1-3 We have seen a variant of the true Christian faith
in the teaching of Apollos in 18:25. Now here in Ephesus another
aspect of this same variant is revealed. What was missing?
4 Note here and in 18:26, those with misguided
teachings were not condemned outright but were patiently taught the
true Way of Christ.
6 "…tongues…" (GK: glossalalia) was also in 10:16. See
what St. Paul says about the spiritual gift (charismata) of tongues in
I Corinthians:
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12:10
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12:30
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13:1
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14:2-4
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14:5
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14:13-15
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14:18-19
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14:22-28
Your conclusion about "tongues"?
8-10 We must ask the question: What if no one gave a
witness for Jesus in our time? What if no one presented the Gospel
with much boldness?
11-16 How had the sons of Sceva tried to use the name
of Jesus?
Why do you think that the evil spirit could
overpower these 7 men?
17-20 Many people today, even Christians, play around
with open sin and with popular forms of spiritual powers. Can you give
some examples? What would you say to them?
21-22 Historical note by Luke
23-31 Here the true Gospel has an impact on commerce.
What trade going on today might be affected by strong proclamation of
God’s Word?
Note that Paul & Co. were probably not preaching
that this trade in idols be stopped, but they were winning the
hearts of people over to the worship of God alone, thus cutting into
the trade.
Should the Church preach directly against the evils
of our day or should the Church focus on calling individuals away
from such evils into a clean life in Christ?
Depending on what you answer, how would that shape
the strategy of your church’s mission?
32-41 How was the charge resolved here? Whom do give
the credit….the Christians or the secular courts?
