Finally in Asia

Earlier in Acts, the Holy Spirit prevented Paul and his team from going into Asia. Now we come to a point where we get a possible reason why (see later). God does some powerful things in this area that are reminiscent of the early days of Christianity in the book of Acts.

Acts 19:1–8 (ESV) And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all. 8 And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.

First, the disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit, speak in tongues and prophesy and Paul boldly preaches the Word in the town. It is amazing how every time the Holy Spirit comes, bold preaching of the Word is a significant part of the reality. If anyone wants to be bold for Christ, ask the Father for more of the Holy Spirit. He can and will empower you to boldness you cannot drum up within yourself.

A little later it reads about the miracles:

Acts 19:11–12 (ESV) And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.

This is what happened back in Acts 3. Miraculous powers at work in the bold and Spirit Filled disciples. But that's not all...

Seven sons of Sceva try to fein Christian authority by trying to cast out a demon. They demon recognizes they aren't under the authority of Christ and jump on them, over powers them and sends them packing. This is what happened in Acts 5 when Ananias and Sapphira acted more "spiritual" than they were. 

The result in the community is very similar as well...

Acts 19:17–18 (ESV) And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. 18 Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices.

There is mass public repentance and conversion...

Acts 19:19 (ESV) And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver.

And notice almost the exact same phrase from Acts 6:7...

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

God is moving in a very familiar way. Pouring out the Holy Spirit, empowering bold witness for Christ, doing the miraculous and weeding out the pretenders. The city of Ephesus is dramatically and forever changed, converts are made, disciples are formed and the Word increases and prevails!

WOW!

Perhaps this is why the Holy Spirit said "no" before, it wasn't quite the right time for Asia. I can't say that for sure but this I do know... when God chooses to sovereignly move in an area, it is undeniable and you cannot stop it. All you can do is ride the wave and enjoy it. Paul was ready by being faithful through a lot of challenging ministry before this season. And yes, his challenges were far from over, he would suffer much more, but this was a time of tremendous blessing and fruitfulness in ministry.

We can expect the same. God will see us through the challenging times and bring us through to the fruitful times. The key is to be faithful no matter what... be ready IN season and OUT of season.

Who knows what God may do next!

PRAYER:

Father I want to be ready for the move of the Holy Spirit in my life. I ask for a powerful move upon my generation and in my context. I don't want church as usual. I want to see a city changed and transformed through Holy Spirit empowered disciples. I ask humbly to be a part of a powerful move of God in my area, in Jesus' Name. Amen.