12 Men in Ephesus Became Followers of Christ (Acts 19:1-7)
Introduction:
1. This morning we searched the Lord's Word to learn what He wants us to know about following Him. a. The Lord wants people to follow Him. b. Each person must decide whether He will follow Christ. c. There is a price to pay to follow the Lord. d. Blessings are available to those who follow Christ. e. A number of responsibilities are involved in following Christ. 2. This evening we are studying these verses that show how "12 men in Ephesus became followers of Christ." 3. This particular example of conversion involves people who thought they were followers of the Lord, but they were not. 4. To fully understand what took place we first need to examine some information in ch.18.
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 the baptism of John (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 way were able to exercise spiritual gifts (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 F. (vs.4) Paul showed them why John's baptism was no longer valid.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.
Conclusion:
1. Later, Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:4-6 that there is "one baptism." 2. The Christians in Ephesus knew which one it is -- the baptism of the Great Commission. 3. These people thought they were followers of Christ on the basis of what they had been taught. 4. In reality they were not followers of the Lord. 5. Thankfully, Paul returned to Ephesus and found these people. 6. After being taught the truth they became followers of Christ. 7. We learn from Acts 19:1-7 what a person needs to do who has not become a true follower of the Lord.
