Paul explains the reason for his prayer for the Christians in Ephesus, who were greatly helped by him. Years earlier, upon arriving in this city, the apostle found 12 people converted to Christ who knew little of the Gospel. Upon observing this small group praying and going to the lost to speak about Jesus, Paul saw that they lacked the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-7).

The apostle asked if they had been baptized with the Holy Spirit, and the answer was: “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” (v. 2). They had already been baptized in water, but it was done without proper preparation. After guiding them, Paul baptized them in water again and prayed to the Lord to fill them with power (v. 5,6). From that group, the apostle planted one of the largest churches of those days, which helped him evangelize that part of Asia Minor (v. 8-10).

Ephesus was dominated by idolatry at that time, but those who were filled with the Holy Spirit were used by God in such a way that Paul was able to go from house to house to preach the Word. In less than two years, everyone knew that Jesus was the Solution. From then on, the news reached other cities (Acts 19:11-18).

Large bonfires were lit in the city squares, where the converts brought witchcraft books and burned them, for they were seeds of deception (Acts 19:19-20). When people come to know the Truth, they move from traditional religion to the Way of Heaven. In the 1970s, they published a book written by a German, who complained about the bonfires of the Apostle Paul in Ephesus, because, according to him, those were good books. Only those who do not serve the King of kings do not do the work.

Paul said, in Ephesians 3:14, that he knelt before the Father of our Lord Jesus to pray for his brothers in Christ, and his prayer was heard and answered. In the same way, it will happen to you. Your petitions will also be answered. The work of the Lord will advance everyplace. It is enough for the person responsible for the work to live in the presence of God without fear of preaching the Word. Go and do as the Lord has commanded you!

Call upon the Heavenly Father and see the work He destined for you to do prosper, until the whole city knows the Truth. The man of God must have the authority to undo the works of the devil, freeing the oppressed and teaching the people about the Savior. Speak directly with the Lord and be His instrument to free the people from superstitions that only harm everyone.

Paul said that everyone can call upon the Name of the Lord and receive the answer they need. It is necessary to teach everyone about the right to use the Name that is above every name (Mark 16:17,18). By acting this way, you will be an instrument of deliverance for those oppressed by the devil, of healing for the sick, and will put an end to the work of the evil one wherever you are sent. Nothing better than taking the Name of Jesus, before whom evil will bow!

         In Christ, with love,

         R. R. Soares