Acts 19:18
And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
Act 19:18
In Acts 19:18, Luke records a turning point among new believers in Ephesus: “And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.” This follows the dramatic reception of the gospel in Ephesus during Paul’s recent ministry—miracles, powerful preaching, and a confrontation with occult practices. The phrase “many that believed” signals a genuine response to Jesus, not a superficial assent. The immediacy of “came, confessed, and shewed their deeds” emphasizes repentance as public and practical, not private or private-facing only.
Culturally, Ephesus was a religious capital of the Roman province of Asia, famous for the temple of Artemis (Diana) and a market economy tied to temple worship and magical practices. Belief in Jesus likely meant leaving behind former religious rituals, sorcery, and the social networks that sustained them. Confession here is more than verbal assent; it becomes an outward demonstration—testifying by actions that align with new convictions. The community witnesses these changes, reinforcing accountability and encouragement.
This verse foregrounds repentance as ongoing discipleship. Belief in Christ creates an integrated life where inner faith is expressed through deeds. It also echoes 1 John’s theme: true faith manifests in moral transformation. The confessing of deeds counters any notion that Christianity is merely a mental assent or a private spirituality. In a pluralistic city like Ephesus, the public nature of repentance is a witness to the surrounding culture and a warning against superficial religiosity.
Today, this verse invites believers to pair belief with visible change. Practical ways: discontinue former sin or occult practices; replace them with disciplines like Scripture study, prayer, service, and ethical living. For someone stepping away from a former “curious art” or intoxicating habit, confession might mean telling a trusted friend or mentor about the struggle and choosing accountability. Churches can foster environments where people share what God is doing in their lives—testimonies that model transparency and growth. The key is integrity: aligning daily choices with Christ’s lordship, not simply claiming belief while maintaining unrepentant behavior.
Cross-References: Matthew 3:8; James 2:14-18; 1 John 3:18; Romans 12:1-2; Luke 6:46-49