Apollos had clearly been teaching an inadequate gospel - it was not the full gospel. Paul realises this and corrects his incomplete teaching. It is a reminder of the need to fully understand all we are teaching other.
19:20 sums up Paul's ministry in Ephesus and Luke's section. Paul had clearly been called across by the man of Macedonia. The power of the Lord was clearly at work, with Lydia's conversion, the Lord's speaking to Paul in the vision and then the extraordinary miracles that were happening. The power was coming from the Holy Spirit and brought glory to Jesus through all that happened.
Paul clearly made it his plan to go to Jerusalem and Rome. He has his strategy and wants to take the gospel increasingly to the Gentiles. This is a reminder of the need for strategic work, not haphazard.
The riot in Ephesus started because of Demetrius, who was worried about his business. Christian belief will come up in opposition against wealth and business priorities. The lost people followed like sheep without a shepherd, concerned about the wrong priorities. Paul experienced the wisdom of the counsel of friends, the safety of their protection and a reminder of the fellowship of being with other believers. I need to remember the call to follow Jesus is costly and may call for me to endure pain, isolation and opposition.
Paul wasn't prepared just to leave encouragement to his young guns. Instead, he was prepared to change his plans and do things that would benefit others, rather than himself. While others meant it for evil, God meant it for good.
Paul demonstrated the encouragement of being with friends, the importance of having fellowship with other believers, and also talking with others to instruct them. Paul's ability to do verifiable miracles testified to him being called God's servant and being used by God to accomplish his purposes.
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