primary importance

Acts 18:23–19:41

Paul was a traveling missionary/apostle. This third mission was spent mostly in  Ephesus.

Apollos taught the baptism by John the Baptist, because he didn't know the rest of the story. Aquila and Priscilla, knew of Jesus and the Holy Ghost and taught Apollos “the way of God more perfectly.” Apollos willingly accepted the gospel.


When some of the Ephesians received the gift of the Holy Ghost, they began prophesying and peaking in tongues like the Pentecost and Caesarea. Speaking in tongues is a manifestation of the Holy Ghost.  Other manifestations are personal revelation and personal peace, as a still small voice.

Because they were unteachable and hardhearted, Paul left the synagogue in Ephesus and begin teaching in the school of Tyrannus. When people criticize or oppose the gospel, we should cease attempting to teach them. The spirit of contention is from Satan and not a tool for teaching the gospel.

“When others disagree with our stand we should not argue, retaliate in kind, or contend with them. … Ours is to explain our position through reason, friendly persuasion, and accurate facts. Ours is to stand firm and unyielding on the moral issues of the day and the eternal principles of the gospel, but to contend with no man or organization. Contention builds walls and puts up barriers. Love opens doors. … Contention never was and never will be an ally of progress” (Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, May 1978, 7–8).
 
Demetrius and the other silversmiths upset with Paul’s preaching, because they lived by creating and selling shrines for Diana, a false goddess. If Paul found success, they might lose customers. We see this same problem today, when material wealth or other worldly interests affect our loyalty to God. Many work or do other things not keeping with the commandments on the Sabbath. When we do not keep the commandments, our ability to hear the promptings of the Spirit is affected.
We would do better to follow the example of the Ephesians, who destroyed their sorcery books, when they began following Jesus. Although earthly possessions are nice, we should put them into perspective. Eternal life with our family and living as Jesus would have us live is of primary importance.