Paul’s+influences+on+Ephesus

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=Paul’s influences on Ephesus=

Pauline influence on Early Christian (Baptism of John) disciples
Apollos, an Alexandrian Jew, was among the first who came to Ephesus[|[i]]. Being from the city of Alexandria, Apollos' faith demonstrates how far even John's teaching had already spread, Alexandria being a Greek city. Apollos also, being a Hellenistic Jew in a Gentile world, had a unique perspective and influence for ministry among the gentiles, as Paul did[|[ii]]. He is shown to continue as a strong influence for the Word, as factions later in the church threaten to split between Paul and Apollos[|[iii]]. Apollos taught of the scriptures and of Jesus, though he was not deeply familiar with his baptism, only with that of John's[|[iv]]. With the help of Priscilla and Aquila, who taught him more accurately, he began teaching the complete truth. He later traveled to Corinth and served there. Whatever might have been the full ramifications of the divisions at Corinth, it would appear that Paul could provide some positive recommendation for Apollos, at the conclusion of his First Epistle to the Corinthians[|[v]]. Paul found disciples of John the Baptist in Ephesus on his first visit. The foundation provided by Apollos, Priscilla and Aquila prepared the city for Paul's testimony. He spoke to them about Jesus and they were baptized, later receiving the Holy Spirit. Again, a form of Christianity was being promoted in Ephesus early on, yet it was a hopelessly incomplete version[|[vi]]. Paul, like Peter and John in 8:17, laid hands on the disciples of John and they took hold of the Holy Spirit. So, the disciples in Ephesus benefited greatly by Paul's mission. Paul taught in the synagogue for three months, until he and "the Way" are resisted. He withdrew and taught in the Hall of Tyrannus, which took place for two years.

The Attempt of Sorcery to achieve the works of the Holy Spirit
God performed healings through the hands of Paul. The power over Demonic influences and possessions that Paul and the disciples demonstrated drew no little attention, and several events took place where men without the power of the Holy Spirit sought to control and rebuke Demons. Scripture clearly teaches that Demonic power is stronger than man, and only God's power can quell the power of demons[|[vii]]. This power, being freely available to man in the gift of salvation and faith, is granted when man leaves his old life behind and seeks one of complete submission to God, and is covered from God's wrath by the saving act of Jesus. Demons can recognize the power of Jesus' righteousness and God's forgiveness, and are repelled by it, which is why Jesus was known and addressed by Demons[|[viii]] and Paul was known as well[|[ix]] and with him, all the followers of Jesus[|[x]]. One such case was with the seven sons of a Jewish priest (Sceva) tried to harness the same power that Paul utilized, but they failed. Though the sons of Sceva were met with disastrous results, Jesus was extolled. The awe that Paul and the disciples were met with at the use of God's granted power to rebuke demons was corrected, as the audience realized that Paul's power was not human in origin. The ability they had was no secret or practice, it was a gift and pointed directly to the Power of God to protect His own from the principalities and powers of the world. The results of this episode are clear: all the residents of Ephesus learned about Paul's ministry and "the Way." Additionally, the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. Demetrius and the Riot

Paul followed his usual pattern at Ephesus, for three months going to the synagogue and persuading and convincing the Jews there that Jesus was the promised Messiah of the Jewish faith. When that failed, he began meeting with the Gentiles. This particular meeting was in the public lecture hall of Tyannus[|[xi]]. When Paul spoke out to the gentiles against Artemis and idol worship, he faced opposition. Paul's point threatened the livelihood of the Silversmith guild involved in making the figurines. "The Way" is blamed for caused a huge disturbance. Demetrius gathered together a group and made a complaint against Paul. According to Luke, Demetrius was a silversmith that made silver shrines (//naous argurous//) for Artemis. Demetrius, being quite upset at Paul's work, spoke to the other workers in his guild and warned them of the danger that Paul's message posed to their business and the reputation of the goddess herself. This threat against their careers and futures, as well as the threat against the worship of their goddess Artemis, enraged them[|[xii]], and they began shouting, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians" and roused up a large number of people. As a result, the city clerk calms the people down and dismisses them.