Acts 19:1-22

 Acts 19:1-22

Paul’s stay in Ephesus was perhaps the most dynamic ministry in the history of the church. For just over two years Paul and his team led the church in a time of remarkable growth and regional influence. What was happening was so dynamic that Jewish exorcist tried to get in on the action. The ministry was so powerful that even demonic gossip was spreading about Paul and the ministry. Those coming out of the darkness of the demonic were destroying their links to their past in a bonfire. In every way, in every direction this church was growing and becoming more influential.

How does Paul prompted, by the Spirit, respond to this amazing ministry? He plans to leave and he breaks up and disperses the leadership team. In verse 22 Paul discloses that he is going to go to Jerusalem with a long-term plan of going to Rome. He sends two team members about 250 miles away to Macedonia and keeps two to travel with him as he leaves Ephesus. At the apex of success, influence and effectiveness Paul essentially pulls the plug on the key leadership of the church in Ephesus. Why is he doing this? Why not stay and grow a bigger and more powerful mega church?

No doubt there were many reasons working in combination in this decision. Perhaps it was to prevent the church at Ephesus from becoming dependent on a clergy class of experts. As long as Paul and his team was available other leaders who could serve might not exercise their gifts and their role in ministry. Also Paul was interested in building the kingdom not his own little fiefdom. There were other churches that needed help and he felt their need was as valuable as that of the Ephesian church. In his letter to the church Paul emphasizes that the purpose of leaders is to “coach up” the individual Christians to do the works of service.  The leaders should not to do the work for the church. (See Ephesians 4:11-13)  So in the midst of a great ministry Paul pulls apart the leadership team and re-deploys them.

Because things are bad there’s no reason we must move on and because things are good that is no reason for us to stay put. The reason for moving or staying is what is best for the kingdom and for the believers.

“Lord, help me always be motivated by the good of the Kingdom, not my own. AMEN”