Acts 19:18
And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
Original Language Analysis
πολλοί
many
G4183
πολλοί
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
1 of 11
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πεπιστευκότων
that believed
G4100
πεπιστευκότων
that believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
4 of 11
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
ἤρχοντο
came
G2064
ἤρχοντο
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
5 of 11
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἐξομολογούμενοι
and confessed
G1843
ἐξομολογούμενοι
and confessed
Strong's:
G1843
Word #:
6 of 11
to acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 10:10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.Psalms 32:5I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.Matthew 3:6And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Historical Context
In Ephesus's magical culture, practitioners guarded their formulas and techniques as trade secrets. Public confession of magical involvement risked social and economic consequences but demonstrated that allegiance to Christ outweighed all competing loyalties.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'hidden deeds' might contemporary believers need to confess for complete break with former life?
- How does public confession of sin strengthen both individual believers and church community?
Analysis & Commentary
Many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds—The public confession (ἐξομολογούμενοι) of secret practices demonstrates repentance's thorough nature. The Greek present tense suggests continuous action: believers kept coming forward. Shewed their deeds (ἀναγγέλλοντες τὰς πράξεις αὐτῶν) implies open declaration of formerly hidden magical practices. This wasn't merely emotional catharsis but prerequisite to verse 19's dramatic break with occultism. True revival produces radical honesty about sin, refusing to compartmentalize 'spiritual' areas while concealing compromise. The Ephesian believers' transparency created accountability and communal purity.