Series: The Birth of the Church (Acts)

Preacher: Ps. James Tang

Date: 22nd February 2026

Passage: Acts 19:1-41

Sermon Summary:

We’ve been tracing as a church the movement of the gospel and the Holy Spirit through the book of Acts. We witnessed their movement through Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria—in some ways, they even reached the (then-known) ends of the earth! If your memory of what we’ve gone through is a little hazy, no worries. Acts 19 will be the perfect refresher for you.

Apart from the movement of the gospel and the Holy Spirit, one of the key themes in the book of Acts is God’s power exemplified through His Spirit. We see examples of this in how Paul lays hands on some disciples in Ephesus to receive the gift of the Spirit. (v.6) God also does extraordinary miracles through Paul, so much so that people were taking away handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin to heal the sick and to free the demon-oppressed. (v.11-12)

There may be some reason why God chose to perform such extraordinary miracles in the city of Ephesus, which was a spiritual stronghold where supernatural practices were exceedingly common. However, we must remember that as far-fetched or far-removed from our current context in Hong Kong these examples sound, there are parts of the world where similar practices remain common and ongoing today.

Even if it isn’t the supernatural fight between good and evil, can we honestly admit that we have never made gods or idols for ourselves with our own hands? Have we never turned to other things instead of God, or used God to get what we want? For Demetrius the silversmith, it was the silver shrines of Artemis that he made (v.24)—and perhaps it was the unseen idols of wealth and reputation as well. (v.25, 27) For the seven sons of Sceva (v.13-14), it could have been success in their work and livelihood. What is it for you, and are you willing to search your heart, confess these things, and repent and turn to God?