Beware of Cult Practices
February 19, 2020
Commentary
In this passage we see that many people in Ephesus believed that illness and disease, and especially mental illness, were due to evil spirits who settled in a person. Exorcism was a regular trade. Many treasured their books on magic and their curios covered with charms because these things had enormous commercial value. However the power of the Gospel at Ephesus broke the shackles Satan had fastened on the people. Many confessed their involvement in these black arts, and showed their repentance. They were willing to bring their books and magic and burn things that they had previously treasured which had great commercial value (v.19). The testimony of this public repudiation of error led to many conversions.
Many new believers today would do well to go through their books and records and burn a large percentage of them, just as these believers did. In fact some Christians today fool around with Ouija boards, tea leaves, palm readers, horoscopes etc. God warns His people against such things because any reliance on them denies that God’s Word is all we need for guidance. God will never bless when we have one foot in the camp of God and the other foot in the camp of the devil.
Paul makes plans to return to Greece and Palestine, and then go to Rome (v. 21). Two-and-a-half years had passed since Paul arrived in Ephesus, and he felt his work there was over. To prepare the believers in Macedonia for his coming, Paul sent two of his disciples (Timothy and Erastus) ahead, intending to follow them shortly (v. 22). Paul had wanted for many years to go to Rome, but little did he realize that he would go as a prisoner.
Application
When my family was home I discussed with them what is wrong with Ouija boards, horoscopes, palm readers etc. I know that I have a responsibility to warn them about having anything to do with these things. I also need to pray a hedge of protection around my family.
Acts 19:17– 22 (NET)
17 This became known to all who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks; fear came over them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was praised. 18 Many of those who had believed came forward, confessing and making their deeds known. 19 Large numbers of those who had practiced magic collected their books and burned them up in the presence of everyone. When the value of the books was added up, it was found to total 50,000 silver coins. 20 In this way the word of the Lord continued to grow in power and to prevail.
21 Now after all these things had taken place, Paul resolved to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. He said, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 So after sending two of his assistants, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, he himself stayed on for a while in the province of Asia.