Acts 19:1-10

Acts 19:1–10 describes Paul’s ministry in Ephesus and highlights the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Christ through the Holy Spirit. Paul encounters several disciples who had only received John the Baptist’s baptism, revealing that their understanding of the gospel was incomplete. After hearing about Jesus, they are baptized in His name, and Paul lays hands on them, resulting in the Holy Spirit coming upon them. Paul then boldly proclaims the gospel in the synagogue, reasoning with the Jews about the kingdom of God. When some stubbornly reject the message, Paul separates the disciples and continues teaching daily in the hall of Tyrannus. For two years, Paul faithfully teaches the Word, and God uses this ministry to spread the gospel throughout the region. The passage reminds us that genuine faith centers on Jesus, depends upon the work of the Holy Spirit, and requires faithful, persistent proclamation of God’s Word—even when some people refuse to believe.