Acts 19:8-29
From the beginning Christianity sought the cities as great centers of influence. Ephesus was an important city. It was a great centre of heathenism, having in it the magnificent temple of Diana, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. As usual, Paul began his work in Ephesus with his own people, the Jews, to whom he spoke boldly. But they rejected his preaching.
One result of the opposition of the Jews was the abandonment of the work in their synagogues. For two years Paul preached in a public hall. It was a glorious opportunity for Christianity. Ephesus was a great commercial centre, and people from all Asia Minor resorted thither. Many of these continually heard Paul’s preaching, and thus the gospel was widely diffused. Ephesus became a centre of evangelism in another way. Paul had a band of noble helpers who went out into the surrounding country, and a number of churches were established.
There was an unusual display of supernatural power in connection with the work in Ephesus. One remarkable example of this is given in the narrative. “From his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out.” These sick people were not cured by the handkerchiefs or aprons – God wrought the miracles. He saw fit to use the instruments of healing. From every truly good man there goes forth an influence of blessing. Everything he does seem to be hallowed by his touch. Even his most commonplace words have a power that the words of other men have not. A portion of his own spirit seems to enter into whatever his hand touches.
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