Acts 18 verse 3
And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
Verse 3: Paul met in Corinth Aquila and Priscilla his wife. They were just as Paul tentmakers and worked with their hands. So Paul stayed at their home and worked just like them with his hands and made the tents. In I Thessalonians 4 verse 11 and 12 we read this: And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. Paul always worked with his own hands: For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. I Thessalonians 2 verse 9. Paul during the time he was a free man he had lack of nothing. He never asked people to give him food or drink or clothes, nor other things because he earned (money or goods) from selling tents. So brothers and sisters it is important to work, if you can work physical and if you have still the age to work and not to dependent of money from the government such as a benefit.
Acts 18 verse 4
And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
Verse 4: Paul as usual in the Acts period went first to the synagogues of the Jews to reach individual Jews so that they had first the chance to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. He persuaded the Jews there and the Greeks (proselytes) that Jesus is the Christ and the Savior. He told them the glory of the cross which he knew on that moment so that people could come to believe.
Acts 18 verse 5
And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
Verse 5: Silas and Timotheus came to Corinth where Paul was and because Paul saw them again he was pressed in the spirit. What does that mean to be pressed in the spirit? Paul was driven by a strong zeal when Silas and Timotheus were back with him. They joined him again and their coming was a big support and encouragement for Paul. So the testified to the Jews in the synagogue that Jesus was Christ. That He is the Savior for their lives. But what was their reaction? We read this in the next verse
Acts 18 verse 6
And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
Verse 6: Instead of believing this they resisted and wouldn't believe that Jesus is Christ and Savior. They set themselves in opposition as in battle array. And they blasphemed God and that indicates that their rejection of Christ was as bitter as it was stubborn. So Paul's reaction to this was to shook his raiment. What does that mean? He shook out his clothes to signify thathe no longer felt responsible to share the Gospel of the Grace of God with them. And then he said this; your blood be upon your own heads. You stay under the thorn of God namely eternal death. I am clean through the Lord Jesus Christ Who paid the prize for me on that cross on Calvary and had washed me with His blood and from now on I will go untot Gentiles or heathen. If they perished in their sn they could never complain that he had not warned them. This is the second time Paul is telling the Jews that henceforth he will go to the Gentiles. We have seen that he mentioned in Acts 13:46 that he and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles. And in Acts 28 verse 28 there we can read about the last and third time when Paul mentioned this to the Jews that he will go to the Gentiles
Acts 18 verse 7
And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
Verse 7: After saying to the Jews I am clean, from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles/heathen Paul departed from the synagogue and he entered into a certain man's house. The house where Justus lived and Justus worshipped God. Justus lived right next door to the synagogue. Justus was a Greek man and uncircumcised. Paul went not to Justus house for personal reasons. Paul began holding meetings next door as an open protest and a testimony against the majority who didn't believe in God. The new congregation Paul began there in the house was a visible symbol of Gods purpose to send salvation to the Gentiles through Israel's unbelief see Romans 11:11.
Acts 18 verse 8
And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
Verse 8: Crispus the chief ruler of the synagogue became a believer with all his house. This impressed a lot of Corinthians and many of the Corinthians also hearing Gods Word believed and were baptized. It had a lot of effect on their lives! Were all these people baptized by Paul? No is the answer: Paul himself baptized a few of them and one of these few was Crispus and another was Gaius and Paul baptized also the household of Stephanas because they were the firstfruits of Achaia I Corinthians 1: 14-16. Because Paul was not send to baptize: For Christ send me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. I Corinthians 1:17
Acts 18 verse 9
Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
Verse 9: The Lord spoke to Paul in the night and that by a vision. Visions occur frequently in the Bible as instruments of supernatural revelation. They are audiovisual means of communication between a heavenly being and an earthly recipient. That's is how God spoke to Paul and He said: be not afraid, but speak and hold not thy peace. So the commandment was to speak, to spread the Word of His Grace in Corinth and be not silent.
Acts 18 verse 10
For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
Verse 10: God told Paul that He was with him and no man shall hurt thee. There are a lot of people in this city that they may hear the Gospel of the Grace of God, the glory of the cross of Jesus Christ. So Paul would not have to be afraid of peoeple in Corinth!
Acts 18 verse 11
And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Verse 11: Paul was preaching in Corinth after the Lord told him that he was safe and no one would hurt him 1,5 year. He teached the Word of God, the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now made manifest on Paul by the risen Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 16:25 and 26. He preached this among the people who wanted to hear Jews and Gentiles. This is what the apostle Paul preached during this 1,5 year. People were build up by the Word of Gods Grace.
Acts 18 verse 12
And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
Verse 12: When Gallio....Who was this man? He was the proconsul of the Roman province Achaia from 51 till 52 n.C. Gallio was the brother of Seneca, the famous statesman, philosopher and counsellor of Nero during his early days. Seneca wrote of Gallio with great affection and described Gallio as an amiable and gracious character, easy to get along with. The Jews knew of Gallio's reputation and hoped he would agree to their demand that Paul had to be punished so they began a resistance against the preaching of Paul and with one accord they took Paul and brought him to the judgment seat where Gallio was.
Acts 18 verse 13
Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.
Acts 18: The Jews spoke to Gallio and said to him: this fellow, this man caused people to worship God and believe in Him and contrary to the law. They meant that Paul was setting up an uncicensed religion which was not permitted under the Roman law. This was unfair what they did because the Roman law did permit the wicked and degrading religions.
Acts 18 verse 14
And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
Verse 14: Paul was permitted to speak in his defense before Gallio and half way Gallio interrupted Paul and said to the Jews this: if this man Paul had done evil or wrong things o ye Jews so I agree with you and bear it what you are saying because it seemed to him though the issue between Paul and these Jews was actually whether Jesus was the Christ.
Acts 18 verse 15
But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
Verse 15: If it be a question of words that Paul would have spoken evil about their law or religion or about someone's name look ye to it said Gallio. He wouldn't be a judge of such matters so he gave Paul not into their hands as Pilate had done with Christ. and unlike Pilate he refused to even hear the case.
Acts 18 verse 16
And he drave them from the judgment seat.
Verse 16: Gallio drove those Jews and Paul away from the judgment seat. He wanted not to be judge over the things they accused Paul. It was not grounded so he stopped the conversation with them and send them away from him.
Acts 18 verse 17
Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.
Verse 17: Who were those Greeks here? The proselytes, men originally from Greece who were now Jews and they took Sosthenes who was also a believer in Christ and chief ruler of the synagogue. They beat him before the judgment seat where Gallio was but Gallio cared for none of those things they did. It seemed that he didn't care.
Acts 18 verse 18
And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
Verse 18: After a full year and six month Paul took his leave of the brethren that means that he said them farewell and after that Paul sailed away from them to Syria. Pricilla and Aquila. What was the reason Paul and Priscilla and Aquila sailed away and first to Ephesus? What we know is that God was in this plan. What did Paul in Cenchrea before leaving for Syria? This is a little bit complex. There were verious vows which one might make to God under the Mosaic law. Deuteronomy 23:21-22: When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. What Paul did was probably the Nazarite vow. In Numbers 6 verse 1-21 we read about this. This vow however was supposed to be consummated at the door of the tabernacle at Jerusalem where blood sacrifices were to be offered and the hair was also to be offered. It was one of the feasts of Jerusalem because he was going to it: the Passover or Pentecost.
Acts 18 verse 19
And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
Verse 19: Paul, Aquila and Priscilla who accompanied him came to Ephesus. Paul left Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus and he went himself into the synagogue of the Jews and reasoned with them which Paul did always during the Acts period because the Jews individual could come to believe in Christ and they were not without excuse that they hadn't not heard it at first because the Word of God was first send to them. He spoke about the finished Work of the Lord with them. I Corinthians 15:3-4
Acts 18 verse 20
When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
Verse 20: The Jews of the synagogue desired that he stayed longer with them. It was sedom indeed that he found doors so wide open for the Gospel of the Grace of God. But he refused to stay longer with them because he was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem.
Acts 18 verse 21
But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
Verse 21: But Paul said goodbye or farewell to them and said: I must be on the feast in Jerusalem. He promised after that saying but I will return to Ephesus again unto you if it is God's will or by the will of God he would return to see them again. Now he sailed from Ephesus to Caesarea and the plan was from Caesarea to travel to Jerusalem.
Acts 18 verse 22
And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
Verse 22: And he Paul landed at Caesarea after sailing the Middel Sea over from Ephesus untill Israel. Paul gone up to Jerusalem? It is not clear from the Scripture here that he reached Jruslame in time for the feast. But it looks that he was in Jerusalem and salute the church there and went down to Antioch. We read not of a welcome in Jerusalem or in Antioch after such a long time 3 years when Paul was there and went with Silas from Antioch away on their second mission journey.
Acts 18 verse 23
And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
Verse 23: Paul spent some time in Antioch. The kingdom church of early Acts had its headquarter at Jerusalem where Messiah was to reign Isaiah 24:23 with the 12 apostles Matthew 19:28 and from whence the law was to go foh to His whole domain Isaiah 2:2,3. The Church which is His Body have no headquarters on earth because the headquarters are in heaven where its Head the Lord Jesus Christ is. In Antioch were believers in Christ and most of them were Gentiles. There was a local church in Antioch thus Paul spend some time there and departed again and went along to the country of Galatia and Phrygia and strengthened all the disciples who were believers in the cities of Lystre, Derbe, Ikonium and Antioch Phrygia. To strengthen is very important. To know how it is with the believers who heard the Gospel of the Grace of God and believed it and if they still believe it and stand for it and Paul came with the Word of God and with new things to strengthen them. This is also important for a pastor to strengthen the people who hear the Word of Gods Grace that they will be build up. Paul was and is our example in this. We can learn a lot of him how he with the strength of the Lord always had the patience for fellowbelievers.
Acts 18 verse 24
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
Verse 24: From this verse on we read about Apollos a Jew who was born in Alexandria Egypt. He was an eloquent man. What is eloquent. Answer: An eloquent speaker expresses himself clearly and powerfully. Apollos was such a man and mighty in the Scriptures of God. He had learned God's Word in Alexandria. (see study about Apollos on this website). Apollos came to Ephesus.
Acts 18 verse 25
This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
Verse 25: This man that is Apollos. He was instructed in the way of the Lord. Apollos was intensely in the spirit. He spoke and taught the people tiresly the things of the Lord Jesus Christ but he knew only the baptism of John. He didn't know about the glory of the cross and that the Gospel of the Grace of God was on that moment the Gospel of salvation and not the Gospel of the Kingdom. He was ignorant that God had begun a new Dispensation namely the Dispensation of the Grace of God Ephesians 3:1-3.
Acts 18 verse 26
And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Verse 26: So Apollos began to speak boldly in the synagogue of the Jews. In the synagogue were also Aquila and Priscilla his wife and they knew about the Gospel of the Grace of God and all about the Mystery Acts 20:24. Paul had taught them this when he was with them in Corinth. Paul had left them at Ephesus I think personally also with a purpose to preach the Gospel of the Grace of God and this man Apollos never heard about this so when they had heard Apollos Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos to their home and began to explain him the way of God more perfectly. They explained to him the Gospel of the Grace of God and that we live now under the Dispensation of Grace and that we are now saved by Grace alone , by faith alone and in Christ alone. They spoke to him all about the Mystery and the position he and them had in Christ and probably more things. So what was the reaction to this of Apollos. Did he say that he didn't believe this, that it was untrue what Aquila and Priscilla said to him as a lot of believers now in this world? Read the next verses for yourselves and find or discover what the reaction of Apollos was when he heard the truth.
Acts 18 verse 27
And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
Verse 27: So Apollos came to know the Gospel of the Grace of God through Priscilla and Aquila and stood for it and his plan was to pass into Achaia. The brethren there in Ephesus wrote to the disciples or other believers in Christ when Apollos was come to to receive him as a brother with brotherly love. And Apollos came there and spoke the Word of Gods Grace and helped the people there to understand it and to grow in the spiritual life through Gods Grace.
Acts 18 verse 28
For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
Verse 28: Now Apollos was more mighty in the Scriptures than before he met Aquila and Priscilla who explained to him the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24, 32. This verse let us see that Apollos intensely and powerful convinced the Jews in the synagogues and publicly by the Scriptures that the Lord Jesus was Christ and let them see the glory of the cross what the Lord Jesus Christ had done on the cross. The finished work of Him. So here ended chapter 18
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Acts 19 verse 1
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,
Verse 1: Apollos was at Corinth to preach the Gospel of the Grace of God to everyone who wanted to listen. Apollos was mightely and convinced people publicly about the Grace of God. Paul was on the way to Ephesus from Phrychia to Asia and came in Ephesus where Apollos has been and Paul find some certain disciples. This was before Paul entered the synagogue of the Jews
Acts 19 verse 2
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.
Verse 2: He asked them this: have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. They didn't know what Paul was talking about and replied we have not heard that there is any Holy Spirit. These were disciples from the time when John the Baptist was on earth and after that time they never heard about this because it was not told to them.
Acts 19 verse 3
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Verse 3: So Paul asked them this: unto what then were ye baptized? And they answered Paul this: unto John's baptism. What was the baptism of John the Baptist? In Matthew 3 verse 2 we read what John said to the people or Jewish people: Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. He baptized them with water and they confessed their sins Matthew 3 verse 6. So these disciples were Jewith people. John didn't know about the Holy Spirit. It was not told to him so all the people who were baptized of him could not know on that moment that there was and is a Holy Spirit. If they were baptized with Peter's baptism at Pentecost they would have received the gift of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:38
Acts 19 verse 4
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.
Verse 4: In this verse Paul confirm what John the Baptist did and what his baptism was namely baptizing with the baptism of repentance and that people should believe on Christ Jesus Who should come after him. The baptism of |John and the baptism later under Peter's leading are baptisms of repentance and both for the remission of sins. Mark 1.4 and Acts 2:38
Acts 19 verse 5
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Verse 5: Were these disciples Paul met rebaptized here and after that the Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied? No Paul explained to these disciples that the people who heard John the Baptist speaking they were afterwards baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Scripture here never mentioned that these disciples were rebaptized.
Acts 19 verse 6:
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Verse 6: What the apostle Paul did was this: He laid his hands upon them and the Holy Ghost came on them and immediately these disciples spoke in tongues and prophesied. They received the gifts ot the Holy Spirit just as the ones who believed on Pentecost. This all happened during the Acts period, the transition period because God's Word was not complete at that moment so people could speak in tongues and prophesy.
Acts 19 verse 7
And all the men were about twelve.
Verse 7: All the men who Paul had laid his hands upon were 12 persons. This is marked because this deasl with Israel and the divine government in the future.
Acts 19 verse 8
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.
Verse 8: Paul went into the synagogue of the Jews. He spoke there with boldness and that for 3 months. That was a long time because most times after 3 or 4 Sabbaths the Jews in other places resisted the preaching of the Gospel of the Grace of God. Paul debated with these Jews and sought to persuade them oth the truths concerning the kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is not to confuse with the kingdom of heaven. It is the heavenly kingdom which Paul was speaking of. He spoke of course about the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work, the truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God and that Christ is the Head of the Body and King of kings and Lord of lords. Before Apollos was there in Ephesus and with Aquila and Priscilla in this synagogue. So you must think now that those Jews there had a lot of interest to hear the Gospel of Gods Grace.
Acts 19 verse 9
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.
Verse 9: But here also and once again there were stiffnecked Jews who were hardened and believed not what the apostle Paul said. They were against God and His Word. They spoke evil of that way, the way to life, eternal life to the multitude in the synagogue. So Paul immediately departed from these Jews in the synagogue. Paul was convinced that his ministry in this synagogue had been brought to an end and he separate all the ones who believed in Christ. He set them apart from the unbelieving Jews and began a ministry in the school of one Tyrannus and preached there for 2 years in that school. A schoolbuilding is a very good place to teach people the Gospel of the Grace of God and to learn people to rightly divide the Word of truth 2 Timothy 2:15, Acts 20:24, 32.
Acts 19 verse 10
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.
Verse 10: The apostle Paul preached in the school of Tyrannus the Word of Gods Grace and more from the Bible. All the people in that part or province where Ephesus was named Asia heard the Word of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jews and Greeks or Jews and Gentiles heard the Word of God. It had a lot of influence on the people there and a lot believed it. Mark well that all which dwelt in Asia. Every man and woman heard the Word of the Lord Jesus Christ. Isn't that very special? Nowadays through all media most people are not interested in the Bible or Gods Word. The apostle Paul had no media like computer or smartphone or TV. Now you can see everything on these things and most people are occupied by this. In that time when Paul was in Ephesus it passed from mouth to mouth what is the best publicity.
Acts 19 verse 11
And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
Acts 19: In this chapter of Acts it was still the transition period and miracles happened because the Word of God was not complete yet. So God did special miracles through the hands of Paul. Nowadays the Word of God, the Bible is complete. These miracles were rather a supernatural testimony to Israel that Paul's ministry was the Work of God. God is not working anymore with miracles because the Bible is complete and we live 100% under God's Grace. It will not say that God cannot do things. That He can heal persons or make persons better after sickness. He can do everything except lying. But not every person will be healed. God promised us in His Word the Rapture and with the Rapture we will be changed and get a new body, a spiritual body which will not die and wherein is no sickness.
Acts 19 verse 12
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.
Verse 20: Here we read what God wrought through Paul to heal the sick people. Handkerchiefs or covers Paul brought unto the sick and the diseases departed from these sick people and also evil spirits went out of them. Under the transistion period, the Acts period Paul could heal people in the power of God. These were supernatural powers and God was still busy in this way. His Word wasn't not complete and it was also to convict the individual Jew that he or she began to believe in the living God. As long God was dealing with Israel and the Word of God was not complete these miracles happened frequently. Later after Gods Word was complete the apostle Paul couldn't heal people from their diseases. In 2 Timothy 4 verse 20 we read this: Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. There are more Scriptures to show that Paul couldn't heal anymore people. To Timothy his son in the faith he said this: Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. 1 Timothy 5:23. If Paul had still the powers of God to heal Timothy from this there was no need to say this to Timothy.
Acts 19 verse 13
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.
Verse 13: Certain of the vagabond Jews. These Jews were exorcists men who expelled, or presumed to expel evil spirits but not by the power of God but by magical rites, charmings and other means, the implication being that they went from place to place offering to cast out demons for a price. They had seen Paul doing this in the power of the Lord Jesus Christ and they said this to people: we adure you by Jesus whom Paul preached. This was for their personal gain. Do you see brother and sister how they were fallen spiritually. They used the Name of Jesus Christ Whom they rejected in this to cast out devils. They did this in the name of satan and satan can also heal people and do miracles.
Acts 19 verse 14
And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
Verse 14: These vagabond Jews, exorcists were seven sons of a Jew and chief of the priests Sceva. And they tried in the Name of Jesus whom Paul preacheth to cast out devils or evil spirits from persons. This was for their personal gain because they rejected the Lord Jesus Christ in their lives. Satan was working in them!
Acts 19 verse 15
And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
Verse 15: The evil spirit in the person whom they tried to cast out in the Name of Jesus Whom Paul preached answered them this he knew Jesus and he knew Paul but who are ye? What are your names?
Acts 19 verse 16
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.
Verse 16: The evil spirit in the man whom they tried to cast out jumped on them, these 7 sons of Sceva the chief of priests and overcame them and reigned in them and they fled out of the house where they were naked and wounded. This evil spirit had the strength of the maniac of Gadara. This was the consequence of the unauthorized use of that Holy name. These vagabond Jews were again symbolic of the nation as a whole for in their ill use of Christ.
Acts 19 verse 17
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.
Verse 17: All the Jews and Greeks came to know in Ephesus what happened to the 7 sons of Sceva and fear fell on them all. They feared God and the name of the Lord Jesus was enlarged. This hard incident shocked a lot of all the Jews and Greeks dwelling there at Ephesus. Probably they spoke a lot of it and saw that there is not to be trifles with God.
Acts 19 verse 18
And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
Verse 18: Many who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ came, confessed and showed their deeds or praxis, offices, what they had done.
Acts 19 verse 19
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.
Verse 19: Many of these believers which used curious arts or bizarre artwork, this was work from the devil. They brought their books together and burnt them before all men. They didn't wish these books longer so burtn them. The prize of all those books was 50000 pieces of silver. That was a lot for that time. They were now believers in Christ and would not lead the life they had lived but wanted to live for the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word of Grace. This sounds radical but if you are a believer and you have books what have to do with satan and bizarre artwork you have to do it away from yourselves so that it has no effect anymore in your life and that is with more things brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 19 verse 20
So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
Verse 20: The Word of Gods Grace or the Gospel of the Grace of God came with a lot of power and it had a lot of good influence on these believers in Ephesus and still it has good influence in your life if you believe it that it is the only Gospel for today my brother and sister! So it growed the Word of God and abounded.
Acts 19 verse 21
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.
Verse 21: Paul was firmly determined to do something. He wanted to go through Macedonia and Achaia and then again to Jerusalem. And then his plan was to go to Rome to see the believers there. On that moment he didn't know that soon he would be taken from Ceasarea to Rome as the prisoner of Jesus Christ for Gentiles. Ephesians 3 verse 1.
Acts 19 verse 22
So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
Verse 22: Planning this trip in his head Paul send Timotheus and Erastus to Macedonia with this purpose to prepare the Corinthians for his coming so that he might not again to disturb them, the believers in Corinth and himself by his coming. In I Corinthians 4:17 we read this:For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. At that time Paul wrote I Corinthians without doubt. There was a lot to speak of becasue in the church of Corinth there was a lot of immorality and it was awful to speak of I Corinthians 5:1: It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. The apostle Paul stayed there in Asia for a season
Acts 19 verse 23
And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
Verse 23: In that same time when the apostle Paul was there in Asia again problem's arose for the apostle Paul and what he preached Romans 16:25-26 namely the Gospel of the Grace of God. This big stir began in Ephesus.
Acts 19 verse 24
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
Verse 24: A certain man Demetrius the silversmith stood up against God and His Word of Grace because he made silver shrines for the goddess Diana. Diana was the goddess of Ephesus, the god of love and sex and Demetrius made sancturies and that made a lot of money for him. A lot of the inhabitans of Ephesus before Paul preached there were involved in this religion and Demetrius was one of them. He became angry because now a lot of the inhabitans became believers in Christ and were learing the Gospel of the Grace of God. Acts 20:24, 32. He did this with other men making those shrines of Diana. The goddess was very famous in that area but also known by the Romans.
Acts 19 verse 25
Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
Verse 25: Demetrius called the other workmen who did the same work as he worked and were also occupied by it and said to them Sirs: for sure you know that by this craft, this handywork we have our wealth. We got our money by selling those things to people. We got our wealth from it.
Acts 19 verse 26
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:
Verse 26: Furthermore you see and hear from people not only in Ephesus but in the whole province of Asia this preacher Paul convinced and turned away much people from the believe in Diana saying that there be no gods which are made with hand. The apostle Paul preached about the living God, the God Who made everything the heavens and the earth and you and me as human beings and about Gods Grace in Christ. I Corinthians 15:3-4, Acts 13: 38 and 39 and that God the Creator not lives in temples made with hands of men. This Demetrius was so angry about this what happened in all Asia that he called all the men who did the same craft as he and stirred them up to cause a rebellion in the city of Ephesus.
Acts 19 verse 27
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.
Verse 27: Not only their craft was in danger and to be set at nought so that nobody bought it anymore but also the temple of Diana the great goddess, the goddes of the love and (sex) was in danger because nobody were worshipping her in this temple because those believers in Ephesus and there were a lot hated this goddess Diana. Her glory should with this preaching of Paul be destroyed and not only in Ephesus but in whole Asia and the world who had worshipped her.
Acts 19 verse 28
And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
Verse 28: All those craftman who were called by Demetrius heard those words he said to them and began after that to be full of anger and they cried out or shout or with a loud voice and said Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
Acts 19 verse 29
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.
Verse 29: The whole city of Ephesus was filled with confusion or bewilderment. They caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia who were fellowlaborers of Paul on his travel through the countries and they rushed with one accord into the theatre and took this two men with them.
Acts 19 verse 30
And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
Verse 30: The apostle Paul would have entered in unto the people that is to say he wanted to see the people in the theatre and maybe to speak to them and explain things but the disciples who were with him didn't tolerate that and stopped him because it was to dangerous for Paul to enter the theatre because it could cost his life.
Acts 19 verse 31
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.
Verse 31: Certain of the head of Asia, of the local churches of the believers were Paul's friends and they had the message for him that the would not go to the theatre because that was to dangerous for him. The people who were angry would not spare him, they wanted to kill him or to take his life.
Acts 19 verse 32
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
Verse 32: The whole city was in commotion and some of the people of the city cried one thing and others something else because these people who were called a assembly (assembly of unbelievers) was confused. Most of the people didn't know why they were came together. Is that strange. No , not at all because people in general have difficulty remembering words verbally. Today it is the same with people.
Acts 19 verse 33
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.
Verse 33: Then the people who were so stirred up drew Alexander out of the multitude because the Jews under them putting him forward. Alexander was one of these jews and he beckoned with the hand and would have made his defenced unto the people. He was on the point to say something to the people, to make something clear to them. The people on that moment didn't know that he was a Jew
Acts 19 verse 34
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.
Verse 34: The multitude of angry people became to know that Alexander was a Jew and then they becan to cry. This endured 2 hours and what they said was this: Great is Diana or Artemis of the Ephesians because their religion and craftwork for the goddess was in danger because of Paul's preaching the Gospel of the Grace of God.
Acts 19 verse 35
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?
Verse 35: The townclerk calmed down the people and he said this: Men of Ephesus, which man in Ephesus does not know that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana and the image which fell down from the god Jupiter!? The people in Ephesus were Gentiles who believe only in Roman gods but from nature there are no gods beside God Himself. For them the inhabitans of Ephesus was Diana the goddess of the city. They were not interested in God Who made everything and Who paid the prize for mankind through Christ.
Acts 19 verse 36
Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
Verse 36: That the city of Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana and of the image which fell down from Jupiter cannot be spoken against. This is a fact. But you ought to be quiet and to do nothing rashly. What is rashly? Answer: without careful consideration of the possible consequences;
Acts 19 verse 37
For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
Verse 37: And the townclerk continued his saying and defend Paul and said that the inhabitans brought these men here in Ephesus and they are not robbers of churches or blasphermer of the goddess you worship namely Diana. These were sharp words from this townclerk but it was the truth. Paul and the others brought Gods Word of Grace Acts 20:24, 32. which is the truth. With the truth you hurt nobody! Sometimes it is hard to understand but to tell the truth is honest.
Acts 19 verse 38
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.
Verse 38: Thus if Demetrius and the other craftsmen who are with him or joined him have a matter against any man. Let them to it through the law because the law is open and there are deputies or delegates. Let them accuse one another. What Demetrius and the craftsmen had done was out of proportions because there was no proof that the religion, the worshipping of Diana was not robbed by Paul and fellowlaborers.
Acts 19 verse 39
But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
Verse 39: If you have any thing against some people or a case that caused you irritation the townclerk continued here it shall be discussed in a lawful assembly or meeting.
Acts 19 verse 40
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.
Verse 40: The townclerk said this all because they were in danger to be called in question for that day's uproar because it was groundless what they had done because there was no cause to defend that day's uproar or concourse. Ephesus fell under the Empire of Rome in that time. So to stop this uproar was the best to do for him because otherwise maybe the Romans would punish them for this.
Acts 19 verse 41
And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
Verse 41: The townclerk who had a lot of authority and responsibility had spoken and he send away all the people of this meeting or assembly. With this the uproar was complete stopped.
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Acts 20 verse 1
And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
Verse 1: After the uproar was ended the apostle Paul called unto him the disciples or learners, listerners of the Word of Gods Grace. He embraced or hugged them and then he left them and departed from Ephesus and went to Macedonia. This last embrace let us see that Paul loved those persons very much with the love of Christ. It was now wiser for Paul to leave Ephesus. A very good work had been done there in Ephesus and when he became the chief target of the enemy's fury it was better for the work to entrust it now to the care of those with whom he had labored for 3 years. So he went to Macedonia where Phillipi, Thessalonica and Berea to see again the believers there in those places.
Acts 20 verse 2
And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,
Verse 2: Through whole Macedonia Paul journeyed and exhorted people in every place he came. You can imagine that these people who saw him and heard the Word of God he preached to them were very glad and builded up. After that Paul went to Greece.
Acts 20 verse 3
And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
Verse 3: In Greece the apostle Paul abode 3 months. Then the trouble came which caused satan to use unbelieving Jews because they laid wait for him when the apostle Paul decided to sail to Syria back. Then the apostle Paul changed his mind because of this danger and purposed return to Syria through Macedonia so the way back he did.
Acts 20 verse 4
And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
Verse 4: On Paul's journey some persons were with him. From Macedonia to Asia it was Sopater of Berea. Sopater was a fellowbeliever of Paul. From the Thessalonian believers he had Aristarchus and Secundus. Also Gaius and Timotheus who came from Derbe and of Asia Tychikus and Trophimus. All believers and all persons who stood for the truth the Gospel of the Grace of God. Acts 20:24. Also Luke who described this all was with Paul.
Acts 20 verse 5
These going before tarried for us at Troas.
Verse 5: These men from Asia Tychikus and Trophimus went before to Troas and tarried there of Paul and the others.
Acts 20 verse 6
And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
Verse 6: Paul and others were in Philippi on the days of unleavened bread. It was the Passover. After these days they came to Troas and joined the men who were already there and Paul and the men who accompanied him like Luke were in Troas for 7 days.
Acts 20 verse 7
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
Verse 7: And then in Troas Paul and the fellowbelievers were there and on the first day of the week the believers there who were called disciples break bread. The apostle Paul preached unto them. This was the end of the 7 days because the next morning he would leave them. However he continued his speech to them until midnight. People often today cannot hear for more than a half hour. After that the concentration to listen is away. Probably what the apostle Paul preached there in Troas was very interesting and new for the people to listen. Appenrently the apostle Paul spoke interestingly.
Acts 20 verse 8
And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.
Verse 8: They, the disciples and Paul and others were in the upper chamber in the place Troas and there were many lights in that chamber where they were gathered together.
Acts 20 verse 9
And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.
Verse 9: Apparently there were a lot of people in this upper room because a young man Eutychus sat down in a window of the room where they were together. He felled into a deep sleep because the apostle Paul was long preaching and in his sleep he felled down from that window to the ground and was dead. Like this young man Eutychus being fallen into a deep sleep to compare with the professing church of today. She fell asleep too like this young man in the end of Paul's life on earth and the professing church is not yet awakened. There is so a lot of confusion, strife etc in most churches because of this fact that they don't have light of Gods Word and are not searching for the truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24. There must be some people who will say or cry: Awake thou that sleepest, and arise form the dead and Christ shall give thee light Ephesians 5:14
Acts 20 verse 10
And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
Verse 10: Paul went down in the house as fast as he could and fell on Eutychus and embraced him. Today you can do reanimation but we see here the apostle in the Acts period awoke with the power of God this young man from the dead. And Paul said to the people trouble not yourselves because there is life in him. So the young man Euthychus was again alive. This was really a miracle from God Who wrought through Paul. So the Lord healed this young man through Paul.
Acts 20 verse 11
When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.
Verse 11: After the apostle Paul fell on this young man Eutychus and embraced him and the young man was after that alive he went agan upstairs to the upper room and talked to the people a long while about Gods Word. He broke the bread and eat with them. In the morning Paul departed from them in Troas and continued his journey till Assus. Nowadays there are only ruins where this place was.
Acts 20 verse 12
And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
Verse 12: The believers brought the young man Eutychus alive in the upper room again and were glad and great comforted that he was alive again. If this should happen nowadays no man can survive this. The restore of this young man by the apostle Paul and the apostle Paul was used by God to restore the Church of this Dispensation of Grace to life. Later men as Luther, Calvin, Darby have been raised up to gradually recover the glorious truths of the Pauline revelation. The Church nowadays must be moved to occupy her position in the heavenlies. There are now thousands and thousands of true believers who do not understand nor enjoy their God given position in the heavenlies in Christ. So brother or sister if you don't know the truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God and your given position in the heavenlies in Christ why not to open your heart for this and accept it and began to read and study the epistles of the apostle Paul Romans till Philemon?!!!
Acts 20 verse 13
And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.
Verse 13: So Luke and others went into a ship and sailed from Troas to Assos. In Assos they were intended to take the apostle Paul in. Paul decided and minded himself to go by foot from Troas to Assos. The distance from Troas to Assos, “as the crow flies,” is about 21 miles while the Roman Road south out of Troas through the Smintheion areaa and then east to Assos covers a distance of about 31 mi. Thus the walk must have taken him, Paul , at least two days. Was Paul then not tired? The Word of God doesn't say that but you can imagine that he was but it was also a great opportunity to bring the Word of God's Grace to everyone he met on the way.
Acts 20 verse 14
And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.
Verse 14: So the apostle Paul took the way by foot to Assos and when he was in Assos he met there Luke with other men probably the same men who accompanied him already on his journey. They took Paul in the boat and sailed to Mitylene. Nowadays Mitylene is the capital city of the island Lesbos in the Aegean Sea between Chios and Assos. Paul and his fellowbelievers touched there overnight.
Acts 20 verse 15
And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.
Verse 15: Luke is telling this that he and Paul and the other men sailed away from Mitylene the next day towards Chios sailing along the island and the day after they arrived at Samos and stayed in Trogyllium a night. Then the day after they sailed to Miletus and arrived in that place.
Acts 20 verse 16
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
Verse 16: The apostle Paul decided to sail by Ephesus. Why was it? The answer was that he would not spend the time in Asia because there were a lot of troubles he wont experience that again. Later he wrote that all in Asia had turned away from him. That people had left the Gospel of the Grace of God and turned to another Gospel which is not a Gospel. Moreover he was in a hurry because he wanted to be in Jerusalem at the day of Pentecost to see the brothers and sisters there and bring goods for the poor people. Now the question was this the will of the apostle Paul to go to Jerusalem or was it also the will of God that he should go? It was not the flesh that prompted the apostle to go to Jerusalem. Paul went to Jerusalem with a heart filled with the love to Christ and to his kinsmen and risking his life in going. . So Paul and the others stayed there in Miletus for a while and we see in the next verse this:
Acts 20 verse 17
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
Verse 17: Paul send a message from Miletus to Ephesus wherein he called the elders of the church of Ephesus to come to Miletus to see him there. Miletus was for him neutral ground and for them also.
Acts 20 verse 18
And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
Verse 18: The elders came to Paul and he said to them this: Ye know. They knew very well that from the first day Paul was in Asia. They had seen his behaviour , how he dealt with them these 2 years when he was with them. That his walk in Christ was according God's Word.
Acts 20 verse 19
Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
Verse 19: Paul goes on to say to them this that he served the Lord Jesus Christ with all humility of mind. What does this mean humility? The practice of meekness, obedience to God, respect of self and others, submissiveness and modesty. This all with many tears and temptations. Here from speaks a lot of feelings which came over him because by the lying in wait of the Jews. The Jews who were unbelievers and who were there tried to tempt Paul. For Paul those 2 years were not easy. His life was still in danger these time when he was in Ephesus.
Acts 20 verse 20
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
Verse 20: Paul continued here to say to the elders of Ephesus that in those 2 years he told them the whole truth, the Mystery what he knew on that moment and was revealed by the risen Lord Jesus Christ to him: the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24. This he showed them and taught them in public and from house to house. You see brothers and sisters the apostle Paul was zealous for the Lord and for His Word. What a example for us to follow!
Acts 20 verse 21
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Verse 21: Paul beared witness to Jews and Greeks that they had to go to God. For the Jews it was repentance to God or return to God. For the Greeks it was to believe or trust in God and also believe or trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. To trust God through Jesus Christ. To accept God's offer of redemption through the blood of Christ shed for them, for their sins on the cross. Also to believe that He was buried and was and is risen and alive. This is what they had to believe and that is what this world and you and me have to believe or trust.
Acts 20 verse 22
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
Verse 22: Paul is telling those elders of Ephesus that he would go to Jerusalem and bound in the spirit. What does that mean bound in the spirit? I go bound in the spirit — Δεδεμενος τῳ πνευματι - Either meaning the strong influence of the Divine Spirit upon his mind, or the strong propensity in his own will, wish, and desire, to visit Jerusalem; and in this sense δεειν, to bind, is sometimes used. Paul said that he doesn't know what will happen there according to himself. That was uncertainty. He trusted the Lord that He would guide him.
Acts 20 verse 23
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
Verse 23: The Holy Spirit made it clear to Paul that bonds and afflictions should overcome him at Jerursalem. However the apostle Paul wasn't afraid about this because the Lord was with him always.
Acts 20 verse 24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Verse 24: What does it mean none of these things move me. Answer: the notable thing was what didn't move Paul or cause him to flee to save his life. And then neither count I my life dear unto myself. What does that mean? I don't care about my own life because his life was in the hands of God. The only thing was for Paul this that he could finish his ministry for the Lord with joy what he had received from the risen Lord Jesus Christ to made known the Gospel of the Grace of God. Read also Romans 16:25-26. He was not afraid to die for the Gospel of Gods Grace.
Acts 20 verse 25
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Verse 25: Paul continued and said to the elders that he had preached unto them the last years about the kingdom of God. Which kingdom is this? Is this the Kingdom on earth he preached? Ah no it was about the heavenly Kingdom of God whereunto he and the elders and we belong to. It was a farewell because he said also this that they should see his face no more. That hurt quite a bit in their ears you can imagine and later in this chapter you read this also.
Acts 20 verse 26
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
Verse 26: What does this mean that the apostle Paul said this: I am pure from the blood of all men? If any of you people loses eternal life, it will not be my fault.It will be your own. He had told all the people from Ephesus about the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and what He did on the cross to save mankind: He gave His Life, His Blood for the forgiveness of sins I Corinthians 15:3, 4. Every person on this earth got the call from God and everyone is responsible to accept it or not. As a believer in Christ Paul was not responsible for the lives of people, I mean they had to descide themselves to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior or not.
Acts 20 verse 27
For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Verse 27: Paul had told the people everything from the truth which he knowed on that moment. Which what was revealed by the risen Lord Jesus Christ, all the counsel of God. So it was now the individual man what to do with it. To accept it or not. To believe it and stand for it like Paul or not to believe it.
Acts 20 verse 28
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Verse 28: Take heed therefore unto yourselves. Look after yourselves that you may be strong in the Lord and in His Word of Grace and stand for it and look after all the people who believe through the Grace of God. Protect them because you are overseers by the Holy Spirit over them. It is daily to feed this local church at Ephesus which is a part of the Body of Christ, the Church. God in Christ hath purchased with His own blood. They all are bought by the blood, the forgiveness of sins in Christ!
Acts 20 verse 29
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Verse 29: He, Paul knew it very well. He had not a good feeling after his departure about the local church at Ephesus. Later we read that all that lived in Asia (province) where Ephesus laid had left the Gospel of the Grace of God to another Gospel or false doctrine of men. This through grievous wolves who will enter among them and spared not the flock (sheep). This is how satan is working: coming inside a group who believe the Gospel of the Grace of God and try to stand for it and then withdraw the people from the truth. In my spiritual life now for more than 40 years as Biblestudy writer I have this experienced a lot of times.
Acts 20: 30
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Verse 30: Not only from the outside will come people who tell the believers the lie , also shall men rise on their own selves and will speak perverse things so that they draw away the persons who wanted to learn the truth after them. This happened not long time after Paul was in prison in Rome when he was for the second time in prison. Everyone of Asia had turned away from the truth: the Gospel of the Grace of God.
Acts 20 verse 31
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
Verse 31: This is a admonishing to the elders who came by Paul's call to come to him. Watch. Always be awake. They had also to remember that 3 years long Paul never ceased to warn every one night and day with tears. He admonished them a lot with God's Word of truth and that they had to stand for it what they believed so that they could grow in the spiritual life and that this protected them from false doctrines. The truth can be very hard for people but it is also honest.
Acts 20 verse 32
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Verse 32: First Paul commend these elders of the local church of Ephesus to God. Then to the Word of His Grace which is able to build them up. Not only they, also we are build up by the Word of God's Grace. Let us read Romans 16:25-26: Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my Gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.
God's Word of Grace is for the obedience of faith. If we as brothers and sisters believe this Gospel of Grace and stand for it and grow in it then we are obedient to God. The professing church in general has failed to follow the instructions of the Gospel of the Grace of God which the apostle Paul preached and is the truth. She has failed for her own spiritual health and growth that she is so weak and ill today. Oh may God awaken people who are His own but don't know these truths or refuse it and cause them in faith to the one great body of truth which alone can establish them and build them up spiritually.To give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. What does that mean? Answer: the process of being set apart and made holy by God.
Acts 20 verse 33
I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
Verse 33: The apostle Paul said here that he never desired man's silver or gold or clothes. He asked nobody. Always he was self supporting and independent from men. That brings him as a example to follow as brothers and sisters not only in doctrine, also in walk, attitude.
Acts 20 verse 34
Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
Verse 34: The people, the elders from the church at Ephesus, who were with Paul's farewell knew very well that he worked with his own hands and that these hands of him ministered unto his necessities or need. And also to them that were with him. Read I Corinthians 4:12! In I Thessalonians 2 verse 9 we read this: For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. And also 2 Thessalonian 3 verse 8 and 9 we read this: Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. The apostle Paul is really an example for us to follow in doctrine and in daily walk with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 20 verse 35
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Verse 35: The apostle Paul said to these elders of the local church at Ephesus: I have shewed you all things according God's Word with labouring you support the weak under you to give them food, clothes and other things they need. With this he said also that they had to remember the words of the Lord Jesus Christ Who said: it is more blessed to give than to receive.In Proverbs 19 verse 17 we read: He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto theLord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.
Acts 20 verse 36
And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
Verse 36: After he finished to speak with them. Them: that are the elders of the local church of Ephesus. He kneeled down. He went on his knees and Paul prayed with them all. Kneeling down is a form of submissiveness to God. This let you see that the apostle Paul was a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and was and is a example for us to follow as he followed Christ in Word and in daily walk.
Acts 20 verse 37
And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
Verse 37: This was really the farewell! It was a very emotional farewell we read here. They wept sore. They cried a big cry. And then they fell on Paul's neck. They didn't want that he should leave them and kissed him. It was very difficult to say farewell because they should never seen him again in their lives and now they had to rule the local church themselves which was not a easy task. Paul was such a example for them. They should never forget him!
Acts 20 verse 38
Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
Verse 38: They cried a big cry and were in sorrow most of all for the words that Paul spoke to them that they should see his face no more, his presence. These 3 years Paul's preachings in Ephesus had a good influence on the believers there. He spoke the truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God and now without them what had they to do? To look after the people in the local church: all the believers there and also to take heed about themselves: to stand for the truth and not withdraw themselves from the Gospel of the Grace of God whatever it costed.
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Acts 21 verse 1
And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:
Verse 1: Luke, Paul and others with them went away from the elders of the church of Ephesus who stayed behind in Milete. They sailed away on a ship and came unto Coos. This was a island and still it is. The next day followed Rhodes now Rhodos and it still exists. From Rhodos they came at Patara. Patara were in the part of land Lycia.
Acts 21 verse 2
And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.
Verse 2: In the harbor of Patara they find a ship which would sail away to Phenicia. So they went aboard and continued their journey. The Bible doesn't mention that Paul and the others had paid for this sailing but you can imagine that Paul paid also for this. In II Thessalonians 3 verse 8 we read this: Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: So I think Paul and also the others paid for this sailing to Phenicia from Lycia Patara.
Acts 21 verse 3
Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
Verse 3: When they sailed underway they saw Cyprus and left it on the left hand. They didn't stop there and sailed into Syria and landed at Tyre. The ship layed down in the harbor of Tyre to unlade the burden.
Acts 21 verse 4
And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
Verse 4: Paul and the others who were with them like Luke found some disciples. They stayed 7 days in Tyre and these disciples were open for the Gospel of the Grace of God and learned this Gospel and many other Scriptures of the Word of God. They said through the Holy Spirit to Paul that he should not go up to Jerusalem. They warned him because his life would be in danger it he should enter Jerusalem. Anyway it was unwise from Paul to go to Jerusalem.
Acts 21 verse 5
And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.
Verse 5: After those 7 days we departed. Who are the we? Paul, Luke and others who accompanied Paul. They brought us on our way said Luke here. Men and wives and children of the city of Tyre who were believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and believe the Gospel of the Grace of God. Acts 20:24 and stood for it. They went even further on than that Luke and Paul and the others had thought because now they were out of the city and there on the shore Luke, Paul and the others with these disciples of Tyre kneeled down and prayed. This shows us what the love of God worked in all those persons to do things together, to have fellowship with each other and prayer together what they did is very important in this and . This also created a mutual bond.
Acts 21 verse 6
And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.
Verse 6: After this prayermeeting the apostle Paul, Luke and others say farewell to these believing men, women and children and went into a ship to continue the journey and they went home again.
Acts 21 verse 7
And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
Verse 7: Paul, Luke and the others sailed from Tyre to Ptolemais. In that place they saluted the brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ and stayed there one day with them to have spiritual fellowship.
Acts 21 verse 8
And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
Verse 8: The next day Paul and who were with him like Luke and others departed from Ptolemais and went to Caesarea. There in Caesarea they came in the house of Philip the evangelist from whom we knew and read in Acts chapter 8 after the stoning of Stephen. In that time Paul was the greatest persecutor of the church at Jerusalem. Now Paul came in the house of Philip and they were brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ! Philip was one of the seven deacons who were appointed by the 12 apostles in early Acts. Paul stayed with him with Luke and the one's who accompanied him.
Acts 21 verse 9
And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
Verse 9: Philip the evangelist had four daughters. They were virgins and prophesied. Why they prophesied? . In Colossians 1:25 we read: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God. From this we read that Paul was given from God to fulfil or to complete the Word of God. On the moment Paul visit Philip in Caesarea with his 4 daugthers who prophesied the Word was not complete so you had persons who could prophecy.
Acts 21 verse 10
And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
Verse 10: Paul, Luke and the others who were with them stayed there in Caesarea for many days. Then from Judaea there came another prophet whose name was Agabus.