Paul’s stint in Ephesus as we see in this text happened during his third missionary journey. He had been there earlier during his second missionary journey but could not spend enough time there at that time (18:20,21). Some disciples Paul found there had been instructed mainly about John’s baptism by Apollos (18:24). It meant Apollos did not know “the whole counsel of God” (20:27) to instruct his Bible students. Paul had to fill in the gap.

Paul’s ministry in Ephesus lasted two years and three months in total (19:8-10). This is the longest time Paul spent in one place, according to Luke’s records. It was part of Paul’s missionary strategy. He planted churches to serve as strategic centers where the gospel radiated out to surrounding areas. Other church examples are Antioch in Pisidia (13;14), Thessalonica (17:1), Athens (17:15) and Corinth (18:1). Paul had a similar plan for Rome (19:21). God blessed Paul’s ministry in Ephesus abundantly “so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord” (19:10). And there was a mighty work of God through the power of the Holy Spirit (19:17-20).
Application: Father, thank you for Apostle Paul, who taught God’s flock of sheep “the whole counsel of God.” Help me study the Bible diligently that I may do the same. Help me also depend on the power of the Holy Spirit to do God’s work. Amen.
One Word: Preach “the whole counsel of God”