Acts 19:1-20

In Ephesus, Paul ran into some disciples. He asked them if they had been baptized by the Holy Spirit, but they didn't know what he was talking about. When Paul shared with them about Jesus, they were baptized in His name.

To have a relationship with Jesus, we must understand what that means. Remember, anyone can say they are a Christian, but unless they know what it means to follow Christ and have given their lives to him, it's all just words.


Paul performed many miracles in Jesus' name while in Ephesus. He became so well known for these miracles that even some of the Jewish exorcists began trying to cast out demons using the names of Jesus and Paul. A certain group of these exorcists were wounded by a demon possessed person because although they used the name of Jesus, the demon didn't recognize them as true emissaries of Jesus.

Jesus is not with someone just because they say His name. Anyone can say a name, but unless Jesus is actually in them, giving power to His name, it doesn't do any good. It's not a magical word to be used by whoever can say it, but is reserved for those who are true followers of His.