CTG 0013

CITY-BASED AND REGION-WIDE MULTIPLICATION - Acts 19:8-10

After spending time once again in Syrian Antioch, Paul headed out and travelled through the region of Galatia and Phrygia (Central Turkey), visiting Christian communities established on earlier trips, strengthening the followers of Christ.

Having passed through the highland, he approached the port metropolis of Ephesus, capital of the Roman province of Asia (Western Turkey) and one of the largest cities of the Empire.

Paul had longed to evangelise this province for some time (Acts 16:6-10; 18:18-21) and now he had the opportunity to concentrate on its most strategic city (Acts 19:1-20:1). The task would not be easy, but he trusted God through all the difficulties he faced (2 Corinthians 1:8-11). The date was AD 52–55.

Although we are not given the details, we are provided with the information that Epaenetus was "the first convert to Christ in Asia (Romans 16:5 ESV)."

A small group of disciples in Ephesus, who had received limited instruction (based on John the Baptist's earlier ministry in the wilderness of Judea) were helped by Paul. And he led them to put their trust in Jesus and to experience the first steps of Holy Spirit fulness (Acts 19:1-7).

As usual, he made an effort to win his own people group for Christ in the local synagogue (over a three month period) and encountered typical resistance (Acts 19:8-9). Consequently, "he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus (Acts 19:9)." (Some manuscripts indicate that he did this between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. If this was the case, it was when people took a break from work, due to the heat of the day, providing an opportunity for those who were interested enough to forgo their siesta and come and listen to Paul, discussing the implications of what he was saying.)

"This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks (Acts 19:10 ESV)." An amazing statement!

During this period Paul used this lecture hall in Ephesus as a base, winning people for Christ, teaching and talking with residents and visitors who gathered there. And many of those who believed spread the good news about Jesus and the kingdom of God throughout the province. (E.g. consider Colossians 1:1-14.)

Miracles facilitated the church multiplication that was taking place. And there was a major shift away from occult practices among the populace (Acts 19:11-20).

"So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily (Acts 19:20 ESV)."

Not everyone became a Christian. In fact, there was a riot instigated in Ephesus by a man named Demetrius who was not happy with what Paul was teaching (Acts 19:21-41). But the church of Christ was planted there.

After Paul left Ephesus (visiting churches already established further west) and before continuing his journey eastward back to Jerusalem, he sent for the Ephesian elders to meet with him at Miletus (Acts 20:17-38). When people had responded to the gospel the church had probably multiplied spontaneously in extended households across the province's capital. And the task of these elders was to care pastorally for the whole church throughout the city, being shepherds for the flock, enabled by the Holy Spirit and encouraged never to forget that the church belongs to the Lord (Acts 20:28). We do know that there was a gathering (ekklesia) in Aquila and Prisca's house (1 Corinthians 16:19). And we do have the account described in Acts 20:20.

Later, Paul sent his letter to the Ephesians, when he was under house arrest in Rome and bound by chain to a soldier (Acts 28:16, 20). The letter would have also circulated among the other churches that had been planted in the wider province. In it he encourages the believers to remain strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:11-17) and to pray for all God's people. And to pray for him, "that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak (Ephesians 6:18-20 ESV)."

It was to seven of the churches in the same province, including Ephesus, that our risen Lord directed John to send another letter (Revelation 1:1-20). The apostle John had not founded these churches, but it appears that he gave the latter years of his life to helping them, experiencing the same trials they faced (Revelation 1:9). Because of his faithful witness for Christ he was exciled to Patmos, a small island in the Aegean Sea, about 80 kilometres southwest of Ephesus. It was there that our risen Lord revealed to him what he was to write. This apocalyptic letter was written to encourage all God's people to remain faithful to the gospel and to continue their witness in the face of growing tension (Revelation 12:11). Its content gives strength for the present and assurance for the future, the glorious age to come.

"I am coming soon" - Jesus (Revelation 22:12, 20 ESV)

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The amazing record of the work of God in the Roman province of Asia during the 1st century AD is both an encouragement and a challenge for us in the 21st century.

Together with the rest of the content of the book of Acts, it shows us that the work is carried on in various ways. Sometimes in public buildings when available, as well as in people's homes. In fact, anywhere and everywhere, within reason :-). Spontaneously, as well as with some simple organisation.

Methodology is transient, contextual, often cultural, even generational and the expression of personal preferences. Hopefully, never a straight-jacket.

The objective is a constant. The ongoing spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, everywhere. And the ongoing multiplication of Christian communities who will continue the work, everywhere.

The enabling of the Holy Spirit and the transformation he brings are essential.

God bless you in Christ and multiply you!

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For further reading:

Acts 18:22-28:31

Ephesians 1:1-6:24

1 Timothy 1:1:17; 3:1-7

Titus 1:5-9

1 Peter 5:1-11

2 Timothy 1:15-18; 4:6-22

Acts 18:1-4, 18-21, 24-26

1 Corinthians 16:19

Romans 16:3-5

2 Timothy 4:19

Revelation 1:1-22:21

Matthew 24:14

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