1. The principle revealed in Romans 8:28 is illustrated many times in the Bible, including both the Old and New Testaments. 2. In this lesson we are studying another occasion when all things worked together for good in the life of Paul, the apostle who wrote this special passage. 3. We are examining events that occurred in Ephesus (Acts 18 & 19). Discussion: I. (Acts 18:18-21) PAUL MADE A BRIEF VISIT TO EPHESUS
A. When Paul left Corinth, he took Aquila and Priscilla with him. B. Paul left Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus when he traveled to Jerusalem. C. Paul planned to return to Ephesus. II. (Acts 18:24-28) APOLLOS VISITED EPHESUS
A. (vs.24-25) Apollos was a skilled teacher, but he only knew John's baptism (Mark 1:4-5). 1. John's baptism was valid at one time, but it became invalid when Jesus gave His Great Commission. 2. Apollos was teaching a baptism that was not valid. B. (vs.26) Aquila and Priscilla taught Apollos "the way of God more perfectly." C. (vs.27-28) Apollos left Ephesus and was of great assistance in Achaia. III. (Acts 19:1-7) PAUL RETURNED TO EPHESUS
A. (vs.1) After arriving in Ephesus, Paul found "certain disciples." B. (vs.2a) Paul asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit. 1. The apostles were able to lay their hands on people who had been baptized so they could receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). 2. Those who received the Holy Spirit in this miraculous way were able to exercise spiritual gifts (Romans 1:11; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10). C. (vs.2b) These people in Ephesus did not know about receiving the Holy Spirit. D. (vs.3a) This information led Paul to ask about their baptism. E. (vs.3b) They had received John's baptism. F. (vs.4) Paul showed them why John's baptism was no longer valid. G. (vs.5) They responded by being "baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." H. (vs.6) Paul laid his hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. I. (vs.7) About twelve men were involved. IV. LATER, PAUL WROTE IN EPHESIANS 4:4-6 THAT THERE IS "ONE BAPTISM"
A. The Christians in Ephesus knew which one it is -- the baptism of the Great Commission. B. The one baptism is not: 1. christening babies [a baby cannot believe, repent, or confess -- Acts 2:38; Romans 10:10] 2. sprinkling or pouring [baptism is immersion or a burial -- Colossians 2:12] 3. for the purpose of joining a religious group after being saved [a person is saved when he is scripturally baptized, and the Lord adds him to His church -- Mark 16:16; Acts 2:47]. C. From Paul's contact with the people in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-7) we learn what a person needs to do who has not received the one baptism.
