These two chapters cover the transition between the completion of Paul’s second missionary journey and the commencement of his third. A person I have always had great interest in is Apollos. We are introduced to him for the first time in chapter 18.
Acts 18:27 – After he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace believed. (CSB) Apollos had been well-equipped by God to be an effective disciple-maker. He was eloquent, competent in the Scriptures, having been instructed in the way of the Lord, and was fervent in Spirit. Priscilla and Aquila helped to clear up any of his teaching that had been slightly off the mark. He was able to refute the Jews by demonstrating from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. The church is always in need of more mature believers who are equipped and willing to disciple younger Christians. They need to be able to use the bible effectively, defend against false doctrine, and to clearly teach the truth of God. We should be in prayer for more people like Apollos, not just with knowledge but with the desire to help grow disciples less mature than themselves. Could this be you?
Acts 19:19 – Many of those who had practiced magic collected their books and burned them in front of everyone. (CSB) Paul preached daily in Ephesus (and we learn later that he did not only preach publicly but he went from house to house teaching as well). The power of Christ over demons had been witnessed by the city. Now we see the evidences of true conversions. First, the people were convicted of the sinfulness of their magic practices and confessed that guilt publicly. They proved this to be part of genuine repentance demonstrated by burning their magic books which were, in fact, extremely valuable. The gospel had convinced them that Christ was worth more than anything else they could value in this world. They were willing to suffer great financial loss in order to get rid of sin. Conviction, confession, repentance, and mortification (killing) of sin are the true evidences of one whose heart has been captured and transformed by Jesus Christ. May God bring such a treasuring of Christ into our lives along with a true, godly hatred of sin.
Blessings!