Acts 19:18 – “Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done.”
Extended Explanation
This verse describes the response of many new believers in Ephesus after witnessing the power of Jesus. Following the failed exorcism attempt by the sons of Sceva and the resulting fear that spread through the city (Acts 19:13-17), people began to take Jesus seriously. They didn’t just believe in Him privately—they publicly confessed their past sinful practices.
The word “confessed” here implies more than just admitting wrongdoing. It suggests a full acknowledgment of sin and a willingness to turn away from it. This was not a casual or forced confession, but a heartfelt response to the realization that Jesus is Lord. These believers saw that their old ways were incompatible with their new faith, so they repented openly.
This verse is a powerful picture of genuine repentance. True faith is not just believing something in your mind—it leads to real change in your life.
Historical Context
Ephesus was a city deeply involved in magic, idol worship, and occult practices. Many people there used spells, incantations, and rituals to try to control spiritual forces. It was common to believe that secret knowledge or hidden names gave power over the supernatural.
When these new believers saw that Jesus had real authority—far greater than their magic—they realized they needed to make a clean break from their past. Confessing their sins publicly was a bold act, especially in a city where magic was highly valued. This was a costly step for them, but it showed their commitment to following Christ fully.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the nature of true repentance. Repentance is not just feeling bad about sin; it involves recognizing sin for what it is, confessing it, and turning away from it.
It also emphasizes that salvation brings transformation. These people were already “believers” (they had faith in Jesus), but now they were going deeper. They were letting go of their old ways and embracing new life in Christ.
Additionally, this verse shows that following Jesus often requires public action. These believers didn’t hide their repentance—they confessed openly, showing their changed hearts.
Literary Analysis
Acts 19:18 serves as a bridge between the fear that spread through Ephesus (Acts 19:17) and the dramatic actions of the next verse (Acts 19:19), where people burned their magic scrolls.
The phrase “Many of those who believed now came” suggests that they were already believers but had not yet fully surrendered certain areas of their lives. This shows that spiritual growth is a process.
The phrase “openly confessed” highlights the public nature of their repentance. They weren’t just making a private decision in their hearts—they were declaring it to others.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us.
- James 5:16 – Confessing sins to one another brings healing.
- Luke 19:8-9 – Zacchaeus showed true repentance by making amends for his past.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 – In Christ, we are a new creation; the old is gone.
- Romans 10:9-10 – Confession is part of salvation; belief in the heart leads to righteousness, and confession with the mouth leads to salvation.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse challenges modern believers to consider whether they are truly surrendering everything to Christ. Many Christians believe in Jesus but still hold onto sinful habits or ways of thinking. The example of these Ephesian believers reminds us that real faith leads to real change.
It also encourages us to be honest about our sins. We sometimes try to hide our struggles or pretend we have everything together, but true confession brings freedom and healing.
Furthermore, this passage reminds us that following Jesus often requires boldness. The believers in Ephesus didn’t just make silent, internal decisions—they publicly admitted their sins. Sometimes, taking a stand for Christ means being honest about our past and choosing to walk in a new direction.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God does not demand confession because He enjoys humiliating people. Instead, confession is an act of love. When we confess, we step into the light, and God meets us with forgiveness and grace.
This verse shows that God does not reject people who come to Him, no matter what they’ve done. The people in Ephesus had been deeply involved in sinful practices, yet when they repented, God welcomed them. His love is greater than our past.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is a reminder of Jesus’ power to change lives. He didn’t just forgive people—He transformed them.
- Mark 1:15 – Jesus’ message was one of repentance: “Repent and believe the good news!”
- Luke 5:31-32 – Jesus came to call sinners to repentance, not the righteous.
- John 8:11 – Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery, but He also told her to “go and sin no more.”
- Acts 3:19 – Repentance leads to times of refreshing from the Lord.
Jesus calls people not just to believe in Him but to follow Him in obedience. The believers in Ephesus responded by confessing and turning from their old ways. That same call applies to us today.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- The believers in Ephesus openly confessed their sins. Is there anything in your life that you need to bring into the light?
- What are some ways people today try to hold onto their old way of life while still believing in Jesus?
- How does confession help us grow spiritually?
- Why do you think these believers felt the need to confess their sins publicly? What does this teach us about the seriousness of sin?
- How can we encourage one another to live in honesty and repentance rather than hiding our struggles?