Acts 19: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Acts 19 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul meets some disciples in Ephesus who were baptized into John’s baptism. After explaining that they should believe in Jesus, they are baptized in His name and receive the Holy Spirit (vv. 1-7).

Key verse

“Many of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. They counted their price, and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver.”
Acts 19:19 (WEB)

Outline

Acts 19:1–7 Paul's Encounter with Disciples
Acts 19:8–10 Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Acts 19:11–12 Miracles and Wonders by Paul
Acts 19:13–20 Jewish Exorcists and Paul
Acts 19:21–22 Paul's Future Plans
Acts 19:23–34 Riot Over Artemis
Acts 19:35–41 Resolution of the Riot

Discussion questions

In v2, why do the disciples say they haven't even heard of the 'Holy Spirit'?
What happens in v12 with the 'handkerchiefs or aprons' that Paul touched?
Demetrius' concern in vv. 25-27: what does he imply about the impact of Paul's message?
The conflict in vv. 32-34: why does the crowd not know 'why they had come together'?
When have you seen a situation where a new belief disrupted established practices, like in v20?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Acts 19: Mark 16, Acts 18, Acts 20.

Before next time: read Acts 20.