This Sunday, we are returning to Ephesus. Ephesus was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire. Ephesus was known for its worship of Diana, the Latin goddess of fertility. Ephesus was also known for its belief in magic and superstitions. In the Roman Empire, magic spells were known as “Ephesian Letters,” because so many of them originated in Ephesus.

In Ephesus, Paul rented a school in which to have worship and to hold classes. Paul spent two years ministering in that school. During that time amazing things happened. He prayed for people, and they were miraculously healed. The people love magic and superstitions, so they are beginning to take notice of what Paul is doing. As a result, many magicians came to listen to Paul and gave their lives to Christ. This was the beginning of a cultural and religious change in the Roman Empire.

The Acts 19:11-20 passage is a powerful passage. In this passage, we will consider three important lessons.

1. Being intentional in spiritual growth.

2. When it comes to our faith, we are either all in or not in at all.

3. It may seem odd to say, since Paul was stubborn and opinionated, but we will consider the subtle and caring way Paul ministered in Ephesus.

Finally, we will look at a lesson from 40 years after Paul left Ephesus. A lesson that would be good for us to keep in mind.