What does Acts 19:10 mean?

Each of the large cities Paul preaches in have a different reaction to the gospel. Thessalonica, despite the heavy persecution by the devout Jews, grows into a faithful, discerning church (Acts 17:5–9; 1 Thessalonians 1:2–8). The women in Philippi accepted Jesus' offer gratefully and continued to provide for Paul's mission (Acts 16:14–15; Philippians 4:16). The Bereans diligently studied Scripture to see if Paul's words were true (Acts 17:11). The Corinthians, embedded in a vulgar pagan culture, had a hard time understanding the basics of godly living (1 Corinthians 5:1–2).

On the other side of the Aegean Sea, in the province of Asia in the southwest of modern-day Turkey, Paul reaches a city that is already primed for Jesus' story. Apollos, a Jewish teacher from Alexandria, lived there for some time. He was a devout follower of John the Baptist and spoke powerfully of the need for repentance. He also knew some about Jesus and accurately taught what he knew. When Priscilla and Aquila met him, they explained more about Jesus, and Apollos readily accepted their word (Acts 18:24–26).

By the time Paul gets to Ephesus, Apollos is already in Corinth (Acts 18:27–28; 19:1). His legacy, however, continues. Whether through him or first-hand experience, John's baptism of repentance has infiltrated Ephesus. When Paul identifies John's Messiah with Jesus of Nazareth, many accept the message readily (Acts 19:1–7). Despite the infiltration of demons, magic, and Artemis-worship (Acts 19:13, 19, 24), the Jews and Gentiles are ready for Jesus' forgiveness. In fact, Christianity stood in Asia until after the Turkish war of 1923 when the Greeks who lived in Turkey and the Turks who lived in Greece returned to their ancestral lands.