THE GOSPEL PREACHED IN EPHESUS.
After the things related in our last lesson, Paul still remained in Corinth many days. Then, taking leave of the brethren, he embarked for Syria, accompanied by Aquila and Priscilla, whom he left at Ephesus, a city in the western part of Asia Minor. Paul made but a brief stay in Ephesus at this time.
While there, he went into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. It seems that they were pleased with him; for they urged him to remain longer. Paul, however, went on his way, promising that, if it should be the will of the Lord, he would visit them on his return.
So, taking ship, he sailed to Caesarea; and when he had gone up and saluted the brethren there, he went on to Antioch.
After remaining in Antioch some time, Paul took a tour throughout Galatia and Phrygia, visiting the churches, and strengthening the brethren, wherever he went.
While Paul was on this journey, there came to Ephesus a Jew by the name of Apollos. This man was fervent in spirit, well versed in the Scriptures, and very eloquent. Having been born in Alexandria, he had probably enjoyed good opportunities, and was a man of learning. This ardent believer instructed the Ephesians in the way of the Lord; but when Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they perceived that he knew only the baptism of John. So they took him home with them, and taught him more perfectly in the things, which they had learned of Paul. This learned Jew from the proud city of Alexandria, although powerful in eloquence, and "mighty in the Scriptures," was not above receiving instruction from these humble tent-makers with whom Paul had so long wrought.
After a time, Apollos had a mind to go into Achaia.
When this was known to the brethren, they wrote him a letter of commendation, exhorting the disciples wherever he went to receive him with confidence.
The labors of Apollo were very efficient; for he successfully confuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
It seems that Apollos finally went to Corinth; for it is said that while he was there, Paul, having completed his tour through the upper country, came down to Ephesus. On meeting with the Ephesian brethren, Paul asked them if they had received the Holy Ghost.
They replied that they had not so much as heard that there was any such thing. Then said Paul, "Unto what then were ye baptized" They answered, "Unto John's baptism." Then said Paul," John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on him who should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus."
On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Paul laid his hands on them, and the Holy Ghost, coming upon them, caused them to speak in different languages, and to prophesy.
After these things, Paul continued in the place for three months, disputing with the Jews about the things that concern the kingdom of God, and persuading them to embrace the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. After a time, however, some of the Jews hardened their hearts, and spoke openly against the things that Paul taught, trying to turn the people from the truth. So Paul withdrew from the synagogue, taking the believers with him, and reasoned daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
Thus Paul continued to teach for two years; so that the people in all that region, both Jews and Greeks, had opportunity to hear the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. They had the evidence, not only of the proofs which Paul brought from the Scriptures, but also of the startling miracles which the Lord gave him power to perform. Even handkerchiefs and aprons taken from Paul to the afflicted caused some to recover from sickness, and the evil spirits to depart from others.
Then certain strolling Jews, who were exorcists, were so bold as to call over those who had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, "We adjure thee by Jesus whom Paul preacheth." Among others who did so were the seven sons of one Sceva, who was a Jew, and a chief priest. But the evil spirit answered them, saying, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are ye?" In one instance, the man who was possessed of the evil spirit "leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded."
When this was known, great fear fell on all the Ephesians, both Jews and Greeks, and the name of the Lord was greatly magnified. Many of those who believed, confessed and made known their evil deeds. Among them were not a few who had practiced curious arts; and they, bringing forth their books of magic, burned them in the sight of all. The price of the books burned was estimated at fifty thousand pieces of silver. Thus the word of the Lord prevailed mightily.