Youth Search the Scriptures Lesson 208

REVIVAL IN EPHESUS

Memory verse: “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them;
and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” (Acts 19:6)

Text: Acts 19: 1 - 41

Introduction

Ephesus was the capital city of Asia Minor, a Roman province. Ephesus was a significant centre of
commerce, because it was a port city, located at the mouth of Caystar River.

Ephesus was not only a centre of commerce, but also an epicentre for the worship of most of the
Greek and Roman gods, as seen in our text.

Ephesus still exist today, as Turkey. Sadly, it predominantly Islam.

The revival at Ephesus began with Paul’s encounter with some disciples who hadn’t received the
Holy Ghost, who had “… not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.” But after “…
they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus… Paul…laid his hands upon them, the Holy
Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” (Acts 19:2,5,6)

After this, Paul continued preaching, teaching and discipling for two years “And this continued by
the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus,
both Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 19:10)

But as the success so was the challenge “And the same time there arose no small stir about that
way.” (Acts 19:23) persecution and opposition arose to stop the work of God. Demetrius, a
silversmith instigated the people to revolt and protest against Paul and the gospel, but their
conspiracy could not stop the gospel of Christ.

Question 1: Describe the city of Ephesus.

POINT 1: PRECURSORS TO SPIRITUAL REVIVAL

 Acts 19: 1 - 12

Spiritual revival is the reawakening of the consciousness and devotion of a people to God.

Paul’s coming to Ephesus ushered in a great revival which engulfed the whole of Asia. This revival
began with his question to the disciples in Ephesus “He said unto them, Have ye received the
Holy Ghost since ye believed?…” (Acts 19:2) It is likely Paul noticed something in them that
prompted him to ask that question. These disciples were ignorant of the person of the Holy
Ghost, however deeper life youths can not claim ignorance of the person of Holy Ghost - any
youth who is yet to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost may be blamed for it.

Paul’s question further reveals the indispensability of the Holy Ghost for a successful Christian
living. The Holy Ghost plays the following roles, among others in the life of a Christian youth:

 He empowers Christian youths to witness Christ - Acts 1:8

 He emboldens Christian youths against oppositions - Acts 13:8 - 11; 4:31

 He guides Christian youths in life and ministry - Acts 16:6,7; 8:29; 11:12

 He reveals things to come to Christian youths - Acts 20:22,23; 21:11, John 16:13

 He reveals the mind and the will of God to Christian youths - 1 Cor. 2:9 - 12

 He teaches and guides Christian youths into all truth - John 16:13, 1 John 2:20,27

 He reminds Christian youths of all things - John 14:26

 He helps Christian youths to pray as they should - Rom 8:26

 He transforms and conforms Christian youths into the image of Christ - 2 Cor. 3:18

Question 2: State some reasons the Holy Ghost is indispensable in the life of a Christian youth.

Revivals don’t just happen, through out the history of the church and of God’s people, there have
been certain factors that preceded revivals, and this passage furnishes is with some, and they
include;

 The move of the Spirit: The Holy Ghost is the primary Personality behind every revival; there
can’t be revival without the move of the Holy Ghost. (Isaiah 32:15 - 18)

 Focus on Jesus: Paul’s preaching, teaching and focus was on Jesus. True revival can only
come when Christ is the centre and focus of the ministrations. In fact, the Holy Ghost only
moves when and where Jesus is honoured and exalted, because His primary assignment is to
bear witness of Jesus. (John 15:26,27; 16:13,14)

 Relentless and Consistent preaching of the word: Among the other things that precede
revival, the word of God is prominent. Men’s ideas, philosophies and stories will NOT birth
revival, only the preaching and proclamation of the Word of God. It is His word that He
confirms. (Mark 16:20)

 Accompanying signs: miracles, signs and wonders are also instrumental in ushering revival.
An entire city was brought to the Lord through a spectacular miracle. (Acts 9:33 - 35)

Question 3: Discuss some factors that serve as precursors to revival.

 Acts 19:11 - 20, Isa 32:15 - 18

The church has experienced diverse revivals at different times. While there are disparities in the
locations, pioneers, degrees and manners of these revivals, there are common characteristics
that mark these revivals.

The following are the indices of scriptural revivals;

 Massive repentance and conversion: Scriptural revivals are often marked by massive
repentance and conversion, not mere emotionalism. (Acts 6:7; 19:18,19)

 Restoration of Righteousness: The effect of revival is often seen in the affected

 Mighty Growth of the Word of God: Scriptural revival often results to intense hunger for
God and His word. And Gospel proclamation becomes the way of life. (Acts 19:20; 12:24)

 Counterfeits and Deceivers: Unfortunately, revivals also experience the emergence of

Question 4: Discuss some marks of scriptural revival.

POINT 3: PERSECUTION AGAINST SOLD-OUT REVIVALISTS

 Acts 19:21 - 41; 4:1 - 8; 5:28, 29, 40; 7:54 - 59; 16:18 - 18, 23,24

Paul was sold out to preaching the gospel. After the revival he “… purposed in the spirit…” to
move on to another location, “… saying after I have been there, I must also see Rome.” He didn’t
get carried away by present success nor allow the conspiracy of men to stop him.

Every of God’s revival in all generations have been spearheaded by some men, and these men
have been the target of oppositions and persecutors.

Martin Luther, the great reformer was opposed and persecuted by The Roman Catholic, John and
Charlse Wesley were rejected by the Church of England, Charlse G. Finney was opposed by some
ministers during his days, and the list goes on. Persecution is not alien to sold out revivalists. But
just like Paul, these men did not allow the persecution to stop them, they were willing to die for
the gospel. And this underscores the indispensability of the Holy Ghost power in a believer’s life,
for only those empowered by the Spirit of God can weather any storm.

Question 5: How can Christian youths withstand persecutors?