There is still another lesson for us in the experience of those Jewish converts.When they received baptism at the hand of John they did not fully comprehend the mission of Jesus as the Sin Bearer.They were holding serious errors.But with clearer light, they gladly accepted Christ as their Redeemer, and with this step of advance came a change in their obligations.
As they received a purer faith, there was a corresponding change in their life.In token of this change, and as an acknowledgment of their faith in Christ, they were rebaptized in the name of Jesus.
As was his custom, Paul had begun his work at Ephesus by preaching in the synagogue of the Jews.He continued to labor there for three months, "disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God." At first he met with a favorable reception; but as in other fields, he was soon violently opposed."Divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude." As they persisted in their rejection of the gospel, the apostle ceased to preach in the synagogue.
The Spirit of God had wrought with and through Paul in his labors for his countrymen.Sufficient evidence had been presented to convince all who honestly desired to know the truth.But many permitted themselves to be controlled by prejudice and unbelief, and refused to yield to the most conclusive evidence.Fearing that the faith of the believers would be endangered by continued association with these opposers of the truth, Paul separated from them and gathered the disciples into a distinct body, continuing his public instructions in the school of Tyrannus, a teacher of some note.
Paul saw that "a great door and effectual" was opening before him, although there were "many adversaries."1 Corinthians 16:9.Ephesus was not only the most magnificent, but the most corrupt, of the cities of Asia.Superstition and sensual pleasure held sway over her teeming population.Under the shadow of her temples, criminals of every grade found shelter, and the most degrading vices flourished.
Ephesus was a popular center for the worship of Diana.The fame of the magnificent temple of "Diana of the Ephesians" extended throughout all Asia and the world.Its surpassing splendor made it the pride, not only of the city, but of the nation.The idol within the temple was declared by tradition to have fallen from the sky.Upon it were inscribed symbolic characters, which were believed to possess great power.Books had been written by the Ephesians to explain the meaning and use of these symbols.
Among those who gave close study to these costly books were many magicians, who wielded a powerful influence over the minds of the superstitious worshipers of the image within the temple.
The apostle Paul, in his labors at Ephesus, was given special tokens of divine favor.The power of God accompanied his efforts, and many were healed of physical maladies."God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them." These manifestations of supernatural power were far more potent than had ever before been witnessed in Ephesus, and were of such a character that they could not be imitated by the skill of the juggler or the enchantments of the sorcerer.As these miracles were wrought in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, the people had opportunity to see that the God of heaven was more powerful than the magicians who were worshipers of the goddess Diana.Thus the Lord exalted His servant, even before the idolaters themselves, immeasurably above the most powerful and favored of the magicians.
