Stephen begins by emphasizing the Holy Spirit’s guidance in establishing the churches in Jerusalem, Antioch, and Ephesus. He then recounts Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, where he found disciples who, despite believing in Jesus, had not received the Holy Spirit. Stephen emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. He highlights Paul’s dedication, preaching in Ephesus for three years, working as a tentmaker, and sharing the whole counsel of God.
Stephen contrasts the Ephesians' love for the Lord with the Corinthians' lack thereof, explaining why Paul could share deeper truths with the Ephesians. He underscores the church in Ephesus's initial love for the Word and for one another, noting their burning of magic books as evidence of the Word’s power.
However, Stephen points out the church's eventual decline. He attributes this to a departure from the Word and a cooling of love, lamenting that they kept the Word as tradition rather than living truth. He draws a parallel to the present day, urging listeners to examine their own hearts and repent if they have strayed from their first love.
Stephen concludes by referencing the apostle John’s message to the Ephesians to love one another, suggesting this is the ultimate lesson to be learned from the Ephesian church.
1. The Holy Spirit's Guidance in Establishing Churches *
Jerusalem: Influenced by Judaism
Antioch: Primarily Gentile
Ephesus: Both Jew and Gentile, a new move of the Holy Spirit
2. Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Found twelve disciples who hadn't received the Holy Spirit
Emphasized the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus
Preached for three years, worked as a tentmaker, shared the whole counsel of God
3. The Ephesian Church's Love for the Word and One Another
Contrasted with the Corinthian church's lack of love
Highlighted by their burning of magic books
4. The Church's Decline
Departure from the Word, cooling of love
Keeping the Word as tradition rather than living truth
5. A Call to Repentance and a Return to First Love
Examining our own hearts and actions
Remembering John's message to love one another
6. Lessons from the Ephesian Church
The importance of a living Word and everlasting love
The danger of tradition and a loss of first love
17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. 33 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. 34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
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, 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 they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve.
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. 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. 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.