Acts 19

In this Bible study on Acts 19, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores St. Paul's third missionary journey, focusing on his time in Ephesus where he stayed for three years. Fr. Matthias explains the distinction between John’s baptism and the sacramental baptism in the name of Jesus, emphasizing the necessity of receiving the Holy Spirit. He also discusses the separate sacraments of baptism and confirmation, detailing how these were practiced in the early Church. The talk covers Paul’s teaching in Ephesus, the spread of Christianity amid opposition, and the role of miracles in affirming the gospel message. Fr. Matthias highlights a significant event involving Jewish exorcists misusing Jesus’ name and the powerful response from evil spirits. He also recounts the uproar caused by Demetrius the silversmith, whose idol-making business was threatened by Paul’s preaching, leading to a large mob protest. Throughout, the connection between faith, baptism, confirmation, and living the Christian life is clarified, with references to the cultural and religious context of the time.