Opening: What is the strangest thing you have ever seen? An odd animal behavior?
An unexplainable sighting? An unbelievable act?
Scripture: Read Acts 19:11-41.
Insights:
- There are three fascinating events in today’s passage:
1.
Luke
records Paul’s unusual miraculous power. Unusual is an understatement! If you
ever wondered why some TV “evangelists” sell specially blessed handkerchiefs
with promises of healing, here it is in the Bible (there is no other occasion
of this happening in the Bible). Of course, it is God who did these things.
2.
There
are records of extensive ceremonies and spoken formulas that Jewish people in
the 1st century used to try to free themselves from the influence of
evil spirits, but it is unlikely that these were very effective, since the
people were astounded when Jesus was able to cast out demons with “authority
and power” (see Luke 4:36). Here in Acts, it is clear that true faith in Jesus is
required, not just uttering His name. And here, a “reverse exorcism” occurred,
with the demon driving out the exorcists. Their nudity enhanced their
humiliation.
3.
The
backlash in Ephesus was about economics, patriotism, and religious loyalty. Demetrius
gathers merchants and argues that Paul is bad for business. The people of
Ephesus were also very proud of their temple to Artemis, which was one of the
wonders of the ancient world. Artemis was a goddess of fertility. She was
represented by a carved female figure with many breasts. The festival of
Artemis involved wild orgies and carousing. Obviously the religious and
commercial life of Ephesus reflected the city’s worship of this pagan deity.
- Even the account of the botched exorcism was a positive for the church in Ephesus, just as had happened in Jerusalem (see Acts 5:11). As a result, there was a sorcery book burning. The value of the books was estimated at several million dollars of today’s money.
Life
Questions:
- The evil spirit says, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”[1] Once again, demons know Jesus. This one says he knows about Paul. What about you? Do demons know about you because of your work for the Kingdom of God?
- For the third time in the book of Acts, Luke tells us that the “name of the Lord Jesus was praised.”[2] The actions, attitudes, and activities of believers can produce both praise and derision of Jesus. It is an awesome responsibility to represent Christ.
Prayer
Focus: That our witness would bring honor and praise to
our Lord Jesus Christ.
