26. But, as you can see and hear for yourselves, this Paul has led astray a great number of people, not only here in Ephesus, but also throughout most of the province of Asia. And he has convinced them that gods made by human hands are no gods at all.
Chapter 19 Acts of the Apostles describes Paul's arrival to Ephesus, where he finds a group of disciples who had not heard of the Holy Spirit. Paul preaches the gospel in the synagogue and the school of tyrant, where God performs many miracles and healing at the hands of Paul. There is also a conflict with the children of Ceva, who try to expel demons by the name of Jesus without having the authority for it. After that, the city is shaken by a riot caused by a goldsmith that feels threatened by Paul's preaching. The verses related to the themes of the chapter are:
Matthew 10:8: "Cure sick, resurrect dead, purify lepers, expel demons; for free you received, for free there." This verse relates to Paul's performance in Ephesus, where God performs many miracles and healing at the hands of Paul, showing God's power and authority.
Mark 9:38: "And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one who, in your name, expelled demons, who does not follow us; and we forbid it, because it did not follow us." This verse relates to the conflict between Paul and the children of Ceva, who try to expel demons by the name of Jesus without being authorized. Paul demonstrates that only those who believe in Jesus and have authority given by him can do such a work.
John 16:33: "I have told you this, that you may have peace; in the world you will have afflictions, but tend to good courage; I have overcome the world." This verse relates to the tumult in ephesus caused by the goldsmith that was threatened by Paul's preaching. Persecution and opposition are a reality for those who follow Jesus, but the peace of Christ and good courage are guaranteed to us, for He has already overcome the world.
2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of fortress, and of love, and of moderation." This verse relates to Paul's preaching in Ephesus, where many were frightened by hidden practices and witchcraft. Paul announces the truth that in Jesus we have the fortress, the love and moderation that come from the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 14:33: "For God is not God of confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." This verse relates to the conflict in an ephesus caused by the goldsmith, which led the city to a great confusion. God is a God of peace, and the message of Christ brings peace and reconciliation to those who believe.
“Amemos ao próximo. Custa tão pouco querer bem ao outro.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
