Having “spent some time” in Antioch, he leaves that Gentile center, and commences another missionary journey. Nothing is said of Ids companions on this occasion. He “went over all the country of Galatia, and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples;” and also giving directions for the collection on behalf of the poor saints at Jerusalem. (1 Cor. 16:1, 2.) In a short time he reached the center of the work in Asia.
Ephesus.—At this time it was the greatest city in Asia Minor, and the capital of the province. Owing to its central position, it was the common meeting place of various characters and classes of men. By this time Apollos had departed to Corinth, but the remaining twelve of John’s disciples were still in Ephesus. Paul speaks to them about their position. We must give a passing notice of what occurred.
John’s baptism required repentance, but not separation from the Jewish synagogue. The gospel teaches that Christianity is founded on death and resurrection. First, the death of Christ, as accomplishing redemption; and our death and resurrection with Him; so as to place as in Him, and as Him, in the presence of God, cleansed by His precious blood from all our sins. Christian baptism is the significant and expressive symbol of these truths. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” (Col. 2:12, 13.) As these men were entirely unacquainted with the foundation truths of Christianity, we suppose they had never mingled with Christians. The apostle, no doubt, explained to them the efficacy of the death and resurrection of Christ, and the descent of the Holy Ghost. They believed the truth and received christian baptism. Then Paul, in his apostolic capacity, laid his hands on them—they were sealed with the Holy Ghost, and spake with tongues and prophesied.
Immediately after the mention of this important occurrence, our attention is directed to the apostle’s labors in the synagogue. During three months he preached Christ boldly there; reasoning and endeavoring to convince his hearers, of all “the things concerning the kingdom of God.” The hearts of some “were hardened,” while others repented and believed; but as many of the Jews took the place of adversaries, and “spake evil of that way before the multitude,” Paul acts in the most definite way. He “separated the disciples” from the Jewish synagogue, and formed them into a distinct assembly, and met with them “daily in the school of one Tyrannus.” This is a deeply interesting, and instructive action of the apostle; but he acts in the consciousness of the power and truth of God. The Church in Ephesus is now perfectly distinct from both Jews and Gentiles. Here we see what the apostle elsewhere refers to in his exhortation, “Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the Church of God.” (1 Cor. 10:32.) Where this important distinction is not seen, there must be great confusion of thought, both as to the word and ways of God.
The apostle now appears before us as the instrument of the power of God in a remarkable and striking way. He communicates the Holy Ghost to the twelve disciples of John—he separates the disciples of Jesus and formally founds the Church in Ephesus—his testimony to the Lord Jesus is heard in all Asia, both by Jews and Greeks—special miracles are wrought by his hands—diseases depart from many if they but touch the border of his garment—the power of the enemy disappears before the power that is in Paul, and the name of Jesus is glorified—the evil spirits acknowledge his power, and put his enemies to shame and loss—the consciences of the heathen are reached, and the enemy’s power over them is gone—fear falls on many who “used curious arts,” and they burn their books of magic, the cost of which amounts to nearly two thousand pounds in English money. “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” (See Acts 19:1-20.) Thus the power of the Lord was displayed in the person and mission of Paul, and his apostolate established beyond a question.
The apostle had now spent about three years of incessant labor in Ephesus. As he says himself when addressing the elders at Miletus; “Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” It is also supposed by some, that during this time he paid a short visit, and wrote his FIRST EPISTLE, TO THE CORINTHIANS.