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Caution to students of God's Word - Please remember two things when using our studies: #1. Our commentary is not God's Word. It is only our interpretation or understanding of "His Word" and even though we try our best to be accurate we may or may not be correct. #2. The King James translation, or any other translation, of the original Hebrew text has some words which were given different translations at different places probably because of the interpreters preconceived ideas of what they think God meant to say. For example: According to the notes in the "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible" the Hebrew word hayah in the KJV is Trans. (became) 67 times, (becamest or came to pass) 505 times, (become) 66 times, and (come to pass) 131 times, but for some reason in Genesis 1:2 it is translated (was)! That sure changes the way a person perceives the original creation of the earth, doesn't it? Gen. 1:2 And the earth was (became) without form, ... Having said that, let us continue with our "Key Knowledge" lessons. These are pamphlets containing knowledge, we believe, you must have to fully and accurately unlock and understand the Word of God.

John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:13-14
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

This Bible Study was originally written by Roger Christopherson,
published at http://www.theseason.org/

Without the leading by the Holy Spirit, there is no understanding of the truths, for all the truth of the Scriptures are revealed to us by God's Spirit.

"Paul's Ministry at Ephesus, Opposition Without, [1-20]."
"Pauls Final Ministry, Disturbance at Ephesus, [21-41]."

Acts 19:1 "And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,"

Apollos was that eloquent speaker, who was born in Alexandria, and very knowledgable in the Scriptures, the one who Priscilla had taught. While Apollos was at Corinth teaching and preaching, Paul moved on into Asia. Remember that Paul had wanted to go there in the very beginning. However, the Holy Spirit changed Paul's direction, and Paul went with Barnabas to Lystra, Derbe and elsewhere on that first missionary journey. The assignment that Paul was sent on with Barnabas was now over, and Paul had made a vow of the Nazarite, and he will fulfill that vow on Pentecost day, in Jerusalem.

So keep in mind that all of Paul's travels are taking him closer to Jerusalem, and the fulfillment of that vow.

Acts 19:2 "He said unto them, "Have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believe?" And they said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Spirit."

Paul is at Ephesus and upon arriving at Ephesus he asked the Christians there if they had received the Holy Spirit? This was a surprise to them, for they had never heard of such a thing as the Holy Spirit.

Acts 19:3 "And he said unto them, "Unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said, "Unto John's baptism."

Paul then wanted to know what belief they were baptized in? They were baptized in the only baptism that they had heard of, John the Baptist's baptism. John the Baptist baptized in the spirit of repentance; He was at the river Jordan and called out, repent and be baptized, and they came by the thousands to be baptized. They repented and were baptized unto the coming Savior.

Acts 19:4 "Then said Paul, "John verily baptized with the baptizm of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him Which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus."

To be baptized with "the baptism of repentance" means you have a change of mind, and heart to turn away from sin. That was the message of John, that they should believe on the coming Savior, Jesus Christ. Paul is at Ephesus, and the distance from Ephesus to Jerusalem is very close, and many from Ephesus had heard John preach, and were baptized. However, this is now twenty years after Christ's resurrection, and these Christians at Ephesus were still in the dark over the matter.

The reason for this, was that it was very dangerous to be a Christian, and to let it be known. It is also dangerous for a person to be one today, if they teach the truth, and avoid the traditions of men, and the false doctrines being taught.

Editor's Note: Not so much physically, especially here in America, but emotional abuse from the established church leadership whose primary goal is membership and the offering plate.

To teach the truth and have His protection we must be surrounded with the presence of the Holy Spirit, and Almighty God. However, the word of Christ's ascension had not arrived there yet.

Acts 19:5 "When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."

We today take for granted the baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus, and they would say, What is the differance between the baptism of John, and the baptism in Jesus name? The difference is this; before the Holy Spirit could come, Christ had to pay the price on the cross to pay the price for each of our sins. The other thing that had to happen is that Jesus Christ had to conquer death, whereby we could be saved. That is the good news.

What did that mean? It meant that to be absent from the physical flesh body, was to be present immediately with Him in heaven. Jesus defeated death and he also defeated sin. Satan is death, and we just don't have to put up with him anymore. This is why the power of the Holy Spirit is so important. This power that comes from the Holy Spirit is transfered to the Christian in baptism.

Editor's Note: I am not sure I agree whole heartily with the above statement. Is he saying water baptism is necessary?

That is why it is so important for you and I to be baptized. Repentance is important, but you have the baptism of repentance also in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and when you are baptized in the Holy Spirit you become a new creature, and all your past sins are paid for and blotted out before the Heavenly Father

From that point in time of your repentance, there is nothing to fear of God, for the bonding force is your love for God, and His love for you. Then after repenting, when someone tells you that you are going to hell for doing a certain thing, and tries to scare you into a public repentance, turn them off, for they are judging you, and upon repentance you are no longer a sinner.

A special warning to those that would tell their little children that God would judge them to hell, when the are still in the age of innocence. You are putting the devils markings on Almighty God, for that is what Molech worship is, the burning of children to the gods. It is Satan that leads people into the lake of fire, not God, after the judgment of God. If a child needs discipline, then you discipline them. Don't turn them against our Heavenly Father's love with the devil's lies.

So it was a wonderful thing that these Christians at Ephesus were now baptized into the name of Jesus.

Acts 19:6 "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."

It was not Paul's hands that had done this, but the Holy Spirit. This is the same Spirit from Pentecost day, as spoken of in Acts 2:6, 7; "Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language." [6] "And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, "Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?" " [7]

Tongues are plural here because when they spoke it, it was heard in every language that was present. The hearer did not hear babbling, or all the other languages running together, but each of them heard only what was said in their own language and dialect where they were born.

Acts 2:8 "And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born."

This is the proof that the Holy Spirit was present, and the evidence of His presence is that you can speak in it. That evidence requires nothing of the hearer, except that they can hear. It matters not which language that the speaker speaks, for when the Holy Spirit speaks, every language in the world is understood at the same time in the ear of the listener. It is so clear in understanding that a person from Boston would think that a Mexican was from Boston, as the message was given in Spanish. There is no mystery to the Holy Spirit's speaking, for it is crystal clear in understanding.

Acts 19:8 "And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God."

These twelve men went into the synagogue and spoke boldly as they preached and taught. These men were guided by the Holy Spirit, and what they taught was the "Kingdom of God". A "kingdom" is made up of the king and his dominion. We are talking about the kingdom of Almighty God, and the king that shall reign over that kingdom is His Son, Jesus the Christ. Though Jesus' kingdom does not rule the earth now, very shortly, after the short reign of Satan, as the spurious messaih, Jesus will return to earth and reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Revelation 19:15 "And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almight God."

Revelation 19:16 "And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

God's dominion is the entire universe, and realms that are beyond our understanding, yet God has allowed Satan to become the prince of the darkness of this world age. It just so happens that the souls that the Heavenly Father is concerned with in this flesh age are those living on earth in this age of the flesh. In God's perfect plan, all souls must enter this world age of the flesh, and go through this life in the flesh only once.

God has allowed Satan to have power and control over those individuals who allow Satan to rule over them. Each person enters this age of the flesh, through the womb of woman, and God gives each person the free will to chose whom they will follow. It is sad in this world age that Christians don't understand that they have authority over Satan, that if they will only excercise that power given them from the Holy Spirit, they can have control over Satan and his realm.

Paul's hands did not bring forth the Holy Spirit, but God brought forth the Holy Spirit, it was the obedience of Paul laying on his hands, and no doubt Paul did it with the oil of our people, olive oil.

Acts 19:9 "But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus."

You can always count on the fact that some will not believe when the Word goes forth. They are the trouble makers. They took the words that were spoke by the Spirit through these twelve men, and twisted those words and spoke evil of "the way". That way of salvation is through Jesus Christ our Lord.

"Tyrannus" means "Sovereign" in the Greek, and schools existed way back in the earliest of times. Even Nebuchadnezzar had schools, and great libraries of books. When he would conquer a nation, he would take the bright children and sent them to school. That is where Daniel was sent as a youth, when the House of Judah fell. So we see that Tyrannus was a college at this time.

Acts 19:10 "And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

Though Paul had left Ephesus to complete his vow, the disputing and discussion of the "Kingdom of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ" [the way] continued on both in school and outside of the school for two years. This become common talk of discussion not just in Ephesus, but in Asia; to the Jews as well as the Greeks.

It is nice that today it dosen't take two years to cover a large area, but with the throwing of a switch, we can cover the entire world with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is time that we warn people for the coming deception that is coming upon the entire earth, whereby they will not have to stand naked before Jesus at His return, having given themselves over to the "instead of christ" who is Satan. The time is coming upon us where the entire world will face a raging enemy spiritually, and that battlefield will take place in our minds.

With the Holy Spirit within us, we can command Satan to keep his distance, and order him out of our lives.

Acts 19:12 "So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them."

The handkerchiefs or aprons had nothing to do with the diseases departing from them, it was their obedience and faith that God is in control taking care of His own children. You have to realize that you are very special to God, when you love Him. Let Him know that you love Him. God will clear paths for you, even when you are unaware of the protection that you have. Give God the glory and praise for all those things that he allows in your life, even for the corrections that He gives at times.

When you order the evil spirits out of your life, they must depart because the Spirit of God is within you. God is ever present, and He has no problem in protecting His own. We are told in Matthew 18:10 that God's elect has a special angel that has the face of God instantly when there is trouble. When you are in a time of trouble, that angel will call attention of it to the Father.

Editor's Note: I've said it before, I'll say it again, "I believe your special angel, is you, and that right now you are still spiritually in heaven pleading your case, seeking God's protection".

I believe your angel in heaven is you, yourself. I believe that when we come to earth, in our turn, to spend some time in the flesh, we are also still in heaven, in our spirit form watching are own every move in our flesh experience. Probably with a coach saying, "See! See! Look what you did there! See what it cost you. Did you learn any thing that will help you up here?" I hope you did! I'm only joshing about the coach. But, I do believe there is no reason we can't be here on earth, in the flesh, and in heaven, in spirit, both at the same time. I say that because, and please do not misunderstand me, I'm not in any way saying we are like God. But, think for a minute, wasn't Christ both in heaven, in spirit, and here on earth, in the flesh, both at the same time? Just a thought! Oh Well! May be I THINK TOO MUCH!

While I'm on a roll and speculating (making a fool of my self, you say.) think about this. In Genesis 1:26 When God said,"Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:...", maybe He was giving each of us a assignment to draw up the plans for a earthen flesh and blood likeness of ourselves, to be used at a later date ,when our turn came. Isn't the Bible fun to study?

Now please read the following studies. They are relevant.

Each little child's angel is in heaven right now.

"The Angel Is One of Us!!!!"
Letter from Suzie The angel is one of us!
This verse proves that the Angel of the Lord is God Himself
The angel of the Lord that Gideon saw was God Himself,

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Matthew 18:10 "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father Which is in heaven." We call them our guardian angels.

Acts 19:13 "Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, "We adjure you by Jesus Whom Paul preacheth."

It is important that you understand who these "certain of the vagabond Jews" are. They are first recorded in
Genesis 4:12; "When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; and fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth."

These Jews are the vagabond Kenites, that is to say "sons of Cain", and they claimed to be Jews. As it is written in Revelation 2:9; "I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty (but thou art rich), and I know the blasphemy of them which say thay are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan." This word "synagogue" is number 4868 in Strong's numbered Greek dictionary; it says, "sunairo, to make up together, to account for,-reckon."

Our brothers from the tribe of Judah suffers greatly because of these "vagabonds". So we have the clue that these Kenite Jews, who play arouund with the demonic spirits, and say that they cast out demons, are going to try their tricks using Jesus name, rather then their father Satan.

These Kenites had observed the demons fleeing, and they knew that Paul was able to drive them out "in the name of Jesus". Whether Paul laid his hands on them, or a handkerchief, the demons fled in terror at the name of Jesus. These vagabond Kenites had advertised that they were exorcists, and they were going to copy what Paul was doing.

The whole idea shows their lack of faith and belief in Jesus Christ. First of all, Satan can not, nor will he, attack his own house, but for the sake of ripping off many and taking their money, they try to give the illusion of having evil spirits flee. This type of religious people have always existed, and they advertise their falsehoods. They claim to be something that they are not, and in ignorance today, most Christians simply can't tell the difference. Most Christians cannot tell something from God's Word and the Holy Spirit, from what the vagabond preachers of today are peddling.

That is what is happening here. These vagabonds have seen and heard Paul say, "In the name of Jesus Christ, come out of her." and the evil spirits made haste to flee. So they tried it; "In the name of the one that Paul mentioned..." It just didn't work.

Acts 19:14 "And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so."

This Sceva, who had the seven sons was appointed the head of the Sanhedrin, and he was appointed in some form by the Roman government, not God. It was this high religious Kenite vagabond, who sat over the Sanhedrin that tried to chase evil spirits out, by mocking Paul's actions and words.

It is also interesting here that the word "Sceva" means "left hand", and the power of God is always on the right hand, thus we have an tip from the beginning that this guy is not of God, but his father the devil. Satan is no dummy, and evil spirits a the spirits of Satan. It is Satan that allow his people to do with his demons, as he pleases.

God allows evil spirits to live in this earth age of the flesh, as much as His Holy Spirits dwells in this age, for it is all part of God's plan. Can they do harm to you? Not if you are saved and take control over them with the power that God has given to you. Only one who believes in Jesus Christ, and is saved through the repentance of their sins, in Jesus name, can have the power of God's Spirit. This power that we have is not our power, but we have the authority to call on that power, which is the Holy Spirit from God. Don't ever sell the Holy Spirit short, and that is why it is important to study God's Word, for our knowledge of the Word gives each of us individually the faith and knowledge to know what power we do have, as well as the conditions that surround that power.

When a Christian lacks that knowledge and understanding of the Word and the Holy Spirit, he can leave himself open for a lot of trouble. The devil likes to come in and fill the void, where faith and understanding are missing, and Satan and his spirits can leave a Christian family bickering over the smallest things.

Acts 19:15 "And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?"

This evil spirit is one of Satan's own spirits that is answering these Kenites Jews. This priest named Sceva, the head of the Sanhedrin, and his seven sons were helpless against these evil spirits. The spirits knew the power of God and the Holy Spirit, but neither God nor the Holy Spirit was in Sceva nor his seven sons, and without faith and belief God was not going to protect them. Sceva was helpless in front of these evil spirits.

Acts 19:16 "And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded."

Think of the embarrasment that came to Sceva and his seven sons, as these men ran from the house naked as a jaybird, screaming with these evil spirits filling their minds. They were out of control, and wounding themselves as they crashed into things as they went. This old priest Sceva has some explaining to do back at the Sanhedrin. Some great exorcist he was, that reverend of the night was tarnished a bit. This super preacher deluxe was running out of the building naked and wounded when the demons were through with them. They tried to out-smart Satan on their own without the power of God, and it just doesn't work.

This is why if you ever attempt to despell Satan on your own, which you have the authority to do, as recorded in Luke 10:19, you must be a believer and have the faith to do so. "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you". The serpents are the Kenites and the scorpions are the spirits of Satan. Jesus gave you that power over all of them, including Satan. All of them know the name that they are to run from, you don't have to remind them.

When you order them out, don't allow them hang around, but order them back to where they came from. That means death to those spirits. But you better know what you are doing, and then the spirits will leave you and yours alone..

Acts 19:17 "And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified."

The people could now see the power of Christians faith for what it was. As you study our Father's Word, your discernment will grow with your faith and knowledge of the Word. With it comes your ability to tell a man with the true Spirit of God, from the fakes. A gifted teacher is one that allows God's Word to flow through him, or her, and presents the Word as it ought to be taught. There is no confusion then because the entire Scripture is rightly divided with the entire plan of God.

Acts 19:18 "And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds."

Acts 19:19 "Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver."

"Curious arts" in the Greek is "periergos" arts, which goes beyond that which is a legitimate. It includes witchcraft, black magic, ouigi boards, and other toys and games they teach you to fool around with Satan's evil spirits. It included also the using of mediums, for all a medium does is talk to an evil spirit that occupied a person at a time in the past. That time could be in the hundreds or even thousands of years prior, so naturally they have the knowledge of the person that they possesed. There is nothing new about this for it has been around from Satan's fall.

When all the people brought their books and games to one location, they counted the price of all those evil items, and the value was 50,000 pieces of silver. This was a lot of money even then, and it was invested in things that would cause them to fall flat on their face every time. If you are a Christian, and have faith in Jesus Christ, there is no power in this world that can place a curse on you. Why? Because you will order that junk away from you, and out of your life. It is you that orders Satan's realm to leave. It is a joke to say that anyone using black magic or any demonic activity can put a spell on a man or woman of God. For what they are trying to do to you, backfires on them, and they will receive twice what they try to place on you. You just don't have to fear any of those things, after you repent and receive the Lord Jesus Christ.

However, there is power in Satan if you are a nonbeliever. A Satan practitioner can destroy your entire life, if you let him. I don't intend to let him, and you don't either. We can take on Satan and his entire realm every day, and we do it through the sword of the Lord, which is the Word of God that gives us the armor to stand against anything that Satan will throw against us.

Paul writes back to Ephesus in a letter, and gives those Christians as well as us today, instructions on on defending ourselves against Satan. Those instructions are written in the Book of Ephesians 6:10-20.

Ephesians 6:10 "Finally, my brethren, be storng in the Lord, and in the power of His might."

To "be strong in the Lord" means to be sure in your mind of the Lord. Our strength in the Lord comes from the things we can do in the authority of Jesus Christ's name. God's might is where all our power comes from. God cares, and gives those who call on His name the strength needed to see us through any difficulty."

Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Now is the time that we had better be preparing ourselves to know what is going to transpire, and what we must have to use against Satan, and all his forces. We must know him and all his names; the Antichrist, the serpent, the king of Tyre, the devil, and all of his other names, which alerts us to the actions that he will use against us.

The "wiles of the devil" refers to the lies, tricks, and deceitfulness he and his offspring [the Kenites] may use to bring down Christians. The "whole armour" is all the protection necessary to stand against those lies and deception. Your entire body has to be protected against Satan, or he will out-wit you, and you will not stand.

Ephesians 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

This battle we are going to fight is not against people you see and hear, but it is against hidden and deceitful spiritual powers. Satan is the prince of darkness, and spiritually he controls the minds and actions of not only rulers of this earth, but all evil spirits in the heavenlies. These are the angelic beings in a fallen state. Are you preparred mentally to do battle with them? This battle is not with guns and swords, but with words and doctrines; with concepts and ideas, and these are the fiery darts that Satan will conduct his warfare against you with.

Ephesians 6:13 "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

We will stand against Satan, and all his forces, and that evil day is just before the Lord's return. On that day we had better be prepared to stand and face Satan, with our full armor on.

\Ephesians 6:14 "Stand therefore, having you loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;"

Your "girt" is your belt, the thing that holds up your pants. Our spiritual belt is the turth of God's word; all of it. Like the belt, it also holds you together and keeps you from flying off in any direction. If you know what to expect you will not stray off into Satan's camp in ignorance.

Our "breastplate of righteousness" is our justification, or authority for everything we say or do. That is also the Word of God. That truth will only protect you, when you allow the wisdom of God to direct your thinking. Without that truth in your mind, you are spiritually naked, and defenseless in any spiritual battle.

Ephesians 6:15 "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;"

This is the kind of shoes that we all must have on. The only true peace is that which comes from Jesus Christ. The "gospel of peace" is the "good news of God's full plan", which includes all the Word of God. Your feet are used to get you where you are going, while your shoes protect your feet in the journey. So we had better have gospel shoes on while we move in these final days. This gives us protection in our knowing exactly where to walk, and what to expect. There are no secrets for these days, as to how Satan's forces will move; for it is all written in God's Word.

Ephesians 6:16 "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

Paul is telling us that this is the most important armor, "above all". When we put on our "shield of faith" we can quinch [or snuff out] all of Satan's firey darts. there is absolutely nothing Satan can send against you mentally, if you are filled with the seal of the living God. Our "shield" is our faith, or the certain knowledge that we know that when Satan comes against us, we will automatically be given the moves we are to take to shield ourselves from him. Whatever comes our way will be snuffed out in God's protection.

Ephesians 6:17 "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:"

The "sword of the spirit" is the Word of God. Revelation 1:16 tells us that His sword is a two edged sword that destroys all of Satan's lies and deceptions. It is the Word of God, from the mouth of God, and written for us in the Bible.

Ephesians 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints,"

Ephesians 6:19 "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel."

The mystery of the gospel was stated in Ephesians 1:4; "I chose you before the foundations of the world". That was the overthrow of Satan in the first earth age. If you prove yourself worthy then, you will prove yourself worthy in this earth age of the flesh. Romans 8 documents this and gives us a second witness to this, as to how you were chosen, or predestined.

Ephesians 6:20 "for which I am an abvassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."

This is where your power is, the Word of God. The power and growth came from the Word of God. The disciples and preachers didn't grow mightly, but it all came from the Word of God, and at that time it was the Old Testament. That is where all of God's promises were stored for them, that gave them power and peace of mind to change their lives.

Acts 19:21 "After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Acaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

Paul wanted to go to Rome, but first he had to complete his vow of the Nazarite, and go to Jerusalem.

Acts 19:22 "So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season."

"That way" was Jesus Christ. The way is the path, and the path is Jesus Christ did to give us the victory. When you leave that path, or way, then you are heading for trouble. The preaching of Jesus Christ caused other kinds of trouble, for it was hitting the pocket books of many.

Acts 19:24 "For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;"

The craftsmen were getting rich in making their idols and trinkets of the shrines of Diana. Diana was a multi-breasted goddess of the orient, and there were shrines to her in Ephesus. She was the goddess of fertility, and they believed she gave a surplus of everything. She was believed to be the emblematic figure which indicated that she is the universal mother of all creation. She was the center of worship even in ancient Babylon, and was called Semiramis, "Queen of Babylon".

So we see that Diana was well known amongst the people of that day, and idols to Diana would have a high commercial value. These commercial craftsmen are about to lose a lot of trade as the gospel of Christ is preached, of converts will have nothing to do with their idolatry.

Acts 19:25 "Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, "Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth."

Demetrius is forming a union to fight this attack on his trade, and he is calling all other craftsmen that are making money off the idolatry to Diana. This is now getting to the bottom of most idolatry and trinkets to whatever gods or goddess, it makes someone rich.

How would you like to serve a god that was made by hands? You would have to prop it up to keep it from falling over on its face. You have to clean it off because it would get filthy, and you have to protect it, if it is made of gold of silver, to keep people from stealing it and melting it down. Well this is the type of god or goddess that these craftsmen are creating. This queen of heaven is nothing but trash, and the people are starting to see it that way. They were turning from idolatry to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Acts 19:26 "Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throoughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:"

Paul's preaching had reached the ears of people all over Asia, and men and women were turning from idolatry to Christ. Demetrius is telling these idol makers that Paul is saying that we are making bunch of fakes with our hands. That any god made with man's hands is not a god. Are you starting to get the point? Demetrius and the others are losing money fast, and they are trying to put a stop to Paul's teaching.

Acts 19:27 "So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth."

These craftmakers believed their own lies. They knew that their livelihood was going down the tube, but they also saw their goddess Diana being despised, and ridiculed for the piece of junk that she was. Just a hunk of earth formed to a deformed woman image. The laugh of the town. These talented people formed their silver to their image of her, and their pride is taking over.

There is not to much new under the sun, because even today most of the world worships the king of Babylon, and they don't even know who he is. He is a false Christ. Nebuchadnezzar was a type of the "king of Bablyon", that is spoken of in the book of Revelation. Diana is the lady of that same old man, Satan, that will come very shortly. Diana is an idol made with idle hands and evil spirits.

Acts 19:28 "And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians."

Acts 19:29 "And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre."

These craftsmen were all worked up, and they should have been. They were filled with the queen of Babylon, Diana, and "Babylon" means "confusion". So in their state of confusion, in a mass they rushed out and grabbed the only ones that they could find, Gaius and Aristarchus, who they knew were traveling companions with Paul, and rushed them back into the theater.

Acts 19:30 "And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not."

There was a mob starting here, with these men of Demetrius, and the Christians pleading with Paul not to go into the threater.

Acts 19:31 "And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre."

The "chief of Asia" in the Greek is called "Asiarches", and that person was chosen for his or her wealth and position to plan and preside over the public festivals of art and games, and in return it was expected of them to help pay for some of the expenses. It was just prior to this uprising of Demetrius, that Artemisius should be wholly devoted to festivals in her honour. This Artemisius had heard Pauls teaching, and liked Paul. Paul was a very persuasive preacher.

Acts 19:32 "Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together."

As time passed, the assembly grew more confused then at the beginning, to the point that no one could hear, not alone understand the others. The assembly was growing into a mob, and no one knew now why there were even there.

There is nothing new about this today. Most people don't even know why they are on this planet, whether or not there is a God, and their lives are nothing but confusion. If it were known, and had they lived in that day, they probably would have also worshipped Diana.

Acts 19:33 "And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people."

Notice that it is the Jews, the "Ioudaous" in the Greek, # 2453 in the Stong's Greek dictionary, which means that they lived in the land of Judaea. It would be unthinkable for any son of the tribe of Judah [real Jew] to worship, and be attached to the idol of Diana. They worshipped only one God who was the God of gods, our Heavenly Father. So we see that it was a Kenite that was claiming to be of our brother Judah, or a descendant of Judah that was doing the urging. These Jews were pushing Alexander to speak to the people.

Acts 19:34 "But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians."

The people knew that the Jews did not worship Diana, and they were not about to let Alexander speak on anyones behalf. Then for the next two hours this massive theater rocked with the mob's chant, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians". This is what is called "working a crowd up".

Acts 19:35 "And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, "Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?"

Let's call this "town clerk", the "town mayor". Just like a politician, he is buttering them up with the mystic tale that their statue of Diana fell from Jupiter. This is the tradition that was passed down through many generation, to the point that it must be true because it was tradition. Traditions all start out the same way, the mixing of some believable facts with a pack of lies, and from it comes the tradition.

We have it today in the "rapture doctrine, and the Easter bunny". The rapture doctrine started in a vision from a mentally ill woman, Margeret McDonald of Scotland, in 1830, and from her vision the brethren twisted it, and pulled verses out of context to form their "rapture doctrine." That is also how the worship of Diana started, with man's ideas and destortions, twisted into a fairy-tale that became a religion, and the mayor is relating that story they love to hear back to them.

However keep in mind that what is running through the mayors mind is the group of Roman soldiers that is becoming very uneasy with this mob that is forming inside the theater. The mayor knew that in any moment if this continued much longer, the city would fall under marshal law. The mayor would be in trouble. So we can see why he is soothing them down with this story first, to get them under control. So he tells them, "we all know that Diana is god."

Acts 19:36 "Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly."

The mayor is reminding them that no one has fought against Diana, or condemned her, so settle yourslves down. Everything is going to be alright.

Acts 19:37 "For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess."

He is reminding them that these men, Paul, Gaius and Aristarchus haven't gone into the temple and stolen anything of Diana, and they have said nothing of Diana, neither for or against her.

These are the acts of the Apostles, and notice that in Paul's promotion of the Gospel of Christ, not one word is mentioned of the other religious beliefs, because you are not promoting a religion, but the reality that Jesus Christ and the Spirit of God does bring to your life. Teach God's Word only and His Word will explain what He wishes His own to know and follow. We are not to stand and teach against any denomination, for it just doesn't matter to us what they teach. What matters is what God's Word teaches. God's word taught in an positive and intelligent way will give those with ears to hear, the understanding to apply it to their lives.

This mayor is doing a good job of handling this mob and bringing them to a point of control.

Acts 19:38 "Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another."

The mayor is telling the crowd that if Demetrius and the other silversmiths have a legal claim against these Christians, let them bring it before a court of law with the proper charges. Let them go to the court house, and post their charges. The court house is open, and the judges are the ones to deside if their charges are true.

Acts 19:39 "But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly."

He is also reminding them that if there are other matters, do it in an lawful assembly, and keep those Romans off our necks. If they come against you, I can't defend you.

Acts 19:40 "For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse."

The point that the mayor is trying to get over to them is that the Romans will not allow this type of activity in their empire. They have laws that govern, and when there is confusion, it will be dealt with. The mayor is telling them that they have no right to be in an uproar like this, and if the Romans came to me for an answer, I wouldn't even know what to say to them.

There are many temples of different religious thought today, where ideas of many different positions are stated.

Most of the time in most of our Christian churches, there is but a verse or two given, then a drifting off to other areas of discussion. As the discussion grows, so will the subject of thought, and they will go on and on for the rest of the service, long after the subject of the verse or two has been forgotten. The point I am bringing out is that the House of God is to teach the Word of God, and not the traditions of men.

We are to have order in our worship, for God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. Those of the board, and the teacher or pastor that is conducting that meeting of study is suppose to maintain order. The leader of the service should use the same common sense that this mayor did, in bringing order, and sense to what was said; however, the good Christian leader will always use reason from the Word of God, using the power and authority invested in him or her by Almighty God.

This is just another example set forth from the Acts of the Apostles of how we are to keep all matters in order, and when there is conflict or a lack of understanding, that is alright, for no person is held responsible for whether or not a seed of the Word will take root, we are only responsable to plant the seed, then it is the Holy Spirit of God that does the nurturing of that seed to either grow or die out. You then just leave it alone. Only God Himself can cause that seed to grow.