Acts 19
The Name Above All Names”
In Ephesus Paul arrived,
Found disciples newly baptized.
“Did you receive the Spirit then?”
They said, “We’ve not yet heard of Him.”
“Into what were you baptized?”
“John’s repentance,” they replied.
John prepared the way ahead —
“To believe in Christ,” he said.
When they heard of Jesus’ Name,
They were baptized once again.
Paul laid hands and prayed that day —
The Holy Spirit came their way.
They spoke in tongues, they prophesied —
About twelve men stood unified.
For three months more he reasoned bold,
Persuading hearts both young and old.
But some grew stubborn, hardened still,
Spoke against the Way with will.
He withdrew to Tyrannus’ hall,
Taught there daily, calling all.
For two full years the Word went out —
All Asia heard the saving shout.
Chorus
Great is the Name of Jesus Christ,
Power over death and life.
No rival stands, no idol reigns —
His glory fills the nations’ plains.
God worked wonders through his hands,
Cloths from him touched distant lands.
Diseases fled and spirits ran
At mention of that Holy Man.
Seven sons of Sceva tried
To use the Name as empty pride:
“In Jesus’ Name whom Paul proclaims…”
The spirit answered, “I know those names —
Jesus I know, and Paul I see —
But who are you?” it leapt on them fiercely.
Beaten, wounded, they fled that place —
Fear fell wide through every space.
The Name was honored, lifted high,
Many confessed what they’d denied.
Magic scrolls were brought and burned,
Costly books to ashes turned.
Fifty thousand silver pieces lost —
Such was repentance, counting cost.
So the Word grew strong and prevailed,
No power of darkness could avail.
Paul resolved in Spirit’s plan
To go through Macedonia’s land,
Then Jerusalem once more,
And afterward to Rome’s great shore.
But in Ephesus rose a cry —
Demetrius feared his trade would die.
Silver shrines of Artemis made,
His profit threatened by the Way.
Crowds rushed into theater’s frame,
“Great is Artemis!” they proclaimed.
Confusion filled the gathered mass,
For hours the shouting did not pass.
The town clerk calmed the raging crowd,
Said courts exist for claims allowed.
He dismissed them from that place —
The Gospel still would run its race.
Chorus
Great is the Name of Jesus Christ,
Stronger than the darkest night.
From hidden heart to crowded hall,
The risen Lord stands over all.
