FocusJesus-name baptism and the Holy Ghost
Connection to the wholePaul clarifies the disciples' baptism; they are baptized in the Lord Jesus' name and speak with tongues and prophesy when the Holy Ghost comes on them.
interpretation Acts 19:3
KJVAnd he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Read it in context
Disciples at Ephesus
Start reading at Acts 19:1 (Acts 19:1 to Acts 19:7).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul clarifies the disciples' baptism; they are baptized in the Lord Jesus' name and speak with tongues and prophesy when the Holy Ghost comes on them.
- 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
- 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
- 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
- 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
- 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
- 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
- 19:7 And all the men were about twelve.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the traditional author of Acts and the Gospel of Luke. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3; Colossians 4:14. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Acts 19:1–19:41): Paul instructs disciples at Ephesus and teaches other hearers. Jewish exorcists, converts, craftsmen led by Demetrius, and a confused civic crowd appear in subsequent events. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus, the same named recipient as Luke's Gospel, with the account also serving the wider Christian readership. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Disciples at Ephesus. Read Acts 19:1 through Acts 19:7 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul clarifies the disciples' baptism; they are baptized in the Lord Jesus' name and speak with tongues and prophesy when the Holy Ghost comes on them. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Acts begins after Jesus' resurrection and follows the witness through Pentecost, expansion among peoples, and Paul's arrival in Rome. It does not give a final publication date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The movement extends from Jerusalem through Judea and Samaria toward wider regions and Rome, as announced in Acts 1:8. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Disciples at Ephesus (Acts 19:1 to Acts 19:7). Start reading at Acts 19:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The risen Jesus commissions the witnesses, and their preaching centers on Him. The accounts include repentance, baptism in Jesus' name, and reception of the Holy Ghost; keep the details and order stated for each event. See Acts 1:8, Acts 2:38, Acts 10:44, Acts 10:48, Acts 19:5, Acts 19:6. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Compare conversion accounts carefully, preserving what each one actually narrates. Do not invent an omitted detail or flatten every episode into an identical sequence. interpretation
Cited: Acts 19:1, Acts 19:7, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:38, Acts 10:44, Acts 10:48, Acts 19:5, Acts 19:6
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens by referring to the author's former treatise to Theophilus, tying it to Luke, and shifts into first-person plural in the travel accounts.
Acts 1:1Acts 16:10
Early traditionEarly testimony names Luke.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- Unto what Matt 28:19 1 Cor 12:13
- Unto John's Acts 18:25 Matt 3:1-17 Luke 3:1-38
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Time stated in this passage
3 months, then 2 years
Stated in Scripture
Two periods of teaching in Ephesus
Acts 19:8 gives three months in the synagogue; Acts 19:9–10 gives two years of teaching in Tyrannus’s school. Paul’s later recollection of three years in Acts 20:31 overlaps this ministry rather than adding another three-year stay.
View passage notes and sources
The text supplies these periods but does not assign AD years. The full Ephesian ministry and its individual phases should be distinguished.
Time covered by Acts
About 30 years
- AD 30 or 33Approximate beginning · Acts 1
The risen Jesus instructs His apostles
Acts begins after Jesus’ resurrection and describes His ascension. - About AD 62Approximate ending · Acts 28
Paul teaches while confined in Rome
The account closes with Paul receiving visitors and teaching during two full years in his rented lodging.
The narrative moves from Jerusalem to Rome over roughly three decades. Chapters do not represent equal amounts of time.
View historical notes and sources
Using a beginning in AD 30 or 33 and an ending around AD 62 gives approximately 29–32 years. These are reconstructed dates for the events, not a date for the writing of Acts. The book does not explicitly total its elapsed years.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Acts 19
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
The word grows in Ephesus
Acts 19:8–20FocusTeaching and the rejection of magic
Connection to the wholeExtended teaching, extraordinary works, and the failed use of Jesus' name by imitators lead to open renunciation of magical practices.
interpretation The Ephesian disturbance
Acts 19:21–41FocusThe gospel and threatened interests
Connection to the wholeOpposition arises from the trade connected with Diana, showing the economic and civic effects of the spreading message.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Acts
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
The promised power and the Jerusalem church
Acts 1:1–2:47FocusWitness begins
Connection to the wholeJesus' promise, the coming of the Holy Ghost, Peter's preaching, and the hearers' response establish the beginning of the church's witness.
interpretation Witness and opposition in Jerusalem
Acts 3:1–7:60FocusBoldness, order, and rejection
Connection to the wholePublic testimony and growth are accompanied by internal needs and increasing opposition, culminating in Stephen's death.
interpretation The witness moves outward
Acts 8:1–12:25FocusSamaria, Saul, and Gentile hearers
Connection to the wholePersecution scatters believers; new fields open, Saul is called, and the reception of Gentiles becomes a matter publicly explained to the church.
interpretation Mission and the Gentile question
Acts 13:1–15:35FocusChurches established and the council
Connection to the wholeThe first missionary journey and the Jerusalem deliberation address the place of Gentile believers without making circumcision the entrance requirement.
interpretation FocusStrengthening and expanding witness
Connection to the wholePaul and his companions travel through new regions and revisit churches, moving toward the journey to Jerusalem despite coming danger.
interpretation Arrest, hearings, and Rome
Acts 21:17–28:31FocusTestimony through imprisonment
Connection to the wholePaul's custody becomes a setting for witness before authorities and brings him to Rome, where the account closes with continued proclamation.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.