SCRIPTURE: ACTS 19
Bible Verses:
“ God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.” (Acts 19:11-12)
PAUL IN EPHESUS (vs. 1-22)
Paul arrived at Ephesus and baptized the disciples into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on 12 of them, the Holy Spirit came and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Paul continued to teach them for 2 years until all the Jews and Greek heard the message of the Lord.
God did extraordinary miracle through Paul so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick and their illness were cured and the evil spirits left them. (vs. 111-12)
Some Jews used the name of Jesus to drive out demons. Among them were 7 sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest. One day, the evil spirit overpowered them beating them naked and bleeding. The people living there were seized with fear and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many sorcerers surrendered by bringing their scroll publicly. The word of the Lord spread rapidly.
THE RIOT IN EPHESUS (v.s 23-41)
A silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis received good income from business. But when a large number of people believe in true God, their trade was in danger. So, he called those men in related trade to stir an uproar because their great goddess Artemis will be discredited and robbed of her divine majesty. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus and rushed them into the theater. Paul wanted to appear before the crowd but the disciples would not let him. The city clerk quieted the crowd and told them to settle their grievances in local assembly. So he dismissed them.
THOUGHTS:
- God did extraordinary miracles through Paul so that even handkerchief and apron that had touched him were cured of their illness and the evil spirit left them.
- The seven sons of Sceva tried to imitate Paul’s power but their plan backfired and the demons overpowered them. They were beaten and they ran out naked and bleeding. The power to heal belongs to Christ. no one can use his name like a magic charm. God works his power only through those he chooses.
- Demetrius was a silversmith who made shrines of Artemis for profits. The craftsman knew that if people started believing in God and discarding the idol, his livelihood would suffer. So he called up those workmen in related trades and stirred up a riot to hide their greed behind the mask of patriotism and religious loyalty. Many religions today are worshiping idols in images which is forbidden in God’s commandment.