Acts 19:5-8 - They spoke in tongues and prophesied

19:5-7

The Ephesian dozen accepted Paul’s instruction and “they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus”. Paul then placed his hands upon them and they received the Holy Spirit. This was evidenced by them speaking in tongues and prophesying. We then learn that there were about a dozen of them. Once again we see real evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

19:8

We now move on to Paul’s more general ministry in Ephesus. As was his custom, Paul entered the synagogue, and was able to speak there for three months. This is a longer period than he had in Thessalonica’s synagogue (Acts 17:2). Paul “argued persuasively about the kingdom of God”. Usually we read of Paul preaching the gospel, here the term has changed to “the kingdom of God”. I wonder if there is any significance in this. Ultimately there is little difference, if we understand the gospel aright. The gospel is God’s means of bringing people into the kingdom, and it is about living under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, rather than the tyranny of the world.