Acts 18:18-19:20

Luke mentions in verse 18 that Paul is "under a vow," which is likely a purification vow, but he doesn't explain why. Therefore, we can only assume that Paul decided to take the vow voluntarily and didn't contradict his beliefs about the old covenant and its laws. Paul's decision to focus on the Gentiles (18:6) does not mean he will never enter a synagogue again. This is evident when he visits Ephesus briefly and immediately goes to the synagogue to "reason" with the Jews (18:19). These verses foreshadow the third missionary journey, during which the most extended stay will be in Ephesus while traveling around the Mediterranean region. Luke describes how Paul swiftly went from Caesarea to Antioch, stopping in between to greet the church. (v. 22) Paul promptly leaves Antioch and revisits Galatia and Phrygia, where he had previously conducted ministry.

The story shifts to Ephesus, where a man named Apollos from Alexandria, a renowned intellectual city of the time, is introduced as a skilled and knowledgeable speaker well-versed in the Scriptures (v. 24). However, it's puzzling how someone who teaches the teachings of Jesus accurately is only familiar about John the Baptist's baptism (Acts 18:25). Despite knowing Jesus as the Messiah and being able to demonstrate this through Scripture, Apollos appears to lack understanding of Christian baptism. Possibly Apollos in Alexandria did not receive the complete message about "the Way" since there were probably many people who had limited knowledge but still believed in Jesus as the Messiah. In Acts 18:26, it is stated that although Apollos already had knowledge of Jesus, Priscilla and Aquila explained things to him more accurately. While it is implied that Apollos received Christian baptism after hearing about it from them, the narrative does not mention whether he received the Spirit. After receiving a letter of endorsement, Apollos heads to Achaia, where Corinth is located. There, he teaches believers and uses Scripture to refute the Jews. Meanwhile, Paul is on his way back to Ephesus.

After Paul reaches Ephesus, he encounters a group called "disciples" (v. 1), who seem to follow John the Baptist rather than Jesus. Like Apollos, they only know about John's baptism and are unaware of the Holy Spirit. Remembering John's role as a witness to Jesus, Paul preaches to them about Jesus. Luke does not specify how long they talk, but he states that the people believe and are "baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (v. 5) after they hear Paul's message. When Paul lays his hands on them, the believers receive the Holy Spirit. Paul started preaching in the synagogue but faced opposition from the Jews after three months. As a result, he decided to leave with his followers and start preaching to Gentiles in the "hall of Tyrannus" (verse 9). In Ephesus, people touch Paul's clothing with cloth and take it to sick and possessed individuals for healing and exorcism.

The story of the sons of Sceva is part of a series of clashes between the power of God and the forces of evil. These men had heard of Paul's successful exorcisms in the name of Jesus. Although they were traveling exorcists themselves, they did not believe in Jesus. The sons of Sceva try to invoke the name of Jesus to cast out an evil spirit. However, the Spirit responds, "I know Jesus and I am familiar with Paul, but who are you?" The possessed man then attacks them, and they flee without their clothing. The final summary statement in this section highlights the continual success of the gospel despite facing opposition.