Miracles Performed by Paul for Authentication
May 26, 2020
Commentary
Ephesus was known for its magic, and apparently the Christians had not yet put away all such evil practices (vv. 11-12). However, we need to take note that these were special miracles (v. 11) and not to be duplicated by others. There was no New Testament in existence in those days, so God enabled Paul to perform miracles so that the people might realize that God was putting his stamp of approval on them. Today we do not need to see miracles to know if God approves it or not, because we have God’s Word as our authority. Therefore, it is important that we understand the book of Acts is a history book, and not a doctrinal book. This does not mean that God is not capable of performing miracles today, but that He does not authenticate His work by performing miracles.
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.
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 19:11– 20 (NET)
11 God was performing extraordinary miracles by Paul’s hands, 12 so that when even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his body were brought to the sick, their diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. 13 But some itinerant Jewish exorcists tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were possessed by evil spirits, saying, “I sternly warn you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 (Now seven sons of a man named Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this.) 15 But the evil spirit replied to them, “I know about Jesus and I am acquainted with Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who was possessed by the evil spirit jumped on them and beat them all into submission. He prevailed against them so that they fled from that house naked and wounded. 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.