Acts 19

“In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power” (20). Ephesus was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, full of people earning money from idolatry and practicing magic. To thrive, new believers needed not just repentance, but full allegiance to Jesus (baptism in Jesus’ name) and the power of the Spirit (4-6). Being disciples of Jesus involved sincerely committing their whole lives; unbelievers who tried to use Jesus’ name simply as a magic charm met disaster (13-16).

“The name of Jesus was held in high honor” (17). Real Christianity is not a tool for personal profit or culture wars. Jesus calls us to radical, sacrificial discipleship so that, by the Spirit, he is glorified through us.