Day 267: Acts 19:8-10

When some became hardened and would not believe, slandering the Way in front of the crowd, he withdrew from them and met separately with the disciples (v. 9).

Acts 19:8–10 summarizes Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, where he preached in the synagogue for three months until stiff opposition arose, persuading Paul to move his ministry to a lecture hall where he could concentrate on discipling believers, with the result that “all the inhabitants of the province of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord” (v. 10 hcsb).

Interestingly, it was the same group in Ephesus that had previously asked Paul to spend more time with them (see Acts 18:20) who quickly got over him when he returned! “Some became hardened and would not believe” (19:9 hcsb), which is why Paul took a group of the followers aside and began discipling them daily. Can you imagine being part of that Bible study? But again, don’t miss the bountiful fruit produced from Paul’s discipleship group: within two years the message of Jesus Christ and His gospel had spread throughout the entire region. The churches of Laodicea, Colosse, and Hierapolis were all founded as a result of this great and supernatural movement of God.

Like Gideon’s army (see Judg. 7), a few well-trained soldiers in the Lord’s service can be more effective than hundreds who have never been discipled. God honors His Word and often overtly blesses discipleship with fruit far beyond human effort. Paul was an effective teacher, but God still produced fruit far beyond his labor. When a few seeds produce a huge crop, God’s up to something supernatural! Acknowledge it and praise Him! He makes obvious His blessing on true discipleship.

God performs His work in countless ways we cannot see. He remains active in our lives even when we are unaware, even when we feel defeated, unwelcome, and misunderstood. Sometimes, however, He makes Himself entirely obvious—as He would go on to work through Paul in the passage we’ll consider tomorrow—so that what we see will strengthen our faith in what we cannot see. The early church was learning concepts completely new to most. God purposely showed His visible handprints so that many would place their lives in His invisible hands.