What happensPermalink
Paul preaches in Ephesus for two years. Jewish exorcists and magicians fail to copy Paul’s miracles worked through the Holy Spirit, and some are converted. The silversmith Demetrius raises a mob against Paul on Artemis’s behalf, but the town clerk clarifies that Christianity is not in conflict with Roman law.
Why it mattersPermalink
The magicians try to drive out spirits with the name of Jesus but not the faith; the demons recognize the lack of true God-given power and attack. The riot at Ephesus shows that Christianity should be permitted under Roman law.
Key versePermalink
Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices.