9 .The 'word' expects attention

. . some hardened and disobeyed (others) came to hear word

19:9,10

18:24-19:10

 

18:24 -19:41   There was a certain Jew called Apollos who was an Alexandrian by race.  He was an eloquent man who was well versed in the Scriptures and who came to Ephesus.  This man had been orally instructed in the way of the Lord.  He was very keen and spoke and taught about Jesus in an accurate way.  However he only had an understanding of the baptism of John.  He began to speak boldly in the synagogue.  On hearing about him Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately.  When he intended to go on through Achaia he was encouraged by the brothers who wrote to the disciples telling them to welcome him.  When he arrived he greatly contributed to those who had believed  (in salvation) through grace (the life of God).  He argued with the Jews vehemently in public and proved, through the Scriptures, to be the Christ. 19:1   Now it happened that while Apollos was in Corinth Paul had passed through the upper parts of the country and came to Ephesus where he found some disciples.  He said to them.  Have

you believed in and received the Holy Spirit?"  They said to him We have not even heard of the Holy Spirit."  He said  “To what therefore were you baptised? (c/f converted)?”  They said "To the baptism of John."  Paul said "John baptized a baptism of repentance to the people, telling them they should believe in the one coming after him.  This one is Jesus."  On hearing this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  Paul laid his hands on them and the Holy Spirit came upon them.  They spoke in tongues and prophesied.  All told, there were about twelve men there.  And then entering into the synagogue he (Paul) spoke boldly over three months lecturing and persuading people concerning the kingdom of God.  But as some people were hardened and disobeyed (the Spirit?), speaking ill of 'the way' before the multitude, he (Paul) withdrew.  He lectured the disciples separately every day in the school of Tyrannus.  This went on over two years so that all who inhabited Asia came to hear the word of the Lord.  This included both Jews and Greeks. 

 

10. . The "word" is increased and strengthened by the "I AM"

. . by might of the Lord the word increased and was strong

19:20

19:11-20

 

19:11-20  And God worked powerful deeds that were not ordinary, through the hands of Paul.  These works were such that even things that had touched his skin such as handkerchiefs or aprons which were put onto people, rid them of their diseases and evil spirits went out of them.   But there were also some itinerate Jews who attempted exorcism.  They pronounced the name of the Lord Jesus over evil spirits saying "I adjure you (to leave) by the Jesus that Paul proclaims."  There was a Jewish chief priest named Sceva with seven sons who were doing this.  But the evil spirit answered and said to them "Jesus indeed I know and Paul I understand.  But who are you?"  And the (possessed), man

leapt upon them He was strong against them and overpowered them.  (But) they escaped out of that house naked and wounded.  This (event) became known to all the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus.  Fear fell upon all of them and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.  There were many people who believed and came confessing and talking about what they had done.  A considerable number of them who practised magic brought their rolls (c/f books) together and burned them before all.  They reckoned the prices of these (rolls) and found them to be worth five thousand pieces of silver.  Thus by the might of the Lord the word increased and was strong.

 

Luke the writer is gradually developing more ideas and understanding about 'the way' and 'the name' of Jesus and these are linked in with 'the word'. .