Acts 19:18

And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

And {G5037} many {G4183} that believed {G4100} came {G2064}, and confessed {G1843}, and {G2532} shewed {G312} their {G846} deeds {G4234}.

Many of those who had earlier made professions of faith now came and admitted publicly their evil deeds;

Many who had believed now came forward, confessing and disclosing their deeds.

Many also of them that had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds.

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Commentary

Acts 19:18 describes a pivotal moment in the early church in Ephesus, showcasing the profound impact of the gospel and the power of God at work through the apostle Paul.

Context

This verse immediately follows a dramatic incident involving the sons of Sceva, who attempted to exorcise demons in Jesus' name without genuine faith, resulting in their public humiliation by the evil spirit. This event, coupled with Paul's powerful ministry and miraculous deeds (Acts 19:11-12), instilled a profound "fear" (reverence and awe) of the Lord Jesus throughout the city of Ephesus. Ephesus was a major Roman city, deeply entrenched in idolatry, particularly the worship of Artemis (Diana), and widely known for its prevalent magical arts and sorcery.

Key Themes

  • Genuine Repentance and Confession: The verse highlights a deep spiritual conviction among new believers. "Confessed" implies an open and public acknowledgment of past sins, especially those related to the occult or ungodly practices, demonstrating a sincere turning away from their former lives.
  • Public Acknowledgment of Deeds: "Shewed their deeds" indicates not just a verbal confession but a public revelation of their previous actions, often shameful, as a sign of complete brokenness and commitment to Christ. This transparency was a crucial step in their spiritual cleansing.
  • Divine Power and Reverence for God: The preceding events, where God's power was clearly demonstrated over evil spirits, created a profound reverence for the name of Jesus, leading to this wave of sincere repentance and confession.
  • Spiritual Transformation: This act of confession and revelation was a vital step in their spiritual journey, signifying a decisive break from their former practices and a commitment to living under the authority of Christ. This transformation was so profound that it led many to burn their expensive magic books.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "confessed" is exomologeo, which means "to confess fully," "to acknowledge openly and publicly," or "to agree." In this context, it signifies a complete and unreserved admission of wrongdoing. The phrase "shewed their deeds" comes from anaggello, meaning "to declare," "to report," or "to make known." It implies revealing the specific details of their past involvement in magic or other sinful practices, underscoring the depth and authenticity of their repentance.

Practical Application

Acts 19:18 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Importance of Transparency: True conversion often involves an honest reckoning with past sins and a willingness to be transparent before God and, when appropriate, before others.
  • Breaking with the Past: Genuine faith requires a decisive break from anything that hinders one's walk with God, whether it be old habits, ungodly associations, or sinful practices.
  • Continual Confession: The principle of confessing sins remains vital for believers, fostering spiritual health and restoring fellowship with God (see 1 John 1:9).
  • Authentic Transformation: This verse demonstrates that genuine faith produces visible change, leading to a desire to live righteously and shed the trappings of a former life.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 10:10

    For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

  • Psalms 32:5

    I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

  • Matthew 3:6

    And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

  • Ezekiel 36:31

    Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that [were] not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.

  • Leviticus 16:21

    And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send [him] away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness:

  • Leviticus 26:40

    ¶ If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me;

  • Ezekiel 16:63

    That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.
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