Perhaps we find here two of the most significant chapters in the history of the acts of the Spirit of God in the early Church. Here we learn how Paul was introduced to the gospel work in Ephesus, the power of God working there and the assembly being formed. Later we have recorded for our admonition and instruction the account of the young man Eutychus and his fall from the third story loft where Paul was preaching.
After this we find Paul warning and confirming his love to the believers at Ephesus when he meets with the elders of the assembly for the last time. Both these accounts are rich in warning and instruction for believers today - not only for our lives as individuals but as we go on collectively in assemblies gathered to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1. Ephesus was a city wholly given over to the wickedness of heathen idolatry. There were many who, seeing the power of God at work (Acts 19:14), believed the message that Paul preached and a huge fortune in books dealing with witchcraft and demonism was thrown into a fire and destroyed. What is the result of true faith when tried by the fire of persecution and opposition?
1 Peter 1:___
2. Those in Ephesus who had used the worship of heathen idols to make themselves rich raised a storm of persecution against those who had brought the light of Christianity and its message of the free grace of God. What were the instructions of the Lord Jesus to His disciples concerning what they were to charge for bringing His blessing to needy souls? Matthew 10:___
3. The “first day of the week” found the disciples gathered together for a special reason. What was the purpose? Acts 20:___
4. What did the early Church in Jerusalem continue “steadfastly” doing?
Acts 2:___
5. Paul wrote in Corinthians that believers would be able to remember the Lord in His death (“breaking bread” or showing “the Lord’s death”) until He comes back from heaven. How often can this be done? 1 Corinthians 11:___