The Believers At Ephesus

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: Acts 19:1-7

1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers. 2 “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them. “No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 “Then what baptism did you experience?” he asked. And they replied, “The baptism of John.” 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.” 5 As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all. (Acts 19:1-7 NLT)

John’s baptism was a transitional practice calling people to repent (turn from sin) in anticipation of the Messiah. Christian baptism is an act of faith marking a believer’s union with the risen Jesus and entry into the life of the Holy Spirit.

1. Incomplete Religion vs. Full Life in Jesus. These believers were sincere—they had turned from sin through John’s baptism of repentance. Yet, they were living in an incomplete gospel. Repentance opens the door by clearing away sin, but it is the Holy Spirit who moves in and fills the house. Reflection: Are you focused on a routine of “avoiding bad things” instead of inviting the Holy Spirit to fill and empower your life?

2. A Willingness to Keep Learning. Notice how these twelve men responded when Paul pointed out what they were missing. They didn’t get defensive or pretend to know everything. The moment they understood the fuller truth about Jesus, they immediately took action and were baptized. Reflection: When God reveals a blind spot or an area where growth is needed, are you swift to respond with humility and obedience?

3. The Holy Spirit Brings Active Power. When the Holy Spirit came upon them, immediate fruit followed—they began speaking in other tongues and prophesying. The Spirit isn’t just an abstract theological concept; He is the personal presence and active power of God in a believer’s life. Reflection: Do you lean on your own strength rather than asking the Holy Spirit for grace, wisdom, and power?

Prayer:

Father, Thank You for the truth of Jesus. Don’t let me settle for an incomplete or routine faith. Holy Spirit, I invite You freshly into my life today—empower me, guide my words, and reveal Jesus to me in deeper ways. Amen.