
Text -- Acts 19:1-7 (NET)




Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics



collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Robertson: Act 19:1 - -- While Apollos was at Corinth ( en tōi ton Apollō einai en Korinthōi ).
Favourite idiom with Luke, en with the locative of the articular infin...

Robertson: Act 19:1 - -- Having passed through the upper country ( dielthonta ta anōterika merē ).
Second aorist active participle of dierchomai , accusative case agreein...
Having passed through the upper country (
Second aorist active participle of

Robertson: Act 19:1 - -- Certain disciples ( tinas mathētas ).
Who were they? Apollos had already gone to Corinth. They show no connection with Priscilla and Aquila. Luke c...
Certain disciples (
Who were they? Apollos had already gone to Corinth. They show no connection with Priscilla and Aquila. Luke calls them "disciples"or "learners"(

Robertson: Act 19:2 - -- Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed? ( ei pneuma hagion elabete pisteusanteṡ ).
This use of Pi in a direct question occurs in Act 1:6...
Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed? (
This use of

Robertson: Act 19:2 - -- Nay, we did not so much as hear whether the Holy Spirit was ( All' oude ei pneuma hagion estin ēkousamen ).
The reply of these ignorant disciples i...
Nay, we did not so much as hear whether the Holy Spirit was (
The reply of these ignorant disciples is amazing. They probably refer to the time of their baptism and mean that, when baptized, they did not hear whether (

Into what (
More properly,

Robertson: Act 19:3 - -- Unto what
or on what basis (Robertson, Grammar , p. 592). Clearly, Paul felt they had received a poor baptism with no knowledge of the Holy Spirit...
Unto what
or on what basis (Robertson, Grammar , p. 592). Clearly, Paul felt they had received a poor baptism with no knowledge of the Holy Spirit.

Robertson: Act 19:3 - -- John’ s baptism ( to Iōanou baptisma ).
Last mention of John the Baptist in the N.T. They had been dipped in other words, but they had not gra...
John’ s baptism (
Last mention of John the Baptist in the N.T. They had been dipped in other words, but they had not grasped the significance of the ordinance.

Robertson: Act 19:4 - -- With the baptism of repentance ( baptisma metanoias ).
Cognate accusative with ebaptisen and the genitive metanoias describing the baptism as mar...
With the baptism of repentance (
Cognate accusative with

Robertson: Act 19:4 - -- That they should believe on him that should come after him, that is on Jesus ( eis ton erchomenon met' auton hina pisteus ōsin , tout' estin eis to...
That they should believe on him that should come after him, that is on Jesus (
Note the emphatic prolepsis of

Robertson: Act 19:5 - -- The name of the Lord Jesus ( to onoma ton kuriou Iēsou ).
Apollos was not rebaptized. The twelve apostles were not rebaptized. Jesus received no ot...
The name of the Lord Jesus (
Apollos was not rebaptized. The twelve apostles were not rebaptized. Jesus received no other baptism than that of John. The point here is simply that these twelve men were grossly ignorant of the meaning of John’ s baptism as regards repentance, the Messiahship of Jesus, the Holy Spirit. Hence Paul had them baptized, not so much again, as really baptized this time, in the name or on the authority of the Lord Jesus as he had himself commanded (Mat 28:19) and as was the universal apostolic custom. Proper understanding of "Jesus"involved all the rest including the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Luke does not give a formula, but simply explains that now these men had a proper object of faith (Jesus) and were now really baptized.

Robertson: Act 19:6 - -- When Paul had laid his hands upon them ( epithentos autois tou Paulou cheiras ).
Genitive absolute of second aorist active participle of epitithēmi...
When Paul had laid his hands upon them (
Genitive absolute of second aorist active participle of

Robertson: Act 19:6 - -- They spake with tongues ( elaloun glōssais ).
Inchoative imperfect, began to speak with tongues as in Jerusalem at Pentecost and as in Caesarea bef...
They spake with tongues (
Inchoative imperfect, began to speak with tongues as in Jerusalem at Pentecost and as in Caesarea before the baptism.

Robertson: Act 19:6 - -- Prophesied ( eprophēteuon ).
Inchoative imperfect again, began to prophesy. The speaking with tongues and prophesying was external and indubitable ...
Prophesied (
Inchoative imperfect again, began to prophesy. The speaking with tongues and prophesying was external and indubitable proof that the Holy Spirit had come on these twelve uninformed disciples now fully won to the service of Jesus as Messiah. But this baptism in water did not "convey"the Holy Spirit nor forgiveness of sins. Paul was not a sacramentalist.
Vincent: Act 19:1 - -- Upper coasts ( τὰ ἀνωτερικὰ μέρη )
Coasts is a bad rendering. Better, as Rev., " the upper country; " lit., parts or...
Upper coasts (
Coasts is a bad rendering. Better, as Rev., " the upper country; " lit., parts or districts. The reference is to districts like Galatia and Phrygia, lying up from the sea-coast and farther inland than Ephesus. Hence the expedition of Cyrus from the sea-coast toward Central Asia was called Anabasis, a going-up.

Vincent: Act 19:1 - -- Certain disciples
Disciples of John the Baptist, who, like Apollos, had been instructed and baptized by the followers of the Baptist, and had joi...
Certain disciples
Disciples of John the Baptist, who, like Apollos, had been instructed and baptized by the followers of the Baptist, and had joined the fellowship of the Christians. Some have thought that they had been instructed by Apollos himself; but there is no sufficient evidence of this. " There they were, a small and distinct community about twelve in number, still preparing, after the manner of the Baptist, for the coming of the Lord. Something there was which drew the attention of the apostle immediately on his arrival. They lacked, apparently, some of the tokens of the higher life that pervaded the nascent church; they were devout, rigorous, austere, but were wanting in the joy, the radiancy, the enthusiasm which were conspicuous in others" (Plumptre, " St. Paul in Asia Minor" ) .

Vincent: Act 19:2 - -- Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?
The two verbs are in the aorist tense, and therefore denote instantaneous acts. The A. V. ther...
Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?
The two verbs are in the aorist tense, and therefore denote instantaneous acts. The A. V. therefore gives an entirely wrong idea, as there is no question about what happened after believing; but the question relates to what occurred when they believed. Hence Rev., rightly, Did ye receive the Holy Ghost when ye believed?

Vincent: Act 19:2 - -- We have not heard
Also the aorist. We did not hear; referring back to the time of their beginning.
We have not heard
Also the aorist. We did not hear; referring back to the time of their beginning.

Vincent: Act 19:2 - -- Whether there be any Holy Ghost
But, as Bengel observes, " They could not have followed either Moses or John the Baptist without having heard of ...
Whether there be any Holy Ghost
But, as Bengel observes, " They could not have followed either Moses or John the Baptist without having heard of the Holy Ghost." The words, therefore, are to be explained, not of their being unaware of the existence of the Holy Ghost, but of his presence and baptism on earth. The word

Vincent: Act 19:3 - -- John
The last mention of John the Baptist in the New Testament.. " Here, at last, he wholly gives place to Christ" (Bengel).
John
The last mention of John the Baptist in the New Testament.. " Here, at last, he wholly gives place to Christ" (Bengel).
Galatia and Phrygia, which were termed the upper parts of Asia Minor.

Wesley: Act 19:1 - -- Who had been formerly baptized by John the Baptist, and since imperfectly instructed in Christianity.
Who had been formerly baptized by John the Baptist, and since imperfectly instructed in Christianity.

Wesley: Act 19:2 - -- The extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, as well as his sanctifying graces? We have not so much as heard - Whether there be any such gifts.
The extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, as well as his sanctifying graces? We have not so much as heard - Whether there be any such gifts.

Wesley: Act 19:3 - -- Into what dispensation? To the sealing of what doctrine? Into John's baptism - We were baptized by John and believe what he taught.
Into what dispensation? To the sealing of what doctrine? Into John's baptism - We were baptized by John and believe what he taught.

Wesley: Act 19:4 - -- That is, the whole baptism and preaching of John pointed at Christ. After this John is mentioned no more in the New Testament. Here he gives way to Ch...
That is, the whole baptism and preaching of John pointed at Christ. After this John is mentioned no more in the New Testament. Here he gives way to Christ altogether.

By some other. Paul only laid his hands upon them.

Wesley: Act 19:5 - -- They were baptized twice; but not with the same baptism. John did not administer that baptism which Christ afterward commanded, that is, in the name o...
They were baptized twice; but not with the same baptism. John did not administer that baptism which Christ afterward commanded, that is, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
JFB -> Act 19:1-3; Act 19:1-3; Act 19:1-3; Act 19:1-3; Act 19:2; Act 19:2; Act 19:4; Act 19:4; Act 19:5-7; Act 19:5-7; Act 19:5-7; Act 19:6
JFB: Act 19:1-3 - -- Where his ministry was so powerful that a formidable party in the Church of that city gloried in his type of preaching in preference to Paul's (1Co 1:...
Where his ministry was so powerful that a formidable party in the Church of that city gloried in his type of preaching in preference to Paul's (1Co 1:12; 1Co 3:4), no doubt from the marked infusion of Greek philosophic culture which distinguished it, and which the apostle studiously avoided (1Co 2:1-5).

JFB: Act 19:1-3 - -- "parts," the interior of Asia Minor, which, with reference to the seacoast, was elevated.
"parts," the interior of Asia Minor, which, with reference to the seacoast, was elevated.

JFB: Act 19:1-3 - -- In the same stage of Christian knowledge as Apollos at first, newly arrived, probably, and having had no communication as yet with the church at Ephes...
In the same stage of Christian knowledge as Apollos at first, newly arrived, probably, and having had no communication as yet with the church at Ephesus.

JFB: Act 19:2 - -- Rather, "Received ye the Holy Ghost when ye believed?" implying, certainly, that the one did not of necessity carry the other along with it (see on Ac...
Rather, "Received ye the Holy Ghost when ye believed?" implying, certainly, that the one did not of necessity carry the other along with it (see on Act 8:14-17). Why this question was asked, we cannot tell; but it was probably in consequence of something that passed between them from which the apostle was led to suspect the imperfection of their light.

JFB: Act 19:2 - -- This cannot be the meaning, since the personality and office of the Holy Ghost, in connection with Christ, formed an especial subject of the Baptist's...
This cannot be the meaning, since the personality and office of the Holy Ghost, in connection with Christ, formed an especial subject of the Baptist's teaching. Literally, the words are, "We did not even hear whether the Holy Ghost was (given)"; meaning, at the time of their baptism. That the word "given" is the right supplement, as in Joh 7:39, seems plain from the nature of the case.

JFB: Act 19:4 - -- That is, who should baptize with the Holy Ghost. The point of contrast is not between John and Christ personally, but between the water baptism of Joh...
That is, who should baptize with the Holy Ghost. The point of contrast is not between John and Christ personally, but between the water baptism of John unto repentance, and the promised baptism of the Spirit from the hands of his coming Master unto new life. As to all the facts, or at least the significancy, of this baptism, which made the whole life and work of Christ another thing from what it was conceived to be before it was vouchsafed, these simple disciples were unenlightened.

JFB: Act 19:5-7 - -- Not the mere words reported in Act 19:4, but the subject expounded according to the tenor of those words.
Not the mere words reported in Act 19:4, but the subject expounded according to the tenor of those words.

JFB: Act 19:5-7 - -- Into the whole fulness of the new economy, as now opened up to their believing minds.
Into the whole fulness of the new economy, as now opened up to their believing minds.
Clarke: Act 19:1 - -- And it came to pass - while Apollos was at Corinth - The Codex Bezae begins this chapter differently. But then Paul was desirous, according to his o...
And it came to pass - while Apollos was at Corinth - The Codex Bezae begins this chapter differently. But then Paul was desirous, according to his own counsel, to go to Jerusalem, the Spirit commanded him to return into Asia: then, passing through the upper parts, he came to Ephesus. This addition is also found in the Latin or Itala part of the same MS., and in the margin of the later Syriac

Clarke: Act 19:1 - -- Paul having passed through the upper coasts - That is, through those parts of Asia Minor that lay eastward of Ephesus, such as Galatia, Phrygia, and...
Paul having passed through the upper coasts - That is, through those parts of Asia Minor that lay eastward of Ephesus, such as Galatia, Phrygia, and probably Lycaonia and Lydia; and it is in reference to Ephesus that these are called the upper coasts. See their situation on the map.

Clarke: Act 19:2 - -- Have ye received the Holy Ghost - It is likely that these were Asiatic Jews, who, having been at Jerusalem about twenty-six years before this, had h...
Have ye received the Holy Ghost - It is likely that these were Asiatic Jews, who, having been at Jerusalem about twenty-six years before this, had heard the preaching of John, and received his baptism, believing in the coming Christ, whom John had proclaimed; but it appears that till this time they had got no farther instruction in the Christian religion. Paul, perceiving this, asked them if they had received the Holy Ghost since they believed? For it was the common privilege of the disciples of Christ to receive, not only the ordinary graces, but also the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit; and thus the disciples of Christ differed from those of John, and of all others. John baptized with water; Jesus baptized with the Holy Ghost. And to this day the genuine disciples of Christ are distinguished from all false religionists, and from nominal Christians, by being made partakers of this Spirit, which enlightens their minds, and convinces of sin, righteousness, and judgment; quickens their souls, witnesses to their conscience that they are the children of God, and purifies their hearts. Those who have not received these blessings from the Holy Spirit, whatever their profession may be, know nothing better than John’ s baptism: good, excellent in its kind, but ineffectual to the salvation of those who live under the meridian of Christianity

Clarke: Act 19:2 - -- We have not so much as heard whether, etc. - That is, they had not heard that there were particular gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit to be receiv...
We have not so much as heard whether, etc. - That is, they had not heard that there were particular gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit to be received. They could not mean that they had not heard of the Holy Spirit; for John, in his baptism, announced Christ as about to baptize with the Holy Ghost, Mat 3:11; Luk 3:16; but they simply meant that they had not heard that this Spirit, in his gifts, had been given to or received by any one.

Clarke: Act 19:4 - -- That they should believe on him which should come after - John baptized them with the baptism of repentance; this was common to all the baptisms adm...
That they should believe on him which should come after - John baptized them with the baptism of repentance; this was common to all the baptisms administered by the Jews to proselytes; but telling them that they should believe on him who was coming, was peculiar to John’ s baptism.

Clarke: Act 19:5 - -- When they heard this, etc. - As there is no evidence in the New Testament of persons being rebaptized, unless this be one, many criticisms have been...
When they heard this, etc. - As there is no evidence in the New Testament of persons being rebaptized, unless this be one, many criticisms have been hazarded to prove that these persons were not rebaptized. I see no need of this. To be a Christian, a man must be baptized in the Christian faith: these persons had not been baptized into that faith, and therefore were not Christians: they felt this, and were immediately baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. This is a plain case; but let one instance be produced of a person being rebaptized, who had before been baptized in the name of the holy Trinity, or even in the name of Jesus alone. In my view, it is an awful thing to iterate baptism when it had been before essentially performed: by "essentially performed,"I mean, administered by sprinkling, washing, or plunging, by or in water, in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit, being invoked at the time. Whoever has had this has the essence of baptism, as far as that can be conferred by man; and it matters not at what period of his life he has had it; it is a substantial baptism, and by it the person has been fully consecrated to the holy and blessed Trinity; and there should not be an iteration of this consecration on any account whatever. It is totally contrary to the canon law; it is contrary to the decisions of the best divines; it is contrary to the practice of the purest ages of the Church of God; it is contrary to the New Testament, and tends to bring this sacred ordinance into disrepute.

Clarke: Act 19:6 - -- They spake with tongues, and prophesied - They received the miraculous gift of different languages; and in those languages they taught to the people...
They spake with tongues, and prophesied - They received the miraculous gift of different languages; and in those languages they taught to the people the great doctrines of the Christian religion; for this appears to be the meaning of the word
Calvin: Act 19:1 - -- 1. Luke showeth here that the Church of Ephesus was not only confirmed and increased by Paul’s return, but also that there was a miracle wrought t...
1. Luke showeth here that the Church of Ephesus was not only confirmed and increased by Paul’s return, but also that there was a miracle wrought there, because the visible graces of the Spirit were given to certain rude and new disciples. Furthermore, it is not known whether they were inhabitants of the city or strangers; neither doth it greatly skill. It is not to be doubted but that they were Jews, because they had received the baptism of John; also, it is to be thought that they dwelt at Ephesus when Paul found them there. −

Calvin: Act 19:2 - -- 2.Whether they had received the Holy Ghost The end of the history doth show that Paul doth not speak in this place of the Spirit of regeneration, but...
2.Whether they had received the Holy Ghost The end of the history doth show that Paul doth not speak in this place of the Spirit of regeneration, but of the special gifts which God gave to divers at the beginning of the gospel, for the common edifying of the Church. But now upon this interrogation of Paul ariseth a question, whether the Spirit were common to all everywhere at that time? For if he were given only to a few, why doth he join him with faith, as if they were so linked together that they could not be separate? Peradventure, they were none of the common sort; or because they were an indifferent number, that is, twelve, Paul demandeth whether they were all without the gifts of the Spirit. Notwithstanding, I think thus, that so many Jews were offered in presence of the Gentiles, not by chance, but by the counsel of God; and that at one time being disciples, that is, of the number of the faithful, who did notwithstanding confess that they were ignorant of the principal glory of the gospel, which was apparent in spiritual gifts, that by them Paul’s ministry might be beautified and set forth. For it is unlike that Apollos left so few disciples at Ephesus; and he might have taught them better, since that he learned the way of the Lord perfectly of Priscilla and Aquila. −
Moreover, I do not doubt but that the brethren of whom Luke spake before were other than these. In sum, when Paul seeth that these men do profess the name of Christ, to the end he may have a more certain trial of their faith, he asketh them whether they have received the Holy Ghost. For it appeareth by Paul himself that this was a sign and token of the grace of God to establish the credit of doctrine; I would know of you whether ye received the Holy Ghost by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith ( Gal 3:2). −
We know not whether there be any Holy Ghost How could it be, that men being Jews heard nothing of the Spirit, concerning which the prophets speak everywhere, and whose commendations and titles are extant in the whole Scripture? Surely we gather by this that Paul did neither speak generally of the Spirit; and that these men, as they were asked, did deny that they knew those visible graces wherewith God had beautified the kingdom of his Son. Therefore, they confess that they know not whether God give such gifts. Therefore, there is in the word Spirit the figure metonymia. And this sense doth that confirm that if they had altogether denied that they knew anything concerning the Spirit of God, Paul would not have passed over with silence such a gross error; yea, an error altogether monstrous. When he demandeth to what end, or how they were baptized, he showeth therewithal, that wheresoever Christ had been soundly and thoroughly preached the visible graces did also appear, that such worship − 353 might be common to all churches. Wherefore, no marvel if Paul wonder that the faithful are ignorant of such glory of Christ, which God would have to be apparent everywhere at that time; and a correction immediately, he telleth them that they must not stay in those rudiments which they had learned; because it was John’s office to prepare disciples for Christ. −

Calvin: Act 19:4 - -- 4.John truly Paul’s admonition tended to this end, that these men being convict of their ignorance might desire to go forward. He saith that John p...
4.John truly Paul’s admonition tended to this end, that these men being convict of their ignorance might desire to go forward. He saith that John preached of Christ who was to come. Therefore he sent out his disciples, − 354 that running in the course they might go towards Christ who was not as yet revealed. Wherefore, to the end these men may not flatter themselves, and refuse to go forward, he showeth that they be yet far from the mark. For the feeling of want doth enforce men to desire that which is as yet lacking. The sum cometh to this end, as if Paul had said Before Christ was glorified, this power of his did not appear − 355 in the world; when he was ascended into heaven he would have his kingdom to flourish thus. Therefore the graces of the Spirit were much less shed out when John was as yet in the course of his embassage, which do now declare that Christ sitteth at the right hand of his Father forasmuch as he had not as then openly showed himself to be the Redeemer of the world. Therefore know ye that you must go farther forward; because ye be far from the mark. So that he doth plainly show that the faith of the godly who had been taught by John ought to have looked unto Christ who was to come, lest these men should stand still being newly entered, without going any farther. −
And even by this also are we taught that the baptism of John was a token of repentance and remission of sins and that our baptism at this day doth not differ any thing from it, save only that Christ is already revealed, and in his death and resurrection our salvation is made perfect: and so baptism was brought unto his [its] effect; because out of that fountain of Christ’s death and resurrection whereof I have spoken, floweth repentance, and thither is faith referred again that it may thence fet [seek] free righteousness. In sum, Paul showeth plainly that that was the baptism of regeneration and renovation as is ours. And because both purging and newness of life doth flow from Christ alone he saith that it was grounded in his faith, by which words we be also taught, that hereupon dependeth all the force of baptism, that we lay hold upon by faith in Christ whatsoever baptism doth figure; so far off is it, that the outward sign doth derogate from or diminish the grace of Christ any iota. −

Calvin: Act 19:5 - -- 5.When they heard these things Because the men of old had conceived an opinion that the baptism of John and of Christ were diverse, it was no inconve...
5.When they heard these things Because the men of old had conceived an opinion that the baptism of John and of Christ were diverse, it was no inconvenient − 356 thing for them to be baptized again, who were only prepared with the baptism of John. But that that diversity was falsely and wickedly by them believed, it appeareth by this, in that it was a pledge and token of the same adoption, and of the same newness of life, which we have at this day in our baptism; and, therefore, we do not read that Christ did baptize those again who came from John unto him. Moreover, Christ received baptism in his own flesh, that he might couple himself with us by that visible sign, ( Mat 3:15) but if that reigned diversity be admitted, this singular benefit shall fall away and perish, that baptism is common to the Son of God and to us, or that we have all one baptism with him. But this opinion needeth no long refutation, because to the end they may persuade that these two baptisms be diverse, they must needs show first wherein the one differeth from the other; but a most excellent likelihood answereth on both parts, and also the agreement and conformity of the parts, − 357 which causeth us to confess that it is all one baptism. −
Now the question is, whether it were lawful to repeat the same; and furious men in this our age; trusting to this testimony, went about to bring in baptizing again. − 358 Some take baptism for new institution or instruction, of whose mind I am not, because, as their exposition is too much racked, so it smelleth of a starting-hole − 359. −
Other some deny that baptism was repeated; because they were baptized amiss by some foolish enemy − 360 of John. But because their conjecture hath no color; yea, the words of Paul do rather import that they were the true and natural disciples of John, and Luke doth honorably call them disciples of Christ; I do not subscribe to this opinion, and yet deny that the baptism of water was repeated, because the words of Luke import no other thing, save only that they were baptized with the Spirit. First, it is no new thing for the name of baptism to be translated unto the gifts of the Spirit, as we saw in the first and in the eleventh chapters, ( Act 1:5, and Act 11:6) where Luke said, that when Christ promised to his apostles to send the Spirit visible, he called it baptism. −
Also, that when the Spirit came down upon Cornelius, Peter remembered the words of the Lord, “Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.” Again, we see that those visible gifts are spoken of by name in this place, and that the same are given with baptism. And whereas it followeth immediately, that when he had laid his hands upon them, the Spirit came, I take it to be added by way of interpretation; for it is a kind of speaking much used in the Scripture, first to set down a thing briefly, and afterwards to make it more plain. Therefore, that which by reason of brevity was somewhat obscure, doth Luke better express and lay more open, saying, that by laying on of hands the Spirit was given them. If any man object, that when baptism is put for the gifts of the Spirit, it is not taken simply, but having somewhat added to it. I answer, that Luke’s meaning doth sufficiently appear by the text; and again, that Luke doth allude unto the baptism whereof he spake. And surely if you understand it of the external sign, it shall be an absurd thing that it was given them without using any better doctrine. But and if you take it metaphorically for institution, the speech shall be as yet harsh; and the narration should not agree, that after they were taught the Holy Ghost came down upon them. −
Furthermore, as I confess that this laying on of hands was a sacrament, so I say that those fell through ignorance who did continually imitate the same. For seeing that all men agree in this, that it was a grace which was to last only for a time, which was showed by that sign, it is a perverse and ridiculous thing to retain the sign since the truth is taken away. There is another respect of baptism and the supper, wherein the Lord doth testify that those gifts are laid open for us, which the Church shall enjoy even until the end of the world. Wherefore we must diligently and wisely distinguish perpetual sacraments from those which last only for a time, lest vain and frivolous visures [semblances] have a place among the sacraments. Whereas the men of old time did use laying on of hands, that they might confirm the profession of faith in those who were grown up, − 361 I do not mislike it; so that no man think that the grace of the Spirit is annexed to such a ceremony, as doth Jerome against the Luciferians. −
But the Papists are worthy of no pardon, who being not content with the ancient rite, durst thrust in rotten and filthy anointing, that it might be not only a confirmation of baptism, but also a more worthy sacrament, whereby they imagine that the faithful are made perfect who were before only half perfect, — whereby those are armed against the battle, who before had their sins only forgiven them. For they have not been afraid to spew out these horrible blasphemies.
Defender: Act 19:1 - -- Ephesus was the greatest commercial city in Asia Minor, the capital of the province of Asia with a busy harbor on the western coast. Its ruins are sti...
Ephesus was the greatest commercial city in Asia Minor, the capital of the province of Asia with a busy harbor on the western coast. Its ruins are still beautiful and a great tourist attraction today."

A better rendering of this phrase is "when ye believed."

Defender: Act 19:2 - -- These twelve Ephesian disciples were evidently considered disciples of Christ, rather than of John, since Paul recognized they had "believed." Also, t...
These twelve Ephesian disciples were evidently considered disciples of Christ, rather than of John, since Paul recognized they had "believed." Also, they would surely have been identified specifically as disciples of John had that been the case (compare Joh 3:22-26). In some way, possibly through some of John's disciples rather than John himself, these disciples had learned of Jesus and had believed on Him. However, what they had learned did not include the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, and so even though this teaching had been enough to bring them salvation, it was deficient. In fact, John himself had been given the authority "to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins" (Luk 1:77).

Defender: Act 19:2 - -- This admission proves that the Ephesian disciples had not heard the message of John directly, since John had certainly preached about the Holy Spirit ...
This admission proves that the Ephesian disciples had not heard the message of John directly, since John had certainly preached about the Holy Spirit (Mat 3:11; Joh 1:32-34) and was himself "filled with the Holy Ghost" (Luk 1:15)."

Defender: Act 19:3 - -- Here Paul simply assumed the disciples had been baptized since they had believed and were disciples. In the New Testament, baptism always immediately ...
Here Paul simply assumed the disciples had been baptized since they had believed and were disciples. In the New Testament, baptism always immediately follows saving faith, and is then followed by discipleship. This is the only case mentioned in the New Testament of anyone being "rebaptized." Not even Apollos, who also had known "only the baptism of John" until Aquila and Priscilla gave him further instruction (Act 18:25, Act 18:26), needed to be rebaptized. The same was true of the twelve apostles. Presumably the difference was that the Ephesian disciples had been baptized by one or more of John's disciples after the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost when Christ's disciples first began to baptize "in the name of Jesus Christ" (Act 2:38). Also, this was an important new stage in the spread of the gospel, with Ephesus destined to become a center like Antioch and Jerusalem. It was important that the ministry of John be thus tied in with that of Christ once and for all by a manifestation of the Holy Spirit as at Jerusalem, Antioch and in the house of Cornelius."

Defender: Act 19:7 - -- It is perhaps significant that the number was the same as the number of the original apostles. Like the latter at Jerusalem, these became the nucleus ...
It is perhaps significant that the number was the same as the number of the original apostles. Like the latter at Jerusalem, these became the nucleus of the important church at Ephesus. Very likely, they were "the elders of the church" (Act 20:17), to whom Paul spoke with such earnestness on his last trip to Jerusalem (Acts 20:17-38)."
TSK: Act 19:1 - -- that : Act 18:24-28; 1Co 1:12, 1Co 3:4-7, 1Co 16:12
Paul : Act 18:23
came : Act 18:19-21

TSK: Act 19:2 - -- Have ye : Act 19:5, Act 2:17, Act 2:38, Act 2:39, Act 8:15-17, Act 10:44, Act 11:15-17; Rom 1:11
We have : 1Sa 3:7; Joh 7:39; 1Co 6:19, 1Co 12:1-11; G...
Have ye : Act 19:5, Act 2:17, Act 2:38, Act 2:39, Act 8:15-17, Act 10:44, Act 11:15-17; Rom 1:11
We have : 1Sa 3:7; Joh 7:39; 1Co 6:19, 1Co 12:1-11; Gal 3:5

TSK: Act 19:3 - -- Unto what : Mat 28:19; 1Co 12:13
Unto John’ s : Act 18:25; Matt. 3:1-17; Luke 3:1-38

TSK: Act 19:4 - -- John : Act 1:5, Act 11:16, Act 13:23-25; Mat 3:11, Mat 3:12, Mat 11:3-5, Mat 21:25-32; Mar 1:1-12; Luk 1:76-79, Luk 3:16-18; Joh 1:15, Joh 1:27, Joh 1...


TSK: Act 19:6 - -- laid : Act 6:6, Act 8:17-19, Act 9:17; 1Ti 5:22; 2Ti 1:6
the Holy Ghost : Act 2:4, Act 10:45, Act 10:46, Act 13:2; 1Co 12:8-11, 1Co 12:28-30
and proph...
laid : Act 6:6, Act 8:17-19, Act 9:17; 1Ti 5:22; 2Ti 1:6
the Holy Ghost : Act 2:4, Act 10:45, Act 10:46, Act 13:2; 1Co 12:8-11, 1Co 12:28-30
and prophesied : 1Cor. 14:1-25

collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes: Act 19:1 - -- While Apollos was at Corinth - It is probable that he remained there a considerable time. Paul, having passed through the upper coasts - ...
While Apollos was at Corinth - It is probable that he remained there a considerable time.
Paul, having passed through the upper coasts - The upper, or more elevated regions of Asia Minor. The writer refers here particularly to the provinces of Phrygia and Galatia, Act 18:23. These regions were called upper, because they were situated on the high table-land in the interior of Asia Minor, while Ephesus was in the low maritime regions, and called the low country.
Came to Ephesus - Agreeably to his promise, Act 18:21.
And finding certain disciples - Certain persons who had been baptized into John’ s baptism, and who had embraced John’ s doctrine that the Messiah was soon to appear, Acts . Act 19:3-4. It is very clear that they had not yet heard that he had come, or that the Holy Spirit was given. They were evidently in the same situation as Apollos. See the notes on Act 18:25.

Barnes: Act 19:2 - -- Have ye received the Holy Spirit? - Have ye received the extraordinary effusions and miraculous influences of the Holy Spirit? Paul would not d...
Have ye received the Holy Spirit? - Have ye received the extraordinary effusions and miraculous influences of the Holy Spirit? Paul would not doubt that, if they had "believed,"they had received the ordinary converting influences of the Holy Spirit - for it was one of his favorite doctrines that the Holy Spirit renews the heart. But, besides this, the miraculous influences of the Spirit were conferred on many societies of believers. The power of speaking with tongues, or of working miracles, was imparted as an evidence of the presence of God, and of their acceptance with him, Act 10:45-46; 1 Cor. 14. It was natural for Paul to ask whether this evidence of the divine favor has been granted to them.
Since ye believed - Since you embraced the doctrine of John that the Messiah was soon to come.
We have not so much as heard ... - This seems to be a very strange answer. Yet we are to remember:
(1) That these were mere disciples of John’ s doctrine, and that his preaching related particularly to the Messiah, and not to the Holy Spirit.
\caps1 (2) i\caps0 t does not even appear that they had heard that the Messiah had come, or had heard of Jesus of Nazareth, Acts . Act 19:4-5.
\caps1 (3) i\caps0 t is not remarkable, therefore, that they had no clear conceptions of the character and operations of the Holy Spirit. Yet,
(4) They were just in that state of mind that they were willing to embrace the doctrine when it was proclaimed to them, thus showing that they were really under the influence of the Holy Spirit. God may often produce important changes in the hearts and lives of sinners, even where they have no clear and systematic views of religious doctrines. In all such cases, however, there will be a readiness of heart to embrace the truth where it is made known.

Barnes: Act 19:3 - -- Unto what - Unto what faith or doctrine. What did you profess to believe when you were baptized? Unto John’ s baptism - See the note...
Unto what - Unto what faith or doctrine. What did you profess to believe when you were baptized?
Unto John’ s baptism - See the notes on Act 18:25.

Barnes: Act 19:4 - -- John verily baptized - John did indeed baptize. With the baptism of repentance - Having special reference to repentance, or as a professi...
John verily baptized - John did indeed baptize.
With the baptism of repentance - Having special reference to repentance, or as a profession that they did repent of their sins. See the notes on Mat 3:6.
Saying unto the people - The design of his preaching was to tarn the people from their sins, and to prepare them for the coming of the Messiah. He therefore directed their attention principally to him that was to come, Joh 1:15, Joh 1:22-27.
That is, on Christ Jesus - These are the words of Paul, explaining what John taught. John taught them to believe in the Messiah, and Paul now showed them that the Messiah was Jesus of Nazareth. The argument of Paul is, that it was highly proper for them now to profess publicly that Saviour to whom John had borne such explicit testimony. "Jesus is the Messiah for whom John came to prepare the way; and as you have em braced John’ s doctrine, you ought now publicly to acknowledge that Redeemer by baptism in his name.

Barnes: Act 19:5 - -- When they heard this - When they heard what Paul had said respecting the nature of John’ s baptism. They were baptized ... - As ther...
When they heard this - When they heard what Paul had said respecting the nature of John’ s baptism.
They were baptized ... - As there is no other instance in the New Testament of any persons having been rebaptized, it has been made a question by some critics whether it was done here; and they have supposed that all this is the narrative of Luke respecting what took place under the ministry of John: to wit, that he told them to believe on Christ Jesus, and then baptized them in his name. But this is a most forced construction; and it is evident that these persons were rebaptized by the direction of Paul. For:
(1) This is the obvious interpretation of the passage - what would strike all persons as correct, unless there were some previous theory to support.
\caps1 (2) i\caps0 t was not a matter of fact that John baptized in the name of Christ Jesus. His was the baptism of repentance; and there is not the slightest evidence that he ever used the name of Jesus in the form of baptism.
\caps1 (3) i\caps0 f it be the sense of the passage that John baptized them in the name of Jesus, then this verse is a mere repetition of Acts . Act 19:4; a tautology of which the sacred writers would not be guilty.
\caps1 (4) i\caps0 t is evident that the persons on whom Paul laid his hands Acts . Act 19:6, and those who were baptized, were the same. But these were the persons who heard Acts . Act 19:5 what was said. The narrative is continuous, all parts of it cohering together as relating to a transaction that occurred at the same time. If the obvious interpretation of the passage be the true one, it follows that the baptism of John was not strictly Christian baptism. It was the baptism of repentance; a baptism designed to prepare the way for the introduction of the kingdom of the Messiah. It will not follow, however, from this that Christian baptism is now ever to be repeated. For this there is no warrant in the New Testament. There is no command to repeat it, as in the case of the Lord’ s Supper; and the nature and design of the ordinance evidently supposes that it is to be performed but once. The disciples of John were rebaptized, not because baptism is designed to be repeated, but because they never had been, in fact, baptized in the manner prescribed by the Lord Jesus.
In the name of the Lord Jesus - See the notes on Act 2:38.

Barnes: Act 19:6 - -- And when Paul laid his hands ... - See the notes on Act 8:17. And they spake with tongues - See the notes on Act 2:4; Act 10:46. And...
Poole: Act 19:1 - -- Act 19:1-7 The Holy Ghost is conferred by Paul on twelve of
John’ s disciples.
Act 19:8-12 He preacheth at Ephesus, first in the synagogue, ...
Act 19:1-7 The Holy Ghost is conferred by Paul on twelve of
John’ s disciples.
Act 19:8-12 He preacheth at Ephesus, first in the synagogue, and
afterwards in a private school for two years; God
confirming the word by special miracles.
Act 19:13-20 Certain Jewish exorcists, attempting to cast out a devil
in the name of Jesus, are sent off naked and wounded:
the gospel gains credit, and magical books are burned.
Act 19:21-41 Paul proposing to depart soon, Demetrius and the
silversmiths raise an uproar against him, which is
with some difficulty appeased.
The upper coasts the north parts, in which were Pontus, Bithynia, Phrygia, and Galatia, Act 18:23 .

Poole: Act 19:2 - -- Have ye received the Holy Ghost? The extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost, as prophesying, speaking with tongues, healing of the sick, &c., as appea...
Have ye received the Holy Ghost? The extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost, as prophesying, speaking with tongues, healing of the sick, &c., as appears by Act 18:6 , and Joh 7:39 ; for it could not be, that they, who were instructed and baptized by John, should be ignorant of the essence or person of the Holy Ghost; for the Baptist had seen him descending upon our Saviour; as is remembered by all the evangelists which speak of his baptism, Mat 3:16 Mar 1:10 Luk 3:22 ; besides other scriptures which testified of him; and St. John had spoken of him unto all he baptized, that our Saviour would baptize them with the Holy Ghost and with fire, Joh 1:32,33 .
We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost: this answer must be understood, according to the question, of those gifts now mentioned; and which by the imposition of the hands of the apostles were given, especially at the ordination of such as were sent to preach the gospel, it being necessary for the planting of the church, those miraculous gifts assuring those unto whom they preached, that their doctrine was from heaven; as also to assure the apostles themselves of the success of their ministry, and the conversion of such they preached unto, as Act 10:44,47 . And this acceptation of these words is paralleled, 1Sa 3:7 , where it is said, that
Samuel did not yet know the Lord the meaning is, that he knew not that God was wont so to speak unto any; otherwise, that holy man, as young as he was, both knew God, and served him.

Poole: Act 19:3 - -- Unto what then were ye baptized? What doctrine did you make profession of? And what religion did you seal unto at your baptism?
Unto John’ s ba...
Unto what then were ye baptized? What doctrine did you make profession of? And what religion did you seal unto at your baptism?
Unto John’ s baptism the doctrine that John taught, and the religion that he professed and preached. Thus the Jews are said to be
baptized unto Moses 1Co 10:2 , being engaged to believe the doctrine and observe the law delivered by Moses. Now the Baptist, as Act 18:25 , preached indeed Christ; but many things concerning him he could not preach, unless as of things to come; as his death, and resurrection: the Baptist being beheaded before our Saviour’ s death, and the Holy Ghost was not poured out in that extraordinary manner until after our Saviour’ s resurrection and ascension; which pouring out of the Spirit, these disciples at Ephesus, having been baptized by John in Judea, and afterwards returning home, might not have heard of.

Poole: Act 19:4 - -- The baptism of repentance at which the Baptist did exhort them to repentance, and they by it were obliged to repent; by which is manifest, that the b...
The baptism of repentance at which the Baptist did exhort them to repentance, and they by it were obliged to repent; by which is manifest, that the baptism of John and of Christ (which he commanded) are one and the same. John’ s baptism did respect Christ, and oblige the baptized to believe in him, as also to repent; and more, it was a seal unto them of the remission of their sins, as is expressly observed, Mar 1:4 : so that the baptism of John, and the baptism of the apostles afterward, had the same sign and the same thing signified in them both (the inward and outward part, the heavenly and earthly part, were the same in both); as also they had both the same end; and therefore they were both the same. Add to this, that unless the Baptist’ s and the apostles’ baptism were the same, Christ and his members (the church) are not baptized with the same baptism. It must be acknowledged that there are some circumstances in which they differ; John’ s baptism respected Christ to come; that is, in the exercise of his ministry (which was not so fully exercised till after John’ s death); but especially, those great things (his death, resurrection, and ascension, &c.) were to come after John’ s time, which now are accomplished.
On Christ Jesus including the Father and the Holy Ghost, and mentioning Christ, to difference his baptisms from the several baptizings and washings then in use.

Poole: Act 19:5 - -- The disciples, or those that John preached to, (for these Ephesians were not amongst those few that Paul baptized, 1Co 1:14 ), who when they heard w...
The disciples, or those that John preached to, (for these Ephesians were not amongst those few that Paul baptized, 1Co 1:14 ), who when they heard what the Baptist said in the foregoing verse, they were baptized; as in the same terms it is said, Act 2:37 ,
when they heard what St. Peter had said, they were pricked in their heart, & c., and were baptized. As for Paul’ s imposing his hands upon them that are said here to be baptized, it might very well be, that the twelve disciples, Act 19:7 , might have been baptized by John, and now receive the Holy Ghost in those extraordinary gifts by the laying on of the hands of St. Paul: for to what end should these disciples, who were baptized with St. John’ s baptism, be again baptized by Paul? It is true, they had further manifestations of the mystery of the gospel brought unto them; but if men should be baptized for every degree of knowledge or grace which they do acquire, how many baptisms had they need to have, who ought daily to grow in grace and in knowledge! It is evident, that the apostles themselves were only baptized with the baptism of John, for there were none else to baptize them. And baptism being an ordinance for our regeneration and new birth, as we can be born but once in the flesh, we can be but once also born in the Spirit; and no more may Christians be baptized twice, than the Jews could be twice circumcised.

Poole: Act 19:6 - -- Laid his hands upon them thereby ordaining and authorizing of them to preach the gospel.
The Holy Ghost came on them in those extraordinary gifts o...
Laid his hands upon them thereby ordaining and authorizing of them to preach the gospel.
The Holy Ghost came on them in those extraordinary gifts of tongues, &c., whereby they were fitted to preach the gospel unto any nation or people unto whom they should be sent.
Prophesied they prophesied, either in its proper sense, being enabled to foretell things that were to come; or in a larger and more improper sense, praising and magnifying of God, and declaring the hidden mysteries of the gospel; expounding the Scriptures, especially the prophecies concerning Christ, as 1Co 14:1 .

Poole: Act 19:7 - -- Or exactly twelve; answering to the apostles, and that blessed number so often mentioned in Scripture.
Or exactly twelve; answering to the apostles, and that blessed number so often mentioned in Scripture.
Haydock: Act 19:1 - -- Disciples. These were apparently disciples of St. John the Baptist, who believed in Christ from his testimony, and had received no farther instructi...
Disciples. These were apparently disciples of St. John the Baptist, who believed in Christ from his testimony, and had received no farther instruction, nor any baptism but John's. (Calmet)

Haydock: Act 19:2 - -- St. Paul first inquires of them, if they have received the Holy Ghost by confirmation. Their answer is probably not to be interpreted with rigour; si...
St. Paul first inquires of them, if they have received the Holy Ghost by confirmation. Their answer is probably not to be interpreted with rigour; since they must have heard something of the holy Spirit, so often mentioned in the Old Testament, by whom the prophets are said to speak, &c. They meant, they did not know there was in the Church, any means of communicating this Spirit to the faithful. (Calmet)

Haydock: Act 19:5 - -- Baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, so called to distinguish it from the baptism of John; and that of Christ was given in the name of the Father,...
Baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, so called to distinguish it from the baptism of John; and that of Christ was given in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, according to the command of Christ himself. [Matthew xxviii. 19.] (Witham)

Haydock: Act 19:6 - -- Imposed his hands on them, by which imposition of hands, was given the Holy Ghost in the sacrament of confirmation. (Witham)
Imposed his hands on them, by which imposition of hands, was given the Holy Ghost in the sacrament of confirmation. (Witham)
Gill: Act 19:1 - -- And it came to pass that while Apollos was at Corinth,.... Whither he came after the Apostle Paul, and where he watered what the apostle had planted, ...
And it came to pass that while Apollos was at Corinth,.... Whither he came after the Apostle Paul, and where he watered what the apostle had planted, and where he became very famous and eminent; insomuch that he was set up, though not with his will, at the head of a party, in opposition to the chief of the apostles, Peter and Paul; see 1Co 1:12.
Paul having passed through the upper coasts; that is, of Phrygia, Galatia, Pontus, Bithynia, Lydia, Lycaonia, and Paphlagonia;
came to Ephesus; into Ionia, of which Ephesus was the chief city, and lay near the sea; wherefore the other countries are called the upper coasts; hither he came, according to his promise in Act 28:21
And finding certain disciples; such as believed in Christ, made a profession of him, and had been baptized in his name, for such were commonly called disciples: these do not seem to be persons, who were either converted by Paul, when he was at Ephesus before, or by Apollos, who had been there since, and was gone; but rather some who came hither from other parts, since the apostle was at this place; though indeed his stay at Ephesus before was so short, that they might be here, and he not hear of them, or meet with them.

Gill: Act 19:2 - -- He said unto them, have ye received the Holy Ghost,.... Meaning, not the special regenerating and sanctifying grace of the Holy Ghost, for that is sup...
He said unto them, have ye received the Holy Ghost,.... Meaning, not the special regenerating and sanctifying grace of the Holy Ghost, for that is supposed in their being disciples and believers, but the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost, for it follows,
since ye believed? that is, in Christ; which is taking it for granted, that they had received the special grace of the Spirit of God; for this believing is to be understood of true, spiritual, special faith in Christ:
and they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost; by which they could not mean the person of the Holy Ghost: for they must have known that there was such a divine person as the Holy Ghost, from the writings of the Old Testament, with which they were conversant: and from the ministry of John, into whose baptism they were baptized; who saw the Spirit of God descend on Jesus, and bore witness of it; and declared, that Christ who was to come after him, would baptize with the Holy Ghost: nor could they mean the special grace of the Spirit, which they themselves had received; but the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit of God, which they at present knew nothing of, and which were afterwards bestowed upon them: they knew that there were prophecies in the Old Testament, concerning the effusion of the Spirit in the last days, in the days of the Messiah; but they had not heard that these had had their accomplishment; they had heard nothing of the day of Pentecost, and of the pouring out of the Spirit upon the apostles then, nor of any instance of this kind since; they did not know that the Holy Ghost was yet, Joh 7:39 they knew he was promised, but not that he was given; the Ethiopic version, to avoid the difficulty of the text, renders it, "we have only heard that there was an Holy Ghost".

Gill: Act 19:3 - -- And he said unto them, unto what then were ye baptized?.... The apostle takes it for granted that they were baptized, since they were not only believe...
And he said unto them, unto what then were ye baptized?.... The apostle takes it for granted that they were baptized, since they were not only believers, but disciples; such as not only believed with the heart, but had made a profession of their faith, and were followers of Christ; but asks unto what they were baptized; either in whose name they were baptized, since Christian baptism was administered in the name of the Spirit, as well as in the name of the Father and of the Son; or what attended or followed their baptism, seeing sometimes the Holy Ghost fell upon persons, either before baptism, or at it, or after it:
and they said, unto John's baptism; some think they had never been baptized at all with water baptism, only had received the doctrine preached by John, concerning repentance and remission of sins, and so were baptized unto him, professing the same doctrine he did, just as the Israelites were baptized into Moses; others think they were baptized, but very wrongly, being baptized in the name of John, and not in the name of Jesus Christ; and so, as it was not Christian baptism they had submitted to, it was right to baptize them again: but neither of these are probable, for it is not likely that they should receive John's doctrine, and not his baptism; that they should be his disciples and followers, and not attend to the more distinguishing branch of his ministry; and it is still more unlikely that they should be baptized in his name, who preached Jesus Christ to his followers, and pointed out to them the Lamb of God, and declared him to be greater than he; it seems rather that they were baptized, and that they were baptized in the name of Christ, as John's disciples were, as the apostle affirms in the following words.

Gill: Act 19:4 - -- Then said Paul,.... In reply to their answer, understanding them that they were baptized by John, he takes it up, and gives an account of John's bapti...
Then said Paul,.... In reply to their answer, understanding them that they were baptized by John, he takes it up, and gives an account of John's baptism: showing how agreeable it was, and that it was the same baptism with the baptism of Christ, being administered in his name:
John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance; which required repentance antecedent to it, and was a fruit and effect, and so an evidence of it:
saying unto the people; the people of the Jews, the common people, the multitude that attended on his ministry:
that they should believe on him, which should come after him, that is, on Jesus Christ; so that he preached faith in Christ, as well as repentance towards God; and made the one as well as the other a necessary prerequisite unto baptism; which shows, that his baptism and Christian baptism are the same.

Gill: Act 19:5 - -- When they heard this,.... That is, the people to whom John preached, his hearers; when they heard of the Messiah, and that Jesus was he, and that it b...
When they heard this,.... That is, the people to whom John preached, his hearers; when they heard of the Messiah, and that Jesus was he, and that it became them to believe in him:
they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus; not the disciples that Paul found at Ephesus, but the hearers of John; for these are the words of the Apostle Paul, giving an account of John's baptism, and of the success of his ministry, showing, that his baptism was administered in the name of the Lord Jesus; and not the words of Luke the Evangelist, recording what followed upon his account of John's baptism; for then he would have made mention of the apostle's name, as he does in the next verse; and have said, when they heard this account, they were baptized by Paul in the name of the Lord Jesus: the historian reports two things, first what Paul said, which lies in Act 19:4 then what he did, Act 19:6 where he repeats his name, as was necessary; as that he laid his hands upon them, which was all that was needful to their receiving the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost, having been already baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus: which sense is the more confirmed by the particles

Gill: Act 19:6 - -- And when Paul had laid his hands upon them,.... They having been before baptized, not by him, but by John, or one of his disciples, in the name of the...
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them,.... They having been before baptized, not by him, but by John, or one of his disciples, in the name of the Lord Jesus; just as Peter and John laid their hands upon the believing Samaritans, who had been before baptized by Philip, Act 8:14 and the same extraordinary effects followed:
the Holy Ghost came on them; in his extraordinary gifts, whose special grace they had before an experience of:
and they spake with tongues; with other tongues, or in other languages, which they had never learned, or had been used to, as the disciples did at the day of "Pentecost": and prophesied; preached, having an extraordinary gift at once, of explaining the prophecies of the Old Testament, and also foretold things to come.

Gill: Act 19:7 - -- And all the men were about twelve. The Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, have not the word "about"; but affirm, that the men were twelve; and ind...
And all the men were about twelve. The Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, have not the word "about"; but affirm, that the men were twelve; and indeed the number being so small, the historian might be at a certainty about it: these seem to be the first materials of a Gospel church at Ephesus, which afterwards was very large and flourishing, and very likely were some of the elders of it.

expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Act 19:2 This use of ἀλλά (alla) is ascensive and involves an ellipsis (BDAG 45 s.v. ἀλλά 3): “No, [not only di...


NET Notes: Act 19:4 These disciples may have had their contact with John early on in the Baptist’s ministry before Jesus had emerged. This is the fifth time Luke li...

NET Notes: Act 19:6 The imperfect verb ἐπροφήτευον (eprofhteuon) has been translated as an ingressive imperfect.

Geneva Bible: Act 19:1 And ( 1 ) it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain discip...

Geneva Bible: Act 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the ( a ) Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any ...

Geneva Bible: Act 19:3 ( 2 ) And he said unto them, Unto ( b ) what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto ( c ) John's baptism.
( 2 ) John only began to instruct the d...

expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> Act 19:1-41
TSK Synopsis: Act 19:1-41 - --1 The Holy Ghost is given by Paul's hands.8 The Jews blaspheme his doctrine, which is confirmed by miracles.13 The Jewish exorcists,16 are beaten by t...
Combined Bible: Act 19:1 - --1endash 7. Having sketched briefly the visit of Apollos to Ephesus, and thus prepared the way for an account of Paul's labors in the same city, the hi...






Maclaren -> Act 19:1-12
Maclaren: Act 19:1-12 - --Two Fruitful Years
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding ...
MHCC -> Act 19:1-7
MHCC: Act 19:1-7 - --Paul, at Ephesus, found some religious persons, who looked to Jesus as the Messiah. They had not been led to expect the miraculous powers of the Holy ...
Matthew Henry -> Act 19:1-7
Matthew Henry: Act 19:1-7 - -- Ephesus was a city of great note in Asia, famous for a temple built there to Diana, which was one of the wonders of the world: thither Paul came to...
Barclay -> Act 19:1-7; Act 19:1-7
Barclay: Act 19:1-7 - --Ac 19 is mainly concerned with Paul's work in Ephesus. He stayed longer there than anywhere else, almost three years.
(i) Ephesus (2181) was the mar...

Barclay: Act 19:1-7 - --In Ephesus Paul met some men who were incomplete Christians. They had received the baptism of John but they did not even know of the Holy Spirit in t...
Constable: Act 9:32--Rom 1:1 - --III. THE WITNESS TO THE UTTERMOST PART OF THE EARTH 9:32--28:31
Luke next recorded the church's expansion beyond...

Constable: Act 16:6--19:21 - --C. The extension of the church to the Aegean shores 16:6-19:20
The missionary outreach narrated in this ...

Constable: Act 18:23--19:21 - --5. The results of ministry in Asia 18:23-19:20
Luke gave considerable information regarding Paul...

Constable: Act 19:1-20 - --Paul's ministry in Ephesus 19:1-20
Luke's account of Paul's third missionary journey is ...
