1. Priscilla & Aquila, an inter-racial business couple (she is Roman aristocracy and he is a Jewish refugee), established their affordable mobile housing manufacturing business (‘Tentmaking’ as it is often called) in town. They, along with their Jewish rabbi partner Paul, began engaging citizens about their exciting experience of faith in Jesus Christ. Acts 18:1-3, 19.

2. Some argumentative synagogue Jews responded to a three month series of arguments (the word used in the Bible) with Paul. Later, young Alexandria, Egypt scholar Apollos picked this discussion up in their meeting place. Some of them embraced Christ as Messiah. Acts 18:19b-21, 24-27, 19:8-9a.

3. A dozen enthusiasts experienced an ecstatic moment of faith when Paul returned to the city and inquired about their recent spiritual journey (as a result of hearing Apollos earlier). They were blessed by the Holy Spirit, spoke in tongues, and were immediately baptized into Christ. Acts 19:1-7

4. A number of intellectual Jews from the University of Ephesus (the "Hall of Tyrannus") responded during a two year five hour-a-day debate with Paul. (Some believed and followed the new faith.) They even told their friends in other towns and villages about their new beliefs. Acts 19:9b-10.

5. Another set of respondents from the U. of E. debate were some Greek intellectuals (Gentiles) who also told their friends around the outlying communities of the capital city. Acts 19:9b-10.

6. Several other people entered the new faith movement in town through physical healing of sickness and disease in their families. Remember that our historian is the medical doctor Luke, and he records a very negative reaction among some Jewish healthcare professionals in town. But their attempts to compete with the miraculous healings resulted in a terrible house-call. I expect that the seven sons of Sceva became the talk of the town after this experience. Acts 19:11-12, 13-17.

7. Another flow of converts came from a long term involvement in magic and occult activities that were very popular in that day.Their response to meeting God in Christ was to publicly burn their expensive religious paraphernalia to demonstrate their turning from the old ways and declaring a new loyalty to the Son of God. This must have made news around town too. Acts 19:18-20

8. Another interruption of the Ephesian economic system occurred as some followers of a fertility cult goddess (Diana) broke with their past and stopped buying statues of her. This caused some red ink in one industry in town. A silversmiths union leader named Demetrius called a meeting of tradesmen to deal with the economic downturn. The trade guild initiated a riot in an attempt to drive the new believers out of town. Ethnic discrimination arose, which required a city leader to step forward and call for a return to rational process. He appealed to their fears of Roman disapproval and loss of citizens’ privileges. The believers were joined by former cult members. Acts 19:23-41.