Acts 16:1-15
Flexibility in the Ministry
Acts 16:6-10
Paul – Flexibility in the Itinerary
Acts 16:11-15
Lydia–Conversion to Christ and Hospitality Offered
Acts 16:16-24
Paul Frees the Slave Girl
Acts 16:25-40
Praising in Prison
Acts 17:1-9
Paul & Silas Trust God’s Strategy
Acts 17:10-21
Obstacles that Hinder the Work
Acts 17:22-34
Paul Preaches in Athens
Acts 18:1-17
Paul’s Ministry in Corinth
Acts 18:5-11
Opposition Enhances Ministry Results
Acts 18:12-17
Paul’s Roman Citizenship On Trial
Acts 18:18-28
God Works His Will in His Servants
Acts 18:24-28
Tactfulness–Words That Work Mightily
Acts 19:1-10
The Holy Spirit is a Person
Acts 19:11-20
Miracles Performed by Paul for Authentication
Acts 19:17-22
Beware of Cult Practices
Acts 19:21-41
Results of Religious Greed
Acts 20:1-12
Paul’s Journey to Troas
Acts 20:7-12
When, Where, How & How Long to Worship
Acts 20:13-24
Paul–An Example of Faithfulness
Acts 20:22-24
Paul’s Determination To Go To Jerusalem
Acts 20:25-38
Paul’s Warning to the Ephesian Elders
Acts 20:32-38
Paul Shares About Giving
Acts 21:1-9
Paul Warned By the Christians
Acts 21:10-16
Paul’s Determination despite Warning
Acts 21:17-26
Paul arrives in Jerusalem
Acts 21:27-40
Boldness at the Barracks
Acts 21:37-40
Boldness At the Barracks
Acts 22:1-5
Paul’s Defense of His Heritage and Ministry
Acts 22:6-16
Paul’s Salvation Testimony
Miracles Performed by Paul for Authentication
Acts 19:11–20
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An alcoholic, who became a believer, was asked how he could possibly believe all the nonsense in the Bible about miracles. “You don’t believe that Jesus changed the water into wine do you?” “I sure do, because in our house Jesus changed the whiskey into fu … More
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 (English Standard Version)
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