Acts 19:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.

NIV: In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

NASB: So the word of the Lord was growing and prevailing mightily.

CSB: In this way the word of the Lord spread and prevailed.

NLT: So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.

KJV: So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

NKJV: So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

Paul's ministry in Ephesus is unique. It started months before when he visited the synagogue on his way from Corinth to Jerusalem. He stayed only a short time before moving on, but he left Priscilla and Aquila there. The couple met Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria, who forcefully preached John the Baptist's message of repentance. Priscilla and Aquila told Apollos more about Jesus, and Apollos believed and updated his message. He then went to Corinth while Priscilla and Aquila stayed in Ephesus (Acts 18:19–28).

When Paul returns, he meets twelve men who, whether because of Apollos or through direct contact, also follow John the Baptist. Paul explains that the Messiah John prophesied is Jesus of Nazareth. The men believe and are baptized (Acts 19:1–7).

In the meantime, demonic activity and witchcraft continue to saturate Ephesus. In response, the Holy Spirit directs Paul to heal people and expel demons in the name of Jesus. Jewish exorcists copy him, but one group finds "Jesus" is a person to know, not a magic spell. A demon beats them, and they flee into the street (Acts 19:11–17).

Many of the magicians respond by grasping at the freedom from demons Paul offers. They break the power of their incantations and burn their spells. Paul stays, building the church for nearly three years (Acts 20:31).

Acts 19:11–20 gives the account of the Sons of Sceva in Ephesus. Witchcraft was endemic in Ephesus, and itinerant Jewish exorcists took advantage of the corresponding demonic activity. Paul has been healing and expelling demons in Jesus' name. But when the sons of Sceva attempt to use his faith in Christ as a formula, the demon beats them up. The people see how Paul has access to real power that can free them, and they abandon their magic and follow Jesus—much to the dismay of the guild that makes and sells idols of Artemis (Acts 19:23–27).

Acts 19 recounts Paul's three-year visit in Ephesus. He starts by revealing how Jesus of Nazareth has brought to life the kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit validates Paul's message by healing those struck with physical ailments and demon possession. Amazed by Paul's authority over evil spirits, so many magicians turn to Christ that the craftsmen who make idols fear for their livelihoods. They nearly incite a riot before the town clerk settles them down. Paul realizes his time in Ephesus has ended, and he travels to Macedonia (Acts 20:1).

Acts 19 is the meat of Paul's third missionary voyage. He has already revisited the churches in central modern-day Turkey (Acts 18:23). Now he returns to Ephesus for a three-year stay. After firmly establishing the church there, rescuing many from pagan magic and the worship of Artemis, he returns to Macedonia and Greece. A threat on his life sends him back up to Macedonia and across to Troas. He meets briefly with the Ephesian elders to tell them they will not meet again (Acts 20). When he returns to Jerusalem, he is arrested and, eventually, taken to Rome.

The summary of the book of Acts is provided in Jesus' words in Acts 1:8: ''But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'' In Acts 2:1–13, the Christ-followers receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:14—7:60 describes the rapid growth of the church in Jerusalem. Chapters 8—12 find Jewish persecution inadvertently spreading the gospel throughout Judea and Samaria. And in chapters 13—28, Paul and his companions spread the good news throughout the Roman Empire.