At the opening of this chapter we see followers of John finding Christ and being filled with the Spirit. I find it interesting that they got re-baptized into Christ. It makes for a very good point concerning when a person should be baptized and it is after one has received Christ as savior. Baptism prior to salvation is not found anywhere in Scripture and it was a tradition started well after the founding of the New Testament church. I encourage you if you have not surrender to baptism after salvation to make it your choice of obedience to Christ. I really believe your life will change and you will be free to follow Him.
Paul is given special miracle powers in Asia. Paul spent two years teaching and working with the people in this region. We do not know why there where so many miracles in this period of his ministry, it does not seem that it happened in every town. It may have happened because of so much demonic oppression that Paul dealt with and the sickness that abounded was because of the demons. Paul cast demons out and in one point demons got bold with someone who attempted to do the work of God without being saved and empowered by God. Don’t take God’s work lightly or casually, this is a very serious and empowering work God has called us to. Satan is blinding people all around us, we must pray for the Spirit of God to miraculously give them spiritual sight.
The last part of the chapter deals with a riot. The riot is caused by Demetrius who was a silversmith that made idols. With so many people coming to Christ this man’s business was going under. This happened during Billy Sunday’s revivals with the bars in town. So many times people refuse to give their life to Christ because they fear losing out financially. Many will not go all in with Christ because they feel like they will have to give to the church, or support a mission project. It is true, totally following Christ changes how we make a living and how we spend what we make.
I pray God will open a season of revival as in the days of Paul in Ephesus. Where many come to receive Christ, they get baptized and they change their lives. Are you praying for a revival and can God start that revival with you?
Do you have any thoughts on revival? Send us an email at memorial@fidnet.com or mbpastor@fidmail.com
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