King James Version

What Does Acts 19:18 Mean?

Acts 19:18 in the King James Version says “And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. — study this verse from Acts chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

Acts 19:18 · KJV


Context

16

And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

17

And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

18

And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

19

Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

20

So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'hidden deeds' might contemporary believers need to confess for complete break with former life?
  2. How does public confession of sin strengthen both individual believers and church community?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
πολλοί1 of 11

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

τε2 of 11

And

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

τῶν3 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πεπιστευκότων4 of 11

that believed

G4100

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

ἤρχοντο5 of 11

came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐξομολογούμενοι6 of 11

and confessed

G1843

to acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully

καὶ7 of 11

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀναγγέλλοντες8 of 11

shewed

G312

to announce (in detail)

τὰς9 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πράξεις10 of 11

deeds

G4234

practice, i.e., (concretely) an act; by extension, a function

αὐτῶν11 of 11
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 19:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 19:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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