Page 89 - Acts Student Textbook

How does this event show one of Luke’s purposes (Christianity’s innocence) of writing?

Firstly, Luke explains that 19:31 "some of the Asiarchs" who were Paul’s friends urged him not to
enter into the theater (19:31). The term “Asiarchs” means "local elected officials," but was used in
several senses. This is another technical term for local political officials used so accurately by Luke.
Apparently they had become believers also, or at least friends of Paul. Again Luke shows that
Christianity was not a threat to the local governmental authorities. It is verses like this one that cause
some commentators to surmise that Acts was written to be read at Paul's trial in Rome. Again and
again the church came into conflict with Jews, but not with government!

Secondly, the speech (19:38-40) given by the town Clerk clearly shows that Christianity caused no
threat or danger to the Roman authorities or to the society. The municipal administration of Ephesus:
the city clerk (19:35) was the executive officer of the civic assembly (19:30, 32, 33, 39, 40]) gathered
in its legislative capacity. He served as the liaison officer between the civic administration and the
Roman provincial administration headed by the proconsul (19:38).

Ephesus, Ancient City in Turkey

17.4 Let’s Practice…

1. How would you briefly describe Apollos?

2. How was Apollos’ theology corrected?

3. How should we look at baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus versus in the name of the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?

4. Do we all need the laying on of hands to receive the Holy Spirit, why not?

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