. 11 God worked special miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were carried away from his body to the sick, and the evil spirits went out.
Ever since the first coming of Christ, the banner over the course of world history has been the establishment, growth, and completion of the kingdom of God on earth. All political, revolutionary, religious, and economical developments are but giving birth to the appearance of this kingdom, which is of God, our Father. Jesus propagates this spiritual kingdom, which remains hidden in Him. He is the divine King, and Lord of lords. He did not dominate people, even in their wickedness, but sent His gentle Spirit, who by prayer has been poured out into the hearts of many. Ever since the time of Christ´s first appearing the kingdom of God has remained hidden, existing in the true church, spreading out among all the praising saints, who are the living people of God. Yet we also expect Christ to appear a second time, so that it will become clear to all of creation that He is the Lord of glory, and that His triumphal procession is joyfully passing through all countries. Has the Kingdom of God reached your village, your town, your school? Christ said: “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Paul’s sermons about the kingdom of God were the subject of discussions in the Jewish synagogue at Ephesus. This continued for three months. All the people of the Old Testament listened attentively to him, for every Jew expects the emanation of the power of God on earth. Paul, however, went to them, saying: “The kingdom does not come in the future, for it has already come. The King was born, lived, was killed, overcame death, extinguished the wrath of God, blotted out our sins, and ascended to His Father, where He continues to reign and build His kingdom.”
Paul did not discuss the kingdom of God as a philosophical subject, but proclaimed it, demanded complete submission to it, and called for commitment to the divine King. Our religion is not just a godly thought, or a lofty, inapplicable law. Instead, it involves holding fast to a living person, Jesus Christ, who triumphed over death and Satan.
Not all the hearers at the Ephesus synagogue were in agreement with Paul’s sermons. They did not all repent, and some of them became hardened. They opposed the apostle and insulted him publicly. Yet the astonishing thing was that the public made no effort to silence them, but kept quiet, to see which party would prevail. Paul decided to isolate himself, for the preaching of the gospel is not meant to be a contest, but revelation, bringing salvation and redemption. The one who hears and obeys is saved, and he who accepts Christ as personal Savior lives forever.
Some of the hearers decided to submit their lives completely to Jesus. They followed Him, became disciples, and desired to learn more about their living Lord. Paul separated this group, one that was prepared for the kingdom of God, from those who were insulting and indifferent. He formed out of these disciples a living church.
For the purpose of instructing them, Paul engaged a school, or lecture room. He did not teach his hearers only on Sabbaths, but every day gave spiritual nourishment to those who hungered for the bread of life. How astonishing! Paul practiced his trade in the morning and afternoon, working with his hands for his living. Then he preached the Gospel, at noon, in the evening, and at the times of his rest. This man of Tarsus was overflowing with the love of God, and was filled with the gifts of grace. He gave himself for the kingdom of Jesus. Paul preached and worked throughout these two years with all the power of his heart and body, in spite of his own insufficiency. The grace of Christ was made perfect in his weakness.
Many of the villagers and people around Ephesus raced to see this strange Jew. They spoke about him in the market, at women’s meetings, and in the circles of young people. He was the subject of discussions. They all felt that Paul was not bringing empty philosophical notions or ideals, but that the power of God was flowing directly out of him to them. Their hearts were moved, they were renewed, and hope began to grow out of hopelessness.
God manifested powers that were not according to the common course of nature. At the time of Christ some people were cured by the touch of Christ’s garment, when it came in contact with them. But here were people cured by Paul’s garments when they were taken from him. Many were cured by the shadow of Peter passing by. Even handkerchiefs and aprons, which had been applied to his body, with which he wiped sweat from his face, were taken to the sick. If they believed in Christ their diseases were driven away. Now observe! Paul did not work miracles and signs, but God confirmed His power through him. Diseases were healed, and evil spirits were driven out from the poor, through faith in Christ, of whom Paul was His apostle.
A great spiritual revival began in the province of Asia, like no other revival had ever happened in any other region of the Mediterranean Sea. A few years previously Paul had thought of going to Ephesus on his own accord, to preach there. But the Holy Spirit had prevented him from going to the capital, and the apostle, obeying the leading of the Spirit, was drawn to Europe. Now, for the second time, he rejected the temptation and did not remain in Ephesus, in spite of the possibilities. Instead, he performed his vow, obeying his Lord. This is why the living Jesus confirmed the obedience of His servant. He opened though him the treasures of His kingdom and revealed His power. Jesus remains present, active, and Savior, wherever people submit obediently to His Spirit.
PRAYER: Our heavenly Father, we magnify You, for the triumphal procession of Your Son that arrived to us today. We thank You for the divine power coming out of the cross. Consecrate us to complete obedience. Your will be done, Your kingdom come, to us and to the whole earth.
QUESTION:
- How did the kingdom of God appear in Ephesus?