These Acts 19 Bible study questions are for small groups, Sunday classes and personal reading. Acts 19 follows Paul’s work in Ephesus, where new disciples receive the Holy Spirit, a city-wide conflict breaks out over the worship of Artemis, and the word of the Lord keeps spreading. The questions below move from what the chapter says, to what it means, to how it shapes daily life.
Acts 19 at a Glance
Paul arrives in Ephesus and meets a small group of believers who know only John’s baptism. After they are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, Paul preaches in the synagogue, then moves to a lecture hall for two years. God’s power shows through Paul’s ministry, and then a failed exorcism by traveling Jewish exorcists exposes the reality of spiritual power and the name of Jesus.
The second half of the chapter turns to economics and public disorder. A silversmith named Demetrius stirs up a riot because the gospel is hurting the market for shrines to Artemis. The town clerk calms the crowd and sends it home. Leaders can use the chapter in two halves, with the first half on spiritual renewal and the second on the cost of faithfulness.
Observation Questions
Use these questions to read the text closely before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask the group to point to specific phrases, and keep the answers tied to what is actually written. Let people disagree about details if the text is unclear, and return to the words on the page.
Acts 19:6
When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with other languages and prophesied.
(WEB)
This verse shows the Holy Spirit coming upon believers as Paul lays hands on them. Reading it aloud helps the group hear the moment of spiritual renewal described in the chapter.
Acts 19:11
God worked special miracles by the hands of Paul…
(WEB)
Reading this verse aloud reminds the group that the miracles come from God, not from the apostle himself. It sets the tone for the whole chapter.
Acts 19:17
This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived at Ephesus. Fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
(WEB)
This verse describes the public effect of the events in Ephesus. Reading it slowly helps the group notice how God’s name was honored through these events.
Acts 19:20
So the word of the Lord was growing and becoming mighty.
(WEB)
This short verse summarizes the growth of the word in the city. Reading it aloud gives the group a clear sense of the chapter’s outcome.
Acts 19:35-36
35 When the town clerk had quieted the multitude, he said, “You men of Ephesus, what man is there who doesn’t know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great goddess Artemis, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? 36 Seeing then that these things can’t be denied, you ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rash.
(WEB)
Reading the town clerk’s words aloud shows a calm, reasoned voice in a chaotic setting. It is a useful passage for discussing wise public responses.
Memory Verse for Acts 19
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that your word keeps growing, even in cities where opposition rises and money is at stake. Give us a fuller understanding of your Spirit and a deeper trust in the name of Jesus. Where we have held onto old things, help us bring them into the light with honest hearts. When pressure comes, give us calm courage and wise words, so that others see your power at work through us. Let your name be honored in our homes, our work and our community. Amen.
