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Acts 19

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,

He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, 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 which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

And all the men were about twelve.

And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.

And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.

Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.

And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?

Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.

But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

What does Acts 19:4 mean?

Explanation

Acts 19:4 recounts the Apostle Paul's clarification about the baptism conducted by John the Baptist versus the baptism into Jesus Christ.

John's baptism was a baptism of repentance; it was a symbolic act signifying the individual's commitment to turn away from sin in anticipation of the Messiah's arrival.

John made it clear that his baptism was preparatory and that the one who was coming after him, namely Jesus, would be the one in whom they should believe.

Paul points out that John's role was to prepare the way for Christ Jesus.

The baptism of repentance set the stage for the coming of the Messiah, who would offer a different kind of baptism, one not merely symbolic of repentance but transformative, involving the Holy Spirit and the start of a new life in Christ.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 19:4 is set within the context of Paul's ministry in Ephesus during his third missionary journey, which is estimated to have taken place around A.D. 53-57.

During this time, Paul encountered some disciples who had received John's baptism but apparently were unfamiliar with the Holy Spirit and Jesus' baptism.

The verse is part of a larger narrative which shows the early Christian community grappling with various interpretations of baptism and understanding of the gospel.

The baptism of John, while predating the Christian understanding of baptism, was part of the Jewish tradition of ritual washing.

It was a call to the Jewish people to prepare for the coming of God's kingdom by undergoing a symbolic act of purification and repentance.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological standpoint, Acts 19:4 distinguishes between the old and the new, between preparation for the Messiah and the actual coming of the Messiah. It emphasizes that while John's baptism was necessary for its time, it was ultimately incomplete without the coming of Jesus.

The verse also highlights the continuity and fulfillment of God's plan, recognizing John the Baptist as a legitimate prophet whose ministry pointed to Jesus. This reflects the theological theme of promise and fulfillment which is prevalent throughout the New Testament.

From a more critical standpoint, this verse reveals early Christianity's effort to establish its distinct identity from Judaism and other religious movements of that period while maintaining a connection to its roots in the Hebrew Scriptures and prophetic tradition.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Acts 19:4 can inspire believers to acknowledge the importance of anticipating and preparing for greater experiences with God.

It can also be applied by encouraging individuals to transition from merely feeling remorse for past actions (repentance) to actively placing their faith in Jesus Christ as the means by which they are transformed and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Additionally, this verse calls for recognition and respect for the different phases and processes in one's spiritual journey, emphasizing the need for both preparation (repentance) and fulfillment (faith in Christ).

Cross-References

Matthew 3:11 - "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:"
Luke 3:16 - "John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:"
Mark 1:4 - "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."

Language Study

In Acts 19:4, the key Greek terms are:

"Baptized" (βαπτίζω - baptizō): Often means to immerse, wash, or bathe.

In this context, it refers to the religious rite of baptism.

"Repentance" (μετάνοια - metanoia): This word signifies a change of mind, a turning away from sins and a return to God.
"Believe" (πιστεύω - pisteuō): To have faith in, trust, or rely upon someone, in this case, on Christ Jesus.

These terms are foundational to the Christian faith, indicating both an inward change (repentance and faith) and an outward sign (baptism).

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader context of ancient religions and myths, ritual washings and purifications are common practices.

Many religions have rites of initiation comparable to baptism, but John's baptism was unique because it signified preparation for a specific individual, the awaited Jewish Messiah.

John's role as a forerunner to the Messiah parallels figures found in other cultures who prepare the way for a greater individual or deity, but the link between repentance and faith in a foretold savior is distinctive to Judeo-Christian beliefs.

Scientific Perspectives

While Acts 19:4 does not directly engage with scientific themes, contemporary discussions around this verse from a scientific perspective might involve the psychological effects of religious rituals such as baptism.

Numerous studies have explored how religious practices can influence personal and social behavior, mental health, and a sense of community.

Moreover, the concept of baptism as a ritual washing could be connected metaphorically to the cleansing properties of water and the role of water in sustaining life, both of which are essential aspects of scientific understanding.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians comment on Acts 19:4 in the following ways:

John Stott highlights the importance of understanding the differences between John's baptism and the baptism in the Holy Spirit, pointing out that John's message was one of anticipation, while Christian baptism signifies entry into a new life with Christ.
F.F.

Bruce focuses on the historical setting of the verse, suggesting that it illustrates the transitional period between the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus.

N.T.

Wright emphasizes the eschatological aspect of John's baptism, that it was not just about personal morality but about getting ready for the coming Kingdom of God.

These commentaries collectively point toward the significance of the verse in explaining the development of early Christian practices and beliefs.

Acts 19

Acts 19

What does Acts 19:4 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 19:4 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?