Acts 19

The beginning of this chapter shows how big an influence John the Baptist had. Years after his death and very far from Jerusalem people are claiming to be his followers and have been baptizing in his name. They haven't even heard of the Savior or the gospel so they are taught and baptized with the correct baptism and by those who have the authority to do so.

Paul is working many miracles. Rather, in verse 11 it says that God is working special miracles through Paul's hands, such as passing out handkerchiefs that if people touch they are healed. When the Saints were first in Nauvoo and everyone was very ill, a man came to Joseph and said he had 3 month old twins who were dying and wanted Joseph to come heal them. Joseph himself was extremely ill and unable to go so he gave his handkerchief to Wilford Woodruff to go with the man and wipe the faces of the babies with the handkerchief and they would be healed. Wilford did and they were healed. Joseph told Wilford to keep the handkerchief and that it would be a symbol of the bond between them. Wilford kept it to the time of his death.

Ephesus has become the center of missionary work and the works is spreading throughout the region from there. In the city is a huge temple dedicated to Diana. It is 425 feet long and 225 wide with 60 foot high columns. Many of the people make a living off of things related to it so when Paul begins preaching and they see the many miracles, they get very nervous because they know how widely spread the church is becoming. If the church continues to grow takes in Ephesus, they could be out of business. There is a large meeting in the center theater which holds 24,000 people and the town clerk tells the people they have to resolve their complaints about Paul through the law. Paul has to leave because of the threats on his life. He talks of going to Rome for the first time.

One story emphasizes the necessity of having the ordained priesthood authority. Seven unfaithful Jews decide they are going to cast evil spirits out of a man who is possessed. It says that these seven were sons of the chief of all the priests in the synagogues. When they attempt to cast the evil spirit out, the evil spirit says "Jesus I know, and Paul know; but who are ye?" Knowing they have no priesthood authority or power over him, the possessed man leaps on them and begins beating them and it says the seven men fled naked and wounded.