Religion & Spirituality:Christianity
Acts 19:1-12 (NIV)
Read by: Theo Leu
As followers of Jesus we were made to live lives that flourish in word, deed, and power.
Today’s episode features a passage from Acts that introduces us to Paul’s work in Ephesus. Now there's a lot that we could say about to open our understanding about the city of Ephesus, but suffice it to say that it was a city of influence both civically and spiritually. Anyone approaching the city as Paul does in today’s reading would have seen the temple of the goddess Artimus, which was one of the wonders of the ancient world.
Divination and idol worship was a mainstay in Ephesus. And the first thing that Luke wants to tell us about this important city is that Paul finds disciples, but they have only received the baptism of John. These disciples haven’t even heard of the Holy Spirit. Imagine, trying to know and follow Jesus without the power of the Holy Spirit working in you! Some of you might actually be able to imagine that, because we come from church traditions that don’t emphasize the Holy Spirit, and others can hardly imagine our church experiences without the Holy Spirit.
This passage can cause a lot of debates, but today as you listen I want to ask you to consider the ways in which you are living without the full power of the Spirit. Perhaps you are heavy in word, that is scripture and proclamation of truth, or maybe you’re strong in deed, serving others and fighting for Justice. But what about power?
----------REFLECT----------
1. What phrase stuck with you as you heard the passage?
2. The disciples had never even heard of the Holy Spirit, yet they were baptised as people who were trying to follow Jesus. As you think about the ways that you have learned to follow Jesus, are there any areas where you’ve missed large sections of fundamental teaching? Things that you've never heard of?
3. What areas of your life do you need the power of the Holy Spirit to round out the word and deed portions of your life? How can you make space for God’s spirit to come in and bring life to areas that have not moved? Ask Jesus to lead you in this time.
----------GO DEEPER----------
Bible Project: Acts 13-28 Overview >>
InterVarsity Press Selections: Acts >>
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