One of the ways I am using AI is for Bible Study. The group of men I’m in covers one chapter per week. We are on Acts 19. I have worked with ChatGPT to develop a format I like. Once done (I keep adding things), all I have to do is to ask for an analysis of the next chapter. It remembers the format. I view this as studying by looking into a prism, obtaining a new view each time I turn it slightly. By the time I am done, my result is more than just reading the Scripture. An hour or two can go by easily. I have AI rewrite many times to include a definition or to explain a concept. Fortunately, AI never gets tired. So, I am sharing this week’s preparation for this chapter. LFM
🔹 Acts 19 – Complete Expository Study (NIV)
Summary
Paul arrives in Ephesus and finds twelve disciples who had received only John’s baptism. Upon hearing the full gospel, they are baptized in Jesus’ name. Paul lays hands on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues* and prophesying.
📜 NIV Text – Acts 19:1–7
1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples
2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”
“John’s baptism,” they replied.
4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”
5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues* and prophesied.
7 There were about twelve men in all.
Questions & Answers
- Why hadn’t they received the Holy Spirit?
➤ They had received John’s baptism of repentance, not the full gospel of Jesus and the Spirit. Paul completes what John began. - Why does Paul lay hands on them?
➤ Laying on hands symbolizes spiritual transmission. It affirms the moment they are filled with the Holy Spirit. - What does their transformation reveal?
➤ Conversion isn’t complete until it involves surrender to Christ and the reception of the Spirit. Discipleship includes empowerment.
Footnote:
“Speaking in tongues” in the New Testament can mean either speaking a known foreign language not previously learned (Acts 2), or a Spirit-inspired, heavenly language (1 Corinthians 14). In Acts 19, it most likely refers to the latter, confirming the Holy Spirit’s presence. Sources: Carson, Fee, Bruce.
✅ Acts 19:8–12
Summary
Paul preaches in the synagogue for three months but moves to the hall of Tyrannus due to opposition. He teaches daily for two years. Miraculous healings occur—even through aprons and handkerchiefs that touched him.
📜 NIV Text – Acts 19:8–12
8 Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.
9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way.
So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.
10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.
11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul,
12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.
Questions & Answers
- Why does Paul leave the synagogue?
➤ Resistance grew too great. Paul wisely moves to a neutral teaching space, the lecture hall of Tyrannus. - What does the two-year commitment show?
➤ Paul didn’t just plant churches—he nurtured disciples through persistent teaching. - Why are these miracles called “extraordinary”?
➤ Because God worked even through cloth that touched Paul. This emphasizes divine power, not superstition.
✅ Acts 19:13–20
Summary
Jewish exorcists, including seven sons of Sceva, try to use Jesus’ name to cast out demons but are overpowered. The incident causes fear and reverence. Many repent and burn their sorcery scrolls publicly, totaling 50,000 drachmas.
📜 NIV Text – Acts 19:13–20
13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed.
They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.”
14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?”
16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all.
He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.
17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.
18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done.
19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly.
When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.
20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.
Questions & Answers
- Why did the sons of Sceva fail?
➤ They lacked true relationship with Jesus. The demon knew they had no authority and attacked them. - Why did believers burn the scrolls?
➤ It was a public act of repentance. The loss of money showed the cost of following Jesus. - How did this incident affect the church?
➤ It brought conviction, holiness, and growth. The fear of the Lord restored reverence for His name.
✅ Acts 19:21–34
Summary
Paul plans to go to Jerusalem and then Rome. Meanwhile, Demetrius, a silversmith who profits from idol-making, incites a riot, claiming Paul threatens Artemis. The crowd fills the theater, shouting “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” for two hours.
📜 NIV Text – Acts 19:21–34
21 After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia.
“After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.”
22 He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.
23 About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.
24 A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there.
25 He called them together… “You know… we receive a good income from this business.
26 And you see and hear how this fellow Paul… says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all.
27 There is danger… the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited…”
28 When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
29 Soon the whole city was in an uproar…
30 Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him…
34 …they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
Questions & Answers
- What was Demetrius really afraid of?
➤ Loss of income. Though he frames it as religious loyalty, he’s motivated by economics. - What does this reveal about gospel impact?
➤ The gospel doesn’t just challenge sin—it disrupts corrupt systems. - Why was Paul restrained?
➤ His friends and local officials knew it was dangerous. Sometimes wisdom means stepping back.
✅ Acts 19:35–41
Summary
A city official calms the riot. He affirms the city’s Artemis tradition but points out Paul’s companions have done nothing illegal. He warns the assembly could be punished for rioting. The crowd disperses.
📜 NIV Text – Acts 19:35–41
35 The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: “Fellow Ephesians… the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis…
36 …you ought to calm down and not do anything rash.
37 You have brought these men here… they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess.
38 If Demetrius… has a grievance… the courts are open…
39 …it must be settled in a legal assembly.
40 As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting…
41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
Questions & Answers
- How does the clerk function as God’s instrument?
➤ Though secular, he brings peace and justice. God uses unexpected people for protection. - Why is legal clarity important?
➤ It confirms that Paul and his companions broke no laws. This matters for future gospel work. - What lesson does this ending give?
➤ God’s mission isn’t stopped by mobs. He can resolve chaos through wisdom and law.
🎭 Poetic Dialogue: Voices from Ephesus
Paul:
In dusty halls and crowded streets,
I saw the gospel take its seat.
Twelve once knew just water’s grace—
But fire came, and filled this place.
Disciples:
We walked in light that was not flame,
Till Christ was preached, and Spirit came.
Now tongues arise, and hearts rejoice,
For we have heard the Savior’s voice.
Sons of Sceva:
We used the name with lips alone,
But found its power was not our own.
The demon knew the one who bled—
And we fled naked, bruised, and dread.
Demetrius:
A silver god can’t fight the Word,
No matter how loud songs are stirred.
His cross shook more than temple stone—
It struck the idols we had grown.
City Clerk:
I spoke of law and Roman peace,
But sensed in Paul a deeper lease.
He broke no rule, yet shook the ground—
And still his gospel spread around.
The Lord:
I move where hearts confess and bow,
I break the scroll, the curse, the vow.
In every riot, flame, or hush—
The Word shall grow. My Spirit rush.
🎶 Hymn: The Word Grew Mighty in Ephesus
(To the tune of “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” – HYFRYDOL)
Verse 1
Twelve were seeking truth and power,
Paul proclaimed the risen Lord.
Baptized now in Jesus’ mercy,
By His Spirit they adored.
Tongues and prophecies were spoken,
Hearts ignited from above.
From repentance, chains were broken—
Newborn faith walked firm in love.
Verse 2
Daily in the hall he reasoned,
Scripture shaping every soul.
Miracles and healing followed—
Christ the King was in control.
Even cloths that touched his labor
Brought the sick to strength and peace.
Darkness fled before the Savior,
As the gospel did increase.
Verse 3
Seven sons invoked His power,
Yet the demons mocked their claim.
Only those who know the Savior
Bear the right to speak His name.
Scrolls were burned, and idols shattered,
Hearts made clean from pride and shame.
Truth spread wide, and lives were scattered
As torchbearers for His name.
Verse 4
Demetrius raised up a riot,
Fearing loss of silver gain.
Still the church stood firm and silent,
Unafraid of scorn or pain.
Though the crowd cried for their goddess,
God’s own hand preserved His way.
Ephesus, once filled with idols,
Saw the light of gospel day.
Verse 5
Lord, revive us now with power,
Send Your Word to spread again.
Break our idols, cleanse our altars,
Make us bold and free from sin.
Let the cities hear Your message,
Let the Word grow strong and wide.
Make our hearts Your burning temple—
Christ enthroned and glorified.
Expanded Footnote: What Is “Speaking in Tongues”?
“Speaking in tongues” (Greek: glōssais lalein) refers to a supernatural gift of speech empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Bible describes this phenomenon in multiple contexts, and scholars generally distinguish two distinct but overlapping uses:
1. Speaking in Known Human Languages
(Acts 2:1–12)
At Pentecost, the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages (glōssai) — actual, recognizable languages they had not previously learned. These were understood by Jews from various nations gathered in Jerusalem:
“Each one heard their own language being spoken… we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” (Acts 2:6, 11 NIV)
This is often referred to as xenolalia — the miraculous ability to speak a real language without learning it.
📚 Scholarly Support:
- F.F. Bruce, The Book of the Acts, NICNT: “In Acts 2, the tongues were clearly intelligible human languages understood by others present… the phenomenon served to witness to the global scope of the gospel.”
- Craig S. Keener, IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament: “The miracle was in the speaking and hearing of actual foreign languages — a reversal of Babel and a sign of the gospel reaching all nations.”
2. Speaking in Unintelligible or Spiritual Languages
(Acts 10:44–46; Acts 19:6; 1 Corinthians 12–14)
In Acts 10 and 19, people speak in tongues when they receive the Holy Spirit, but no foreign audience is noted. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul discusses a different kind of tongue-speaking — not a known language, but speech directed to God that requires interpretation.
“For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 14:2 NIV)
This use of tongues is typically called glossolalia — inspired speech that may not correspond to any human language.
📚 Scholarly Support:
- Gordon D. Fee, God’s Empowering Presence (1994): “Paul differentiates between intelligible speech and tongues. In Corinth, tongues were primarily an ecstatic utterance, not human language.”
- D.A. Carson, Showing the Spirit (1987): “There is no compelling reason to believe the tongues in Corinth were foreign languages. Paul treats them as spiritual language for prayer, needing interpretation.”
🔎 What Does It Mean in Acts 19?
In Acts 19:6, twelve men in Ephesus receive the Holy Spirit and immediately speak in tongues and prophesy. Unlike Acts 2, no international crowd is present, and there’s no mention of specific known languages. Most scholars interpret this as glossolalia — Spirit-inspired praise or prophetic speech in an unknown language.
This event serves as a confirming sign that these men received the same Holy Spirit given at Pentecost, now spreading to new geographic and ethnic frontiers.
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