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Acts 19:9-11

⁹But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. ¹⁰This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. ¹¹God did extraordinary miracles through Paul,

At Ephesus Paul met a small band of disciples who had been baptized by John the Baptist. He preached Christ to them, and they were baptized in Jesus' name and filled with the Holy Spirit. Then Paul began to speak in the synagogue. At that time some referred to faith in Jesus as The Way. When people become abusive, it is often because they refuse to listen, even when they know they are wrong. Because their resistance is unreasonable, they turn to insults.

It seems that it was Paul's pattern to preach in the local synagogue until they would hear him no more. Then in a nearby home he would teach those who had come to faith. Though he stayed in this one place for two years teaching, all of Asia heard the Word. The Word transformed them and caused them to be a testimony wherever they went. God had given Paul such a gift of healing that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him brought healing to the sick. This was a sign to the seekers that Paul's teaching about Jesus was the truth.

We often think of revival as something that is quick. In this case it slowly built up over several years as Paul faithfully taught the Gospel. It is a work of God to bring revival or renewal. It is our job to faithfully proclaim the Gospel and live a life that is an example of it. Wherever you are, don't be discouraged if things are not happening quickly. Our work is to be faithful to the Holy Spirit. Not everywhere Paul went experienced renewal like Ephesus. Remember that it was more common for him to be chased out of town.

Consider: Our job is to sow the seed. The results are up to the Lord.