Acts 19

Intro

three stories about who is motivating you

Paul in Ephesus

a similar situation as Apollos when he arrives

not being baptized into the Holy Spirit

an interesting case for our tradition

what does it mean when the power came into them?

continues on in the synagogues of Asia minor

Sons of Sceva

Paul has become a household name for healing

don’t trust the people on tv

seven sons of a Jewish high priest want to play at exorcism

something Jesus and the apostles do

maybe if we just use the name it’ll have some power and we will become great like they are

the demon defeats them easily and mocks them and the story spreads

people know that Jesus and those who are close to him are more powerful even than the things we can’t see or understand

Silver Riots

Paul wants to return to Jerusalem before he goes on to Rome

a silver smith of one of the big Greek gods is upset with how popular this monotheistic religion is becoming

they may lose their jobs and their religion over this

they take hold of some of Paul’s friends

the town clerk saves the day

Application

who you are motivated by matters

the truth is there are only two options

yourself- idols, greed, power, authority, only part of the story

Christ- love and caring and hope and life