Bible Commentaries
Acts 19

Verse 2

Acts 19:2

receive the HS ... Paul seems to be speaking of the miraculous measure or the Holy Spirit which came by the laying on hands by an apostles. cf. Acts 8:17-18; Acts 19:6; Such had not given by Apollos for he did not know about it.

Verse 5

Acts 19:5

baptized ... An example of re-baptism when such had not been done properly for the right purpose previously. Romans 10:9; Christian baptism is for those who believe that God has raised Jesus from the dead. These men at Ephesus didn’t know anything about Jesus’ resurrection.

Verse 10

Acts 19:10

two years ... Long enough for the gospel to spread into the regions of the provence of Asia. (cf. Acts 2:9; Acts 6:9; Acts 16:6; Acts 19:10; Acts 19:22; Acts 19:26; Acts 19:27; Acts 19:31; Acts 20:4; Acts 20:16; Acts 20:18; Acts 21:27; Acts 24:18; Acts 27:2; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:15; 1 Peter 1:1; Revelation 1:4; Revelation 1:11;)

Verse 18

Acts 19:18

believed ... Often the term "believed" or single stage of conversion is put for the whole process of conversion: see Ephesians 1:13 heard and believed; Acts 20:21 repented; Acts 19:5; Ephesians 4:5 baptism; etc.

Verse 20

Acts 19:20

the word of the Lord grew ... Yes!

Verse 24

Artemis . . Refers to a local representation of the Greek goddess of the moon, who was called Diana by the Romans. Artemis was the patron deity of Ephesus.

There were numerous shrines to her in the city, and the temple devoted to her was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. - FSB

Verse 27

temple of the great goddess . . The city took great pride in the temple. For it to be discredited would be an enormous insult to the city and to its economic detriment. Compare Acts 19:24.