Acts 19:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 19:18 captures a profound moment of spiritual revival in Ephesus, where a significant number of new believers, deeply impacted by the demonstrated power of God through Paul's ministry and the recent humiliation of the sons of Sceva, publicly acknowledged their faith. This acknowledgment was marked by open confession of past sins, particularly those related to the pervasive magical arts and occult practices of the city, and a transparent revelation of the specific deeds associated with their former lives, signifying a genuine and decisive break from their pagan past and a surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct consequence of the dramatic events immediately preceding it, specifically the incident involving [the seven sons of Sceva](/acts/19-13-17 "Acts 19:13-17 - The Sons of Sceva Incident"). These itinerant Jewish exorcists attempted to cast out demons using Jesus' name without genuine faith or authority, resulting in their public humiliation and injury by an evil spirit. This spectacular failure, contrasted sharply with the genuine power and miraculous deeds performed by Paul in the name of Jesus ([Acts 19:11-12](/acts/19-11-12 "Acts 19:11-12 - Paul's Miracles in Ephesus")), instilled a profound "fear" or reverential awe of the Lord Jesus throughout Ephesus. The confession described in [Acts 19:18](/acts/19-18 "Acts 19:18 - Public Confession in Ephesus") is the spiritual fruit of this fear, demonstrating a widespread conviction and a turning away from the darkness that had previously held sway. It sets the stage for the even more dramatic public renunciation of magic in [Acts 19:19](/acts/19-19 "Acts 19:19 - Burning of Magic Books").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a major metropolitan center in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for its magnificent Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Beyond its religious prominence, Ephesus was notorious as a hub for magic, sorcery, and occult practices. "Ephesian letters" (ephesia grammata) were widely known charms or incantations believed to possess magical power. In such a deeply superstitious and idolatrous environment, conversion to Christianity was not merely a change of belief but a radical shift in worldview and allegiance, often requiring a public and decisive break from deeply ingrained cultural practices. The public nature of the confession and the revelation of "deeds" would have been a profoundly significant and costly act, signifying a complete renunciation of the prevailing dark arts and a bold declaration of allegiance to Christ in a hostile spiritual climate.
* **Key Themes:** The events in [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus") highlight several critical themes. Firstly, the **sovereignty and power of God** over all spiritual forces, including evil spirits and magic, is clearly demonstrated, establishing the supremacy of Jesus' name over all other powers. Secondly, the passage emphasizes **genuine repentance and confession**, showcasing that true conversion involves not just intellectual assent but a profound turning away from past sins, often requiring public acknowledgment and a tangible break from former practices. This leads to the theme of **spiritual transformation**, where believers are empowered to shed the trappings of their old life and embrace a new identity in Christ. Finally, the narrative underscores the **cost of discipleship** in a pagan society, where adherence to Christ might demand public renunciation of profitable or culturally accepted practices, as seen in the subsequent burning of expensive magic books in [Acts 19:19](/acts/19-19 "Acts 19:19 - The Burning of the Magic Books").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **believed (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From _pistis_ (faith), this verb means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." In this context, it signifies a genuine, active faith in Jesus, not merely intellectual assent, but a trusting surrender that leads to a transformed life and public confession.
* **confessed (Greek, _exomologéō'_):** From _ek_ (out of) and _homologéō_ (to speak the same, agree), this verb means "to acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully," "to confess fully," or "to acknowledge openly and publicly." It implies a complete, unreserved, and often public admission of wrongdoing, particularly of sins related to their former pagan and occult practices, demonstrating a deep conviction and a turning away from their past.
* **shewed (Greek, _anangéllō'_):** From _aná_ (up, again) and the base of _ággelos_ (messenger), meaning "to announce (in detail)." This word implies not just a general admission but a specific and detailed revelation of their past "deeds." It suggests a willingness to expose the specific nature of their involvement in magic, idolatry, or other sinful practices, underscoring the depth and authenticity of their repentance and the transparency of their new life in Christ.
* **deeds (Greek, _prâxis'_):** From _prássō_ (to practice), this noun refers to "practice, i.e., (concretely) an act; by extension, a function." In this context, it refers to their specific actions, particularly those associated with the occult, sorcery, and pagan rituals that were prevalent in Ephesus. The revelation of these "deeds" signifies a complete break from their former way of life and a public renunciation of their past allegiances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And many that believed came":** This phrase indicates a significant number of individuals who had genuinely placed their faith in Jesus Christ, demonstrating the widespread impact of the gospel message and the preceding powerful events in Ephesus. Their "coming" suggests a deliberate and collective movement, likely to Paul or the Christian community, to make their public declaration.
* **"and confessed":** This signifies a public and open acknowledgment of their sins. Given the context of Ephesus, this confession would have primarily related to their involvement in magic, idolatry, and other pagan practices. The Greek term implies a full and unreserved admission, a profound act of humility and repentance before God and the community.
* **"and shewed their deeds":** This clause elaborates on the nature of their confession, indicating that it was not merely a general admission of sin but a specific revelation of their past actions. "Shewed" implies making known in detail, suggesting they openly disclosed the specific occult practices, magical rituals, or other sinful activities they had engaged in. This transparency was a crucial step in their spiritual cleansing and a tangible demonstration of their decisive break from their former lives.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Synecdoche** is present in "shewed their deeds," where "deeds" stands for the entirety of their past sinful, particularly occult, practices, symbolizing the comprehensive nature of their repentance. The narrative itself functions as a form of **Narrative Progression**, showing the direct spiritual consequence and impact of the preceding events (the sons of Sceva incident and Paul's miracles) on the Ephesian populace. There is an implicit **Contrast** drawn between the false, powerless attempts at exorcism by the sons of Sceva and the genuine, transformative power of God manifested through Paul, which leads to this authentic repentance. Finally, the very act of public confession and revelation of deeds serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of spiritual cleansing, a decisive break from darkness, and a public alignment with the light of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:18 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that genuine faith in Christ leads to profound repentance and a decisive break from sin. This public confession in Ephesus, particularly concerning involvement with the occult, underscores the radical nature of conversion in a pagan context. It highlights that true spiritual transformation is not merely an internal change but often manifests in outward actions that renounce past allegiances and practices. The willingness to expose shameful deeds demonstrates a deep conviction of sin and a complete surrender to God's authority, paving the way for spiritual freedom and a new life in Christ. This act of transparency is foundational to Christian discipleship, mirroring the call to walk in the light as Christ is in the light.

* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Mercy")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - Confession and Healing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound repentance witnessed in Ephesus serves as a timeless model for believers today. It challenges us to consider the depth and authenticity of our own conversion and ongoing walk with Christ. Are there "deeds" in our past or present lives—habits, associations, hidden sins, or even subtle forms of idolatry—that we have not fully confessed or decisively broken from? This passage calls for radical transparency before God, acknowledging that true freedom comes through honest confession and a willingness to expose and renounce anything that hinders our relationship with Him. It reminds us that genuine faith produces visible change, compelling us to shed the trappings of a former life and live entirely under the Lordship of Jesus. Our spiritual health and growth are often directly proportional to our willingness to confront and confess our sins, allowing God's transformative power to work fully within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "deeds" or past practices might I be holding onto that need to be fully confessed and renounced before God?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate greater transparency and honesty, both with God and, where appropriate, with trusted spiritual mentors?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a decisive break from the values and practices of the world, reflecting a genuine transformation by Christ?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my repentance is not merely intellectual assent but leads to tangible, life-altering change?**

### FAQ

**Why was public confession so important for these new believers in Ephesus?**

Answer: Public confession was crucial in Ephesus for several reasons. Firstly, it marked a clear and decisive break from the city's pervasive culture of magic, idolatry, and occult practices. In a society where these "deeds" were often performed openly or held significant cultural sway, a public renunciation served as a powerful testimony to their new allegiance to Christ and a clear separation from their former lives. Secondly, it demonstrated the genuineness of their repentance, as it required humility and courage to expose what was often shameful or secretive. This public act helped solidify their commitment and affirmed their new identity within the Christian community, which was often counter-cultural. Finally, it contributed to the "fear of the Lord" that spread throughout Ephesus, showing the tangible, transformative power of the gospel over the dark forces that previously held sway, as seen in [Acts 19:17](/acts/19-17 "Acts 19:17 - The Fear of the Lord Spreads").

**What does "shewed their deeds" imply, and how is it different from "confessed"?**

Answer: While "confessed" (Greek _exomologéō_) implies a general, full, and public acknowledgment of guilt or wrongdoing, "shewed their deeds" (Greek _anangéllō_ for "shewed" and _prâxis_ for "deeds") goes a step further. It implies a detailed and specific revelation of the actual practices, actions, or involvement in the occult, magic, or other sinful activities. It's not just saying "I sinned," but "I did *this* and *that*." This specificity underscored the depth of their repentance and their desire for complete transparency and cleansing. It allowed for a more thorough and deliberate break from their past, often leading to tangible actions like the burning of their magic books mentioned in [Acts 19:19](/acts/19-19 "Acts 19:19 - The Burning of the Magic Books").

**Is public confession always necessary for believers today?**

Answer: While the specific context of Ephesus (pervasive occult practices, public idolatry) made public confession a powerful and necessary demonstration of conversion, the principle of confession remains vital for all believers. [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness") teaches that "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This primary confession is to God. However, there are times when confession to others is appropriate and beneficial, particularly when sin has directly affected others, when seeking accountability, or when struggling with habitual sin (as encouraged in [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - Confession to One Another")). The Ephesian example highlights that genuine repentance often involves a decisive and visible break from past sinful patterns, which may manifest differently depending on the individual and cultural context but always requires honesty and a willingness to forsake sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 19:18, with its vivid portrayal of widespread confession and renunciation of dark deeds, powerfully points to the supreme authority and transformative power of Jesus Christ. The very reason these individuals "believed" and "confessed" was the undeniable demonstration of Jesus' power over evil spirits, a power that ultimately resides in Him as the Son of God who came to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil")). Their public confession of deeds, particularly those related to the occult, foreshadows the ultimate judgment where "every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Jesus, as the Light of the World ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), exposes the darkness of sin and calls all people to repentance, offering forgiveness and new life to those who turn from their former ways. Their radical break from their past, culminating in the burning of magic books in [Acts 19:19](/acts/19-19 "Burning of Magic Books"), is a tangible expression of the new creation they became in Christ, having been delivered from the dominion of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Thus, this passage is a testament to Christ's ongoing victory over spiritual forces and His power to redeem and thoroughly sanctify those who trust in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.