Acts 19:8
Then Paul went into the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.
Then Paul went into the synagogue
The phrase highlights Paul's consistent strategy of beginning his ministry in each city by reaching out to the Jewish community. The synagogue served as a central place for teaching and discussion, and Paul, being a former Pharisee, was well-versed in Jewish law and customs. The Greek word for "synagogue" (συναγωγή) means "assembly" or "gathering," emphasizing the communal aspect of Jewish worship and learning. Historically, synagogues were not only places of worship but also centers for education and community affairs, making them strategic locations for Paul to introduce the message of Christ.

and spoke boldly there
The Greek word for "boldly" (παρρησιάζομαι) conveys a sense of confidence and openness. This boldness is a recurring theme in Acts, reflecting the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in the apostles' ministry. Paul's boldness is not merely a personality trait but a divine enablement to proclaim the gospel without fear. In a historical context, speaking boldly in a synagogue, where there could be strong opposition, required courage and conviction, underscoring Paul's commitment to his mission.

for three months
The duration of "three months" indicates a significant period of sustained effort and engagement. In the context of ancient itinerant ministry, staying in one place for three months suggests both the receptivity of the audience and the depth of teaching Paul was able to provide. This time frame allowed for thorough discussion and discipleship, laying a strong foundation for the new believers. It also reflects Paul's patience and perseverance in the face of potential resistance.

arguing persuasively
The phrase "arguing persuasively" comes from the Greek word διαλέγομαι, which means to reason or discuss. This indicates that Paul's approach was not merely declarative but involved dialogue and debate. He engaged with his audience intellectually, using reason and evidence to make the case for the gospel. This method was particularly effective in a synagogue setting, where debate and discussion were common practices. Paul's persuasive arguments were rooted in Scripture, showing how Jesus fulfilled the Messianic prophecies.

about the kingdom of God
The "kingdom of God" is a central theme in Jesus' teaching and the apostolic message. It refers to God's sovereign rule and the realization of His divine plan through Christ. In the Jewish context, the kingdom of God was often associated with the hope of a messianic age. Paul’s teaching would have focused on how Jesus inaugurated this kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection. Theologically, the kingdom of God encompasses both a present reality and a future hope, inviting believers to live under God's reign now while anticipating its full consummation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle and missionary who is central to the spread of Christianity in the first century. Known for his boldness and dedication to preaching the Gospel.

2. Synagogue
A Jewish place of worship and community gathering. In the context of Acts, synagogues were often the first places Paul visited to preach the Gospel to the Jews.

3. Ephesus
A major city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its large population and the Temple of Artemis. It was a significant center for early Christian evangelism.

4. The Kingdom of God
A central theme in Jesus' teaching, referring to God's sovereign rule and the spiritual realm where His will is fulfilled.

5. Three Months
The duration of Paul's ministry in the synagogue, indicating a significant period of teaching and engagement with the Jewish community.
Teaching Points
Boldness in Proclaiming the Gospel
Paul’s example encourages believers to speak boldly about their faith, even in challenging environments.

The Importance of Reasoned Argument
Engaging others with reasoned and persuasive arguments can be an effective way to share the Gospel.

Perseverance in Ministry
Paul’s three-month commitment in the synagogue demonstrates the importance of perseverance and patience in ministry efforts.

Focus on the Kingdom of God
Understanding and teaching about the kingdom of God should be central to Christian ministry, as it was in Paul’s preaching.

Engagement with Different Cultures
Paul’s ministry in Ephesus shows the importance of engaging with diverse cultures and communities to spread the Gospel.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Paul's boldness in the synagogue challenge us to be more courageous in sharing our faith today?

2. In what ways can we use reasoned arguments to effectively communicate the Gospel in our own contexts?

3. What can we learn from Paul's perseverance in Ephesus about dealing with discouragement in our own ministry efforts?

4. How does the concept of the kingdom of God influence our understanding of the Gospel and our role as Christians?

5. How can we engage with people from different cultural or religious backgrounds in a way that reflects Paul’s approach in Ephesus?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 17:2-3
Similar to his approach in Ephesus, Paul reasoned with the Jews in Thessalonica, explaining and proving that Jesus was the Messiah.

Matthew 4:23
Jesus preached about the kingdom of God, establishing a foundation for the message that Paul continued to spread.

Romans 1:16
Paul expresses his commitment to preaching the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, reflecting his actions in Ephesus.
Apollos Completed by PaulJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 19:1-23
Paul At EphesusJ. Bennett, D. D.Acts 19:1-23
Paul At EphesusA. Barnes, D. D.Acts 19:1-23
Paul At EphesusDean Vaughan.Acts 19:1-23
Paul At EphesusR. A. Bertram.Acts 19:1-23
Paul At EphesusW. M. Taylor, D. D.Acts 19:1-23
Paul's Mission Divinely DirectedW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 19:1-23
The Best Method of Evangelising a CityD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 19:1-23
The Word and the WorldF. W. Robertson, M. A.Acts 19:1-23
The Spiritual, the Supernatural, and the NaturalW. Clarkson Acts 19:8-17
Triumphs of the Gospel At EphesusR.A. Redford Acts 19:8-20
Work of Paul At EphesusE. Johnson Acts 19:8-20
Paul's Ministry At EphesusActs 19:8-22
Paul's Ministry At EphesusA. F. Schauffler.Acts 19:8-22
Paul's Preaching At EphesusProf. Eadie.Acts 19:8-22
People
Alexander, Apollos, Aristarchus, Demetrius, Diana, Ephesians, Erastus, Gaius, John, Jupiter, Macedonians, Paul, Sceva, Timotheus, Timothy, Tyrannus
Places
Achaia, Asia, Corinth, Ephesus, Jerusalem, Macedonia, Rome
Topics
Afterwards, Arguing, Boldly, Carried, Concern, Continued, Conviction, Disputing, During, Entered, Entering, Explaining, Fear, Fearlessly, Kingdom, Months, Period, Persuading, Persuasively, Pleading, Preach, Preaching, Reasoning, Reign, Space, Spake, Speaking, Spoke, Synagogue, Teaching, Truths
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 19:8

     2376   kingdom of God, coming
     7712   convincing
     7751   persuasion
     7756   preaching, content
     8202   boldness
     8654   importunity, to people

Acts 19:1-12

     5108   Paul, life of

Acts 19:8-9

     2426   gospel, responses
     5893   insults
     6245   stubbornness
     7456   synagogue
     7797   teaching
     8497   witnessing, approaches

Acts 19:8-10

     5842   eloquence
     7703   apologetics
     8220   courage, facing enemies

Acts 19:8-12

     8427   evangelism, kinds of

Library
Would-Be Exorcists
'...Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?' --ACTS xix. 15. These exorcists had no personal union with Jesus. To them He was only 'Jesus whom Paul preached.' They spoke His name tentatively, as an experiment, and imitatively. To command 'in the name of Jesus' was an appeal to Jesus to glorify His name and exert His power, and so when the speaker had no real faith in the name or the power, there was no answer, because there was really no appeal. I. The only power which can cast out the evil
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Two Fruitful Years
'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. 2. He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Fight with Wild Beasts at Ephesus
'After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. 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. 23. And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. 24. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Whitsunday.
Have you received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? It appears, by what follows these words, that the question here related especially to those gifts of the Holy Ghost which were given, in the first age of the church, as a sign of God's power, and a witness that the work of the gospel was from God. Yet although this be so, and therefore the words, in this particular sense, cannot to any good purpose be asked now; yet there is another sense, and that not a lower but a far higher one, in which we
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

On the Study of the Evidences of Christianity.
THE investigation of that important and extensive subject which includes what have been usually designated as The Evidences of Revelation,' has prescriptively occupied a considerable space in the field of theological literature, especially as cultivated in England. There is scarcely one, perhaps, of our more eminent divines who has not in a greater or less degree distinguished himself in this department, and scarcely an aspirant for theological distinction who has not thought it one of the surest
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World

Paul's Journeys Acts 13:1-38:31
On this third journey he was already planning to go to Rome (Acts 19:21) and wrote an epistle to the Romans announcing his coming (Rom. 1:7, 15). +The Chief City+, in which Paul spent most of his time (Acts 19:1, 8, 10), between two and three years upon this journey, was Ephesus in Asia Minor. This city situated midway between the extreme points of his former missionary journeys was a place where Ephesus has been thus described: "It had been one of the early Greek colonies, later the capital
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The Pastoral Epistles.
Comp. § 33, pp. 327-329. Contents. The three Pastoral Epistles, two to Timothy and one to Titus, form a group by themselves, and represent the last stage of the apostle's life and labors, with his parting counsels to his beloved disciples and fellow-workers. They show us the transition of the apostolic church from primitive simplicity to a more definite system of doctrine and form of government. This is just what we might expect from the probable time of their composition after the first Roman
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

Whether Baptism May be Reiterated?
Objection 1: It seems that Baptism may be reiterated. For Baptism was instituted, seemingly, in order to wash away sins. But sins are reiterated. Therefore much more should Baptism be reiterated: because Christ's mercy surpasses man's guilt. Objection 2: Further, John the Baptist received special commendation from Christ, Who said of him (Mat. 11:11): "There hath not risen among them that are born of women, a greater than John the Baptist." But those whom John had baptized were baptized again, according
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Pastor in Parish (ii. ).
Work on in hope; the plough, the sickle wield; Thy Master is the harvest's Master too; He gives the golden seed, He owns the field, And does Himself what His true servants do. I take up again the all-important subject of Pastoral Visitation, for the same sort of informal and fragmentary treatment as that attempted in the last chapter, and with the same feeling that the subject is practically inexhaustible. LET THE VISITOR BE A TEACHER, WATCHING FOR OPPORTUNITIES. One object which the visitor will
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren

The Scriptures
Q-II: WHAT RULE HAS GOD GIVEN TO DIRECT US HOW WE MAY GLORIFY AND ENJOY HIM? A: The Word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. 2 Tim 3:16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,' By Scripture is understood the sacred Book of God. It is given by divine inspiration; that is, the Scripture is not the contrivance of man's brain, but is divine in its origin. The image of Diana was had in veneration
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Christ's Exaltation
'Wherefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name above every name, &c.' Phil 2:2. We have before spoken of Christ's humiliation; we shall now speak of his exaltation. Before you saw the Sun of Righteousness in the eclipse; now you shall see it coming out of the eclipse, and shining in its full glory. Wherefore God has highly exalted him;' super exaltavit, Ambrose. Above all exaltation.' Q-28: WHEREIN CONSISTS CHRIST'S EXALTATION? A: In his rising from the dead, his ascending into
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Old Faiths and the New
SECOND GROUP OF EPISTLES GALATIANS. FIRST AND SECOND CORINTHIANS. ROMANS. PROBLEMS OF EARLY CHRISTIANITY The new faith in Christ made large claims for itself. It marked an advance upon Judaism and maintained that in Christ was fulfilled all the promises made by the prophets of the coming of the Jewish Messiah. It radically antagonized the heathen religions. It had a double task to win men out of Judaism and heathenism. Only by a careful study of these great doctrinal Epistles, and the
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The Supremacy of Christ
THIRD GROUP OF EPISTLES COLOSSIANS. PHILEMON. EPHESIANS. PHILIPPIANS. THE QUESTION AT ISSUE +The Supremacy of Christ.+--These Epistles mark a new stage in the writings of Paul. The great question discussed in the second group of Epistles was in regard to the terms of salvation. The question now at issue (in Colossians, Ephesians, Philippian+The Reason for the Raising of this Question+ was the development of certain false religious beliefs among which were, "asceticism, the worship of angels,
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The Spirit and Power of Elias.
(LUKE I. 17.) "Oh, may I join the choir invisible Of those immortal dead who live again In minds made better by their presence: live In pulses stirred to generosity; In deeds of daring rectitude; in scorn For miserable aims that end with self; In thoughts sublime that pierce the night like stars, And with their mild persistence urge man's search To vaster issues." The Old Covenant and the New--Elijah and the Baptist--A Parallel--The Servant inferior to the Lord--The Baptism of the Holy Ghost--The
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist

Baptism unto Repentance
(MARK I. 4.) "The last and greatest herald of heaven's King, Girt with rough skins, hies to the desert wild; Among that savage brood the woods doth bring, Which he more harmless found than man, and mild. "His food was locusts and what there doth spring, With honey that from virgin hives distill'd, Parch'd body, hollow eyes, some uncouth thing Made him appear, long since from earth exiled." W. DRUMMOND, of Hawthornden. Repentance: its Nature--Repentance: how Produced--Repentance: its Evidences--Repentance:
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist

Elucidation.
The argument (p. 673, note 6,) is conclusive, but not clear. The disciples of John must have been baptized by him, (Luke vii. 29-30) and "all the people," must have included those whom Jesus called. But, this was not Christ's baptism: See Acts xix. 2, 5. Compare note 8, p. 673. And see the American Editor's "Apollos."
Tertullian—On Baptism

Whether those who had Been Baptized with John's Baptism had to be Baptized with the Baptism of Christ?
Objection 1: It would seem that those who had been baptized with John's baptism had not to be baptized with the baptism of Christ. For John was not less than the apostles, since of him is it written (Mat. 11:11): "There hath not risen among them that are born of women a greater than John the Baptist." But those who were baptized by the apostles were not baptized again, but only received the imposition of hands; for it is written (Acts 8:16,17) that some were "only baptized" by Philip "in the name
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Wicked Can Work Miracles?
Objection 1: It would seem that the wicked cannot work miracles. For miracles are wrought through prayer, as stated above (A[1], ad 1). Now the prayer of a sinner is not granted, according to Jn. 9:31, "We know that God doth not hear sinners," and Prov. 28:9, "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, his prayer shall be an abomination." Therefore it would seem that the wicked cannot work miracles. Objection 2: Further, miracles are ascribed to faith, according to Mat. 17:19, "If you have
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

How Long Between?
It is often asked what time must elapse between the regenerating by the Spirit and the filling with the Spirit? for be it remembered the Filling is as real and distinct and definite a blessing as the regenerating. Many people know the moment of their new birth; they were conscious of the change; so also many know when they were "filled with the Holy Ghost;" it was a blessed, bright, conscious experience, and it is as impossible to argue them out of the one experience as out of the other. On the other
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

The Doctrine of the Church i. Definition; Distinctions.
1. OLD TESTAMENT. 2. NEW TESTAMENT. 3. THE CHURCH; CHRISTENDOM; KINGDOM. II. THE FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH. 1. IN PROPHECY AND PROMISE. 2. HISTORICALLY FOUNDED. III. MEMBERSHIP IN THE CHURCH. Conditions of Entrance; Characteristics. 1. REPENTANCE AND BAPTISM. 2. FAITH IN THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST. 3. REGENERATION. 4. PUBLIC CONFESSION OF CHRIST--BAPTISM. 5. ADHERENCE TO THE APOSTLES' DOCTRINE. 6. CHARACTERISTICS. IV. FIGURES UNDER WHICH THE CHURCH IS PRESENTED. 1. THE BODY OF CHRIST. 2. THE TEMPLE OF
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

Gifts no Certain Evidence of Grace.
"In this rejoice not, that the Spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your Names are written in Heaven." Abundant notice of Christ's coming preceded that interesting' event. "To him gave all the prophets witness." Neither was his entrance here unattended. It was announced by an angelic choir; by a miraculous star; and by a band of eastern magi. The manger which contained him, was particularly pointed out to the shepherds, and his person designated by inspired Simon and Anna. Again,
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

Preventive against Backsliding.
It is most instructive to note how exceedingly anxious the early Christians were, that, as soon as a man was converted, he should be "filled with the Holy Ghost." They knew no reason why weary wastes of disappointing years should stretch between Bethel and Peniel, between the Cross and Pentecost. They knew it was not God's will that forty years of wilderness wanderings should lie between Egypt and the Promised Land (Deut. i. 2). When Peter and John came to the Samaritans, and found that they were
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

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